Buy me a coffeeMegafauna, Glyptodon
“Armor-Clad Behemoth Unearthed: Meet the Living Tank of Prehistoric Times – The Glyptodon!”
Appearance: The Glyptodon, a large armored creature from the prehistoric era, resembles a living fortress on four legs. Covered in bony plates, its back boasts a sturdy, domed shell reminiscent of a colossal armadillo, adorned with intricate patterns. Its face, equipped with a blunt snout, hides behind a formidable set of horns that protrude from its head. A massive tail, armed with sharp spikes, sways with a measured and purposeful grace.
Behavior: Despite its imposing appearance, the Glyptodon is a gentle giant, often content to graze on vegetation with a calm demeanor. Its heavily armored exterior serves as both a shield and a social space, as smaller creatures often seek refuge on its back. During mating season, males engage in slow but powerful clashes, their impressive shells acting as both weapons and defensive barriers.
Habitat: The Glyptodon thrives in open grasslands and scrublands, where its robust armor provides protection against predators. It often seeks out areas with ample vegetation for grazing and relies on water sources for hydration. The Glyptodon’s distinctive burrows, dug with its powerful claws, dot the landscape, offering shelter during rest or in times of danger.
Modus Operandi: The Glyptodon’s primary mode of operation is a slow and deliberate pace, utilizing its massive frame and armored shell to deter potential threats. In times of danger, it can withdraw into its shell, presenting an almost impenetrable barrier. When confronted, the Glyptodon employs its powerful tail and horns defensively, relying on intimidation rather than aggression.
Motivation: The Glyptodon’s motivation revolves around survival and the continuation of its species. Mating rituals and the establishment of territories are key aspects of its life, and it diligently safeguards its vulnerable young. While generally docile, the Glyptodon displays fierce determination in protecting its kin from predators, showcasing a deep instinct for the preservation of its kind in the vast tapestry of prehistoric life.
Glyptodon 5e
Glyptodon Pathfinder
Glyptodon Large beast, unaligned
Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 84 (8d10 + 40)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 10 (0) | 15 (+2) | 2 (-4) | 12 (+1) | 6 (-2) |
Charge. If the Glyptodon moves at least 20 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a ram attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 9 (2d8) bludgeoning damage.
Natural Armor. The Glyptodon’s thick bony plates provide it with a +2 bonus to its Armor Class.
Actions
Ram. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Tail Swipe. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. The target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Shell Defense. The Glyptodon withdraws into its shell as a bonus action, gaining a +4 bonus to its Armor Class until the start of its next turn. While in this defensive state, the Glyptodon cannot move.
Reactions
Impenetrable Shell. When the Glyptodon is targeted by a melee weapon attack, it can use its reaction to withdraw into its shell, gaining resistance to the triggering attack.
CR Level: 5
XP: 1,800
This armored creature has a bony, turtle-like shell from which protrude short limbs, a blunt head, and a short spiky tail.
Gylptodon CR 6
XP 2,400
N Large animal
Init +0; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +16
DEFENSE
AC 21, touch 9, flat-footed 21 (+12 natural, –1 size)
hp 67 (9d8+27)
Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +4
OFFENSE
Speed 20 ft.
Melee 2 claws +12 (1d10+7)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.
STATISTICS
Str 25, Dex 10, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6
Base Atk +6; CMB +14; CMD 24 (28 vs. trip)
Feats Endurance, Great Fortitude, Improved Bull Rush, Power Attack, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +16
Glyptodon Companions
Starting Statistics: Size Medium; Speed 20 ft.; AC +5 natural armor, Attack 2 claws (1d8); Ability Scores Str 13, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6; Special Qualities low-light vision, scent.
7th-Level Advancement: Size Large; AC +2 natural armor; Attack 2 claws (1d10); Ability Scores Str +8, Dex –2, Con +4.
ECOLOGY
Environment temperate plains
Organization solitary or pair
Treasure none
The glyptodon is often hunted for the value of its outer armor, made up of bony plates in turn composed of many smaller, knobby “scales.” The creature is quite capable of defending itself with swipes from its deadly claws, as its ill-tempered nature often urges it to do.
Section 15: Copyright Notice
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Bestiary 2, © 2010, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors Wolfgang Baur, Jason Bulmahn, Adam Daigle, Graeme Davis, Crystal Frasier, Joshua J. Frost, Tim Hitchcock, Brandon Hodge, James Jacobs, Steve Kenson, Hal MacLean, Martin Mason, Rob McCreary, Erik Mona, Jason Nelson, Patrick Renie, Sean K Reynolds, F. Wesley Schneider, Owen K.C. Stephens, James L. Sutter, Russ Taylor, and Greg A. Vaughan, based on material by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, and Skip Williams.