Do I recall correctly that the bugbears outside of Hunters drop brig helm designs too? I seem to remember getting them their a couple months back.
Yeah, they do. They drop Brig Shield mats also. I've gotten a few out there, but more Shield Fragments than Helm Designs.
I'd recommend them over the Lizards, since they're a good bit weaker, and the drop rate is about the same. No group/Chain Aggro on the bugbears, either.
Even better yet, don't go brig, esspecially if you are a new player. Buy the mithril heavy set and slap on the the shield (Hoplong or something it is called) for the set for ++HP. You can buy everything for this set at the giran store for a fraction of the cost of a brig helm and the woes of crafting it. You may even be more lucky and find it cheaper than NPC cost in a private store, just don't forget that some ppl charge more than NPC store...so be careful! ;)
Oh yea and you won't look like 99% of every pre lvl 40 heavy armor user.
The BugBears just outside of HV are what I have hunted to lvl my wolf. So far the wolf has gotten me 1 full brig helm drop, enough mats to craft at least three.. and another one almost ready. Not to mention several kite shields and several brig shields. Wolf power.
This is a GREAT point. And, Yes, it's a hoplon shield that completes the set. I had this as my first heavy D outfit (still have it in WH).
Not too far below Brig and if you spend the money and time you save on getting a good weapon you can handle what you need to as far as mobs are concerned.
I've come to believe Brig is best heavy D--but Mithril Heavy set is pretty close, cheaper, and as you mentioned able to be purchased outright with noone's help!