Beorn the Skinchanger

A Northman Lord, founder of the tribal confederationlater known as the Beornings, Beorn was the first of the three enchanted Chieftains of the great Cult of the Bear. He was a powerful Shapechanger who transformed into a  Great-bear during rituals, battle, or other times of frenzy or need. A true beserker, Beorn hated Orcs and went into a vengeful rage whenever he encountered them. He slew the Orc-lord Bolg and helped turn the tide at the Battle of Five Armies in T.A. 2941. Beorn's kinsmen protected the trade routes between Eriador and northern Rhovanion and kept watch over the Misty Mountain passes and the crossings over the upper Anduin (exacting only modest tolls). They communicated using a number of subtle, wilderness symbols and the Waildyth speech, a language imbued with a host of Nature-signals. This enabled them to maintain a low profile, which was essential in light  of their small, scattered numbers. Fiery and suspicious of strangers, Beorn was difficult to approach. He never forgot a kindness, however, and cherished the few folk he actually befriended. Like his brethren, he preferred the company of beasts. Beorn lived in a comfortable wood Long- house at his modest manor, Muidwe Beom, in the eastern Anduin Valley. His fenced yard accommodated a host of animal friends, many of whom resided with the warm Northman, performing chores on behalf of his peculiar community.The manor lay in a strategic nook  between the western edge of Mirkwood  and the Carrock.

Beorn's Principal Items:

 * Beorn's Axe
 * Beorn's Collar — a simple-looking leather collar, enchanted so that it grew and shrank with wearer's form.

Beorn's Special Powers:
Beom could transform into a huge lord Bear, which he did during certain rituals or in order to travel quickly and surrepticiously. He had limited control over the transformation, occasionally turning into a Bear when in a frenzy whether he wanted to or  not. He could also do it as part of certain rituals.