Shahmaran (animal)
The Sarradonian Manticore, known to locals as the Shahmaran, is a reclusive monstrosity dwelling far from human habitation. In appearance it is somewhat similar to the long extinct Dragon, but with a face of human countenance, reported to be reminiscent of a woman. It also has ten sets of legs, also said to end in appendages closer to a human hand than the reported scaled talons of dragons and drakes. Like dragons, they possess both human speech and an intellect that far surpasses that of man. They are also known to be masterful Magi, but consumed of a jealous hatred of human wielders of the art, will kill them on sight.
"The Sarradonian Manticore, known to locals as the Shahmaran, is a reclusive monstrosity dwelling far from human habitation. In appearance it is somewhat similar to the long extinct Dragon, but with a face of human countenance, reported to be reminiscent of a woman. It also has ten sets of legs, also said to end in appendages closer to a human hand than the reported scaled talons of dragons and drakes. Like dragons, they possess both human speech and an intellect that far surpasses that of man. They are also known to be masterful magi, but consumed of a jealous hatred of human wielders of the art, will kill them on sight." - Ragambald Manswel's Bestiarium
The hardest part of hunting the enigmatic Shahmaran is not following trail or spoor - the Sarradonian Manticore leaves behind barely enough of either. Instead, we have followed folk tales, legends, and the reports of various merchants. There are probably hundreds of villages in Sarradon which claim to have a Shahmaran living in the nearby hills, but most of these are either complete fabrications or frightened villagers misattributing sightings of more mundane godtouched beasts. Suffice to say, we've spent most of our hunt in various states of frustration.
But that all ends today.
My hunters actually saw the damn thing we've been shadowing returning to its home, the ruins of a brick citadel perched over a long-dried riverbed in the arid highlands. They also reported what appeared to be a few inhabited dwellings a fair distance from the Shahmaran's lair - likely a Ritualist cult who I'd expect would be willing to die for their aloof "god". If we proceed, we're certain to be walking into dangerous fight.