These particular dinosaurs are slightly larger than the more well-known Velociraptors, but are actually tougher! They are just as fast as the other species, and have similar natural weapons, although they do appear far more avian than most of the dinosaurs the Vesk have chosen to modify.

Sure, the Vesk modified the Pterodactyl to be used as aerial combatants, but when it came right down to it, they were rather weak. By taking what evolution was attempting with this particular species and giving it a not-so-gentle nudge in the right direction, they allowed the creatures to become fully capable of flight.

On average the Deinonychus stands around seven feet in height, but barely weighs 120 pounds. The bones are hollow, and the musculature is significantly less dense, meaning that the creatures are not quite as strong as their ancestors, but they make up for it with their natural dexterity and speed. Unlike other dinosaurs, these creatures are covered from head to toe in feathers, which are always a light brown and grey in coloration, although those who are bred to be used in forest environments tend to have green and brown coloration. They have a long tail, which helps them when flying, and which can be used as a weapon if they need it, and they do not possess a beak, instead a long reptilian snout with small, sharp teeth.

When it comes to combat, the creatures like to attempt to ambush prey. They love to swoop in from the sky and land in the middle of their prey and lash out with their natural weaponry. If they are travelling in a pack, they will evenly divide up their numbers to target groups of prey, always trying to put the same number of attackers on a single target. Unlike other flying predators, this creature does not do a fly-by attack. It prefers to land and get its claws dirty.

Thanks to their speed, they are also quite adept at avoiding incoming damage from explosions and area effect weaponry. The problem is that due to their physical structure, they are vulnerable to kinetic and blunt attacks.

One of the strangest aspects to these creatures is the fact that they are able to perfectly imitate any sound they hear. This can be anything from the roaring of another dinosaur to several full sentences in any language. Often hearing the creature speak can be quite confusing and give the Deinonychus the upper hand, often allowing them to attack a foe that is caught off guard.

When they don’t use this ability in combat, it is not unheard of them ‘swearing’ or using common phrases they have heard.

Starfinder Creature Index

Chris Van Deelen is the creator and contributor to over half of the Wisdom from the Wastelands series, contributor to the Swords of Kos: Hekaton anthology. He also wrote Creatures of the Tropical Wastelands, and 100 Oddities found in a Car. As prolific as he is, Chris Van Deelen continues to write and produce material which will be in publication soon. Not only is he a prolific content creator, he also has a wide selection of fiction and stories! If you like his work, please follow his personal author page on Facebook and on Twitter to keep up with his latest news and game content.