Bug-Bear

Large aberration, neutral evil

Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 93 (11d10 + 33)
Speed 40 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
20 (+5)	13 (+1)	17 (+3)	9 (-1)	12 (+1)	10 (+0)

Skills Perception +3, Stealth +3
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Common
Challenge 3 (700 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Keen Smell. The bug-bear has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The bug-bear makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.
• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (1d10 + 5) piercing damage.
• Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage.

ABOUT

Large as a brown bear, this creature is half-insect and half-bear, with faceted eyes and antennae that wave in the air in pursuit of prey.

Bug-bears are native to Red Top Mountain, where they roam the forests seeking prey. They are ambush predators that will seek out any prey they can catch, particularly wandering folk who get lost in the woods.

Bug-bears are less interest in attacking creatures who put up a good fight, and the natural enemies of red stags, who do not tolerate intrusions on their territory.

Where bug-bears come from is anyone’s guess. It’s possible they are a wizard’s experiment.

If that’s the case, their origin likely came from the Isle of Phreex’s incubation machines. It’s equally likely that some beetlefolk grew tired of being bullied by larger beings and decided to make an unholy pact that crossed them with bears. Whatever the case, they are now recognized by neither bears nor beetles as their own, but something wholly unnatural.

Bug-bears roam in groups, claiming a forest as their hunting grounds. Once bug-bears move in, few creatures stay in the area, which only makes the predators more ferocious as it becomes increasingly difficult to catch prey. This causes bug-bears to investigate any disturbance in their forests, and also rallies forest guardians against them.