Buy me a coffeeArctognathus
“Arctognathus: The Prehistoric Apex Predator That Time Forgot!”
Arctognathus, a fearsome apex predator of the prehistoric world, is a creature that roams the primeval landscapes. Its formidable presence is marked by a sleek, muscular body, covered in a mosaic of scales reminiscent of ancient armor. These scales are primarily dark, providing effective camouflage in the dense, primeval forests where it hunts.
The creature stands at an imposing height, with powerful limbs designed for both agility and strength. Its long, serrated teeth are an indication of its carnivorous nature, perfectly adapted for seizing and rending prey. Arctognathus possesses keen, predatory eyes that continually scan its surroundings, and its sense of smell is highly developed, enabling it to detect the faintest traces of potential prey.
Arctognathus, an embodiment of prehistoric might, is a master of stealth, often blending seamlessly with its lush, verdant surroundings. In the primeval world, it is a dominant force in the food chain, a relentless hunter that strikes with swift and calculated precision.
Arctognathus 5e
Arctognathus 3.5
Arctognathus
Large Beast, Unaligned
Armor Class 15 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 84 (8d10 + 40)
Speed 50 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (+5) | 16 (+3) | 20 (+5) | 2 (-4) | 14 (+2) | 7 (-2) |
Skills Stealth +6, Perception +4
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Understands Draconic but can’t speak
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Keen Smell. Arctognathus has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Multiattack. Arctognathus can make two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.
- Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage.
- Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage.
Pounce. If Arctognathus moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, Arctognathus can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.
Ambusher. Arctognathus has advantage on attack rolls against any creature it has surprised.
Actions
Frightful Roar (Recharge 5-6). Each creature of Arctognathus’s choice that is within 60 feet of it and aware of it must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become 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.
Camouflage. Arctognathus can use its surroundings to blend into its environment, gaining advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks when it remains still and hidden in foliage.
Traits
Natural Camouflage. Arctognathus has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made in its natural habitat.
This creature resembles both a mammal and a reptile. Its long skull sports a massive maw with saberlike canine teeth. Its muscular frame sits atop pillarlike legs, and a thick tail lashes behind it.
Originally Posted by Shade of the En World forums.
An arctognathus is a mid-sized gorgonopsian, a group of carnivorous therapsids that predated the dinosaurs. As large as a man, arctognathus was able to bring down prey larger than itself with its deadly, saberlike incisors. Its keen sense of smell allows it to easily Track prey over long distances.
An arctognathus is 5 to 6 feet long, weighing around 200 pounds.
| Gorgonopsid, Arctognathus | |
| Medium animal | |
| Hit Dice | 4d8+8 (26 hp) |
| Initiative | +2 |
| Speed | 40 ft. (8 squares) |
| Armor Class | 15 (+2 Dexterity, +5 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 14 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +3/+7 |
| Attack | Bite +7 melee (1d6+6/19-20×3) |
| Full Attack | Bite +7 melee (1d6+6/19-20×3) |
| Space/Reach | 5 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks | Augmented critical, tear fallen +1d6, trip |
| Special Qualities | Low-Light Vision, Scent |
| Saves | Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +2 |
| Abilities | Strength 19, Dexterity 15, Constitution 15, Intelligence 2, Wisdom 13, Charisma 6 |
| Skills | Hide +7, Jump +8, Listen +5, Move Silently +7, Spot +5, Survival +4 |
| Feats | Alertness, Track |
| Environment | Warm plains |
| Organization | Solitary, pair, or pack (3-4) |
| Challenge Rating | 3 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always neutral |
| Advancement | 5-8 HD (Medium) |
| Level Adjustment | — |
COMBAT
An arctognathus attempts to sink its saber-like teeth into prey, drag it to the ground, and tear it to shreds.
Augmented Critical (Ex): The saber teeth of an arctognathus strike with deadly precision. An arctognathus’s bite attack threatens a critical hit on a roll of 19-20 and deals x3 damage on a successful critical hit.
Tear Fallen (Ex): An arctognathus can deal an addition +1d6 points of damage to a prone opponent.
Trip (Ex): An arctognathus that hits with a bite attack can attempt to make a trip check (+4 modifier) as a free action without making a touch attack or provoking an attack of opportunity. If the attack fails, the opponent cannot react to trip the arctognathus.
Skills: An arctognathus gains a +4 racial bonus on all Hide and Move Silently checks.
Originally appeared as “giant therapsid” in Dragon Magazine #176 (1991).