Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Werebear

Medium · Humanoid · CR 5 · Neutral Good

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

10 (10 in humanoid form, 11 (natural armor) in bear and hybrid form)

135 (18d8+54)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Subcategory Lycanthropes

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

Alignment Neutral Good

XP 1800

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 17

Skills

Perception +7

Languages

Common (can't speak in bear form)

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks not made with silvered weapons

Environments

Arctic or Tundra Forest or Jungle Hills Mountain Shadowfell Feywild Urban

Traits

Keen Smell

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

Shapechanger

The werebear can use its action to polymorph into a Large bear-humanoid hybrid or into a Large bear, or back into its true form, which is humanoid. Its statistics, other than its size and AC, are the same in each form. Any equipment it. is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d10 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with were bear lycanthropy.

Claw

Cost 1

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.

Greataxe

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d12 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d12 + 4) slashing damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

In bear form, the werebear makes two claw attacks. In humanoid form, it makes two greataxe attacks. In hybrid form, it can attack like a bear or a humanoid.

About Werebear

Werebear is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a neutral good alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 10 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:

Shapechanging Tactics: This creature can change form, potentially gaining new abilities or escaping. Use 'True Seeing' or abilities that reveal true form. Consider finishing blows before it transforms.

Player Guide: Facing Werebear

1 strategies available

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

Counter Shapechanging: This creature can change form! Use 'True Seeing' to see its true form. Finish it quickly before it transforms. 'Dispel Magic' might prevent transformation.

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 Medium Humanoid, 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).