Bugbears
Bugbears, or Goblinus Ursi, are a species of Goblinadae that can be found nearly anywhere other humanoids can live. They are the largest and strongest of the goblinoid species, aveeraging over 6'6" in height and weighiing more than 250 lbs. They have large heads with a pronounced snout-like feature and thick, bristly hair covering most of their bodies. It is these features that give the bugbear its nickname. However, they are Goblinadae, and are not related to bears in any way.
Bugbears are intelligent creatures, capable of speech and planning. They are fierce fighters and relish combat for the simple joy of fighting. They are instinctively prone to fits of intense rage that can make cooperative action in large groups more than a little problematic. While they are not known to ever forge their own steel weapons, whenever they aquire weapons, they are very capable at maintaining those weapons. Honing a sword's edge or grinding an axe is as easy for them as breathing.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The largest of the Goblinoids, Bugbears stand more than 6' tall and weight nearly 300 lbs. They have large heads with long, pointed ears and their bodies are nearly covered with stiff, bristly fur. Their faces have a pronounced snout that, along with the thick fur, gives them their nickname. Like all Goblinadae, they have three fingers and a thumb on each hand and only four clawed toes per foot.
Genetics and Reproduction
Similar to all other goblins, they are prodigious reproducers.
Growth Rate & Stages
Young are able to feed themselves at about two years and are considered fully grown at less than 8 years.
Ecology and Habitats
Known to live anywhere other humanoids can exist. They prefer to dwell underground or in stone structures above ground.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Carnivores that rarely eat flesh cooked and typically shun all forms of plant-based food. Bugbears seem particularly fond of eating young prey, the younger the better.
Biological Cycle
Bugbears, like all goblins, do not live very long. No specimen has been found to live longer than 55 years.
Behaviour
Intelligent creatures though they are, Bugbears are followers more than they are leaders. Often found as members of other species armies due to their inability to do anything other than follow an order absolutely and without questions. They are a primary component to almost any multi-species army for this reason.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Bugbear communities are strictly hierarchical, with the strongest leading at all times. Just as likely to follow a non-Goblin that demonstrates strength and control. Bugbears will follow strength without question, but that strength may need to be repeatedly affirmed to ensure continued control. If a bugbear doubts the strength of it's leader, it will simply stop following that leader and look to find another, stronger one somewhere else.
Average Intelligence
Intellligent and capable of speaking multiple languages.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Superb hearing, strong sense of smell and exceptional eyesight, especially in low light.
Civilization and Culture
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Bugbears are the best rank-and-file soldiers of the Goblinoid species. Where the other species of Goblinadae tend to give in to fear or panic when under extreme duress, Bugbears repeatedly demonstrate an ability to follow orders without question and without fail. Without a doubt, the most dangerous Orc hordes ever encountered have had large numbers of bugbears within their ranks, and for very good reasons.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Scientific Name
Goblinadae Goblinus Ursi
Lifespan
Less than 55 years
Average Height
6' for males
Average Weight
275-300 lbs
Average Physique
Very strong, with incredible endurance and stamina.
