Megafauna, Deinotherium

This creature resembles an elephant, though it has a shorter, thicker trunk and sharp, downward-curving tusks.

ECOLOGY

Environment any forests or plains
Organization solitary, pair, or family (2 adults and 1 calf)
Treasure none

Deinotheriums are regal beasts of the same evolutionary family as the elephant, though with a shorter temper that far exceeds that of their more docile cousins. These creatures are known to attack with very little provocation, charging and sweeping a target under their gigantic feet to trample it to death. A typical deinotherium stands approximately 12 feet tall at the shoulder, measures 25 feet from trunk to tail, and weighs 30,000 pounds.

While deinotheriums are herbivores, their quick tempers have given them a reputation as man-eaters. The downward-swooping tusks under a deinotherium’s mouth are used to dig for roots and tubers that it can scoop up and devour using its prehensile trunk. It also uses its curved tusks to hook tree branches and pull them close to allow for easier feeding. The trunk itself is much shorter and wider than that of an elephant, and its huge nasal passages give the creature an acute sense of smell.

Deinotheriums are not herd creatures, generally grouping only into small family packs of a calf and its parents. A mother usually gives birth to only a single calf, and will fiercely protect it well into its adult life. The father remains with the mother and calf until the calf reaches maturity, then leaves to find a new mate.

Deinotherium Companions

Starting Statistics

Size Medium; Speed 30 ft.; AC +4 natural; Attack slam (1d6), gore (1d8); Ability Scores Str 14, Dex 10, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 3; Special Qualities low-light vision, scent.

7th-Level Advancement

Size Large; AC +2 natural; Attack slam (1d8), gore (2d6); Ability Scores Str +8, Dex –2, Con +4; Special Qualities sweep, trample.