Rhinoceros
Large Beast · · CR 2
- Beast
- Large
- Tier 1
Ranges across grassland; Rhinoceros lists at CR 2 as a large beast (unaligned). Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 2
- Type
- Beast
- Size
- Large
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Grassland
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Rhinoceroses inhabit grasslands and savannahs, browsing on tough grasses and shrubs. They wallow in mud to cool and shed parasites, and oxpecker-like birds clean their hide. Rhinos are mostly solitary except mothers with calves; bull territories overlap females'. Calves are born after 16 months gestation and stay with mothers two years. Their poor eyesight is offset by acute smell and hearing.
Behaviour
Surprisingly fast despite their bulk, rhinos charge with little provocation when calves are near, when injured, or when surprised. They hold their ground rather than flee, and run down pursuers who break first. They communicate through huffs, snorts, and trumpeting alarm-calls. In zoos and sanctuaries they recognize keepers across decades, suggesting good long-term memory. Rutting bulls are exceptionally violent.
Origin
Awakened rhinos serve as living siege beasts for some giant tribes. Druids of plains-circles favor them as Wild Shape forms for sheer impact. A myth tells of the first rhino as a stubborn giant who refused to move from a god's path, frozen in armored hide and short legs as punishment. Rhino horn is a controversial alchemy ingredient, prized by unethical mages but banned in druidic enclaves.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Rhinoceros
- What is the challenge rating of Rhinoceros?
- Rhinoceros has a challenge rating of 2. It matches tier-1 encounter math.
- What type of creature is Rhinoceros?
- Rhinoceros is classified as a beast in D&D 5e, large size.
- Where does Rhinoceros live?
- Rhinoceros is typically encountered in Grassland.