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Bear King

Medium · Fey · CR 12 · Lawful Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

18 (natural armor)

133 (14d8 + 70)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Fey

Alignment Lawful Neutral

XP 8400

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Truesight 10 ft (3 m)

Passive Perception 18

Saving Throws

Strength +9 Dexterity +4 Wisdom +8

Skills

Athletics +9 Intimidation +7 Perception +8

Languages

Common, Elvish, Giant, Sylvan

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison; bludgeoning, slashing, and piercing from nonmagical attacks not made with cold iron weapons

Damage Resistances

cold

Condition Immunities

poisoned

Traits

Honeyed Weapons

Radiant, magical honey drips from the Bear King’s paws and coats his weapons, making his weapon attacks magical. When the Bear King hits with any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 3d8 radiant damage (included in the attack).

Keen Smell

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

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

If the Bear King fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Regeneration (Bear or Hybrid Form only)

The Bear King regains 10 hp at the start of his turn if he has at least 1 hp.

Actions

Bite

+9 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d10+5 plus 3d8 radiant damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d10 + 5) piercing damage plus 13 (3d8) radiant damage. The target must succeed on a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw or take 9 (2d8) radiant damage at the start of each of its turns, as radiant honey sticks to the wound. Any creature can take an action to remove the honey from the wound with a successful DC 14 Wisdom (Medicine) check. The honey dissolves if the target receives magical healing.

Claw

+9 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+5 plus 3d8 radiant damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage plus 13 (3d8) radiant damage.

Honey Bolt

+8 to hit, range 120 ft (36.6 m). Hit: 4d8+4 radiant damage.

Ranged Spell Attack: +8 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (4d8 + 4) radiant damage.

Maul

+9 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+5 plus 3d8 radiant damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage plus 13 (3d8) radiant damage.

Multiattack

The Bear King makes one Bite attack and two Claw attacks, or he makes three Maul or Honey Bolt attacks. If two Maul attacks hit one Large or smaller creature, the target must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Bonus Actions

Change Shape

The Bear King transforms into a Large brown bear, or a Large bear-Humanoid hybrid, or back into his true form, which is Fey. His statistics other than his size, are the same in each form. Any equipment he is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. The Bear King reverts to his true form if he dies.

Frightful Roar

Cost 2

The Bear King lets out a blood-curdling roar. Each hostile creature within 60 feet of the Bear King and that can hear the roar must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of its next turn.

Honey Toss

The Bear King throws a jar of magical honey at a creature he can see within 120 feet of him. The target must succeed on a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw or be restrained by sticky honey until the end of its next turn.

Move

The Bear King moves up to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.

Legendary Actions

Frightful Roar

Cost 2

Honey Toss

Cost 1

Move

Cost 1

The Bear King moves up to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.

About Bear King

Bear King is a medium fey with a Challenge Rating of 12. It has a lawful neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 133 hit points (derived from 14d8 + 70).

Bear King has communication capabilities including Common, Elvish, Giant, Sylvan. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Bear King

1 tips available

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

Regeneration Counterplay: This creature regenerates HP each turn! Players must deal enough damage to overcome regeneration. Certain damage types (acid, fire) may suppress regeneration. Plan sustained damage output.

Player Guide: Facing Bear King

1 strategies available

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

Counter Regeneration: This creature regenerates HP each turn! Deal enough damage to overcome regeneration. Use acid or fire damage if it suppresses regeneration. Plan sustained damage output.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 12.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 16 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 15,600 XP
Hard: 23,400 XP
Deadly: 31,200 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 Bear King?: Bear King has a Challenge Rating of 12, making it appropriate for parties of level 12.0.
What type of creature is Bear King?: Bear King is a Medium Fey, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Bear King speak?: Bear King can communicate in Common, Elvish, Giant, Sylvan.