Brachelys
Pity the brachelys. Millennia ago, hunting and gathering tribes learned that a brachelys's tough hide makes excellent armor and shields. Centuries ago, wizards discovered many magical properties in brachelys's internal organs.
As a result, these normally docile creatures are often hunted well out of proportion to their aggression. Given their size--twice as tall as a horse--they are difficult to fully domesticate or ranch in the traditional sense, but some tribes do track and keep small herds from going too far away. The baritone groan of a brachelys is a sure sign that a herd is near.
The brachelys eats the tough vegetation of the desert, from scrub grass to cacti, which appears to give them their characteristic, slightly sour scent. As a slow creature it expends little energy, except in mating season.
In terms of stats, a brachelys is basically an elephant, so let's start there. The stats feel right, but the abilities aren't quite right. Let's swap out the gore for a bite attack using that nasty beak. Otherwise, everything matches up quite well.
Let's stat it up!
Homebrewery stat block:
Brachelys
Huge beast, unaligned
- Armor Class 12
- Hit Points 76 (8d12 + 24)
- Speed 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 22 (+6) 9 (-1) 17 (+3) 3 (-4) 11 (+0) 6 (-2) - Senses Passive Perception 10
- Languages --
- Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Enraged Charge. If the brachelys moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a slam attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the brachelys can make one trample attack against it as a bonus action.
Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit 19 (3d8 + 6) piercing damage.
Trample. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one prone creature. Hit 22 (3d10 + 6) bludgeoning damage.