Converting prehistoric creatures

[freyar]

I kind of like the idea of a "bear hug" constrict, but I could also see the idea of just mentioning the extra grapple checks.

 

[Shade]

I suppose the make-or-break question is whether we want the bear to be able to bite in the same round it uses its "bear hug". If so, then we'll need constrict.

 

[demiurge1138]

Doing more research... These were Hemicyonids, which are colloquially called "dog-bears". They were fast runners and possibly cooperative hunters, with body-proportions described as "tiger-like". In which case giving them Improved Grab and (?) Constrict would be fine, but I think we should boost the Speed to 50ft.

 

[freyar]

Rather than Constrict, we could give it Chew or some similar thing where it does automatic bite damage every round it maintains a grapple.

 

[demiurge1138]

I'm far more keen on chew than on constrict. Nice pick, freyar.

 

[Shade]

Brilliant!

Added to Homebrews.

 

[InsanePsychoRabbit]

What's with it having the flavor text for Sarkastodon!?

Unless any of you can come up with flavor text I'll have some posted tomorrow.

 

[demiurge1138]

Because the stat-block was originally copy-pasta, that's why.

This great beast looks like a bear with the proportions of a tiger. It runs towards you, a hungry gleam in its eyes.

Agriotherium is not a true bear, but rather a hemicyonid, close relatives of bears built for running. Rather than the omnivory of most bears, Agriotherium is a true carnivore, feeding mostly on the flesh of elephants, rhinos and other huge beasts, although it can and will scavenge and feed on fruits, grubs and honey. Agriotherium hunts in pairs or in small packs, and these groupings are very territorial--they are likely to view intrusions of humanoids into their ranges as a threat.

 

[Shade]

Oops! It was indeed a cut n' paste error.

Updated.

Claw and bite damage?

Skills: 18 ranks

Feats: 6

 

[freyar]

Original damage was 1d10 each. That's probably good for the claws, but it might be fun to bump the bite a little. Maybe 1d12 or even 2d8.

Spot and Listen would probably be good skills.

Feats: Alertness, Run, Weapon Focus (claw), Power Attack, Improved Bull Rush, Awesome Blow?