Buy me a coffeeSaltasaurus (Dinosaur)
“Think all sauropods were gentle giants? Meet Saltasaurus—the armored tank of the Cretaceous jungle!”
This squat, heavily built sauropod spans nearly 40 feet nose to tail, its body cloaked in mottled green-grey hide studded with pebble-like osteoderms and larger bony nodules across its back and flanks. Its thick tail sways like a battering ram, and its wide-set legs churn the earth with every deliberate step. Despite its size, it moves with surprising coordination and awareness.
Behaviour
Saltasaurus is a social herbivore, moving in tightly organized herds of up to two dozen individuals. It is calm, vigilant, and slow to react—but once provoked, it becomes a wall of armored muscle and bone. Adults position themselves around the young when threatened, and coordinated stomps create rhythmic shockwaves to disorient predators. It communicates through low-frequency rumbles that can travel for miles underground.
Habitat
Native to semi-arid plains, seasonal flood basins, and ancient dry forests, Saltasaurus thrives in regions where vegetation grows low and dense. It prefers areas with both open grazing and defensible terrain such as rocky outcrops or riverbanks. During dry seasons, it may migrate great distances, following ancient instinctual trails etched into the land.
Modus Operandi
Saltasaurus feeds low to the ground, stripping shrubs, ferns, and tough cycads with peg-like teeth. When faced with danger, it does not flee unless isolated. Instead, it relies on a defensive formation, with the herd forming a perimeter and using tail lashes, tramples, and even shoulder-checks to crush or drive off attackers. Lone predators may be stomped into paste before the creature even notices.
Motivation
Saltasaurus is driven by herd protection and resource stability. It seeks safety in numbers and fertile foraging grounds. Though not aggressive, it becomes a relentless force of survival when its kin are endangered. Travelers who learn to move slowly, stay low, and avoid splitting the herd will find Saltasaurus indifferent. Those who spook it may witness firsthand the fury of a defensive juggernaut.
Saltasaurus 5e
Saltasaurus 3.5
Saltasaurus
Huge Beast, Unaligned
Armor Class 17 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 168 (16d12 + 64)
Speed 40 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 (+5) | 10 (+0) | 19 (+4) | 2 (−4) | 14 (+2) | 6 (−2) |
Saving Throws Con +7, Wis +5
Skills Perception +5, Survival +5
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing (from nonmagical attacks)
Senses passive Perception 15
Languages —
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +3
Proficiency Dice 1d8
Traits
Armored Bulk.
The Saltasaurus’s hide is embedded with thick dermal armor plates. It has resistance to nonmagical bludgeoning and piercing damage. In addition, it has advantage on saving throws against being knocked prone or shoved.
Herd Instinct.
While within 30 feet of at least one other Saltasaurus or Beast ally, the Saltasaurus has advantage on Wisdom saving throws and cannot be surprised.
Seismic Stomp (Recharge 5–6).
The Saltasaurus slams its front limbs into the ground. Each creature within 15 feet must make a DC 15 Strength saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success. Creatures that fail the save are also knocked prone. Structures in this area take double damage.
Trample Momentum.
If the Saltasaurus moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and hits it with a Slam attack on the same turn, the target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the Saltasaurus may make one Stomp attack against it as a bonus action.
Actions
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 21 (3d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
Stomp. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one prone target.
Hit: 27 (4d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of its next turn.
Tail Sweep. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target.
Hit: 18 (2d12 + 5) bludgeoning damage. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or be pushed 10 feet and knocked prone.
Tactics
The Saltasaurus opens combat with Seismic Stomp to destabilize attackers, then uses Slam and Tail Sweep to control its immediate area. It will not pursue distant enemies, instead focusing on protecting allies or herd members. When fighting in groups, Saltasauruses use stomp attacks in coordination to keep enemies on the ground.
Optional Variant: Saltasaurus Matron (CR 10)
- Legendary Actions (3/turn): The matron can take one of the following actions at the end of another creature’s turn: Stomp, Tail Sweep, or Detect.
- Ancient Resonance (1/day): The matron casts earthquake (DC 16) centered on herself without requiring material components.
Saltasaurus
Originally Posted by Bhu of the Wizards Community forums.
On this Thread
Saltasaurus Small among sauropods, though still heavy by the standards of domestic creatures. Characterized by a short neck and stubby limbs. It possesses armour of bony plates embedded in its skin.
| Saltasaurus | |
| Huge animal | |
| Hit Dice | 18d8+108 (189 hp) |
| Initiative | -1 |
| Speed | 40 ft. (8 squares) |
| Armor Class | 20 (-2 Size, -1 Dexterity, +13 natural), touch 7, flat-footed 20 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +13/+31 |
| Attack | Tail Slap +21 melee (3d6+15) |
| Full Attack | Tail Slap +21 melee (3d6+15) |
| Space/Reach | 15 ft./10 ft. |
| Special Attacks | Trample (4d8+20) |
| Special Qualities | Low Light Vision, Scent |
| Saves | Fort +11, Ref +10, Will +7 |
| Abilities | Strength 30, Dexterity 8, Constitution 20, Intelligence 2, Wisdom 12, Charisma 7 |
| Skills | Listen +11, Spot +12 |
| Feats | Alertness, Brutal Strike, Improved Natural Attack (Tail Slap), Improved Toughness, Power Attack, Power Critical (Tail Slap)Weapon Focus (Tail Slap) |
| Environment | Warm Forest or Marsh |
| Organization | Solitary, Pair, or Herd (6-18) |
| Challenge Rating | 9 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always Neutral |
| Advancement | 19-36 HD (Huge), 37-54 HD (Gargantuan) |
| Level Adjustment | — |
Trample (Ex): DC 29 Reflex Save for half damage (Save DC is Strength Based).