Image of Amphicyon created using PaintshopPro and the compiled details of other artists
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Amphicyon is an extinct genus of large carnivorous mammals known from the middle Oligocene and early Miocene, similar in morphology to both bears and dogs. The name translates roughly as "ambiguous dog". This was the typical Bear-Dog (Amphicyonids). With its robust build and maximum length of 2 m (6 ft 8 in), the largest species looked more like a bear than a dog. It had a large heavy tail, thick neck, robust limbs and teeth like a wolf. It was probably an omnivore with a lifestyle comparable to that of the brown bear.
Roleplaying
Originally Posted by
Shade of the En World forums.
| Amphicyon (Bear Dog) | |
| Large Animal | |
| Hit Dice | 7d8+28 (59 hp) |
| Initiative | +1 |
| Speed | 40 ft. (8 squares) |
| Armor Class | 15 (–1 size, +1 Dex, +5 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 14 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +5/+17 |
| Attack | Claw +12 melee (1d8+8) |
| Full Attack | 2 claws +12 melee (1d8+8) and bite +7 melee (3d6+4) |
| Space/Reach | 10 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks | Trip |
| Special Qualities | Low-light vision, scent |
| Saves | Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +3 |
| Abilities | Str 27, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6 |
| Skills | Listen +5, Spot +7, Swim +12 |
| Feats | Endurance, Improved Natural Attack (Bite)[b], Run, Track |
| Environment | Temperate plains |
| Organization | Solitary or pair |
| Challenge Rating | 4 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always neutral |
| Advancement | 8-12 HD (Large), 13-16 HD (Huge) |
| Level Adjustment | - |
This creature somewhat resembles a bear, but its tail is heavier, its neck thicker, and its mouth more wolflike than ursine. Its body is almost leonine.
Neither bears nor dogs, the amphicyon shares traits of both. Unlike its omnivorous cousins, an amphicyon is a powerful carnivore.
These massive carnivores weigh more than 1,800 pounds and stand nearly 9 feet tall when they rear up on their hind legs. They are bad-tempered and territorial.
COMBAT
An amphicyon attempts to grab prey with its powerful claws and then sink its powerful jaws into the neck or ribcage to finish it off.
Trip (Ex): An amphicyon that hits with its bite attack can attempt to trip the opponent (+x check modifier) as a free action without making a touch attack or provoking an attack of opportunity. If the attempt fails, the opponent cannot react to trip the amphicyon.
Skills: An amphicyon has a +4 racial bonus on Swim checks.
Originally found in Dragon #167, "Back To the Age of Mammals", David Howery, 1991.