MANLA

The Manla is a swift, herd-dwelling mountain runner native to the Atrana Mountains in the Asari Region of the Eastern Equatorial Section of the Habitual Belt on 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 or Moar. Two short, swept-back keratin horns provide display and lateral sparring without snagging brush.

During the Beta Age, excessive Exohuman hunting caused a severe decline. The Peace Treaty of the 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.

• 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

• 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

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Habitual Belt
• Equatorial Sections East and West (Asari)
• Eastern Equatorial Section of the Habitual Belt
• Wildlife of Asari
• Atrana Mountains

Known Predators:

• Arr
• Moar
• Exohumans (historical, Beta Age)