Brown Bears are massive carnivores, with an aggressive attitude. They are extremely dangerous creatures, and feared by most people.
Encounter: 1d2.
ST: 27-32.
DX: 11.
IQ: 7.
MV: 6.
AR: -2 (heavy fur).
DM: 2d6 (bite or claw).
Size: 1.
TR: None.
Behavior: Territorial (12).
Habitat: Forest, Hills, Forested Hills, Mountains.
Category: Natural Beast.
Element: Earth.
Special: None.
Brown bears (and their cousins the grizzly) are large mammals, usually about 9′ tall on their hind legs, and weighing about 1,800 pounds. They are brown in color.
Brown bears are very territorial, and will protect their area aggressively. They also are mean, with a very bad temper. Because of this, most people fear brown bears, and avoid them whenever possible.
Brown bears generally attack by tearing prey with their powerful claws for 2d6 damage. They will bite to hold the prey for 2d6 as well, then rake with their claws, disemboweling them.
The fur of a brown bear is very warm and highly prized. It is worth 60-80 silver pieces.
The Isle of Ealdun
Brown bears are found in the northern areas of the Isle, and especially in the Morrigan Mountains. They are unknown in the southern lands.
The Middle Lands
Brown bears can be found in most drier forested and mountainous areas of the Middle Lands. They lair in caves, and hibernate during the winter. They can be found in the forests of Tianshang, as well as throughout the Great Mountains and smaller mountains of Urre. They are rare in the southern mountains of Kavast.
The Vales
Brown bears are uncommon, but can be found throughout the Vales.
The Shaman’s Valley
Brown bears are uncommon, but can be found throughout the Valley.
Design Notes
Per Blades, these stats apply to grizzly bears as well as brown bears.
I like bears as opponent creatures. They are tough, fierce and dangerous. They do not need to be supernatural to be deadly, and really give a healthy dose of reality to players.
Original Inspiration: Blades & Black Magic, C.R. Brandon; Heroes & Other Worlds, C.R. Brandon; Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, TSR; The Fantasy Trip, Steve Jackson Games.
