Bugaboo
Select Subtype:
Description:
Referred to as 'bugge', 'bugbears' or 'bogeymen' by villagers to frighten disobedient children into good behaviour, Bugaboos seem to be distant relatives of other humanoids, but larger, brutish and savage. Standing about six feet tall, they are easily mistaken for other humanoids at a distance, but they will attack on sight. They tend to live in caves or in woodland dens, and are known for waylaying travelers and occasionally conducting raids into small villages. They are typically organized in small bands of fewer then twenty, and are rarely seen in larger, more organized groups. They will frequently be encountered in hunting or raiding groups of 3-8, but if their camps are stumbled upon, or if they are encountered while travelling, a party might be foreced to confront the entire band at once.
Variants:
Bugaboos are not very sophisticated in terms of their organization, though on occasion small bands or tribes are successful enough for long enough that certain specialists emerge. These often include the tougher and meaner raiders, but also include the more clever trappers, and the occasionally even some minor spell using members.
Standard Bugaboo
The standard bugaboo is lightly armoured and equipped and is not much of a threat in combat. They will often flee if injured.
Bugaboo Chief
Bugaboos maintain a loose tribal structure, with each band usually having a leader or chief who generally maintains their status through strength and intimidation. Chiefs are tougher, fiercer and smarter than the average bugaboo, and if a chief is encountered, a shaman will almost always be in the same group.
Bugaboo Raider
Bugaboo raiders are tougher and meaner, and they seem to relish in combat. These will generally not flee even if the battle is going poorly, sometimes inspiring their lesser brethren to go the distance.
Bugaboo Shaman
Occasionally, a bugaboo tribe will grow large enough and successful enough that a kind of spritual leader can arise. These bugaboo shamans often learn a little bit of simple magic - but even these weak spell casters can add a dimension of complexity and sophistication to a bugaboo encounter.
Bugaboo Trapper
Bugaboo trappers seem to be the hunters of their bands. The simple combination of nets and spears is enough to turn an enoutner with lightly armed villagers or travellers into a very dangerous situation.