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Appetite for Destruction: The Barbarian's Handbook (by lordduskblade)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nibelung" data-source="post: 6712009" data-attributes="member: 74499"><p><strong>Originally posted by lordduskblade:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Powers - Epic Tier: Destruction Manifest</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p></p><p>As was the case before, I will be pointing out which powers require having a two-handed weapon, which require having two weapons equipped, and which do not require either.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong><strong>Level 22, Utility</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p>This is your final Utility level, and it's a bit disappointing to be honest: a lot of powers are not all that good, and even the ones that do look good aren't quite slam dunks. I am most partial to <strong>Unexpected Clarity</strong>'s expanded nova options, but <strong>Emboldening Courage</strong> and <strong>Primal Vigor</strong> can be options to consider here as well.</p><p></p><p><strong>Level 22 Utility List</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p><strong>Blood Seeker's Pursuit (PrP)</strong> - Some shifting is always nice, but the conditional targeting and having a conditional THP effect makes it kind of underwhelming considering how late you get it.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #800080">Brutal Payback</span> (PrP)</strong> - Monster criticals just don't happen enough to justify taking this power.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Emboldening Courage</span> (PrP)</strong> - Given that you can and should start your encounters with a charge, this is an excellent advance repositioning tool for you and your party.</p><p></p><p><strong>Last Stand (PHB 2)</strong> - You take 5 damage per turn to stay standing and in the fight. It has its limitations, but any chance to stay in a fight you were supposed to be out of can't be all bad.</p><p></p><p><strong>Primal Instinct (PHB 2)</strong> - If you have to deal with invisible enemies on occasion, you could do worse things than pick up this power.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Primal Vigor</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Some hefty resist all as an immediate interrupt for an entire turn can save your skin. </p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #800080">Raging Resurgence</span> (PrP)</strong> - A plain old Daily healing surge power when you're missed by an attack. Rather unimpressive given the level of Utilities where it's at.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Unexpected Clarity</span> (PrP)</strong> - Turning Rampage from a basic attack to a full-fledged Standard Action is one hell of a benefit to have, even if it is just once per day. A bit unpredictable on when you actually get to use it, but the potential havoc is worth it.</p><p></p><p><strong>Untouched (PHB 2)</strong> - A mass save power is good to have, but the fact that it's a Daily and a Minor action instead of an immediate (so the things you're saving against have to allow actions, and you'll have to suck up at least one turn's worth of effects)</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong><strong>Level 23, Encounter</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p>This is the undisputed low point in the Barbarian's power list: the majority of the powers here are either marginal improvements over previous iterations or just plain not worth taking. If you do want something, I would go for the stun on <strong>Staggering Strike</strong>; otherwise, I would actually stick to the Encounter powers already in your repertoire.</p><p></p><p><strong>Level 23 Encounter List</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Any Weapon:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #800080">Arcing Throw</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - While a Ranged attack from your Melee weapon sounds cool at first glance, you're going to lose some damage from items and the like from this form of attack, and the situations where you're going to have to resort to a Ranged attack are few and far between (and you likely had to address them long before now).<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Berserker's Shout</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - The damage is hefty, and the effect is decent enough in the hands of a Thaneborn. A fairly nice pick.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #800080">Crater Fall</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - This power actually carries less punch than a plain old Howling Strike charge, and knocking prone is something every Epic charge can do for the cost of a feat you should take anyway, so the only thing this power offers is a large push effect and the chance to knock some other people prone too, and that's not enough for me.</p><p></p><p><strong>Cutting the Path (PrP)</strong> - A mass push and prone effect that hits a NAD, some movement, and then you get a decent attack attached at the end. A serviceable choice.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #800080">Fatal Strike</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - A rather average attack for this power list, and a rather niche effect (monsters that can heal are by and large pretty rare). Not my pick.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000">Feral Scythe</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - A plain-damage close burst attack, and not even that much of it. Painfully bad.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #800080">Leaves Before the Wind</span> (PrP)</strong> - The damage takes a cut compared to the competition, and a slide is all you get for it? Nah.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #800080">Rabid Beast</span> (PrP)</strong> - Granting Combat Advantage may be worth it for a good cause, but this power is decidedly not it.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Staggering Strike</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Though it only offers a basic attack's damage, it hits Fortitude and it packs a stun effect, and that does make it look much, much better.</p><p></p><p><strong>This One is Mine! (PrP)</strong> - Rock-solid damage, a damage buff for Ragebloods, and a mark. It also has a (rather weird) bonus to hit that actually conflicts with the Rageblood damage buff. Despite these inconsistencies, this can be a pretty spiffy power.</p><p></p><p><strong>Throw Back the Horde (D 386)</strong> - Only MBA-level damage, but it has a big push effect and it knocks prone. It could be worse.</p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Two-Handed Weapon:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #800080">Mammoth Reach</span> (D 384)</strong> - Again, I say that if you can't knock prone on your attacks normally, you missed the entire point of being a Polearm Barbarian. As such, this doesn't offer much Pressing Strike can't already give you.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Two Weapons:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Berserker's Flurry</span> (PrP)</strong> - A mild damage boost is the only thing that separates this from Slash and Slash Again. While an upgrade is still good, I expected some more punch after 16 levels.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong><strong>Level 25, Daily</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p>A bit of a comeback for the Barbarian power list after two pretty sub-par outings, I favor the increased critical rating of <strong>Stone Tempest Rage</strong>, though other options here can give it a run for its money.</p><p></p><p><strong>Level 25 Daily List</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Any Weapon:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Ash Hammer Rage</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Very hefty damage, and a sizable amount of THP's every time you connect is pretty nice to have.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Blood Hunger Rage (PHB 2)</strong> - Another power with some good punch behind it as well as a daze, plus a conditional bonus to hit. I'm a bit down on it, because there will be a part of the encounter where the effect will do little.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #800080">Blue Dragon Rage</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Low damage for this level of powers, and the crowd punishment effect doesn't really blow me away. Pass on this one.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Circle of Blood Rage</span> (PrP)</strong> - While it's not packing the punch some of the powers here are, it hits in a close burst, and the buff would be better if it weren't limited to At-Wills and Rage Strike. Still nice though.</p><p></p><p><strong>Clawed Ancestor Rage (PrP)</strong> - While you're likely going to have to build yourself around grabbing for this to be a truly good power, the ability to grab as a minor action can be nice, and the autodamage certainly doesn't hurt. A pretty decent power overall.</p><p></p><p><strong>Rage of the Unbridled Beast (PrP)</strong> - The initial attack deals rather low damage (though having an AC debuff helps make up for that), and though the effect can generate additional attacks, you'd have to able to somehow make the enter the square adjacent to you again, which makes this power kind of conditional to having an ally around to help make it work. Serviceable.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Raptor's Eye Rage</span> (PrP)</strong> - You get double rolls on the entry attack (awesome), and you get a do-over on one die of any damage roll you make afterwards. Nice to have.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Stone Tempest Rage</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Big damage, knocks prone, and hands out some increased critical range. I would take that.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong><strong>Level 27, Encounter</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p>This is your final level of Encounter powers, and while there's a lot of powers that look good, there's one that simply runs away with the crown: <strong>Hurricane of Blades</strong> is in the running for the best Striker Encounter power ever, and as such is a can't-miss favorite.</p><p></p><p><strong>Level 27 Encounter List</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Any Weapon:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Blood Wrath</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Some solid damage, it buffs your accuracy for both this attack and whatever it is you do next turn. It looks pretty cool.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Bonebreaker</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - An interrupt attack with a sensitive trigger, good damage, and some extra damage if the opponent was moving more than 1 square away. A pretty neat power.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Butcher's Feast</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Some Daily-esque damage, the promise of more attacks if you are attacked, and an accuracy buff on top. An excellent power, but it's on the same list as Hurricane of Blades.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Crippling Assault</span> (PrP)</strong> - A charge that will actually pack more punch than your Howling Strike, and some vulnerability to all damage attached to make it more worth your while. A pretty good power.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900">Hurricane of Blades</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Four attacks is some hilarious focus-fire power, and getting it every encounter is just the icing. One of the greatest Encounter powers ever made, and as such an automatic addition to your arsenal.</p><p></p><p><strong>Menacing Blow (PrP)</strong> - Decent damage, a penalty to hit, and CA. Respectable, but not at the level of other options here.</p><p></p><p><strong>Nowhere to Run (D 386)</strong> - Unless you have your opponent at the edge of a damaging zone and can thus ping-pong him in and out (which would make it <span style="color: #0000ff"><strong>better</strong></span>), this power doesn't have that much "wow" factor on it.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #800080">Rampaging Dragon Strike</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Two weak attacks with a push, a move, and a slightly meatier hit. Not what I'd be looking for at this level.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #800080">Savage Ancestors Strike</span> (PrP)</strong> - It requires to take a non-negligible amount of damage for its extra effects, which frankly are not that good for this level. Pass.</p><p></p><p><strong>Terrifying Howl (PrP)</strong> - A rather weak attack for this level, and while immobilizing and a bonus to hit are a nice 1-2 effect punch, it's not all that impressive.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Two Weapons:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong>Frenzied Scramble (PrP)</strong> - A bit more punch on the main attack as compared to Whirling Skirmish, but that's it. Not the kind of upgrade I would have been looking for.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 15px"><strong><strong>Level 29, Daily</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p>This is your last level of powers, and it goes out with a bang: the choices here are mostly very competitive. I am partial to <strong>World Serpent Rage</strong> for the overall package of an extremely damaging entry attack combined with an awesome buff, but the others are not that far behind.</p><p></p><p><strong>Level 29 Daily List</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Any Weapon:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong>Ancient Forebears' Rage (PrP)</strong> - Spiffy damage, and it turns 1's and 2's into max damage. Decent.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Crimson Phoenix Rage</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - The entry attack is kind of lame, but the effects are both great: extra damage on your At-Wills (including your by now incredible charges) is sweet, and the ability to heal whenever you get dropped can't be dismissed either. A very good pick.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Rage of Retribution</span> (PrP)</strong> - The initial attack spreads out plenty of damage (a sort-of close burst 5), and the effect hands out even more damage when you get hit yourself, and it can even trigger multiples times per round. A pretty good pick.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Rage of the Primal Beast</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - The initial attack is OK, and an attack bonus is always appreciated, even though it will wane as the fight goes on (but by then you probably need it less anyway).</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #800080">Rage of the Thundering Rhino</span> (PrP)</strong> - The attack is solid but unexceptional, and the effect doesn't even work on At-Will powers. Pass on this one.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Thunderstorm Rage</span> (PrP)</strong> - The initial attack sucks, but the ability to crit-fish and possibly deal extra damage on your attacks certainly doesn't. A pretty nice Rage.</p><p></p><p><strong>Winter Ghost Rage (PHB 2)</strong> - Some nice damage on the entry attack, and being insubstantial while bloodied is a solid durability-oriented benefit.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">World Serpent Rage</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - It has the biggest weapon-based damage of the bunch, it can be used on a charge (so the entry damage is likely going to be gigantic), and it makes your opponent choose between standing front of you and giving you damage bonuses, or attempting to flee and giving you extra attacks. My personal favorite.</p><p>[/sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nibelung, post: 6712009, member: 74499"] [b]Originally posted by lordduskblade:[/b] [b]Powers - Epic Tier: Destruction Manifest [/b] As was the case before, I will be pointing out which powers require having a two-handed weapon, which require having two weapons equipped, and which do not require either. [CENTER][Size=4][b][b]Level 22, Utility[/b][/b][/size][/CENTER] This is your final Utility level, and it's a bit disappointing to be honest: a lot of powers are not all that good, and even the ones that do look good aren't quite slam dunks. I am most partial to [b]Unexpected Clarity[/b]'s expanded nova options, but [b]Emboldening Courage[/b] and [b]Primal Vigor[/b] can be options to consider here as well. [b]Level 22 Utility List[/b] [sblock] [b]Blood Seeker's Pursuit (PrP)[/b] - Some shifting is always nice, but the conditional targeting and having a conditional THP effect makes it kind of underwhelming considering how late you get it. [b][COLOR=#800080]Brutal Payback[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - Monster criticals just don't happen enough to justify taking this power. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Emboldening Courage[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - Given that you can and should start your encounters with a charge, this is an excellent advance repositioning tool for you and your party. [b]Last Stand (PHB 2)[/b] - You take 5 damage per turn to stay standing and in the fight. It has its limitations, but any chance to stay in a fight you were supposed to be out of can't be all bad. [b]Primal Instinct (PHB 2)[/b] - If you have to deal with invisible enemies on occasion, you could do worse things than pick up this power. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Primal Vigor[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Some hefty resist all as an immediate interrupt for an entire turn can save your skin. [b][COLOR=#800080]Raging Resurgence[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - A plain old Daily healing surge power when you're missed by an attack. Rather unimpressive given the level of Utilities where it's at. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Unexpected Clarity[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - Turning Rampage from a basic attack to a full-fledged Standard Action is one hell of a benefit to have, even if it is just once per day. A bit unpredictable on when you actually get to use it, but the potential havoc is worth it. [b]Untouched (PHB 2)[/b] - A mass save power is good to have, but the fact that it's a Daily and a Minor action instead of an immediate (so the things you're saving against have to allow actions, and you'll have to suck up at least one turn's worth of effects) [/sblock] [CENTER][Size=4][b][b]Level 23, Encounter[/b][/b][/size][/CENTER] This is the undisputed low point in the Barbarian's power list: the majority of the powers here are either marginal improvements over previous iterations or just plain not worth taking. If you do want something, I would go for the stun on [b]Staggering Strike[/b]; otherwise, I would actually stick to the Encounter powers already in your repertoire. [b]Level 23 Encounter List[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Any Weapon:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#800080]Arcing Throw[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - While a Ranged attack from your Melee weapon sounds cool at first glance, you're going to lose some damage from items and the like from this form of attack, and the situations where you're going to have to resort to a Ranged attack are few and far between (and you likely had to address them long before now).[b] [COLOR=#0000ff]Berserker's Shout[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - The damage is hefty, and the effect is decent enough in the hands of a Thaneborn. A fairly nice pick.[b] [COLOR=#800080]Crater Fall[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - This power actually carries less punch than a plain old Howling Strike charge, and knocking prone is something every Epic charge can do for the cost of a feat you should take anyway, so the only thing this power offers is a large push effect and the chance to knock some other people prone too, and that's not enough for me. [b]Cutting the Path (PrP)[/b] - A mass push and prone effect that hits a NAD, some movement, and then you get a decent attack attached at the end. A serviceable choice. [b][COLOR=#800080]Fatal Strike[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - A rather average attack for this power list, and a rather niche effect (monsters that can heal are by and large pretty rare). Not my pick. [b][COLOR=#ff0000]Feral Scythe[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - A plain-damage close burst attack, and not even that much of it. Painfully bad. [b][COLOR=#800080]Leaves Before the Wind[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - The damage takes a cut compared to the competition, and a slide is all you get for it? Nah. [b][COLOR=#800080]Rabid Beast[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - Granting Combat Advantage may be worth it for a good cause, but this power is decidedly not it. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Staggering Strike[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Though it only offers a basic attack's damage, it hits Fortitude and it packs a stun effect, and that does make it look much, much better. [b]This One is Mine! (PrP)[/b] - Rock-solid damage, a damage buff for Ragebloods, and a mark. It also has a (rather weird) bonus to hit that actually conflicts with the Rageblood damage buff. Despite these inconsistencies, this can be a pretty spiffy power. [b]Throw Back the Horde (D 386)[/b] - Only MBA-level damage, but it has a big push effect and it knocks prone. It could be worse. [b][/b] [Size=3][b][b]Two-Handed Weapon:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#800080]Mammoth Reach[/COLOR] (D 384)[/b] - Again, I say that if you can't knock prone on your attacks normally, you missed the entire point of being a Polearm Barbarian. As such, this doesn't offer much Pressing Strike can't already give you. [Size=3][b][b]Two Weapons:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Berserker's Flurry[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - A mild damage boost is the only thing that separates this from Slash and Slash Again. While an upgrade is still good, I expected some more punch after 16 levels. [/sblock] [CENTER][Size=4][b][b]Level 25, Daily[/b][/b][/size][/CENTER] A bit of a comeback for the Barbarian power list after two pretty sub-par outings, I favor the increased critical rating of [b]Stone Tempest Rage[/b], though other options here can give it a run for its money. [b]Level 25 Daily List[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Any Weapon:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Ash Hammer Rage[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Very hefty damage, and a sizable amount of THP's every time you connect is pretty nice to have.[b] Blood Hunger Rage (PHB 2)[/b] - Another power with some good punch behind it as well as a daze, plus a conditional bonus to hit. I'm a bit down on it, because there will be a part of the encounter where the effect will do little. [b][COLOR=#800080]Blue Dragon Rage[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Low damage for this level of powers, and the crowd punishment effect doesn't really blow me away. Pass on this one. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Circle of Blood Rage[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - While it's not packing the punch some of the powers here are, it hits in a close burst, and the buff would be better if it weren't limited to At-Wills and Rage Strike. Still nice though. [b]Clawed Ancestor Rage (PrP)[/b] - While you're likely going to have to build yourself around grabbing for this to be a truly good power, the ability to grab as a minor action can be nice, and the autodamage certainly doesn't hurt. A pretty decent power overall. [b]Rage of the Unbridled Beast (PrP)[/b] - The initial attack deals rather low damage (though having an AC debuff helps make up for that), and though the effect can generate additional attacks, you'd have to able to somehow make the enter the square adjacent to you again, which makes this power kind of conditional to having an ally around to help make it work. Serviceable. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Raptor's Eye Rage[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - You get double rolls on the entry attack (awesome), and you get a do-over on one die of any damage roll you make afterwards. Nice to have. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Stone Tempest Rage[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Big damage, knocks prone, and hands out some increased critical range. I would take that. [b][/b][/sblock] [CENTER][Size=4][b][b]Level 27, Encounter[/b][/b][/size][/CENTER] This is your final level of Encounter powers, and while there's a lot of powers that look good, there's one that simply runs away with the crown: [b]Hurricane of Blades[/b] is in the running for the best Striker Encounter power ever, and as such is a can't-miss favorite. [b]Level 27 Encounter List[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Any Weapon:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Blood Wrath[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Some solid damage, it buffs your accuracy for both this attack and whatever it is you do next turn. It looks pretty cool. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Bonebreaker[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - An interrupt attack with a sensitive trigger, good damage, and some extra damage if the opponent was moving more than 1 square away. A pretty neat power. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Butcher's Feast[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Some Daily-esque damage, the promise of more attacks if you are attacked, and an accuracy buff on top. An excellent power, but it's on the same list as Hurricane of Blades. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Crippling Assault[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - A charge that will actually pack more punch than your Howling Strike, and some vulnerability to all damage attached to make it more worth your while. A pretty good power. [b][COLOR=#ff9900]Hurricane of Blades[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Four attacks is some hilarious focus-fire power, and getting it every encounter is just the icing. One of the greatest Encounter powers ever made, and as such an automatic addition to your arsenal. [b]Menacing Blow (PrP)[/b] - Decent damage, a penalty to hit, and CA. Respectable, but not at the level of other options here. [b]Nowhere to Run (D 386)[/b] - Unless you have your opponent at the edge of a damaging zone and can thus ping-pong him in and out (which would make it [COLOR=#0000ff][b]better[/b][/COLOR]), this power doesn't have that much "wow" factor on it. [b][COLOR=#800080]Rampaging Dragon Strike[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Two weak attacks with a push, a move, and a slightly meatier hit. Not what I'd be looking for at this level. [b][COLOR=#800080]Savage Ancestors Strike[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - It requires to take a non-negligible amount of damage for its extra effects, which frankly are not that good for this level. Pass. [b]Terrifying Howl (PrP)[/b] - A rather weak attack for this level, and while immobilizing and a bonus to hit are a nice 1-2 effect punch, it's not all that impressive. [Size=3][b][b]Two Weapons:[/b][/b][/size] [b]Frenzied Scramble (PrP)[/b] - A bit more punch on the main attack as compared to Whirling Skirmish, but that's it. Not the kind of upgrade I would have been looking for.[b] [/b][/sblock] [CENTER][Size=4][b][b]Level 29, Daily[/b][/b][/size][/CENTER] This is your last level of powers, and it goes out with a bang: the choices here are mostly very competitive. I am partial to [b]World Serpent Rage[/b] for the overall package of an extremely damaging entry attack combined with an awesome buff, but the others are not that far behind. [b]Level 29 Daily List[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Any Weapon:[/b][/b][/size] [b]Ancient Forebears' Rage (PrP)[/b] - Spiffy damage, and it turns 1's and 2's into max damage. Decent. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Crimson Phoenix Rage[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - The entry attack is kind of lame, but the effects are both great: extra damage on your At-Wills (including your by now incredible charges) is sweet, and the ability to heal whenever you get dropped can't be dismissed either. A very good pick. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Rage of Retribution[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - The initial attack spreads out plenty of damage (a sort-of close burst 5), and the effect hands out even more damage when you get hit yourself, and it can even trigger multiples times per round. A pretty good pick. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Rage of the Primal Beast[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - The initial attack is OK, and an attack bonus is always appreciated, even though it will wane as the fight goes on (but by then you probably need it less anyway). [b][COLOR=#800080]Rage of the Thundering Rhino[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - The attack is solid but unexceptional, and the effect doesn't even work on At-Will powers. Pass on this one. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Thunderstorm Rage[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - The initial attack sucks, but the ability to crit-fish and possibly deal extra damage on your attacks certainly doesn't. A pretty nice Rage. [b]Winter Ghost Rage (PHB 2)[/b] - Some nice damage on the entry attack, and being insubstantial while bloodied is a solid durability-oriented benefit. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]World Serpent Rage[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - It has the biggest weapon-based damage of the bunch, it can be used on a charge (so the entry damage is likely going to be gigantic), and it makes your opponent choose between standing front of you and giving you damage bonuses, or attempting to flee and giving you extra attacks. My personal favorite. [/sblock] [/QUOTE]
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Appetite for Destruction: The Barbarian's Handbook (by lordduskblade)
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