Bugbear

Bugbears are hairy goblinoids born for battle and mayhem. They survive by raiding and hunting, but are fond of setting ambushes and fleeing when outmatched.

During wartime, you will never find a more bloodthirsty member of the Goblin forces; Bugbears are well-known to be the ones committing the most atrocious crimes of Goblin warfare, barely held back by their reluctant Hobgoblin leaders.
bugbear 5eHowever, sneak up on a Bugbear enjoying time by itself, and you’ll uncover a different beast. Outside of battle, a Bugbear spends most of its time eating and sleeping, or intimidating Goblins to do their dirty work. This does not mean that a Bugbear cannot do the work, far from it; they simply have full faith that their energy is better expended on murder and battle.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Bugbears resemble hairy, feral goblins standing 7 feet tall. They took their name from their noses and claws, which were similar to those of bears. Their claws are 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.
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.

Civilization and Culture

History

Bugbears are 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 operate independently, though tribes ruled by hobgoblins were better organized and less savage. This is in part because bugbears had little patience for diplomacy or negotiation, preferring violent solutions to conflicts unless obviously overpowered.

Lifespan

70 years

Average Height

6-8 feet

Average Weight

250-350 lbs