Buy me a coffee(Dinosaur) Massopondylus
“Meet the Jurassic Giant: Unveiling the Majestic Massospondylus, the Prehistoric Wonder that Roamed Earth’s Lost World!”
Appearance: The Massospondylus stands as a prehistoric marvel, adorned in hues of earthy browns and greens that seamlessly blend with the lush fern-covered landscapes of its domain. With a graceful, elongated neck leading to a small, triangular head, it boasts expressive eyes that seem to convey a mixture of curiosity and caution. Its body, supported by strong, pillar-like legs, is covered in a mosaic of sturdy scales and intricate osteoderms, providing both protection and a remarkable display of ancient craftsmanship.
Behavior: Observe the Massospondylus in its daily rituals, gracefully navigating the terrain with a mesmerizing blend of agile movement and deliberate steps. Despite its imposing stature, this herbivore exudes a gentle demeanor, often engaging in communal activities with fellow members of its species. A captivating display unfolds as they engage in intricate courtship rituals and communal herbivorous banquets, symbolizing a harmonious existence in this primeval paradise.
Habitat: Wander through the towering fern forests and lush riverbanks to witness the Massospondylus in its natural habitat. It thrives in the heart of this lost world, finding refuge in the dense vegetation and near water sources. The air is filled with the distant echoes of its calls, a symphony that resonates through the ancient landscape, creating an acoustic tapestry that binds the community of these colossal creatures.
Modus Operandi: The Massospondylus conducts its daily affairs with a rhythmic precision, foraging for vegetation with a methodical grace that belies its massive size. Witness the synchronized movements as they graze in unison, employing their long necks to reach the verdant canopy. In the face of potential threats, the herd adopts a coordinated defensive posture, a testament to the well-honed instincts that have allowed these majestic beings to endure the challenges of their primordial world.
Motivation: Embedded in the essence of the Massospondylus is a primal motivation—to thrive and perpetuate the legacy of its kind. As they navigate their existence in this lost world, the overarching goal is the survival of the species. This motivation manifests in the elaborate courtship dances, the careful rearing of offspring, and the communal vigilance that safeguards the herd from the ever-present specter of ancient predators. In the heart of this prehistoric realm, the Massospondylus stands as a testament to the indomitable will of life, eternally striving to endure amidst the breathtaking beauty of its lost world.
Massopondylus 5e
Massopondylus 3.5
Massospondylus
Large Beast, Unaligned
Armor Class 14 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 84 (8d10 + 40)
Speed 40 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (+5) | 12 (+1) | 20 (+5) | 2 (-4) | 12 (+1) | 7 (-2) |
Skills Perception +3
Senses Passive Perception 13
Languages —
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Keen Sight. The Massospondylus has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Trample. If the Massospondylus 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 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the Massospondylus can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The Massospondylus makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its tail.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.
Tail Swipe. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., all creatures in a 10-foot cube. Hit: 16 (2d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage. Each creature in the area must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be pushed 10 feet away from the Massospondylus.
REACTIONS
Defensive Stance. When the Massospondylus is hit by a melee attack, it can use its reaction to impose disadvantage on the attacker’s next attack roll.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
The Massospondylus can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The Massospondylus regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Move. It moves up to half its speed.
Gore. The Massospondylus makes one bite attack.
Roar (Costs 2 Actions). All creatures within 30 feet of the Massospondylus that can hear it must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the Massospondylus’s Roar for the next 24 hours.
This sauropod is about the size of a horse, but with a long tail and neck. Its head is broad with peg-like teeth, and its forelimbs are tipped with large claws.
Originally Posted by Shade of the En World forums.
Massopondylus are a type of prosauropod, a primitive relative of such mighty animals as the brachiosaurus and seismosaurus. Unlike most sauropods, they move about bipedally.
Massopondylus hatchlings lack teeth and move about quadrupedally, leaving them relatively helpless. As a result, the mother often cares for the young for a year or more, another unusual trait for a sauropod.
The Massopondylus ranges in length from 10 to 15 feet long. They live in dry areas and eat predominately plants, but are omnivorous and not adverse to occasionally catching and killing their food. They are territorial, and rarely see each other unless to mate or fight.
| Dinosaur, Massospondylus | |
| Large animal | |
| Hit Dice | 5d8+15 (37 hp) |
| Initiative | +1 |
| Speed | 30 ft. (6 squares) |
| Armor Class | 14 (-1 size, +1 Dexterity, +4 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 13 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +3/+11 |
| Attack | Claw +7 melee (1d8+4) |
| Full Attack | 2 claws +7 melee (1d8+4), bite +5 melee (1d4+2) |
| Space/Reach | 10 ft./5 ft. (10 ft. with bite) |
| Special Qualities | Arid adaptation, Low-Light Vision, Scent |
| Saves | Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2 |
| Abilities | Strength 19, Dexterity 12, Constitution 16, Intelligence 1, Wisdom 12, Charisma 7 |
| Skills | Listen +7, Spot +7 |
| Feats | Alertness, Multiattack |
| Environment | Warm deserts and plains |
| Organization | Solitary |
| Challenge Rating | 3 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always neutral |
| Advancement | 6-10 HD (Large), 11-15 HD (Huge) |
| Level Adjustment | – |
COMBAT
When threatened or hungry, a massospondylus rears onto its back legs and fights with its teeth and claws. They rarely attack anything of human size, however, unless starved or in defense.
Arid Adaptation (Ex): A massospondylus does not need to make Fortitude saves to avoid taking nonlethal damage in conditions between 90 degrees and 110 degrees. In conditions of severe heat (above 110 degrees) it must make Fortitude saves like any other creature, but gains a +4 racial bonus on this save. (see Heat Dangers in the DMG).
Additionally, a massospondylus needs to drink only one-quarter the normal amount of water per day require for a creature of its size.
Originally appeared in Monstrous Compendium Volume Three: Forgotten Realms Appendix (1989).