Class APS - Martial Barbarian

[malcolm_n]

Design Goal: Create an alternative power source option for each source/class combination. These will maintain the feel of the original class while giving them an exotic appeal with a few changed abilities/features. Each class gives tips and suggestions on how to make the character feel more like the alternate power source without sacrificing (too much) power. Take the psionic barbarian, for example. It suggests that the barbarian character wield a staff to take advantage of it as an implement with the provided powers (which also allow other weapons at a cost). A staff is not usually an optimal weapon for a barbarian, but it functions as one just fine. With the option, you can also use it to greater effect as an implement, which ties in nicely if you multiclass into something like monk, or even wizard.

Why?: Better story tie-ins for some characters. Alternate Power Sources allows better blending into multiclass or hybrid. Alternatively, it gives the character a way to act like a class of a different power source without actually multiclassing/using hybrid.

Rules Clarification: The only way to gain the features/powers explained are half-elf Dilletante or choose the alternate power source class. The class features and traits are balanced against each other. Ultimately, such classes will have their own hybrid and multiclass options which would open up the original class powers while granting the reflavored power/feature.
Example: Because you are still a barbarian, you cannot multiclass into martial barbarian to get the weakened Weapon Talent class feature. Similarly a hybrid barbarian cannot also hybrid martial barbarian or choose martial barbarian armor proficiency as a hybrid talent option.

BARBARIAN, MARTIAL
You are a member of an elite group of warriors; trained by the city to enter the dangerous wilds beyond and lash out with frightful power.

MODIFIED CLASS TRAITS

Replace the appropriate text from the Barbarian Class Traits in the PH2 with the following.

MODIFIED CLASS TRAITS
Power Source: Martial. You are a soldier who lives in two worlds. Your wild, usually untamed power has been harnessed by extensive training and skirmish exercises. You are better able to fight longer and keep the beast within for just the right occasion.

Armor Training: Cloth, leather, hide, chainmail; light shield
Weapon Proficiencies: Simple melee, military melee, simple ranged, military ranged
Bonus to Defenses: +2 Fortitude

Hit Points at 1st level: 12 + Constitution score
Hit Points per Level Gained: 5
Healing Surges per Day: 7 + Constitution modifier

Class Features: Barbarian Weapon Talent, Feral Might, rage strike, Rampage

MARTIAL BARBARIAN CLASS FEATURES

As a martial barbarian, you have trained your emotions and are able to better channel your rage in a fight, rather than let it get the better of you. This focus gives you better control over weapons and training in heavier armor, but you lose out on your natural agility and tougher exterior for it.
Barbarian Weapon Talent
When a barbarian attack power requires that you wield a two-handed weapon, you can wield a one-handed weapon instead.
When you wield a one-handed weapon that does not have the off-hand property, your weapon damage die increases by one size. When you wield a two-handed weapon, you gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls. A versatile weapon can count for either benefit, dependant upon how you wield it.

MARTIAL BARBARIAN POWERS

The martial barbarian has access to all barbarian powers. You can also choose the following powers which give you a more distinct identity as a martial class. Unlike your primal counterparts, you will find you have more tricks up your sleeve. To play on your more combative nature, choose powers which interact well in tandem with each other or your allies’.

Thrashing Strike Martial Barbarian Attack 1
You leave yourself open to dedicate your whole body to the attack.
At-will * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength + 2 vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Strength modifier damage.
Weapon: If you’re wielding a one-handed weapon, add your Charisma modifier to the damage. If you’re wielding a two-handed weapon, add your Constitution modifier to the damage.
Effect: You grant combat advantage to the target until the start of your next turn.

Soldier’s Fury Martial Barbarian Attack 1
Your training has readied you to fight bravely and more fiercely than the common fighter.
Daily * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 2[W] + Strength modifier damage.
Effect: You enter the rage of the barbaric soldier. Until the rage ends, you gain a +2 power bonus to attack rolls and a +4 power bonus to damage rolls against the target.

Protected Flank Martial Barbarian Utility 2
You goad your enemy into a good position before protecting yourself again.
Encounter * Martial
Immediate Interrupt Personal
Trigger: An enemy attacks you and has combat advantage against you
Effect: Cancel the combat advantage you were about to grant the attacker.

Improved Soldier’s Fury Martial Barbarian Attack 15
Your training has readied you to fight bravely and more fiercely than the common fighter.
Daily * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 4[W] + Strength modifier damage.
Effect: You enter the rage of the barbaric soldier. Until the rage ends, you gain a +2 power bonus to attack rolls and a +4 power bonus to damage rolls against the target. When you reduce your current target to 0 hit points, you can choose a new target for your rage as a free action.

Greater Soldier’s Fury Martial Barbarian Attack 29
Your training has readied you to fight bravely and more fiercely than the common fighter.
Daily * Martial, Weapon
Standard Action Melee weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Strength vs. AC
Hit: 6[W] + Strength modifier damage.
Effect: You enter the rage of the barbaric soldier. Until the rage ends, you gain a +2 power bonus to attack rolls and a +4 power bonus to damage rolls against the target. When you reduce your current target to 0 hit points, you can choose a new target for your rage as a free action.

As always, I appreciate any thoughts/feelings on these. I'll post another one tomorrow after I finish formatting. Gonna work through each available power source/class, so I'll finish out barbarians first, unless I get a request for something else sooner.

Here is The Arcane Barbarian, The Psionic Barbarian and The Divine Barbarian, more alternate power source options.