Dreadbear

Kaelon

Common name, Dread Bear. Adventurer title, Ursidae.

Contents

Appearance

Both boars and sows of this species are similar size and color. Standing seven to seven and one half feet tall at the hump of its shoulder, this bear is truly monstrous. Covered in midnight black fur with hints of red throughout, this bear is unmistakable when spotted. All but its rear haunches have the supple coat of black/red fur, in its place are thousands of small spiked hairs that are as sharp as the quill from a porcupine. Though there is no known reason as to why their hair has gown in such a way, it is believed for protection against other Ursidae that may attack from behind.

As stated before, the dreadbear stands upwards of seven feet tall at its shoulder, making it stand in its natural position taller than most all humans and demi-humans, further adding to its monster like persona. This means, if the bear decides to rear up on its hind legs, in order to combat an opponent, or even to fell a structure, that they stand at an incredible 18 or more feet tall. This makes some of these bears not only capable of looking into the window of a two-story building, but capable of destroying that same two story building in but a matter of minutes.

The weight of both boars and sows is estimated to reach a staggering 3,000-4,500 pounds. Though one must remember that few have actually encountered these beasts and lived to tell the tale. From the tip of their tail, to the tip of their nose, they stretch to a length of 11 ½ - 13 feet, all of this meaning that they are one of the largest known type of bears in existence.

Most Ursidae have ember colored eyes, that seem to be able to strike fear into those that look into them. Some hellbears on the other hand, most of the time the largest boars, have bright yellow eyes, a stark contrast to their dark fur.

As these bears age, they continue to grow, and their already deadly (visible) arsenal grows more powerful. The most noticeable of which being the growth of an extra set of enlarged canine teeth on the upper jaw of the beast. It’s believed that these begin to grow at sexual maturity, around the age of 15 years. However, once these teeth begin to grow, they do so very quickly, gaining nearly one half inch in length per year of life. Some “greater” canines believed to be that of truly ancient dreadbears have been found in excess of 15 inches long, though most break in battle after they exceed 10 inches. These bears are fully capable of opening their mouths into a 90 degree angle, allowing them to latch onto prey and enemies alike with ease. Though these teeth are capable of being broken, they rarely do, unless stressed severely over a long period. Scholars notes speak of battles between armor clad warriors and hellbears, having their steel breastplates punctured by the large “greater” canines of the dreadbear. In all written accounts, these warriors met their fate shortly there after, for even a bite to the shoulder could be fatal, a 10 inch long tooth easily passing from the shoulder blade to the heart in most humanoid races. It should be known that after these so called “greater” canines begin to grow in, the jaw of the dreadbear begins to malform, its normal teeth shifting their places to allow growth for their new arsenal. This creates a very “toothy” appearance for the hellbear, some teeth sticking out at an odd angel, and causing the bears gums to bleed for the next year or so until healed.

All in all, these bears are very heavily built, even for a creature of their size. This weight is primarily muscle, though a two inch thick layer of fat encircles the body, allowing for some leeway in “real” damage sustained by one of these bears after combat. Even though not visible, one should know that a thick layer of cartilage grows behind the shoulder blade of the dreadbear boars. This is just a small back up defense they have against other boars during the mating season. The cartilage protects the vital organs against the “greater” canines of other mature dreadbears, their battles for a mate can become deadly very quickly. Even though the cartilage is strong, a well placed shot from a high quality bow can puncture it, likewise any bladed weapon could, though a specific piercing weapon would probably do a better job.

The paws of these enormous bears have been known to measure nearly five feet in circumference, making for yet another formidable weapon for this bear to posses. Their 6 inch claws make this weapon all the more deadly, but the actual clubbing strike of the beast will simply lay waste to any would be advisory

Diet

Unlike most other types of bears, the dreadbears diet consists primarily of flesh. Nearly 80% of their diet consists of small and large animals, 15% of their diet is made up of humans/demi-humans, and the last 5% is vegetable matter. Plants though are a last resort type food, if they have the choice, they will not eat vegetable matter at all. The bears potent stomach acids allow them to digest even the strongest bone, or toughest hide.

Another thing that makes them stick out from other bears is the fact that they are very active hunters, though some other types of bears are willing to hunt, none seem to possess the sheer tenacity of the dreadbear. Capable of creating ambushes that even some of the more skilled elven rangers find themselves falling into, the dreadbear is excellent at guerrilla type attacks. Many a wandering fighter, mage or merchant have found their way into the stomach of a hungry Ursidae.

It should be known that prey such as deer, elk, and other bears are far more likely to fall into these traps, this being because they are more plentiful then travelers. The dreadbear seems to even enjoy the hunt, mauling and playing with its prey after it is already dead, a very gruesome sight to behold when there prey was a sentient being.

Mannerisms

The dreadbears general attitude towards everything should be no surprise to anyone, they hate everything. Other then the occasional pair that may become hunting companions, and then usually mates, most avoid contact with one another do to the extremely territorial nature.

As a dreadbear reaches sexual maturity, they begin to search out a mate. This time period is the most dangerous of any young dreadbears life, crossing into un-known territories, and walking hundreds of miles through hostile terrain in search of a member of the opposite sex. During these travels, most ill prepared dreadbears meet their end at the claws of larger, more aggressive and mature Ursidae. It’s thought that members of both sexes actively search out a mate during their “coming of age” period. If two boars come upon one sow at the same time, or vice versa, a battle to the death is sure to follow. There is no ritualistic combat, or intimidation tactics implemented, they get right to the very lethal point. Though some may be lucky enough to live through their loss, they bear their scars for the rest of their lives. Many times these “scars” consist of a blinded eye, or even missing limbs. Being as tough as they are, a missing limb is nothing more then an inconvenience, they are more then capable of still living a long life.

Once a mate has been claimed, the stay together for the rest of their lives, sharing the hunting, protection, and cub rearing responsibilities. The boars and sows will travel until a new land of their own can be claimed. During this time, they may run across individual dreadbears, or even paired dreadbears. In cases such as the latter, generally the encroaching Ursidae will flee the already claimed land, unless the property is “exceptional territory”. In which case the territory may be worth fighting for, unless the younger couple is up against a fully mature boar and sow dreadbear couple. Eventually, many months down the road, a pair of mated dreadbears will come across a land of their own, wether they found it or took it by force.

As they traverse their new home/hunting territory the rub their quilled hind quarters on trees and large rocks, allowing the oils from their skin mark their territory. These oils seep into the trees and even coat the rocks, drying in a few hours, and leaving behind an almost sulphur type smell behind. If done on dry wood, the oil leaves a scorch mark, reminiscent of charcoal behind on the wood.

Ursidae will share their territory with the animals native to the land, but nothing else. They do so only for purposes of food however, all those entering their land that don’t belong there are either driven off, or killed, and then devoured. Any humanoids in the area fall under their list of beings that do not belong in the area, even if attuned to nature in some way. All humanoids are a prey species to them, and are treated as such when encountered.

One should also note that if encountered with Ursidae cubs, the parents will attack without hesitation, unless the odds are truly overwhelming. Dreadears will continue to attack encroachers until they feel the threat has been neutralized.

The dreadbear breeds only every five years, giving birth to one or two cubs, in most cases one. This five year down time between cycles allows for the bears to raise their cubs until they are capable of defending themselves against the brunt of nature.

Combat

Like most other bears, the dreadbears primary attack consists of massive haymaker like swings with their forepaws. These attacks are more then capable of killing an opponent of lesser size then the bear, even steel plate cannot stop the shock of the strike. Splintering metal, crushing bones, and destroying the internal organs of it hapless victim. Though the claws of these bears are indeed large, 6-7" in most cases, they are used primarily to rend the flesh from prey, though a swipe from the paw of a dreadbear against a lightly armored opponent means certain death, then and only then will the claws truly be utilized for combat.

Rearing to its hind legs, a dreadbear standing 18 or more feet tall does however open itself up for attack, but one must remember that the sheer strength that these animals posses accounts for that lack of defense nicely.

In combat, shields are virtually useless against these beasts, allowing for the bear to have a larger target to attack. A wise, well trained warrior may be able to use this to their advantage, then again, a wise warrior didn’t become “wise” by fighting dreadbears in head on combat.

The dreadbear also wields a maw of crushing teeth, capable of destroying armors and bone with ease. Though it is primarily the boars of the species that wield their teeth lethal sabers. As stated before, these saber like teeth can puncture the hides of other dreadbears, and even metal armors if need be. Once broken however, which is not uncommon, the dreadbears teeth will grow back over time. The bears lower canine teeth grinding against, and thusly ever sharpening their larger “greater” canines.

Another attack, though used more out of defense the anything, is the use of the quills on its hind legs against downed or charging opponents. In cases that opponents, being other bears, or other potential attackers, they have been known to shift their weight to their hind end, allowing the attacker to crash head long into the bears quilled flank. Though not highly damaging by any means, this allows the oils from the dreadbears skin to enter the flesh of the attacker. The oils, cause no initial damage, but begin to burn the area of contact after an hours time. After two hours, the area becomes inflamed and red, severe burning follows moments later, as does a thin clear discharge that is in fact the water from the victims muscle and fat. After the third hour, the pain dissipates, not completely going away for a whole day, and the only harm really done is severe soreness, and scarring. All of which can be avoided through the use of healing magic, and even common herbal treatments, though so common are the herbal treatments, they may be overlooked.

All in all though, the most shocking of all the ursidaes attacks is it’s use of fire arcana. The power of the elemental magic of fire depends on the age of the bear, and as far as learned scholars know, both boars and sows can summon forth these spells. The casting of the spells in an unconscious act, as the dreadbears rage builds, so does the spell, until finally it’s fury is unleashed on its target.

The magic that is harnessed by the dreadbear is known to elementalists as a “Project Element” spell, the element in all cases is none-other then fire. Though not highly damaging in the way of offensive spells, it is none the less intimidating. As the ursidae rages on in battle, the spell is slowly invoked. During the first 3 minutes small wisps of smoke begin to rise from the dreadbear, followed quickly by translucent red flames around the four minute mark of battle. These flames, while frightening to behold cause no harm to anything coming into contact with them. Shortly afterwards however, massive orange/red flames erupt from the dreadbears body engulfing it entirely. These flames seem to have a life of their own, lashing out at near by opponents, or any being to close to the dreadbear.

If ever a being is found trying to harm or steal a dreadbear cub, and the cubs parents happen upon them, this elemental burst is unleashed almost instantly.

It has been seen however, that a sow dreadbear does not posses this ability as strongly as the boar does. Elementalists would refer to her “flame aura” as an “Inner Radiance” spell. dreadbears do not posses this skill until they have reached sexual maturity, and even then they do not “invoke” it as strongly as an older dreadbear would.

In this section it should also be written about their resistance to fire arcana. Though some damage can be inflicted through fire spells, only the most powerful mages can hope to inflict adequate fire damage upon a Hellbear to even phase them. It’s been thought that dreadbears also posses a low resistance to all other forms of arcana, though no proof of this actually exists.

Senses

The dreadbear, like most other animals, posses senses that any demi/human could only pray to have. Though lacking in the department of sight, all their other senses are very keen. They lack the ability to clearly define objects over 250 yards away, and lack sight capable of sensing objects of 500 yards away. While this is still good vision, in the way the animal kingdom goes, it is rather lacking.

However, their sense of smell is as powerful of that of an Aelyrian Black Bear, and their hearing is even more acute. Being that they utilize ambush tactics when hunting, this allows them to get ready for an attack quickly, often after following prey for miles, flanking their prey, and attacking before the creatures know what is happening.

Physical Note: Though capable of reaching speeds of 30 miles per hour, the Hellbear cannot sustain it for long. It’s not that they have low stamina, quite the opposite in fact, they are built for stamina. However the dreadbears massive bone structure allows only for bursts of speed, reaching 30 miles per hour for no longer the twenty minutes. Though they are more then capable of running around fifteen miles per hour for over 3 hours straight.

Home Range

These bears are extremely rare at best. It’s thought that less then 1,000 live in the whole of the Aelyrian Empire, and most of those have been encountered deep within various mountain chains, and forests.

These bears have a fondness for heat though, and have been seen traveling the fringes of the Arakmat dessert during the colder times of the year. These bears DO NOT hibernate, rather they migrate to warmer lands during the winter months.

Dreadbears lay claim to vast tracks of land, and patrol them year round with their mate in order to protect them. It’s believed that larger numbers of these creatures live within the Xet Alliance, though this has yet to be proven.

Life Span

The dreadbear, like most bears, live for a long time, if intelligent and lucky enough. Though the actual life span is not known, it is known that they reach sexual maturity at around 15 patterns of age. This leads scholars to speculate that Ursidae can live to the ripe old age of 40 or more patterns in the wild. Though the oldest captive bred dreadbear only live till 20 Patterns of age. Wether this was because of genetic problems, or lack of natural habitat, no one knows.

Table Quality

Ursidae, surprisingly enough, are some of the better tasting of all bears. Though not the quality of a fine beef stake or venison tenderloin, they are none the less, capable of being consumed. Rough in texture, they are best when grilled lightly, only browning the outside, and leaving the rest of the meat warm, but not over cooked. Any aspiring cook should know, that like all other bears, the sheer muscle mass of the dreadbear does NOT allow for much in the way of tenderloins. They are no more then a few inches long at best, and are of surprisingly poor quality, very gamey to say the least.

Side Notes

History speaks of warlords, and barbarians using these creatures as mounts during times of war and chaos. It is even believed that Cyraxians themselves have used the great beasts as mounts from time to time. As it is impossible to actually train a dreadbear, it is believed that powerful beings have controlled the beasts through arcane spells and items from time to time.

A mature ursidae is as good a mount as any, but the rider of the bear must either be immune to the effects of the dreadbear “Aura of Flame”, or have magic items that instill a resistance to fire arcana.

A dreadbear is not a loyal companion if treated, even if treated well while under arcanic control. If the spells that bind the ursidaes mind are to be broken, those that are unlucky enough to be near the animal will soon find themselves nothing more then a pile of dreadbear scat.

No-one really knows how these great beasts have actually come into being. Whether it through dark arcane magics, or simple survival of the fittest, even the most learned beast scholar is unsure. Their natural arcanic ability would lead most to believe that elemental arcana played a part in their coming to be, though know one will likely ever know.

It is believed that no more then 2,000 of these creatures live across the whole of the Aelyrian empire, controlled ones included. This being the case, the Aelyrian Ursidae is incredibly rare to say the least, and as such, highly valued by fur traders and animal collectors alike. This makes for a deep hatred between druids and the latter beings, despite the fact that the dreadbear itself would sooner eat the lot of them then give them the time of day.