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Bears were a family of mammals, typically of a predatorial nature, that inhabited many of Toril's continents.[6][7][8][9]

Description

Among the most commonly encountered bears were human-sized, with larger species existing.[2]

Behavior

The disposition of these creatures varied by species. Brown bears were often aggressive, cave bears even more so, while black bears usually displayed little aggression.[5]

Biology

Bears possessed a powerful sense of smell[5][10] and hearing.[5] Physically, they were incredibly powerful creatures, possessing near superhuman strength as well as a formidable durability.[2] With larger specimens being comparatively more powerful.[5]

Species of bears

Bear1

A bear from 2nd edition.

Some of the more commonly encountered bear species are listed below.

Black bear
A variety of bear that is not usually dangerous unless provoked.
Brown bear
Among the largest common bears, brown bears are ill-tempered and aggressive when compared with other bears.
Cave bear
Vicious predators adapted to living underground.
Dire bear
Enormous bears with a powerful capacity for strength and who view human-sized creatures as simply another form of food.
Polar bear
Native to arctic regions, polar bears are slightly larger than brown bears and are also partially adapted for an aquatic lifestyle.

Ecology

Diet

All species within this family of mammals were omnivores,[5][10] though cave bears tended towards meat.[5]

Habitats

Bears could be most often found in forested regions or caverns.[2]

In north Faerûn, bears were common place throughout the forests of the Vast.[11]

Beyond Faerûn they could be found in Evermeet, where they were non-hostile towards elves and occasionally hunted by gold elves.[12] In the Hordelands, they could be found at the lowest levels of the Katakoro Plateau.[13]

Relationships

Bears were a favored animal of several deities, including Bahgtru, Eldath, Geb, Malar, Rillifane Rallathil, and Solonor Thelandira. The dwarven god Clangeddin both favored cave bears in particular, while slumbering Ulutiu preferred polar bears.[14]

Usage

Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue sold bear hides for 5 gp a piece.[15]

Appendix

External links

References

  1. Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford, Christopher Perkins (2014-09-30). Monster Manual 5th edition. Edited by Scott Fitzgerald Gray. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 318–319, 334. ISBN 978-0786965614.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Mike Mearls, Stephen Schubert, James Wyatt (June 2008). Monster Manual 4th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 29. ISBN 978-0-7869-4852-9.
  3. Skip Williams, Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook (July 2003). Monster Manual v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 269. ISBN 0-7869-2893-X.
  4. David "Zeb" Cook, et al. (1989). Monstrous Compendium Volume Two. (TSR, Inc), p. 86. ISBN 0-8803-8753-X.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Gary Gygax (December 1977). Monster Manual, 1st edition. (TSR, Inc), p. 9. ISBN 0-935696-00-8.
  6. James Butler, Elizabeth T. Danforth, Jean Rabe (September 1994). “Explorer's Manual”. In Karen S. Boomgarden ed. Elminster's Ecologies (TSR, Inc), pp. 10, 16–19, 22. ISBN 1-5607-6917-3.
  7. Jeff Grubb (August 1992). Land of Fate (Fortunes and Fates). (TSR, Inc), p. 11. ISBN 978-1560763291.
  8. You must cite a specific book in this boxed set.
  9. Douglas Niles (August 1991). “Maztica Alive”. Maztica Campaign Set (TSR, Inc.), p. 63. ISBN 1-5607-6084-2.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Skip Williams, Jonathan Tweet and Monte Cook (October 2000). Monster Manual 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 193–194. ISBN 0-7869-1552-1.
  11. Ed Greenwood (October 1998). The City of Ravens Bluff. Edited by John D. Rateliff. (TSR, Inc.), p. 146. ISBN 0-7869-1195-6.
  12. Anne Gray McCready et al. (March 1994). Elves of Evermeet. (TSR, Inc), p. 10. ISBN 1-5607-6829-0.
  13. David Cook (August 1990). “Volume II”. In Steve Winter ed. The Horde (TSR, Inc.), p. 118. ISBN 0-88038-868-4.
  14. Sean K. Reynolds (2002-05-04). Deity Do's and Don'ts (Zipped PDF). Web Enhancement for Faiths and Pantheons. Wizards of the Coast. pp. 10–15. Archived from the original on 2016-11-01. Retrieved on 2018-09-08.
  15. Jeff Grubb, Julia Martin, Steven E. Schend et al (1992). Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue. (TSR, Inc), p. 75. ISBN 0-5607-6327-2.
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