Dinosaur, Scelidosaurus

Originally Posted by InsanePsychoRabbit of the Wizards Community forums.

On this Thread

This dinosaur walks on four legs. It has several rows of large bony scales running down its back. Some of these run all the way to the tip of its long tail, making the tail into an effective weapon.

Scelidosaurus is one of the earliest representatives of the thyreophorans, the group to which both ankylosaurs and stegosaurs belong. Called “walking scale mail” by locals, scelidosaurs are relatively tame and can be trained as mounts or as beasts of burden.

Scelidosaurus is about 13 feet long from nose to tail, weighing 440-550 pounds.

Dinosaur, Scelidosaurus
Large animal
Hit Dice	4d8+8 (26 hp)
Initiative	+0
Speed	30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class	15 (-1 size, +6 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 15
Base Attack/Grapple	+3/+9
Attack	Tail slap +5 melee (1d8+3)
Full Attack	Tail slap +5 melee (1d8+3)
Space/Reach	10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks	–
Special Qualities	Low-Light Vision
Saves	Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +2
Abilities	Strength 15, Dexterity 10, Constitution 15, Intelligence 2, Wisdom 13, Charisma 4
Skills	Listen +5, Spot +4
Feats	Endurance, Weapon Focus (tail slap)
Environment	Warm plains
Organization	Solitary or pair
Challenge Rating	2
Treasure	None
Alignment	Always neutral
Advancement	5-8 HD (Large), 9-12 HD (Huge)

Combat

Scelidosaurus relies on its bony scutes to protect it from predators like Dilophosaurus. If pushed into combat, it will lash out with its strong tail.

Scelidosaurus as Animal Companions

Scelidosaurus can be taken as an animal companion by a druid of at least 4th level. A scelidosaurus can be reared from infancy with a DC 18 Handle Animal check.