PLEISTOCENE CREATURES

This page includes creatures found during the Cenozoic era (non-dinosaurs) if they are not grouped with a creature type elsewhere. The term "pleistocene" is used very generally in this context and does not refer to a specific period.

These creatures can (very rarely) be found in any time period in a suitable environment, jungles, deserts, arctic, as appropriate for the species.

Frequency. This assumes a setting were typical pleistocene creatures are common.

Keen-witted and powerful avian predators, axe beaks compete with wolves and hunting cats for prey upon vast, open steppes and prairies. Although feared for their boldness and territorial natures, these giant birds prove eminently tamable, making useful guardians, hunters, and even steeds when kept well fed. Axe beaks are relatively social creatures, forming small groups in which both males and females hunt together. They nest in immense mounds made of sticks, branches, leaves, and whatever else they can scavenge (including the bones and equipment of previous meals), with each nest used by a large group of axe beaks. Females typically lay clutches of 1d4+1 eggs once per year, which the parents take turns keeping warm for 2 months before they hatch. Mature axe beaks stand 9 feet tall and weigh as much as 500 pounds. Their plumage varies widely, from gray to brown to black in temperate climes, but taking on exotic shades of gold, red, blue, and other vibrant hues in more tropical environs. Axe beaks have lifespans of up to 50 years.

Axe beaks attack by leaping at their foe, clawing or stomping and making chopping attacks with their oversized beak.

An axe beak requires training before it will bear a rider. Taming an axe beak requires 6 weeks of work and a DC 20 training check. Riding an axe beak requires an exotic saddle. In (non-prehistoric) civilized areas, axe beak eggs could be worth up to 1,000 g.p. apiece on the open market, while young may fetch 1,500 g.p. each. An un-encumbering load for an axe beak is up to 235 pounds; a moderate load, 236-270 pounds; and a heavy load, 271-305 pounds (their maximum load is 340-lbs.).

Environment. Temperate plains or desert scrub.

The immense baluchitherium stands approximately 16 feet high at the shoulder, measures 30 feet from end to end, and weighs 40,000 pounds. Despite its size, it lives a peaceful life pulling leaves from the tops of trees unless startled into action. If confronted, it smashes its tormentors with its elephantine feet. These creatures otherwise look like huge long-necked, hornless rhinoceroses.

Environment. Tropical or near tropical forest.

BEAVER, Giant

Neutral Man-sized Monster (animal, mammal) (6 ft. long)

FREQUENCY: Very Rare

NO. APPEARING: 10-40

SURPRISE: 33%

SENSES: night vision

ARMOR CLASS: 6

SPEED: 60 ft.; swim 120 ft.

HIT DICE: 4 (hp 18)

% IN LAIR: 80%

TREASURE TYPE: C

ATTACK AC 0: 15

MELEE: bite (4d4)

SPECIAL ATTACKS: none; Hits As: normal

SPECIAL DEFENSES: none

MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard

INTELLIGENCE: Semi- (2-4)*

MORALE: +20%

SAVES: Poison 13, Petrify 14, Wand 15, Breath 16, Spell 16

LEVEL: III (XP 60+4 per h.p.)

* In "magical" settings these creatures will possess an Intellgence rating of Low-Average (5-10).

If taken without undue damage these creature's pelts can fetch up to 2,000 g.p. and young can be worth up to 1,600 g.p. depending on size.

Environment. Temperate rivers and lakes.