While exploring the wetlands north of St. Orlan, the party comes upon a pair of manticores who have landed on an island of dry land among an expanse of deep muck. Just at this moment, the monsters have not noticed the party, giving them a chance to turn and slip away unnoticed. If they press forward, they will find the manticores wary, and ready for a fight. Yet, at only 30 yards away, the party might rush forward and get a few strikes in before the monsters can respond.

The morning air is crisp and thick with the dew of Spring. The path being traveled narrows and ends here, leaving only a morass of deep mud that would easily rise to to meet the waist of a full grown man. Anyone foolish enough to enter that muck would need to save vs. death each round, adding their strength bonus, just to make any progress.

2 Manticores AC 18, HD 6+1*, #At 2 claws/1 bite or 6 spikes (180′ range), Dam 1d4/1d4/2d4 or 1d6 per spike, Mv 40′ Fly 60′ (10′), Sv F6, Ml 9, XP 555

Manticores appear as overgrown lions with thick leathery wings and an ugly humanoid face. Their tails end in 24 spikes, of which they can fire six at a time. Out on the hunt and away from their lair, they carry no treasure, but would certain enjoy a breakfast of human flesh.

I created this based on the following output from the St. Orlan swamp encounter generator.

While exploring, the party encounters figures wandering 80 yards (30 if surprised) to the west.
2 Manticores AC 18, HD 6+1*, #At 2 claws/1 bite or 6 spikes (180′ range), Dam 1d4/1d4/2d4 or 1d6 per spike, Mv 40′ Fly 60′ (10′), Sv F6, Ml 9, XP 555, Tr D

Overgrown lion with thick leathery wings and an ugly humanoid face. Tail ends in 24 spikes.

Their attitude is that there is clear and present danger. They are cautious and aware of possible trouble. They will disengage without violence if possible, or provide a final warning.

Their surprise roll is 2, and the party rolls 5.

The immediate area is grassy wetland with clear line of sight and easy movement. The area is a waist-deep bog, requiring save vs death +STR or be stuck for one round, and footing is sucking mud. No other natural annoyances are present..

The general vibe is “crisp”.