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Brown Bear (Grizzly, Kodiak, Russian Brown)

Brown Bear
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Appearance: The Brown Bear, a formidable apex predator of the wild, stands as a symbol of strength and resilience. Its massive frame, cloaked in a coat of thick fur ranging from dark brown to almost blonde, exudes an aura of rugged beauty. Powerful muscles ripple beneath its fur, accentuating its formidable stature, while sharp claws and gleaming teeth hint at its predatory prowess.

Behavior: They are solitary creatures for much of the year, but during the salmon run, they congregate near rivers and streams to feast on the abundant fish. Despite their solitary nature, they are fiercely protective of their territory and offspring, capable of fierce aggression if threatened. However, they are not inherently aggressive towards humans and will typically avoid confrontation if given the opportunity.

Habitat: They are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, mountains, tundra, and even coastal regions. They require ample space to roam and access to food sources such as fish, berries, and small mammals. In areas where human activity is minimal, they can thrive undisturbed, but they may also inhabit areas near human settlements if food is readily available.

Modus Operandi: Brown Bears are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of foods depending on availability. During the salmon run, they employ a sit-and-wait strategy near rivers and streams, patiently waiting for fish to swim upstream before launching into a flurry of activity to catch their prey. In other seasons, they may forage for berries, dig for roots, or scavenge for carrion to sustain themselves.

Motivation: Their primary motivation is survival, driven by the instinctual need to feed and protect itself and its offspring. They play a vital role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems by regulating prey populations and dispersing seeds through their feces. While they may occasionally come into conflict with humans over territory or resources, their motivations are purely driven by the need to survive and thrive in their natural environment.


  • Brown Bear 5e
  • Brown Bear Pathfinder
Brown bear
My Images (midjourney.com)

Large beast, unaligned


  • Armor Class 11 (natural armor)
  • Hit Points 34 (4d10 + 12)
  • Speed 40 ft., climb 30 ft.

STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
19 (+4)10 (+0)16 (+3)2 (-4)13 (+1)7 (-2)

  • Skills Perception +3
  • Senses passive Perception 13
  • Languages
  • Challenge 1 (200 XP)

  • Keen Smell. The bear has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Actions

  • Multiattack. It makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.
  • Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
  • Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Tactics

In combat, the Brown Bear uses its superior strength and speed to close the distance between itself and its prey. It will typically begin with a powerful swipe of its claws, aiming to incapacitate or at least stagger its opponent. If the initial attack is successful, the bear will follow up with a bite, using its strong jaws to inflict serious damage. The Brown Bear fights fiercely, especially when defending its territory or cubs, and will not back down easily.

Brown Bear
My Images (midjourney.com)

‘Brown bear’ – Broad, powerful muscles move beneath this massive bear’s brown fur, promising both speed and lethal force.

A large, powerful omnivore, the grizzly bear inhabits many of the world’s forested hills. Equally happy consuming nuts, berries, fish, or small mammals, the grizzly is nonetheless fiercely territorial, and will chase off—or, failing that, kill and eat—any intruders it views as competition.

When faced with a foe or small group of threats, the grizzly attempts to subdue or kill with its claws. When it can, the bear tries to grab a single target to deal continual damage until that target is dead, unconscious, or escapes.

Brown Bear (or Grizzly, Kodiak, Russian Brown) CR 4

XP 1,200
N Large animal
Init +1; Senses low-light vision, scent ; Perception +6

DEFENSE

AC 16, touch 10, flat-footed 15 (+1 Dex, +6 natural, –1 size)
hp 42 (5d8+20)
Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +2

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee 2 claws +7 (1d6+5 plus grab), bite +7 (1d6+5)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.

STATISTICS

Str 21, Dex 13, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Base Atk +3; CMB +9 (+13 grapple); CMD 20 (24 vs. trip)
Feats Endurance, Run, Skill Focus (Survival)
Skills Perception +6, Survival +5, Swim +14; Racial Modifiers +4 Swim

ECOLOGY

Environment cold forests
Organization solitary or pair
Treasure none

Section 15: Copyright Notice – Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Bestiary

Pathfinder RPG Bestiary. Copyright 2009, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Author: Jason Bulmahn, based on material by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, and Skip Williams.

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