An artist's impression; feeding on a small synapsid
Originally Posted by
Darknecromancer of the Wizards Community forums.
The Plant-Eaters run for cover anywhere it is available as a creature jumps on the rock. It looks like a small caratosaur but it has longer forelimbs and small crests on its head. Another creature emerges from the bush nearby and the two wander through the clearing fearlessly, for they are the lords of this period.
Before Saurupods and other palnt eaters grew so big, the carnivors had no need to grow any larger than 8 feet, and the herrerasaurus was as big as they came. Although they would eventually spawn some of the larger predators who hunted massive adversaries, Herrerasaurs were content to eat anything smaller than themselves. Unlike their larger relatives, the Herrerasaurus have well developed forelimbs that were capable of latching onto opponents.
| Medium Animal | |
| Hit Dice | 2d8+4 (13 hp) |
| Initiative | +2 (+2 Dex) |
| Speed | 40 ft. (8 squares) |
| Armor Class | 15 (+2 Dex, +3 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 13 |
| Base Attack/Grapple | +1/+3 |
| Attack | Bite +3 melee (1d6 +2) |
| Full Attack | Bite +3 melee (1d6 +2) and 2 claw +1 melee (1d3 +1) |
| Space/Reach | 5 ft./5 ft. |
| Special Attacks | Improved grab, pounce |
| Special Qualities | Low-light vision, scent |
| Saves | Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +2 |
| Abilities | Str 14, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 7 |
| Skills | Listen +4, Spot +5 |
| Feats | Multiattack |
| Environment | Temperate forests |
| Organization | Solitary, or Pair |
| Challenge Rating | 1 |
| Treasure | None |
| Alignment | Always neutral |
| Advancement | 3-4 HD (Medium), 5-6 HD (Large) |
Combat
Herrerasaurus like to hunt in pairs and will try to herd off weaker prey and then rip them to shreds. They are also fans of pouncing on creatures below them.
Improved Grab (Ex) A Herrerasaurs has teeth designed for gripping. If they hit with a bite attack, they may initiate a grapple as a free action.
Pounce (Ex) Herrerasaurs can make a full attack after making a charge action, taking all the normal benifits and hazards of that menuver.
Society
Some savage groups have been known to use Herrerasaurs as mounts for hunting.
Training a Herrerasaur must make a Handle Animal check DC 13 (young), or 18
(adult). Herrerasaurs may also serve as special mounts or animal companions
and follow the normal rules for such creatures.