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A dimetrodon (pronounced: /dɪˈmɛtrdɑːndi-ME-tro-dan[6]), also known as sailback by the inhabitants of the Malatran Plateau,[1] was a species of ancient carnivorous reptile which lived alongside various dinosaurs.[2]

Description[]

These creatures bore some resemblance to alligators[5] and were even said to produce a snarl similar to that of an alligator.[3] The most distinctive feature on a dimetrodon's body was the neural spine sail that spanned the length of their back.[2][5]

Behavior[]

Dimetrodons typically hunted in shallow waters or shores, much like crocodiles,[2] and spent much of their time sunning atop rocks near these waters. They were generally considered to be highly territorial.[3]

Combat[]

These creatures were very unlikely to ever attack with clears, instead utilizing their powerful jaws against prey.[5]

Notable dimetrodons[]

Ecology[]

Habitats[]

Dimetrodons were common to areas where other dinosaurs lived,[2] such as the jungles of Chult.[9]

Appendix[]

Background[]

Although looking the part, the real life Dimetrodon was not a dinosaur and not even a reptile.[10]

Appearances[]

Adventures

Novels & Short Stories

Video Games

Organized Play & Licensed Adventures

External Links[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Morrie Mullins, Christy Nichols (February 2001). Herd (PDF). Living Jungle (RPGA), p. 15.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Mike Mearls, et al. (November 2016). Volo's Guide to Monsters. Edited by Jeremy Crawford, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 139. ISBN 978-0786966011.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 James Jacobs (April 2004). “Dungeons & Dinosaurs”. In Matthew Sernett ed. Dragon #318 (Paizo Publishing, LLC), pp. 62–69.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 David Cook, Steve Winter, and Jon Pickens (1989). Monstrous Compendium Volume Three Forgotten Realms Appendix (MC3). (TSR, Inc), p. 23. ISBN 0-88038-769-6.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Gary Gygax (August 1983). Monster Manual II 1st edition. (TSR, Inc), p. 52. ISBN 0-88038-031-4.
  6. Frank Mentzer (January 1985). “Ay pronunseeAYshun gyd”. In Kim Mohan ed. Dragon #93 (TSR, Inc.), p. 26.
  7. Christopher Perkins, Will Doyle, Steve Winter (September 19, 2017). Tomb of Annihilation. Edited by Michele Carter, Scott Fitzgerald Gray. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 32. ISBN 978-0-7869-6610-3.
  8. James Lowder, Jean Rabe (1993). The Jungles of Chult. (TSR, Inc), p. 27. ISBN 1-5607-6605-0.
  9. James Lowder, Jean Rabe (1993). The Jungles of Chult. (TSR, Inc), p. 9. ISBN 1-5607-6605-0.
  10. Angielczyk, K. D. (2009). "Dimetrodon is Not a Dinosaur: Using Tree Thinking to Understand the Ancient Relatives of Mammals and their Evolution". Evolution: Education and Outreach.

Connections[]

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