Cave Bears are large, prehistoric cousins to the brown bear. They are very large, and extremely dangerous.
Encounter: 1d2.
ST: 35-42.
DX: 10.
IQ: 5.
MV: 6.
AR: -2 (heavy fur).
DM: 3d6 (bite or claw).
Size: 2.
TR: None.
Behavior: Territorial (12).
Habitat: Mountains, Underground.
Category: Natural Beast.
Element: Earth.
Special: None.
The cave bear has reddish-brown fur, is up to 11′ tall on its hind legs, and weighs about 2,400 pounds.
Like brown bears, cave bears attack more with their powerful, fierce claws than their teeth. They generally attack by grappling with their prey, knocking them down and raking with their claws for 3d6 damage. Their powerful teeth do 3d6 damage as well.
The fur of a cave bear is worth 200-300 silver pieces. The claws of a cave bear are also prized, and can be worth 40-50 silver pieces.
The Isle of Ealdun
Cave bears are very rare, and only found in the Northern Morrigan Mountains. They are rumored to be treated as pets and guard beasts by the Winter Giants, but most people do not believe that.
The Middle Lands
Cave bears are only found in colder, mountain areas, or in their cave lairs. They can only be found in the northern reaches of the Great Mountains. In other areas, they are legendary, with many not believing that they exist.
The Vales
Cave bears can be found in the mountain walls of the Vales, and in the mountains beyond the the Vales.
The Shaman’s Valley
Cave bears are found in the areas of the Valley to the east, in the Great Mountains. They are rare, and greatly feared.
Design Notes
Cave bears are great creatures for heroes to encounter. Tough, fierce–and very dangerous. They are also good tests of the players’ ability to judge a situation and retreat instead of getting killed in an unwinnable fight.
Original Inspiration: Blades & Black Magic, C.R. Brandon; Heroes & Other Worlds, C.R. Brandon; Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, TSR; The Fantasy Trip, Steve Jackson Games.
