Couple that with Persistent Rage gained at level 15 and it shouldn't matter how many death saves you fail, you remain conscious at 0 hp and only need to heal 1 hit point before you choose to end your rage to avoid death. So yes, a level 15 Zealot Barbarian is effectively immortal (massive damage, death from old age or stupidity not withstanding).Rage Beyond Death said:
D&D 5E High Level Zealot Barbarians Immortal?
So, this is basically another Arch-Moon-Druid issue, where you need a spell to put someone under instead of killing them through hp damage. Doable at this level, though something to keep in mind when encounter building, which is annoying admittedly. But its worth noting that a simple Sleep spell at this point (or Eyebite, or similar) will knock a barbarian out of rage and kill it at this level.
Or just kill the rest of the group? Party wipe with one survivor is pretty much end game anyways, usually.
Barbarians are good at being tanks. Its kind of their thing. So, instead of doing a face-forwards pure damage brawl (which is going to be difficult in the first place), you'll need a bit more tactics.
Or just kill the rest of the group? Party wipe with one survivor is pretty much end game anyways, usually.
Barbarians are good at being tanks. Its kind of their thing. So, instead of doing a face-forwards pure damage brawl (which is going to be difficult in the first place), you'll need a bit more tactics.
Blue
Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal
Except that HPs are not the only, or even most common, arbiter of death. Death saves are. So if you hit three failed death saves you're still dead. Immediately. Regardless if you were conscious or not at that time.
Frankie1969
Adventurer
Wait, wait! This thread is all based on a misunderstanding.
Persistent Rage
Beginning at 15th level, your rage is so fierce that it ends early only if you fall unconscious or if you choose to end it.
Emphasis added. The original 1 minute time limit on Rage still applies. Persistent only removes the "if you don't attack or take damage" part.
Persistent Rage
Beginning at 15th level, your rage is so fierce that it ends early only if you fall unconscious or if you choose to end it.
Emphasis added. The original 1 minute time limit on Rage still applies. Persistent only removes the "if you don't attack or take damage" part.
Irda Ranger
First Post
Yes, it does, because if you fail three death saves your Condition is no longer "unconscious". It's "dead".
Caliburn101
Explorer
Zealot Barbarian with a pocket full of Goodberries... lol
Please reread the rules I quoted: "if you would die due to failing death saving throws, you don’t die until your rage ends, and you die then only if you still have 0 hit points." This specific rule overrides the general rule for death saves but only for a level 14+ Zealot Barbarian.
Using this feature a level 14 Zealot Barbarian can go to 0 hit points, fail three death saves and still be conscious and alive until their rage ends. If they receive healing so that they have >0 hit points when their rage ends then they are still alive and avoid death.
G
Guest 6801328
Guest
So, to summarize...
Normal people who hit zero hit points have to either a) pass three Death saving throws or b) receive healing before failing three Death saving throws.
Barbarians may have a grace period of a few extra rounds in case b), depending on how long ago they started their rage, to receive healing.
Zealot barbarians have an additional advantage that they can keep their rage going even if they are not taking damage or attacking.
Normal people who hit zero hit points have to either a) pass three Death saving throws or b) receive healing before failing three Death saving throws.
Barbarians may have a grace period of a few extra rounds in case b), depending on how long ago they started their rage, to receive healing.
Zealot barbarians have an additional advantage that they can keep their rage going even if they are not taking damage or attacking.
The ability in question specifically says "However, if you would die due to failing death saving throws, you don’t die until your rage ends, and you die then only if you still have 0 hit points."
You can't die until your Rages are used up, or you're knocked unconscious by other means.
And this is also true. You have, at most, 10 rounds before you die without healing magic. Strong, yes. Unbeatable? Not usually. The enemy has to take out the healer first, but then? When is that NOT a good tactic for anyone who knows what healers are?
Blue
Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal
You are correct, I messed up in reading that. Thanks for the correction.
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