Bugbear Miniatures Big and Battle Ready

Battle Ready Bugbears Miniatures

Bugbear with weapons — Bugbear ready for battle

Bugbears are not creatures found in classical mythology; instead, they are a product of medieval folklore and later fictional works. The term “bugbear” originally referred to a frightening imaginary creature, often used to scare children. Over time, it evolved in literature and fantasy gaming to represent a specific type of monstrous humanoid creature.

In modern fantasy literature and role-playing games (RPGs), bugbears are typically depicted as large, brutish creatures, often part of goblinoid or orcish races. They are known for their strength, ferocity, and, at times, stealth. The bugbear archetype has been popularized in games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), where they are considered one of the goblinoid races alongside goblins and hobgoblins.

It’s essential to note that the concept of bugbears in RPGs and fantasy literature is a creative reinterpretation and adaptation of the original term from folklore. In these contexts, bugbears have taken on specific characteristics and roles within the fictional worlds they inhabit, distinct from any historical or mythological roots.

Bugbears in TTRPGs

Bugbears are a common feature in various tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), often portrayed as brutish humanoid creatures with a penchant for violence and stealth. While the specifics of bugbears can vary between game settings, their general characteristics as powerful and menacing beings remain consistent. Here are some examples of bugbears in different TTRPGs:

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D):
- Bugbears are a staple in the D&D universe, part of the goblinoid races along with goblins and hobgoblins. In D&D, bugbears are depicted as large, hairy humanoid creatures known for their strength and stealth. They often serve as enforcers or shock troops in goblinoid societies.
Pathfinder:
- Pathfinder, a popular fantasy TTRPG, features bugbears with characteristics similar to those in D&D. They are formidable opponents known for their physical strength and an inclination towards stealthy tactics. In some Pathfinder campaigns, bugbears may have specific cultural nuances and societal structures.
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (WFRP):
- In the grim and dark world of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, greenskins dominate as the primary humanoid adversaries. While not named “bugbears” per se, there are creatures like Orcs and Goblins that share similarities in terms of being brutish, aggressive humanoids that players may encounter or face as adversaries.
Shadowrun:
- Shadowrun is a cyberpunk-fantasy hybrid TTRPG where traditional fantasy races coexist with advanced technology. In this setting, bugbears are known as “trolls,” large and physically powerful metahumans with distinct features. While they are not called bugbears, their characteristics align with the traditional fantasy archetype.
GURPS (Generic Universal RolePlaying System):
- GURPS is a universal system that can be adapted to various genres. In GURPS, bugbears can be included as fantasy creatures, and the system allows for customization in terms of their abilities and characteristics based on the campaign’s needs.
Rolemaster:
- Rolemaster is known for its detailed and intricate ruleset. In campaigns set in fantasy worlds, Rolemaster allows for the inclusion of bugbears as formidable adversaries, and their stats and abilities can be adjusted based on the preferences of the game master.

While the specific details of bugbears may vary from one TTRPG to another, they generally maintain their reputation as powerful and menacing creatures. Game masters often have the flexibility to customize bugbears to suit the themes and requirements of their campaigns, ensuring that these creatures remain a versatile and challenging part of tabletop adventures.