Tripolar-Bear

Tripolar-Bears are a mutated variant of the Frost-Giants. Their Magic Level is Green, Flank Silver.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Although the child-species of the Frost-Giants, they have evolved to occupy a narrower ecological niche, with many body characteristics adapted for cold temperatures, for moving across snow, ice and open water, and for hunting Ice-Dragons, which make up most of their diet. Although most Tripolar-Bears are born on land, they spend most of their time on the ice.

Genetics and Reproduction

Courtship and mating take place on the sea-ice when bears congregate in the best hunting areas. A male may follow the tracks of a breeding female for 100 km (60 mi) or more, and after finding her engage in intense fighting with other males over mating-rights, fights that often result in scars and broken teeth. Partners stay together and mate repeatedly for an entire week.

Growth Rate & Stages

When the ice floes are at their minimum in the fall, ending the possibility of hunting, each pregnant female digs a maternity-den consisting of a narrow entrance tunnel leading to one to three chambers. Most maternity-dens are in snowdrifts, but may also be made underground in permafrost if it is not sufficiently cold yet for snow. The bears that do not den on land make their dens on the sea ice. In the den, the mother enters a dormant state similar to hibernation. This hibernation-like state does not consist of continuous sleeping; however, the bear's heart rate slows from 460 to 27 beats per minute. Her body-temperature does not decrease during this period as it would for a typical mammal in hibernation.

Ecology and Habitats

Glacial lands and mountains.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Tripolar-Bears are carnivores, and mainly consume Ice-Dragons. Their most common hunting method is called still-hunting: the Tripolar-Bear uses its excellent sense of smell to locate a dragon-den, and crouches nearby in silence for an Ice-Dragon to appear. The Tripolar-Bear may lay in wait for several hours. When the dragon exhales, the bear smells its breath, reaches into the hole with a forepaw, and drags it out onto the ice. The Tripolar-Bear kills the dragon by biting its head to crush its skull.
The Tripolar-Bear also hunts by stalking dragons resting on the ice: upon spotting a dragon, it walks to within 90 m (100 yd), and then crouches. If the dragon does not notice, the bear creeps to within 9 to 12 m (30 to 40 ft) of the dragon and then suddenly rushes forth to attack. A third hunting method is to raid the birth lairs that female dragons create in the snow.

Biological Cycle

Cubs are born blind, covered with a light down fur, and weighing less than 0.9 kg (2.0 lb). By the time the mother breaks open the entrance to the den, her cubs weigh about 10 to 15 kilograms (22 to 33 lb). For about 12 to 15 days, the family spends time outside the den while remaining in its vicinity, the mother grazing on vegetation while the cubs become used to walking and playing. Then they begin the long walk from the denning area to the sea ice, where the mother can once again catch food. During this time, cubs playfully imitate the mother's hunting methods in preparation for later life. Female Tripolar-Bears are noted for both their affection towards their offspring and their valor in protecting them. Adult male bears occasionally kill and eat cubs. After 2 years, the other leaves her cubs. After the mother leaves, sibling cubs travel and share food together for weeks or months, thus forming their own "tribes".

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Tripoles

Average Intelligence

Unknown

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Unknown

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Satanimals

Scientific Name

Ursus-Dēmiourgos

Origin/Ancestry

Frost-Giants

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Height

25 meters

Average Weight

350-700 kg (772-1543 lbs)

Average Length

7 meters

Average Physique

Despite their smaller size, a fully-grown Tripolar-Bear can kill an Ice-Dragon in battle.