Bear, Masked
The Masked Bear is the smallest species of bear found on Cartyrion. It can be found ranging anywhere in the forests in the foothills of the Southern and Central Broken Ranges - lands west and north of the kingdom of Tyrnabay.
Masked bears have bodies covered with short, bristly fur that is typically a dappled mix of dark browns to black, except for a patch around their eyes that is a much paler brown in color. This produces the appearance of the mask which gives the creature its name. Their snouts are shorter than those of other bear species. Their features frequently cause some to mistake them for oversized raccoons, but knowledgable folk recall that the latter have masks that are darker than their surrounding fur; the bears' masks are lighter.
Other important feature distinguish the masked bear from a giant raccoon. The bear's forepaws are far more muscular, and end in a paw with four long, sharp claws rather than the raccoon's more dexterous hand. These claws are the masked bears principle weapon, though its bite is quite dangerous as well. While the creatures typically use quadripedal locomotion, they are capable of rising up and moving about quite nimbly on their rear legs to free their forepaws for combat.
The creatures are excellent tree climbers; capable of scaling a tree trunk almost as quickly as they can traverse open ground. Their balance is excellent; only the strength of the branches limits their ability to navigate through trees. They are excellent swimmers as well, and can often be found fishing for meals in forest streams and rivers. They have been seen diving for fish prey in deeper rivers.
Masked bears are not generally aggressive, though they will not hesitate to defend their lairs, and a female tending cubs will not tolerate the proximity of any creature it deems to be a potential threat - including unwary Adventurers.
Name
Masked Bear
Habitat
Forests in and around the Southern and Central Broken Ranges
Size
Medium
Approximately 3ft (90cm) at the shoulder when on four legs, rising to about 5ft (15ocm) when standing upright. Adults weigh approximately 120 to 180 lbs (55 to 80kg)
Other important feature distinguish the masked bear from a giant raccoon. The bear's forepaws are far more muscular, and end in a paw with four long, sharp claws rather than the raccoon's more dexterous hand. These claws are the masked bears principle weapon, though its bite is quite dangerous as well. While the creatures typically use quadripedal locomotion, they are capable of rising up and moving about quite nimbly on their rear legs to free their forepaws for combat.
The creatures are excellent tree climbers; capable of scaling a tree trunk almost as quickly as they can traverse open ground. Their balance is excellent; only the strength of the branches limits their ability to navigate through trees. They are excellent swimmers as well, and can often be found fishing for meals in forest streams and rivers. They have been seen diving for fish prey in deeper rivers.
Masked bears are not generally aggressive, though they will not hesitate to defend their lairs, and a female tending cubs will not tolerate the proximity of any creature it deems to be a potential threat - including unwary Adventurers.
Approximately 3ft (90cm) at the shoulder when on four legs, rising to about 5ft (15ocm) when standing upright. Adults weigh approximately 120 to 180 lbs (55 to 80kg)
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