Manticore

Dangerous creatures hailing from the mountains, they are incredibly rare in the valley. Several years ago, one began attacking the town of Emery, but was chased off by the town guards and Elora.

Noren's Notes (April, Hydra 299)
According to the few sources I could find following Roderic's attack, Manticores appear to be large lion-like creatures, with intimidating leathery wings, rows upon rows of sharp fangs, claws, and a tail bristling with wicked spikes. I have come across some stories which claim that they were once barbaric men, punished by the gods for eating their kinsmen by being transformed into monsters. Other sources claim that they were the creation of certain mad wizards, adding to the number of horrid chimaeric creatures whose creation is also attributed to insane mages.

Wherever they came from, their form indicates that they must be must be fast and agile predators, and would suggest they favour leonal hunting techniques such as stalking their prey before attack. One wonders if their wings could bear them soundlessly, like an owl, in order to sneak up on a potential meal? Their eyesight and hearing too must be great to aid in catching prey, but since no source has yet specified whether they are nocturnal or diurnal, there is no indication yet as to whether they would see best in the light or the dark. It is also possible that they could track by scent, although this too is unverified.

Drawing once again from their roughly leonal shape, I could infer that these creatures would be likely to attack with great pounces, perhaps using their wings to aid in their leap, before bringing foes down with claws and teeth. Roderic's injuries also seem to indicate that their spikes too can be deadly weapons, and can become dislodged in those they strike, which some sources claim to be one of the worst pains imaginable. Given that there are no representations of spike less Manticores, it seems logical that the spikes grow back after they become dislodged, but due to the rarity of sightings, this process could take anywhere from minutes to years. It is also possible to infer, given the multitude of weapons they have for downing prey, that these spikes may in fact be defensive weapons, perhaps used on creatures who stumble too close to their lairs, or startle the beast.

While I would never wish to encounter one of these fearsome beasts in person, I must admit that doing so would give me a chance to write something more substantial regarding the nature of this relatively little-known creature.