Werebear

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Werebear Introduction

In the shadowed depths of the ancient forest, where the moonlight barely pierces the dense canopy, there lurks a creature of both legend and fearsome reality—the Werebear. As the night deepens and the forest comes alive with the whispers of the wind through the trees, the presence of this formidable being can be felt, a guardian of the wilds and a terror to those who dare to trespass.

The Werebear stands as a towering figure, a blend of man and beast, with a hulking frame covered in a thick, shaggy coat of fur that ranges from deep brown to a silvery gray. Its eyes, glowing with an eerie intelligence, peer from beneath a heavy brow, and its powerful limbs end in claws sharp enough to rend flesh and bone. When it moves, the ground seems to tremble beneath its weight, and the air is filled with the scent of earth and musk.

Known for their dual nature, Werebears are both protectors and predators. By day, they may walk among humans, appearing as solitary woodsmen or reclusive hermits, their true nature hidden beneath a veneer of civility. But when the moon rises, they embrace their primal form, patrolling their territory with a fierce determination to keep it safe from any who would harm it. Despite their fearsome reputation, Werebears are not mindless killers; they are wise and discerning, often choosing to avoid conflict unless provoked.

Their habitat is the deep forest, a realm of towering trees and hidden glades, where the air is thick with the scent of pine and the calls of distant creatures echo through the night. Legends speak of Werebears as the ancient guardians of these wild places, spirits of the forest given flesh to protect the balance of nature. Some tales even suggest that those who earn a Werebear's trust may find a powerful ally, one who can call upon the strength of the forest itself.

Yet, for all their wisdom and strength, Werebears are creatures of solitude, bound to the cycles of the moon and the call of the wild. To encounter one is to step into a world where the line between man and beast blurs, where the ancient magic of the earth still holds sway, and where the night is alive with the promise of both danger and wonder.

Werebear Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +3
• Survival +3

Senses

• Passive Perception 13

Languages

• Common
• Bear (in bear form only)

Abilities

• Shapechanger: The werebear can use its action to polymorph into a bear-humanoid hybrid or into a bear, or back into its true form, which is humanoid. Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
• Keen Smell: The werebear has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Actions

• Multiattack (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only): The werebear makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws or greataxe.
• Bite (Bear or Hybrid Form Only): Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d8 + 4 piercing damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with werebear lycanthropy.
• Claws (Bear or Hybrid Form Only): Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2d8 + 4 slashing damage.
• Greataxe (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only): Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d12 + 4 slashing damage.

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Battle Tips for Werebear

Werebears are formidable opponents in any campaign, known for their immense strength and resilience. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing werebears effectively can create memorable and challenging encounters for your players. Here are some tips to make the most out of these powerful lycanthropes:

Using Werebears in Battle

• Leverage Their Strength: Werebears have incredible physical power. Use their strength to overpower players in melee combat, breaking through defenses and dealing significant damage.
• Utilize Their Shape-Shifting Abilities: Werebears can switch between human, hybrid, and bear forms. Use this ability to adapt to different combat situations, surprising players with sudden changes in tactics.
• Exploit Their Resilience: With high hit points and damage resistances, werebears can endure prolonged battles. Use them to wear down player resources over time.

Coordinating Multiple Werebears

• Pack Tactics: Werebears can work together to flank and surround players, using their numbers to create strategic advantages and increase their attack effectiveness.
• Divide and Conquer: Use multiple werebears to split the party, isolating weaker members and focusing attacks to quickly eliminate them from the fight.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, werebears can use their speed and knowledge of the terrain to retreat, regroup, and launch a counterattack when the players are least expecting it.

Fleeing and Tactical Retreats

• Use the Environment: Werebears are at home in forested and mountainous areas. Use the terrain to your advantage, allowing them to disappear into the wilderness and set up ambushes.
• Feign Weakness: Werebears can pretend to be defeated, luring players into a false sense of security before launching a surprise attack.
• Call for Reinforcements: If the battle is going poorly, werebears can call upon other creatures of the forest to aid them, turning the tide of battle in their favor.

By using these strategies, Dungeon Masters can create dynamic and engaging encounters with werebears, challenging players to think strategically and adapt to the ever-changing battlefield.