Bear, Dire

Dire (or Cave) Bear CR 7

Spittle drips from this feral bear’s roaring maw, and its matted fur is broken in places by wicked, bony growths.

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

Variants

Giant Advanced Dire Bear (CR 10)

ECOLOGY

Environment cold forests
Organization solitary or pair Treasure incidental

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.