=== Major Planetary Zones | (Twin) Sections of the Habitual Belt | Regions | Wildlife===

====== MANLA ======

{{ :manla_gg_scenic_2g.png?200|}}

===== Overview =====
The Manla is a swift, herd-dwelling mountain runner native to the [[atrana_mountains|Atrana Mountains]] in the [[asari|Asari Region]] of the [[equator_sections_east_and_west|Eastern Equatorial Section]] of the [[habitual_belt|Habitual Belt]] on [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]].

Thriving along lower slopes and wind-scoured valleys, Manla herds graze hardy alpine scrub and grasses. Their distinctive tri-ocular head (two lateral eyes plus a central forehead eye) and four independently swiveling ears give them exceptional threat awareness — especially against aerial predators like the [[arr|Arr]] or [[moar|Moar]]. Two short, swept-back keratin horns provide display and lateral sparring without snagging brush.

During the [[beta_age|Beta Age]], excessive [[the_humans|Exohuman]] hunting caused a severe decline. The [[peace_treaty|Peace Treaty]] of the [[the_gamma_age|Gamma Age]] imposed strict bans, and numbers have slowly rebounded. Today the Manla is a symbol of resilience and ongoing conservation in the Atrana range.

===== Physique and Appearance =====

  * **Shoulder Height:** 0.8–1.0 m  
  * **Body Length:** 1.4–1.7 m  
  * **Weight:** 25–30 kg  
  * **Fur:** Short, matte coat in dark umber/charcoal tones with dusted knees and belly; breaks up outline against rock and scrub  
  * **Head:** Three eyes (paired lateral + median forehead eye) for horizon scan and skyward vigilance; four ears (upper long pair + lower cupped pair) that swivel independently for 3D sound localization  
  * **Horns:** Two short, swept-back keratin horns (non-branching); growth rings show age; used in lateral feints and dominance displays  
  * **Limbs/Feet:** Long spring tendons; cloven hooves with splaying gritty pads for purchase on scree and slab  
  * **Speed:** Sprint to 80 km/h; sustained 50 km/h over broken terrain

==== Special Features: ====
  * **Tri-Ocular Vigilance:** Median eye stabilizes horizon and tracks sky motion; advantage detecting aerial approach  
  * **Quad-Aural Tracking:** Four-ear array triangulates distant footfalls and wing beats  
  * **Sure-Footed Gait:** Micro-splay hoof pads adhere to rough stone; reduced slip on wet lichen

===== Game Mechanics =====
  * **Armor Class (AC):** 12  
  * **Hit Points (HP):** 40  
  * **Speed:** 80 ft. (sprint) | 50 ft. (long run)

==== Attacks: ====
  * **Hoof Kick.** +4 to hit, 1d6+2 bludgeoning; Small or smaller targets make a DC 12 STR save or fall prone.  
  * **Horn Feint (Bonus Action).** The Manla makes a deceptive lateral head-feint; one pursuer within 5 ft. must succeed on a DC 12 WIS save or have disadvantage on its next attack against the Manla.

==== Special Abilities: ====
  * **Enhanced Perception.** Advantage on Perception (sight/sound); cannot be surprised by creatures that descend from above unless already blinded or deafened.  
  * **Herd Instinct.** Within 10 ft. of two+ Manlas: +2 AC due to coordinated movement lanes.  
  * **Rapid Evasion.** On a DEX save vs. an area effect: half damage on fail, none on success.

===== Behavior =====
  * **Diet:** Herbivorous (alpine grasses, shrubs, frost-resistant forbs)  
  * **Social:** Herds of 15–50; matriarch-guided fission–fusion groups  
  * **Activity:** Crepuscular peaks; midday loafing in shade bands or wind-sheltered notches

==== Survival Strategies: ====
  * **Skywatch Posture:** Heads high; median eye scans the zenith while lateral eyes watch slopes  
  * **Split-Flee Pattern:** Herd breaks into multiple lines to confound pursuit  
  * **Dust-Mask Camouflage:** Rolls on pale dust to mute coat sheen before crossing open slabs

===== Reproduction and Lifecycle =====
  * **Mating Season:** Annual, timed to peak forage  
  * **Gestation:** ~8 months; typically one calf  
  * **Hiding Phase:** Calves remain concealed in rock alcoves for weeks before joining the herd  
  * **Lifespan:** 20–30 years (est.)  
  * **Displays:** Males perform speed-line runs and lateral horn-feints rather than head-on clashes

===== Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters =====
  * **Chase Sequences:** Pursuit over ledges and scree requires Acrobatics/Survival checks; the herd will split routes  
  * **Stealth Challenges:** High Perception + skywatch makes approach difficult without wind/noise cover  
  * **Predator Draw:** Arr or Moar may shadow Manla herds; scenes can pivot into multi-party encounters  
  * **Poaching Conflict:** Gamma Age stories may involve interdiction of illegal hunts and relocation of orphaned calves

===== Related Pages and Further Information =====
  * [[habitual_belt|Habitual Belt]]  
  * [[equator_sections_east_and_west|Equatorial Sections East and West]] (Asari)  
  * [[asari|Eastern Equatorial Section of the Habitual Belt]]  
  * [[wildlife_of_asari|Wildlife of Asari]]  
  * [[atrana_mountains|Atrana Mountains]]

**Known Predators:**  
  * [[arr|Arr]]  
  * [[moar|Moar]]  
  * [[the_humans|Exohumans]] (historical, Beta Age)