Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Ursa Polaris

Large · Monstrosity · CR 7 · Neutral Evil

Source. Creature Codex
Armor Class
15 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
133 (14d10+56)
Challenge Rating CR
7

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
20
+5
DEX
12
+1
CON
18
+4
INT
4
-3
WIS
16
+3
CHA
5
-3

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Large
Type Monstrosity
Alignment Neutral Evil
XP 2900
Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)
Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)
Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)
Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 16

Skills

Athletics +8 Perception +6

Languages

-

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities
cold
Damage Vulnerabilities
fire

Traits

Keen Smell

The ursa polaris has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Snow Camouflage

The ursa polaris has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in snowy terrain.

Actions

Bite

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8+5 plus 2d6 cold damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) cold damage.

Claw

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+5 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage.

Cold Breath

Recharge 5–6

The ursa polaris exhales a blast of freezing wind and shards of ice in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) cold damage and 14 (4d6) piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Hypnotic Array

Recharge 5–6

The ursa polaris sways its back, causing the ice formations on its shoulders to catch available light. Each creature within 30 feet of the ursa polaris that sees the light pattern must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 21 (6d6) radiant damage and is stunned for 1 minute. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn't stunned. A stunned creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. The effect also ends if the creature takes any damage or if another creature takes an action to shake it out of its stupor.

Multiattack

The ursa polaris makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

About Ursa Polaris

Ursa Polaris is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 133 hit points (derived from 14d10+56).

Ursa Polaris has communication capabilities including -. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ursa Polaris

2 tips available

When using Ursa Polaris in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

  • Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 30 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
  • Cold Damage Strategy: Cold-based attacks can slow or freeze. Prepare 'Heat Metal' or fire spells as countermeasures. Ice terrain can be used to create difficult terrain for melee characters.

Player Guide: Facing Ursa Polaris

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

  • Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 30 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
  • Cold Damage Protection: This creature deals cold damage! Get cold resistance or use fire spells. Avoid water surfaces - they can freeze and create difficult terrain. 'Heat Metal' can counter cold.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 5,600 XP
  • Hard: 8,400 XP
  • Deadly: 11,200 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Ursa Polaris?
Ursa Polaris has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Ursa Polaris?
Ursa Polaris is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ursa Polaris speak?
Ursa Polaris can communicate in -.

Related D&D 5e Content

Related Creatures