Owlbear
Basic Information
Biological Traits
Females tend to be slightly larger than males, roughly a foot taller and a hundred pounds heavier. Females often tend to live slightly longer than their male counterpart. They are also generally more aggressive than males.
Genetics and Reproduction
Owlbears reproduce through laying eggs, these eggs have a gestation period of about five weeks before hatching.
Growth Rate & Stages
Owlbear young reach maturity in five years.
Ecology and Habitats
Owlbears natural environment are temperate forests, although they have been reported on occasion to be found in the deeplands. They are nocturnal by nature, preferring to stay in caves or dens during the day, leaving to hunt at night. However they are just as capable of hunting during the daytime when need be.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Owlbears prefer to ambush their prey, rending them with their massive claws and shattering bones with their powerful beak. Much like owls, they will swallow chunks of their prey hole, later to regurgitate the indigestible shattered bones, fur, and hair as pellets.
Biological Cycle
Owlbears experience three distinct phases in a year. Normal activity in the spring and summer; autumn hyperphagia, when they pack on the pounds to prepare for winter; and hibernation. Hibernation can last anywhere from 4-7 months, triggered by seasonal food shortages, cold temperatures and snow cover.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Owlbears spend much of their lives as solitary creatures, however, once they find a mate they are paired for life. If an owlbear's mate dies, it will never seek another. The bond between mated pairs are so deep, it's not uncommon for an owlbear to go on a rampage when their mate dies, and if killed, will even seek out the being responsible, killing everything in it's path to get to them.
Owlbears raise their young for up to 3-5 years, and are fiercely protective of them. Once their young are able to fend for themselves, the young will leave to find their own territories.
Domestication
While it is considered impossible to truly domesticate owlbears due to their feral natures, they can still be used as guardians if contained within an area but allowed to roam and hunt freely there. If raised from an egg, an animal trainer can train one to obey simple commands. This service can cost up to 2,000 gp.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Owlbear meat is extremely tough, and while edible, the danger in hunting one does not make them an ideal food-source when easier prey is at hand. Their feathers however, are occasionally used in the production of clothing by artisans, or in shamanic ritual objects or focuses.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Owlbears can be found in temperate forests on several continents, lending credence to the theory that they originated from the Feylands. There have also been rare reported sightings in the deeplands, though this is attributed to attempts to domesticate them by the races that make their home there.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Owlbears have excellent senses of sight, hearing, and smell, making them excellent hunters.
Lifespan
40 years
Average Height
Males can stand as tall as 8 feet. Females can grow up to a foot taller.
Average Weight
Males can weigh up to 1,500 pounds, while females can get up to 1,600 pounds.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Most owlbears have brown and black feathers on their back, with a softer, white plum on their front. Though solid white, brown, or black colors aren't unheard of.
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