# Cyclades: The Manticore

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2011
- **BGG Rating**: 7.4
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 5)
- **Duration**: 90 min
- **Weight**: 2.75 / 5
- **Designers**: Bruno Cathala, Ludovic Maublanc
- **Artists**: Miguel Coimbra
- **Publishers**: Matagot
- **Categories**: Ancient, City Building, Expansion for Base-game, Fighting
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, Auction / Bidding, Dice Rolling, Open Drafting

## Verdict
Want to give your opponents a scare in Cyclades? The Manticore is a promo card that adds a hero-hungry monster! If you enjoy adding controlled, tactical chaos to your game, this little gem is for you.Direct and impactful threatAdds defensive tacticsEasy to integrateMythological game-changerRequires owning the cardCan be situationalFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
If you thought Ancient Greece in Cyclades was already wild, wait until you meet the Manticore! This promotional card, which came with Plato magazine, adds a touch of mythological terror to the game. Essentially, it acts like a monster on the hunt for your opponents' heroes. Picture this: you're feeling confident with your army and your hero ready to attack, and BAM! The Manticore shows up and leaves you without your general. It's a very direct and impactful way to mess with others' plans, you know? Of course, there's a way to defend yourself: if your hero is hiding on the same island as Chiron (the wise centaur), the Manticore can't grab them. This adds an extra layer of tactics, as you can use Chiron as a living shield to protect your most important heroes. It's the kind of card that can turn the game around in an instant, especially in games with fewer players where every hero counts. The Manticore doesn't change the basic rules of Cyclades, but it adds a direct threat that forces players to think twice before exposing their heroes. It's a small addition, but with significant potential impact, perfect for those who enjoy a bit more aggression and unpredictability on the board.

## FAQ
### What exactly does the Manticore do?
The Manticore eliminates an opponent's hero. It's a direct combat card that adds an extra threat to the board.

### Is this card difficult to use?
No, the Manticore is super simple! The text is short and the effect is very straightforward. You'll memorize it quickly.

### Is there a way to defend against the Manticore?
Yes! If your hero is on the same island as Chiron, they are protected, and the Manticore cannot attack them.

### Does the Manticore change the game much?
It adds tension and a new tactical option, but it doesn't alter the main rules of Cyclades. It's an interesting 'plus'.

### Do I need the base game Cyclades to use this card?
Absolutely! The Manticore is an expansion and only works if you have the base game Cyclades.

### Where can I get this card?
Originally, it came as a bonus in Plato magazine #40. It might be found in second-hand markets or specific promotions.