Dimetrodon
“Meet the Ancient Super-Predator: Dimetrodon’s Terrifying Secret Revealed!”
Dimetrodon, although often mistaken for a dinosaur, is not closely related to these ancient reptiles. This prehistoric creature lived during the Permian period and boasted a unique and distinctive appearance. Its most remarkable feature was a large, sail-like structure that adorned its back. This sail was created by elongated neural spines, which gives it a rather mysterious and imposing look.
The purpose of this sail-like structure was likely related to thermoregulation, helping it control its body temperature. Despite this sail being the most eye-catching feature, it was a carnivorous reptile. It was equipped with large, saber-like teeth that made it a formidable predator in its ancient ecosystem.
Dimetrodon had a sprawling stance, with short legs and a long tail. This anatomical arrangement suggests that it was adapted for terrestrial life and moved primarily on land. However, it’s essential to note that it existed long before the age of dinosaurs, placing it in a distinct and earlier chapter of Earth’s prehistoric history.
Dimetrodon 5e
Dimetrodon Pathfinder Stat Block
Dimetrodon
Medium beast, unaligned
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 45 (7d8 + 14)
Speed 30 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 15 (+2) | 2 (-4) | 12 (+1) | 5 (-3) |
Skills Perception +3
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages understands but can’t speak Draconic
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Keen Smell. It has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Multiattack. It makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its tail.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Tail Slap. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d12 + 2) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Relentless Prowler. It can move up to half its speed as a reaction when a creature it can see ends its turn within 5 feet of the dimetrodon.
Pack Tactics. It has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the dimetrodon’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
Actions
Frightful Presence. Each creature of the dimetrodon’s choice that is within 120 feet of the dimetrodon and aware of it must succeed on a DC 11 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. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the dimetrodon’s Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.
Swallow. The dimetrodon makes one bite attack against a Medium or smaller target it is grappling. If the attack hits, the target is swallowed, and the grapple ends. The swallowed target is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and other effects outside the dimetrodon, and it takes 21 (6d6) acid damage at the start of each of the dimetrodon’s turns.
If it takes 30 damage or more on a single turn from a creature inside it, the dimetrodon must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw at the end of that turn or regurgitate the swallowed creature, which falls prone in a space within 10 feet of the dimetrodon. If the dimetrodon dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse using 15 feet of movement, exiting prone.
The massive sail on the back of this squat reptilian creature flexes and twitches as the beast stalks forward.
Dimetrodon CR 3
XP 800
N Large animal
Init +6; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +6
DEFENSE
AC 14, touch 11, flat-footed 12 (+2 Dex, +3 natural, -1 size)
hp 34 (4d8+16)
Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +2
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee bite +8 (1d8+7/19-20)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.
Special Attacks tearing bite
STATISTICS
Str 20, Dex 15, Con 18, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 3
Base Atk +3; CMB +9; CMD 21 (25 vs. trip)
Feats Improved Initiative, Weapon Focus (bite)
Skills Perception +6, Stealth +3
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Tearing Bite (Ex)
Its jaws are filled with razor-sharp teeth of two different sizes. This gives the creature a threat range of 19-20 with its bite attack.
ECOLOGY
Environment warm forests
Organization solitary, pair, or pack (3-12)
Treasure none
A dimetrodon is a quadrupedal reptile similar in shape to a crocodile, but with a blunter snout filled with jagged, sharp teeth. Its most distinguishing feature is the massive sail that runs the length of its back. By extending or contracting the fin, the cold-blooded reptile can control its body temperature with ease. While they are not technically dinosaurs, dimetrodons are still often found dwelling in regions inhabited by such creatures.
A fully grown adult dimetrodon can reach a length of up to 15 feet and weigh upward of 2,000 pounds.
Section 15: Copyright Notice
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Bestiary 3, © 2011, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors Jesse Benner, Jason Bulmahn, Adam Daigle, James Jacobs, Michael Kenway, Rob McCreary, Patrick Renie, Chris Sims, F. Wesley Schneider, James L. Sutter, and Russ Taylor, based on material by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, and Skip Williams.