There seems to be significant interest in higher-level dinosaurs, so for that we just have to branch out into some new creature types...
At first glance this dinosaur-like creature appears out of place in the ice and snow, but as it bellows the runes on its enormous frilled head glow red with magic.
Gigamurosaurus CR 10
XP 9,600
N Gargantuan Magical Beast
Init +; Senses: Darkvision 90 ft, Low-light vision; Perception +17
DEFENSE
AC 26, touch 6, flat-footed 26 (+20 natural, –4 size)
hp 168 (14d10 +91)
Fort +14, Ref +9, Will +7
Defensive Abilities: Icewalk; DR: 10/Magic
Immune: Cold, Fire
OFFENSE
Speed 50 ft.
Melee Bite +22 (2d8+16 plus grab)
Space 20 ft.; Reach 20 ft.
Special Attacks Breath Weapon 40 ft Cone of Fire 7d6 DC 24; Constrict 2d8+18
Spell-like abilities (CL 14): Ice Storm 3/Day (DC 15), Wall of Fire 3/day
STATISTICS
Str 32, Dex 11, Con 21, Int 6, Wis 12, Cha 11
Base Atk +14; CMB +29; CMD 39 (41 vs trip)
Feats Iron Will, Improved Initiative, Run, Endurance, Power Attack, Improved Overrun, Weapon Focus (bite)
Skills Perception +19, Stealth +10; Racial: +8 Perception +12 Stealth in icy or snowy environments
Languages: Giant (Cannot speak)
ECOLOGY
Environment Any cold
Organization solitary, pair
Treasure none
Special Abilities
Icewalk Gigamurosaurus can move across icy surfaces without penalty and need not make acrobatics checks to run or charge on ice.
Snow Vision: Gigamurosaurus suffers no penalties on perception checks due to snowy or icy conditions.
Gigamurosaurus (Great wall lizard) is a giant predator resembling the smaller ceratopsian dinosaurs. Its magical abilities make it well-adapted to life in the frigid regions of the world, where it preys on yak and caribou, the occaisonal giant, and its favored prey, the remorhaz. Lacking horns, it uses its powerful beak to snag and crush its prey.
Default, I think you'd get more of a response if you posted at a time where most Americans weren't asleep :)
RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
|
I would like to lodge a complaint about this dinosaur, as it is in fact not a DINOSAUR! It is a magical beast. Dinosaurs are animals which can be trained as warbeasts and can be fed tasty treats by nature folk. It is much too smart and has spell-like abilities.
Also having a firey breath weapon is an artic wasteland seems odd...
I would like to lodge a complaint about this dinosaur, as it is in fact not a DINOSAUR! It is a magical beast. Dinosaurs are animals which can be trained as warbeasts and can be fed tasty treats by nature folk. It is much too smart and has spell-like abilities.
Also having a firey breath weapon is an artic wasteland seems odd...
It's basically a dinosaur rhemoraz.
I would like to lodge a complaint about this dinosaur, as it is in fact not a DINOSAUR! It is a magical beast. Dinosaurs are animals which can be trained as warbeasts and can be fed tasty treats by nature folk. It is much too smart and has spell-like abilities.
Also having a firey breath weapon is an artic wasteland seems odd...
This was the same complaint i had.
I asked for a Dinosaur, if i wanted a magical beast all i have to do is pick one of the 7657863458964527856 already out there.
Default, I think you'd get more of a response if you posted at a time where most Americans weren't asleep :)
I'm starting to think that may be my problem here...I guess we'll find out next week on black friday...stupid day-job...
But yes, this is a magical beast occupying a similar niche as the remorhaz, just one link higher on the food chain. As far as the breath weapon, should it perhaps be something more unique? Slow perhaps?
And I really do appreciate all of the input.
I suppose this raises a debate...What is a dinosaur? Especially in a setting with magic? I mean, technically mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and pterosaurs are not, but we wind up expecting them anyways (like the way we use the term 'bugs' for spiders and scorpions). Where do we classify non-magical misfits like griffons and owlbears?
(This is something that may come up in the future as well.)
I suppose this raises a debate...What is a dinosaur? Especially in a setting with magic? I mean, technically mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and pterosaurs are not, but we wind up expecting them anyways (like the way we use the term 'bugs' for spiders and scorpions). Where do we classify non-magical misfits like griffons and owlbears?
(This is something that may come up in the future as well.)
Well at least for me, and I'm sure others.
"Dinosaurs" are listed like that in the Bestiary. as in "Dinosaur, Pteranodon"
Also Dinos at their heart are Animals. Yes they are big, Yes they scare people thill they crap themselves. But in the end they are animals.
And as most people who want this stuff are playing Barbarians and druids, having them be animals is important.
that's true. What if some of them become options for companions anyways? the diabolist or something like that gave a wizard an imp that otherwise used the animal companion rules. why not allow it for the magical beasts?
Griffon, Hippogriff, Owlbear, Purple Worm- all of them qualify as 'Magical Beast' due to fantastic anatomy, not any true 'magic'. The bonus beastiary allows Dragonnes as an animal companion if you take leadership, so why not a feat specifically for it?
that's true. What if some of them become options for companions anyways? the diabolist or something like that gave a wizard an imp that otherwise used the animal companion rules. why not allow it for the magical beasts?
Griffon, Hippogriff, Owlbear, Purple Worm- all of them qualify as 'Magical Beast' due to fantastic anatomy, not any true 'magic'. The bonus beastiary allows Dragonnes as an animal companion if you take leadership, so why not a feat specifically for it?
For druids at least it doesnt matter if they can be companions (well ok it does, but not as much as you would think)
Most of the best buffs you get are for animals.
A lot of summoning feats (yes some back in 3.5) only work when summoning animals.
And more then that, TO ME Dinos are animals.
If we make them magical beasts then they are not as special.
And really can you see Korgoth of Barbaria riding a magical beast? (youtube it if you must)
No, he and others like him ride dinos.
THAT was..well...I dont know what to say...It was like Metalocalypse meets Conan or something.
But I can certainly see him riding one without magic. (One that qualifies because its a mix [or at least tearing it in half])
EDIT: Also, don't misunderstand the first line, I thought it was pretty good.
|
RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
|
Here is a try at a high CR dinosaur...
XP 307,200
N Gargantuan animal
Init +3; Senses: low-light vision, scent; Perception +38
DEFENSE
AC 27, touch 1, flat-footed 26 (-1 Dex, +26 natural, –8 size)
hp 459 (34d8 +306)
Fort +27, Ref +18, Will +17
OFFENSE
Speed 60 ft.
Melee Bite +32 (4d6+32/19-20 plus grab), 2 talons (2d8+16), tail slap +27 (4d6+24), 2 foreclaws + 27 (2d6+8)
Space 30 ft.; Reach 30 ft., foreclaws 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+16, AC 19, hp 20), rend (2 foreclaws, 2d6+12)
STATISTICS
Str 42, Dex 9, Con 26, Int 2, Wis 17, Cha 10
Base Atk +24; CMB +48 (+52 grapple); CMD 57 (41 vs trip)
Feats Bleeding Critical, Blind Fight, Critical Focus, Diehard, Eldritch Claws, Endurance, Greater Blind Fight, Improved Blind Fight, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception), Smell Fear(B), Toughness
Skills Perception +38 (+42 to smell fearful creatures); Racial: +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite, tail slap, undersized arms
ECOLOGY
Environment warm forest, plains, and hills
Organization solitary, pair
Treasure none
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Powerful Bite (Ex): A collososaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.
Tail Slap (Ex): The collossosaurus can slap one foe each round with its tail. A tail slap is a secondary attack that deals the indicated damage plus 1-1/2 times the collossosaurus' Strength bonus (this is an exception to the normal secondary attack rules).
Undersized Arms (Ex): The arms of the collossosaurus are underdeveloped compared to its size, but not as underdeveloped as the tyrannosaurs' arms. Their foreclaws have a reach of only 15 feet and deal only 1/2 times the collossosaurus' Strength bonus.
The collossosaurus is an apex predator that measures 50 feet long and weighs 19,000 pounds. The collossosaurus hunts during poor visibility and at night using his superb sense of smell to help locate his prey.
Here is a try at a high CR dinosaur...
XP 307,200
N Gargantuan animal
Init +3; Senses: low-light vision, scent; Perception +38DEFENSE
AC 27, touch 1, flat-footed 26 (-1 Dex, +26 natural, –8 size)
hp 459 (34d8 +306)
Fort +27, Ref +18, Will +17OFFENSE
Speed 60 ft.
Melee Bite +32 (4d6+32/19-20 plus grab), 2 talons (2d8+16), tail slap +27 (4d6+24), 2 foreclaws + 27 (2d6+8)
Space 30 ft.; Reach 30 ft., foreclaws 15 ft.
Special Attacks swallow whole (4d8+16, AC 19, hp 20), rend (2 foreclaws, 2d6+12)STATISTICS
Str 42, Dex 9, Con 26, Int 2, Wis 17, Cha 10
Base Atk +24; CMB +48 (+52 grapple); CMD 57 (41 vs trip)
Feats Bleeding Critical, Blind Fight, Critical Focus, Diehard, Eldritch Claws, Endurance, Greater Blind Fight, Improved Blind Fight, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception), Smell Fear(B), Toughness
Skills Perception +38 (+42 to smell fearful creatures); Racial: +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite, tail slap, undersized armsECOLOGY
Environment warm forest, plains, and hills
Organization solitary, pair
Treasure noneSPECIAL ABILITIES
Powerful Bite (Ex): A collososaurus applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.
Tail Slap (Ex): The collossosaurus can slap one foe each round with its tail. A tail slap is a secondary attack that deals the indicated damage plus 1-1/2 times the collossosaurus' Strength bonus (this is an exception to the normal secondary attack rules).
Undersized Arms (Ex): The arms of the collossosaurus are underdeveloped compared to its size, but not as underdeveloped as the tyrannosaurs' arms. Their foreclaws have a reach of only 15 feet and deal only 1/2 times the collossosaurus' Strength...
Thayts more like it, not sure I would have gone all the way to CR 20. but thats a solid 16ish (IMHO)
Nice job and THIS is the kind of crap we need to see (again IMHO)
|
RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
|
Thayts more like it, not sure I would have gone all the way to CR 20. but thats a solid 16ish (IMHO)
Nice job and THIS is the kind of crap we need to see (again IMHO)
I just followed the rules for monster creation. I know they are not 100% accurate, but eh, wasn't putting forth much effort.
I just followed the rules for monster creation. I know they are not 100% accurate, but eh, wasn't putting forth much effort.Thayts more like it, not sure I would have gone all the way to CR 20. but thats a solid 16ish (IMHO)
Nice job and THIS is the kind of crap we need to see (again IMHO)
Still, good job.
it reminds me of the battle titan out of MM3. Maybe knock off a few hit dice and bump the natural armor. Was it supposed to be able to use the rear legs? or is that supposed to be rake?
Also, isn't Eldritch Claws too supernatural for a wild animal? Smell fear is an interesting touch though.
This is from another thread. but is another great example.
Spoiler:Primeval Beast (CR 19): This enormous, bipedal dinosaur has undersized forearms and an over-sized, fang-filled mouth.Tyrant Lizard (CR 19)
XP 204,800
Primeval 27-HD tyrannosaurus
N Colossal animal
Init +6; Senses blindsight 60 ft., low-light vision, scent; Perception +50
---
AC 27, touch 4, flat-footed 25 (+2 Dex, +23 natural, –8 size)
hp 364 (27d8+243)
Fort +24, Ref +17, Will +15
DR 10/—; Immune fear, mind-affecting effects; Resist cold 10, fire 10
---
Speed 60 ft.
Melee bite +36 (8d6+40/19–20 plus grab)
Space 30 ft.; Reach 30 ft.
Special Attacks fast swallow, swallow whole (4d6+20, AC 21, hp 36), unexpected strike
---
Str 50, Dex 15, Con 29, Int 2, Wis 23, Cha 10
Base Atk +20; CMB +48 (+52 grapple); CMD 60
Feats Bleeding Critical, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Greater Vital Strike, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Improved Natural Attack (bite), Improved Vital Strike, Iron Will, Power Attack, Run, Skill Focus (Perception), Vital Strike
Skills Perception +50; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SQ powerful bite
---
Environment warm forest and plains
Organization solitary, pair, or pack (3–6)
Treasure none
---
Powerful Bite (Ex) A tyrant lizard applies twice its Strength modifier to bite damage.
Unexpected Strike (Ex) Whenever a creature enters a square threatened by a tyrant lizard, that creature provokes an attack of opportunity from the tyrant lizard, even if its movement would not normally do so.The primeval tyrannosaurus, or tyrant lizard, is a throw-back to a prehistoric age when beasts ruled the world. Though that time has passed, several ancient tyrant lizards and their progeny live on, to rule hidden "lost worlds" as the apex predators they have been since the dawn of time.
A tyrant lizard is a terror to behold, especially when hungry (and a tyrant lizard is always hungry). In combat, a tyrant lizard relies heavily on its Greater Vital Strike and Power Attack feats to deal frightful amounts of damage with its standard action bite attacks.
Creating a Primeval Beast
"Primeval beast" is an inherited template that can be added to any Huge or larger animal, plant, or vermin that doesn't have a language (henceforth referred to as the base creature). The primeval creature uses all of the base creature's statistics and abilities except as noted below.CR The creature's minimum CR equals its base attack bonus –1.
Senses If the creature has 5 or more HD, it gains blindsense with a range equal to its reach. If it has 15 or more HD, it instead gains blindsense with a range equal to twice its reach. If it has 25 or more HD, it instead gains blindsight with a range equal to twice its reach.
Speed If the creature has 5 or more HD, all of its speeds improve by 10 feet. In addition, if the creature is Gargantuan or larger, all of its speeds increase by 10 feet. These increases stack.
AC If the creature has 5 or more Hit Dice, it's natural armor increases by +2. If it has 25 or more HD, its natural armor increases by an additional +2.
Defensive Abilities The creature gains DR/—, resist cold, and resist fire each equal to one-half its base attack bonus. If the creature has 10 or more HD, it is immune to fear. If it has 20 or more HD, it is immune to all mind-affecting effects.
Special Attacks For every 10 HD the creature possesses, it gains one of the following special attacks:
Fast Swallow (Ex) As per the universal monster rules. The creature must have the swallow whole ability to select this special attack.
Knockback (Ex): As per the rage power of the same name. The creature need not be raging to use this ability.
Ground Breaker (Ex) As per the rage power of the same name, but limited to one use per minute instead of one use per rage. The creature need not be raging to use this ability.
Pounce (Ex) As per the universal monster rules.
Unexpected Strike (Ex) As per the rage power of the same name. The creature need not be raging to use this ability.
Wild Abandon (Ex) As per the come and get me rage power. The creature need not be raging to use this ability.Abilities The creature's Strength, Constitution, and Wisdom scores each increase by +4. If the creature has 15 or more HD, those scores each increase by by an additional +2. If the creature has 25 or more HD, those scores each increase by another additional +2.
I suppose it depends where you draw the line for what an animal can have. Monster manual 3 had the bloodstriker as an animal with acidic blood, and the swindlespitter hocked acid (if i remember correctly-might have been poison.)