Bugbears are a global race of goblinoid nomads, who exist in innumerous clans in the wilds in almost every continent.
Notable Clans[edit | edit source]
Grindseed's Clan[edit | edit source]
Named for Chief Grindseed (and Chief Kragithrum before him), this clan was the largest of the nomadic Bugbear clans located in the deep forests of northern Osugbo, in the area now known as the East Hills. Historically, Bugbears were THE major race in the area, alongside their goblin-kin, but deforestation, incursion by other races, and internal conflicts between clans over the years took its toll.
Following the Cavalry Wars that reshaped the kingdoms of Quelmar, this clan's chief, along others officially recognized this decline and feared for the future of their people. As a result, in 391 PR, they banded together and established new rules for bugbear society. Most significantly, the clans agreed to shift away from their aggressive and individualistic roots, and instead adopt values of trust, cooperation, and loyalty above all else. In addition, it was decided that upon their 18th birthday, all young bugbears must undertake a personal quest or pilgrimage, and bring something of value back to the clans before their 23rd year. Knowledge, wealth, or magic are all greatly prized by the clans, so many Bugbear pilgrims don't need to travel far to find something valuable to bring home. However, as the son of a Clan Chief, Grindseed was determined not to return until he found something truly exceptional to prove his worth as a leader, and more importantly, to save his people from a slow decline into extinction.
Grindseed returned to his clan heralding the Tools of the Primordial Ancients, and tasked his family and friends with guarding and watching over the immensely powerful artifacts while he and his new friends he had made in the larger world researched how to destroy them. (Grindseed did the destroying, not much of the researching). As a result, Grindseed soon graduated to fill his father's shoes, and made history for his clan, as they fought in the Arctic Altercation that ultimately decided the fate of the realm. With a few casualties, Grindseed's clan had kept the realm from being ripped apart by The Paladin, and provided ample shelter and hiding space for the team during the last leg of their adventure.
The Skull Crushers[edit | edit source]
The Skull Crushers were a formidable clan of bugbear mercenaries known for their strength, cunning, and brutality. They forged an alliance with a clan of Goblins known as the Lootin Tootins, establishing a symbiotic relationship where the Skull Crushers provided protection in exchange for treasure and resources. The Skull Crushers' existence came to a tragic end when an Oni mercenary, Gozen Devakilla, targeted them for their furs and weapons. Despite their ferocity and strategic prowess, the clan was decimated, leaving Ulka, a crass and formidable bugbear fighter, as the sole survivor. The attack not only obliterated the Skull Crushers but also left the fate of their Goblin allies, the Lootin Tootins, largely unknown.
Ulka's survival was marked by the loss of one eye and a scarred other, physical reminders of the clash and her determination for vengeance. She vowed to avenge her clan and pride, embarking on a journey as a bounty hunter, furthering her knowledge on Giants and Runes to enhance her fighting capabilities. The legacy of the Skull Crushers lives on through Ulka's deeds and her unyielding spirit. Her journey from a clan warrior to a rune knight fighter embodies the resilience and tenacity of the Skull Crushers. Ulka's adventures and encounters, from participating in the Asar Ogalas festival to her engagements with various individuals and entities, reflect her commitment to the values and memories of her fallen clan.
