Captain Blackbear
Large Beast (Shapechanged from Medium Beast), Chaotic Neutral
Armor Class: 17 (Natural Armor – the thickness of his plush fur
Hit Points: 127 (15d10 + 45)
Speed: 40 ft. (walking), 20 ft. (climbing), 30 ft. (swimm
Challenge Rating: 8 (3,900 XP)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 14 | 16 | 12 | 18 | 22 |
Saving Throws: Strength +9, Dexterity +6, Constitution +7, Wisdom +8, Charisma +10
Skills: Persuasion +10, Deception +10, Stealth +6, Insight +8, Performance +10 (Captain’s Lullaby)
Damage Vulnerabilities: none
Damage Resistances: Psychic damage
Damage Immunities: Poison
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Keen Smell: Advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell, Passive Perception 18
Languages: Common, Sylvan, understands the language of the ocean spirits
Spellcasting
**Spellcasting.** Captain Blackbear is a 10th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). Captain Blackbear has the following spells prepared:
**Cantrips (at will):** *Minor Illusion*, *Friends*, *Thaumaturgy*
**1st level (4 slots):** *Charm Person*, *Fog Cloud*
**2nd level (3 slots):** *Suggestion*, *Misty Step*
**3rd level (3 slots):** *Fear*, *Major Image*
**4th level (3 slots):** *Confusion*, *Greater Invisibility*
**5th level (2 slots):** *Dominate Person*, *Wall of Water*
**Special notes:** Captain Blackbear often casts *Fog Cloud* or *Charm Person* before revealing himself in encounters, using his charm to deceive adventurers into underestimating him or creating an advantage in chaotic environments. His connection with the Heart of the Ocean allows him to weave spells that play with perception and emotion, emphasizing mischief over brute force in his tactics.
Actions & Abilities
Multiattack: Captain Blackbear makes three attacks: one with his Claw and two with his Fuzzy Fury.
Claw: *Melee Weapon Attack:* +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. **Hit:** 2d10 + 5 slashing damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be grappled (escape DC 16). While grappled in this manner, the target is restrained until the grapple ends.
Fuzzy Fury: *Melee Weapon Attack:* +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one or two targets adjacent to each other. **Hit:** 3d6 + 4 bludgeoning damage. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or be knocked prone.
Anchors Aweigh: *Ranged Weapon Attack:* Captain Blackbear throws an enchanted cannonball (magically conjured) at a target within 60 feet. *Attack:* +7 to hit. **Hit:** 3d8 bludgeoning damage and the target must make a DC 15 Strength saving throw. On a failure, they are pushed back 10 feet and knocked prone.
Heart of the Ocean – Ocean’s Whisper (Recharge 5-6): Captain Blackbear channels the power within his Heart of the Ocean to create a fog that envelops a 20-foot radius centered on a point he chooses within 120 feet. The area is heavily obscured for 1 minute, and affected creatures must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened until the fog dissipates.
Swashbuckler’s Escape: Captain Blackbear can take the Disengage action as a bonus action, allowing him to move without provoking opportunity attacks.
Ye Be Warned!: Affected players must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed until the end of their next turn. While charmed, they must reveal their greatest treasure or secret to Captain Blackbear, who gains advantage on his next attack against them.
Pirate’s Call: Captain Blackbear can summon a Misfit from his crew to perform a distracting action, granting him or a crew member advantage on the next attack roll against the target he chooses.
Cannon Shot: Captain Blackbear fires one of the ship’s cannons. This attack targets a point within 60 ft. of him. Each creature in a 10-foot radius must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 4d10 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one.
Slippery Deck: The ship rocks violently; all creatures on the deck must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or fall prone.
Misfit Ruckus: The Fuzzy Band of Misfits scurry across the ship’s deck, creating a distracting commotion. All enemies must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on their next attack roll.
Ghostly Gales: Whispers of lost sailors fill the air as ghostly winds swirl around. All creatures of Captain Blackbear’s choice must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or take 2d10 psychic damage and be deafened until the end of their next turn.
Brave Refusal: When a creature hits Captain Blackbear with a melee attack, he can use his reaction to gain a +2 to AC until the end of his next turn, and his attacker takes 1d6 psychic damage from their reckless attack.
Appearance
Amidst a striking white backdrop stands the magnificent Captain Blackbear, a towering figure that commands attention with his formidable presence. At an impressive 7 feet tall, his robust, barrel-like frame radiates both strength and charm, balancing a cuddly demeanor with an air of intimidating authority. This pirate bear embodies the very essence of adventure, a testament to his daring exploits on the high seas.
Captain Blackbear’s enchanting fur is a magnificent tapestry of deep browns, charcoals, and blacks, woven together to create a ruggedly handsome appearance. His coat glimmers with iridescent flecks that catch the light, reflecting hints of moonlit blues and greens—an alluring effect bestowed by the Heart of the Ocean nestled within his chest. The texture of his fur is captivating; soft and fluffy to the touch, yet intriguingly coarse in certain areas, particularly around his sharp, gleaming claws that are both formidable and dexterous.
His expressive face is framed by large, floppy ears that communicate curiosity and mischief. Piercing emerald green eyes shimmer with intelligence and a playful glint; they hold within them the wisdom of countless adventures and a touch of cunning. A wide grin reveals rows of sharp teeth, ready to break into joyous laughter or twist into a fearsome snarl, showcasing the duality of his character—the jolly pirate and the fierce protector.
Captain Blackbear’s limbs are a marvel of strength and agility. His powerful forelimbs, ending in hefty, well-defined claws, serve him well in combat, showcasing immense power and dexterity. The stout hind limbs add to his robust stature, allowing for surprisingly graceful movements despite his hefty appearance. Whether standing upright with the poise of a seasoned captain or bounding forward with spirited energy, he conveys a lively exuberance that captivates onlookers.
Among his most extraordinary features is the radiant gem pulsating in his chest, the Heart of the Ocean. This bioluminescent artifact bathes him in a radiant light, casting shimmering hues of blue and green that seem to dance around him, hinting at his hidden magical powers. The combination of his patchwork pirate attire—stolen garments fashioned into a chaotic yet vibrant ensemble—and a flamboyant hat adorned with colorful feathers from his toucan companion further enhance his whimsical yet formidable presence.
In every gesture and stance, Captain Blackbear embodies a lively spirit of adventure. His movements blend comical exaggeration with sudden bursts of power, leaving an unforgettable impression. Accompanied by ghostly sea shanties and the faint scent of saltwater, Captain Blackbear serves as a mythical maritime figure, a living embodiment of piracy and camaraderie on the open seas.
Tactical Information
Captain Blackbear and the Fuzzy Band of Misfits: Tactical Behavior and Narrative Interactions
Behavior in Day-to-Day Life:
In the calm waters of the Crimson Coast, Captain Blackbear reigns supreme aboard the Soggy Plunderer, where chaos and camaraderie prevail. Day-to-day, Blackbear exhibits an almost jovial demeanor, mingling with his Fuzzy Band of Misfits—Wily Pine, Lighthouse, and Steeltooth. He thrives in the warmth of camaraderie, regaling his crew with exaggerated tales of past adventures while brainstorming nefarious plots against unsuspecting merchant vessels.
His motivations are twofold: the thrill of adventure and the joy of gathering trinkets and treasures to fill his ship. Blackbear views piracy as an art form of deception and charm, winning hearts and treasures alike through clever traps and enchanting tunes. Meals on the ship usually comprise shared feasts, with Blackbear often cooking to keep spirits high. He encourages the crew’s uniqueness: Wily Pine often scrounges for stories from captured sailors, while Lighthouse scouts the coast for new targets with his quick wit. The crew is bonded by mutual respect and the understanding that treasure is inevitably better shared.
Occasionally, they venture into port towns, where Blackbear can engage in playful trickery—using charm to lift gems from the unobservant or winning over locals to obtain fresh supplies. Through his charming antics, he teaches his crew the fine balance of menacing mischief wrapped in plush warmth, ensuring that each member feels valued in this anarchic family.
Combat Behavior:
In combat, Captain Blackbear delights in the theatrics of a fight, favoring an initial ambush from shadows or rocky outcrops. With his commanding presence, he creatively utilizes his crew’s talents, orchestrating a boisterous onslaught of chaos that reflects both his cunning and playful nature. When engaging enemies, he often taunts or charms, attempting to sow confusion before striking with his claws.
His tactics typically involve utilizing the ship’s unique environment to his advantage; he’ll use Slippery Deck to create vulnerabilities among his foes or unleash Cannon Volley to spread panic. If adversaries demonstrate their strength, Blackbear doesn’t hesitate to retreat, positioning himself amidst a barrage of cannon fire while using his Companion Command to have Wily Pine sing enchanting spells, disarming foes, and leveraging the distractions for sneak attacks from Steeltooth.
In situations where the odds seem stacked against him, Blackbear relies on the Heart of the Ocean to manipulate the battlefield, casting Fog Cloud to obscure his movements, allowing for retreats while instigating more chaos with illusions of phantom crew or sea spirits. His hearty laughter often fills the air, even in the face of impending defeat, as he plots his escape to fight another day, reclaiming control with all the cunning of a charismatic rogue.
Roleplay/Narrative Interactions:
When confronted by adventurers in a non-combat scenario, Captain Blackbear embodies a mixture of whimsical charm and shrewd cunning. Approaching with a wide grin, he would likely extend an invitation to share a meal aboard the Soggy Plunderer, his honeyed words dripping with flirtatious humor. He might artfully spin tales of a treasure that legends tell of, luring adventurers into a potential alliance.
If threatened, Captain Blackbear would respond first with a bemused chuckle, subtly pulling strings to downplay the encounter. He often uses Ye Be Warned! against those who appear too self-assured, charming them into revealing their weaknesses or treasures. In instances where the adventurers attempt diplomacy, he might entertain negotiations in exchange for sharing valuable intel, or perhaps to guide adventurers toward achieving mutual goals, all while guarding his ultimate plans.
In scenarios where blackmail or threats are employed against him, Blackbear’s temperament can shift. He is quick to turn defensive and may engage in a game of wit instead of brute force. If cornered and outmaneuvered, he utilizes a mix of deception, charm, and cleverness, potentially staging an escape through pre-planned traps aboard his ship while promising a playful chance at revenge—because in the world of Captain Blackbear and his crew, adventure is just one mischief away.
Through this intricate layer of personality, tactics, and interactions, Captain Blackbear emerges as a multifaceted character, delighting players with mischief woven through the thrill of piracy while cushioning the edges of chaos with plush, charismatic warmth.
