Pachycephalosaurus

Tier: 2
Type: Terrestrial herbivore
Passive growth time: 2 hrs 20 min

Band size: 6 sub adults/adults, 1-12 juveniles/adolescents
Hierarchy: Kratocracy

Mating bond: Ambiamorous
Nest size: 1-4 offspring per pair

Diet tags: Herbivore, omnivore, non-cannibalistic & ossivore
Preferred food: Berry bushes, critters, & scavenges for bones for extra calcium in diet
Species specific rules: May hunt any Tier 1-2 subadults/adults & all Tier offspring as long as they are in similar size or smaller than the Pachycephalosaurs. If they kill a carnivore/omnivore in self-defense, they can choose if they want to claim the body or not. May only initiate contests against Tier 1-2 carnivores/omnivores for their bodies. If in any herd or mixpack, must follow purely Herbivore rules.

Behavior in nature

Pachycephalosaurus are very feisty little creatures, unwilling to back down from a fight, even if their opponent is larger than them. They stand their ground, swinging their thick skulls at potential enemies and mock charging them in an attempt to warn them off. Some Pachycephalosaurus are also known to strike out with their powerful legs, kicking and knocking back any foe who tries to attack them. Oftentimes, Pachycephalosaurus are seen munching on the body of those who thought they would make for an easy meal. Pachycephalosaurus are avid omnivores, taking opportunities to feast upon a variety of foods, ranging from fruits and berries, to small critters, bones, small dinosaurs, and even fish! Pachycephalosaurus are known to inhabit a wide variety of biomes, from dry, desert-like lands, to open grassy plains. Those who live in rocky and/or desert-like terrain are known for their strong, durable legs, and the ability to climb rock faces with ease. They can be found napping on high cliff edges where predators are unable to reach. Those who live in open, grassy plains are able to run for long periods of time, swiftly dodging any foes who try to attack them. Those that live in densely wooded areas are known for their thick, sturdy hides.

Recommended behaviors

╸Pachycephalosaurus spars often, and will challenge any creature to a fight, even in herds with larger dinosaurs.
╸Pachycephalosaurus enjoy eating a wide variety of foods, and are unafraid to try new things.

Courtship

When a female Pachycephalosaurus is almost ready to lay eggs, she will begin to show signs of readiness by bleating repeatedly in friendly tones, usually towards the strongest bull in the group, encouraging him to prove his strength. Male Pachycephalosaurus who wish to mate will challenge the strong bull swinging their thick skulls around at one another to intimidate other males. Most of the time, it's a strategic dance to dissuade potential rivals from trying to challenge. If this dance does not ward off the rival, the Pachycephalosaurus will begin to ram heads with each other; thunderous cracks of thick bone can be heard as the males fight viciously to prove their strength to the female. Other males can attempt instead to woo the female by acting docile and sweet, bringing her gifts and trinkets to show her he is attentive of her needs. If spotted, the fighting males will try to threaten the softer ones away from the female as they continue to brawl. Once a female has made up her mind, she will begin circling around the male Pachycephalosaurus of her choice, bleating repeatedly in an encouraging manner. If other males approach her, or the male of her choice, she will become aggressive, swinging her head in a defensive manner and mock charging them. The pair will then separate from the group for a period of a few days, asserting their bond and mating several times. After a few days have passed, they will return to the band and separate, almost completely forgetting about the events beforehand.

Social behavior

Pachycephalosaurus have a rigid hierarchy, based on the strongest group member leading. While sociable and enjoying the company of others, Pachycephalosaurus will oftentimes brawl with one another, testing their strength and prowess. While the members of a group have respect for the leader, the leader is constantly having to put their group members in their place, taking up any challenge that is given to them. Male and Female Pachycephelosaurous alike will brawl with one another; gender does not seem to matter. When Pachycephalosaurus are not sparring, they are playing games with one another, often seen playing a chase-like game. Pachycephalosaurus will kick and tail whip other Pachycephalosaurus to initiate play. These play fights are never about power, and are more for bonding the members of the group closer together to ensure their safety and strength.

Nesting & offspring

When a female is ready to lay her eggs, she will find a comfy den to have them in. She will not hide from the rest of her band, but will be protective of her young if other Pachycephalosaurus are too rowdy around the younglings. As soon as a young Pachycephalosaurus hatches, they are eager to ram their heads into everything. Mothers typically earn bruised ankles over time from all the babies practicing their skills on her. The babies are very curious, and tend to explore with their mouths, picking up objects to show off or tasting things they probably should not taste. More often than not, babies will hold onto trinkets they find, or attempt to steal from other babies. When they reach adulthood they are typically accepted into the band, though if they do not have enough resources for more members in the band, the lead female will push them out.