Dinosaur, Quetzalcoatlus 5e
Huge Beast, Unaligned
The Dinosaur, Quetzalcoatlus is a huge beast in D&D 5e with a challenge rating of 2 (450 XP). It has 13 AC and 30 hit points. The shadow of this gargantuan flying reptile blots out the sun as it glides silently overhead, its serpentine neck extending from wings that span wider than a sailing ship.
Armor Class
13
Hit Points
30
Challenge
2
450 XP
The shadow of this gargantuan flying reptile blots out the sun as it glides silently overhead, its serpentine neck extending from wings that span wider than a sailing ship.
str
15
+2
dex
13
+1
con
13
+1
int
2
-4
wis
10
+0
cha
5
-3
Skills Perception +2
Languages None
Dive Attack.
FLyby.
DM Notes
Encounter Hooks & Tactics
- A quetzalcoatlus has claimed a mountain pass as its hunting ground, picking off pack mules and occasionally porters. The local trade guild offers 500 gp to anyone who can reopen the route — alive or dead, they don't care which.
- The party spots a quetzalcoatlus circling a battlefield, drawn by the carrion. If they're wounded and in open terrain, it sees them as easy prey. A tense standoff as they try to reach tree cover.
- A wealthy noble wants a live quetzalcoatlus captured for a menagerie. The party must track one to its cliff-side nest and bring it back without killing it. Easier said than done with a 50-foot wingspan.
Combat Tactics
The quetzalcoatlus is a dive bomber. It starts at extreme altitude (200+ feet), swoops down with Flyby to bite, and climbs back out of melee range. Never let it sit on the ground — if it lands, it takes off on its next turn. Target isolated characters, especially spellcasters without armor. If the party clusters together, it waits for someone to break formation.
Works Well With
Pteranodon
A flock of 3-4 pteranodons harasses the party (Flyby pecks, low damage but annoying) while the quetzalcoatlus sets up its dive on the most distracted target.
T-Rex
In a lost-world setting, the quetzalcoatlus circles overhead while a T-Rex drives prey into open ground. The party is caught between predators with nowhere to hide.
Tribal Warriors
A tribe that worships the quetzalcoatlus drives the party into its hunting territory as a sacrifice. The warriors won't fight to the death — they just need to keep the party in the open.
Use Dinosaur, Quetzalcoatlus in your campaign
Lorekeeper lets you add Dinosaur, Quetzalcoatlus directly to encounters, track it in live combat with HP and conditions, and share the battle with your players — all free.