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Hippopotamus, Dire

This immense hippopotamus is as long as four humans are tall. Its hide is a brownish-gray color and its tusks are whitish-gray.

Dire Hippopotamus (Behemoth) CR 6

XP 2,400
N Huge animal
Init +5; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +22


hp 150 (12d8+84 plus 12)
Fort +17, Ref +9, Will +7


Speed 40 ft., swim 40 ft.
Melee bite +17 (4d6+12/19–20)
Space 15 ft.; Reach 10 ft.
Special Attacks capsize, trample (1d8+12, DC 24)


A dire hippo attacks with its bite, and can sink ships much larger than itself.


Str 27, Dex 12, Con 24, Int 2, Wis16, Cha 8
Base Atk +9; CMB +19; CMD 30 (34 vs. trip)
Feats Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Perception), Swim-By Attack, Toughness
Skills Perception +22, Swim +21
SQ hold breath


Capsize (Ex)

A submerged dire hippo that surfaces under a boat less than its space can capsize it by making a CMB check. The DC of this check is 10, or the result of the boat pilot’s Profession (sailor) check, whichever is higher. For each size category the boat is larger than the dire hippo’s size, the dire hippo takes a cumulative –10 penalty on this CMB check.

Hold Breath (Ex)



Environment warm aquatic and plains
Organization solitary or herd (2–5)
Treasure none

Template Base Dire Creature

Dire hippos resemble their smaller cousins and grow up to 20 feet long and can weigh up to 10,000 pounds.

Dire hippos gave rise to the legends of the behemoth, a massive beast that can drink entire rivers, and make the earth tremble when it walks. Although they can’t quite drink it all, dire hippos are the undisputed masters of the river in which they reside. All predators give them a wide berth.

Section 15: Copyright Notice
