I have been searching for something withing my hunting range that will allow me to manipulate and learn empathy. I know that there is supposedly a large buffer between the level of empathy and combat ranks you may have, but I am confused by the seemingly inconsistencies between creatures.

Shield Usage: 230
Leather Armor: 180
Bone Armor: 213
Parry Ability: 176
Multi Opponent: 216
Evasion: 243
Empathy: 448


I can hunt Oshu in Aesry and lock Empathy using manipulate - but in crossing the giant black leucros, which are noted on elanthipedia to be a tad harder my empathy doesnt move at all. How can two creatures that are similiar in level show such a difference in the ability?

Second and third tier Oshu are tougher than black leucros imo, but to answer your question...

The following should work well for you:

Elder brocket deer (If you can't handle elders, try the second tier ones)
Red Leucros
Fens/Peccs
Warcats/Orc Scouts


Aside from Empathy.. if you're training weapons most of those creatures in are in the Lang area and Grey Clays are right down the road in the 150-225 weapons range. (Can't manipulate there though)