Dinosaur, Triceratops

Huge Animal — CR 9

Monster Manual v.3.5 (MM), p. 613.5
Hit Dice
16d8+124 (196 hp)
Initiative
-1
Speed
Land 30 ft
Armor Class
18, touch 7, flat-footed 18
Base Attack / Grapple
+12/+30
Attack
Gore +20 melee (2d8+15)
Full Attack
Gore +20 melee (2d8+15)
STR
30
DEX
9
CON
25
INT
1
WIS
12
CHA
7
Fort / Ref / Will
+19 / +9 / +6
Challenge Rating
9
Alignment
Always Neutral
Organization
Solitary, pair, or herd (5–8)
Treasure
None
Environment
Plains
Level Adjustment

Special Abilities

Powerful ChargeTrampleLow-Light VisionScent

Feats

The massive beast has a huge plate of bone protecting the front of its 6-foot-long head, from which project two great horns, while a shorter horn juts from its nose.

Description

Dinosaurs, or terrible lizards, are ancient beasts that may be related to dragons.

Among the traits that predatory dinosaurs share with many dragons are sharp teeth, a savage disposition, a well-developed sense of territory, and a ruthless capacity to hunt. Herbivorous dinosaurs usually are not aggressive unless wounded or defending their young, but may attack if startled or harassed.

Dinosaurs come in many sizes and shapes. Bigger varieties have drab coloration, while smaller dinosaurs have more colorful markings. Most dinosaurs have a pebbly skin texture.

Dinosaurs most often live in rugged or isolated areas that humanoids seldom visit: remote mountain valleys, inaccessible plateaus, tropical islands, and deep fens.

This massive herbivore is fairly short-tempered and aggressive.

A triceratops has a body about 25 feet long and weighs about 20,000 pounds.

Combat

Dinosaurs take full advantage of their size and speed. The swift carnivores stalk prey, staying hidden in cover until they can get into charge range and rush to the attack. Herbivores frequently overrun and trample their opponents.

These creatures are likely to charge and skewer any creature of at least large size that infringes on their territory. A triceratops uses its trample attack on smaller opponents.

Powerful Charge (Ex): When a triceratops charges, its gore attack deals 4d8+20 points of damage.

Trample (Ex): Reflex half DC 28. The save DC is Strength-based.