Werebear

Werebears are the biggest and strongest were-creatures, most over eight feet tall and more than half a ton (the appendix gives 7-8 feet and 600-700 pounds); trustworthy reports tell of rare giants topping ten feet and approaching 2,000 pounds. Like real bears they come in several kinds: grizzly types are fiercest, brown types also dangerous, black-bear types mildest, and a polar kind is rumored.

Unlike other were-creatures, werebears are rarely evil. Even the fiercest seldom attack humanoids unless provoked or angered, and in some regions kindly werebears have appointed themselves protectors of many lesser beings. Most are victims of the disease lycanthropy, but not all: some scholars believe the ability can be inherited, putting the chance that a werebear's child can also change shape at 10-30%. They also control their transformations better than other lycanthropes, and many reportedly shift into bear form and back whenever they choose.

Their size and power make them fearsome foes. The bite inflicts terrible wounds and punches through even thick leather armor with ease, and a swipe of a huge paw usually sends a man-sized creature staggering. When both claws strike home in the same round, a werebear tries to crush its enemy in a hug, against which metal armor gives some protection. For all their bulk they are nimble, climb well and swim the fastest rivers easily, though like bears they stumble when rushing down steep slopes. They heal quickly, regenerating 2 points of damage every minute, and are unaffected by wolfbane.