Animal Archives - Dino Files I - Raptor Pack.pdf - Blackdirge Publishing - R5700

D INO F ILES I: R APTOR P ACK

C REATED AND W RITTEN BY

J ESSE M OHN

A ERYN “B LACKDIRGE ” R UDEL

Requires the use of the Dungeons & Dragons Revised Edition

Core Books, published bu Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

Credits

Animal Archives

DinoFiles I: Raptor Pack

Animal Archives

DinoFiles I: Raptor Pack

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Created by

Jesse Mohn & Aeryn “Blackdirge” Rudel

Written by

Aeryn “Blackdirge” Rudel

Editing

John Ball

Illustrations

Hunter McFalls

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Edward Bourelle & Erik Nowak

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Author: Aeryn Rudel

Blackdirge Publishing

Credits

Introduction

Animal Archives

DinoFiles I: Raptor Pack

A WORD ON DROMAEOSAURIDS

(DROM-AY-OWE-SORE-IDS)

this area simply because it makes the animals a bit more

fun, and gives DMs and players a lot more latitude when

using these dinosaurs in their game.

The raptors are a group of predatory theropod dinosaurs

that belong to the family dromaeosauridae, which means

“running lizard.” Dromaeosaurids lived during the

Cretaceous Period (145 to 65 million years ago), and ranged

from rooster-sized ( Microraptor gui ) to nightmarish, one-

ton monsters ( Utahraptor ostrommaysorum ). Although

these swift, agile predators came in many shapes and

sizes, they all shared some common characteristics.

The special attacks featured by each dromaeosaurid

in this product are based on real theories of how these

dinosaurs might have used the terrible claws on their back

feet. Although each ability is listed in the write-up for an

individual animal, these attacks are appropriate for all of

the dinosaurs presented here, and for similar dinosaurs

featured in other products. Below is a description of each

new special attack and how it can be implemented.

Dromaeosaurids stood upright on their back legs, which

were powerful and muscular, and could likely propel these

dinosaurs to speeds rivaling the fastest predatory mammals

today. They had long arms ending in three-ﬁngered hands,

which were dexterous enough to manipulate food or grasp

prey. All dromaeosaurs had a long tail, stiffened with bony

tendons, that likely acted as a stabilizer when the animal

ran. The most striking feature of dromaeosaurids, however,

was the long killing claw on the second toe. This sickle-like

talon was held retracted off the ground, and was likely used

in powerful kicks to disembowel prey.

Leaping Slash (Ex): As a standard action, a raptor

can leap at a foe and make a normal melee attack

to deliver a powerful slash with both its sickle-

clawed feet. If this attack hits, it inﬂicts double

standard talon damage plus 1.5 times the raptor’s

Strength bonus. The range at which a raptor can

target a creature with leaping slash is listed below.

��

There is some evidence that dromaeosaurids hunted in

packs, primarily supported by groups of Deinonychus fossils

discovered near the remains of large herbivores. Although a

pack of these rapacious predatory dinosaurs is certainly an

evocative image, not all paleontologists support the theory

that dromaeosaurids hunted in this manner.

Tiny

Small

Medium

Large

Huge

Gargantuan

Colossal

5 ft.

10 ft.

15 ft.

20 ft.

Another interesting feature of the dromaeosaurids is their

bird-like appearance, and some paleontologists believe that

they share a common ancestor with modern birds. There is

even evidence that some dromaeosaurids had feathers.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not at least mention

the most famous appearance of the dromaeosaurids —

their starring role in the ﬁlm Jurassic Park . It should

be said, however, that the dinosaur featured in the ﬁlm,

Velociraptor , had very little in common with the real

animal. The dinosaurs in Jurassic Park were far larger

than the two-foot tall, forty pound Velociraptor , and were

much closer in size to Utahraptor , which, coincidentally,

was discovered not long after the ﬁlm was released.

Kangaroo Kick (Ex): As a standard action, a raptor

with this ability can rear back on its tail and make

a normal melee attack to deliver a powerful kick

with both its sickle-clawed feet. If this attack hits,

it inﬂicts double standard talon damage plus 1.5

times the raptor’s Strength bonus.

Eviscerate (Ex)*: A raptor with this ability can

eviscerate a grabbed opponent with a successful

grapple check. An eviscerated creature suffers

standard talon damage plus 1.5 times the raptor’s

Strength bonus. In addition, the gaping wound

continues to bleed profusely for 1d2 point of damage

per round. The bleeding can be stopped with a

DC 20 Heal check or with the application of a cure

spell at least as potent as cure moderate wounds .

Bleeding from multiple eviscerations does not stack.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Although I have tried to portray the dromaeosaurids in

this release as accurately as possible, some allowances

were made to make them stand out from other animals in

the d20 system. This is most evident in the intelligence

level attributed to the d20 version of these dinosaurs.

I chose to go with a more “Jurassic Park” approach in

*Works best when paired with improved grab.

Author: Aeryn Rudel

Blackdirge Publishing

Monster

Microraptor (Small Thief)

Animal Archives

DinoFiles I: Raptor Pack

M ICRORAPTOR

CR 1/3

(M Y - CROE - RAP - TORE )

multi-colored feathers. A

tiny predator, a microraptor

hunts the forest ﬂoor for

insects and small animals,

ﬂeeing to the safety of

the trees when danger

approaches. Although it cannot

truly ﬂy, a microraptor can glide for

short distances, using the elongated

feathers on its arms and legs

as primitive wings.

Always Neutral Tiny Animal

Init +4; Senses low-light

vision; Listen +8, Spot +8

Languages —

AC 17, touch 16, ﬂatfooted 13

(+2 size, +4 Dex, +1 natural)

hp 3 (1/2 HD)

Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +1

These diminutive dinosaurs

gather in small groups of 2

to 5 individuals, with each clutch led

by the largest and strongest member. They

are curious and alert, and far more intelligent

than the lumbering brutes dinosaurs are often

believed to be.

Speed 30 ft. (6 squares), climb 15 ft.

Melee talons +6 (1d3-3) and bite +1 (1d2-3)

Space 2 1⁄2 ft.; Reach 2 1⁄2 ft.

Base Atk +0; Grapple -11

Special Actions glide

Abilities Str 4, Dex 19, Con 13, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 9

Feats Alertness, Weapon Finesse B

Skills Climb +12, Hide +13, Jump +2, Listen +8, Spot +8

A typical microraptor is around 2 feet in length, and

weighs between 3 and 4 pounds.

COMBAT

Environment warm forests

Organization solitary, pair, or clutch (2-5)

Treasure none

Advancement —

A microraptor does not pose much of a threat to larger

creatures, although packs of the small beasts could

potentially be dangerous. An individual microraptor

typically ﬁghts only when cornered, slashing with the

enlarged talons on its back feet. An expert climber, a

microraptor most often seeks the safety of a high tree

when seriously threatened.

Glide (Ex): A microraptor can glide for short

distances when it jumps from a height. It can

glide for a distance equal to twice the height of

its original perch. For example, a microraptor

that leaps into the air from 60 feet up in a tall

tree can glide for 120 feet. When gliding, the

microraptor is considered to have a ﬂy speed

of 40 feet with poor maneuverability.

FOR PLAYER CHARACTERS

Intelligent and engaging, a microraptor can make a

devoted pet when properly trained. These tiny dinosaurs

have bright plumage, and their odd appearance makes

them highly sought after by collectors. Microraptor eggs

can fetch as much as 100 gp each, while live chicks can

command upwards of 400 gp from the right buyer.

Skills: A microraptor has a +4 racial bonus on Hide,

Jump, Listen, and Spot checks. It has a +8 racial

bonus on Climb checks and can always choose

to take 10 on Climb checks, even if rushed or

threatened. A microraptor uses its Dexterity modiﬁer

instead of its Strength modiﬁer for Climb checks.

A microraptor can be gained as a familiar with the

Improved Familiar feat at 3rd level. Microraptor

familiars are common among the nobility of certain

cities, as acquiring one is both a mark of arcane skill

and obvious wealth.

This tiny dinosaur is covered in bright blue, red, and green

plumage and is distinctly avian in appearance. It has a set

of stunted wings attached to both sets of limbs, although

its comfort and speed on the ground suggest that it is not

capable of true ﬂight. The tiny beast has a reptilian snout

full of needle fangs, grasping, three-ﬁngered foreclaws,

and two wickedly curved talons on its back feet.

MICRORAPTOR IN THE REAL WORLD

One of the smallest members of the dromaeosaurid

family, Microraptor represents an important evolutionary

link between dinosaurs and birds. Microraptor lived during

the Early Cretaceous Period, and was one of many small,

feathered dromaeosaurids that ﬂourished during that time.

A microraptor is a rooter-sized dinosaur with distinctly

avian features. It is reptilian, although covered in long

Author: Aeryn Rudel

Illustrator: Hunter Mcfalls

Monster

Pyroraptor (Fire Thief)

Animal Archives

DinoFiles I: Raptor Pack

(P IE - ROW - RAP - TORE )

CR2

A pyroraptor is a powerful predator, and one that often

hunts in packs. It is fast, agile, and capable of making

astonishing leaps. Packs of these voracious dinosaurs

are capable of taking on much larger prey, and they

have been known to bring down animals two to three

times larger than themselves.

Always Neutral Medium Animal

Init +3; Senses low-light vision, scent; Listen +13,

Spot +13

Languages —

Pyroraptor packs behave much like wolf packs,

tracking prey and then striking from ambush. They

are intel-ligent and coordinated, and can employ

a surprisingly sophisticated array of tactics when

hunting. In addition, these dinosaurs have astonishing

jumping ability, and can make leaps of up to 10 feet

from a standstill.

AC 16, touch 13, ﬂatfooted 13

(+3 Dex, +3 natural)

hp 22 (3 HD)

Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +2

Speed 50 ft. (10 squares)

Melee talons +5 (1d8+2) and 2 foreclaws +0

(1d2+1) and bite +0 melee (1d6+1)

Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft.

Base Atk +2; Grapple +4

Atk Options leaping slash, pounce

A pyroraptor stands about 3 to 4 feet high and measures

roughly 8 feet in length. Standard specimens weigh

around 100 pounds.

Abilities Str 15, Dex 17, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 7

Feats Alertness, Run, Weapon Finesse B

Skills Hide +11, Jump +18, Listen +13, Spot +13,

Survival +11

COMBAT

A pyroraptor attacks by leaping at its foe and slashing

with the over-sized talons on its feet. In addition, a

pyroraptor uses its powerful jaws and the raking talons

on its foreclaws to further incapacitate prey. Packs of

these dinosaurs hunt from ambush, hiding in the dense

foliage of their forest home, and then striking at prey

en masse .

Environment warm forests

Organization solitary, pair, or pack (3-6)

Treasure none

Advancement 4-6 HD (Medium);

7-9 HD (Large)

Leaping Slash (Ex): As a standard action,

a pyroraptor can leap at a foe and make a

normal melee attack to deliver a powerful

slash with its sickle-clawed feet. If this

attack hits, it inﬂicts 2d8+3 points of damage.

A pyroraptor can target a creature up to 10

feet away with leaping slash.

FOR PLAYER CHARACTERS

With intelligence on par with the smartest mammals,

a pyroraptor can learn tricks easier than other

animals. The DC for any associated Handle Animal

checks to teach a pyroraptor a trick is reduced by 1.

Kobolds sometimes train these dinosaurs as mounts,

believing their fiery red plumage is evidence of

draconic heritage.

Pounce (Ex): If a pyroraptor charges, it can make

a full attack.

A druid can gain a pyroraptor as an alternate animal

companion at 3rd level. Kobold and goblin druids often

take a pyroraptor as an animal companion, as both races

ﬁnd the aggressive nature of the ﬂeet-footed dinosaurs

to be an admirable trait.

Skills: A pyroraptor has a +8 racial bonus on

Hide, Jump, Listen, Spot, and Survival checks.

This wolf-sized dinosaur is graceful and bird-like. Its

body is covered in a coat of downy, crimson feathers,

and it stands erect on two powerful legs. The beast has

a set of dagger-ﬁlled jaws, two long forearms ending in

three-ﬁngers hands, and a vicious scythe-like claw on

the second digit of each foot.

A pyroraptor can be summoned with summon nature’s

ally II or a higher level summon nature’s ally spell.

Treat a pyroraptor as being on the 2nd-level list of the

Summon Nature’s Ally table. A celestial or ﬁendish

pyroraptor can be summoned with summon monster III

or a higher level summon monster spell. Treat a celestial

or ﬁendish pyroraptor as being on the 3rd-level list of

the Summon Monster table.

A pyroraptor is a Medium-sized carnivorous dinosaur with

distinctly avian features. Its body is covered in crimson,

downy feathers similar to those found on young birds.

Author: Aeryn Rudel

Illustrator: Hunter Mcfalls

Monster

P YRORAPTOR

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