Moria Cave-Bears

Moria's Cave Bears (S. "Ardas Grod"; pl. "Erdais Gryd"; Kh. "Felak-buarndur") were relatives of the black Barg-moigh, or "Great Bear" of the northern highlands of Eriador. They are huge beasts that stand two or three feet taller than a six foot man and weigh up to 1400 pounds. This frame is covered with a black coat, one normally accented by brown stripes on their paws, ears, and faces. The Cave Bear's gentle lines often disguise the massive musculature that enables them to tear out stout roots or break bulky branches with quiet ease. One backhand swipe can snap a man's neck as effectively as a child cracks a twig. Their five to six inch non-retractable claws can rip through leather or light metal armor and inflict deep, gouging wounds. Fortunately, displays of their frightening power are rare, for Cave Bears favor a diet of tubers, fruit, nuts, berries, and fish. Most are passive unless disturbed, ill, or in need of sustenance. Their usual routine revolves around their small (1-5), closely knit families. They are monogamous and extremely protective of their brood. Foraging sorties involve the whole group, for mothers rarely leave the cubs alone at the den.