Bugbear
Ervenian Era, 1051 AB
Bugbears are monstrous, nocturnal Goblinoid hunters who prey on fear, targeting anything capable of experiencing terror, with a preference for easily frightened humans.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Bugbears are bipedal goblinoids covered in short, dark fur. Their powerful, hulking frames feature large, loosely hanging ears and unnaturally large, almost alien eyes. While they can reach nearly seven feet in height, they typically hunt with a stoop, appearing shorter and more bestial.
Biological Traits
Their weight exceeds that of most humans, with some individuals reaching up to 400 pounds.
Genetics and Reproduction
Bugbear life is brutal, short, and violent, with most individuals living only around 20 years. However, the most deadly can claim hundreds of victims within this short lifespan. Mating is rare, with worthiness judged by self-inflicted scars that tell the tales of impressive hunts.
Bugbear births often result in twins or triplets, with increasing risks for the mother with each additional child. Maternal death during childbirth is common, but the young bugbears are driven by strong, innate bloodlust, often hunting humans within two years and reaching full size by five. Even with a surviving mother, young bugbears are soon abandoned, with only the most ruthless surviving to adulthood.
Ecology and Habitats
Ecology
Bugbears are obsessed with the hunt, not merely of creatures, but of fear itself. They go to great lengths to extract every ounce of terror from their victims, finding it more intoxicating than any drug. Their surprising stealth allows them to employ psychological tactics, creating unsettling noises and manipulating their environment to instill fear. They often escalate these tactics by abducting loved ones, leaving behind gruesome clues like teeth or fingers, and then observing the victim's terror before leaving their mangled body to be discovered. Bugbears collect trophies from successful hunts, often incorporating them into their weapons, armor, and personal collections. Grisly necklaces made from the severed ears of favored victims are a common memento.Habitat
Bugbears lurk near human settlements, inhabiting darkened forests bordering villages and shadowy abandoned buildings within cities. They typically operate in gangs, lairing in remote hills and forests. They can be found preying on isolated homesteads and poorly defended caravans.Civilization and Culture
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Scarification is prevalent among bugbears. After significant kills, they inflict unique scars upon themselves, which other bugbears can "read" to understand their accomplishments.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
While most bugbears natively speak Goblinic, they generally dislike the company of all other creatures, including each other. Though they form groups, these strained alliances rarely last, giving rise to some unusual social practices.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Related Organizations
Related Ethnicities
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