The Manla is a swift, deer-like mammal native to the Atrana Mountains in the Asari Region of the Eastern Equatorial Section of the Habitual Belt on VOI 700 D.

Thriving in herds along the lower slopes and valleys, these agile herbivores graze on the region’s hardy vegetation. Their unique adaptations, including four ears and four eyes, grant them exceptional awareness, making them elusive prey for predators like the Zapor Birds.

During the Beta Age, excessive Exohuman hunting caused a severe decline in their population. However, the Peace Treaty of the Gamma Age introduced strict hunting bans, allowing the Manla population to slowly recover. Today, they remain under active conservation efforts, representing a symbol of ecological resilience in the Atrana Mountains.

• Shoulder Height: 0.8 - 1.0 meters
• Body Length: 1.4 - 1.7 meters
• Weight: 25 - 30 kg
• Fur Colors: Dark shades to blend with the mountainous terrain
• Speed: Sprint: Up to 80 km/h | Long Distance: Sustains speeds of up to 50 km/h

• Four Ears: Provides heightened hearing in all directions.
• Four Eyes: Enhances depth perception and 360° situational awareness.
• Sure-Footedness: Designed for rugged, mountainous terrain, allowing swift and stable movement.

• Armor Class (AC): 12
• Hit Points (HP): 40
• Speed: 80 ft. (sprinting) | 50 ft. (long-distance running)

• Hoof Kick: +4 to hit, 1d6+2 bludgeoning damage. Can knock smaller creatures prone.
• Escape Dash: As a reaction, the Manla can double its movement speed for one turn when fleeing threats.

• Enhanced Perception: Advantage on Perception checks related to sight and sound due to four eyes and four ears.
• Herd Instinct: If within 10 feet of at least two other Manlas, gains +2 AC due to coordinated movement.
• Rapid Evasion: When rolling a Dexterity save to avoid an area effect, the Manla takes half damage on a fail and no damage on a success.

• Herd Dynamics: Manlas live in herds of 15-50 individuals, relying on group vigilance to detect and evade predators.
• Threat Response: At the first sign of danger, Manlas signal the herd with high-pitched calls and flee at remarkable speeds, using their agility to navigate rocky terrain.
• Bonding: While primarily bonded to their herd, Manlas can form connections with Exohuman oder Native handlers under controlled conditions, though domestication is rare.

• Speed and Agility: Their ability to sprint at 80 km/h and sustain long-distance speeds of 50 km/h makes them elusive prey.
• Enhanced Senses: Four ears and four eyes provide heightened situational awareness, helping them detect threats early.
• Environmental Adaptation: Their light frame and sure-footedness allow them to traverse the rugged slopes of the Atrana Mountains with ease.

Manlas play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the Atrana Mountain ecosystem. As grazers, they prevent vegetation overgrowth, supporting the growth of frost-resistant flora. Their presence sustains predators like the Zapor Birds, which rely on them as a food source.

During the Beta Age, the Manla population in the Atrana Mountains faced a severe decline, nearing extinction. The arrival of Exohuman settlers introduced new hunting practices, as Manlas became a primary target due to their speed and size, which made them a challenging yet rewarding hunt. Overhunting for food and sport, combined with habitat disruption from settlement expansion, led to a critical drop in their numbers.

In the Gamma Age, the Peace Treaty between Exohumans and the Alliance of Native Tribes imposed strict regulations to protect the native wildlife, including the Manla. Hunting Manlas is now strictly prohibited, with harsh penalties enforced by the Local Sheriff of Morningstar and monitored by GAIA. This protection, along with rewilding initiatives by the Native Tribes, has allowed the Manla population to recover slowly. Herds are gradually repopulating the lower slopes and valleys of the Atrana Mountains, symbolizing a small but significant victory for the region’s ecosystem.

The resurgence of Manlas plays a crucial role in restoring the ecological balance, supporting predator populations like the Zapor Birds and fostering a healthier environment for all mountain-dwelling species. However, the species remains under close observation, as their recovery is not yet secure.

Manlas are challenging to engage due to their speed and heightened senses. Use their swift escape mechanics and herd dynamics to create tense chase sequences or stealth-based encounters. If the herd is threatened, consider introducing Zapor Birds or other predators to add complexity to the scenario.

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