Werebear
Medium Monstrosity (Lycanthrope) · · CR 5
- Monstrosity (Lycanthrope)
- Medium
- Tier 2
As a medium monstrosity (lycanthrope) (neutral good), Werebear carries CR 5. Common in arctic, forest, hill, and any environments. Sourced from Monster Manual (5.5e 2024) and Monster Manual (5e 2014).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 5
- Type
- Monstrosity (Lycanthrope)
- Size
- Medium
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Arctic, Forest, Hill, Any
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5.5e 2024), Monster Manual (5e 2014)
Ecology
Werebears are lycanthropes who can shapeshift between human, hybrid, and bear forms. They live as hermits in remote forests, mountains, and arctic woodlands, often guarding natural areas from poachers and dark fey. Their bear form requires the same diet as a brown bear: fish, berries, honey, occasional small game. In human form, they live as hunters, druids, foresters, or smiths. They eat large meals when shifting back to humanoid form, recovering caloric reserves spent during transformations.
Behaviour
Werebears are good-aligned and reclusive. They avoid civilization, distrusting humanoids who fear lycanthropy. They mate for life, producing cubs who manifest the curse around adolescence. Werebear families form tight-knit clan-groups in deep wilderness, sometimes numbering twenty or more across a single forest. They speak Common and Sylvan, often befriending fey-creatures. They volunteer for druidic duties, guarding sacred groves and warding off intruders. They are known for honor, and their word, once given, is binding.
Origin
Werebear lycanthropy is a hereditary blessing among certain northern tribes, said to be granted by the bear-totem deity to honor early covenant-keepers. It can also be transmitted by werebear bite, though werebears almost never bite intentionally; afflicted humanoids are taken in and trained by werebear elders, learning to control the curse-gift. Unlike other lycanthropes, werebears retain personality and morality across forms, making them stable and trustworthy.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Werebear
- What is the challenge rating of Werebear?
- Listed CR for Werebear: 5. Match it to a party that suits mid-tier groups.
- What type of creature is Werebear?
- Werebear is classified as a monstrosity (lycanthrope) in D&D 5e, medium size.
- Where does Werebear live?
- Habitats for Werebear: Arctic, Forest, Hill, Any.