Mantis Clan
Honorable blade-dancers guarding the fungal groves with unmatched skill and fierce loyalty.
They act as guardians of the entrance to the Fungal Wastes and the Mantis Village, not Greenpath. While other Hallownest residents fell to madness or decay, this group keeps a strict code of honor, treating combat as an art form and a test of worthiness rather than just survival.
- Leader
- The Mantis Lords (three sisters in the base game; the third sister is present in the base game fight but is not fought separately until the Godmaster DLC's 'Sisters of Battle' encounter)
Lore & Background
Despite their isolation, the shadow of the Infection eventually reached their home. While many of their kin fell to the corruption, the Mantis Warriors themselves remain uninfected and hostile only to those who have not proven themselves—they are not mindless husks. The core leadership remained defiant. The Clan's resilience is a testament to their sheer will; even as the world crumbled around them, they continued to stand guard over their village and the paths leading to the rest of the kingdom, refusing to yield without a fight.
In Their Own Story
Three towering figures emerged from the foliage, their blades gleaming under the dim fungal light. They did not speak; words were unnecessary here. With a synchronized leap, they descended upon the intruder, a whirlwind of green and gold, testing the visitor's spirit against the unyielding steel of the Clan.
Reader's Guide
Their primary goal is the preservation of their village and the enforcement of their martial code through combat. Membership in the Clan is earned rather than inherited. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the strongest and most skilled join their ranks, maintaining a high standard of discipline among the group. While they are not directly involved in the political struggle for the kingdom's soul, their strength makes them crucial allies or dangerous obstacles. Their loyalty is to themselves and their code, making them unpredictable but honorable adversaries.
Did You Know?
- The Mantis Lords are three sisters who fight together in the base game; the third sister is present in the base game fight but is not fought separately until the Godmaster DLC's 'Sisters of Battle' encounter.
- Defeating the Mantis Lords in combat earns them respect and grants new abilities, but it does not confer formal membership within the Clan.
- Unlike many other insects in Hallownest, the Mantis Clan's architecture is not built high into the trees; their village is located in a cavern within the Fungal Wastes, with structures built on platforms and walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Mantis Clan?
The Mantis Clan consists of proud insect warriors who uphold a strict code of honor within the highlands. They are distinct from other citizens because they maintain discipline even as the Infection spreads throughout Hallownest.
Where does the Mantis Clan reside?
Their territory spans across Mantis Village in the Fungal Wastes and extends into the dense foliage of Greenpath. These locations serve as their training grounds and defensive perimeter against those who seek to trespass.
Who leads the Mantis Clan?
Leadership falls to three elite warriors known collectively as the Mantis Lords, who reside atop a large pillar in their village. They challenge intruders to duels to determine if they are worthy of passing through their sacred lands.
What is the Mantis Clan's combat style?
Members fight using sharp blades and rely on high-speed acrobatics instead of relying on spells or ranged weapons. For them, battle is a disciplined art form that tests the strength and spirit of any opponent.
How does the Infection affect the Mantis Clan?
Although they resist the Infection better than most due to their mental fortitude, some members have still succumbed to decay over time. This resistance highlights their unique status as independent guardians who refuse to yield to the madness consuming the kingdom.
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