Bugbears of Valbarra

Long ago, the hemispheres of the Terrene were divided. One hemisphere, the one with the most land mass, was home to a wide variety of sentient races, fighting each other for dominance. The other hemisphere had few races - Orcs, a lost subrace of Elf, and Hobgoblins. Through many years of warfare, the three sought to destroy each other. The elves and the orcs had focused on each other for years, each thinking the other the only impediment to ruling, when the hobgoblins rolled in to take advantage. The elves were wiped out, and the orcs were broken and split into feeble tribes. To this day, hobgoblins of Valbarra will seek to eliminate orcish tribes when found.
Although the hobgoblins led the armies that eventually crushed the orcs and elves, they did not provide the only warriors. The Bugbears of Valbarra, a much smaller group, filled the role of shock troopers to devastating effect. Prior to the war, they tended to keep to themselves, but being brought in raised them to prominence. They were seen as kindred by the hobgoblins, although there were always far fewer of them. They were over-represented in the military and the ranks of monster hunters, and worked well with the hobgoblins in most situations.
When explorers from the other hemisphere arrived, the hobgoblins quickly rebuilt their war machine, including the Bugbear shock troops. But without the ability to play the other groups off each other, the Valbarrans did not have as easy of a time. Eventually, it became a war of attrition between the magic users. A huge percentage of magic users were slaughtered on each side, crippling the entire continents ability to pass on magical skills. Eventually, the warring ceased, and the sides worked together to rebuild their continent. Now, the Bugbears work with all comers, providing a backbone of strength to the efforts of the continent.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Bugbears are bipedal with two arms and two legs, exhibiting bilateral symmetry externally. Their upper limbs are unusually long for a bipedal species, with the arm bones about 10-20% longer than the corresponding leg bones. They have dense musculature, with especially powerful legs to counterbalance the long arms. Both hands and feet have sharp claws, although they do not extend very far.

Genetics and Reproduction

Standard mammalian reproduction cycle. Gestates for 10 months, normally producing one offspring.

Growth Rate & Stages

• Infancy: 0-1 years, 28-32" at end, 20-30 lbs, crawling
• Babe: 1-3 years, 36-48", 30-50 lbs, masters language and walking
• Child: 3-9 years, 48-60", 90-120 lbs, ends at puberty
• Adolescent: 9-16 years, 66-84", 180-220 lbs, rapid changes
• Adult: 16+, 72-96", 250-350 lbs

Additional Information

Social Structure

Prior to joining the war of Orcs and Elves, the Bugbears were mostly hunter gatherers, living a relaxed life in bountiful lands. As the biggest sapient beings in their corner of the world, they tended to bully other, smaller species into providing for them. The hobgoblins, seeing themselves as smarter than then bugbears, left to found cities, leaving the bugbears dominant over the much smaller goblins that remained behind.

With the bountiful food and goblins available to do the work, their culture started to revolve around leisure activities. They were comfortable without clothing, food was easy to find, and not much threatened them, so they could devote almost all of their energy to enjoying life. Unfortunately for some of the other species, much of what they found enjoyable revolved around fighting and bloodshed. Their games were brutal, often revolving around stealth and trickery that turned suddenly into shocking violence.

Since joining the War, they have been introduced to cities, and their culture has changed to adapt. They still prize time to enjoy life, although they do not have as many opportunities for violent games as before. The War suited them, as their physical abilities made them some of the best special tactic units available. This became well ingrained in the culture, and warriors are still prominent in society. Other professions have also proven to be good fits. The best smiths in Valbarra are often bugbears, as their musculature and long arms allow them to bring substantial power to the task. A significant number populate the clergy of Procellus and Devenir, and many have taken to farming and agriculture. They do not tend to produce much excess, as the culture still values leisure time over gold.

Facial characteristics

Long, pointed ears, the inside of which is the only exposed skin. Prominent eyebrows, often a different color than the surrounding hair. Large eyes, with yellow sclera and dark irises. Their lower jaw protrudes slightly, to accommodate the large lower incisors.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Valbarra

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Bugbears have eyes that can detect very limited light, enabling them to effectively see in the dark. Within 60', low light conditions are as bright as day, and anything short of magical darkness is dimly lit in shades of grey.

Superior sense of kinesthesis, resulting in a smooth, silent gait.

Lifespan

80 years

Average Height

6' - 8'

Average Weight

250-350 lbs

Average Physique

The average Bugbear is tall and wiry. When seen close up, their dense muscles look like ropes underneath their skin.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

A Bugbear is covered from head to foot with short, fine hair. Coloring is extremely varied, from mostly uniform colors to striped and spotted mixtures. Hair color and pattern is genetic, and different colors are clear indicators of the Bugbears clan.

Geographic Distribution

• Valbarra