Lampago is an enormous beast who lives in the sweltering jungles of Qin. Lampago resembles a tiger who is twenty hands at his shaggy withers. Lampago's lustrous fur is a dozen different shimmering hues of red, crimson, carmine, scarlet, ruby, vermilion. Many mistake the monster for a bloody-maned lion, gossips slander that his fur is red to hide the bloodstains of his many, many, many victims. Gossips and deadly mistakes aside, Lampago uses his red fur to hide in grass and forest undergrowth. This power is a gift from Lampago's mother, Huangjiao the Yellowhorn. When Lampago hides, none, save for his mother's courtiers, Qiu Jing The Eagle With Poisoned Feathers, Duu Kala The Dove Of Blue Jade, and Neh Kyabos The Owl Who Is A Parrot, may see him.

Because Lampago has the handsome face of a strong man, he fancies himself an erudite Junzi, a kind and wise master of etiquette and hospitality. Those among his friends, wards, and lovers agree, but care to remember that a ferocious cat's heart beats within his warm, bountiful chest. Those who offend Lampago, or worse, rouse his lust for prey, are reminded that he is the sworn blood brother and rival of Manticore for a reason.