Buy me a coffee(Dinosaur) Cetiosaurus – The Titanic Lizard of the Floodplains
“Cetiosaurus – The Jurassic Herbivore That Dominates Floodplains with Towering Power and Ancient Majesty.”
A living monument of the Jurassic era, Cetiosaurus is a colossal herbivore whose immense bulk reshapes the land it treads, leaving forests trembling and riverbanks scarred by its passage. Towering over other creatures, this gentle giant is both awe-inspiring and deadly when provoked, making it a legendary presence in any prehistoric ecosystem or fantasy bestiary.
Appearance
Cetiosaurus is a gargantuan sauropod, reaching up to 50 feet in length, with a thick, barrel-shaped body and pillar-like legs that support its immense weight. Its relatively short, muscular tail swings with deliberate force, while a small, narrow head bears peg-like teeth perfect for stripping foliage. The leathery hide is mottled in muted greens and browns, camouflaging the creature among dense forests and riverbanks. Its sheer size commands awe and serves as a natural deterrent to predators.
Behaviour
Typically slow-moving and deliberate, Cetiosaurus grazes in herds, browsing treetops, cycads, and ferns. It is placid by nature but reacts with tremendous force when threatened, using its tail and bulk defensively. Herd cohesion and predictable routines dominate its behavior, reflecting both intelligence and instinctual caution.
Habitat
Cetiosaurus roams lush floodplains, forested river valleys, and fertile Jurassic landscapes. It prefers regions with abundant vegetation and stable ground capable of supporting its massive bulk, often remaining near water sources.
Modus Operandi
Primarily a herbivore, Cetiosaurus relies on size and reach rather than speed or aggression. Threats are countered through herd defense, stamping, and powerful tail swings. Engagement is rare unless provoked, but any confrontation is overwhelming due to sheer strength.
Motivation
Survival, nourishment, and herd protection drive Cetiosaurus. Its instincts favor stability, the pursuit of abundant vegetation, and maintaining the safety of its companions, while its colossal presence naturally dominates the surrounding landscape.
Cetiosaurus 5e 2024
Cetiosaurus, Pathfinder
Cetiosaurus 3.5
Cetiosaurus
Gargantuan beast, unaligned
A titanic sauropod of the Middle Jurassic, Cetiosaurus wanders floodplains and river valleys in herds. Peaceful and slow-moving, it feeds on cycads, ferns, and low-hanging conifers. Its enormous size and powerful tail make it a formidable defender of itself and its herd, though it avoids conflict whenever possible.
Armor Class: 14 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points: 200 (16d12 + 96)
Speed: 30 ft
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 (+6) | 8 (−1) | 22 (+6) | 2 (−4) | 12 (+1) | 6 (−2) |
Saving Throws: Str +11, Con +11
Skills: Perception +5, Survival +5
Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning from nonmagical weapons (except from Huge or larger creatures)
Damage Immunities: None
Condition Immunities: Frightened, Charmed
Senses: Passive Perception 15, Tremorsense 30 ft
Languages: —
Challenge: 8 (3,900 XP)
Traits
Colossal Presence. Any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of Cetiosaurus must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Herd Protector. Allies of equal size within 30 feet have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Actions
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 15 ft, one target. Hit: 21 (3d10 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
Trample. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft, one prone creature. Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) bludgeoning damage; target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Stamp (Recharge 5–6). Cetiosaurus stomps the ground in a 15-foot radius. Each creature of its choice must succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw or take 14 (4d6) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone.
Reactions
Defensive Sweep. When a creature moves within 10 feet of Cetiosaurus, it can make one tail attack.
Tactics
Cetiosaurus avoids combat unless threatened. In battle, it uses Tail, Trample, and Stamp attacks to protect itself and its herd. Herd behavior allows it to coordinate movement and create defensive formations, deterring predators with sheer bulk. Its focus is always defense, crowd control, and survival rather than aggression.
Cetiosaurus
Colossal Jurassic herbivore; Unaligned
A titanic sauropod of the Middle Jurassic, Cetiosaurus roams floodplains and river valleys in herds. Peaceful and slow-moving, it feeds on cycads, ferns, and low-hanging conifers. Its enormous size and powerful tail make it a formidable defender of itself and its companions, though it avoids combat whenever possible.
CR: 8
XP: 4,800
N: Gargantuan
Init: −1
Senses: Perception +5; Tremorsense 30 ft.
Aura: Colossal Presence (10 ft.)
Defense
AC: 19, touch 9, flat-footed 19 (−1 Dex, +10 natural)
HP: 200 (16d8+128)
Fort: +14, Ref: +2, Will: +5
Defensive Abilities: Herd Protector
DR: 5/bludgeoning (nonmagical weapons)
Immune: Charm, Fear
Offense
Speed: 30 ft.
Melee Attacks:
- Tail +17 (3d8+6 bludgeoning)
- Trample +17 (2d10+6 bludgeoning, DC 16 Strength, prone)
Special Attacks: - Stamp (Ex) 15-ft. radius, 4d6 bludgeoning, DC 16 Reflex save, Recharge 5–6
Spell-Like Abilities: None
Statistics
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 (+6) | 8 (−1) | 22 (+6) | 2 (−4) | 12 (+1) | 6 (−2) |
Base Atk: +12; CMB: +17; CMD: 28
Feats: Improved Bull Rush, Improved Overrun, Power Attack, Step Up
Skills: Perception +5, Survival +5
Special Abilities
Colossal Presence (Su): Any creature starting its turn within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 16 Strength check or be knocked prone.
Herd Protector (Ex): Allies of equal size within 30 feet gain a +2 morale bonus on saving throws against fear effects.
Trample (Ex): Cetiosaurus can move through the space of smaller creatures during a charge. Target must make a DC 16 Strength save or be knocked prone and take damage as listed.
Stamp (Ex) (Recharge 5–6): Cetiosaurus stomps the ground in a 15-ft. radius. Each creature of its choice must succeed on a DC 16 Reflex save or take 4d6 bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone.
Combat
Cetiosaurus is a defensive powerhouse, avoiding unnecessary aggression. It relies on Trample and Tail attacks to control space and protect the herd, using Stamp to disrupt clusters of threats. Cetiosaurus leverages herd coordination, size, and positioning, focusing on survival and battlefield disruption rather than pursuit or direct offense.
Ecology
Environment: Floodplains, river valleys, and lush Jurassic forests.
Organization: Solitary or herd (2–6)
Treasure: None
Cetiosaurus
This massive quadruped has a powerful tail, a long neck, and a sloping back.
Originally Posted by Shade of the En World forums.
Cetiosaurs are a species of primitive sauropods that live on beaches and islands.
A cetiosaurus is about 50 feet long and 55,000 pounds, small for a sauropod. They are beachcombers, and their small size might be indicative of a less nourishing diet or reduced risk of predation. They live solitary lives, and most only see other cetiosaurs to mate.
| Dinosaur, Cetiosaurus | |
| Gargantuan animal | |
| Hit Dice | 15d8+78 (145 hp) |
| Initiative | +0 |
| Speed | 30 ft. (6 squares) |
| Armor Class | 16 (-4 size, +10 natural), touch 6, flat-footed 16 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +11/+30 |
| Attack | Tail slam +14 melee (2d8+10) |
| Full Attack | Tail slam +14 melee (2d8+10) |
| Space/Reach | 20 ft./20 ft. |
| Special Attacks | Trample |
| Special Qualities | Low-Light Vision, Scent |
| Saves | Fort +16, Ref +11, Will +9 |
| Abilities | Strength 24, Dexterity 11, Constitution 20, Intelligence 1, Wisdom 15, Charisma 10 |
| Skills | Listen +10, Spot +10, Swim +21 |
| Feats | Alertness, Endurance, Great Fortitude, Iron Will, lightning reflexes, Toughness |
| Environment | Warm plains and forest (islands) |
| Organization | Solitary or pair |
| Challenge Rating | 7 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always neutral |
| Advancement | 16-30 HD (Gargantuan), 31-45 HD (Colossal) |
| Level Adjustment | – |
COMBAT
Cetiosaurs use their tails if threatened like their larger kin, and like them can merely crush smaller creatures in their path.
Trample (Ex): A cetiosaurus can literally run over any creatures in its way that are of Huge or smaller size. Creatures trampled must make a Reflex save (DC 24 half) or take 4d8+10 damage. The save DC is Strength-based.
Skills: Cetiosaurs have a +8 racial bonus on Swim checks.
Originally appeared in Monstrous Compendium Volume Three: Forgotten Realms Appendix (1989).