Buy me a coffee(Dinosaur) “Tuojiangosaurus, the Plated Sentinel”
“With razor-sharp tail spikes and a fortress of plates, the Tuojiangosaurus turns its back—and your party—into prehistoric wreckage!”
A living bastion of bone and muscle, the Tuojiangosaurus is a quadrupedal colossus armored in a dual row of jagged, triangular plates running from its neck to the base of its massive tail. The beast’s skin is coarse and mottled with earthen hues, camouflaging it amid rocky terrain and coniferous forests. Its long tail ends in two sets of double-pronged spikes—polished by use and gleaming with sap and gore. Small, narrow eyes set in a low-slung skull betray no emotion—only the cold, herbivorous patience of a creature that survives through sheer durability.
Behaviour
The Tuojiangosaurus is a solitary, deliberate wanderer—slow to anger, slower to flee. It grazes methodically, maintaining a wary awareness of its surroundings. Though herbivorous, it will defend its territory with shocking aggression. Once provoked, it turns sideways to display its full armament before launching into a brutal tail-swinging assault. These defensive maneuvers are not random—they are calculated, precise, and often fatal.
Habitat
Tuojiangosaurus inhabits subtropical lowland valleys and prehistoric floodplains, favoring areas with dense cycads, ferns, and shallow water sources. Its stony coloration allows it to blend into mist-laden ridgelines and eroded riverbeds. Though now rare, ancient groves and fossil-rich basins may still shelter a clutch of these thunderous relics.
Modus Operandi
When threatened, a Tuojiangosaurus will attempt to place its heavily armored side toward the aggressor, standing its ground unless outnumbered. It circles with measured steps, keeping predators within range of its muscular, mace-like tail. Against lightly armored foes, it uses the full force of its thagomizer in sweeping arcs, aiming to maim or crush limbs. Once one foe is down, it often roars and charges, not retreating until the threat is obliterated or far beyond reach.
Motivation
Unlike most beasts, Tuojiangosaurus does not flee to survive—it endures. It is driven by territorial instinct, protective memory, and the unshakable will to persist. Some druids claim that ancient spirits of the land live on in these creatures, making them nature’s blunt instruments of wrath. They do not hunger for battle—but once drawn into one, they become the storm that clears the field.
Tuojiangosaurus 5e
Tuojiangosaurus Pathfinder
Tuojiangosaurus 3.5
Tuojiangosaurus
Huge Beast, Unaligned
Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 142 (15d12 + 45)
Speed 40 ft.
“A forest ridge suddenly shifts. Leaves fall from its armored back, and then it turns—its tail whistling through the air like a scythe.”
Ability Scores
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 (+5) | 10 (+0) | 17 (+3) | 2 (−4) | 13 (+1) | 6 (−2) |
Saving Throws Con +7, Wis +4
Skills Perception +4, Survival +3
Senses Passive Perception 14
Languages —
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +3
Traits
Armored Flank.
Any creature that targets the Tuojiangosaurus with a melee attack while within 5 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 7 (2d6) slashing damage from its side plates as it reflexively pivots.
Steadfast Titan.
The Tuojiangosaurus has advantage on Strength and Constitution saving throws against being pushed, knocked prone, or moved against its will.
Tail Sense.
The Tuojiangosaurus can’t be surprised while conscious and has advantage on opportunity attacks against creatures behind it. It also has blindsight out to 10 feet.
Actions
Multiattack.
The Tuojiangosaurus makes two attacks: one with its Tail Swipe and one with Trample Stomp if a creature is within 5 feet of it.
Tail Swipe. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target.
Hit: 22 (3d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
If the target is a Large or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Trample Stomp. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one prone creature.
Hit: 19 (3d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
If the target is prone, the attack deals an additional 9 (2d8) bludgeoning damage.
Defensive Turn (Recharge 5–6).
The Tuojiangosaurus spins in place, sweeping all creatures within 10 feet. Each creature must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 15 (4d6 + 1) slashing damage, be pushed 10 feet away, and be knocked prone. A successful save halves the damage and prevents the push and knockdown.
Tactics
- The Tuojiangosaurus defends its territory rather than chasing prey.
- It uses Tail Swipe to knock down enemies and Trample Stomp to finish them.
- Defensive Turn is triggered when the creature is surrounded or heavily wounded.
Ecology
Habitat. Prehistoric forests, marshy floodplains, and deep river valleys.
Behavior. Solitary and territorial. Grazes slowly but reacts violently to threats.
Lore. Some druids believe its bony plates carry ancient geomantic sigils. It is seen as a guardian of sacred lands, immune to time and fear alike.
Tuojiangosaurus
Huge Animal
Hit Dice: 10d8+70 (115 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 20 (–2 size, +1 Dex, +11 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 19
Base Attack/Grapple: +7/+20
Attack: Tail slap +12 melee (2d8+9 plus knockdown)
Full Attack: Tail slap +12 melee (2d8+9 plus knockdown), and stomp +7 melee (2d6+4)
Space/Reach: 15 ft./10 ft. (15 ft. with tail slap)
Special Attacks: Tail sweep, trample (2d8+9, DC 22), defensive spin
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent, armored flank, stability
Saves: Fort +14, Ref +8, Will +5
Abilities: Str 28, Dex 13, Con 25, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +6, Spot +6, Survival +6
Feats: Power Attack, Improved Bull Rush, Awesome Blow, Iron Will
Environment: Warm plains, forests, floodplains
Organization: Solitary or herd (2–6)
Challenge Rating: 7
Treasure: None
Alignment: Always neutral
Advancement: 11–16 HD (Huge); 17–25 HD (Gargantuan)
Level Adjustment: —
Combat
The Tuojiangosaurus is a territorial herbivore that uses its heavy tail and armored body to keep predators at bay. Its tail can knock multiple opponents down at once, and its powerful spin can drive off even persistent attackers.
Armored Flank (Ex):
Its tall bony plates extend in double rows along its back and sides. Any creature that flanks or attacks the Tuojiangosaurus from its sides (within 5 ft.) takes 1d6 points of slashing damage once per round, per attacker, as the plates catch weapons or limbs. This does not require an action or attack roll.
Stability (Ex):
Due to its wide stance and low center of gravity, the Tuojiangosaurus gains a +8 bonus on checks to resist bull rush or trip attempts when standing on the ground.
Tail Sweep (Ex):
Once per round as a standard action, the Tuojiangosaurus can swing its tail in a 15-foot cone behind it.
- Creatures in the area must make a DC 22 Reflex save or take 2d8+9 bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone.
- A successful save halves the damage and negates the prone condition.
- The save DC is Strength-based.
Trample (Ex):
As a full-round action, the Tuojiangosaurus can move up to twice its speed and trample creatures of Large size or smaller.
- Trample damage is 2d8+9.
- Trampled creatures can make a DC 22 Reflex save for half damage.
- The save DC is Strength-based.
Defensive Spin (Ex): (Recharge 1d4 rounds)
The Tuojiangosaurus can pivot rapidly in place to clear space. As a full-round action, it spins, lashing out with its tail in all directions.
- All creatures within 10 feet must make a DC 20 Reflex save or take 4d6+6 slashing and bludgeoning damage, be knocked prone, and pushed 5 feet away.
- A successful save halves the damage and negates the knockback and knockdown.
- This action does not provoke attacks of opportunity.
Tactics
- Opening: Starts combat by positioning defensively, using Tail Sweep to knock down clustered foes.
- Follow-up: Uses Trample or Awesome Blow to break melee lines.
- Surrounded: Activates Defensive Spin to clear adjacent threats.
- Morale: Fights defensively; flees if reduced to fewer than 20 hit points unless protecting a nest.
Lore
A DC 20 Knowledge (nature) check reveals:
“This plated dinosaur is no passive grazer. The Tuojiangosaurus guards its habitat with terrifying force. Its twin rows of spikes and massive tail can devastate predators or intruders alike. Though herbivorous, it reacts to threats faster than most predators and fights with unshakable resolve.”
Tuojiangosaurus
CR 6
XP 2,400
N Huge animal
Init +1; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +10
Defense
AC 19, touch 9, flat-footed 18 (+1 Dex, +10 natural, –2 size)
hp 85 (9d8+45)
Fort +11, Ref +7, Will +4
Immune trip
Offense
Speed 40 ft.
Melee tail sweep +14 (2d10+9 plus trip), stomp +14 (2d6+9)
Space 15 ft.; Reach 10 ft. (15 ft. with tail sweep)
Special Attacks trample (2d8+9, DC 21), defensive spin (see below)
Statistics
Str 23, Dex 13, Con 20, Int 1, Wis 13, Cha 6
Base Atk +6; CMB +14 (+18 bull rush); CMD 26 (can’t be tripped)
Feats Awesome Blow, Power Attack, Toughness, Iron Will, Improved Bull Rush
Skills Perception +10, Survival +6
Racial Modifiers +4 Perception
SQ armored flank, stability
Ecology
Environment warm forests and floodplains
Organization solitary or herd (2–6)
Treasure none
Special Abilities
Armored Flank (Ex):
The Tuojiangosaurus is protected by dense bony plates along its sides. Creatures flanking it or attacking from its side take 1d6 points of piercing damage as the plates tear at weapons or claws. This counts as an attack of opportunity but does not expend one.
Defensive Spin (Ex):
Once every 1d4 rounds, a Tuojiangosaurus can make a full-round action to spin in place, lashing out in all directions with its spiked tail. All creatures within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 19 Reflex save or take 3d6+9 bludgeoning and slashing damage and be knocked prone. The save DC is Constitution-based.
Stability (Ex):
The Tuojiangosaurus gains a +4 racial bonus to its CMD when resisting a bull rush or trip attempt while standing on the ground.
Description
The Tuojiangosaurus is a massive, low-slung quadruped armored with two rows of tall, jagged plates and a muscular tail ending in deadly spikes. Though herbivorous, it is fiercely territorial and known to decimate predators—or foolish adventurers—that wander too close. It uses its plated flanks and sweeping tail not just for defense, but as natural weapons refined by eons of evolution.
Ancient druids and nature-worshiping tribes revere the Tuojiangosaurus as a living ward of the wilds. Some believe these creatures carry the memory of the earth in their bones, standing vigil over forgotten places long buried in time.