Werebear

Werebear
(Creature)
Uncommon LG Large Beast Human Humanoid Werecreature Level 4 Alignment LG NG CG LN N CN LE NE CE Source: Bestiary, pg(s). 330–331 Type Humanoid (shapechanger) CR As base creature +1 Environment Any forests Alignment LG NG CG LN N CN LE NE CE Source: Bestiary 2, pg(s). 181

Whether born naturally or afflicted with the curse of the werecreature, werebears are werecreatures who can switch between humanoid and bear form. They are one of the most feared types of werecreature.

Appearance

Like all werecreatures, werebears have three forms—a humanoid form, a bear form and a hybrid form.

A werebear in bear form looks like a normal animal, although often a particularly strong and tough specimen. Perceptive observers may also identify that the creature has more than animal intelligence.

Afflicted werebears in humanoid form keep their previous appearance. Natural werebears tend to be broad-shouldered, with dark eyes. Hair is often red, brown or black.

Werebears can also take on a hybrid form which combines their humanoid form with bear-like features. In this form they resemble a hairy humanoid with the head of a bear.

Habitat and ecology

Werebears are most common in cold forests and tundra in the far north. They are territorial and often prowl their habitat in search of evil creatures to slay.

Werebears are usually much more benign than other werecreatures but are still generally met with fear and suspicion. They are reclusive as a result and live either solitary lives or in small family groups. They do not tolerate evil humanoids within their territory, and some more violent werebears extend this treatment to all trespassers, usually as a result of lifetime of harassment from others.

True werebears often consider themselves as guardians of the wilderness in which they live and might have links to local druids and priests of nature deities, such as Erastil. They usually mark the borders of the territory under their protection, for instance by leaving scent traces, clawing symbols into trees, or constructing small cairns of stones. They do their utmost to avoid infecting others with their curse.

However, a few werebears are not so benign and rampage through their territory searching for blood and spreading their affliction.

References

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