Converting prehistoric animals

[BOZ]

okie dokie, if it's looking good then it is done.

 

[Shade]

Wow...speed conversions are refreshing. How 'bout another? Got any more tyrannosaurids? Is Albertosaurus on the list? (It's almost identical to Gorgo).

 

[DungeonmasterCal]

Wow...speed conversions are refreshing. How 'bout another? Got any more tyrannosaurids? Is Albertosaurus on the list? (It's almost identical to Gorgo).

Tarbosaurus is a near twin of T. Rex..but what about Nanotyrannus? Small enough to be used as a mount for a primitive culture....maybe?

 

[Shade]

That would be a useful one. I just checked the "to be converted" list at the beginning, and it looks like alberto-, tarbo-, and nano- aren't on it...so we'll have to approach 'em as homebrews rather than conversions. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

 

[Filby]

Well, Albertosaurus was practically identical to Gorgosaurus, so I'd say the stats are interchangeable. If you wanted to make them different, maybe just give it a different feat selection (say, Improved Natural Attack instead of Improved Critical, like the Tyrannosaurus).

As for Tarbosaurus, scientists now consider it to be a species of Tyrannosaurus. Tyrannosaurus bataar as opposed to North America's Tyrannosaurus rex.

 

[Shade]

Cool. Thanks for the info, Filby.

 

[Shade]

BOZ gave me the go-ahead to lead some conversion threads while he focuses on the Dukes of Hell. Here's another one that was requested...

Andrewsarchus
(giant long-jawed hyena)
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Temperate plains
FREQUENCY: Rare
ORGANIZATION: Solitary
DIET: Carnivore
NO. APPEARING: 1-2
ARMOR CLASS: 6
MOVEMENT: 15
HIT DICE: 9+9
THAC0: 11
NO. OF ATTACKS: 1
DAMAGE/ATTACKS: 3-18
SIZE: L (13.long)
MORALE: Steady (11-12)
XP VALUE: 1,400

Andrewsarchus was the largest known carnivorous land mammal. Unrelated to any modern or past carnivore, it was more closely related to the animals it fed upon than anything else. Andrewsarchus looked vaguely like a hyena but had a huge skull nearly 3. long. Its tail appeared feline.

Combat: Andrewsarchus can attack with its strong jaws, but prefers to feed on carrion.

Habitat/Society: Large carnivores are usually solitary, and Andrewsarchus is no exception, pairing only once a year to mate. It is mainly a scavenger but can attack large game, including Coryphodon and Uintatherium (see .Into the Age of Mammals. for details), as well as hornless rhinos and tapirs. This beast is at the top of the food chain, having no enemies.

Source: Dragon #167

 

[Shade]

More info and pics:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrewsarchus

 

[Shade]

Getting started...

Andrewsarchus
Large Animal
Hit Dice: 9d8+x (x hp)
Initiative: +x
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: x (–1 size, +x Dex, +x natural), touch x, flat-footed x
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+x
Attack: Bite +x melee (x+x)
Full Attack: Bite +x melee (x+x)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: -
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +x, Ref +x, Will +x
Abilities: Str x, Dex x, Con x, Int 2, Wis x, Cha x
Skills: 12
Feats: 4
Environment: Temperate plains
Organization: Solitary or pair
Challenge Rating: x
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 10–18 HD (Large); 19-27 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: -

 

[Shade]

Comparing similar-sized animals for ability scores:

Dire Wolf: Str 25, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10
Dire Wolverine: Str 22, Dex 17, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10
Brown Bear: Str 27, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Polar Bear: Str 27, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Rhinoceros: Str 26, Dex 10, Con 21, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 2