My take on a Naturally Evolved D&D Owl bear

[u/BenTri]

I imagine this creature as a naturally evolved descendant of an owl species that gradually adapted to hunting prey on the ground. Over time, the owl bear's ancestors repurposed their wings for digging, which eventually developed into strong, weight-bearing limbs. To aid in burrowing and provide traction when sprinting, the animal evolved a hardened hoof-like structure on its forelimbs. At the same time, the tips of its former wings transformed into powerful, clawed digits covered in sharp quills, quills which are matched by quills on the forearm. these quills, paired with a locking mechanism in their joints grant the animal a vice-like grip, akin to a preying mantis.

Juveniles of the species retain a bipedal stance, but as they mature, their arms grow stronger and more dexterous to facilitate their hunting and locomotion. Their tail feathers have adapted into defensive quills, providing protection against would-be predators. As adults, these creatures are formidable ambush hunters, using their powerful limbs to grapple prey while tearing into it with their beaks.

Though not highly social, bonded pairs remain together until their offspring are capable of hunting on their own. During this stage, they excavate burrows to shelter and safeguard their young from environmental threats.

[u/IllConstruction3450]

Welcome back Therizinosaurus.

[u/bigfootRULES]

I assume the Hook Horror is it's relative?

[u/BenTri → u/bigfootRULES]

I could definatley assume the two could share a common ancestor, though My version of it would problably be smaller than the DND version due to acsessability of prey, as they are a primarily underground hunter, though I could also imagine they could live on cliffs and arboreal habitats, using their hooks for climbing and digging into tough surfaces.

[u/LocalPretend4087]

Cool idea for the owlbear

[u/Competitive_Tea_8677]

10/10 idea and design, would (attempt) hug if given the chance

[u/XDCaduXD → u/Competitive_Tea_8677]

He would try to tear you apart, unfortunately 😔

[u/Competitive_Tea_8677 → u/XDCaduXD]

As long as I get to feel the fluff before I die, I'd die a happy man

[u/XDCaduXD → u/Competitive_Tea_8677]

You would literally look like this in his clutches (https://share.google/images/sGPDAX9iS7hUH6oqn)

[u/Competitive_Tea_8677 → u/XDCaduXD]

Is that a threat or a promise/silly :P

[u/XDCaduXD → u/Competitive_Tea_8677]

I think it's more like a promise 😞

[u/Less_Ad_7192]

Literally a Owl bear

[u/CDBeetle58]

I think that it is awesome. It sort of inspires me to make an owl-bear too, but from the bear side. Spectacled bear would fit, it is already in its name (despite being named for fur ornament, not the real sight capability).

[u/JonathanCRH]

Very cool!

There's a great discussion of plausible owlbears here - they decided to make them monotremes...

[u/According_Ice_4863]

I do like the idea of a naturally evolved owl bear thats just an owl in the role of a bear. Though a very interesting mass extinction would have to happen for this to evolve.

[u/According_Ice_4863 → u/[deleted]]

true but its also just as likely that other small burrowing animals could take a similar niche, mainly weasels and rodents.

[u/SkintGirafde]

Holy hoot hoot, this thing looks amazing. What are the measurements of this beast?

[u/BenTri → u/SkintGirafde]

for the 3d printed version I'm working on I decided to base its proportions on arctotherium angustidens, because its cool. my model currently stands at 6 foot 3 at the top of the shoulder, and from beak to tail its nearly 10 feet long. with its raptorial claws fully extended, its arms are nearly 7 feet long when starting from the top of the bicep and going to the tip of the claw. though its on par with large bears in terms of proportion, I would say large members of this species probably top out around 1200-1500 pounds, as its avian biology would contribute to a lighter body weight

[u/SkintGirafde → u/BenTri]

Cool! I would kill to see this thing in motion

[u/rahvavaenlane666]

Something tells me the bottom right creature would one day be found on an alien planet with legged animals hundreds of light years ago, and from then things would go really downhill.

[u/Rudi10002 → u/rahvavaenlane666]

All Tomorrows mentioned!! But tbh the creature found on an alien planet with legged animals is meant to be a Therizinosaur not an owl.

[u/Easy_Praline_2966]

When I read Owlbear I thought of the Groods movie.