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(Dinosaur) Beipiaosaurus, the Feathered Forager

Beipiaosaurus is a medium-sized dinosaur, about 10 feet long, covered in a thick coat of primitive, filamentous feathers that range in color from muted browns to rusty reds. Its body is bulky yet flexible, with long, curved claws on its forelimbs and a beak suited for stripping leaves. Its head is small relative to its body, with large eyes adapted for low-light conditions.

Behaviour:
Unlike many dinosaurs, Beipiaosaurus is a gentle herbivore. It moves deliberately through dense underbrush, using its claws to pull down branches and strip vegetation. It is a solitary or small-group dweller, showing cautious but curious behavior toward other creatures. When threatened, it may use its claws defensively but prefers to flee.

Habitat:
Beipiaosaurus inhabits temperate forest regions rich in ferns, cycads, and early flowering plants. It favors shaded, humid environments with ample foliage for feeding and cover.

Modus Operandi:
Beipiaosaurus feeds mainly by browsing on leaves and low-lying plants, using its claws to reach difficult foliage. It forages mostly during dawn and dusk to avoid predators. While not aggressive, it defends itself by swinging its powerful forelimbs or stamping if cornered.

Motivation:
Driven primarily by survival and the need to find abundant food sources, Beipiaosaurus seeks out safe, resource-rich territories. It is motivated by instinctual caution, balancing its need to feed with avoiding predators, and it may sometimes display curiosity toward unfamiliar objects or beings.


  • Beipiaosaurus 5e
  • Beipiaosaurus 3.5

Medium Beast, Unaligned
Challenge: 1 (200 XP) • Proficiency Bonus: +2


Armor Class 13 (natural hide)

Hit Points 33 (6d8 + 6)

Speed 30 ft., climb 20 ft.


STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
14 (+2)12 (+1)13 (+1)2 (−4)14 (+2)6 (−2)

Saving Throws Wis +4

Skills Perception +4, Stealth +3, Survival +4

Senses Passive Perception 14

Languages

Proficiency Bonus +2

Type Beast

Size Medium


Traits

Feathered Camouflage.

When in forested or brush-covered terrain, the Beipiaosaurus has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks to hide.

Grasping Claws.

The Beipiaosaurus’ foreclaws are unusually long and curved. On a hit with its Claw attack, it can attempt to grapple the target (escape DC 12) as part of the same action.

Cautious Creature.

Beipiaosaurus has advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks made to detect predators or other dangers in natural environments.


Actions

Multiattack.

The Beipiaosaurus makes two attacks: one with its Claw and one with its Kick.

  • Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
    Hit: 7 (1d10 + 2) slashing damage.
    On hit, the target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be grappled.
  • Kick. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
    Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage. If the target is grappled by the Beipiaosaurus, this attack deals an additional 4 (1d8) damage.

Reactions

Panicked Flail. (1/Day)

If the Beipiaosaurus is reduced below half its hit points, it can lash out wildly. All creatures within 5 feet must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or take 5 (1d10) slashing damage from its claws.


Tactics

  • Ambush Avoider: Beipiaosaurus avoids conflict and uses its Feathered Camouflage to escape or remain hidden from predators.
  • Defensive Fighter: If forced into combat, it will attempt to grapple smaller or similarly sized attackers, pinning them and delivering a quick retaliatory kick.
  • Panicked Defense: When seriously wounded, it uses Panicked Flail to create space and flee.

Environment:

  • Temperate forests, fern-covered valleys, and humid underbrush near Cretaceous lakes or rivers.
By PaleoNeolitic - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=91135509, Beipiaosaurus
By PaleoNeolitic – Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=91135509

Your party stumbles on an odd goose-shaped creature digging into a rotten log. The creature gives a startled hoot and waddles away.

Originally Posted by Warforged51092 of the Wizards Community forums.

On this Thread

Beipiaosaurs are one of the smallest of the odd therizinasaurs. This medium sized creature eats all manner of things: plants, carrion, insects, eggs, etc. Beipiaosaurs are generally peaceful.


Beipiaosaurus  
Medium animal  
Hit Dice2d8+8 (17 hp)
Initiative+2 (+2 Dexterity)
Speed:40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class18 (+2 Dexterity +6 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple+1/+3
AttackClaw +3 melee (2d4 +2)
Full AttackClaw +3 melee (2d4 +2) and bite -2 melee (1d4 +1)
Space/Reach5 ft./5 ft.
Special AttacksVomit, Augmented Critical
Special QualitiesLow-Light Vision
  SavesFort +9, Ref +5, Will +0
  AbilitiesStrength 15, Dexterity 14, Constitution 19, Intelligence 2, Wisdom 10, Charisma 10
  SkillsHide +3, Listen +4, Spot +4
  FeatsGreat Fortitude
  EnvironmentWarm forests, marshes
OrganizationSolitary, Pair, or Family (2-5)
Challenge Rating2
TreasureNone
AlignmentAlways neutral
Advancement3-4 HD (Medium); 5-6 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment

Combat

Beipiaosaurs would much rather run than fight. But if cornered, it will lash out with its savage claws and a foul mixture of half-digested gunk.

Augmented Critical (sp): A beipiaosaurus’s claw attack threatens a critical on 19 or 20

Vomit (sp): as a standard action, a beipiaosaurus can vomit up its stomach contents. All in a 10 ft. cone must make a ref. save or take 1d6 acid damage. A separate fort. save must be taken by all within 10 ft. of the creature or be nauseated for 1d4 rounds. Both saves are Constitution based.

  • Beipiaosaurs have a +2 racial bonus on fortitude saves vs. ingested poison and disease.
  • Beipiaosaurs have a +2 racial bonus on Listen and Spot checks.
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