Briarbear
No. Enc.: 1d4 (1d4)
Alignment: Neutral
Movement: 90' (30')
Armor Class: 4
Hit Dice: 5
Attacks: 3 (2 claws, 1 bite)
Damage: 1d4+3 / 1d4+3 / 1d6+3
Save: L3
Morale: 8
Hoard Class: VI
XP: 1,400
Briarbears are ambulatory, bipedal plants that prowl forests, jungles, and Ancient ruins. They stand between 5'-7' tall, and their stocky, woody bodies are covered in prickly thorns and burrs (which do 1d6 damage per successful strike to anyone who attacks them bare-handed).
In combat, briarbears can "take root" in the earth with their hind claws and posterior spikes. While this makes them immobile, it increases their leverage and balance, and adds an extra +1d4 damage to their claw attacks. They are also immune to the effects of Neural Telekinesis when rooted.
They possess rudimentary intelligence and minor psychic attunement, and some briarbears have been trained as guards and hunting animals.
Rumors persist that briarbears are able to hybridize with
vinosaurs, but the existence of such frightening offspring hasn't been verified.
Mutations: Carnivore, Combat Empathy, Free Movement, Full Senses, Natural Armor (Plant—Extreme), Natural Vegetal Weapons, Projectile Thorns