Cynodont, Diademodon

This creature somewhat resembles a huge boar, but it has a more primitive aspect. Its squat, barrel-shaped body bears a coat of fur, and a pair of fangs is just visible poking out of its mouth.

Originally Posted by Shade of the En World forums.  

On this Thread  

Diademodon is a cynodont, one of the more advanced forms of therapsid (“mammal-like reptile”). Living just before the rise of the first dinosaurs, this cynodont was a hardy nocturnal herbivore. It roams semi-arid scrublands looking for food.   Diademodon was large for a cynodont, with individuals often growing to the size of a small cow, weighing up to 1,000 pounds.  

Cynodont, Diademodon
Large animal
Hit Dice	7d8+35 (66 hp)
Initiative	+0
Speed	30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class	14 (-1 size, +5 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 14
Base Attack/Grapple	+5/+15
Attack	Bite +10 melee (1d6+9)
Full Attack	Bite +10 melee (1d6+9)
Space/Reach	10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks	Stampede
Special Qualities	Low-Light Vision, Scent
Saves	Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +3
Abilities	Strength 23, Dexterity 11, Constitution 21, Intelligence 2, Wisdom 12, Charisma 4
Skills	Listen +7, Spot +7
Feats	Alertness, Diehard, Endurance
Environment	Temperate or warm plains
Organization	Solitary, pair, or herd (6-20)
Challenge Rating	4
Treasure	None
Alignment	Always neutral
Advancement	8-14 HD (Large)
Level Adjustment	—

COMBAT  

Even though diademodon is an herbivore, its fangs give it a dangerous bite.  

Stampede (Ex): A frightened herd of diademodons flees as a group in a random direction (but always away from the perceived source of danger). They literally run over anything of Large size or smaller that gets in their way, dealing 1d12 points of damage for each five diademodons in the herd (Reflex DC 19 half). The save DC is Strength based.  

Originally appeared as “cynodont” in Dragon Magazine #112 (1986).