We've hit another cold spell, and I'm still in the mood for a winter-themed monster.

Let's not just create a bear with a frost attack. That's dull. Ice bears, in contrast, are literally driven insane by the cold. That's why they've broken out of their hibernation. A cold snap combined with background magic (perhaps they made a den near a ley line or magical ruin) turns their fur white and drives them outside in search of meat.

Ice bear art

Ice bears live in a perpetual state of frustration, seeking meat to eat but never completely sated by it. They're somewhat like zombies that way; always looking for a new victim.

Their magical nature will also give them a cold aura, draining HP from creatures nearby.

Note that this background creates some useful hooks for PCs. Druids, rangers, and similar classes will want to find out what enraged the ice bear. Finding and destroying the magical artifact that created it will stop this effect from happening to other creatures nearby. The PCs might even be hired villagers in a remote, icy village who've started seeing ice bears nearby.

Stat block

Homebrewery stat block:


Ice Bear

Medium beast, chaotic neutral


  • Armor Class 13
  • Hit Points 100 (10d8 + 60)
  • Speed 40 ft., climb 30 ft.
    STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
    19 (+4) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 2 (-4) 13 (+1) 7 (-2)

  • Skills Perception +3
  • Damage Immunities cold
  • Condition Immunities frightened
  • Senses passive Perception 13
  • Challenge 3 (700 XP)

Cold Aura. Any creature starting its turn within 10 feet of the ice bear must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or take 7 (2d6) cold damage.

Actions

Multiattack. The ice bear makes two attacks, one with its bite and one with its claws.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 8 (1d8+4) piercing damage.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 11 (2d6+4) slashing damage.

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