Barebear begins as a fierce bugbear gladiator with incredible reflexes. His Improved Initiative allows him to often act first in combat. He wields a Goblin Stick with finesse, courtesy of a high Strength score and racial advantages. Spiked armor enhances his defenses, posing a threat during grapples.
Stat Block Level 1:
Barebear: male, bugbear humanoid 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (goblinoid); HD 3d8+3; hp 16; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +1; Grp +5; Atk Goblin Stick +5 melee (1d8+4); Full Atk Goblin Stick +5 melee (1d8+4); SA racial abilities; SQ darkvision 60 ft., racial stealth bonuses; AL CN; SV Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +0; Str 20, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
As a Bugbear, he benefits from racial skill bonuses that aid in stealth and perception.
Possessions: Goblin Stick, spiked armor.
Barebear the Bugbear Bearbarian[1] at Level 5 is an aggressive frontline melee combatant. Equipped with a Goblin Stick (polearm) and spiked armor, the Bugbear can leverage Power Attack while in Ki Frenzy for increased damage. The Leap Attack synergy optimizes his charges, making him a dangerous and mobile threat on the battlefield. His initiative is bolstered by Improved Initiative, ensuring he often takes the first action in combat.
Stat Block Level 5:
Barebear: male, bugbear humanoid 3/sohei 2; CR 5; Medium humanoid (goblinoid); HD 3d8+2d10+15; hp 42; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 19, touch 11, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +4; Grp +9; Atk Goblin Stick +8 melee (1d10+5/×3) or Spiked Gauntlet +8 melee (1d4+5); Full Atk Goblin Stick +8 melee (1d10+5/×3) or Spiked Gauntlet +8 melee (1d4+5); SA Ki Frenzy 2/day; SQ Darkvision 60 ft., Strength of Mind, Improved Initiative; AL CN; SV Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 21, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Ki Frenzy – grants a +2 bonus to Strength, a +2 bonus on Will saves, and a -2 penalty to AC. Strength of Mind – maintains concentration despite distractions.
Possessions: Goblin Stick, spiked gauntlet, the best spiked armor available.
This build focuses on utilizing the Bugbear’s ability to transform into a bear through the Bear Warrior class, while taking advantage of the Sohei’s ki-frenzy to enhance combat prowess. At level 10, the character can employ a mix of melee attacks using a goblin stick and spiked armor with ki-frenzy boosts. The Improved Bullrush and Defensive Strike feats improve tactical options in combat.
Stat Block Level 10:
Barebear: male, Bugbear Sohei 7/Bear Warrior 1; CR 11; Medium humanoid (goblinoid); HD 11d10+33; hp 102; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 22, touch 13, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +10; Grp +15; Atk goblin stick +15 melee (1d8+7) or spiked gauntlet +14 melee (1d4+7); Full Atk goblin stick +15/+10 melee (1d8+7) or spiked gauntlet +14 melee (1d4+7); SA Bear Form (Black), Ki-Frenzy 3/Day; SQ Strength of Mind; AL Neutral; SV Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +5; Str 22, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Barebear the Bugbear Bearbarian[1] excels in melee combat. At level 15, the bugbear with Sohei and Bear Warrior levels transitions fluidly between strong physical attacks and bear forms. Utilizing feats like Robilar’s Gambit, leap into ferocious counters. The unique Goblin Stick and spiked armor enhance both offensive and defensive strategies, while Ki-Frenzy boosts speed and attack power.
Stat Block Level 15:
Barebear: male, bugbear humanoid 3/sohei 7/bear warrior 5; CR 13; Large humanoid (goblinoid); HD 3d8+21 plus 7d10+35 plus 5d12+25; hp 176; Init +5; Spd 40 ft.; AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +13; Grp +25; Atk +22 melee (1d10+9, Goblin Stick) or +21 melee (1d6+9, spiked gauntlet); Full Atk +22/+17/+12 melee (1d10+9, Goblin Stick) and +21 melee (1d6+6, spiked gauntlet); SA Ki-Frenzy 3/day, Bear Form (Brown); SQ Scent, Strength of Mind; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +16, Ref +7, Will +9; Str 23, Dex 16, Con 21, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
At level 20, Barebear the Bugbear Bearbarian[1] is a formidable melee combatant capable of shifting into a dire bear form. This grants him immense strength and ferocity in combat. Equipped with a goblin stick and the best spiked armor, he excels in grappling and dealing damage. With skills like Jump and Iaijutsu Focus, Barebear can surprise opponents with swift, powerful strikes. His feats and abilities such as Shock Trooper and Ki-Frenzy enhance combat effectiveness.
Stat Block Level 20:
Barebear: male, bugbear humanoid 3/sohei 7/bear warrior 10; CR 20; Large humanoid; HD 3d8+21 plus 7d10+49 plus 10d12+70; hp 233; Init +4; Spd 40 ft.; AC 24, touch 11, flat-footed 24; Base Atk +19; Grp +32; Atk goblin stick +27 melee (1d10+9 plus 1d6 bleed) or slam +27 melee (2d6+9); Full Atk goblin stick +27/+22/+17 melee (1d10+9 plus 1d6 bleed) or 2 slams +27 melee (2d6+9); SA Bear Form (Dire), Ki-Frenzy 3/Day, Power Attack; SQ Bear Form (Black and Brown), Rage 1/Day, Scent, Improved Bullrush; AL CE; SV Fort +20, Ref +12, Will +12; Str 28, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 10.
As a bear warrior, Barebear can transform into a dire bear, gaining natural attacks and increased strength. Ki-Frenzy allows for additional attacks per day. Scent and rage increase combat versatility.
Possessions: Goblin Stick, spiked gauntlet, and superior spiked armor.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: Focus on initial combat capabilities with foundational feats such as Improved Initiative and Power Attack. Begin specializing with the goblin stick through Weapon Focus and leverage the animalistic nature with Ki-Frenzy.
Levels 6-10: Enhance the tactical advantage of your Sohei with Deflect Arrows and Leap Attack. Grow physically stronger with additional Ki-Frenzies and unlock advanced combat tactics with Defensive Strike while maintaining resilience.
Levels 11-15: Transform into a deadly Bear Warrior, first gaining the ability to turn into a Black Bear. Progress to a stronger Brown Bear version and increase reactionary capabilities with Combat Reflexes, including strategic gambits like Robilar’s Gambit.
Levels 16-20: Reach the apex of transformation with the formidable Dire Bear form. Maximize combat aggression with feats such as Shock Trooper, bolstering your ability to withstand and deliver destructive blows, ideal for closing battles decisively.
Core Abilities & Features of the Barebear
The Sohei-Barebear build fuses resilience and ferocity, leveraging the Bugbear’s physical prowess and the Sohei’s combat readiness. Central to this build is Bear Warrior, transforming the character into various bear forms, significantly boosting its combat capabilities.
Initially, the Ki Frenzy feature from the Sohei class grants an edge in combat, offering enhancements akin to a barbarian’s rage. This aligns seamlessly with the Bugbear’s innate strength, maximizing early engagement impacts. As levels progress, the ability to transform into a bear heightens unpredictability and raw power.
Complementing this transformation is the judicious selection of feats. Power Attack and Leap Attack optimize damage output, particularly within Ki Frenzy or bear form. Improved Bullrush combined with Shock Trooper represents a tactical advantage, maneuvering enemies across the battlefield with force and precision
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Masterwork Goblin Stick
Provides versatility in combat with reach. Use in combination with Iaijutsu Focus for extra damage.
L1-5
+1 Spiked Armor
Offers enhanced defense and an option for offensive grappling with the retractable spikes.
L6-10
+2 Goblin Stick
Boosts base attack damage. Essential as you start facing tougher opponents.
L6-10
+2 Spiked Armor with Moderate Fortification
Reduces the threat of critical hits, a vital defense as combat difficulty increases.
L11-15
+3 Goblin Stick of Shock
Extra elemental damage that synergizes well with Bear Warrior’s strength and high number of attacks.
L11-15
+3 Spiked Armor with Heavy Fortification
Practically immune to crits, allowing you to bear the brunt of enemy power attacks while in Bear Form.
L16-20
+4 Goblin Stick of Wounding
Inflicts persistent damage per round, excellent for prolonged fights at higher levels.
L16-20
+5 Spiked Armor of Command
Enhances Charisma-based skills and offers a fearsome presence on the battlefield.
Combat Scenarios as a Barebear
Dungeon Crawls:
As Barebear descends into winding caverns, the enclosed spaces emphasize the potency of Bear Form transformations. Enemies are often funneled into narrow passages, amplifying the Bear Form’s ability to dominate multiple attackers in tight quarters. Leverage your spiked armor to grapple foes, using Ki-Frenzy to maintain momentum through consecutive opponents.
Open Fields:
In wide open spaces, the bugbear’s speed becomes a crucial asset. Utilize the Sohei’s Leap Attack and Shock Trooper feats for aggressive charges, closing gaps quickly with powerful strikes. The Bear Form allows for quick adaptation, using scent to track foes who may attempt to evade in the expanse.
Ambushes:
Ambush scenarios play to the strengths provided by Combat Reflexes and Iaijutsu Focus. Swift reactions to surprise ensure Barebear can retaliate against sudden threats, while Bear Form offers enhanced resilience and intimidating presence to counter the initial shock with sheer brute force.
Defensive Stands:
During a defensive stand, leveraging Defensive Strike in tandem with Robilar’s Gambit creates a formidable counter. Barebear can absorb hits and respond with devastating power. Utilize the Sohei’s improved defenses to protect allies, holding ground until the tide can be turned.
Urban Encounters:
Under the urban skyline, agility and strategy meet. The goblin stick grants reach advantages in tight alleyways, and the ability to shift to Bear Form causes chaos among organized groups. Maintain the element of surprise and initiate combat with Deflect Arrow to mitigate unexpected ranged attacks.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Low Intelligence
Equip with a Headband of Intellect (+2 to +6 to Intelligence), enhances related skills like Iaijutsu Focus.
Vulnerability to spells
Carry a Ring of Counterspells to absorb a specific spell.
Limited ranged combat
Use Javelins or similar for a basic ranged option. Consider training in a Bow for more flexibility.
Reliance on Bear Form
Improve Ki-Frenzy abilities for consistent combat proficiency even outside of Bear Form.
Low Charisma
Use Cloak of Charisma to improve any charisma-based skill checks, if interactions are necessary.
Armor slows down movement
Choose lighter spiked armor options or work on increasing Strength to offset speed penalties.
Roleplaying the Barebear
Understanding Barebear’s Essence
Embrace the dichotomy within Barebear, both bugbear and bear warrior. This duality drives his passions and fears, providing rich narrative veins to explore. As a bugbear, you might be perceived with suspicion, leveraging intimidation to navigate social settings. But as a bear, you unleash primal instincts, embodying raw power and a fierce protector spirit.
Unleash the Beast When It Matters
Barebear’s transformation into a dire bear isn’t just a combat move; it’s a storytelling element. Consider the symbolic weight of this change, using it in narrative peaks where emotions ride high. For example, if a beloved NPC is threatened, shifting can signify self-sacrifice and desperation. Lean into the drama, using roars not just for intimidation, but as primal expressions of emotion.
Explore Bugbear Heritage
Embody Barebear’s bugbear traits in quieter moments. Delve into his past, exploring stories of his upbringing and wrestling with his innate aggression. Roleplaying these softer layers can create depth, highlighting moments of internal conflict and growth. Show snippets of a vulnerable side, adding humanity to the brutish exterior and enriching his character arc over the campaign.
FAQ
What makes a Barebear Sohei build unique in combat?
The Barebear Sohei build thrives on its transformative abilities. It’s known for shifting into powerful bear forms, boosting both offensive and defensive capabilities. The combination of the Sohei’s Ki Frenzy and bear transformations results in formidable combat prowess. Whether as a Black Bear or dire bear, this build can adapt to various threats.
Which feats are essential for optimizing the Barebear?
Key feats include Power Attack and Leap Attack to maximize damage. Improved Bull Rush, combined with Shock Trooper, aids in battlefield control. These feats work in synergy with the build’s bear transformations. Ensure early feats like Improved Initiative enhance initial engagements. Selecting Defensive Strike helps in maintaining resilience against strong foes.
How do you counter a Barebear’s weaknesses?
Address low intelligence with a Headband of Intellect for skill enhancement. Use a Ring of Counterspells to guard against magical vulnerabilities. Equip lighter armor to handle movement penalties. Rely on ranged weapons like javelins for distant threats. Improve Ki Frenzy abilities for effective combat outside bear form. A Cloak of Charisma boosts essential charisma-related skill checks.
What are the key milestones in the Barebear’s development?
Levels 1-5 focus on foundational combat and initial specialization. Levels 6-10 enhance tactical advantages, introducing advanced combat techniques. At levels 11-15, transform into bear forms, beginning with Black Bear. Progress to dire bear by levels 16-20, reaching peak transformation. Each stage builds on the last, evolving skills and strategies fully.
Can a Barebear Sohei be integrated into any campaign setting?
Yes, the versatility of the Barebear Sohei allows integration in various settings. Its unique traits and abilities add depth to any narrative. Whether in ancient ruins or vast wilderness, it brings formidable combat capabilities. Enhancing story arcs with its transformation abilities enriches gameplay.
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Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
One of the gladiators was gathering the attention and favor of the crowd rapidly. An unusual participant, a bugbear, armed with a goblin stick and spiked armor, made blood flow in the arena with an extreme expression of violence. That in itself didn’t make him a crowd favorite that day, nor his unusual race being present in a largely human city.
No, what really gave him the crowd’s favor was when a lucky opponent struck him in the eye and threw him to the ground. The bugbear grew angry and shifted into the form of a massive dire bear. The crowd roared in unison with the beast as it massacred everything that moved within sight. Many of the crowd hoped that he would make it to the finals.
Race
Bugbear
Class
Humanoid 3/Sohei 7/Bear Warrior 10 (1 LA buyback)
Ability Scores
Str 20/Dex 16/Con 16/Int 10/Wis 12/Cha 10
Skills
Jump, Iaijutsu Focus
Equipment
Goblin Stick, a spiked gauntlet, the best spiked armor you can afford.
Goal
You’re a bugbear that can shift into an actual bear, how cool is that? You have several combat tools in your backpocket, between a polearm, grappling with spiked armor and did I mention turning into a bear? Yeah, add to that Iaijutsu Focus and you’re a great melee combatant.
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