Baluchitheria (pronounced: /bɑːluːkɪˈθɪəriʌm/ ba-loo-ki-THEER-ee-um[3]) were an ancient type of rhinoceros.[1][2]
Description[]
Baluchiteria were very large creatures, with adult specimens capable of reaching a height of up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) and a length of 28 feet (8.5 meters). They were extremely heavy, with some individuals weighing up to 30,000 pounds (14,000 kilograms). They had excellent senses of smell and hearing, but suffered from poor eyesight.[1]
Behavior[]
Although normally solitary in nature, mated pairs of baluchiteria stayed together. If three were spotted together, they were most likely a mated pair plus a calf.[1]
It was possible to tame baluchiteria, provided one raised them from a calf or used magic to control them. They made excellent beasts of burden, capable of carrying up to 8,000 pounds (3,600 kilograms).[1]
Combat[]
Highly defensive creatures, baluchiteria had a tendency to attack other beings that strayed too close. They tended to trample their opponents,[2] or otherwise attack using their heavy front hooves.[1]
Ecology[]
Baluchiteria were herbivores, and were mostly found on plains.[1]
In the Realms, baluchiteria were known to live in the Chultan Peninsula.[4]
Beyond Toril, they could be found on the planet of Krynn.[5]
Usages[]
The Pterafolk of the Chultan Peninsula considered their flesh to be a delicacy.[4]
History[]
In the early 14th century DR, one could occasionally encounter caravans featuring baluchitheria in the city of Waterdeep.[6]
Trivia[]
A baluchitherium could be summoned by the conjure animals spell.[7]
Appendix[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 David Cook, Steve Winter, and Jon Pickens (1989). Monstrous Compendium Volume Three Forgotten Realms Appendix (MC3). (TSR, Inc), p. Pleistocene Animals. ISBN 0-88038-769-6.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Gary Gygax (December 1977). Monster Manual, 1st edition. (TSR, Inc), p. 8. ISBN 0-935696-00-8.
- ↑ Frank Mentzer (January 1985). “Ay pronunseeAYshun gyd”. In Kim Mohan ed. Dragon #93 (TSR, Inc.), p. 28.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 James Lowder, Jean Rabe (1993). The Jungles of Chult. (TSR, Inc), p. 64. ISBN 1-5607-6605-0.
- ↑ Rick Swan et al. (1990). Monstrous Compendium Dragonlance Appendix. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), p. 88. ISBN 0-88038-822-6.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood and Jeff Grubb (September 1988). City System. Edited by Karen Boomgarden. (TSR, Inc.), p. 20. ISBN 0-8803-8600-2.
- ↑ Gary Gygax (1979). Dungeon Masters Guide 1st edition. (TSR, Inc.), p. 222. ISBN 0-9356-9602-4.