What do bugbears sound like?

[killem2]

I'm curious has this ever been described about them?

[Coidzor]

I can't recall where I'd read it or encountered it, but it seemed like they're supposed to have lower voices, either gruff or raspy or both? :smallconfused:

[bjoern]

When in doubt, just make them say their name in differing volumes and inflections.
Just like the people from derka-derkastan.

[Duke of Urrel]

Well, bugbears are goblinoids that speak Goblinish, but I suppose their voices are deeper, louder, and more growly.

I wouldn't suggest a voice that imitates either bugs or bears. The name "bugbear" probably has nothing to do with either bugs or bears. I believe it is related to words like boggart, bugaboo, bog(e)yman, boogeyman, and the Seventies vintage "boogie-man." Though part of this etymology may be … bogus.

[nedz]

They're supposed to be very quiet — so sinister whispers perhaps ?

[Optimator]

I would say gruff, sly, and surprisingly refined--no Int penalty.

[Psyren]

They're basically the bullies of the goblin world, so I play them like Moe from Calvin & Hobbes, or Jimbo/Nelson from the Simpsons.

[Droningbass]

Because of the bestial/savage nature of these creatures, I always imagine that their speech patterns involve some animal-like qualities.

I usually have them growl and hiss a bit instead of using placeholders (like "umm," "huh," etc). Growls could also be effective reactions for Bugbears.

Because they are such large/tall creatures, it is probably worth assuming that they have a deeper voice than most people.

Although I don't know much about fantasy languages, I've always sort of assumed that Goblin would be a harsh and guttural sounding tongue. I think that it would be worth adding some guttural sounds to a Bugbear's speech. This could include sounds like: hard "CH/K" sounds, drawn out "L" sounds, rolled "R" sounds, slow "S" sounds, and deeper/open vowel sounds.

It is also worth considering that most Bugbears would speak Common as a second language, so they might take a little bit of time when selecting words and speaking.

Cool question! I hope that this is a help!

[Coidzor]

I would say gruff, sly, and surprisingly refined--no Int penalty.

Heck, the only goblinoid variety with an Int penalty that I'm aware of are Varags. :smallconfused:

[Red Fel]

I hear quiet, gravelly, angry, but intelligent, so... Ron Perlman?

Ron Perlman as Vincent?

Ron Perlman as Hellboy?

Ron Perlman... as Ron Perlman?

[Coidzor]

I hear quiet, gravelly, angry, but intelligent, so... Ron Perlman?

Ron Perlman as Vincent?

Ron Perlman as Hellboy?

Ron Perlman... as Ron Perlman?

Gobbotopia... Gobbotopia never changes...

[Optimator]

Gobbotopia... Gobbotopia never changes...

This made my day. Thanks!

[Angelalex242]

Whatever silly voice the GM feels like making that day.

That's what bugbears sound like.

[Coidzor]

This made my day. Thanks!

*tips fedora* Miiiiiiiiiiiiillllaaaaaaaa-errr-ooooooooooorrrrrddd. :smallcool:

Though actually I think there's probably something better that could go there instead of Gobbotopia, but I can't remember it, still. x.x


Whatever silly voice the GM feels like making that day.

That's what bugbears sound like.

Isn't that gnomes? :smallconfused:

[Ser Charles]

I'm not sure about the voice but they must honk if you jab them on the nose, right?

[Ravens_cry]

A guttural, barely intelligible rumble that seems to whisper from the shadows, as much felt as heard.

[sideswipe]

i like to think that all monsters encountered speak only their name, like pokemon. and bugbear would be quite gruff and low. though i would never actually dm this way. when they are npc's or players then they talk.

[Yuki Akuma]

I'd assume low and quiet. The sort of voice that doesn't need to shout to be intimidating. Probably broken Common and Undercommon, but perfectly fluent Goblin.

[Crimson Wolf]

Whatever Al-Gore says they sound like of course!

[sideswipe]

Whatever Al-Gore says they sound like of course!

where is the damn like button!

[Mauve Shirt]

If my DM has it right, Bugbears sound like Dr. Girlfriend from The Venture Brothers.

[Coidzor]

I'm not sure about the voice but they must honk if you jab them on the nose, right?

Err... I don't get that reference. :smallconfused:


If my DM has it right, Bugbears sound like Dr. Girlfriend from The Venture Brothers.

Heh. Exactly.

[deuxhero]

There may be a bug bear or two in Troika's Temple of Elemental Evil with voiced lines, but I can't remember for sure.