Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Werebear

Small · Monstrosity · CR 5 · Neutral Good

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

15 (natural armor)

135 (18d8 + 54)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Neutral Good

XP 1800

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 17

Saving Throws

Strength +4 Dexterity +0 Constitution +3 Intelligence +0 Wisdom +1 Charisma +1

Skills

Perception +7

Languages

Common (can't speak in bear form)

Actions

Bite

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d12+4 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft. 17 (2d12 + 4) Piercing damage. If the target is a Humanoid, it is subjected to the following effect. Constitution Saving Throw: DC 14. Failure: The target is cursed. If the cursed target drops to 0 Hit Points, it instead becomes a Werebear under the DM's control and has 10 Hit Points. Success: The target is immune to this werebear's curse for 24 hours.

Handaxe

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d6+4 slashing damage.

Melee or Ranged Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft or range 20/60 ft. 14 (3d6 + 4) Slashing damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The werebear makes two attacks, using Handaxe or Rend in any combination. It can replace one attack with a Bite attack.

Rend

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+4 slashing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft. 13 (2d8 + 4) Slashing damage.

Bonus Actions

Shape-Shift

The werebear shape-shifts into a Large bear-humanoid hybrid form or a Large bear, or it returns to its true humanoid form. Its game statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed.

About Werebear

Werebear is a small monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a neutral good alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 135 hit points (derived from 18d8 + 54).

Werebear has communication capabilities including Common (can't speak in bear form). This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Werebear

1 tips available

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

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 30 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.

Player Guide: Facing Werebear

1 strategies available

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

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 30 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 5.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 7 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 3,000 XP
Hard: 4,500 XP
Deadly: 6,000 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 Werebear?: Werebear has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Werebear?: Werebear is a Small Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Werebear speak?: Werebear can communicate in Common (can't speak in bear form).