Bugbears are the terrors that make other humanoids fear the night. They are cruel killers driven as strongly by a need to cause fear, pain, and misery as they are driven to seek food and shelter. A bugbear cares nothing about other creatures, even members of its own family, and has no motivations beyond finding the best way to feed its dark passions.
Bugbears and their albino snow-stalking cousins, wikkawaks, are the largest of goblinoids, standing nearly 7 feet tall—or they would if they were to stand up straight, but most bugbears prefer a hunched posture. These hulking creatures weigh up to 400 pounds (or 450 pounds for wikkawaks). They have facial features similar to those of goblins and hobgoblins, but on squatter, broader faces. Their faces are bare, but the rest of their bodies are covered in rough, shaggy hair that is often matted or sticking out at odd angles. Despite their bulging muscles and prodigious mass, bugbears move with startling grace and stealth. Simply watching a bugbear stalk its prey, its bulky, top-heavy form gliding silently though spaces that seem too small for it to pass through, is enough to unnerve observers.
Bugbears are more likely than other goblinoids to live solitary lives. Their dislike of being dragged down by the weaknesses and needs of others makes them inherently distrusting of even their own clans and immediate families. This is especially true for wikkawaks, who band together temporarily only to raid villages or to mate. Both types of goblinoids are well suited to solo survival—their excellent senses allow them to identify threats while still far enough away to avoid those too great to overcome, and their natural stealth helps them journey undetected to hidden places in which to sleep or store a cache of supplies. Of course, lone bugbears are more vulnerable to being hunted down when sick or injured, and knowledge of this weakness keeps them cautious. An injured bugbear on its own seeks prey weak enough to pose little risk, even as it hopes the prey will be strong enough to be tormented for weeks or months.
Once a lone bugbear begins to grow infirm from age, it must either convince a group to take it in, or skulk in the shadows, avoiding all risks and pining after past glories. While bugbears are not generous creatures, a fair-sized bugbear clan is often willing to take in an elder for two reasons. First, the newcomer's infirmity makes it less of a threat to existing leaders of the clan. Second, an old bugbear is considered a wily bugbear, likely to know the secrets of silently stalking and killing. While bugbears have little use for most other forms of knowledge, reliable lessons and anecdotes on these subjects are valued as both wisdom and entertainment.
The typical bugbear clan is little more than a family with a history of not betraying each other overly much, and is thus extremely fragile. A bugbear may decide it would rather prey on members of its clan than on more distant victims, scarcity often forces bugbear families to fight among themselves for food and shelter, and one bugbear might simply attack another for no reason at all. No laws or stabilizing traditions prevent a single incident from becoming an all-out conflict. Conflicts often tear the fragile clan apart unless a new leader rises from the carnage and enforces a semblance of order.
The few stable bugbear societies tend to fall into two broad categories: bugbear ghettos and cabals. In bugbear ghettos, a number of the creatures live under the rules (and watchful eyes) of a more stable governance. In some cases, this is a single powerful ruler such as a giant or dragon. That ruler must be powerful or crafty enough to instill sufficient fear into the bugbears to prevent them from starting trouble within its holdings, which is seldom easy. Such rulers employ bugbears as spies, torturers, and secret police, taking advantage of their natural cruelty, alertness, and surreptitiousness to keep other factions in line.
Bugbear ghettos also occasionally form in more organized societies, especially among hobgoblins. In these cases, the bugbears are treated as second-class citizens and forced to serve as scouts and mercenary troops. While each bugbear may be able to kill any given hobgoblin, organized hobgoblins militias can often keep the fragmented and selfish bugbears in line and crush any rebellions against hobgoblin rule.
Bugbears in such ordered societies are often more savage and angry than their freer kin, raging against the limitations that prevent them from creating panic and mayhem however they desire. While some may flee to attempt solo lives, a well-organized military or tyranny can impress upon small groups of bugbears that it is better to serve and live than to rebel and die.
The second form of bugbear society is the even rarer cabal, where a small group of bugbears rules over a larger population of other humanoids—often goblins, orcs, or kobolds. A bugbear cabal can't be considered a government or even a clan in the true senses of those words. It is instead a gang of thugs who have successfully taken control of some other group through pure bullying and extortion. While the cabal has the final say in the community, it leaves the details of governance to functionaries from the subject group.
While it might seem that being an agent of the cabal is the best position within such a settlement, bugbears enjoy terrorizing their most important agents as much as they love creating fear and misery among their lower-ranked subjects. A bugbear cabal rules through fear and random displays of force, and its subjects quickly learn that the best way to survive is to draw no attention at all. However, since someone must see to the needs of the government, the bugbears force senior members of the populace to do that work, and torture them if they fail in their duties.
Full statistics for bugbears can be found in their Bestiary entry.
New Rules
The following section details an archetype, new feats, a spell, and a selection of magic items favored by bugbears and wikkawaks.
Bugbear Archetype
Only the most vicious and bloodthirsty bugbears take on the mantle of the antipaladin; those who do so usually focus their vile power on causing as much fear as possible.
Fearmonger (Antipaladin)
The fearmonger wants to do more than cause pain, misery, and confusion. He wishes to spread fear among his foes and infect entire populations with it. The fearmonger archetype is available only to the antipaladin alternate class.
Feed on Fear (Su): At 2nd level, the first time in a round a creature fails a saving throw against a fear effect created by a fearmonger's spell, spell-like ability, or supernatural ability (including any ability that causes a creature to be shaken, frightened, or panicked), the fearmonger is healed of 1 point of damage per 2 antipaladin levels. If the fearmonger is at full hit points when this ability is activated, he instead gains an equal number of temporary hit points. These temporary hit points last for 1 minute. Temporary hit points gained through multiple successful uses of this ability do not stack; the duration increases instead.
The antipaladin can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 1/2 his antipaladin level plus his Charisma bonus. This ability replaces touch of corruption.
Frightening Cruelty (Su): The fearmonger must select shaken as his 3rd-level cruelty, dazed as his 6th-level cruelty, and frightened as his 9th-level cruelty. At 12th level, the fearmonger gains the panicked cruelty.
Panicked : The target is panicked for 1 round per 4 class levels the antipaladin possesses. The antipaladin must have the shaken and frightened cruelties before selecting this cruelty.
This class feature alters cruelty.
Bugbear Feats
The following feats are common among bugbears.
Bushwhack (Combat)
You can subdue an unsuspecting foe quickly.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Improved Grapple, Improved Unarmed Strike.
Benefit: When a flat-footed creature is unaware of your presence and you successfully grapple it, you can attempt a second grapple combat maneuver check to pin the creature as a free action. If you have the Chokehold feat, you can instead use this second combat maneuver check to initiate a chokehold.
Hurtful (Combat)
You know how to add injury to insult.
Prerequisites: Str 13, Power Attack.
Benefit: When you successfully demoralize an opponent within your melee reach with an Intimidate check, you can make a single melee attack against that creature as a swift action. If your attack fails to damage the target, its shaken condition from being demoralized immediately ends.
Pile On (Combat)
You can keep a foe shuddering in fear.
Prerequisites: Str 13, Hurtful, Power Attack.
Benefit: Once per round when you damage a creature that is shaken, frightened, or panicked, you can choose to deal half your normal damage in order to extend the duration of its fear condition by 1 round.
Shocking Bellow (Combat)
You can demoralize a foe with a sudden ferocious scream.
Prerequisite: Intimidating Prowess.
Benefit: If you act in the surprise round of a combat, as a free action you can attempt a single Intimidate check to demoralize a creature within 30 feet that can clearly see or hear you.
Staggering Blow (Combat)
You know just where to strike to temporarily stagger a foe.
Prerequisites: Str 13, Power Attack, Vital Strike, base attack bonus +8.
Benefit: When you attack a foe using Vital Strike, you can choose to take a –2 penalty on your attack roll to also make the attack a staggering strike. You must make this choice before making the attack roll. If your attack roll is successful, your target must succeed at a Fortitude saving throw (DC = 10 + 1/2 your character level + your Strength modifier) or be staggered until the start of your next turn. Once a creature that failed its save recovers from the effects of your staggering blow, it is immune to the effects of this feat for 24 hours. Constructs, oozes, plants, undead, incorporeal creatures, and creatures that are immune to critical hits are immune to this effect.
Strangler
You can choke foes with a lasso.
Prerequisites: Exotic Weapon Proficiency (lasso), Weapon Focus (lasso).
Benefit: When you successfully entangle a creature with a lasso and beat the target's CMD by 5 or more, the target cannot speak above a whisper and must succeed at a concentration check (DC = 20 + your CMB + the spell level) to cast a spell with a verbal component, use a command word item, or use any magic requiring speech. Additionally, the DC of an Escape Artist check to slip free of a lasso you are using equals 15 or your CMD, whichever is higher.
Visceral Threat (Combat)
Your ability to threaten foes is great enough to make them hesitate.
Prerequisite: Intimidating Prowess.
Benefit: You may use Intimidate, rather than Bluff, to attempt a feint against a creature within your melee reach.
Bugbear Spell
Bugbears spellcasters separate their prey from support.
Isolate
School illusion (glamer); Level antipaladin 3, bard 3, inquisitor 3, sorcerer/wizard 3, witch 3
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S
Range touch
Target creature touched
Duration 1 round/level (D)
Saving Throw Will partial; Spell Resistance yes
You cause the target to become invisible and silent, but only to his allies. Any creature with an attitude of indifferent or worse toward the target, and any creature that wishes the target harm, can see the target normally. The target can see and hear himself, can cast spells with verbal components, and can use command words normally, but any effect that requires allies to see or hear the target does not function. An ally that can see invisible creatures can both see and hear the target of isolate .
If the target succeeds at its save, the duration of the spell is reduced to 1 round.
Bugbear Magic Items
Although any creature can use the following wondrous magic items, they are particularly popular among bugbears.
Elixir of Oppression
Price 600 gp; Slot none; CL 3rd; Weight —; Aura faint transmutation
This elixir is normally made from the juice of tomb herald brambles, though other formulae have also been discovered. It allows creatures with the scent ability to smell fear, and instills a bloodlust in the imbiber when it's facing a fearful creature. The imbiber gains a +4 competence bonus on Perception checks made with the scent ability, and a successful DC 15 Perception check allows the imbiber to determine by scent whether a creature is shaken, frightened, or panicked. Once a creature's condition has been identified, the imbiber gains a +2 morale bonus on attack rolls and opposed skill checks against that opponent.
These effects last for 1d4+1 hours. If a creature drinks a second elixir of oppression within 24 hours of the first, it is sickened for 24 hours and does not gain the benefits of the second dose.
Construction Requirements
Cost 300 gp
Craft Wondrous Item, scare
Horror Dust
Price 600 gp; Slot none; CL 3rd; Weight —; Aura faint necromancy
Horror dust is the compressed stuff of nightmares. It is contained in a glass vial that can be thrown as a splash weapon with a range increment of 10 feet. It shatters on impact, creating a cloud of hallucinogenic magic in a 20-foot radius that causes victims to suffer terrible visions and hear phantom screams. Targets in this area must succeed at a DC 13 Will save or be shaken for 1d6 rounds. If a creature is directly struck with the horror dust and fails its save, it is also confused for 1 round. Goblinoids actually enjoy the visions created by horror dust, and are immune to its fear effect.
Construction Requirements
Cost 300 gp
Craft Wondrous Item, cause fear
Example Bugbears
Bugbear Cannibals
Some bugbears have an appetite for the flesh of sapient creatures, though they prefer consuming others over eating their own kind. They often keep groups of captives for weeks, killing and consuming them one at a time.
Bugbear Gnasher CR 4
XP 1,200
Bugbear barbarian 2
CE Medium humanoid (goblinoid)
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft., scent; Perception +9
Defense
AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 17 (+6 armor, +4 Dex, +3 natural, –2 rage)
hp 53 (5 HD; 3d8+2d12+22)
Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +3
Defensive Abilities uncanny dodge
Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Melee mwk falchion +11 (2d4+9/18–20), bite +5 (1d4+3)
Ranged javelin +8 (1d6+6)
Special Attacks rage (8 rounds/day), rage powers (animal fury)
Tactics
Before Combat The bugbear attempts to sneak up on its victim before flying into a rage.
Base Statistics When not raging, the gnasher's statistics are AC 22, touch 13, flat-footed 19; hp 41; Fort +7, Will +1; Melee mwk falchion +10 (2d4+9/18–20); Str 18, Con 14; CMB +8; Skills Intimidate +15.
Statistics
Str 22, Dex 19, Con 18, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 10
Base Atk +4; CMB +10; CMD 22
Feats Hurtful, Intimidating Prowess, Power Attack, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Intimidate +17, Perception +9, Stealth +11, Survival +4
Languages Common, Goblin
SQ fast movement, stalker
Combat Gear elixir of oppression* ; Other Gear breastplate, javelins (6), mwk falchion, cloak of resistance +1, 219 gp
Bugbear Flesh Glutton CR 8
XP 4,800
Giant bugbear barbarian 5
CE Large humanoid (goblinoid)
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft., scent; Perception +14
Defense
AC 23, touch 10, flat-footed 19 (+7 armor, +3 Dex, +6 natural, –2 rage, –1 size)
hp 99 (8 HD; 3d8+5d12+48)
Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +5
Defensive Abilities improved uncanny dodge, trap sense +1
Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Melee +1 falchion +15/+10 (2d6+13/18–20)
Ranged mwk javelin +10 (1d8+8)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft.
Special Attacks rage (16 rounds/day), rage powers (animal fury, powerful blow)
Tactics
Before Combat The bugbear rages and charges.
Base Statistics When not raging, the barbarian's statistics are AC 24, touch 12, flat-footed 21; hp 83; Fort +10, Will +3; Melee +1 falchion +13/+8 (2d6+10/18–20) Ranged mwk javelin +10 (1d8+6); Str 22, Con 18; CMB +14; Skills Intimidate +21.
Statistics
Str 26, Dex 17, Con 22, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 10
Base Atk +7; CMB +16; CMD 27
Feats Hurtful, Intimidating Prowess, Pile On, Power Attack
Skills Intimidate +23, Perception +14, Stealth +10, Survival +10
SQ fast movement, stalker
Gear +1 breastplate, +1 falchion, mwk javelins (2), cloak of fangs, 373 gp
Bugbear Hunters
Stalking though the wilderness, bugbear hunters are always on the lookout for potential food and victims to practice their cruelties on. As a rule, they are territorial and patient, and thrill in the opportunity to prey on travelers far from the support of civilization.
Bugbear Stalker CR 5
XP 1,600
Bugbear ranger 3
CE Medium humanoid (goblinoid)
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft., scent; Perception +11
Defense
AC 20, touch 13, flat-footed 17 (+4 armor, +3 Dex, +3 natural)
hp 41 (6 HD; 3d8+3d10+12)
Fort +6, Ref +9, Will +4
Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Melee mwk scimitar +9 (1d6+3/18–20)
Ranged +1 composite longbow +10 (1d8+4/×3)
Special Attacks favored enemy (humans +2)
Tactics
Before Combat The bugbear tracks his foe and picks off spellcasters and humans from a distance.
During Combat The bugbear wades into the fray with its bow, taking advantage of Deadly Aim and Point-Blank Shot for as long as he can before switching to his scimitar.
Statistics
Str 16, Dex 17, Con 15, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 6
Base Atk +5; CMB +8; CMD 21
Feats Deadly Aim, Endurance, Far Shot, Point-Blank Shot, Weapon Focus (longbow)
Skills Intimidate +11, Perception +11, Stealth +13, Survival +11
Languages Common, Goblin, Sylvan
SQ favored terrain (forest +2), stalker, track +1, wild empathy +1
Combat Gear potions of cure light wounds (4); Other Gear chain shirt, +1 composite longbow (+3 Str) with 20 arrows, mwk scimitar, 284 gp
Bugbear Ambusher CR 10
XP 9,600
Bugbear ranger (trapper) 8
CE Medium humanoid (goblinoid)
Init +6; Senses darkvision 60 ft., scent; Perception +11
Defense
AC 25, touch 14, flat-footed 22 (+5 armor, +1 deflection, +2 Dex, +1 dodge, +5 natural, +1 shield)
hp 90 (11 HD; 3d8+8d10+33)
Fort +11, Ref +12, Will +7
Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Melee +1 longsword +14/+9 (1d8+6/19–20), +1 short sword +14 (1d6+3/19–20)
Ranged mwk dagger +11 (1d4+5/19–20)
Special Attacks favored enemy (elves +4, gnomes +2), traps (7/day; DC 17; pit trap, snare trap, tar trap)
Tactics
Before Combat An ambusher sets traps along a trail or at a watering hole, and then jumps anyone who gets ensnared.
During Combat An ambusher focuses on targets that have not been incapacitated by his traps first. Once they are taken care of, he has time to slowly torment the remaining victims.
Statistics
Str 20, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 6
Base Atk +10; CMB +15; CMD 27
Feats Dodge, Double Slice, Endurance, Improved Initiative, Improved Natural Armor, Quick Draw, Two-Weapon Defense, Two-Weapon Fighting, Two-Weapon Rend
Skills Climb +11, Disable Device +18, Intimidate +15, Perception +11, Stealth +18, Survival +11
Languages Common, Goblin
SQ favored terrain (swamp +4, underground +2), hunter's bond (companions), stalker, swift tracker, track +4, wild empathy +6, woodland stride
Combat Gear potions of cure light wounds (2), potions of cure moderate wounds (2), potion of invisibility ; Other Gear +1 chain shirt, +1 longsword, +1 short sword, mwk daggers (2), amulet of natural armor +1, cloak of resistance +1, ring of protection +1, 271 gp
Bugbear Cultist
Bugbear cults are often small and short-lived, driven by strident cultists who hail themselves as prophets. The cultists consider themselves specially blessed with the power (and authority) to terrorize the world, and use their spells and curses as evidence of their special status. Most bugbear prophets rule over a small group of lesser creatures, often gullible goblins or kobolds, though sometimes they have a more unusual flock, such as dire apes, ettercaps, or howlers.
Bugbear Cultist CR 7
XP 3,200
Bugbear oracle 6
CE Medium humanoid (goblinoid)
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft., scent; Perception +14
Defense
AC 22, touch 14, flat-footed 18 (+5 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +3 natural)
hp 64 (9d8+24)
Fort +6, Ref +9, Will +6
Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Melee +1 morningstar +10/+5 (1d8+4)
Oracle Spells Known (CL 6th; concentration +8)
3rd (3/day)—bestow curse (DC 16), inflict serious wounds (DC 15), magic vestment
2nd (6/day)—fog cloud, inflict moderate wounds (DC 14), resist energy, summon monster II
1st (7/day)—cure light wounds, enlarge person, inflict light wounds (DC 13), protection from good, ray of sickening (DC 14), shield of faith (DC 13)
0 (at will)—bleed (DC 13), create water, detect magic, detect poison, guidance, spark, virtue
Mystery battle
Tactic
Before Combat The bugbear casts magic vestment on her chain shirt.
During Combat The bugbear casts shield of faith on herself and enlarge person on either herself or a tough ally. She then uses bestow curse and ray of sickening to harry her enemies and cause them misery.
Base Statistics Without magic vestment, the bugbear's statistics are AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16.
Statistics
Str 16, Dex 16, Con 15, Int 12, Wis 8, Cha 14
Base Atk +6; CMB +9; CMD 21
Feats Blind Fight, Combat Casting, Dodge, Skill Focus (Perception), Spell Focus (necromancy)
Skills Intimidate +18, Knowledge (religion) +7, Perception +14, Spellcraft +7, Stealth +18, Survival +5
Languages Common, Giant, Goblin, Infernal
SQ oracle's curse (tongues), revelations (battlefield clarity 1/day, surprising charge 1/day), stalker
Combat Gear wand of cure moderate wounds (25 charges); Other Gear mwk chain shirt, mwk morningstar, cloak of resistance +1, spell component pouch, 186 gp
Bugbears worship in divergent, sometimes contradictory ways, and no one would call their religion "organized." Most of them simply utter occasional thanks to any demon lords whose names they happen to know. A cultist who comes along with a slightly formalized religious spiel and the ability to cast potent spells can sometimes convince other bugbears to follow him into a religious fervor. Cultists revere gods of battle, particularly demon lords. Their rituals vary wildly, and often involve violent blood sacrifices. A small number of especially conceited cultists consider themselves true prophets or living gods.
Bugbear Sneaks
Many bugbear sneaks serve as scouts and assassins for hobgoblin armies. They sometimes become enamored of the act of killing itself, and use their natural affinity for moving quietly to become unseen murderers in cities.
Bugbear Lurker CR 8
XP 4,800
Bugbear rogue 7
CE Medium humanoid (goblinoid)
Init +8; Senses darkvision 60 ft., scent; Perception +13
Defense
AC 20; touch 15; flat-footed 18 (+4 armor, +4 Dex, +1 deflection, +2 natural)
hp 81 (10d8+37)
Fort +6, Ref +12, Will +3
Defensive Abilities evasion, trap sense +2, uncanny dodge
Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Melee +1 short sword +12/+7 (1d6+3/19–20)
Ranged javelin +12 (1d6+2)
Special Attacks sneak attack +4d6
Tactics
Before Combat Using fast stealth to approach quickly, the bugbear lurker positions herself to land a surprise attack.
Statistics
Str 14, Dex 18, Con 16, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 10
Base Atk +7; CMB +9; CMD 23
Feats Combat Expertise, Improved Feint, Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Stealth), Weapon Finesse
Skills Acrobatics +16, Bluff +13, Climb +14, Disable Device +16, Intimidate +17, Perception +13, Stealth +31
Languages Common, Goblin, Orc
SQ rogue talents (bleeding attack +4, fast stealth, surprise attack), stalker, trapfinding +3
Combat Gear alchemist's fire (4); Other Gear mwk chain shirt, +1 short sword, javelins (4), cloak of elvenkind, ring of protection +1, 656 gp
Bugbear Shadow Sneak CR 10
XP 9,600
Bugbear ninja 5/shadowdancer 4
CE Medium humanoid (goblinoid)
Init +4; Senses darkvision 90 ft., scent; Perception +15
Defense
AC 25, touch 16, flat-footed 20 (+4 armor, +1 deflection, +4 Dex, +1 dodge, +5 natural)
hp 82 (12d8+29)
Fort +6, Ref +14, Will +4
Defensive Abilities evasion, improved uncanny dodge
Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Melee +1 short sword +15/+10 (1d6+6/17–20) or mwk dagger +13/+8 (1d4+5/19–20)
Ranged mwk dagger +12 (1d4+5/19–20)
Special Attacks sneak attack +3d6
Shadowdancer Spell-Like Abilities (CL 4th; concentration +5)
2/day—shadow illusion (DC 11)
1/day—shadow call (DC 15)
Tactics
Before Combat The shadow sneak uses hide in plain sight to ambush foes.
Statistics
Str 20, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12
Base Atk +8; CMB +13; CMD 29
Feats Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Extra Ki, Improved Critical (short sword), Mobility, Weapon Focus (short sword)
Skills Acrobatics +19, Climb +20, Intimidate +5, Perception +15, Perform (dance) +6, Stealth +23, Survival +11
Languages Common, Goblin
SQ hide in plain sight, ki pool (5), ninja tricks (fast stealth, stand up), no trace +1, poison use, rogue talent (slow reactions), shadow jump (40 ft./day), stalker, summon shadow
Gear +2 leather armor, +1 short sword, mwk daggers (3), amulet of natural armor +1, cloak of resistance +1, ring of protection +1, 374 gp
Bugbear Bloodmage
The few bugbears who manifest a glimmer of arcane magical ability rarely pursue their gift. Such things get in the way of what is important: stalking, terrifying, and murdering prey. But those who pursue their gifts—and live to reach their full potential—become horrifying vessels of bloody doom.
Bugbear Bloodmage CR 11
XP 12,800
Bugbear sorcerer 10
CE Medium humanoid (goblinoid)
Init +6; Senses darkvision 60 ft., scent; Perception +0
Defense
AC 18, touch 13, flat-footed 15 (+2 Dex, +1 dodge, +5 natural)
hp 97 (13 HD; 3d8+10d6+49)
Fort +8, Ref +11, Will +9
Resist fire 20
Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Melee +1 quarterstaff +12/+7 (1d6+7)
Ranged mwk shortbow +10 (1d6/×3)
Bloodline Spell-Like Abilities (CL 10th; concentration +12)
6/day—elemental ray (1d6+5 fire)
1/day—elemental blast (10d6 fire, DC 18)
Sorcerer Spells Known (CL 10th; concentration +13)
5th (3/day)—fire snake (DC 18)
4th (5/day)—black tentacles, elemental body I, fire shield
3rd (6/day)—fireball (DC 16), howling agony (DC 16), protection from energy, rage, stinking cloud (DC 16)
2nd (7/day)—alter self, invisibility, levitate, scorching ray, see invisibility, touch of idiocy
1st (7/day)—burning hands (DC 14), color spray (DC 14), enlarge person (DC 14), magic missile, ray of enfeeblement (DC 14), shield
0 (at will)—acid splash, daze (DC 13), detect magic, detect poison, ghost sound (DC 13), mage hand, read magic, resistance, touch of fatigue (DC 13)
Bloodline elemental (fire)
Tactics
Before Combat The bloodmage casts invisibility and positions herself where she can hurl spells with impunity.
During Combat At the start of the battle, the bloodmage casts fire snake and fireball on her foes. She reserves spells such as fire shield and shield to protect herself when she becomes the target of attacks.
Statistics
Str 18, Dex 15, Con 16, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 17
Base Atk +7; CMB +11; CMD 24
Feats Combat Casting, Dodge, Empower Spell, Enlarge Spell, Eschew Materials, Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot
Skills Intimidate +6, Spellcraft +12, Stealth +9
Languages Common, Goblin
SQ bloodline arcana (change energy damage spells to fire), stalker
Combat Gear potion of cure moderate wounds, Other Gear +1 quarterstaff, mwk dagger, mwk shortbow with 20 arrows, amulet of natural armor +2, cloak of resistance +1, headband of alluring charisma +2, 117 gp
Arcane spellcasters among bugbears are typically sorcerers—few bugbears have enough interest or patience to follow arcane paths such as wizardry that require study or control. Bugbears call those with natural magical talent bloodmages, and treat their spellcasting ability the same as any skill—if it's useful for hurting, it's worth knowing. A typical bloodmage is interested in only spells that cause destruction and pain, plus a few supplemental spells to help her defend herself. Almost no bloodmages learn to create magic items.
Bugbear Tyrant
The bugbear tyrant is a mad agent of fear and murder. Once a solo marauder, he has gained such great power that cults have begun to grow around him as the chosen agent of a demon lord, and a crude bugbear nation is assembling to serve the tyrant. This is all beneath the tyrant's notice. He does not care who serves him, or what hopes or plans they make for themselves. His only mission is to spread terror and mayhem.
Bugbear Tyrant CR 13
XP 25,600
Male bugbear antipaladin (fearmonger) 12
CE Medium humanoid (goblinoid)
Init +1; Senses darkvision 60 ft., scent; Perception +11
Aura cowardice (10 ft.), despair (10 ft.), vengeance (10 ft.)
Defense
AC 27, touch 12, flat-footed 26 (+11 armor, +1 deflection, +1 Dex, +4 natural)
hp 136 (15 HD; 3d8+12d10+57)
Fort +15, Ref +11, Will +11
Immune disease
Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Melee +2 falchion +22/+17/+12 (2d4+9/18–20)
Ranged mwk javelin +16 (1d6+5)
Special Attacks channel negative energy (DC 18, 6d6), smite good 4/day (+2 attack and AC, +12 damage)
Antipaladin Spell-Like Abilities (CL 12th; concentration +14)
At will—detect good
Antipaladin Spells Prepared (CL 9th; concentration +11)
3rd—isolate* (DC 15)
2nd—corruption resistance, litany of warding, scare (DC 14)
1st—disguise self, litany of sloth, litany of weakness
Tactics
Before Combat The bugbear tyrant uses disguise self to get close to unsuspecting enemies.
During Combat Using the fear effects at his disposal, the bugbear tyrant increases his damage with Cruel Opportunist and Hurtful, while regaining hit points using his feed on fear ability. The tyrant cares little about the lives of those he fights alongside; if he must retreat, he allows his allies to die.
Statistics
Str 20, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 8, Cha 15
Base Atk +14; CMB +19; CMD 30
Feats Cruel Opportunist, Dazzling Display, Hurtful, Intimidating Prowess, Pile On, Power Attack, Visceral Threat, Weapon Focus (falchion)
Skills Intimidate +26, Perception +11, Stealth +15
Languages Abyssal, Common, Goblin
SQ cruelties (dazed, frightened, panicked*), feed on fear* (6 hp), fiendish boon (weapon +3, 2/day), stalker
Combat Gear elixir of oppression*, potion of cure moderate wounds ; Other Gear +2 full plate, +2 falchion, mwk javelins (2), amulet of natural armor +1, boots of striding and springing, cloak of resistance +1, ring of protection +1, 973 gp
Though he draws other bugbears to follow him by his charismatic presence, a bugbear tyrant truly makes his legend by defeating and torturing other creatures. Bugbears care far less about gaining territory or forcing surrender than they do about inflicting pain and collecting heads. They're quick to recognize and appreciate the cruelty in an antipaladin's heart, and the supernatural ability to inflict pain on others that he brings to bear.
The tyrant doesn't reserve his violence for enemies of the bugbear race. It doesn't take much for him to turn on his underlings and slice them up for fun, especially if he's growing bored.
Frightful Haunter
The mist forms a roughly humanoid shape. Its features are indistinct, except for its clawed hands and hairy, fanged face.
Frightful Haunter CR 8
XP 4,800
CE Medium undead (incorporeal)
Init +7; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +17
Aura cowardice (30 ft.)
Defense
AC 16, touch 15, flat-footed 12 (+3 deflection, +3 Dex)
hp 60 (8d8+24); fast healing 0 (see special abilities)
Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +9
Immune haunts
Defensive Abilities channel resistance +3, incorporeal
OFFENSE
Speed fly 40 ft. (perfect)
Melee terrifying touch +9 (3d8 plus Will DC 17 or shaken)
Special Attacks create haunt, terrifying touch (DC 17)
STATISTICS
Str —, Dex 17, Con —, Int 15, Wis 17, Cha 16
Base Atk +6; CMB +6; CMD 21
Feats Blind Fight, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Fly +11, Intimidate +13, Knowledge (history) +10, Knowledge (local) +13, Perception +17, Stealth +14, Survival +11
Languages Common, Goblin
Ecology
Environment any
Organization solitary, pair, or gang (3–6)
Treasure none
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Aura of Cowardice (Su) A frightful haunter radiates a palpably daunting aura that causes all enemies within 30 feet to take a –4 penalty on saving throws against fear effects. Creatures that are normally immune to fear lose that immunity while within 10 feet of a frightful haunter with this ability.
Create Haunt (Su) A frightful haunter has so much rage and desire to create fear that it can actually create a haunt once per hour. Each haunt has a CR no greater than the frightful haunter's CR – 2, and often takes a form either tied to the location the frightful haunter selects for it or inspired by the victims the frightful haunter hopes to frighten.
Unlike a typical haunt, those created by a frightful haunter are destroyed when neutralized, and fade away after a number of days equal to the creator's Hit Dice. A frightful haunter cannot have more than 1 haunt active per HD; if any haunt is created that exceeds that limit, the oldest active haunt is neutralized.
Fear Eater (Su) A frightful haunter has an amount of fast healing equal to the number of creatures within 30 feet currently suffering from a fear effect.
Made of Fear (Su) A frightful haunter is immune to the effects of a haunt, even those it does not create.
Terrifying Touch (Su) A creature struck by a frightful haunter's touch attack takes 3d8 points of damage and must succeed at a DC 17 Will saving throw or be shaken for 1 minute. A creature that succeeds at the save can't be made shaken by the terrifying touch for 24 hours, but can still take damage from it. Successfully using terrifying touch multiple times extends only the duration of its effect; it does not create a stronger fear condition. This is a mind-affecting fear effect. The DC is Charisma-based.
Occasionally, the desire to cause fear and misery survives even when a bugbear dies. Such a creature can detach part of its vile nature to create frightening spiritual traps in the form of haunts. Whenever possible, a frightful haunter learns about a group before building haunts to terrify it, and customizes the haunts' effects based on its victims' fears and weaknesses. If a frightful haunter is forced to confront a group directly, it attempts to create a stronghold of damaging haunts, attacking only when the group neutralizes one of the haunts, and then fleeing to another prepared location.
Encounters
While bugbears are sometimes encountered alone, they often band together to raid, scout, murder, or terrorize.
Bugbear Raiding Party (CR 6)
This raiding party is out to find victims who've fallen behind caravans or strayed too far from villages or farms.
Bugbear Gnasher CR 4
XP 1,200
hp 53
Bugbears (2) CR 2
XP 600 each
hp 16 each
Bugbear Scouts (CR 9)
Either working for hobgoblins or some other master, these scouts are silent and lethal, working in concert to eliminate their master's foes.
Bugbear Flesh Glutton CR 8
XP 4,800
hp 99
Bugbear Stalkers (2) CR 5
XP 1,600 each
hp 41 each
Bugbear Murder Gang (CR 11)
Often the best way to spread fear and misery is to kill a beloved member of a community. This group of bugbears wishes to demoralize a town prior to a larger invasion, and is sneaking in to kill a respected council member.
Bugbear Cultist CR 7
XP 3,200
hp 64
Bugbear Lurkers (2) CR 8
XP 4,800 each
hp 81 each
Inner Circle (CR 15)
Clustered around the terrifying power of the bugbear tyrant, this group might represent the brutal core of a bugbear clan or another monstrous infestation. While these individuals likely squabble among themselves, and prefer to let their underlings do all the work, when faced with an opponent that actually threatens their rule, they operate as a team to viciously put down the interloper.
Bugbear Ambusher CR 10
XP 9,600
hp 90
Bugbear Bloodmage CR 11
XP 12,800
hp 97
Bugbear Cultist CR 7
XP 3,200
hp 64
Bugbear Tyrant CR 13
XP 25,600
hp 136
