Dicynodont, Lystrosaurus

This creature resembles a melding of pig and lizard, with a thick, barrel-like body and splayed legs. Its forelimbs look particularly strong. Its head is large but short, with high-set eyes and a hooked beak with two fangs situated directly behind it.

Originally Posted by Shade of the En World forums.
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Lystrosaurus is a dicynodont, an herbivorous therapsid (“mammal-like reptile”).Dicynodonts are characterized by their parrot-like beaks, two tusks in the upper jaw, and barrel-shaped bodies with splayed legs. Lystrosaurus is a common, representative of the dicynodont lineage. They sleep in simple burrows during the day. Around sundown, lystrosauruses emerge from their burrows, congregating in large groups to protect their young from predators.

At dawn, the herds disperse, and individuals return to their burrows. When food becomes scarce, lystrosauruses dig for roots and ground water using their powerful forelimbs. Lystrosaurus is heavy for its size, being about 3 feet long and weighing around 200 pounds.

Dinosaur, Lystrosaurus 5e Stat Block
Lystrosaurus 3.5 Stat Block

Dinosaur, Lystrosaurus

This creature, roughly the size of a hog, roots in the soil with tusks pointing downward from its upper jaw. The middle joints of its forelimbs point outward, like a lizard, and its thick, gray hide is sparsely covered with wiry hair down its back to its stubby tail. It makes a grunting, muttering sound to itself.

Family: Dinosaurs

Medium beast, unaligned

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 45 (6d8 + 18)
Speed 30 ft., burrow 5 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	10 (+0)	16 (+3)	2 (-4)	9 (-1)	6 (-2)

Skills Athletics +5, Perception +3 Saving Throws Constitution +5, Wisdom +1
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages –
Challenge 2 (450 XP)

Special Traits

Headbutt. If the lystrosaurus moves at least 10 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a ram attack on the same turn, the target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the lystrosaurus can make one bite attack against it immediately as a bonus action.

Actions

Ram. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (3d6 + 3) piercing damage.

About

Often used as guard animals by kobolds in warmer climes, the lystrosaurus has a reputation as a sturdy and self-sufficient companion. When not working in some capacity, it rips up vegetation and masticates the day away. At night, it digs shallow burrows in the ground to sleep, which are occasionally expanded upon by its masters.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Dicynodont, Lystrosaurus
Medium animal
Hit Dice	5d8+15 (37 hp)
Initiative	+0
Speed	20 ft. (4 squares)
Armor Class	14 (+4 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 14
Base Attack/Grapple	+3/+5
Attack	Bite +5 melee (1d6+3)
Full Attack	Bite +5 melee (1d6+3)
Space/Reach	5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks	—
Special Qualities	Low-Light Vision, Scent
Saves	Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +2
Abilities	Strength 14, Dexterity 10, Constitution 17, Intelligence 2, Wisdom 12, Charisma 4
Skills	Listen +6, Spot +6, Survival +3
Feats	Alertness, Endurance
Environment	Temperate or warm land
Organization	Solitary, pair, or herd (5-20)
Challenge Rating	2
Treasure	None
Alignment	Always neutral
Advancement	6-8 HD (Medium)
Level Adjustment	–

COMBAT

Adult lystrosauruses have few natural predators due to their size (they are large for dicynodonts), though Small predators such as the cynognathus may take young lystrosauruses. Adults ignore Small or smaller creatures unless attacked by one, retaliating by biting. If a lone lystrosaurus is threatened by a Medium or larger creature, however, it will flee back to its burrow, but will bite as a last resort.

Originally appeared as “dicynodont” in Dragon Magazine #112 (1986).

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Dicynodont, Lystrosaurus

Dinosaur, Lystrosaurus

COMBAT