Buy me a coffeeEstemmenosuchus, The Crowned Brute of the Permian Swamps
“Discover the ‘Crowned Crocodile’: The Permian’s bizarre horned beast that blurred the line between reptile and mammal!”
A hulking, bull-sized beast with a barrel-shaped torso and sprawling limbs, Estemmenosuchus is unmistakable due to its massive skull adorned with moose-like antlers and cheekbone protrusions. Its thick, leathery hide bears a mottled pattern of dark browns and grays, aiding its camouflage in murky wetlands. The creature’s wide mouth houses formidable canines and incisors, hinting at its omnivorous diet.
Behavior
Primarily diurnal, Estemmenosuchus spends its days wallowing in swampy waters to regulate its body temperature. It emerges during dawn and dusk to forage, displaying both grazing and opportunistic scavenging behaviors. Males are notably territorial, engaging in head-to-head clashes using their cranial ornaments to assert dominance and secure mating rights.
Habitat
Estemmenosuchus thrives in the humid floodplains and dense wetlands of the Permian period, particularly in regions corresponding to modern-day Russia. It favors areas with abundant vegetation and shallow waters, which provide both sustenance and refuge from larger predators.
Modus Operandi
- Territorial Displays: Males engage in ritualistic combats, locking horns in displays of strength to deter rivals.
- Foraging: Utilizes its keen sense of smell to locate a variety of food sources, from tough plant matter to carrion.
- Defense Mechanisms: When threatened, it can deliver powerful charges, using its robust skull and horns to fend off attackers.
- Thermoregulation: Spends extended periods submerged in water, exposing only its nostrils, to maintain optimal body temperature.
Motivation
Driven by primal instincts, Estemmenosuchus seeks to dominate its territory, ensure reproductive success, and maintain its status within the swamp hierarchy. Its aggressive demeanor and formidable physique make it both a formidable foe and a subject of intrigue for any adventurer daring to traverse its domain.
Estemmenosuchus 5e
Estemmenosuchus 3.5
Estemmenosuchus
Large beast, unaligned
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 105 (10d10 + 50)
Speed 30 ft., swim 20 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (+5) | 9 (–1) | 20 (+5) | 2 (–4) | 12 (+1) | 6 (–2) |
Saving Throws Strength +8, Constitution +8
Skills Perception +3
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages —
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +3
Traits
Amphibious. The estemmenosuchus can breathe both air and water.
Trampling Charge. If the estemmenosuchus moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a gore attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the estemmenosuchus can make one stomp attack against it as a bonus action.
Thick Hide. The estemmenosuchus has advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Actions
Multiattack. The estemmenosuchus makes two attacks: one with its gore and one with its stomp.
Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage.
Stomp. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one prone target. Hit: 22 (3d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
Territorial Roar (Recharge 5–6). The estemmenosuchus emits a thunderous roar. Each creature within 30 feet that can hear it must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
Tactics
The estemmenosuchus is a territorial and aggressive creature, especially during mating seasons. It uses its Trampling Charge to knock down intruders and follows up with a devastating Stomp. When faced with multiple foes, it employs its Territorial Roar to intimidate and scatter opponents. Its amphibious nature allows it to retreat into water bodies when heavily injured, using the environment to its advantage.
A creature that appears to be quite clumsy, the beast waddles along the bank like an odd amalgamation of lizard and hippo. A pair notice each other and suddenly burst into action that was completely unexpected from such animals.
Originally Posted by Raptorial of the Wizards Community forums.
Large amphibious reptiles, estemmenosuchus are common in the same habitats as many of the other dinocephalians. It is always unexpected when one of these creatures goes from waddling along a river bank to bursting into action. Some races such can use them as beasts of burden but they are notoriously stubborn. The Handle Animal check DC to domesticate an estemmenosuchus is 21.
| Estemmenosuchus | |
| Large animal | |
| Hit Dice | 2d8+17 (26 hp) |
| Initiative | +3 (+3 Dexterity) |
| Speed | 10 ft. (2 squares), Swim 10 ft. (2 squares) |
| Armor Class | 15 (-1 size, +3 Dexterity, +3 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +1/+14 |
| Attack | Gore +9 melee (1d8 +9) |
| Full Attack | Gore +9 melee (1d8 +9) and slam +4 melee (1d6 +4) |
| Space/Reach | 10 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks | |
| Special Qualities | Low-Light Vision |
| Saves | Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +1 |
| Abilities | Strength 28, Dexterity 16, Constitution 25, Intelligence 2, Wisdom 13, Charisma 12 |
| Skills | Hide -1, Intimidate +4, Listen +3, Spot +1, Swim +9 |
| Feats | Run |
| Environment | Warm marshes or riverside forests |
| Organization | Solitary, pair, or herd (7-19) |
| Challenge Rating | 3 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always neutral |
| Advancement | 3-4 HD (Large); 5-6 HD (Huge) |
| Level Adjustment | – |