Dire Bear
Dire Bear
The Dire Bear is a species of bear native to the mountainous region of Menil'Folkan. Before the melding, this bear was both feared and revered by the Dwarves of the region, who were under constant threat of losing their livestock to this predator. After the Melding, however, the bear's numbers have shrunk, and now their only threat is to lost wanderers and those traveling on old paths through the region. In the early centuries of Dwarven culture, the slaying of a Dire Bear was seen as a great feat of strength and endurance. Doing so, alone or with others, earned one a good amount of local prestige and respect in their clan. Those who had rose to the challenge would often have the image of a Dire Bear tattooed on their body, or otherwise decorated on their armor or weapons to signify their achievement. One of the early Dwarven kings, Elvar Kendleson, used a Dire Bear as the symbol of his house.OOC Information and Stats
Stats: Health 50/50 Strength =6/6 Resistance = 3 / 6 (These stats are a WIP and may be subject to change)Basic Information
Anatomy
The Dire Bear is one of the largest bears native to Ezarion. Though similar in appearance to their smaller cousins, the Dire Bears are distinguished by their bony ridges on their brows, large stature, and longer foreclaws.
The Dire Bear measures about 12 feet tall when standing upright, or around 10 feet at its shoulder when on all fours. Their fur is often incredibly thick and dark brown in coloration, often with patterns of black around the body and face.
Genetics and Reproduction
Dire bears, like their cousins, typically live solitary lives, only coming together during mating season.
The average gestation period for a Dire bear sits between 6 to 9 months, and each pregnancy typically produces a litter of two cubs. Litters can reach up to four cubs in size, but this is very rare.
Growth Rate & Stages
Dire bears typically live around 40-60 years. From birth, it take a cub about two years to mature enough to leave its mother's care and strike out on its own. Female Dire bears reach sexual maturity at four years of age, while males reach maturity at around six years.
Ecology and Habitats
Dire Bears prefer to live in colder and more arid climates, such as the western mountains around Menil'Folkan. There has been some sightings as far North as Errinys, but these are very rare. In addition, when unable to find suitable territory in the mountains, some Dire Bears will migrate west and claim territory in the forests and hills. This is also rare, however, as they face competition from other bears, as well as warmer climates that they're not suited for.
Dire Bears live almost exclusively in natural cave formations, which has lead to some groups calling them Cave Bears instead. These caves serve as their dens for raising young, as well as offering protection from the elements during hibernation.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Dire Bears are omnivores by nature, allowing them to act as both predators, scavengers, and foragers depending on their needs. A Dire Bear is large enough to take down most animals it comes across, save for mammoths or any other large well equipped creature. Its favorite prey includes deer, elk, mountain goats, and various species of fish. When food is scarce, however, the Dire Bear is able to forage for fruits and vegetables, using its long claws to dig through the dirt to find roots and tubers. Its keen sense of smell also allows it to sniff out fruits and berries, as well as beehives.
Biological Cycle
Dire Bears go through hibernation just as their cousins do. During the Summer months, they will often venture out much more frequently to search for food. This period is accompanied by a spike in aggression, and the bears will often defend their kills to the death if challenged. Outside of this time period, however, Dire Bears are often solitary and prefer to avoid interaction with humanoids. Nevertheless, they are quite territorial, and will attack if provoked or threatened.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Dire Bears have adapted to living amongst the mountains and hills of Menil'Folkan. Often taking up residence in caves for shelter and during hibernation, they can see clearly in the dark up to about 60 feet. Due to their nature as both hunters and scavengers, they have an adept sense of smell which aids them in tracking down their next meal.
Geographic Distribution
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