---
title: "Triceratops"
obsidianUIMode: preview
noteType: pf2eMonster
cssClasses: pf2e
aliases: "Actor.gqdduE5V7ZAlKXOc" 
tags:
  - pf2e/creature/type/animal
  - pf2e/creature/type/dinosaur
  - pf2eMonster
  - pf2e/creature/level/8
  - remaster
statblock: inline
name: "Triceratops"
level: 8
license: ORC
---

```statblock
columns: 2
forcecolumns: true
layout: Basic Pathfinder 2e Layout
source: "Pathfinder Monster Core"
name: "Triceratops"
level: "Creature 8"

alignment: ""
size: "huge"
trait_01: [[animal]]
trait_02: [[dinosaur]]
modifier: 16
perception:
  - name: "Perception"
    desc: "+16; Low-Light Vision, Scent (Imprecise) 30 Feet"
languages: ""
skills:
  - name: "Skills"
    desc: "Athletics: +21"
abilityMods: [7, 0, 4, -4, 2, -1]
speed: 30 feet
sourcebook: "_Pathfinder Monster Core_"
ac: 26
armorclass:
  - name: AC
    desc: "26; __Fort__ +18, __Ref__ +12, __Will__ +14"
hp: 140
health:
  - name: ""
  - name: HP
    desc: "140"
abilities_top:
  - name: ""

abilities_mid:
  - name: ""
  - name: "Frill Defense"
    desc: "`pf2:r`  **Trigger** The rider is targeted with an attack.\n\n**Requirements** A creature must be mounted on the triceratops.\n* * *\n\n**Effect** The triceratops intercepts the attack with its bony frill. The rider gains a +2 circumstance bonus to its AC against the triggering attack."

attacks:
  - name: ""

  - name: "**Melee** `pf2:1` Horns"
    desc: "+19 (reach 15 feet)\n__Damage__  2d8 + 9 piercing plus knockdown"

  - name: "**Melee** `pf2:1` Foot"
    desc: "+19 (reach 10 feet)\n__Damage__  2d6 + 9 bludgeoning"

  - name: "Lumbering Charge"
    desc: "`pf2:1`  The triceratops Strides up to 10 feet and then makes a Strike."

  - name: "[[Bestiary Ability Glossary/Trample|Trample]]"
    desc: "`pf2:3`  Large or smaller, foot, DC 26 Reflex check\n* * *\n\nThe monster Strides up to double its Speed and can move through the spaces of creatures of the listed size, Trampling each creature whose space it enters. The monster can attempt to Trample the same creature only once in a single use of Trample. The monster deals the damage of the listed Strike, but trampled creatures can attempt a basic Reflex save at the listed DC (no damage on a critical success, half damage on a success, double damage on a critical failure)."

  - name: "Vicious Gore"
    desc: "  A triceratops deals 2d6 extra persistent bleed damage to [[Conditions/Prone|Prone]] targets it hits with its horns."

  - name: "[[Bestiary Ability Glossary/Knockdown|Knockdown]]"
    desc: "`pf2:1`  **Requirements** The monster's last action was a successful Strike that lists Knockdown in its damage entry\n* * *\n\n**Effect** The monster attempts to [[/act trip]] the creature. This attempt neither applies nor counts toward the monster's multiple attack penalty."
 
```

```encounter-table
name: Triceratops
creatures:
  - 1: Triceratops
```



Triceratopses are muscular quadrupeds with powerful short legs, thick necks, and heads crowned by a wide, bony frill. Though they bear three large horns, they use these bony protrusions only to defend themselves or fight for dominance. Short-tempered and obstinate, triceratopses are unlikely to back down from a fight unless they are hopelessly outmatched, and the creatures are known to fight to the death for no apparent reason beyond stubbornness. Triceratopses often serve as mounts for humanoids, particularly giants, who can comfortably ride behind the dinosaurs' protective bone frills. A triceratops is 30 feet long and weighs as much as 10 tons.

* * *

Remnants from the world's primeval era, these enormous reptilian animals still exist in large numbers in remote wildernesses or underground in magical Darklands caverns. Lizardfolk, orcs, giants, and other humanoids who live near dinosaurs use the animals as mounts, guards, or hunting beasts. Occasionally, rich nobles will collect dinosaurs to display them in menageries, which almost inevitably leads to cast-offs being nursed back to health by druids and other champions of nature. When dinosaurs establish themselves in regions outside their normal habitats, it's often the result of a large collection being released.
