Shield Bear

Shield Bear by Stone Gargoyle

The Shield bear is a very intelligent animal which can be trained to guard in the same way a dog can be trained. It is an animal that is very much ursine but has a thick skin like a dragon, having a dense, shell-like exterior which makes it resemble an armadillo. Its sharp claws and teeth are like a bear's, making it quite formidable.

Alignment: Any

Attributes: I.Q. 2d4 (high animal intelligence), M.E. 2d6, M.A. 3d6+4, P.S. 5d6, P.P. 4d6, P.E. 4d6, P.B. 2d6, Spd 2d6

Hit Points: 1d4X10+40

S.D.C.: 2d4X10+30

Natural A.R.: 12

Horror Factor: 14

P.P.E.: 3d6

O.C.C.: Not applicable

Natural Abilities: Superior physical strength and endurance, nightvision 20 feet, prowl 35%, track by small 70% and swim 70%.

Attacks Per Melee: 4

Damage: Claws do 3d6+6 points of damage, bite does 2d6 damage, and a bear hug does 2d6+6 damage per melee round.

Bonuses: +3 initiative, +5 to strike, +2 to parry, +10 to save vs. horror factor and +2 to save vs. poison and disease

Magic: None

Psionics: None

Average Life Span: 20-30 years

Value: 60,000 gold

Habitat: Forest; Baalgor Wastelands

Languages: None, but can learn commands in any language

Enemies: None per se

Allies: None, animal

Size: Body: 5-6 feet tall

Weight: 1200-2600 pounds

Behavior: This creature feeds largely on leaves, roots, fruit and nuts, but is also known to kill deer, bison and small animals as well. Shield Bears do not hibernate. Females give birth to a litter of 1 or 2 young after a gestation of 6-8 months. The young remain with their mother for about one year. They are generally solitary animals and have home ranges of up to 20 square miles. They are too heavy to climb trees and are not built for such activity.