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For other Bugbears, see Bugbear (disambiguation).

Bugbear (Complete Book of Humanoids)[]

Ability Score Adjustments. The initial ability scores are modified by a +1 bonus to Strength and a -1 penalty to Intelligence and Charisma

Ability Score Range
Ability Minimum Maximum
Strength 8 18
Dexterity 8 17
Constitution 8 18
Intelligence 3 16
Wisdom 3 18
Charisma 3 14
Class Restrictions
Class Maximum Level
Warrior
12
Wizard
Priest
8
7*
7*
Rogue
9
* Shaman/Witch Doctor advancement limit from Sage Advice, Dragon Magazine 205 (Page 71)

Hit Dice. Player character bugbears receive hit dice by class. In addition they receive 3 bonus hit points at first level.

Alignment. Bugbears tend toward chaotic evil. PC bugbears may be of any alignment, usually neutral (in rare cases good).

Natural Armor Class. 10.

Background. Bugbears are giant, hairy relatives of goblins. They are large, standing about seven feet tall, with muscular frames and the look of true carnivores. They have light yellow to yellow brown hides, with thick coarse hair that ranges in color from brown to brick red. Bestial eyes of greenish white with red pupils stare out from savage faces. Wedge-shaped ears rise from the top of their heads, and their mouths are full of long sharp fangs.

Bugbears have exceptional sight and hearing, and they move with amazing stealth. They live in caves and underground lairs. Bugbear females are not given the same opportunities and privileges as the males, and a good number of adventurer bugbears are females looking for better lives.

These large humanoids live by plundering and ambush. They sometimes take slaves, and are often cruel and mean-spirited. They are excellent hunters. They eat anything they kill, including humans and humanoids smaller than themselves. Some adventuring bugbears leave their lairs because they cannot stand to eat intelligent creatures.

A bugbear tribe will have shamans or witch doctors of up to 7th level, but not both.

Languages. Bugbear, goblin, hobgoblin, common.

Role-Playing Suggestions. Bugbears speak a foul sounding language punctuated by gestures, grunts, and snarls. They even use these bestial habits when talking in common, making other races doubt their intelligence.

Even the bravest bugbear PC has trouble breaking away from its tribe. They prefer to ambush their foes rather than attack head on. If outnumbered or overmatched, most will retreat to fight another day.

Adventuring bugbears remain territorial even after they leave their lairs. They mentally mark out territory wherever they go, even when traveling. Anything which comes into this space becomes their property (at least in their own minds), or the property of their new tribe (their PC companions). They are natural bullies, forcing their wills on weaker companions. They are an opportunistic race, prone to temper tantrums and violent outbursts.

Bugbears enjoy wine and strong ale — often to excess. They are stubborn by nature, finding it difficult to negotiate or compromise. Greed courses through their bodies like blood, and even the most noble bugbear covets glittery, shiny objects and weapons.

Special Advantages. Bugbears have infravision to 60 feet. Their stealth gives opponents a -3 penalty to their surprise rolls.

Special Disadvantages. Bugbears take damage as large creatures.

Monstrous Traits. Monstrous appearance, snarling language, long sharp claws.

Superstitions. Always watchful for omens from the gods; afraid of lightning and violent weather changes; seek to keep on the good side of Skiggaret, the bugbear god of fear.

Weapon Proficiencies: Throwing (footman's) mace, goblin stick, hand axe, morning star (great club), spear, warhammer.

Nonweapon Proficiencies: Close-quarter fighting, drinking, eating, hunting, intimidation, looting, natural fighting, wild fighting.

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