Aptodrome

Aptodrome is a Scelidian appearing in Monster Hunter Venture.

Physiology
Aptodrome closely resembles Aptonoth, with a few key differences. The main difference is that Aptodrome's crest is much larger, with larger spikes at the end. Aptodrome is also larger overall, and is about the size of a Tetsucabra. It also sports a pair of bull-like horns over its eyes, something no Aptonoth has.

Low Rank and Onward
Headbutt: Aptodrome slams its crested head into a nearby hunter.

Tail Sweep: Aptodrome sweeps its tail along the ground, spinning about 90 degrees in the process. It always does two in a row.

Body Smash: It turns so its side faces a threat, then smashes its full weight into them.

Trample: The monster runs toward a smaller threat to cr

Forefoot Slam: Rearing up on its back legs in a manner similar to Gammoth, Aptodrome then slams down with its forefeet to crush any smaller foes below it.

Crested Charge: In a manner similar to Rhenoplos, the Aptodrome paws at the ground before charging at a threat to ram them.

Enraged Only
Tail Sweep And Spin: Aptodrome sweeps its tail across the ground twice, then spins around to knock close foes away.

High Rank and Onward
Charge Slide: It charges forward and skids to a stop, causing damage to anything it hits.

Enraged Only
Butt Smash: The monster slams its rear end onto foes below it.

G-Rank Exclusive
Side Kick: It sticks one of its hind legs outward to strike at a threat near its side.

Enraged Only
Double Stomp: Aptodrome stomps the ground with its forefeet, then uses the momentum to raise its back legs into the air and stomp there as well.

Taxonomy

 * Order: Ornithischia
 * Suborder: Clubbed Tail
 * Infraorder: Land Beast
 * Family: Tonoth
 * Species: Aptonoth

Habitat Range
Aptodrome lives in warm, well-vegetated areas such as the Vast Frontier, Wild Savanna, and Verdant Jungle.

Ecological Niche
Despite its increased size and strength, the Aptodrome remains at the bottom of the food chain and has numerous predators. Because its meat is highly nutritious and high in protein, it is most commonly preyed upon by the Flying Wyverns Rathalos and Rathian. Aptodrome are still highly adaptable, however, and continue to thrive in many areas.

Biological Adaptations
Aptodrome's spiked crest has grown larger and thicker, and the spikes themselves are longer than those of normal Aptonoth. This enables them to deliver more powerful headbutts along with their newly developed facial horns. An Aptodrome's tail spikes are also larger and sharper to more effectively defend itself from threats, and its body is larger with increased muscle mass.

Behavior
A docile creature by nature, the Aptodrome spends most of its time grazing with its herd. As the leader, it often leads the others to greener pastures when all the nearby vegetation has been eaten, and the herds it leads can often number in the dozens. When any of its herd members are in danger, the Aptodrome will rush to their defense and attempt to drive off smaller assailants by headbutting them and clubbing them with its tail. In the presence of larger predators such as Rathalos, Aptodrome's behavior changes, and it will lead the rest of the herd to safety as they attempt to escape.

Trivia

 * Aptodrome was originally intended as a laughably underpowered joke monster similar to [|Blobdrome], but I liked the concept of a boss Aptonoth so much I decided to keep it and rework it to be more realistic.


 * Aptodrome also came from the idea of wanting to give the world of Monster Hunter another herbivorous boss monster, as most of them are carnivorous.