Bullywugs: Lords of the Mire
“Discover the deadly, swamp-dwelling frog-men whose cunning and savage nature make them a terrifying threat to any adventurer!”


Bullywugs are monstrous, amphibious humanoids that resemble oversized, grotesque frogs. Standing about 6 feet tall, their bodies are covered in slick, mottled green skin, which helps them blend into the swampy terrain they call home. Their long, muscular limbs are tipped with webbed hands and feet, allowing them to move swiftly through both water and muck. Bulging, bulbous eyes, often yellow or red, give them a beady, predatory look, and their wide mouths are lined with sharp teeth, perfect for tearing into flesh.
Bullywugs are opportunistic, territorial creatures, notorious for their aggressive and sadistic behavior. While capable of forming loosely organized tribes, they are driven by primal instincts, and their society is often ruled by brute strength or cunning rather than intellect. These creatures are deeply distrustful of outsiders and will fiercely defend their domain, relying on their amphibious nature to ambush foes from the murky waters or swampy vegetation. Bullywugs are also known to employ crude traps, poisoned darts, and swamp predators to ensnare or disorient their prey.
They thrive in damp, boggy environments—swamps, marshes, and flooded ruins—where they build crude, ramshackle huts made of reeds, mud, and bones. Bullywugs are particularly fond of stagnant waters, where they can remain hidden and launch surprise attacks from the water’s depths. Their territory is marked by the decaying remains of those who dared to venture too close, as they often drag the bodies of their victims into the swamp to rot.
A Bullywug’s modus operandi is simple: ambush, dominate, and loot. They use the swamp’s natural cover to stalk and overwhelm their enemies, preferring to strike when the victim is isolated or distracted. While some Bullywugs may serve more powerful entities, many are driven by the desire to expand their territory and collect treasures, particularly shiny objects, which they hoard in their lairs.
At their core, Bullywugs are motivated by a combination of survival instincts and a cruel desire to assert dominance. Their motivations are basic yet effective: maintain control over their swampy dominion, crush anything that threatens it, and gather resources to secure their future. Whether in service to dark gods, local tyrants, or simply for personal power, the Bullywug is a relentless and dangerous foe in any environment.
Bullywug 5e
Bullywug King 5e
Bullywug Pathfinder
Bullywug

Medium humanoid (frog-like), neutral evil
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 27 (6d8)
Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
13 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 9 (-1) | 10 (+0) | 11 (+0) |
Skills Stealth +4, Perception +2
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Bullywug, understands Common but can’t speak it
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Traits
- Amphibious. The Bullywug can breathe both air and water.
- Swamp Camouflage. The Bullywug has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in swampy terrain.
- Pack Tactics. The Bullywug has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the Bullywug’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
- Standing Leap. The Bullywug’s long jump is up to 20 feet and its high jump is up to 10 feet, with or without a running start.
Actions
- Multiattack. The Bullywug makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its spear or club.
- Bite.
Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage. - Spear or Club.
Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target.
Hit: 6 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage with the spear or 5 (1d4 + 2) bludgeoning damage with the club. - Swamp Ambush (Recharge 5-6).
The Bullywug can hide in the muck and swamp water, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. As a bonus action, the Bullywug can take the Hide action even when heavily obscured or partially submerged in water. If it is hidden this way, it gains advantage on its next attack roll against a creature that has not yet detected its presence. - Croak of Command (1/Day).
The Bullywug can emit a powerful, croaky command in a 15-foot radius around it. Each creature of the Bullywug’s choice within range must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A creature that succeeds on the save is immune to this effect for 24 hours. The Bullywug can use a bonus action to command a frightened creature to flee, moving up to its movement speed away from the Bullywug.
Reactions
- Defensive Leap.
When a creature the Bullywug can see attacks it with a melee attack, the Bullywug can use its reaction to leap up to 10 feet away from the attacker. The attack is redirected to a point the Bullywug was occupying before its jump. If the attack misses, the Bullywug avoids the damage and lands in an adjacent square.
Tactics
Bullywugs are aggressive and territorial creatures that prefer ambushing their prey from the cover of their swampy domain. Here are some tactics they may use:
- Hit-and-Run Attacks. Utilizing their Swamp Ambush ability, Bullywugs take advantage of their stealth to launch surprise attacks on adventurers. They often leap from the water or emerge from behind cover, making swift attacks before retreating into the swamp again.
- Pack Tactics. Bullywugs will rarely fight alone. They prefer to strike in numbers, using Pack Tactics to overwhelm their opponents, especially when one of them can gain advantage by surrounding the target.
- Croak of Command. When multiple Bullywugs are present, they may use Croak of Command to frighten enemies, forcing them to flee or disrupting their combat strategy. This is especially effective in tight quarters where enemies cannot easily escape.
- Swampy Ambush. Bullywugs often use the terrain to their advantage. In swamps, they know where to hide and can make use of their Swamp Camouflage to remain nearly invisible, using the water and dense vegetation for cover.
Environment
Bullywugs are found in swamps, marshes, and bogs—areas with dense, muddy terrain and plenty of water. They are comfortable in dark, damp environments and can use the swamp to hide and set traps for unsuspecting prey. The swamp provides perfect camouflage for their stealthy approach, making it difficult for enemies to detect them until it’s too late.
Motivation and Behavior
Bullywugs are territorial, often fiercely protecting their home from invaders. They will do anything to ensure their dominance over the swamp, whether it means attacking, ambushing, or striking in numbers. Their cunning nature makes them dangerous, and they will not hesitate to use the environment to trap and confuse adventurers.
Their motivation is simple: to expand their territory and hoard resources. Bullywugs are drawn to shiny objects, which they collect and stash in hidden caches. They have a basic tribal hierarchy, often led by a stronger or more charismatic Bullywug. While not particularly intelligent, they are opportunistic and will work with or against other creatures in their environment to achieve their goals.
Treasure
Bullywugs hoard the following items:
- Shiny objects like gems, coins, and pieces of jewelry.
- Weapons taken from previous victims, particularly spears, clubs, and crude bows.
- Bones and animal pelts used for crafting armor or ceremonial purposes.
Their lairs are typically hidden under murky water, in hollowed-out trees, or in the recesses of a swampy ruin, often surrounded by traps.
Bullywug

Medium humanoid (frog-like), neutral evil
CR 1
XP 400
Alignment Chaotic Evil
Race Humanoid (Bullywug)
Environment Swamps, marshes, and bogs
Organization Solitary, pair, or tribe (4-12)
Treasure Standard
AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13 (+2 Dex, +3 natural)
HP 27 (3d8+12)
Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +2
Defensive Abilities: Amphibious (can breathe both air and water)
Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.
Initiative +2
Base Attack/Grapple +2 / +4
Attack
- Bite: +4 melee (1d6+2 piercing)
- Spear: +4 melee (1d6+2 piercing) or ranged (1d6+2 piercing)
- Club: +4 melee (1d4+2 bludgeoning)
Full Attack
- Bite: +4 melee (1d6+2 piercing)
- Spear: +4 melee (1d6+2 piercing) or ranged (1d6+2 piercing)
- Club: +4 melee (1d4+2 bludgeoning)
Space/Reach 5 ft. / 5 ft.
Special Attacks
- Swamp Ambush (Ex): Once per day, a Bullywug can use the Hide action as a swift action when submerged in water or swamp terrain. This allows it to gain concealment for 1 round before attacking, making it harder for foes to retaliate.
- Croak of Command (1/day): A Bullywug can use a command spell-like ability once per day. The command must be to “flee,” “halt,” or “drop” and affects creatures within 30 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 14 Will save or immediately comply. The Bullywug can only use this ability if the target is within 30 feet and can hear it.
- Standing Leap (Ex): Bullywugs have a high jump of 10 feet and a long jump of 20 feet. This is a natural leap, which requires no run-up to perform.
Skills
- Climb +8
- Perception +6
- Stealth +9 (in swamp terrain)
- Swim +8
Feats
- Combat Reflexes
- Weapon Focus (Spear)
- Dodge
SQ
- Darkvision 60 ft.
- Swamp Camouflage (Ex): Bullywugs gain a +4 bonus on Stealth checks made to hide in swampy terrain.
Tactics
Bullywugs are territorial and use their swampy environment to their advantage. Here’s how they would fight:
- Ambush and Hide: Using their Swamp Camouflage and Swamp Ambush abilities, Bullywugs prefer to lurk beneath the water’s surface, waiting for an unsuspecting target to come within range. They then leap out, attacking with their bite or spear. Once their first attack is made, they dive back into the water, attempting to hide once again.
- Pack Tactics: If they fight in groups, Bullywugs use Pack Tactics to overwhelm foes. They will surround enemies, using their Combat Reflexes to make multiple attacks of opportunity. Bullywugs may use the Croak of Command ability when their opponents appear hesitant or confused, forcing them to flee or become distracted.
- Leap and Attack: Bullywugs will use their Standing Leap to cover ground quickly or to avoid being cornered. They may leap behind rocks or into deeper water to reposition or surprise their enemies with sudden attacks.
- Fleeing: If heavily wounded, a Bullywug will often retreat into the water or bog, using their swim speed to escape from combat.
Special Abilities
- Swamp Ambush (Ex): Bullywugs are perfect ambushers in their swampy homes. As a swift action, they can submerge in water or dense vegetation, gaining concealment and becoming nearly invisible to enemies who are not actively searching for them. This allows them to set up a surprise attack or escape with ease.
- Croak of Command (1/day): The Bullywug’s deep, throaty croak has a magical quality to it, commanding weaker creatures to follow its will. This is a spell-like ability that functions like the command spell with a range of 30 feet. The Bullywug may use this ability once per day, causing a target to be forced to act according to the Bullywug’s directive.
Environment
Bullywugs are native to swamps, marshes, and bogs, where they thrive in the muck and wetland environments. Their lairs are often hidden deep in the swamp, often within half-submerged ruins or at the bottom of murky ponds. Bullywugs prefer areas with thick vegetation and standing water, as these areas provide cover for their ambushes and make it easier to flee.
Description
Bullywugs are medium-sized, frog-like humanoids, typically standing about 5 to 6 feet tall. Their skin is a slimy green or brown, covered in warts and patches that help them blend into the swampy environment. Their large, round eyes are yellow or red, and they have wide, gaping mouths filled with sharp teeth. Their long, muscular limbs end in webbed feet, perfect for swimming and leaping. Bullywugs wear crude armor made from woven reeds, bones, or hides, often accessorized with trinkets and shiny objects they have collected over time.
Behavior and Motivation
Bullywugs are territorial, aggressive, and deeply distrustful of outsiders. They will do whatever it takes to protect their swampy homes, often resorting to ambushes and guerrilla tactics. While not particularly intelligent, Bullywugs are opportunistic and can be dangerous when working in groups. They are known to worship strange, swamp-dwelling gods or powerful spirits, and sometimes their tribes are led by a particularly strong or charismatic Bullywug chieftain.
Bullywugs value treasure above all else, particularly items with a shiny appearance, and they are known to hoard gold, gems, and other valuable trinkets. While their main motivation is to protect their territory and hoard riches, Bullywugs are also fiercely loyal to their tribe and will fight to the death for their kin.
Treasure
- Bullywugs often hoard small amounts of coins, gems, and shiny objects.
- They may have crude weapons like spears, clubs, and javelins crafted from swamp materials such as bone, wood, and reeds.
- Rarely, they may possess magical items if they have been plundered from adventurers who made the mistake of venturing into their swamp.
Bullywug Chief

Large Humanoid (Frog), Neutral Evil
Armor Class: 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 95 (10d10 + 40)
Speed: 30 ft., swim 40 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 18 (+4) | 9 (-1) | 12 (+1) | 13 (+1) |
Saving Throws: Str +6, Con +7, Wis +4
Skills: Athletics +6, Intimidation +4, Perception +4
Damage Resistances: Poison
Condition Immunities: Frightened
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 14
Languages: Bullywug, Common
Challenge: 5 (1,800 XP)
Traits
Amphibious. The Bullywug Chief can breathe both air and water.
Royal Command (Recharge 5–6). As a bonus action, the Bullywug Chief can issue a commanding croak, rallying its allies. Up to 3 Bullywugs within 30 feet that can hear it can use their reaction to make a melee weapon attack or move up to half their speed.
Swamp Camouflage. The Bullywug Chief has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in swampy terrain.
Tactical Leader. When the Bullywug Chief hits a creature with a melee attack, allied Bullywugs within 10 feet gain advantage on their next attack roll against that creature until the start of the Chief’s next turn.
Actions
Multiattack. The Bullywug Chief makes three melee attacks: one with its Bite and two with its Spear.
- Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) piercing damage. - Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target.
Hit: 9 (1d12 + 3) piercing damage, or 11 (1d12 + 6) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a melee attack.
Leaping Strike (Recharge 5–6). The Bullywug Chief leaps up to 20 feet in a straight line and makes a spear attack against a creature within range. On a hit, the target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Croaking Rally (1/Day). The Chief unleashes a thunderous croak that inspires its allies. Each Bullywug within 60 feet that can hear it gains 10 temporary hit points and advantage on its next attack roll within the next minute.
Swamp Sovereign (Recharge 6). The Chief targets up to 3 creatures it can see within 30 feet. Each target must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of the Chief for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
Reactions
Parry. The Chief adds 3 to its AC against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, it must see the attacker and be wielding its spear.
Tactics
The Bullywug Chief is a cunning leader and uses its abilities to control the battlefield:
- It opens combat with Swamp Sovereign to intimidate its foes and scatter their ranks.
- It stays near its allies to maximize the benefit of Royal Command and Tactical Leader, making its minions much deadlier.
- If surrounded, it uses Leaping Strike to reposition itself and knock enemies prone, creating openings for its tribe.
- It relies on Croaking Rally in prolonged fights to bolster its warriors and ensure their loyalty.
- When low on health, the Chief uses Parry and its swampy terrain advantage to evade attacks, retreating to lure enemies into an ambush.
The Bullywug Chief prefers hit-and-run tactics and uses the swamp to its advantage, ensuring any fight on its home turf becomes a grueling, chaotic skirmish for its enemies.