Panserbjorne (PEACH) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Panserbjorne (PEACH) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Wylantern
06-24-07, 08:11 PM Watched the trailer and read the book, so I thought I'd take a crack at a playable race, the armoured fighting Panserbjorne of Pullman's "Dark Materials" trilogy. Too good of a race not to have it here. Before I forget, "Panserbjorne" and the "His Dark Materials" trilogy are property of Philip Pullman and I lay no claim to his properties or copyrights or intellectual properties.

PANSERBJØRNE

• +8 Strength (due to size), -2 Dexterity (due to size), +4 Constitution (due to size),
-2 Intelligence, -4 Charisma. Panserbjørne are strong and hearty, but know little of the world and are fearsome to others.
• Magical Beast: Panserbjørne are not subject to spells or effects that affect humanoids only, such as charm person or dominate person.
• Large: As a Large creature the Panserbjørne receive a -1 penalty to AC, a +4 Grapple bonus, -4 Hide penalty, +8 Strength bonus, -2 Dexterity penalty, +4 Constitution bonus,
• Base land speed is 30 ft., Swim 30 ft.
• Natural Attacks (2 Claws & Bite): A Panserbjørne can make one attack with his claws or bite each round, either with his primary hand or with his off-hand (taking the normal penalties for fighting with an off-hand weapon). The claws deal 1d6 points of slashing damage and the bite deals 1d8 points of piercing damage. When used as off-hand weapons, the Panserbjørne may add only one-half his Strength bonus to the damage rolls. A Panserbjørne can’t attack with his claws and a weapon wielded by the same arm in the same round. If a Panserbjørne makes a claw attack with an arm carrying a shield, he loses the shield’s bonus to AC until the start of his next turn.
• Low-Light Vision: A Panserbjørne can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. He retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
• Run: Panserbjørne receive the Run feat for free.
• Climate Tolerant (Ex): Panserbjørne suffer little harm from environmental extremes of heat or cold. They do not have to make Fortitude saves in extreme environments between –20° and 140°F (severe cold to severe heat). This ability does not provide any protection from fire or cold damage. This ability counts as if a Panserbjørne had the Cold Endurance feat (see Frostburn) for purposes of fulfilling prerequisites for other feats or prestige classes.
• Reduced Reach: A Panserbjørne, while a Large creature, only has a reach of 5 feet.
• +2 racial bonus on Craft skill checks related to the crafting and repair of metal items.
• +2 racial bonus on Appraise checks related to metal items.
• Automatic Language: Common. Bonus Languages: Draconic, Giant, Gnoll.
• Favored Class: Fighter.

Monster class to come later.
Thomar_of_Uointer
06-24-07, 08:39 PM Watched the trailer and read the book, so I thought I'd take a crack at a playable race, the armoured fighting Panserbjorne of Pullman's "Dark Materials" trilogy. Too good of a race not to have it here. Before I forget, "Panserbjorne" and the "His Dark Materials" trilogy are property of Philip Pullman and I lay no claim to his properties or copyrights or intellectual properties.

PANSERBJØRNE

• +8 Strength (due to size), -2 Dexterity (due to size), +4 Constitution (due to size),
-2 Intelligence, -4 Charisma. Panserbjørne are strong and hearty, but know little of the world and are fearsome to others.
• Magical Beast: Panserbjørne are not subject to spells or effects that affect humanoids only, such as charm person or dominate person.
• Large: As a Large creature the Panserbjørne receive a -1 penalty to AC, a +4 Grapple bonus, -4 Hide penalty, +8 Strength bonus, -2 Dexterity penalty, +4 Constitution bonus,
• Base land speed is 30 ft., Swim 30 ft.
• Natural Attacks (2 Claws & Bite): A Panserbjørne can make one attack with his claws or bite each round, either with his primary hand or with his off-hand (taking the normal penalties for fighting with an off-hand weapon). The claws deal 1d6 points of slashing damage and the bite deals 1d8 points of piercing damage. When used as off-hand weapons, the Panserbjørne may add only one-half his Strength bonus to the damage rolls. A Panserbjørne can’t attack with his claws and a weapon wielded by the same arm in the same round. If a Panserbjørne makes a claw attack with an arm carrying a shield, he loses the shield’s bonus to AC until the start of his next turn.
• Low-Light Vision: A Panserbjørne can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. He retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions.
• Run: Panserbjørne receive the Run feat for free.
• Climate Tolerant (Ex): Panserbjørne suffer little harm from environmental extremes of heat or cold. They do not have to make Fortitude saves in extreme environments between –20° and 140°F (severe cold to severe heat). This ability does not provide any protection from fire or cold damage. This ability counts as if a Panserbjørne had the Cold Endurance feat (see Frostburn) for purposes of fulfilling prerequisites for other feats or prestige classes.
• Reduced Reach: A Panserbjørne, while a Large creature, only has a reach of 5 feet.
• +2 racial bonus on Craft skill checks related to the crafting and repair of metal items.
• +2 racial bonus on Appraise checks related to metal items.
• Automatic Language: Common. Bonus Languages: Draconic, Giant, Gnoll.
• Favored Class: Fighter.

Monster class to come later.

Hehe. In light of the upcoming movie, right?

Umm... Shouldn't they have racial Hit Dice? You know, being bears and all?
Wylantern
06-24-07, 10:53 PM Yes, the movie. It prompted me to read the first book and this is what came of that.

Maybe they should have Racial Hit Dice, but I'm thinking of making a racial class for them. If that doesn't work out though they should probably have racial hit dice and an LA.

I compare them to a dwarf from the PHB mostly in terms of power.
Omega_Grey
06-25-07, 02:48 AM Hmm, I was always under the impression that they would be monstrous humanoids. But if you really feel like magical beast is the way to go...
Thomar_of_Uointer
06-25-07, 09:53 AM Hmm, I was always under the impression that they would be monstrous humanoids. But if you really feel like magical beast is the way to go...

No, they're magical beasts. Metalworking intelligent bears are definitely animals that are "bizarre in appearance and habit".
Omega_Grey
06-25-07, 10:39 AM Yes, but they do exhibit a lot of humanoid characteristics is all I'm saying. Mostly its the intelligence and opposable thumb that make me think that, but I also see the merit in being magical beasts.
ferreon
06-26-07, 05:25 PM As a small thought, if you have Frostbite, Urskans probably do what you want, and WotC have given them approval
Teron Gorefiend
06-26-07, 07:06 PM Not to rain on anyone's parade, but shouldn't they just be polar bears with the magical beast type, higher intelligence and charisma, and maybe a bonus to Craft (armoursmithing)?
Dead_Weasel
06-26-07, 07:30 PM I think that it is reasonable to believe that Urskans are taken directly from the His Dark Materials trilogy.
Wylantern
06-28-07, 04:10 PM Its true that the Urskan are a attempt at bringing Panserbjorne to D&D, but my goal was to make the race viable from as low level as possible.

The Urskan have LA +4 and 5 racial hit dice. Pretty steep.

I'm hoping that my rendition is about on par with LA +0 or +1 when compared to a PHB Dwarf.
ferreon
06-29-07, 04:34 PM I just don't feel that they are suitable in a first/second level party, whilst the stats reflect how they were, it's too much at early levels. you should be looking to equate a Panserbjorne to something really quite deadly in it's own right, perhaps an ogre?

I do however understand your desire to have it available....to be honest, you're looking at a monster class though, anything else is too good to start with, in melee, and will rapidly be outstripped once any power game mages start up
Wylantern
07-03-07, 09:19 PM You're right, and I am trying to find a balance here. I'm trying to work on a monster class but it's slow going with work and and all. Hopefully I'll get it on here relatively soon.

Any suggestions? Anyone?
Damuna
07-03-07, 09:29 PM How about a Medium-sized Panserbjørne Runt? :D
theplaidknight
07-03-07, 09:53 PM Panserbjorne do not have opposable thumbs, and they should not be placed in D & D. As long as Hasbro or whomever doesn't decide they need their own D20 game that'll fail in a few months... And they damn well better not. But seriously. Please stop.
Thomar_of_Uointer
07-04-07, 12:50 AM Panserbjorne do not have opposable thumbs, and they should not be placed in D & D. As long as Hasbro or whomever doesn't decide they need their own D20 game that'll fail in a few months... And they damn well better not. But seriously. Please stop.

What?

This is referring to a type of monster from the His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman, the first of which is coming out as a movie soon. It is explicitly stated in the first book that they have opposable thumbs.

In my opinion, the setting (or multiverse) this takes place in is a fascinating, deep backdrop for fantasy adventure, and most definitely usable as a D&D setting.
KhosatralKhel
07-04-07, 02:29 AM Actually bumped into the urskan day before yesterday. Quite frankly I don't think panserbjorne should translate into a low LA race. They are just that awesome, t'would be an insult to weaken them so. Just bust it's abilities into a monster class (working fine for my campaign, forging steel claws being the pinnacle class ability).

I'm also wondering if perhaps panserbjorne (95) and urskan (04) draw from some older mythology, likely Russian. Unfortunately I can't find a thing. Medved.
Damuna
07-04-07, 02:53 AM Well, he could create a savage progression type thing for them, which would allow them to fit with low levels, while still being able to achieve maximum potential. :D
obrysii
07-04-07, 08:38 AM Panserbjorne do not have opposable thumbs, and they should not be placed in D & D. As long as Hasbro or whomever doesn't decide they need their own D20 game that'll fail in a few months... And they damn well better not. But seriously. Please stop.

Your narrow-mindedness has no place on this forum--please take it elsewhere.

There is room in D&D for all things, like it or not. It is a fantasy game--if I want Optimus Prime and Yoda to duel the spawn of Tiamat, well, it's gonna happen.

If someone wants to include these armored bears (great idea, in my opinion), then they should be allowed to.
Ogrebear
07-04-07, 08:38 AM What?

This is referring to a type of monster from the His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman, the first of which is coming out as a movie soon. It is explicitly stated in the first book that they have opposable thumbs.

They have opposable thumbs otherwise making their mystical armour would be a tad difficult!!

Panserbjorne are more than a little bit fantastic... however a D&D translation is more than a little tricky. Good luck to all.
The Amazing Dancing Bear
07-04-07, 01:19 PM Also, note that panserbjorne do not have low charisma. They are massive and frightening - this is a function of their force of personality, and therefore high charisma.

If they were mopey bears that always spit on the floor and mumbled to themselves, that would be low charisma.

I'm also of the camp that believes they should be more powerful than this writeup, just because of how impressive they are. You can always make a monster class of it later. Otherwise, fantastic effort.
Thomar_of_Uointer
07-04-07, 10:27 PM Actually bumped into the urskan day before yesterday. Quite frankly I don't think panserbjorne should translate into a low LA race. They are just that awesome, t'would be an insult to weaken them so. Just bust it's abilities into a monster class (working fine for my campaign, forging steel claws being the pinnacle class ability).
I agree with that. When you're making a monster, you should give it as many Hit Dice as it needs to be scary and tough as its abilities deserve. Panserbjorne are definitely monsters, I think it's actually silly to call them a race. Hit Dice and abilities should come first, then you figure out the LA for the monster as a race last.

Also, note that panserbjorne do not have low charisma. They are massive and frightening - this is a function of their force of personality, and therefore high charisma.

If they were mopey bears that always spit on the floor and mumbled to themselves, that would be low charisma.

I'm also of the camp that believes they should be more powerful than this writeup, just because of how impressive they are. You can always make a monster class of it later. Otherwise, fantastic effort.

Naw, that's just a function of their +4 size bonus to Intimidate checks and their having a normal challenge rating significantly higher than that of most NPCs. In other words, they're the kind of monster that even a dumb level 1 commoner knows instinctively to run away from.
Also, the character in the book was a king, an occupation that usually calls for a higher-than-average Charisma score. I would put his Charisma at 12 relative to a human (note how he was so impressed that a little girl was able to deceive an entire fortress of his kind).
Wylantern
07-06-07, 09:40 PM To all of you, thank you. I appreciate all your input.:)

I'm taking all your comments into consideration as I figure out the Savage progression for Panserbjorne. It's taking considerably longer:( than I would have hoped, but that's mainly from working and my relatively sparse knowledge of how Savage Species works.:confused:
molten_dragon
07-06-07, 10:06 PM A couple things.

First, I agree with the others that they shouldn't be a low LA race. They were considerably more powerful than any of the humans in the books.

If I were going to make one, I would probably just use an awakened polar bear, give it the ability to use weapons, a bonus to sense motive checks (they talk about panserbjorne being very hard to trick), and a bonus to craft (armorsmithing) checks.

Also, I'm pretty sure that they can't survive well in the heat. In either the second or third book (haven't read them in awhile) they talk about having to leave svalbard because it's getting too hot for them to survive.
KhosatralKhel
07-06-07, 10:53 PM I would put his Charisma at 12 relative to a human

Well stated. To put this into the ballpark the urskan had 12 across the board, excepting strength and con. Slightly smarter, slightly faster, slightly better than a human could normally be. The point when the physical stats become involved is truly what separates the human from the bears.

*cough* ECL 9 (5hd LA4)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Wylantern 06-24-07, 08:11 PM	Watched the trailer and read the book, so I thought I'd take a crack at a playable race, the armoured fighting Panserbjorne of Pullman's "Dark Materials" trilogy. Too good of a race not to have it here. Before I forget, "Panserbjorne" and the "His Dark Materials" trilogy are property of Philip Pullman and I lay no claim to his properties or copyrights or intellectual properties. PANSERBJØRNE • +8 Strength (due to size), -2 Dexterity (due to size), +4 Constitution (due to size), -2 Intelligence, -4 Charisma. Panserbjørne are strong and hearty, but know little of the world and are fearsome to others. • Magical Beast: Panserbjørne are not subject to spells or effects that affect humanoids only, such as charm person or dominate person. • Large: As a Large creature the Panserbjørne receive a -1 penalty to AC, a +4 Grapple bonus, -4 Hide penalty, +8 Strength bonus, -2 Dexterity penalty, +4 Constitution bonus, • Base land speed is 30 ft., Swim 30 ft. • Natural Attacks (2 Claws & Bite): A Panserbjørne can make one attack with his claws or bite each round, either with his primary hand or with his off-hand (taking the normal penalties for fighting with an off-hand weapon). The claws deal 1d6 points of slashing damage and the bite deals 1d8 points of piercing damage. When used as off-hand weapons, the Panserbjørne may add only one-half his Strength bonus to the damage rolls. A Panserbjørne can’t attack with his claws and a weapon wielded by the same arm in the same round. If a Panserbjørne makes a claw attack with an arm carrying a shield, he loses the shield’s bonus to AC until the start of his next turn. • Low-Light Vision: A Panserbjørne can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. He retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions. • Run: Panserbjørne receive the Run feat for free. • Climate Tolerant (Ex): Panserbjørne suffer little harm from environmental extremes of heat or cold. They do not have to make Fortitude saves in extreme environments between –20° and 140°F (severe cold to severe heat). This ability does not provide any protection from fire or cold damage. This ability counts as if a Panserbjørne had the Cold Endurance feat (see Frostburn) for purposes of fulfilling prerequisites for other feats or prestige classes. • Reduced Reach: A Panserbjørne, while a Large creature, only has a reach of 5 feet. • +2 racial bonus on Craft skill checks related to the crafting and repair of metal items. • +2 racial bonus on Appraise checks related to metal items. • Automatic Language: Common. Bonus Languages: Draconic, Giant, Gnoll. • Favored Class: Fighter. Monster class to come later.
Thomar_of_Uointer 06-24-07, 08:39 PM	Watched the trailer and read the book, so I thought I'd take a crack at a playable race, the armoured fighting Panserbjorne of Pullman's "Dark Materials" trilogy. Too good of a race not to have it here. Before I forget, "Panserbjorne" and the "His Dark Materials" trilogy are property of Philip Pullman and I lay no claim to his properties or copyrights or intellectual properties. PANSERBJØRNE • +8 Strength (due to size), -2 Dexterity (due to size), +4 Constitution (due to size), -2 Intelligence, -4 Charisma. Panserbjørne are strong and hearty, but know little of the world and are fearsome to others. • Magical Beast: Panserbjørne are not subject to spells or effects that affect humanoids only, such as charm person or dominate person. • Large: As a Large creature the Panserbjørne receive a -1 penalty to AC, a +4 Grapple bonus, -4 Hide penalty, +8 Strength bonus, -2 Dexterity penalty, +4 Constitution bonus, • Base land speed is 30 ft., Swim 30 ft. • Natural Attacks (2 Claws & Bite): A Panserbjørne can make one attack with his claws or bite each round, either with his primary hand or with his off-hand (taking the normal penalties for fighting with an off-hand weapon). The claws deal 1d6 points of slashing damage and the bite deals 1d8 points of piercing damage. When used as off-hand weapons, the Panserbjørne may add only one-half his Strength bonus to the damage rolls. A Panserbjørne can’t attack with his claws and a weapon wielded by the same arm in the same round. If a Panserbjørne makes a claw attack with an arm carrying a shield, he loses the shield’s bonus to AC until the start of his next turn. • Low-Light Vision: A Panserbjørne can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. He retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions. • Run: Panserbjørne receive the Run feat for free. • Climate Tolerant (Ex): Panserbjørne suffer little harm from environmental extremes of heat or cold. They do not have to make Fortitude saves in extreme environments between –20° and 140°F (severe cold to severe heat). This ability does not provide any protection from fire or cold damage. This ability counts as if a Panserbjørne had the Cold Endurance feat (see Frostburn) for purposes of fulfilling prerequisites for other feats or prestige classes. • Reduced Reach: A Panserbjørne, while a Large creature, only has a reach of 5 feet. • +2 racial bonus on Craft skill checks related to the crafting and repair of metal items. • +2 racial bonus on Appraise checks related to metal items. • Automatic Language: Common. Bonus Languages: Draconic, Giant, Gnoll. • Favored Class: Fighter. Monster class to come later. Hehe. In light of the upcoming movie, right? Umm... Shouldn't they have racial Hit Dice? You know, being bears and all?
Wylantern 06-24-07, 10:53 PM	Yes, the movie. It prompted me to read the first book and this is what came of that. Maybe they should have Racial Hit Dice, but I'm thinking of making a racial class for them. If that doesn't work out though they should probably have racial hit dice and an LA. I compare them to a dwarf from the PHB mostly in terms of power.
Omega_Grey 06-25-07, 02:48 AM	Hmm, I was always under the impression that they would be monstrous humanoids. But if you really feel like magical beast is the way to go...
Thomar_of_Uointer 06-25-07, 09:53 AM	Hmm, I was always under the impression that they would be monstrous humanoids. But if you really feel like magical beast is the way to go... No, they're magical beasts. Metalworking intelligent bears are definitely animals that are "bizarre in appearance and habit".
Omega_Grey 06-25-07, 10:39 AM	Yes, but they do exhibit a lot of humanoid characteristics is all I'm saying. Mostly its the intelligence and opposable thumb that make me think that, but I also see the merit in being magical beasts.
ferreon 06-26-07, 05:25 PM	As a small thought, if you have Frostbite, Urskans probably do what you want, and WotC have given them approval
Teron Gorefiend 06-26-07, 07:06 PM	Not to rain on anyone's parade, but shouldn't they just be polar bears with the magical beast type, higher intelligence and charisma, and maybe a bonus to Craft (armoursmithing)?
Dead_Weasel 06-26-07, 07:30 PM	I think that it is reasonable to believe that Urskans are taken directly from the His Dark Materials trilogy.
Wylantern 06-28-07, 04:10 PM	Its true that the Urskan are a attempt at bringing Panserbjorne to D&D, but my goal was to make the race viable from as low level as possible. The Urskan have LA +4 and 5 racial hit dice. Pretty steep. I'm hoping that my rendition is about on par with LA +0 or +1 when compared to a PHB Dwarf.
ferreon 06-29-07, 04:34 PM	I just don't feel that they are suitable in a first/second level party, whilst the stats reflect how they were, it's too much at early levels. you should be looking to equate a Panserbjorne to something really quite deadly in it's own right, perhaps an ogre? I do however understand your desire to have it available....to be honest, you're looking at a monster class though, anything else is too good to start with, in melee, and will rapidly be outstripped once any power game mages start up
Wylantern 07-03-07, 09:19 PM	You're right, and I am trying to find a balance here. I'm trying to work on a monster class but it's slow going with work and and all. Hopefully I'll get it on here relatively soon. Any suggestions? Anyone?
Damuna 07-03-07, 09:29 PM	How about a Medium-sized Panserbjørne Runt? :D
theplaidknight 07-03-07, 09:53 PM	Panserbjorne do not have opposable thumbs, and they should not be placed in D & D. As long as Hasbro or whomever doesn't decide they need their own D20 game that'll fail in a few months... And they damn well better not. But seriously. Please stop.
Thomar_of_Uointer 07-04-07, 12:50 AM	Panserbjorne do not have opposable thumbs, and they should not be placed in D & D. As long as Hasbro or whomever doesn't decide they need their own D20 game that'll fail in a few months... And they damn well better not. But seriously. Please stop. What? This is referring to a type of monster from the His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman, the first of which is coming out as a movie soon. It is explicitly stated in the first book that they have opposable thumbs. In my opinion, the setting (or multiverse) this takes place in is a fascinating, deep backdrop for fantasy adventure, and most definitely usable as a D&D setting.
KhosatralKhel 07-04-07, 02:29 AM	Actually bumped into the urskan day before yesterday. Quite frankly I don't think panserbjorne should translate into a low LA race. They are just that awesome, t'would be an insult to weaken them so. Just bust it's abilities into a monster class (working fine for my campaign, forging steel claws being the pinnacle class ability). I'm also wondering if perhaps panserbjorne (95) and urskan (04) draw from some older mythology, likely Russian. Unfortunately I can't find a thing. Medved.
Damuna 07-04-07, 02:53 AM	Well, he could create a savage progression type thing for them, which would allow them to fit with low levels, while still being able to achieve maximum potential. :D
obrysii 07-04-07, 08:38 AM	Panserbjorne do not have opposable thumbs, and they should not be placed in D & D. As long as Hasbro or whomever doesn't decide they need their own D20 game that'll fail in a few months... And they damn well better not. But seriously. Please stop. Your narrow-mindedness has no place on this forum--please take it elsewhere. There is room in D&D for all things, like it or not. It is a fantasy game--if I want Optimus Prime and Yoda to duel the spawn of Tiamat, well, it's gonna happen. If someone wants to include these armored bears (great idea, in my opinion), then they should be allowed to.
Ogrebear 07-04-07, 08:38 AM	What? This is referring to a type of monster from the His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman, the first of which is coming out as a movie soon. It is explicitly stated in the first book that they have opposable thumbs. They have opposable thumbs otherwise making their mystical armour would be a tad difficult!! Panserbjorne are more than a little bit fantastic... however a D&D translation is more than a little tricky. Good luck to all.
The Amazing Dancing Bear 07-04-07, 01:19 PM	Also, note that panserbjorne do not have low charisma. They are massive and frightening - this is a function of their force of personality, and therefore high charisma. If they were mopey bears that always spit on the floor and mumbled to themselves, that would be low charisma. I'm also of the camp that believes they should be more powerful than this writeup, just because of how impressive they are. You can always make a monster class of it later. Otherwise, fantastic effort.
Thomar_of_Uointer 07-04-07, 10:27 PM	Actually bumped into the urskan day before yesterday. Quite frankly I don't think panserbjorne should translate into a low LA race. They are just that awesome, t'would be an insult to weaken them so. Just bust it's abilities into a monster class (working fine for my campaign, forging steel claws being the pinnacle class ability). I agree with that. When you're making a monster, you should give it as many Hit Dice as it needs to be scary and tough as its abilities deserve. Panserbjorne are definitely monsters, I think it's actually silly to call them a race. Hit Dice and abilities should come first, then you figure out the LA for the monster as a race last. Also, note that panserbjorne do not have low charisma. They are massive and frightening - this is a function of their force of personality, and therefore high charisma. If they were mopey bears that always spit on the floor and mumbled to themselves, that would be low charisma. I'm also of the camp that believes they should be more powerful than this writeup, just because of how impressive they are. You can always make a monster class of it later. Otherwise, fantastic effort. Naw, that's just a function of their +4 size bonus to Intimidate checks and their having a normal challenge rating significantly higher than that of most NPCs. In other words, they're the kind of monster that even a dumb level 1 commoner knows instinctively to run away from. Also, the character in the book was a king, an occupation that usually calls for a higher-than-average Charisma score. I would put his Charisma at 12 relative to a human (note how he was so impressed that a little girl was able to deceive an entire fortress of his kind).
Wylantern 07-06-07, 09:40 PM	To all of you, thank you. I appreciate all your input.:) I'm taking all your comments into consideration as I figure out the Savage progression for Panserbjorne. It's taking considerably longer:( than I would have hoped, but that's mainly from working and my relatively sparse knowledge of how Savage Species works.:confused:
molten_dragon 07-06-07, 10:06 PM	A couple things. First, I agree with the others that they shouldn't be a low LA race. They were considerably more powerful than any of the humans in the books. If I were going to make one, I would probably just use an awakened polar bear, give it the ability to use weapons, a bonus to sense motive checks (they talk about panserbjorne being very hard to trick), and a bonus to craft (armorsmithing) checks. Also, I'm pretty sure that they can't survive well in the heat. In either the second or third book (haven't read them in awhile) they talk about having to leave svalbard because it's getting too hot for them to survive.
KhosatralKhel 07-06-07, 10:53 PM	I would put his Charisma at 12 relative to a human Well stated. To put this into the ballpark the urskan had 12 across the board, excepting strength and con. Slightly smarter, slightly faster, slightly better than a human could normally be. The point when the physical stats become involved is truly what separates the human from the bears. cough ECL 9 (5hd LA4)