Dinosaur (Dungeons & Dragons)

(Note: For the actual-life group of extinct reptiles, see: Dinosaur)

In numerous campaign settings of the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Dinosaurs, based upon the actual-life extinct reptiles of prehistoric ages, are present. In some settings, they are merely added for kicks, but some settings provide an actual explanation as to why Dinosaurs are present; in Eberron, there has never been an ice age, and hence there is no reason for Dinosaurs going extinct. Some of the Dinosaurs used in D&D, such as the Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and Ankylosaurus, are real ones which used to exist on earth. Others, such as the Bloodstriker, Fleshraker and Swindlespitter, though labeled as Dinosaurs, are made up, and as such are likely better regarded as monsters. Most D&D settings have a location where Dinosaurs are known to dwell, and seeing as they coexist with intelligent races, they are often depicted as tamed, with such things as armored T-Rexxes being used in battle and Velociraptors used as mounts.

Dinosaurs in Eberron
Dinosaurs are particularily prevailant in the Eberron campaign setting. They are known to inhabit the Talenta Plains, among other locations, and the Talenta Halflings tame them as mounts and beasts of burden. Much Eberron artwork depicts such Halflings with such Dinosaurs, and these said images have became strongly symbolic of the setting.

Dinosaurs in Forgotten Realms
In the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, Dinosaurs are rather prevailant as well, although not as much as in Eberron. They are known to inhabit the Chultan Peninsula, among other locations. While dinosaur mounts and battle-beasts are not quite as common in the Forgotten Realms, there are numerous humanoid dinosaur-like races present in the setting, including the triceratops-like Saurials and the pterosaur-like pterafolk.