Difference between revisions of "Black Bear"

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[[File:Bear-black-image.jpg|480px|left|]]
 
 
{{Bestiarychart
 
{{Bestiarychart
 
| name = Black Bear
 
| name = Black Bear
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| THAC0 = 19
 
| THAC0 = 19
 
| hpdie = d10
 
| hpdie = d10
| attack = [[Claw (attack)|claw]]/claw, bite
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| attack = '''3''': two [[Claw (attack)|claw]]; [[Bite|bite]]
| dmg = 2–5/2–5, 3–9
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| dmg = claw (2-7); bite (4-10)
| special = maul
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| special = [[Maul (attack)|maul]]
 
}}
 
}}
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'''Black bears''' are native to the New World, recognisable by their relatively small stature and remarkable abundance, boasting the largest population of any bear species. These bears are typically found in forested areas though they are known to stray into the edges of human-inhabited regions. During winter, they enter hibernation, which can last anywhere from three to eight months depending on their location and the severity of the climate.
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[[File:Bear-black-image.jpg|350px|left|thumb]]
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__TOC__
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Known for their extraordinary agility, black bears can perform intricate tasks such as opening doors or removing pot lids with surprising dexterity. They are also adept [[Climbing|climbers]], easily scaling large trees, and their physical [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]] is formidable. A black bear can overturn objects as heavy as its own body weight using just one foreleg. Despite their bulk, some individuals reaching up to 900 pounds, these bears can move with impressive speed and efficiency.
  
A medium-sized bear native to the New World, small in stature but very common, with a population perhaps the highest of all bears. They occupy forested regions, though they have been known to drift into the fringes of settled forests. They hibernate during the winter months, from as many as 3 to 8 months, depending on the latitude.
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In combat, a black bear focuses its claw attacks on a single defender while potentially using its bite to target another. If both claws strike the same defender, the bear secures a grip, '''mauling its target for an additional 2–12 points of [[Damage (hit points)|damage]]'''. Once the mauling is complete, the bear releases its prey but may attack them again in the following round if the situation persists.
  
Black bears are highly dexterous, being capable of pulling the lids from pots or opening doors. They can [[Climbing|climb]] large trees. They have great physical [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]], being able to turn over objects up to their own weight, with a single foreleg. They are able to lope at an [[Action Points|action point]] cost of 1/5th [[Action Points|action points]] per [[Combat Hex|combat hex]]. Black bears weighing up to 900 lbs. have been encountered.
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The fur of a black bear is soft and dense, distinct from the shaggy coat of its brown bear relatives. While black bears are usually dark in colour, rare albino individuals have been documented. Over time, these bears have been hunted for their [[Bear Pelt|pelts]] and [[Bear Meat|meat]] but hold a deeper significance in some humanoid cultures of the New World where they are venerated as [[Animism (religion)|animistic spirits]].
  
A black bear will focus its claw attacks on a single defender, but may attack a separate person with its bite. If both the claws hit a defender, this will indicate that the bear has gotten a hold of the defender, mauling them for 2–12 additional points of damage. Following this mauling, the bear will release the defender, but may attack that individual again the following round.
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== Encounters ==
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Black bears are most often encountered while foraging. Although they prefer berries and fruits, they are opportunistic and will scavenge meat or supplies from humanoid camps if food is left unguarded. In subterranean encounters, a black bear is likely hibernating. If disturbed during this vulnerable period, it will defend itself fiercely, intending to drive off intruders.
  
The fur is soft and dense, not shaggy like that of brown bears. Albino black bears are found, but rarely. Bears have been hunted for their skins and for meat. Among some humanoid tribes in the New World, the black bear is treated as an animistic spirit.
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Between May and June, black bears are particularly dangerous as mothers travel with their young and are highly protective. They exhibit extreme aggression toward any perceived threat. Although black bears are territorial, they can coexist near humanoid settlements. They often rely on intimidation, such as bluff charges or aggressive posturing, to deter intruders, but they will attack if provoked or if they feel their territory is under threat.
  
== Encounters ==
 
They are most often encountered while foraging, particularly if [[Food|food]] has been left out.  Normally they seek berries and other fruits, but humanoid camps provide a ready source of meat and provisions.  If encountered underground, is it most likely the bear will be hibernating — if disturbed, it will defend itself, intending to drive interlopers off.
 
  
The black bear is most dangerous between May and June, as they are travelling with their young and will be very aggressive towards anyone they see as a threat.  The [[Animal|animal]] is very territorial, though they may live near humanoids, and will threaten anyone who enters that territory, most often by making aggressive moves without actually engaging (unless provoked).
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See also,<br>
<br>
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[[Animal]]<br>
<br>
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[[Bestiary|Bestiary]]
See [[Bestiary|Bestiary]]
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[[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 02:15, 14 February 2025

Black Bear
Species bear
No. Appearing 1–4
Behaviour subsocial
Range alpine, subterannean, taiga, woodland
Size 3½ ft. at withers; stands 6 ft. tall
Weight 525 lbs.
Intelligence 2
Armour Class 7
Hit Dice 3+3
Action Points 6
Max. Stride {{{stride}}}
THAC0 19
Hp/Die d10
Attack Forms 3: two claw; bite
Damage claw (2-7); bite (4-10)
Special Attacks maul

Black bears are native to the New World, recognisable by their relatively small stature and remarkable abundance, boasting the largest population of any bear species. These bears are typically found in forested areas though they are known to stray into the edges of human-inhabited regions. During winter, they enter hibernation, which can last anywhere from three to eight months depending on their location and the severity of the climate.

Bear-black-image.jpg

Contents

Known for their extraordinary agility, black bears can perform intricate tasks such as opening doors or removing pot lids with surprising dexterity. They are also adept climbers, easily scaling large trees, and their physical strength is formidable. A black bear can overturn objects as heavy as its own body weight using just one foreleg. Despite their bulk, some individuals reaching up to 900 pounds, these bears can move with impressive speed and efficiency.

In combat, a black bear focuses its claw attacks on a single defender while potentially using its bite to target another. If both claws strike the same defender, the bear secures a grip, mauling its target for an additional 2–12 points of damage. Once the mauling is complete, the bear releases its prey but may attack them again in the following round if the situation persists.

The fur of a black bear is soft and dense, distinct from the shaggy coat of its brown bear relatives. While black bears are usually dark in colour, rare albino individuals have been documented. Over time, these bears have been hunted for their pelts and meat but hold a deeper significance in some humanoid cultures of the New World where they are venerated as animistic spirits.

Encounters

Black bears are most often encountered while foraging. Although they prefer berries and fruits, they are opportunistic and will scavenge meat or supplies from humanoid camps if food is left unguarded. In subterranean encounters, a black bear is likely hibernating. If disturbed during this vulnerable period, it will defend itself fiercely, intending to drive off intruders.

Between May and June, black bears are particularly dangerous as mothers travel with their young and are highly protective. They exhibit extreme aggression toward any perceived threat. Although black bears are territorial, they can coexist near humanoid settlements. They often rely on intimidation, such as bluff charges or aggressive posturing, to deter intruders, but they will attack if provoked or if they feel their territory is under threat.


See also,
Animal
Bestiary