Owlbear
- Size: Large
- Type: Monstrosity
- Alignment: Unaligned
- AC: 13
- Initiative: +1 (11)
- HP: 59 (7d10+21)
- Speed: 40 ft, Climb 40 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 20 | +5 | +5 |
| DEX | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| CON | 17 | +3 | +3 |
| INT | 3 | -4 | -4 |
| WIS | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| CHA | 7 | -2 | -2 |
- Skills: Perception +5
- Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.; Passive Perception 15
- Languages: None
- CR: 3 (XP 700; PB +2)
Actions
Multiattack. The owlbear makes two Rend attacks.
Rend. Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft. Hit: 14 (2d8+5) Slashing damage.
Lore & Background
Owlbears are massive predators combining the body of a bear with the head and keen senses of an owl. These creatures are the result of magical experimentation, created by wizards who sought to blend the hunting prowess of owls with the strength of bears. Owlbears are territorial and aggressive, making them dangerous encounters in wilderness areas.
Combat Tactics
Owlbears use their Multiattack to strike with both claws and beak, while their Keen Sight and Smell makes them excellent trackers. They prefer to charge into combat and rely on their natural weapons and thick hide for protection.
Encounter Ideas
Forest Guardian: An owlbear claims a section of forest as its territory and attacks intruders. Magical Experiment: The party discovers the laboratory where owlbears were first created. Circus Beast: An owlbear has escaped from captivity and is terrorizing the countryside. Protective Parent: An owlbear defends its cubs from perceived threats.
Environmental Effects
Owlbear territories are marked by claw marks on trees and scattered remains of prey. Animal populations decline in areas where owlbears hunt regularly.
Treasure
Owlbears don't actively collect treasure, but their lairs may contain possessions of their victims and shiny objects that caught their attention.
Plot Hooks
The Great Hunt: A particularly large owlbear has been terrorizing a region and a bounty is offered. Breeding Program: Someone is attempting to breed owlbears for use as war beasts. The Talking Beast: A magically enhanced owlbear has gained intelligence and seeks communication. Ecosystem Disruption: Owlbears are overpopulating an area and disrupting the natural balance.
Lore & Background
Owlbears are fearsome predators that combine the worst aspects of both owls and bears, created through magical experimentation or natural mutation. These creatures possess the keen senses and silent flight of owls combined with the raw power and ferocity of bears, making them incredibly dangerous hunters. Owlbears are territorial creatures that fiercely defend their hunting grounds from any perceived threats.
These beasts are found in deep forests, caves, and other wilderness areas where they can hunt undisturbed. Owlbears are not particularly intelligent, but their predatory instincts and physical capabilities make them formidable opponents for even experienced adventurers.
Combat Tactics
Owlbears rely on their keen senses to detect prey before launching devastating surprise attacks. They use their powerful claws and beak to tear apart enemies, often grappling smaller creatures to prevent escape while delivering fatal wounds.
Encounter Ideas
Forest Terror: An owlbear has been attacking travelers on a woodland road. Territorial Dispute: An owlbear's territory overlaps with a druid grove or ranger outpost. Magical Experiment: A wizard's attempt to create the perfect guardian has produced an owlbear. Protective Parent: An owlbear defends its cubs from any perceived threat.
Environmental Effects
Owlbear territories show signs of their presence through claw marks on trees, scattered remains of prey, and the eerie silence that falls when other animals flee their hunting grounds.
Treasure
Owlbears don't collect treasure intentionally, but their lairs often contain the possessions of previous victims, including weapons, armor, and valuables that survived the creature's feeding.
Plot Hooks
The Beast Hunt: A noble offers a reward for eliminating an owlbear that's terrorizing their lands. Magical Origin: Heroes must investigate the source of owlbears appearing in an area. Taming the Beast: Someone attempts to domesticate an owlbear with unpredictable results. Ecosystem Balance: An owlbear's presence is disrupting the natural order of a forest.