Ceratopsians in GURPS

An extremely successful group of dinosaurs. They combined deep beaks with mammal-like chewing teeth, making them very efficient plant-eaters. Their skulls were large and wedge-shaped. At first they were small and bipedal, but later evolved into massive quadrupeds. Although all members of the group were herbivores, their strong, sharp beaks would have made it easy for them to dismember other animals and they may have supplemented their diet with carrion or opportunistic kills.

Agathaumas sphenocerus, by Charles R. Knight (1897).

Auroraceratops

A small biped from early Cretaceous China. It had the same sharp beak and grinding teeth as later ceratopsians, but only a small frill and no horns.

Numerous other small ceratopsians were quite similar. Chaoyangsaurus, Hualianceratops, Xuanhuaceratops, and Yinlong were all from late Jurassic China. Yamaceratops lived in Mongolia during the late Cretaceous.

Auroraceratops

ST 7; DX 12; IQ 3; HT 12.
HP 7; Will 10; Per 12; FP 12; Speed 6.00; Dodge 9; Move 6.
SM −1, 40 lbs.

Beak (12): 1d−4 large piercing. Reach C.
Claw (12): 1d−3 crushing. Reach C.

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Discriminatory Smell; DR 1 (Tough Skin); Enhanced Move 1 (Ground Speed 12); Night Vision 2; No Fine Manipulators; Wild Animal.
Skills: Stealth-12; Survival (Woodlands)-12.

For Chaoyangsaurus, Hualianceratops, Xuanhuaceratops, and Yinlong (12-20 lbs.) reduce ST and HP to 5, SM to −2, and damage to 1d−5 with the beak or 1d−4 with a claw. For Yamaceratops (4 lbs.) reduce ST and HP to 3, SM to −3, change damage to 1d−6 with the beak or 1d−5 with a claw, and remove DR.

Protoceratops

Combining features of smaller ceratopsians like Auroraceratops with those of the horned giants, Protoceratops was a pig-sized animal with a modest frill and small nasal horn. It spent most of its time on all fours, but could run on two legs if needed. It lived in China and Mongolia during the late Cretaceous.

Nesting Protoceratops, by Charles R. Knight (1927).

Protoceratops shared its habitat with Udanoceratops, a larger, hornless creature with powerful jaws for tearing apart tough plants. It was related to Leptoceratops from late Cretaceous Larimidia (now Western North America), which was about the size of Protoceratops.

Protoceratops

ST 15; DX 11; IQ 3; HT 12.
HP 15; Will 10; Per 12; FP 12; Speed 5.00; Dodge 8; Move 5.
SM +1 (3 hexes), 400 lbs.

Beak (11): 1d large piercing. Reach C.
Claw (11): 1d+1 crushing. Reach C.

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Discriminatory Smell; DR 3 (Tough Skin); Enhanced Move 1 (Ground Speed 10); Night Vision 1; No Fine Manipulators; Wild Animal.
Skills: Survival (Desert)-14.

For Udanoceratops (1,500 lbs.) raise ST and HP to 23, SM to +2 (4 hexes), DR to 4, add Striking ST 4 (Beak Only), changing damage to 2d+2 with either beak or claw, and replace Enhanced Move with Semi-Upright. Leptoceratops (400 lbs.) just adds Striking ST 2 (Beak Only), changing damage with the beak to 1d+1.

Psittacosaurus

The various species of this large genus lived all over Asia during the early Cretaceous. Their overall body plan was similar to Auroraceratops, but they had chisel-shaped teeth and short but powerful beaks, ideal for cracking nuts. Lacking chewing teeth, they relied on gizzard stones to grind their food. They lacked frills, but had spikes on their cheeks. Some of the scales on their upper tails were modified into long bristles or quills. Although their ‘hands’ lacked true opposable thumbs, they did have one digit which was offset and could be used to grasp.

Psittacosaurus

ST 7; DX 11; IQ 3; HT 12.
HP 7; Will 10; Per 12; FP 12; Speed 5.00; Dodge 8; Move 5.
SM −1, 40 lbs.

Beak (11): 1d−2 crushing. Reach C.
Claw (11): 1d−3 crushing. Reach C.

Traits: Bad Grip 1; Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Discriminatory Smell; DR 1 (Tough Skin); Enhanced Move 1 (Ground Speed 10); Ham-Fisted 2; Night Vision 2; Striking ST 2 (Beak Only); Wild Animal.
Skills: Stealth-12; Survival (Woodlands)-12.

This profile suits the larger species of Psittacosaurus, such as P. amitabha, P. major, P. mongoliensis, and P. sibiricus. For smaller ones such as P. gobiensis or P. sinensis (12-20 lbs.) reduce ST and HP to 5 and damage to 1d−3 with the beak or 1d−4 with a claw.

Triceratops

The famous three-horned monster had a huge head with a relatively small and plain frill. The neck and body were short and wide, while the tail turned sharply downward behind the pelvis. Large scales on the body had short spikes and the toes were capped with hooves. Although often portrayed as a herd animal, there is little evidence to suggest that adult triceratops gathered in groups. Juveniles seem to have stayed with their nest-mates (and possibly parents) for protection though. They lived in Larimidia during the late Cretaceous.

Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops, by Charles R. Knight (1928).

Most other large ceratopsians were distinguished only by size, horns, and frill shape. All of them lived during the late Cretaceous and all were found in Larimidia except for the single-horned Sinoceratops from China. Torosaurus had horns very like Triceratops, but a larger frill with two openings in the bone. Some scientists believe that it is the same genus as Triceratops, reflecting how the frill develops in older individuals. Chasmosaurus also had three horns, but the ones above the eyes were very small and the nasal one only moderately sized. Centrosaurus had a similar arrangement, only its nasal horn was long, and its frill had several curved spikes. Large numbers of Centrosaurus fossils found together indicate that they may have gathered in herds. This is also the case for its relative Styracosaurus, which had a single nose horn and many long spikes on its cheeks and the edge of its frill. Diaboloceratops had just the two horns above its eyes and two long spikes on its frill, as did its relative Machairoceratops. Pachyrhinosaurus had blunt slabs instead of pointed of horns and lived in cold Northern regions. Pentaceratops had five horns, with two sprouting from its cheeks.

Triceratops

ST 50; DX 9; IQ 3; HT 12.
HP 50; Will 12; Per 12; FP 12; Speed 4.00; Dodge 7; Move 4.
SM +4 (16 hexes), 16,000 lbs.

Beak (11): 5d+6 large piercing. Reach C.
Horns (11): 5d+12 impaling. Reach 1. Limited arc (front). Can parry (8).

Trample with Hooves (11): 5d+12 crushing. Against SM +2 or less. 

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Discriminatory Smell; DR 10 (Tough Skin); Enhanced Move 1 (Ground Speed 8; Costs Fatigue, 1 FP/Second); Night Vision 1; Quadruped; Wild Animal.
Skills: Brawling-11; Intimidation-12; Survival (Woodlands)-12.

For Chasmosaurus, Diabloceratops, and Machairoceratops (4,400 lbs.) lower ST and HP to 33, SM to +2 (10 hexes), and DR to 6. Change damage to 3d+4 with the beak and 3d+8 with the horns or trampling.

For Centrosaurus (5,000 lbs.) or Styracosaurus (4,700 lbs.) lower ST and HP to 34, SM to +2 (10 hexes), and DR to 6. Add Chummy. Change damage to 3d+4 with the beak and 3d+8 with the horns or trampling.

For Sinoceratops (5,500 lbs.) lower ST and HP to 35, SM to +2 (10 hexes), and DR to 7. Change damage to 4d+2 with the beak and 4d+7 with the horns or trampling.

For Pentaceratops (6,200 lbs.) lower ST and HP to 37, SM to +3 (13 hexes), and DR to 7. Change damage to 4d+3 with the beak and 4d+8 with the horns or trampling.

For Pachyrhinoceratops (6,600 lbs.) lower ST and HP to 38, SM to +3 (13 hexes), and DR to 7. Add Temperature Tolerance 2 (Cold). Change damage 4d+3 with the beak and 4d+8 crushing with the horn or trampling.

For Torosaurus (22,000 lbs.) raise ST and HP to 56 and DR to 11. Change damage to 6d+7 with the beak and 6d+13 with the horns or trampling.

Note: the Reach for the horns has been limited to reflect their actual length. Using the actual rules for strikers they would have Reach C-3.

Zuniceratops

A relatively small dinosaur from Southern Larimidia during the late Cretaceous. It resembled the large ceratopsians in everything but size.

Turanoceratops lived in Mongolia around the same time.

Zuniceratops

ST 15; DX 10; IQ 3; HT 12.
HP 15; Will 10; Per 12; FP 12; Speed 5.00; Dodge 8; Move 5.
SM +1, 400 lbs.

Beak (10): 1d large piercing. Reach C.
Horns (10): 1d+2 impaling. Reach 1. Limited arc (front). Can parry (8).

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Discriminatory Smell; DR 10 (Tough Skin); Enhanced Move 1 (Ground Speed 10; Costs Fatigue, 1 FP/Second); Night Vision 1; Quadruped; Wild Animal.
Skills: Survival (Swampland)-12.

This profile works as-is for Turanoceratops.

Sparassodonts in GURPS

Closely related to marsupials, this order of carnivorous metatherians never left South America, dying off before the ‘great American faunal interchange’ that introduced new mammals to the continent. Like marsupials, they gave birth to tiny young which sheltered in a pouch while they developed. Convergent evolution shaped many of them into near copies of placental mammals. Although most of them walked flat on their feet and were poorly suited to running, many could stand upright to grapple prey.

Borhyaena

Borhyaena was a better runner than most of its relatives, although not to the extent seen in some marsupials and placental mammals. It would have still had to rely on ambush and stalking when hunting, and likely supplemented this diet with scavenging. It lived in Argentina and Chile during the middle Miocene.

Australohyaena was a close relative from late Oligocene Argentina which was both bigger and better adapted for crunching bone. Callistoe was about the same size as Borhyaena but even better adapted to running at the expense of losing some range of motion. Dukecynus is known only from fragmentary remains, but appears to have been similar to Australohyaena. It lived in Columbia during the mid Miocene. Lycopis had a wolf-like snout and lived in Argentina and Columbia during the middle Miocene.

Borhyaena

ST 7; DX 11; IQ 2; HT 12.

HP 7; Will 11; Per 11; FP 12; Speed 6.00; Dodge 9; Move 6.

SM −1, 50 lbs.

Bite (13): 1d−3 cutting. Reach C.

Claw (13): 1d−2 crushing. Reach C.

Traits: Bad Grip 1; Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 2; Discriminatory Smell; DR 1 (Tough Skin); Flexibility; Ham-Fisted 2; Limited Camouflage; Enhanced Move 1 (Ground Speed 12); Night Vision 2; Parabolic Hearing 1; Reduced Consumption 2 (Cast-Iron Stomach); Semi-Upright; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-13; Stealth-12; Survival (Woodlands)-12; Tracking-15; Wrestling-13.

This profile can also be used for Lycopis. For Australohyaena or Dukecynus (150 lbs.) increase ST and HP to 11, SM to 0, and add Striking ST 2 (Bite Only). Change damage to 1d for both bite and claw. For Callistoe increase Move to 7 (Ground Speed 14 with Enhanced Move), remove Bad Grip, Flexibility, Ham-Fisted, and Semi-Upright, and add Quadruped. 

Proborhyaena

A massive, bear-like animal. Despite its bulk, it was an active predator with impressive fangs. It lived in Bolivia during the late Oligocene.

The closely related Paraborhyaena, also from late Oligocene Boliva, was almost as large. Arminiheringia wasn't closely related, but rivalled Proborhyaena in size and had similar anatomy. It lived in Argentina during the during the early Eocene.

Proborhyaena

ST 14; DX 10; IQ 2; HT 13.

HP 14; Will 12; Per 11; FP 13; Speed 5.00; Dodge 8; Move 5.

SM 0 (2 hexes), 320 lbs.

Bite (12): 1d impaling. Reach C.

Claw (12): 1d+1 crushing. Reach C.

Traits: Bad Grip 1; Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 2; Discriminatory Smell; DR 2 (Tough Skin); Ham-Fisted 2; Limited Camouflage; Enhanced Move 1 (Ground Speed 10; Costs Fatigue, 1FP/Second); Night Vision 2; Parabolic Hearing 1; Reduced Consumption 2 (Cast-Iron Stomach); Semi-Upright; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-12; Intimidation-12; Stealth-12; Survival (Jungle)-12; Tracking-15; Wrestling-12.

For Paraborhyaena (250 lbs.) reduce ST and HP to 13. For Arminiheringia change bite damage to cutting.

Thylocosmilus

A saber-toothed predator which took it to an even more extreme level than Smilodon. Its mouth could hinge open wide enough to stab its oversized fangs straight into even the largest prey. These huge teeth were rooted above the eye-sockets and wrapped half-way around the skull. The lower jaw had flanges to protect the tips. In overall body plan it mimicked the dirk-toothed cats, with strong fore-legs for grappling. It is known from Northern Argentina during the late Miocene and early Pleistocene.

Anachlysictis was a smaller relative from middle Miocene Columbia.

Thylacosmilus

ST 12; DX 12; IQ 2; HT 12.

HP 12; Will 11; Per 11; FP 12; Speed 6.00; Dodge 9; Move 5.

SM 0 (2 hexes), 200 lbs.

Bite (14): 1d−1 impaling. Reach C.

Claw (14): 1d crushing. Reach C.

Traits: Bad Grip 1; Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 2; Discriminatory Smell; DR 1 (Tough Skin); Flexibility; Ham-Fisted 2; Limited Camouflage; Enhanced Move 1 (Ground Speed 10; Costs Fatigue, 1 FP/second); Night Vision 2; Parabolic Hearing 1; Semi-Upright; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-14; Climbing-15; Stealth-12; Survival (Plains)-12; Tracking-15; Wrestling-14.

For Anachlysictis (40 lbs.) reduce ST and HP to 7 and SM to −1. Change bite damage to 1d−3 and claw damage to 1d−2.

Oxyaenids in GURPS

A family of early Paleogene predators, distantly related to hyaenodonts and carnivorans. They resembled mustelids (weasels and badgers) with some cat-like features and long, thick tails.

Machaeroides

One lineage of oxyaenids developed dramatic fangs, much like the saber-tooth cats. These were protected by a bony flange under the chin, and likely sheathed themselves in long lips. The earliest known, Machaeroides, was around the size of a wolverine and lived in North America during the early Eocene. It was succeeded in the middle Eocene by the leopard-sized Apataelurus in East Asia and North America and the fossa-like Diegoaelurus in California.

Machaeroides

ST 6; DX 13; IQ 3; HT 11.

HP 6; Will 11; Per 11; FP 11; Speed 6.00; Dodge 10; Move 8.

SM −2, 25 lbs.

Bite (15): 1d−3 impaling. Reach C.

Claw (15): 1d−3 cutting. Reach C.

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 1; Combat Reflexes; Discriminatory Smell; DR 1 (Tough Skin); Flexibility; Limited Camouflage; Night Vision 2; Quadruped; Striking ST 1; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-15; Climbing-16; Stealth-13; Survival (Woodlands)-11; Tracking-15.

For Apataelurus (90 lbs.) increase ST and HP to 9, SM to 0, and Striking ST to 2 (1d−1 damage with bite or claw). For Diegoaelurus (16 lbs.) reduce ST and HP to 5, and remove DR and Striking ST (1d−4 damage with bite or claw).

Oxyaena

A wide-spread genus, known from Asia, Europe, and North America during the early Eocene. Resembling an otter or wolverine, it seems to have been a highly adaptable generalist, consuming carrion, fish, small animals, fruit, and roots. It was preceded in the same territory by the rather similar Palaeonictis, which lived from the late Palaeocene to the early Eocene.

Oxyaena

ST 7; DX 12; IQ 3; HT 11.

HP 7; Will 11; Per 11; FP 11; Speed 6.00; Dodge 10; Move 6.

SM −1, 40 lbs.

Bite or Claw (15): 1d−3 cutting. Reach C.

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 1; Discriminatory Smell; DR 1 (Tough Skin); Flexibility; Limited Camouflage; Night Vision 2; Quadruped; Striking ST 1; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-14; Climbing-15; Stealth-12; Survival (Woodlands)-12; Swimming-12; Tracking-15.

Use the same profile for Palaeonictis.

Patriofelis

An early Eocene North American genus consisting of two species. P. ulta was a little larger than a lynx, while P. ferox was intermediate in size between a cougar and a lion. They had stiff spines, which would have made them sturdy but inflexible.

Patriofelis ferox by Charles R. Knight (1896)

Patriofelis ferox

ST 12; DX 10; IQ 3; HT 13.

HP 12; Will 11; Per 11; FP 13; Speed 6.00; Dodge 9; Move 6.

SM 0, 220 lbs.

Bite or Claw (12): 1d cutting. Reach C.

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 1; Discriminatory Smell; DR 1 (Tough Skin); Limited Camouflage; Night Vision 2; Quadruped; Striking ST 1; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-12; Stealth-12; Survival (Woodlands)-12; Tracking-15.

For P. ulta (70 lbs.) reduce ST and HP to 8, SM to −1, and damage to 1d−2.

Sarkastodon

The largest known oxyaenid lived in East Asia during the middle Eocene. Known only from its skull, it is usually reconstructed as resembling a bear with short legs and a long tail. Unlike a bear, it was a hypercarnivore, eating only flesh. Its size suggests that it would find running difficult, so would have to rely on ambush and scavenging.

Sarkastodon

ST 24; DX 10; IQ 3; HT 12.

HP 24; Will 11; Per 11; FP 12; Speed 5.00; Dodge 8; Move 5.

SM +1 (3 hexes), 1,800 lbs.

Bite (12): 2d+3 cutting. Reach C.

Claw (12): 2d+2 cutting. Reach C-1.

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 1; Discriminatory Smell; DR 2 (Tough Skin); Flexibility; Limited Camouflage; Night Vision 2; Quadruped; Striking ST 1 (Bite Only); Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-12; Stealth-12; Survival (Woodlands)-12; Tracking-15.

Rauisuchids in GURPS

Unlike their crocodile relatives, these triassic monsters were warm-blooded and hunted on land. They were common throughout the Triassic and lived in all the warm regions of Pangaea. All of them had large heads, slicing teeth, thick necks, straight tails, and four legs which were positioned under the body. Rauisuchus itself was a fairly average member of the group which lived in the arid regions of Western Pangaea (now the Americas), as was Vivaron. Vivaron's close relative Teratosaurus was significantly larger, as were Postosuchus and Polonosuchus, all of them inhabiting the wetter regions in North-Western Pangaea (North America and Europe). Scolotosuchus, on the other hand, was smaller and more agile, and lived in the coastal plains of Northern Pangaea (Russia).

Rauisuchus

ST 16; DX 11; IQ 2; HT 12.

HP 16; Will 11; Per 11; FP 12; Speed 5.00; Dodge 8; Move 5.

SM +2 (4 hexes), 550 lbs.

Bite (13): 2d cutting. Reach C.

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 2; Discriminatory Smell; DR 4 (Tough Skin); Limited Camouflage; Enhanced Move 1 (Ground Speed 10; Costs Fatigue, 1 FP/second); Night Vision 2; Quadruped; Reduced Consumption 2 (Cast-Iron Stomach); Striking ST 3 (Bite Only); Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-13; Stealth-12; Survival (Desert)-12; Tracking-15.

Use the same profile for Vivaron.

Scolotosuchus

ST 12; DX 12; IQ 2; HT 12.

HP 12; Will 11; Per 11; FP 12; Speed 6.00; Dodge 9; Move 6.

SM +1 (3 hexes), 220 lbs.

Bite (14): 1d cutting. Reach C.

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 2; Discriminatory Smell; DR 1 (Tough Skin); Limited Camouflage; Enhanced Move 1 (Ground Speed 12; Costs Fatigue, 1 FP/second); Night Vision 2; Quadruped; Reduced Consumption 2 (Cast-Iron Stomach); Striking ST 1 (Bite Only); Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-14; Stealth-13; Survival (Plains)-12; Tracking-15.

Teratosaurus

ST 23; DX 10; IQ 2; HT 12.

HP 23; Will 11; Per 11; FP 12; Speed 5.00; Dodge 8; Move 4.

SM +4 (6 hexes), 1,500 lbs.

Bite (12): 3d+1 cutting. Reach C.

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 2; Discriminatory Smell; DR 6 (Tough Skin); Limited Camouflage; Enhanced Move 1 (Ground Speed 8; Costs Fatigue, 1 FP/second); Night Vision 2; Quadruped; Reduced Consumption 2 (Cast-Iron Stomach); Striking ST 4 (Bite Only); Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-12; Stealth-11; Survival (Jungle)-12; Tracking-15.

Use the same profile for Postosuchus and Polonosuchus.

Phytosaurs in GURPS

Although only distantly related to crocodilians, phytosaurs looked almost exactly like them. The most noticeable differences were that the ends of their snouts curved down and their nostrils were positioned near their eyes. All known genera are from the late Triassic, although they are believed to have evolved near the beginning of the period. They lived in the tropical regions of Pangaea.

Angistorhinus

A large phytosaur with narrow jaws and slender teeth, ideal for catching fish. Rutiodon was similar in both size and diet, while Machaeroprosopus was a smaller fish-eater.

Angistorhinus

ST 26; DX 10; IQ 2; HT 12.

HP 26; Will 11; Per 11; FP 12; Speed 5.00; Dodge 8; Move 4.

SM +4 (8 hexes), 2,200 lbs.

Bite (12): 1d cutting. Reach C.

Tail Lash (12): 2d+6 crushing. Reach 1-4, Rear Only.

Traits: Amphibious; Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 3; Breath-Holding 4; Cold Blooded (65°); Discriminatory Smell; DR 7 (Tough Skin); Limited Camouflage; Night Vision 2; Peripheral Vision; Quadruped; Weak Bite; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-12; Survival (River/Stream)-12; Swimming-14.

Use the same profile for Rutiodon. For Machaeroprosopus (600 lbs.) reduce ST and HP to 17, SM to +3 (6 hexes), and DR to 4. This changes bite damage to 1d−2, tail damage to 1d+4, and tail reach to 1-3.

Mystriosuchus

A sea-dwelling animal, Mystriosuchus had limbs which were more flippers than legs. It mostly ate soft-bodied invertebrates.

Mystriosuchus

ST 13; DX 11; IQ 2; HT 12.

HP 13; Will 11; Per 11; FP 12; Speed 5.00; Dodge 8; Move 2.

SM +2 (4 hexes), 280 lbs.

Bite (12): 1d−3 cutting. Reach C.

Tail Lash (12): 1d+2 crushing. Reach 1-2, Rear Only.

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 3; Breath-Holding 5; Cold Blooded (65°); Discriminatory Smell; DR 3 (Tough Skin); Limited Camouflage; Night Vision 2; No Legs (Semi-Aquatic; Water Move 8); No Fine Manipulators; Peripheral Vision; Weak Bite; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-12; Survival (Salt-Water Sea)-12; Swimming-15.

Nicrosaurus

Nicrosaurus took the opposite evolutionary path to Mystriosuchus, adapting to the land. Although not especially large by phytosaur standards, its teeth were well suited to big game.

Nicrosaurus

ST 13; DX 10; IQ 2; HT 12.

HP 13; Will 11; Per 11; FP 12; Speed 5.00; Dodge 8; Move 5.

SM +2 (4 hexes), 250 lbs.

Bite (12): 1d+1 cutting. Reach C.

Tail Lash (12): 1d+2 crushing. Reach 1-2, Rear Only.

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 3; Breath-Holding 2; Discriminatory Smell; DR 3 (Tough Skin); Limited Camouflage; Night Vision 2; Peripheral Vision; Striking ST 2 (Bite Only); Quadruped; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-12; Stealth-10; Survival (Plains)-12; Swimming-12; Tracking-15.

Paleorhynus

A small generalist, which would eat fish, carrion, or smaller land animals as the opportunity arose.

Paleorhynus

ST 9; DX 12; IQ 2; HT 12.

HP 9; Will 11; Per 11; FP 12; Speed 6.00; Dodge 9; Move 4.

SM +1 (3 hexes), 100 lbs.

Bite (14): 1d−2 cutting. Reach C.

Tail Lash (14): 1d crushing. Reach 1, Rear Only.

Traits: Amphibious; Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 3; Breath-Holding 4; Cold Blooded (65°); Discriminatory Smell; DR 2 (Tough Skin); Limited Camouflage; Night Vision 2; Peripheral Vision; Quadruped; Reduced Consumption 2 (Cast-Iron Stomach); Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-14; Stealth-14; Survival (River/Stream)-12; Swimming-13; Tracking-15.

Smilosuchus

The largest known phytosaur had long fangs at the tip of its jaw for grabbing large animals. It was likely an ambush predator, like modern crocodiles. Brachisuchus was another big ambush predator.

Smilosuchus

ST 33; DX 9; IQ 2; HT 12.

HP 33; Will 11; Per 11; FP 12; Speed 5.00; Dodge 8; Move 4.

SM +5 (17 hexes), 4,500 lbs.

Bite (11): 4d+3 impaling. Reach C.

Tail Lash (11): 3d+8 crushing. Reach 1-5, Rear Only.

Traits: Amphibious; Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 3; Breath-Holding 4; Cold Blooded (65°); Discriminatory Smell; DR 8 (Tough Skin); Limited Camouflage; Night Vision 2; Peripheral Vision; Quadruped; Reduced Consumption 1 (Cast-Iron Stomach); Striking ST 4 (Bite Only); Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-11; Stealth-13; Survival (River/Stream)-12; Swimming-13.

For Brachisuchus (2,500 lbs.) reduce ST and HP to 27, SM to +4 (12 hexes), and DR to 7. Bite damage changes to 3d+3 cutting, tail damage to 3d+5, and tail reach to 1-4.

Terror Birds in GURPS

Phorusrhacids were large flightless birds, related to modern birds of prey, who were the top predators of South-America throughout the Cenozoic era. They generally had long legs, vestigial wings, flexible necks, and deep, viciously hooked beaks. Each foot had four toes, the innermost of which was a reduced dewclaw. The second toe had a large hooked claw which was held away from the ground, while the last two supported most of the bird’s weight.

Brontornis

Brontornis is known only from partial remains, mostly leg bones. They suggest a huge and heavily built bird. Some scientists have questioned whether it is truly a terror bird, proposing instead that it was a herbivore more closely related to waterfowl. If it was a phorusrhacid, its weight would have limited its speed, restricting it to slow-moving prey, ambush attacks, and scavenging. It inhabited Argentina during the early Miocene epoch.
Paraphysornis was an early terror bird from Brazil, which lived in the late Oligocene and early Miocene. Although nowhere near as big as Brontornis, it shared its robust build. Physornis is believed to be a close relative to Paraphysornis which approached Brontornis in size. It lived in Argentina during the Oligocene.

Brontornis

ST 19; DX 10; IQ 3; HT 13.

HP 19; Will 12; Per 11; FP 13; Speed 5.00; Dodge 8; Move 5.

SM +1 (2 hexes), 800 lbs.

Kick (10): 2d+1 cutting. Reach C, 1.

Sharp Beak (12): 2d large piercing. Reach C, 1.

Traits: Born Biter 2; Discriminatory Smell; DR 1 (Flexible); Enhanced Move 1 (Ground Speed 10; Costs Fatigue, 1 FP/second); Limited Camouflage; Long Neck 1; Night Vision 1; No Fine Manipulators; Subsonic Hearing; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-12; Intimidation-12; Stealth-12; Survival (Woodlands)-12.

As a herbivore, beak damage becomes crushing and kick damage becomes 2d+3 crushing. For Paraphysornis (450 lbs.) reduce ST and HP to 15 (damage becomes 1d+1 with the beak, 1d+2 with a kick). For Physornis (600 lbs.) reduce ST and HP to 17 (damage becomes 1d+2 with the beak, 1d+3 with a kick).

Kelenken

An exceptionally tall but lightly built terror bird from Argentina around the middle of the Miocene. It probably specialised in taking small prey.

Kelenken

ST 14; DX 12; IQ 3; HT 11.

HP 14; Will 10; Per 11; FP 11; Speed 6.00; Dodge 9; Move 5.

SM +1 (2 hexes), 330 lbs.

Kick (12): 1d+1 cutting. Reach C-2.

Sharp Beak (14): 1d large piercing. Reach C, 1.

Traits: Born Biter 2; Discriminatory Hearing; DR 1 (Flexible); Enhanced Move 2 (Ground Speed 20); Limited Camouflage; Long Legs 1; Long Neck 1; Night Vision 1; No Fine Manipulators; Subsonic Hearing; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-14; Stealth-12; Survival (Plains)-11.

Mesembriornis

A small but very fast terror bird, from Argentina during the late Miocene to late Pliocene. Its smaller relative Llallawavis also lived in Argentina during the late Pliocene.

Mesembriornis

ST 11; DX 12; IQ 3; HT 11.

HP 11; Will 12; Per 11; FP 11; Speed 6.00; Dodge 9; Move 7.

SM 0, 150 lbs.

Kick (12): 1d cutting. Reach C, 1.

Sharp Beak (14): 1d−1 large piercing. Reach C, 1.

Traits: Born Biter 2; Discriminatory Hearing; DR 1 (Flexible); Enhanced Move 2 (Ground Speed 28); Limited Camouflage; Long Neck 1; Night Vision 1; No Fine Manipulators; Subsonic Hearing; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-14; Stealth-12; Survival (Plains)-11.

For Llallawavis (40 lbs.) reduce ST and HP to 7 and SM to −1. This changes beak reach to C, beak damage to 1d−3, and kick damage to 1d−2. 

Phorusrhacos

Phorusrhacus by Charles R. Knight (1901)

The first phorusrhacid to be discovered was a fairly typical example of the family, living in Argentina during the Miocene. It stood taller than a man and had a massive head.

Its Pleistocene relative, Titanis, was even bigger and is the only terror bird known to have lived in North America. Devincenzia, from Miocene Argentina, was larger still, approaching the height of its close relative Kelenken, with a heavier build.

Phorusrachos

ST 13; DX 11; IQ 3; HT 12.

HP 13; Will 12; Per 11; FP 12; Speed 6.00; Dodge 9; Move 5.

SM +1 (2 hexes), 280 lbs.

Kick (11): 1d+1 cutting. Reach C-2.

Sharp Beak (13): 1d large piercing. Reach C, 1.

Traits: Born Biter 2; Discriminatory Hearing; DR 1 (Flexible); Enhanced Move 1.5 (Ground Speed 15); Limited Camouflage; Long Neck 1; Night Vision 1; No Fine Manipulators; Subsonic Hearing; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-13; Stealth-11; Survival (Plains)-11.

For Titanis (500 lbs.) increase ST and HP to 16, changing damage to 1d+2 with a kick and 1d+1 with the beak. For Devincenzia (700 lbs.) increase ST and HP to 18, changing damage to 1d+3 with a kick or 1d+2 with the beak.

Psilopterus

Not all terror birds were gigantic. The smallest known genus was Psilopterus, which lived from the middle Oligocene to late Miocene in Argentina, and possibly survived until the late Pleistocene in Uruguay. Its relative Procariama was a little heavier and lived from the late Miocene to late Pleistocene in Argentina. Other small phorusrhacids included Andalgalornis, from late Miocene Argentina, and Patagornis, from early Miocene Argentina.

Psilopterus

ST 5; DX 13; IQ 3; HT 11.

HP 5; Will 10; Per 11; FP 11; Speed 6.00; Dodge 10; Move 8.

SM −2, 15 lbs.

Kick (13): 1d−3 cutting. Reach C.

Sharp Beak (15): 1d−4 large piercing. Reach C.

Traits: Born Biter 2; Catfall; Combat Reflexes; Discriminatory Hearing; DR 1 (Flexible); Enhanced Move 1 (Ground Speed 16); Limited Camouflage; Long Neck 1; Night Vision 1; No Fine Manipulators; Subsonic Hearing; Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-15; Stealth-13; Survival (Plains)-11.

For Procariama (22 lbs.) increase ST and HP to 6. For Andalgalornis and Patagornis (80-90 lbs.) change ST and HP to 9 (increasing damage to 1d−2 with the beak and 1d−1 with a kick) and SM to −1.

Smok in GURPS

It isn't clear whether the 'dragon of Wawel' was a dinosaur or a pseudosuchian (the lineage which includes modern crocodiles) archosaur. What is known is that it was a large bipedal hunter which stalked the arid plains of Northern Pangea during the late Triassic period. It had a sturdy build, but would have been able to run quickly on its powerful legs. Although its arms had limited range of motion, they could have been used to hold on to, or strike at, prey.

Smok wawelski

ST 29; DX 12; IQ 3; HT 12.

HP 29; Will 11; Per 11; FP 12; Speed 6.00; Dodge 10; Move 6.

SM +3 (6 hexes), 3,000 lbs.

Bite or Claw (14): 3d+2 cutting.

Traits: Bad Sight (Low Resolution); Born Biter 1; Discriminatory Smell; DR 3 (Tough Skin); Enhanced Move 1.5 (Ground Speed 18; Costs Fatigue, 1 FP/second); Ham-Fisted 2; Limited Camouflage; Night Vision 2; Reduced Consumption 1 (Cast-Iron Stomach); Wild Animal.

Skills: Brawling-14; Survival (Plains)-12; Tracking-15.