The Trial

[noozoo]

After scanning the area in question, Chemistry casts Levitate on herself and rises up into the air about thirty feet, to get a good aerial view of the place where the caiman pulled the Beast under.

Dice Perception:

1d20

5

If she sees nothing of note, she rises another thirty feet and looks again.

Dice Perception:

1d20

15

[Anodyzed]

When Chemistry gets to the 60' level, she sees a nest in a tree, a big nest. Not sure if her character knows this creature, but... roll Initiative.

[noozoo]

Dice init:

1d20+4

(14)+4

Total = 18

"Hey fellas, there's a big nest over there... Oh!"

[Anodyzed]

Dice Initiative:

1d20+2

(15)+2

Total = 17

This creature has a vaguely humanoid head, the body of a lion, and the wings of a dragon. Its tail ends in long, sharp spikes.

[Anodyzed]

There was no surprise, you both saw each other at about the same time.

Chemistry is 60' up, and it is about 60' from her, maybe 40' up in its nest in the tree.

First round initiative:
18 Chemistry
17 Manticore

AFTER these two act this round, the rest of you can roll initiative.

[noozoo]

Chemistry sees the creature, noting it has a humanoid head. Perhaps it can be communicated with, she thinks. Perhaps it saw the caiman attack.

She wonders what it is... It seems to be a magical beast.

Dice Knowledge/arcana:

1d20+7

(14)+7

Total = 21

She waves to it, and calls out, "Greetings! I wonder if I might have a word with you."

Dice Diplomacy:

1d20+7

(16)+7

Total = 23

[Anodyzed]

Here's what you recall about Manticores:

Manticores are fierce predators that patrol a wide area in search of fresh meat. A typical manticore is about 10 feet long and weighs about 1,000 pounds. Some have more human-like heads, usually with beards. Males and females look much alike.
Manticores eat any meat, even carrion, though they prefer human f lesh and rarely pass up an opportunity for such a delicacy. They are smart and social enough to bargain with or bully evil humanoids into alliances or offering tribute, and more powerful creatures may hire or bribe them to guard or patrol a place or area. They like lairs in high places, such as hilltops and caves in cliffs.

Although manticores were likely a magical creation, they have long since established themselves as a naturally occurring species. Curiously, manticores seem strangely fecund, and can interbreed with a number of other similarly shaped creatures, including lions, dire lions, lamias, sphinxes, and even chimeras.

The manticore sneers at you, You will feed me. And I will line my nest with your bones.

Is speaking your only action in your first round?

[noozoo]

Chemistry also lowers herself by 20 feet.

[Anodyzed]

The Manticore flies toward you, and sends four spikes your way from its tail.

Dice Spike1:

1d20+8

(12)+8

Total = 20

Dice Damage1:

1d6+5

(5)+5

Total = 10

Dice Spike2:

1d20+8

(5)+8

Total = 13

Dice Damage2:

1d6+5

(2)+5

Total = 7

Dice Spike3:

1d20+8

(6)+8

Total = 14

Dice Damage3:

1d6+5

(2)+5

Total = 7

Dice Spike4:

1d20+8

(11)+8

Total = 19

Dice Damage4:

1d6+5

(5)+5

Total = 10

[Anodyzed]

Against Chemistry's AC 17 (including Mage Armor) that would see to hit with the first and last, for 20 total damage.

Everyone else can roll initiative now, AND perception (Above 10 to know something's going on).

[noozoo]

With Chemistry calling out to them, and then talking to a creature, don't you think they would have heard her?

[Anodyzed]

Some spread out in different directions, some may be focused on whatever they're looking for, and the DC is ONLY 10.

[cybersavant]

Kazgar

Dice initiative:

1d20+3

(16)+3

Total = 19

Dice perception:

1d20+6

(5)+6

Total = 11

Keeshraal

Dice initiative:

1d20+4

(4)+4

Total = 8

Dice perception:

1d20+10

(14)+10

Total = 24

[Demilich]

Kat Init

Dice Roll:

1d20+6

(19)+6

Total = 25

Perception Kat

Dice Roll:

1d20+9

(10)+9

Total = 19

Cronus Init

Dice Roll:

1d20

10

Perception

Dice Roll:

1d20+9

(2)+9

Total = 11

[Anodyzed]

Everyone hears Chemistry holler.

Initiatives
Round 1
15 Kat
19 Kazgar
18 Chemistry
17 Manticore
10 Cronus
8 Keeshraal

I will say that based on who is where from previous posts,
Keeshraal and Kazgar are at least a 40' away from Chemistry,
Cronus is in the water in his bubble, but apparently close enough to the surface to have heard the call,
and Kat is still somewhat near the boat (30' from where Chemistry went up).

Kat, Kazgar and Chemistry can all go. The Manticore is higher and farther from Chemistry than any of you are.