Dire Bear (Cave Bear)
CR: 7 XP: 3,200
N Large animal
Init: +5 Senses: low-light vision, scent Perception: +12
Defense
AC: 18, touch 10, flat-footed 17 (+1 Dex, +8 natural, –1 size)
hp: 95 (10d8+50)
Fort: +12 Ref: +8 Will: +4
Offense
Speed: 40 ft.
Melee: 2 claws +13 (1d6+7 plus grab), bite +13 (1d8+7)
Space: 10 ft. Reach: 5 ft.
Statistics
Str: 25 Dex: 13 Con: 21 Int: 2 Wis: 12 Cha: 10
Base Atk: +7 CMB: +15 (+19 grapple) CMD: 26 (30 vs. trip)
Feats: Endurance, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills: Perception +12, Swim +19, Racial Modifiers +4 Swim
Ecology
Environment: cold forests
Organization: solitary or pair
Treasure: incidental
Description
Larger, more aggressive, and far more deadly than its lesser cousins, the dire bear (known to barbarian tribes variously as the cave bear or the short-faced bear) is a primeval menace indeed.
This behemoth avoids more civilized reaches of the world, preferring to dwell in remote wilderness locations.
A dire bear is a rare and terrifying sight— especially to those not used to normal bears.
Unlike most bears, a dire bear is short-tempered and swift to anger when confronted with intruders in its territory.
Like a grizzly, a dire bear attempts to subdue or kill with its claws.
However, a dire bear is far more likely (and willing) to begin biting a grabbed foe.
Broad, powerful muscles move beneath this massive bear’s brown fur, promising both speed and lethal force.
Spittle drips from this feral bear’s roaring maw, and its matted fur is broken in places by wicked, bony growths.