Bugbear

Bugbear
General Information
Patron deity	Hruggek
Vision	Darkvision
Average lifespan	Usually up to 75 years
Homeland(s)	Temperate mountains
Language(s)	Common, Goblin
Appearance
Average height	6'10" - 7'2"
Average weight	250 - 300 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

A bugbear is a massive humanoid distantly related to, but larger and stronger than, goblins and hobgoblins. Like many goblinoids, bugbears speak goblin. They are one of the only goblinoids to be covered in fur.

Physical description

Bugbears resemble hairy, feral goblins standing seven feet tall. They take their name from their noses and claws, which are similar to those of bears. Their claws are not long and sharp enough to be used as weapons, so bugbears often armor and arm themselves with a variety of purloined gear. Most often, this gear is second-rate and in poor repair. Many bugbears are chaotic evil in alignment, favoring the rogue class.

Many scholars now believe that bugbears and goblins were both bred by the hobgoblins as slave races, with bugbears serving as elite soldiers.

Psychology

Bugbears, like other goblinoids, have a reputation for being dim-witted and brutish. This claim is not unfounded and like their kin bugbears have easily provoked tempers and are prone to fitful rages. Few bugbears overcome this nature and their culture's brutal nature. Bugbear heroes, though rare, are heard of and can acquire significant renown if successful. Often the motivation for this change of heart comes from the rewards earned from virtue, which in the long term are more pleasing than the short-lasting pleasures of evil.

Society

Bugbears are often found in the company of other goblinoids, particularly goblins, since tribes made up mostly of hobgoblins and bugbears tend to be wiped out quickly by other races as a precaution. Some bugbears also operate independently, though tribes ruled by hobgoblins are better organized and less savage. This is in part because bugbears have little patience for diplomacy or negotiation, preferring violent solutions to conflicts unless obviously overpowered. In general, bugbears live a life based around survival and become rogues, though many also make excellent barbarians.

Religion

Bugbears have their own pantheon, led by Hruggek. Bugbears often decapitate their enemies as a way to honor Hruggek, who is said to do the same. Since the Spellplague the power of Hruggek has been diminished and the god now serves as an exarch of Bane, the god of tyranny.

Gallery

A Bugbear attacking Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun's Tower in the game Demon Stone

A bugbear as it appears before the part in the game Pool of Radiance

A bugbear attacks the adventurer in the game Dungeon Hack.

A bugbear as they apear Icewind Dale II.

Two difirent colored Bugbears from the game editor of Neverwinter Nights

A Bugbear from NWN2 game editor.

A bugbear from BGDA:GBA hunting the hero.

The Cloudkill spell attacking bugbears.

References

Sources

• Skip Williams, Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook (July 2003). Monster Manual v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 29. ISBN 0-7869-2893-X.
• David "Zeb" Cook et al. (1989). Monstrous Compendium Volume One. (TSR, Inc). ISBN 0-8803-8738-6.
• Doug Stewart (June 1993). Monstrous Manual. (TSR, Inc). ISBN 1-5607-6619-0.
• Gary Gygax (December 1977). Monster Manual, 1st edition. (TSR, Inc). ISBN 0-935696-00-8.

Goblinoids

Goblins
Bakemono • Batiri • Blue • Grodd goblin • Nilbog
Miscellaneous Goblinoids
Bugbear • Dekanter goblin • Goblin rat • Half-goblin • Hobgoblin • Koalinth • Norker • Snow goblin • Varag • Verdan • Worghest
Related Creatures
Boggle • Gremlin