Pleistocene Animals

[BOZ]

okie dokie. this will be a series of prehistoric, non-dinosaur beasts, most of which debuted in the original Monster Manual. i'm posting two for now, but will follow up with more probably sometime next week. for now, enjoy these two classics!

[BOZ]

BALUCHITHERIUM
Huge Beast
Hit Dice: 14d10+98 (175 hp)
Initiative: +0 (Dex)
Speed: 30 ft
AC: 15 (-2 size, +7 natural)
Attacks: 2 hooves +20 melee
Damage: Hoof 5d4+12
Face/Reach: 20 ft by 20 ft/10 ft
Special Qualities: Scent
Saves: Fort +16, Ref +9, Will +5
Abilities: Str 34, Dex 10, Con 25, Int 3, Wis 13, Cha 4
Skills: Balance +4, Hide +4, Listen +12

Climate/Terrain: Any plains
Organization: Solitary or herd (1-3)
Challenge Rating: 13
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 15-28 HD (Huge); 29-42 HD (Gargantuan)

The baluchiterium is a hornless ancestor of the rhinoceros, of the Pleistocene era. This herbivore has a thick, greyish-brown hide, much like the rhino. Adults stand 15 to 18 feet at the shoulder, and may measure as long as 28 feet from nose to rump, and the beast may weigh as much as 15 tons. The head is four feet long, sitting on top of a six foot long neck. This beast has poor eyesight, but makes up for this with keen hearing and smell.
If raised from a calf, a baluchiterium can be trained as a beast of burden. This immensely large, strong creature can carry up to 4 tons of weight as a pack animal.

COMBAT
The baluchitherium is a very defensive animal, and attacks any animal that is nearby. This beast tries to charge and trample foes with its front feet.

The baluchiterium first appeared in the 1E Monster Manual (1977, Gary Gygax).

[BOZ]

IRISH DEER
Large Beast
Hit Dice: 4d10+12 (34 hp)
Initiative: +2 (Dex)
Speed: 50 ft
AC: 14 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +3 natural)
Attacks: 2 gores +7 melee
Damage: Gore 2d6
Face/Reach: 5 ft by 10 ft/10 ft (with antlers)
Special Qualities: Scent
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +3
Abilities: Str 20, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 6
Skills: Hide +7*, Listen +4, Move Silently +8, Spot +4

Climate/Terrain: Temperate forest
Organization: Solitary or herd (1-8)
Challenge Rating: 3
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 5-8 HD (Large); 9-12 HD (Huge)

The irish deer is a creature as big as a moose, and is from the Pleistocene era. This shy, peaceful beast dwells in temperate forests. In form, the irish deer resembles something like a cross between a moose and a deer, a large yet majestic herbivore. Its impressive antlers spread to a width of ten feet, and its hide is somewhat shaggy.

COMBAT
Irish deer are not aggressive creatures, but can be particularly dangerous during mating season. They are likely to attack anyone that disturbs them at this time, to drive off challengers. This beast attacks with its antlers, and can attack two targets if both are in range.
Skills: Irish deer receive a +4 racial bonus to Hide and Move Silently checks. *In forested areas, the Hide bonus increases to +8.

The irish deer first appeared in the 1E Monster Manual (1977, Gary Gygax).

[BOZ]

http://www.copyrightexpired.com/earl...therium01.html

[Krishnath]

good, I'm going to have them inhabit a remote continent that the PC's are going to explore a little bit later. The island is populated by a type of very large dragons (these guys eat gold dragons!!! ) I think I'm going to post the dragons next week

[BOZ]

by the way, i'd like to credit Hardisson's deer design for inspiration on the irish deer (although i should have had a look at the moose as well...)

[BOZ]

SMILODON
Large Beast
Hit Dice: 7d10+35 (73 hp)
Initiative: +3 (Dex)
Speed: 30 ft
AC: 16 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +4 natural)
Attacks: 2 claws +12 melee, bite +7 melee
Damage: Claw 1d8+8, bite 2d8+4
Face/Reach: 5 ft by 10 ft/5 ft
Special Attacks: Pounce, improved grab, rake 2d4+3
Special Qualities: Scent
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +8, Will +3
Abilities: Str 26, Dex 17, Con 20, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Balance +7, Hide +8, Listen +4, Move Silently +9, Spot +4

Climate/Terrain: Any warm lands
Organization: Solitary or pair
Challenge Rating: 7
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 8-14 HD (Large); 15-21 HD (Huge)

The smilodon, also known as the sabre-tooth tiger, is a large catlike predator of the Pleistocene era. This beast was the most aggressive and fearsome predator of its time. Their six-inch long fangs inflict terrible wounds, and are responsible for the creature's deadly reputation. They are otherwise very similar to modern tigers in most respects, but they are slightly larger and tougher.

COMBAT
These giant predators attack anything they think they can kill and eat, attacking with their powerful jaws and sharp teeth.
Pounce (Ex): If a smilodon leaps upon a foe during the first round of combat, it can make a full attack even if it has already taken a move action.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, the smilodon must hit with a claw or bite attack. If it gets a hold, it can rake.
Rake (Ex): A smilodon that gets a hold can make two rake attacks (+12 melee) with its hind legs for 2d4+3 damage each. If the smilodon pounces an opponent, it can also rake.
Skills: Smilodons receive a +4 racial bonus to Balance, Hide, and Move Silently checks.

The smilodon first appeared in the 1E Monster Manual (1977, Gary Gygax).

[BOZ]

WOOLY RHINOCEROS
Large Beast
Hit Dice: 10d10+50 (105 hp)
Initiative: +0 (Dex)
Speed: 30 ft
AC: 17 (-1 size, +8 natural)
Attacks: Gore +16 melee
Damage: Gore 2d6+15
Face/Reach: 5 ft by 10 ft/5 ft
Special Attacks: Charge, trample 2d4+5
Special Qualities: Scent
Saves: Fort +12, Ref +7, Will +4
Abilities: Str 28, Dex 10, Con 21, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 2
Skills: Listen +23

Climate/Terrain: Cold and temperate plains
Organization: Solitary or herd (1-4)
Challenge Rating: 9
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 11-20 HD (Large); 21-30 HD (Huge)

The wooly rhinoceros is a large herbivore of the Pleistocene era, almost as big as a modern elephant. This wooly rhino is slightly larger and stronger than a moden rhino, about 15' long on average. This beast is otherwise very similar to the modern rhino, but is covered by a shaggy russet coat, making it well-suited to colder climes. This rhino is aggressive, belligerent and is very territorial and defensive of its family. This beast has poor eyesight, but keen senses of hearing and smell.

COMBAT
The wooly rhinoceros is a very defensive herbivore, and will attack any intruders into its territoy.
Charge (Ex): A wooly rhino typically begins a battle by charging at an opponent, lowering its head to bring its mighty horns into play. In addition to causing double damage with its gore attack, the rhino tosses Medium-size and smaller opponents up to 20 feet away if they fail a Reflex save (DC 20). The rhino will also charge wagons and other moving vehicles, delivering a crushing blow to the vehicle.
Trample (Ex): A wooly rhino can trample Medium-size or smaller creatures for automatic stamping damage. Opponents who do not make attacks of opportunity against the rhino can attempt a Reflex save (DC 20) to halve the damage.

The wooly rhinoceros first appeared in the 1E Monster Manual (1977, Gary Gygax).

[BOZ]

SPOTTED LION
Large Beast
Hit Dice: 6d10+24 (57 hp)
Initiative: +3 (Dex)
Speed: 30 ft
AC: 17 (-1 size, +4 Dex, +4 natural)
Attacks: 2 claws +10 melee, bite +5 melee
Damage: Claw 1d4+6, bite 1d12+3
Face/Reach: 5 ft by 10 ft/5 ft
Special Attacks: Pounce, improved grab, rake 2d4+3
Special Qualities: Scent
Saves: Fort +9, Ref +9, Will +3
Abilities: Str 24, Dex 18, Con 18, Int 3, Wis 13, Cha 6
Skills: Balance +9, Hide +8*, Jump +7, Listen +5, Move Silently +9, Spot +5

Climate/Terrain: Warm plains and desert
Organization: Solitary or pride (2-8)
Challenge Rating: 6
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 7-12 HD (Large); 13-24 HD (Huge)

Spotted lions, also known as cave lions, are larger, fiercer lions, roaming the plains of the Pleistocene era. Spotted lions look like their modern cousins, but their pelts are dappled with dark mottling.

COMBAT
Spotted lions hunt in much the same way as their modern cousins.
Pounce (Ex): If a spotted lion leaps upon a foe during the first round of combat, it can make a full attack even if it has already taken a move action.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, the spotted lion must hit with a claw or bite attack. If it gets a hold, it can rake.
Rake (Ex): A spotted lion that gets a hold can make two rake attacks (+10 melee) with its hind legs for 2d4+3 damage each. If the lion pounces on an opponent, it can also rake.
Skills: Spotted lions receive a +4 racial bonus to Balance, Hide, and Move Silently checks. *In areas of tall grass or heavy growth, the Hide bonus improves to +12.

The spotted lion first appeared in the 1E Monster Manual (1977, Gary Gygax).

[BOZ]

for the curious, i'm planning on posting two more of these animals, then moving on to other things. i believe there were also some prehistoric monsters in an issue or two of Dragon, but i'll come back to them later sometime.

[Krishnath]

Smilodon! I can hardly wait for the next two...

[BOZ]

PHORORHACOS
Large Beast
Hit Dice: 7d10+28 (66 hp)
Initiative: +3 (Dex)
Speed: 40 ft
AC: 16 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +4 natural)
Attacks: 2 claws +10 melee, bite +5 melee
Damage: Claw 1d4+5, bite 2d6+2
Face/Reach: 10 ft by 5 ft/15 ft
Special Attacks: Improved grab, shake
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60 ft, low-light vision
Saves: Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +3
Abilities: Str 20, Dex 17, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10
Skills: Jump +11, Listen +6, Spot +6

Climate/Terrain: Temperate and warm plains
Organization: Solitary or flock (2-12)
Challenge Rating: 5
Treasure: None (eggs are worth 70-100 gp each)
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 8-14 HD (Large); 15-21 HD (Huge)

The phororhacos is a large, flightless bird of the Pleistocene-era with a huge head and a powerful beak. It is six feet tall at the shoulder, and ten feet overall. Adult males have a red crest and a tuft of orange feathers on the back of its head. This bird is covered in dark gray and brown feathers, and its legs are light gray with black claws. The phororhacos emits a fierce, deep, braying battle cry when fighting or challenging another of its kind for territory.

COMBAT
The phororhacos is a fearless killer and attack even if outnumbered. It initiates combat by jumping on a victim, its two claw attacks inflicting double damage as it jumps. After the first round, it attacks with claw kicks and its beak.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, the phororhacos must hit a Small size or smaller opponent with its bite attack. If it gets a hold, it can shake its victim.
Shake (Ex): The phororhacos can pick up an opponent in its mouth and shake it around. The beast then throws the victim to the ground, causing 1d6 points of falling damage. Such victims are stunned for one round and are unable to take any actions the following round.
Skills: Phororhacos receive a +6 racial bonus to Jump checks.

The phororhacos first appeared in the Forgotten Realms Monstrous Compendium, MC3 (1989).

[BOZ]

MEGATHERIUM
Huge Beast
Hit Dice: 10d10+60 (115 hp)
Initiative: -2 (Dex)
Speed: 15 ft
AC: 13 (-2 size, -2 Dex, +7 natural)
Attacks: 2 claws +19 melee
Damage: Claw 2d6+18
Face/Reach: 10 ft by 5 ft/15 ft
Special Qualities: Scent, partial actions only
Saves: Fort +13, Ref +5, Will +4
Abilities: Str 35, Dex 7, Con 23, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 4
Skills: Climb +12, Listen +8, Spot +7

Climate/Terrain: Any forest and plains
Organization: Solitary or family (1-6)
Challenge Rating: 9
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 11-20 HD (Huge); 21-30 HD (Gargantuan)

The megatherium is a giant, ground-dwelling sloth of the Pleistocene era. These sloths are larger than grizzly bears, standing about 20 feet tall and weighing about 3 tons. The megatherium is a slow moving creature, but is much more powerful than most other animals and can protect itself well. This awesome beast is a gentle herbivore, grazing the wooded plains in peace.
The forepaws of a megatherium have three foot-long claws, which are mostly used for tearing apart trees and shrubs for food.

COMBAT
The megatherium is a peaceful creature, but will defend itself if attacked. Due to its slow nature, this beast always strikes last in a round. In combat, the megatherium rears back on its hind legs and attacks with swipes from each paw.
Partial Actions Only (Ex): The megatherium has poor reflexes and can perform only partial actions. Thus they can move or attack, but can only do both if they charge (a partial action).

The megatherium first appeared in the Forgotten Realms Monstrous Compendium, MC3 (1989).

[BOZ]

wow, you all must like these guys. judging from the number of views as i post this message, this post is 3rd most - erica's skull spider is nearly 200 hits, and then the true ghoul template is not far behind.

you must all be watching the discovery channel eh?

[DracoSansdrake]

I was wondering if you were going to do any others such as Glyptodons (Like giant Spike-tailed Armidillos); Eohippus (Ansestor of Horses) and marsupial ones such as Carnivourous Kangerous or Marsupial Lions

[reapersaurus]

Great stuff.

But the CR's are way off, as I see it.

CR for basically an animal shouldn't even come close to their HD.

They are incredibly easy to kill by using magical and sneaky means.
For example, when making the sauropod species in 3E, I made the Gargantuan sauropod with a 23 HD avg, and a CR of 9.

All they have are h.p.s and a couple melee attacks.

Compare these beasts to other monsters in the MM and they pale in comparison at the CR's you've listed.

I salute the prehistoric work, tho!

[Magus Darkholme]

Damn good job, BOZman!
I just looove the Smilodon and the wooly rhino. The Phororhacos is excellent as well (the Terror Birds are my personal favorite!).

[Krishnath]

That's some very good work there BOZ

[BOZ]

reposting this:

the phororhacos originally appeared in the 1st edition MM2, as a "dinosaur". my bad for not correcting this before it got put on the site.

[Magus Darkholme]

Dinosaur!?
I wonder how they came to that conclusion?:rolleyes: