Converting prehistoric creatures

[Shade]

In that case, I think this one's done. Anyone have a good Medium-sized cynodont suggestion?

[InsanePsychoRabbit]

We still don't have a sentence for its tactics.

Something like "A cynognathus attempts to conceal itself with any low vegetation it can find, then rushes out of cover to attack. Packs of cynognathus use similar tactics but additionally try to surround their target."

[Shade]

Looks good. Would the plural of cynognathus be "cynognathi"?

[InsanePsychoRabbit]

I guess so.

I found a Medium-sized cynodont. Exaeretodon was a 6-foot herbivore.

[demiurge1138]

Cynognathus is its own plural. I like the big herbivorous cynodont. Shade, by the time cynodonts were around, most of the big carnivores were archosaurs, either crusotarsans (crocodile-relatives, like the ones we converted earlier) or primitive dinosaurs.

[Shade]

Originally Posted by demiurge1138

Shade, by the time cynodonts were around, most of the big carnivores were archosaurs, either crusotarsans (crocodile-relatives, like the ones we converted earlier) or primitive dinosaurs.

Do I have some flavor text that needs changing?

Suggested ability scores for Exaeretodon?

[InsanePsychoRabbit]

I also found a bigger herbivorious cynodont called Diademodon, which was cow-sized.

I think that demiurge is suggesting that there weren't any big carnivorous cynodonts.

[demiurge1138]

Originally Posted by InsanePsychoRabbit

I think that demiurge is suggesting that there weren't any big carnivorous cynodonts.

Indeed I am.

[InsanePsychoRabbit]

For Exaeretodon's physical ability scores I'd suggest Str 15, Dex 11, Con 17. They're herbivores, so they don't need to be especially quick, but they look like they'd be hardy. Additionally, I'd suggest 3 Hit Dice.

[Shade]

Ahh...gotcha!

Diademodon sounds like yet another cog in the demon/daemon/demondand machine.

Shall we start with Exaeretodon? If so, suggested HD and ability scores?

[freyar]

Ok, you've been busy! It all sounds good to me!

[InsanePsychoRabbit]

Here's what I have so far.

Cynodont, Exaeretodon
Medium Animal
Hit Dice: 3d8+9 (22 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 feet (6 squares)
Armor Class: 13 (+3 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 13
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+4
Attack: Bite +4 melee (1d4+3)
Full Attack: Bite +4 melee (1d4+3)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: -
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +2
Abilities: Str 15, Dex 11, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 4
Skills: Listen +6, Spot +6
Feats: Alertness, Endurance
Environment: Temperate or warm plains
Organization: Solitary, pair, or herd (6-20)
Challenge Rating: 1
Treasure: None
alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 4-6 HD (Medium)
Level Adjustment: -

This creature somewhat resembles a pig, but it has a more primitive aspect. Its squat, barrel-shaped body bears a coat of fur, and a pair of tusk-like fangs stick out from its mouth.

Exaeretodon is a cynodont, one of the more advanced forms of therapsid (“mammal-like reptile”). One of the largest cynodonts, exaeretodon lived alongside some of the earliest dinosaurs, such as the herrerasaurus, and fed exclusively on plants.

An exaeretodon is about 6 feet long and weighs from 150 to 200 pounds.

Combat
Even though Exaeretodon is an herbivore, its fangs give it a dangerous bite.

[demiurge1138]

Looks alright. How will we differentiate it mechanically from the inevitable dicynodonts?

[Melatuis]

"tusk-like fangs" does this mean they are in the lower jaw and point up? if so, how are they used?

you guys move so much faster than i can read. yes, i read slow.

I just went back and hit the link to the Exaeretodon and found the info ask.

keep up the good work

thank you.

[InsanePsychoRabbit]

We could give the dicynodonts a special attack, like trample or stampede for larger forms.

[demiurge1138]

Trample and hold breath seem appropriate for dicynodonts.

[Shade]

I'm thinking CR 1 for this creature. A 5-HD, Large bison is CR 2.

Skills: Listen and Spot?

Feats: Alertness and Endurance?

Advancement to 6 HD?

[InsanePsychoRabbit]

I was basing my estimate of CR 2 on the boar, which has similar ability scores and Hit Dice, but it does have a special ability (ferocity) that makes it more dangerous. You may be right.

I agree with you on the skills, feats and advancement.

[demiurge1138]

It looks like a touch CR 1. Reduce bite damage to 1d4 and it'll be around par.

[freyar]

Let's go with 1d4 damage. The rest sounds good.