Manticore is a Valkhound bathed in ultraviolet.

Seemingly a fusion of the concepts of dragon and big cat, the beast is a chaotic jumble of spines and spikes. Four relatively short, stocky limbs end in long, misshapen hooked claws: like a cat's, but unable to retract, always scratching and twisting underfoot. Broad, partially translucent draconic wings can carry him in flight, and a 'mane' formed of spines and fins rings a muscular neck. Armored plates cover the fronts of his limbs; thin, flexible scutes provide minimal armor along the throat, belly and beneath the tail. A face half leonine and half draconic features saber teeth--like all his teeth, seemingly formed straight from his spines. Plated horns atop his skull curve back and down before curving back up in long hooks. The wicked spines at his tail sweep upward from below. In terms of size, he stands about eight feet tall at the top of his head, enough to look down at a tall human; his body is about fifteen feet long from nose to hip plus the tail.

Four eyes and water-breathing gills, along with the interior of his jaws and nostrils, glow with bright ultraviolet light. In pitch darkness, his entire body glows, albeit far more faintly. This provides no real light to see by, particularly given his good night vision, but instead make stealth a serious challenge. His saliva and Oiled blood, if spilled, continue to glow, dimming over hours into darkness.

When swimming, Manticore is awkward; he needs to tuck his wings firmly against his body, and the best that he can manage is a doggy paddle. He can, however, breathe underwater through his glowing gills, though it is not very efficient and he will quickly tire. At best, it will save him from drowning, unless his exertion is extreme.

His Oilstone gem is a chaotic, spiky cluster sitting among the spines at the upper base of his tail.

Created to be a force of Chaos, Manticore at all times feels the urges to wreak havoc. However, a sense of morality--stemming from some unknown fault--plagues him, leading him to constantly be at war with himself. He tries to avoid conflict, unless he deems it righteous: for a good cause he will unleash himself with guilty glee.

The innate power of his element makes his inner battle difficult, and any slip-ups he may make will mount upon his conscience.

Aside from this ever-present quandary, he is curious but--due to his caution--reclusive, likely to seek company but to remain at a distance, reluctantly lingering closer by. With luck, he will find those that can guide him on his troubled path.