It would be ridiculous to try and out-do what Sean K. Reynolds has already brilliantly done for D&D 3.5 in The New Argonauts so at the start of every one of these posts I’m going to 1) thank him for making that supplement (thank you Sean!) and 2) tell you to go download it (it’s free–give it 5 stars because damn). This blog series is not intended to be a reproduction of that product, only a conversion update. Go get it.

Post 1: What You Need To Play

Master Page for D&D 5E Ancient Greece/Monster List

Manticore (Persian)

Large monstrosity, lawful evil
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 85 (10d10+30)
Speed 45 ft.

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Common
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)

Tail Spike Regrowth. The manticore has twenty-four tail spikes. Used spikes regrow when the manticore finishes a long rest.

ACTIONS
Multiattack. The manticore makes three attacks: one with its bite, one with its claws, and one with its stinger, or three with its tail spikes.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8+3) piercing damage.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) slashing damage.
Stinger. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8+3) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) poison damage.
Tail Spike. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100/200 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8+3) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) poison damage).

The manticore mentioned in ancient Greek texts is actually a Persian monster similar to the manticore statistics in the core rules except that it has no wings and its tail is a scorpion’s stinger with multiple poisoned barbs. It can hurl these barbs just like the usual manticore can, and also uses its tail in melee.

Lacking flight, a Persian manticore usually lies in wait for creatures to wander past it, striking them down with a volley of spikes and pouncing upon any creature weakened by its poison. Sometimes it is an active hunter, going after herd animals (or groups of humans) in the manner of lion, except that it uses its poisoned spikes to fell any creature rather than seeking out the weak and infirm.

An Intelligence (History) check reveals the following information: 8—The manticore is a Persian monster with a lion’s body, a man’s head, and a scorpion’s tail. 13—It can speak, fling poisonous barbs from its tail, and prefers the taste of human flesh.