In the diverse world of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, Bugbears, the towering and crafty humanoid goblins, demand backgrounds as cunning and versatile as they are.
This guide delves into the underbrush, presenting the five best backgrounds artfully tailored to complement the formidable nature of Bugbears.
Contents
What Are Backgrounds in D&D 5e?
Backgrounds are more than simple stat boosts in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. They reveal where your character came from, why you became an adventurer, and your place in the world.
Before choosing your Background, ask yourself a few questions:
- What was I before I became an adventurer?
- Why did I stop doing what my Background explains and become an adventurer?
- Where did I get the money to buy my starting equipment?
- Where did I learn the skills used in my class?
- What’s different about me compared to others with the same Background?
Best Backgrounds for Bugbears
5. Mercenary Veteran
Skill Proficiencies – Persuasion, Athletics
Tool Proficiencies – Vehicles (land), One type of gaming set
Languages – None
Equipment – A gaming set of your choice, an insignia of your rank, a uniform of your company (traveler’s clothes in quality), and a pouch with the remainder of your last wages (10GP).
Why the Mercenary Veteran?
There are a ton of mercenary groups to choose from, each having its own stances, alignments, lessons, attitudes, and so forth, creating a truly broad character.
Mercenary Life allows you to identify mercenary bands, knowing who hired them, their names, and which taverns they abide in. You can also find mercenary words in between adventures to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Note: Bugbear Mercenary Veterans are quite common as they fit the mold, being dextrious warriors who often sell their skills for coin – especially if they want to live in society.
4. Caravan Specialist
Skill Proficiencies – Survival, Animal Handling
Tool Proficiencies – Vehicles (land)
Languages – Choose one
Equipment – A set of traveler’s clothes, a whip, a regional map, a tent, and a pouch with 10GP.
Why the Caravan Specialist?
Since Bugbears can easily act as mercenaries, there’s no reason they can’t use their coin to buy their own caravan and start a small business. I mean, they might not be that clever, but they’re they’re not stupid.
Wagonmaster has taught you to rely on your gut, meaning others will often look to you for directions in serious situations.
You can also spot ideal camping locations, have two more loyal workers join you on your expedition, and even recall maps and the geography of the path you’re traveling.
3. Urban Bounty Hunter
Skill Proficiencies – Choose two among Stealth, Persuasion, Insight, and Deception
Tool Proficiencies – Choose two among one type of gaming set, Thieves’ tools, and one musical instrument
Languages – None
Equipment – A set of clothes appropriate to your duties and a pouch with 20GP
Why the Urban Bounty Hunter?
Bugbears can easily become Rogues due to their dextrous nature, which pushes them toward bounty-hunting work.
Ear to the Ground allows you to tap into societies your targets are currently moving through, allowing for very specific information to be received on your end.
2. Soldier
Skill Proficiencies – Intimidation, Athletics
Tool Proficiencies – Vehicles (land), One type of gaming set
Languages – None
Equipment – A trophy you took from a fallen enemy (a piece of a banner, dagger, or broken blade), a set of common clothes, a deck of cards or a set of bone dice, an insignia of rank, and a pouch with 10GP.
Why the Soldier?
Soldiers are everywhere in D&D, especially when agile Bugbears are involved, and where there are soldiers, there are encampments.
With Military Rank, your party, accompanied by your Bugbear, will be able to rest in secure military encampments and fortresses.
1. Outlander
Skill Proficiencies – Survival, Athletics
Tool Proficiencies – One type of musical instrument
Languages – One you choose
Equipment – A trophy from an animal you killed, a set of traveler’s clothes, a hunting trap, a staff, and a pouch with 10GP.
Why the Outlander?
Outlander works for almost any class you choose but is especially good for a Bugbear because of their inherent physical capabilities and knowledge of nature.
Your agility and dextrous nature make it much easier to be a capable Outlander.
Not to mention that you can easily find water and food, enough to feed up to 5 party members.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a murder-crazed Urban Bounty Hunter, honing survival skills as an Outlander, or battle-worn Mercenary Veteran, each background will add a distinctive layer to your Bugbear’s narrative.
May your journey in the realms of Dungeons & Dragons be filled with thrilling encounters and dark tales as you embrace the unique possibilities that come with being a Bugbear.