Saber-toothed tiger

Saber-toothed tigers, also known as smilodons, were a dire prehistoric species whose existence persisted in some places. Despite their name, these creatures were in fact not closely related to tigers and were only distantly related to the more modern feline species of the Realms.

Description
These creatures grew on average to be in length and weighed up to around, being twice as large as any lion. Their roars were likewise twice as loud as that of any lion. Two large, curved fangs jutted out from their mouths, upon which their name was derived. On average these measured around in length.

Behavior
These creatures were very aggressive and ferocious predators, though were known to sometimes ignore prey that remained motionless.

Combat
Saber-toothed tigers would patiently stalk their prey and strike whenever they let their guard down. They rarely ever pursued prey over long distances. Often they would attack in groups.

Saber-toothed tigers attacked by sprinting towards their at prey and leaping upon them, then clawing and biting away at the creature as they it raked with their rear claws.

History
In 640 DR, the people of Ormath and Lheshayl, as well as patrols from the Shining Plains, experienced frequent attacks from saber-toothed tigers.

In the late 15 century DR, a man in Barovia by the name of Rictavio owned a saber-toothed tiger.

Ecology
These creatures lived in prides ruled over by female members and worked as a group, much like lions. Infighting over dominance, prey, territory, and mates was quite common. At times this could be quite lethal.

Weaker members of prides were often driven out in pairs, forcing them to set up their own hunting territories.

Diet
Saber-toothed tigers were a carnivorous species, who preyed upon nearly anything that moved.

These creatures were most often known to prey upon giant elks, brantas, glyptodons, horses, megaloceros, and mammoths.

Habitats
These creatures were typically found in the forests of either warm or cold climate regions, as well as plains and hills. They laired within caves or small earthen dens when bearing and rearing their young.

Smilodons could be found in the Ice Spires and much of the Savage Frontier.

Relationships
Saber-toothed tigers were sometimes domesticated by neanderthals. In the Ice Spires region, both the Ice Spire ogres within Dour Fissure and frost giants were known to have domesticated smilodons.

Usage
The fangs of smilodons were a source of ivory, primarily fossilized ivory.

Trivia
The spirit conjured by the spell find greater steed could take the form of a saber-toothed tiger.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Curse of Strahd
 * Card Games
 * AD&D Trading Cards