Buy me a coffeeBugbear, “Masters of the Silent Hunt”
“Discover the terrifying truth about bugbears: the stealthy giants of the goblinoid world that lurk in the shadows, ready to ambush the unwary!”
Appearance: Bugbears are imposing figures, standing between 7 to 8 feet tall, with a muscular build covered in coarse, dark fur that ranges from brown to black. Their long limbs end in claw-like hands, and they possess sharp, pointed ears and a broad, flat nose. Bugbears’ eyes glimmer with a predatory intelligence, typically glowing in the dark with a yellow or green hue, revealing their darkvision capabilities. They often wear tattered leather armor adorned with trophies from their hunts, such as bones or the remains of defeated foes, which further adds to their fearsome presence.
Behavior: Bugbears are inherently aggressive and territorial creatures. They often display a cunning intellect that belies their brutish appearance, using stealth and strategy to hunt prey. While they are solitary or found in small gangs, they can also form larger bands when the need arises, especially for raiding or hunting expeditions. Bugbears enjoy taunting weaker foes, employing psychological tactics to instill fear before an attack. They are known to be vicious and merciless, often preferring to strike at night when they can utilize their natural stealth.
Habitat: Bugbears typically inhabit temperate mountain ranges, dense forests, and caves that provide cover and concealment. They prefer secluded areas that allow them to set ambushes and maintain a low profile. These creatures often establish lairs within natural caves or abandoned ruins, where they can easily defend their territory against intruders and stockpile their plundered treasures.
Modus Operandi: Utilizing their keen senses and stealth, bugbears are master ambushers. They often send scouts ahead to assess the strengths and weaknesses of potential prey, coordinating attacks to maximize their advantage. Bugbears prefer to strike from the shadows, using surprise tactics to overwhelm their opponents before engaging in direct combat. They may also employ traps and other cunning devices to ensnare unwary travelers. Their combat style is brutal yet calculated, favoring overwhelming strength combined with strategic flanking maneuvers.
Motivation: At their core, bugbears are driven by two primal instincts: the pursuit of food and the acquisition of treasure. They view weaker creatures, including adventurers, as valuable sources of both. This drive leads them to raid settlements, ambush travelers, and seek out hidden treasures, all while indulging their penchant for violence and domination. Bugbears thrive in chaos and are motivated by the thrill of the hunt, relishing in the fear they instill in others. Ultimately, their goal is to establish dominance over their territory and accumulate wealth, reinforcing their status as the strongest among the goblinoids.
Bugbear 5e
Bugbear Shaman 5e
Bugbear Chief 5e
Bugbear 3.5
Bugbear
Medium humanoid (goblinoid), chaotic evil
Armor Class 16 (hide armor, shield)
Hit Points 27 (5d8 + 5)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 (+2) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) | 8 (−1) | 11 (+0) | 9 (−1) |
Saving Throws Dex +4, Con +3
Skills Stealth +6, Perception +2, Survival +2
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Goblin
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Traits
- Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage when the bugbear hits with it (included in the attack).
- Surprise Attack. If the bugbear surprises a creature and hits it with an attack during the first round of combat, the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) damage from the attack.
- Long-Limbed. When the bugbear makes a melee attack on its turn, its reach is 5 feet greater than normal (10 feet total).
- Pack Tactics. The bugbear has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the bugbear’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
Actions
- Morningstar. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d8 + 2) piercing damage.
- Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 10 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) piercing damage.
- Ambusher’s Pounce (Recharge 5–6). The bugbear can move up to its speed without provoking opportunity attacks. If the bugbear hits a creature with a melee weapon attack after this movement, the target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is knocked prone, the bugbear can make a single Morningstar attack as a bonus action.
Combat Tactics
- Stealth and Ambush. Bugbears excel at setting up ambushes, using their Surprise Attack ability to deal massive damage on an unaware target. They often wait in the shadows or use the terrain to their advantage, remaining unseen until the moment they strike. A common tactic is to attack from range with a javelin, then close in for melee combat once the target is engaged.
- Hit-and-Run Tactics. With their Long-Limbed trait, bugbears strike from a distance in melee, then reposition quickly, often moving through cover or using their Ambusher’s Pounce to leap into battle, hit, and retreat out of melee reach without provoking opportunity attacks.
- Pack Coordination. When fighting in groups, bugbears rely on Pack Tactics to swarm and overwhelm targets. They prefer to gang up on isolated foes, ensuring that their attacks hit harder and faster, particularly against vulnerable or cornered enemies.
- Finishers. If the bugbear manages to knock a foe prone using Ambusher’s Pounce, it will follow up immediately with its Morningstar, aiming to finish the fight quickly and efficiently.
Equipment
- Hide armor
- Shield
- Morningstar
- Javelin (3)
Bugbear
Culture and Behavior
Tribal Society: Bugbear tribes often consist of familial units, led by a chief who demonstrates the greatest might or intelligence. These leaders are typically fierce warriors or cunning shamans who harness dark powers.
Raiding Lifestyle: Bugbears thrive on raiding nearby settlements or adventurers for food, treasure, and supplies. They often use ambush tactics, sending scouts ahead to track potential prey before launching a coordinated attack.
Combat
Skills
BUGBEAR LORE
Originally Posted by Dracomortis of the Wizards Community forums.
Bugbears as Characters
Bugbear Chief
Medium humanoid (goblinoid), chaotic evil
Armor Class 17 (half plate, shield)
Hit Points 93 (11d8 + 44)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 14 (+2) | 18 (+4) | 10 (+0) | 11 (+0) | 12 (+1) |
Saving Throws Str +7, Con +7
Skills Athletics +7, Intimidation +4, Perception +3, Stealth +6
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Goblin
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Traits
- Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage when the bugbear hits with it (included in the attack).
- Surprise Attack. If the bugbear chief surprises a creature and hits it with an attack during the first round of combat, the target takes an extra 10 (3d6) damage from the attack.
- Heart of the Horde. The bugbear chief can use its Commanding Presence to inspire its allies. Each ally within 30 feet that can see and hear the chief gains advantage on its next attack roll or saving throw made within the next minute.
Actions
- Multiattack. The bugbear chief makes two melee attacks.
- Morningstar. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.
- Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.
- Commanding Roar (Recharge 5-6). The bugbear chief lets out a terrifying roar. Each creature of the chief’s choice within 30 feet that can hear it must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
Legendary Actions
The bugbear chief can take 1 legendary action, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The bugbear chief regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
- Move. The chief moves up to half its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
- Crushing Blow. The chief makes a single Morningstar attack.
- Intimidating Glare. One creature within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of the bugbear chief’s next turn.
Combat Tactics
- Shock and Awe. The bugbear chief will position itself in front, using its Commanding Roar to demoralize and frighten foes, while directing its warriors with Heart of the Horde to ensure maximum damage output from its subordinates.
- Brutal Frontline Fighter. The chief excels in melee combat. It will strike hard with its morningstar, dealing extra damage with its Brute trait. If it gets the jump on an enemy, Surprise Attack adds significant damage to its opening assault.
- Frightening Leadership. The bugbear chief uses its Commanding Roar to break up enemy formations or force opponents to flee, creating openings for its bugbear warriors to swarm.
- Legendary Command. With its legendary actions, the bugbear chief remains a constant threat even outside its turn, especially with the Crushing Blow, giving it multiple chances to smash enemies with its mighty morningstar.
Equipment
- Half plate armor
- Heavy wooden shield
- Morningstar
- Javelins (3)
Leader of the Horde
This Bugbear Chief is the alpha of its tribe, leading through fear, brute strength, and savage tactics. Its Commanding Roar can inspire its allies or send enemies fleeing in terror. With the ability to coordinate its warriors and dominate the battlefield, the bugbear chief is both a frontline juggernaut and a tactician capable of instilling fear in its foes while bolstering the morale of its followers.
Bugbear Shaman
Medium humanoid (goblinoid), chaotic evil
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 45 (7d8 + 14)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 (+2) | 14 (+2) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) | 16 (+3) | 11 (+0) |
Saving Throws Wis +5, Dex +4
Skills Stealth +6, Perception +5, Survival +5
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Common, Goblin
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Traits
- Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage when the bugbear hits with it (included in the attack).
- Spellcasting. The bugbear shaman is a 5th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). The bugbear shaman has the following spells prepared:Cantrips (at will): shillelagh, thaumaturgy, guidance
1st level (4 slots): entangle, cure wounds, bane, thunderwave
2nd level (3 slots): hold person, spiritual weapon, blindness/deafness
3rd level (2 slots): call lightning, animate dead - Surprise Attack. If the bugbear shaman surprises a creature and hits it with an attack during the first round of combat, the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) damage from the attack.
Actions
- Staff. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 2) bludgeoning damage, or 10 (1d10 + 2) bludgeoning damage if wielded with two hands, and an additional 7 (2d6) damage from Surprise Attack if applicable.
- Spiritual Weapon (Bonus Action). The shaman can summon a spectral weapon within 60 feet of it, dealing 9 (1d8 + 5) force damage to a target on a hit (as per the spiritual weapon spell). The weapon can be moved 20 feet and strike as a bonus action each round.
- Call Lightning (Concentration, up to 10 minutes). The bugbear shaman calls down a bolt of lightning, dealing 3d10 lightning damage to a target within 120 feet (DC 13 Dex save for half damage).
Bonus Actions
- Shillelagh (Cantrip). The shaman can use a bonus action to cast shillelagh on its staff, turning it into a magical weapon. Its attack rolls use Wisdom for the rest of combat.
Combat Tactics
- Support and Control. The bugbear shaman uses its spellcasting to control the battlefield and buff its allies. It will open with spells like entangle or bane to hinder enemies, while using spiritual weapon and call lightning to deal damage from afar. In battle, it stays behind the frontline fighters, protecting itself while maintaining control of the environment.
- Focused Ambush. If the shaman can ambush enemies, it will use Surprise Attack for devastating effect, especially by casting hold person to paralyze targets and then moving in with a shillelagh-enhanced staff attack.
- Healing and Resurrection. If its tribe is in trouble, the shaman uses cure wounds to restore hit points to key warriors and animate dead to create skeletal minions from fallen enemies or tribe members.
- Weather Manipulation. In open spaces, the shaman takes full advantage of call lightning, choosing targets in clusters to maximize the spell’s destructive power. It will often summon storms from a distance, staying hidden until its magic has softened up the enemy.
Equipment
- A staff decorated with feathers, bones, and skulls
- Animal-hide robes or shamanic vestments
- Pouches containing herbs and totems
This Bugbear Shaman is a powerful spellcaster capable of buffing its allies and controlling the battlefield, making it a dangerous support unit in combat. Its use of call lightning and spiritual weapon ensures it can deal significant damage while staying at a distance.
Sample Tribes
1. Bearfang Clan (Grizzled Maw Tribe)
Location: Carpathian Mountains (Eastern Europe)
Culture:
- Tribal Hierarchy: The Bearfang Clan is led by the Grizzly, the strongest warrior who embodies the spirit of the bear. Leadership is not only based on physical strength but also on tactical acumen, as the Grizzly must outsmart foes as much as overpower them.
- Rituals and Beliefs: They engage in rituals that pay homage to the Old Ones, spirits believed to inhabit the mountains. Key rituals include the Offering of the First Kill, where the Grizzly offers the first portion of the hunt to gain the favor of the Old Ones, ensuring bountiful hunts. During the Night of Shadows, tales of legendary hunts are shared, instilling pride and unity among tribe members.
- Community Structure: Clan members are organized into families, with loyalty being a core value. Elders are highly respected and serve as advisors, often narrating stories of past glories to inspire younger members.
Arms and Armor:
- Weapons:
- Bear Claw Morningstars: These weapons are shaped like claws, each adorned with carvings representing the wielder’s accomplishments.
- Hunting Spears: Constructed from strong local wood, the spears are often tipped with sharpened stone, decorated with feathers for added intimidation.
- Armor:
- Thick Leather and Fur: Crafted from the pelts of their hunts, these garments provide warmth and protection while allowing for stealthy movements. Bone reinforcements enhance their protective qualities.
Interaction with Humans:
- Raiding: Known for their fierce raids, the Bearfang Clan often targets nearby villages, taking livestock and supplies. Their raids are executed with precision, often utilizing the element of surprise.
- Trade: While feared, they occasionally engage in trade with local humans, exchanging high-quality pelts and crafted weapons for tools and food, fostering a complex relationship based on mutual respect.
2. Nightstalker Tribe (Shadowfang Clan)
Location: The Balkans (Serbia and Montenegro)
Culture:
- Social Structure: Governed by the Shadow Council, the Nightstalker Tribe thrives on collective wisdom. Each member plays a distinct role—be it a scout, warrior, or shaman—contributing to the clan’s strength.
- Raiding Philosophy: They believe in stealth and cunning over brute force, often executing meticulously planned ambushes. Their raids are often planned during moonless nights to ensure maximum surprise.
- Traditions:
- Blood Bonds: Members partake in a ceremonial blood oath that binds them to loyalty and secrecy. Betrayal results in dire consequences, reinforcing the tribe’s unity.
- The Night of the Shadows: This gathering is a celebration of their successes and losses, reinforcing bonds through storytelling and shared experiences.
Arms and Armor:
- Weapons:
- Curved Sabers: These blades are favored for their effectiveness in close-quarters combat, each sword engraved with the wielder’s lineage.
- Silent Crossbows: These are meticulously crafted to allow for silent strikes, used during raids to eliminate sentries before an assault.
- Armor:
- Layered Leather Armor: Their armor is crafted from the hides of various animals, darkened to blend into the night, allowing them to approach their enemies unnoticed.
- Decorative Shields: Shields bear the emblem of a wolf, symbolizing their cunning nature and strength.
Interaction with Humans:
- Ambushes: The Nightstalker Tribe is notorious for ambushing merchant caravans and travelers, stealing valuable goods and instilling fear among local populations.
- Frightening Legends: Tales of their mythical prowess circulate among humans, often depicted as ghostly figures that appear out of the darkness, making them both feared and respected.
3. Snowshadow Clan (Frostpelt Tribe)
Location: The Alps (Switzerland and Austria)
Culture:
- Social Structure: The Snowshadow Clan is matriarchal, led by the Snow Matron, who is chosen for her wisdom and martial skills. Leadership transitions through ceremonial trials that recognize contributions to the tribe.
- Survival Philosophy: They maintain a deep respect for their icy environment, believing that their survival hinges on living harmoniously with nature. They are skilled at navigating treacherous terrains and hunting in snowy conditions.
- Festivals:
- Festival of the Frost: Celebrated during the winter solstice, it includes feasting, games, and storytelling, with offerings made to the spirits of the mountains.
- Ritual Climb: Young warriors undertake the dangerous ascent of the highest peak, returning with trophies from their climb to prove their worth to the tribe.
Arms and Armor:
- Weapons:
- Ice-Edge Halberds: These multifunctional weapons serve both as tools and weapons, often engraved with the history of the wielder’s accomplishments.
- Hunting Bows: Expertly crafted from local wood, these bows are valued for their range and precision, often used during hunts for deer and mountain goats.
- Armor:
- Fur-lined Leather Armor: Made from the pelts of bears and goats, this armor offers warmth and protection, enabling silent movement through snowy landscapes.
- Bone Accessories: Armor pieces often include decorations made from the bones of past hunts, symbolizing the warrior’s skill and bravery.
Interaction with Humans:
- Trade Relationships: The Snowshadow Clan has established trade connections with nearby villages, often bartering crafted goods for food and tools. These interactions are marked by cautious respect.
- Defensive Stance: While generally peaceful, they defend their territory vigorously against encroachments, showcasing their commitment to preserving their way of life.
4. Thunderclaw Clan (Highland Raiders)
Location: Scottish Highlands
Culture:
- Social Structure: The Thunderclaw Clan is led by the War Gorm, respected for both martial prowess and leadership skills. Clan members train together, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
- Cunning Tactics: They employ clever strategies in their raids, utilizing the highland terrain to set traps and ambush enemies. Their tactics are influenced by the unpredictable weather of the region.
- Cultural Events:
- Blood Oaths: Clan members engage in rituals to solidify loyalty, reinforcing their bond with each other and their shared heritage.
- Gatherings: Clan gatherings involve traditional music and dance, with storytelling sessions that highlight their history, instilling pride in the younger generation.
Arms and Armor:
- Weapons:
- Claymores: These iconic swords symbolize their strength and heritage, often decorated with clan motifs and symbols.
- Dirks and Throwing Knives: These smaller weapons are used for stealthy attacks and often passed down through generations.
- Armor:
- Layered Leather Armor: Made from local animal hides, this armor offers flexibility and protection, essential for raiding.
- Cloaks: Wearing cloaks crafted from tartan fabric allows them to blend into the highland environment, providing both warmth and camouflage.
Interaction with Humans:
- Raiding Culture: The Thunderclaw Clan is infamous for raiding nearby villages and rival clans, often leading to violent skirmishes. Their reputation precedes them, instilling both fear and respect in neighboring communities.
- Inter-clan Rivalries: They are engaged in a web of alliances and rivalries with other clans, constantly navigating the complex political landscape of the highlands.
5. Darkleaf Clan (Wraithwood Tribe)
Location: Black Forest (Germany)
Culture:
- Social Structure: Led by the Elder Wraith, who is chosen for wisdom and combat prowess, the clan values collective decision-making. Community councils discuss significant matters, ensuring that every voice is heard.
- Spiritual Connection: The Darkleaf Clan believes in the forest spirits, holding rituals to communicate and seek guidance from these entities. Music and dance are integral to their spiritual practices.
- Community Practices:
- The Gathering of Leaves: An annual event where members collect leaves and branches to create protective charms, believed to ward off evil spirits.
- Night of Shadows: A gathering for storytelling, reinforcing their bond with the forest and each other as they share tales of past encounters with the supernatural.
Arms and Armor:
- Weapons:
- Gnarled Clubs: Crafted from twisted branches, these weapons symbolize their connection to the forest, often treated with reverence and care.
- Silent Blowpipes: Used primarily for hunting small game, these blowpipes allow for quiet strikes, blending their hunting and combat skills.
- Armor:
- Camouflage Leather Armor: Made from local animal hides, this armor is dyed with natural pigments, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the forest environment.
- Trophy Decorations: Armor often includes trophies from previous hunts, such as feathers or animal bones, showcasing their skills and courage.
Interaction with Humans:
Folk Legends: Local legends portray them as elusive guardians, creating a complex relationship marked by fear, respect, and intrigue from nearby human communities.
Guardians of the Forest: The Darkleaf Clan is regarded as the protectors of the Black Forest, often intervening when humans encroach upon their territory. Their reputation as both guardians and avengers influences human perceptions.