Bugbear (/ˈbʌɡ.bɛː(ɹ)/)
The Bullies of the Underdark
A hairy, feral, 7-foot tall goblin-like creature, with a bear-like nose, and sharp teeth. It's bipedal humanoid body is covered in brown fur. It has clawed hands but is carrying a morningstar.
Bugbears are born for battle and mayhem. Surviving by raiding and hunting, they bully the weak and despise being bossed around, but their love of carnage means they will fight for powerful masters if bloodshed and treasure are assured.
Goblinoids. Bugbears are often found in the company of their cousins, hobgoblins and goblins. Bugbears usually enslave goblins they encounter, and they bully hobgoblins into giving them gold and food in return for serving as scouts and shock troops. Even when paid, bugbears are at best unreliable allies, yet goblins and hobgoblins understand that no matter how much bugbears might drain a tribe of resources, these creatures are a potent force.
Followers of Hruggek. Bugbears worship Hruggek, a lesser god who dwells on the plane of Acheron. In the absence of their goblinoid kin, bugbears form loose war bands, each one led by its fiercest member. Bugbears believe that when they die, their spirits have a chance to fight at Hruggek's side. They try to prove themselves worthy by defeating as many foes as possible.
Venal Ambushers. Despite their intimidating builds, bugbears move with surprising stealth. They are fond of setting ambushes and flee when outmatched. They are dependable mercenaries as long as they are supplied food, drink, and treasure, but a bugbear forgets any bond when its life is on the line. A wounded member of a bugbear band might be left behind to help the rest of the band escape. Afterward, that bugbear might help pursuers track down its former companions if doing so saves its life.The Mighty Menagerie have met and fought many Bugbears. Many of which were part of the Blood Hand Orcs, but there have been a few they've come across in civilized lands as well, namely Ratlok Darksky.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Bugbears were a massive humanoid race distantly related to, but larger and stronger than, goblins and hobgoblins.
Description
Bugbears resembled hairy, feral goblins standing 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall. They took their name from their noses and claws, which were similar to those of bears. Their claws were not long and sharp enough to be used as weapons, so bugbears often armored and armed themselves with a variety of purloined gear, which was normally second-rate and in poor repair.Biology
Unlike most creatures, bugbears were particularly susceptible to the effects of Bowen's flowers, which would knock them out within minutes.Behaviour
Personality
Bugbears, like other goblinoids, had a reputation for being dim-witted and brutish. This claim was not unfounded, and like their kin bugbears had easily provoked tempers and were prone to rages. Few bugbears overcame this flaw and their culture's brutal nature. Many bugbears were chaotic evil in alignment, favoring stealth and surprising their opponents. Bugbear heroes, though rare, were heard of and could acquire significant renown if successful. Often the motivation for this change of heart came from the rewards earned from virtue, which in the long term were more pleasing than the short-term pleasures of evil behaviors.Additional Information
Social Structure
Society
Bugbears were often found in the company of other goblinoids, particularly goblins, since tribes made up mostly of hobgoblins and bugbears tended to be wiped out quickly by other races as a precaution. Some bugbears also operated independently, though tribes ruled by hobgoblins were better organized and less savage. This was in part because bugbears had little patience for diplomacy or negotiation, preferring violent solutions to conflicts unless obviously overpowered.Uses, Products & Exploitation
Harvesting
Instructions
Instructions: Because this creature is an Humanoid, the player should roll a Medicine Check using the DCs in the table below. On a success, the player is able to harvest the item. On a failure, the item cannot be harvested (either because the character is not skilled enough, or because the item is ruined). The DM should note that many of the items have an expiration, and can not be sold or used after the expiration has passed.
| DC | Item | Description | Value | Weight | Expiration | Crafting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Bugbear Tusk (x2) | Two small tusks that protrude from a bugbear's mouth. They can be used to create small crafts, jewelry and decorations. | 1 sp | 1 lb. | ∞ | - |
| 5 | Bugbear Ears (x2) | Two pointy, leather ears. Some towns offer a bounty for these ears. | 5 cp | 1 lb. | 14 days | - |
| 10 | Bugbear Hide | Bugbear hide is often filthy and riddled with mange. However, once dried and tanned, the leather is tough and sound. | 8 sp | 12 lb. | 10 days | Leather Armor (PHB) |
| 15 | Bugbear Chief only: Heart of Hruggek | A bugbear chief's heart is often blessed by their god, Hrugged. It is believed that consuming a powerful bugbear chief's heart allows you to gain their power. Use: You may spend an action to consume this heart, granting you advantage on saving throws against being charmed, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned, stunned, or sleep for the next hour. Once this effect wears off, you must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC 12) or gain one level of exhaustion as the adrenaline filled organ passes through your system. | 1 gp | 6 lb. | 2 days | - |
This kind of creature may carry a few coins. This kind of creature may have a small hoard. This character usually carries: 1 Morningstar, 1 Hide, 1 Shield Random loot, generally very little. they can be carrying weapons and armor which could range in quality and abilities.
Possible Trinkets
Possible trinkets
1d12 Item Weight Value 1 1 leather strap with 3 humanoid skulls 20 lb. 5 sp 2 1 worn whetstone (unusable) 1 lb. -- 3 1 waterskin full of cheap wine 5 lb. 4 sp 4 1 crude iron dagger with a wooden hilt wrapped in leather 2 lb. 5 sp 5 1 stone pendant with the symbol of Hruggek (a morningstar) 3 lb. 3 sp 6 1 flat rock painted with a bear fighting a human 3 lb. 1 cp 7 1 crude carving of a bugbear's head 2 lb. 5 cp 8 1 pouch of jewelry (stolen) 3 lb. 15 gp 9 1 pouch with 3 vials of war paint 3 lb. 5 sp 10 1 parchment with a crude set of war plans -- -- 11 1d4 bushmeat ration(s) 2 lb. 5 sp 12 1d4 small animal carcass(es) 1 lb. 1 sp
This creature produces 2-12 pieces of Harvested Meat, weight total of 8-48 lb. DC: 5, Expire: 1 day, Value: 4-24 sp There is a stigma to eating meat belonging to sentient creatures that have a humanoid form and features. Harvesting the meat may be frowned upon and even considered cannibalism. Some communities may refuse to buy the meat (and some evil communities may pay a premium). The meat may even be difficult to eat, or unedible. Of course, these are all up to the Dungeon Master to decide.
Civilization and Culture
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Language
Like many goblinoids, bugbears spoke the Goblin language.History
Many scholars of the late 14 century DR believed that bugbears and goblins were both bred by the hobgoblins as slave races, with bugbears serving as elite soldiers.
Nine bugbears working for the Xanathar Thieves' Guild dwelt upon the Dungeon Level of Undermountain.
Four bugbears working for Yek dwelt in the Arcane Chambers Level of Undermountain, as well as twenty bugbears who served the Xanathar Thieves' Guild.
Eight bugbears dwelt in Azrok's Hold, on the Sargauth Level of Undermountain.
Historical Figures
Notable Bugbears
Bolgus and Bulkar,
two bugbears who acted as guards at the entrance of a Xanathar Guild level on the Arcane Chambers level of Undermountain.Grol,
leader of the Cragmaw tribe in the late-15th century DR.Ratlok Darksky,
discovered with the others in the Beholder of Skola Vale's Mines claimed to be a mercenary in the employ of Morenars Neyers.Common Myths and Legends
Religion
Bugbears once had their own pantheon, led by Hruggek. Bugbears often decapitated their enemies as a way to honor Hruggek, who was said to do the same. From the Spellplague to the Second Sundering, the power of Hruggek was diminished and the god served as an exarch of Bane, the god of tyranny. However, after the Second Sundering, bugbears began to follow bugbear-specific deities such as Hruggek once more. Other bugbear deities included Grankhul, the bugbear deity of hunting, senses, stealth, and surprise; and Skiggaret. Local pantheons often included a god of earth, a god of fertility, and a god of death.Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Bugbears view themselves as the superior race, and they believe that other races are beneath them. They are often arrogant and cruel, and they take pleasure in inflicting pain on others. Bugbears are also very territorial, and they will fight to the death to defend their territory.
However, there are some bugbears who are not as hostile towards other races. These bugbears may have been raised by other races, or they may have simply had a different experience with other races. These bugbears may be more open-minded and willing to interact with other races peacefully.
Ultimately, the views of bugbears on other sapient species vary depending on the individual bugbear. Some bugbears are fiercely hostile, while others are more open-minded. However, it is safe to say that most bugbears view other races with suspicion and distrust.
Here are some specific examples of how bugbears interact with other races:
- Humans: Bugbears typically view humans as weak and easy to kill. They may raid human settlements, kidnap human children, or even enslave humans. However, there are some bugbears who have worked with humans, such as the bugbear tribes that fought alongside the orcs during the Orcgate Wars.
- Goblins: Bugbears and goblins are often allies. They share a similar culture and value strength and cunning. They may raid together, trade with each other, or even interbreed. However, there is also some rivalry between bugbears and goblins, as they both compete for territory and resources.
- Orcs: Bugbears and orcs are often enemies. They have different cultures and values, and they often fight over territory. However, there have been some instances of bugbears and orcs working together, such as the Orcgate Wars.
- Dwarves: Bugbears typically view dwarves as industrious and resourceful. They may trade with dwarves, or even work for them as mercenaries. However, there is also some distrust between bugbears and dwarves, as they both compete for resources.
- Elves: Bugbears typically view elves as arrogant and haughty. They may raid elven settlements, or even capture elven children for ransom. However, there are some bugbears who have been impressed by elven culture and magic.
Sources
Source(s):
- Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford, Christopher Perkins (2014-09-30). Monster Manual 5th edition. Edited by Scott Fitzgerald Gray. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 33. ISBN 978-0786965614.
- Mike Mearls, Stephen Schubert, James Wyatt (June 2008). Monster Manual 4th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 135–136. ISBN 978-0-7869-4852-9.
- Skip Williams, Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook (July 2003). Monster Manual v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 29. ISBN 0-7869-2893-X.
- Reynolds, Forbeck, Jacobs, Boyd (March 2003). Races of Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 136. ISBN 0-7869-2875-1.
- Doug Stewart (June 1993). Monstrous Manual. (TSR, Inc), p. 32. ISBN 1-5607-6619-0.
- Gary Gygax (December 1977). Monster Manual, 1st edition. (TSR, Inc), p. 12. ISBN 0-935696-00-8.
- Eric L. Boyd, Erik Mona (May 2002). Faiths and Pantheons. Edited by Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 221. ISBN 0-7869-2759-3.
- Reynolds, Forbeck, Jacobs, Boyd (March 2003). Races of Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 137. ISBN 0-7869-2875-1.
- Mike Mearls, et al. (November 2016). Volo's Guide to Monsters. Edited by Jeremy Crawford, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 44–45. ISBN 978-0786966011.
- Mike Mearls, et al. (November 2016). Volo's Guide to Monsters. Edited by Jeremy Crawford, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 119. ISBN 978-0786966011.
- David "Zeb" Cook et al. (1989). Monstrous Compendium Volume One. (TSR, Inc), p. 17. ISBN 0-8803-8738-6.
- Rob Heinsoo, Logan Bonner, Robert J. Schwalb (September 2008). Forgotten Realms Player's Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 20. ISBN 978-0-7869-4929-8.
- Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Edited by Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 180. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
- Carl Sargent (May 1992). Monster Mythology. (TSR, Inc), p. 53. ISBN 1-5607-6362-0.
- Eric L. Boyd (November 1998). Demihuman Deities. Edited by Julia Martin. (TSR, Inc.), p. 151. ISBN 0-7869-1239-1.
- Carl Sargent (May 1992). Monster Mythology. (TSR, Inc), p. 44. ISBN 1-5607-6362-0.
- James Butler, Elizabeth T. Danforth, Jean Rabe (September 1994). “The Thunder Peaks and the Storm Horns”. In Karen S. Boomgarden ed. Elminster's Ecologies (TSR, Inc), p. 9. ISBN 1-5607-6917-3.
- Christopher Perkins (November 2018). Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage. Edited by Jeremy Crawford. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 13. ISBN 978-0-7869-6626-4.
- Christopher Perkins (November 2018). Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage. Edited by Jeremy Crawford. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 33–39. ISBN 978-0-7869-6626-4.
- Christopher Perkins (November 2018). Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage. Edited by Jeremy Crawford. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 55. ISBN 978-0-7869-6626-4.
- Christopher Perkins (November 2018). Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage. Edited by Jeremy Crawford. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 33. ISBN 978-0-7869-6626-4.
- Wizards RPG Team (July 2014). “Lost Mine of Phandelver”. Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 40–41. ISBN 978-0-7869-6559-5.
Scientific Name
Animalia, Materia, Humanoidus, Bipedia, Goblinoid (Bugbear)
Origin/Ancestry
Humanoid (Monster Goblinoid | Bugbear)
Lifespan
80 years
Conservation Status
Long ago Bugbears and other Goblinoids were attacked on sight as they were often the aggressors, however the past two thousand years or so have seen Bugbears finding some acceptance, more so in larger cities. However, there is still discrimination and disappearances of Bugbears all the time as well as attacks outside of city walls. Many places still don't consider the murder of a Bugbears the same as the murder of others.
Average Height
6' - 8'
Average Weight
250-350 lbs.
Geographic Distribution
Related Ethnicities
5E Statistics
Bugbear
| Size | Medium |
| Type | Humanoid |
| Tag(s) | Goblinoid |
| Alignment | Chaotic Evil |
| Challenge Rating | Bugbear (1) Bugbear Chief (3) |
General Information
| Patron Deity | Hruggek, Grankhul |
| Vision | Darkvision, low-light vision |
| Activity cycle | Any |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Average Lifespan | 80 years |
| Language(s) | Common, Goblin |
| Favored Climate | Any Climate, Temperate |
| Favored Terrain | Mountains, Underground |
Appearance
| Average Height | 6' - 8' |
| Average Weight | 250-350 lbs. |
| Skin Color(s) | Yellow to reddish brown |
| Hair Color(s) | Brown, red |
| Eye Color(s) | Yellow, orange, red, brown, greenish white |
| Distinctions | Large, hairy, wedge-shaped ears, heightened sense of smell, tough hide, claws, strong but nimble |
History
| First Appearance | Greyhawk |
Session Reports
See Also: Bugbear on Forgotten Realms Wiki