Dicynodon trigoniceps 2007(2007) dmitrchel@mail.ru
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dicynodon ("Two Dog-teeth") is a type of herbivorous mammal-like reptile that flourished during the Permian Period. This animal was toothless, except for prominent tusks, hence the name. It probably cropped vegetation with a horny beak, much like a tortoise, while the tusks may have been used for digging up roots and tubers.
Dicynodon was a medium sized and advanced member of the Dicynodont group. It had an average length of 1.2 metres (3.9 ft), although size differed among species. Its fossil remains have been found in sediments of latest Permian age in South Africa, Tanzania, Russia, and China.
The type species is Dicynodon lacerticeps Owen, 1845. A large number of species have since been placed in this genus, some of which turned out to be synonyms of other species, others have been moved to different genera.
Dicynodon may be the ancestor of the Triassic genus Kannemeyeria, and hence of most of the Triassic dicynodonts.
Roleplaying
Originally Posted by
Shade of the En World forums.
| Dicynodont, Dicynodon | |
| Small Animal | |
| Hit Dice | 2d4+6 (13 hp) |
| Initiative | +0 |
| Speed | 20 ft. (4 squares) |
| Armor Class | 13 (+1 size, +2 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 13 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +1/-3 |
| Attack | Bite +2 melee (1d4) |
| Full Attack | Bite +2 melee (1d4) |
| Space/Reach | 5 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks | — |
| Special Qualities | Low-light vision, scent |
| Saves | Fort +5, Ref +3, Will +1 |
| Abilities | Str 10, Dex 10, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 4 |
| Skills | Hide +5, Listen +5, Spot +5 |
| Feats | Alertness |
| Environment | Temperate or warm land |
| Organization | Solitary, pair, or herd (5-40) |
| Challenge Rating | 1/2 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always neutral |
| Advancement | 3-4 HD (Small); 5-6 HD (Medium) |
| Level Adjustment | — |
This dog-sized creature resembles a fat lizard with a short tail and a turtle's head. Two fangs are situated directly behind its hooked beak.
Dicynodon is a dicynodont, an herbivorous therapsid (“mammal-like reptile”). Dicynodonts are characterized by their parrot-like beaks, two tusks in the upper jaw, and barrel-shaped bodies with splayed legs. Dicynodon is a common, widespread representative of the dicynodont lineage. Unlike some of its smaller cousins (such as the robertia), the dicynodon is relatively unspecialized, which accounts for its wide range.
Dicynodons average about 4 feet in length and weigh around 60 pounds.
COMBAT
Dicynodons flee if threatened, but will bite as a last resort.
Originally appeared as "dicynodont" in Dragon Magazine #112 (1986).