Barbarians are instinctual warriors, less interested in theory than practice. This is expressed through their Rage, a state of primal power that lets them withstand attacks that would normally cleave a person in two. Not all barbarians become overcome with actual anger during their rage, some instead channel the wrath of animals, the gods, or some other source of power.
Subclasses
Barbarians follow different paths to enhancing their prowess through their rage. They rarely receive regimented training, instead letting their inner compass guide them.
Path of the Berserker
Berserkers are fearsome warriors, who will let their unbridled anger carry them through a fight. They deliver flurries of overpowering attacks that can bring even the largest enemy to its knees. Some berserkers use narcotic compounds to bring on their rage, which can have long term effects on their psyche.
Path of the Wild Heart
The Wild Heart invites animal spirits to overtake them when they are raging, becoming as ferocious as the great hunters of the forest. Some of these barbarians believe they are being inhabited by the great spirits, others go on ritual hunts to collect powerful spirits to embody.
Path of the World Tree
Barbarians who learn to manifest branches of the Yggdrasil to aid them have a deep primal connection to the World Tree itself. This is a very rare path to walk, most common among wood elves and others with a deep link to the ancient wilds.
Path of the Zealot
For some barbarians, the thrill of combat can merge into religious ecstasy. They offer up their bodies as vessels for a divine force, often in service of a god of War, such as Tyr or Odin. Some zealots say they gained their powers after they fell in combat and were given a choice: return and serve, or fade into oblivion.
Ideals
- Instinct: I trust my first read on any situation. (Any)
- Family: I would do anything for my family or clan. (Good)
- Might: Only the strong have the right to rule over the weak. (Evil)
- Nature: The wilderness provides for us, but we must not take more than we are allowed. (Neutral)
- Honor: I would rather die than fight dishonorably. (Lawful)
- Emotion: I do not hide my emotions, and I dont think others should either. (Chaotic)
Backstory Questions
- How does your Rage manifest?
- When was the first time you were overcome with Rage?
Barbarians of the Past
Mulgi the Thunderer
(dwarf, LN, 211-382): The first wielder of Runewarden, and ancestor of the Grungiburgi clan on Cottenhorn. Mulgi was a mighty warrior and a wise leader who led his clan through the Demonic Wars of the early Empire.
Temius Forian Regon
(human, LE, 1152-1187): General of the Fifth Legion of Tec. A fierce yet honorable combatant, he led his Legion from the front lines. Even his enemies could not deny he was a great commander and leader of men. During the Northern Revolt in the waning days of the Empire, he was the highest ranking Teccan officer on Estia. He was killed in actoin during the Siege of Greystone in 1187, when Gideon Dawnstar attacked the city from the sea after defeating the Imperial navy at the Battle of Maeral.
Reginax the Unbeaten
(dragonborn, NE, 1310-1347): The gladiator with the longest undefeated streak ever in the Greystone Arena. Reginax was a ferocious red dragonborn who dominated all his opponents with his strength and reflexes. In his one-hundreth match, his opponent cheated by bringing poisoned weapons, and Reginax was slain. His 99-1 record remains unbeaten, with no one even coming close. Reginax was buried on the Arena grounds, and his weapon of choice, a massive greatsword with jagged edges, still hangs over the gates of the arena to this day.