Dingonek

Large Monstrosity (Cryptid), Neutral Evil

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Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 178 (17d10 + 85)
Speed 40 ft., swim 50 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
22 (+6)	14 (+2)	20 (+5)	6 (–2)	14 (+2)	10 (+0)

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Saving Throws Str +10, Con +9, Wis +6
Skills Athletics +10, Perception +6, Stealth +6 (while in water)
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities frightened, paralyzed
Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 30 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages understands Abyssal and Common but rarely speaks
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP) Proficiency Bonus +4

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Amphibious Predator

The Dingonek can breathe both air and water and has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made while submerged.

River’s Terror

When a creature starts its turn within 30 feet of the Dingonek while both are in water, that creature must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the start of its next turn. A creature that succeeds is immune to this effect for 24 hours.

Momentum Charge

If the Dingonek moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a Bite on the same turn, the target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone and dragged 10 feet underwater.

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Actions

Multiattack

The Dingonek makes three attacks: one with its Bite, one with its Claws, and one with its Tail.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (3d8 + 6) piercing damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 18). Until this grapple ends, the Dingonek can’t bite another target.

Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage.

Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (3d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone or pushed 10 feet (Dingonek’s choice).

Spine Spray (Recharge 5–6)

The Dingonek thrashes, launching a fan of razor-edged scales in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 28 (8d6) slashing damage on a failed save or half as much on a success. The area becomes clouded with blood and scales, granting the Dingonek advantage on Stealth checks there until the end of its next turn.

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Bonus Actions

Drag Under (Recharge 4–6)

If the Dingonek has a creature grappled, it moves up to half its swim speed without provoking opportunity attacks and attempts to drown its prey. The grappled creature must make a DC 18 Strength saving throw or begin holding its breath (per suffocation rules).

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Reactions

Thrash of the Depths

When a creature within 10 feet hits the Dingonek with a melee attack, the Dingonek makes a Tail attack against it. On a hit, the attacker must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

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Legendary Actions

The Dingonek can take 2 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. It regains spent actions at the start of its turn.

• Detect. The Dingonek makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
• Move. The Dingonek moves up to half its swim speed.
• Dreadful Roar (2 Actions). The Dingonek unleashes a guttural roar. Each creature of its choice within 60 feet that can hear it must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of its next turn.

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Tactics

The Dingonek begins combat hidden beneath the surface, using Stealth and River’s Terror to sow panic before ambushing prey. It targets isolated or weak swimmers, using Tail and Bite to capsize boats and drag victims underwater. Against multiple foes, it thrashes the water with Spine Spray, then retreats to deeper currents to strike again. If cornered, it unleashes Dreadful Roar to scatter enemies and regain control of the battlefield.

Dingonek

Large Magical Beast (Aquatic) • Neutral Evil

XP: 9,600 XP (CR 10)
Init: +2; Senses: darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 30 ft.; Perception +17
Aura: River’s Terror (30 ft., DC 16 Will to resist fear)

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DEFENSE

AC: 27, touch 13, flat-footed 25 (+2 Dex, +14 natural, +1 size)
HP: 157 (15d10+90)
Fort: +13; Ref: +7; Will: +6
Defensive Abilities: Amphibious Predator, Momentum Charge
DR / Resistances / Immunities: DR 5/magic; immune to fear, paralysis

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OFFENSE

Speed: 40 ft., swim 50 ft.
Melee: Bite +18 (3d8+6 plus grab), Claw +17 (2d8+5), Tail +17 (3d8+3; trip or push 10 ft.)
Special Attacks: Spine Spray (7d8 slashing, 30-ft. cone, DC 16 Reflex half; recharge 5–6), Drag Under (grappled creatures forced to hold breath, DC 18 Strength to resist), River’s Terror (fear aura, 30 ft., DC 16 Will)
Spell-Like Abilities: At will—Detect Magic, Control Water (DC 17); 1/day—Fear (DC 17, 30 ft., 1d4 rounds)

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STATISTICS

Str 22, Dex 14, Con 22, Int 6, Wis 14, Cha 10
Base Atk +15; CMB +21; CMD 34
Feats: Multiattack, Improved Grab, Improved Initiative, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (Bite), Combat Reflexes
Skills: Perception +17, Stealth +12 (in water), Swim +20, Athletics +21

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SPECIAL ABILITIES

Amphibious Predator (Ex): The Dingonek can breathe air and water and gains +4 on Stealth checks while submerged.

River’s Terror (Su): Creatures within 30 ft. of the Dingonek while both are in water must succeed on a DC 16 Will save or become shaken for 1 round. Success grants immunity for 24 hours.

Momentum Charge (Ex): When the Dingonek moves at least 20 ft. straight toward a target and hits with a Bite, the target is knocked prone and dragged 10 ft. unless it succeeds on a DC 18 Strength check.

Drag Under (Ex): The Dingonek can move at half its swim speed while grappling a target without provoking attacks of opportunity, forcing the target to hold its breath per suffocation rules.

Spine Spray (Su): A cone of razor-edged scales that deals 7d8 slashing damage (DC 16 Reflex half) in a 30-ft. cone. The clouded water grants the Dingonek +4 on Stealth checks until the end of its next turn.

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TACTICS

Dingoneks are ambush predators, stalking deep rivers and jungle lakes while remaining submerged and hidden. They strike with Spine Spray to disorient groups, then isolate prey with Bite and Drag Under. Tail attacks are used to trip or push enemies, controlling positioning and preventing escape. They exploit fear and their aura to scatter foes, often retreating to deeper water if outmatched.

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ECOLOGY

Environment: Tropical rivers, jungle lakes, and swamps
Organization: Solitary
Treasure: Standard
Behavior: Highly territorial and driven by hunger and dominance, Dingoneks are feared apex predators. Folklore often portrays them as guardians of sacred waters, feeding on both flesh and fear.

Dingonek

Larger and nearly as bulky as a hippo, this unusal creature bears the traits of many animals. Its head combines the features of a lioness and otter, but with long saberlike fangs. Its body is covered in the thick scales of an armadillo dotted with leopard-like spots. Its tail is long and thick, while its legs end in reptilian claws.

Originally Posted by Shade of the En World forums.

On this Thread

Dingoneks are among the most feared creatures in warm areas near water. More than a match for crocodiles and hippopatami, and with a temper to match the latter, these carnivores are fearless and fast. In fact, some local humanoids have coined the phrase “brave as a dingonek” to indicate stupidly fearless and aggressive behavior.

A dingonek is 15 feet long and weighs 4 to 5 tons.

Dingonek
Large magical beast
Hit Dice	8d10+40 (84 hp)
Initiative	+5
Speed	30 ft. (6 squares), Swim 30 ft., burrow 15 ft.
Armor Class	17 (-1 size, +1 Dexterity, +7 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple	+8/+19
Attack	Bite +14 melee (2d8+7) or tail slap +14 melee (2d8+10)
Full Attack	Bite +14 melee (2d8+7) and 2 claws +12 melee (2d6+3) and tail slap +12 melee (2d8+10)
Space/Reach	10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks	Head butt, pounce, powerful charge, tail sweep
Special Qualities	Darkvision 60 ft., Low-Light Vision, tremorsense 60 ft.
Saves	Fort +11, Ref +7, Will +3
Abilities	Strength 24, Dexterity 13, Constitution 20, Intelligence 2, Wisdom 12, Charisma 6
Skills	Listen +7, Spot +6, Swim +15
Feats	Improved Initiative, Multiattack, Power Attack
Environment	Warm plains and forests (rivers)
Organization	Solitary or pair
Challenge Rating	6
Treasure	None
Alignment	Always neutral
Advancement	9-16 HD (Large); 17-32 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment	–

Combat

Dingoneks prefer to charge prey, using its bulk as a massive ram. It is a swift burrower, know to dig a shallow hole to prepare an ambush or to burst into campsites or villages. Dingoneks are also strong swimmers, making escape difficult and directing their attention the best tactic for Survival.

Head Butt (Ex): When a dingonek charges, it may make a head butt attack at its full attack bonus which deals 2d10+7 points of bludgeoning damage. The victim must also succeed on a DC 21 Fortitude save or be stunned for 1d2 rounds. The save DC is Strength-based.

Pounce (Ex): If a dingonek charges a foe, it can make a full attack, including a head butt attack.

Powerful Charge (Ex): When a dingonek charges, its claw attacks deal 4d6+6 points of damage.

Tail Sweep (Ex): A dingonek can sweep with its tail as a standard action. The sweep affects a half-circle with a radius of 20 feet extending from an intersection on the edge of the dingonek’s space in any direction. Medium or smaller creatures within the swept area take automatic tail slap damage (DC 21 Reflex half). The save DC is Strength-based.

Skills: A dingonek has a +8 racial bonus on any Swim check to perform some special action or avoid a hazard. It can always choose to take 10 on a Swim check, even if distracted or endangered. It can use the run action while swimming, provided it swims in a straight line.

Originally appeared in Dragon Magazine #122 (1987).