I was inspired by the miniature I own titled Bogle that I still have from the original Monsters Manuscript series 1 miniatures released by Grenadier. When my daughter and I were creating an adventure featuring this fiend, I noticed I could not find it in any of the other books and it did not resemble any creatures I could find in any monster manuals. So I did a bunch of digging, located the original text, and even was able to contact the artist John Dennett who sculpted the mini, to research more about this creature. Below is my DnD 5E port of the same monster which incorporates some characteristics of bugbears, winged goblins, and sea hags, plus some of the original AD&D flair.
- minature sculpted by John Dennett released by Grenadier Model #MM-7, painted by Dave Strand.
Bogle Medium humanoid (goblinoid), chaotic-evil |
Armor Class 14 (hide armor, shield) Hit Points 27 (5d8 + 5) Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft. |
STR15 (+2) DEX10 (+0) CON16 (+3) INT8 (-1) WIS14 (+2) CHA6 (-2) |
Saving Throws Con +3, Int -1, Wis +2 Skills Athletics +6 Senses Passive Perception 12, Darkvision 60 ft. Languages Common, Goblin Challenge 1 (200 XP) |
Horrifying Appearance. Horrific Appearance: Any Humanoid that starts its turn within 30 feet of the bogle and can see the bogle must make a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is Frightened for 1 hour. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, with disadvantage if the bogle is within line of sight, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the bogle’s Horrific Appearance for the next 1 hour. Unless the target is surprised, the target can avert its eyes and avoid making the initial saving throw. Until the start of its next turn, a creature that averts its eyes has disadvantage on Attack rolls against the bogle. Winged Escape. The bogle can take the disengage action as a bonus action on each of its turns. |
ACTIONS |
Club. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage Claw or Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (2d6 + 2) piercing damage |
Description:
“Bogles are bestial fur-covered goblinoids with batlike wings and wild saucer eyes. They are the result of goblin priesthood’s attempts to create a superior breed of goblin. What they got was a peculiar strain of mischievous, furred imps with a penchant for unchecked mayhem and absolutely no desire for conquest. It was not long before the bogles proved to be a genuine threat to the goblin kingdoms. To preserve the already haphazard state of goblin civilization, the bogles were driven from the goblin caves and loosed upon an unsuspecting world to wreak havoc in their own inimitable fashion.
These horrifying creatures have made a never ending game out of terror. During the daylight hours bogles hide from the sun in caves and abandoned dwellings. Night, however is the bogle’s domain.
Bogles are despised by virtually every other race. They hold a deep-seated enmity for their parent race, the goblins, and will go out of their way to attack them. Evil wizards sometimes form unholy alliances with bogles and use them to further their own diabolical aims.”
– description based on the original text from the D&D Monster Manuscript series via Grenadier Models circa 1986.
“You see a frightful monstrosity, a broad furry chest, fleshy wings and snarling toothy face of a giant bat. The legs, devoid of fur bend backward ending in fierce talons like that of a giant bird or dinosaur. It tilts its head, fixing you a sickening smile, sizing up its new plaything with its yellowish eyes. “
– Dave Strand