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Appetite for Destruction: The Barbarian's Handbook (by lordduskblade)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nibelung" data-source="post: 6712012" data-attributes="member: 74499"><p><strong>Originally posted by lordduskblade:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Recommended Feats: Preparing for Destruction</strong></p><p></p><p>The emphasis here is on 'recommended' feats: I won't be talking about feats that are rated lower than <strong>Black</strong>, because they're likely just not a good idea for your character or an outright trap. Overall, you have certain priorities when it comes to feats, which are described as follows:</p><p></p><p><strong>1. Accuracy bonuses</strong> - A Barbarian's attacks are dealing a lot of damage pretty much by default; a bigger priority for you is making sure those attacks actually get to connect, especially considering you don't have a native accuracy-boosting feature and you usually only get one shot at landing them.</p><p></p><p><strong>2. Damage bonuses</strong> - While Barbarian attacks are pretty damaging already, it never hurts to pack more punch on your hits, you being a Striker and all.</p><p></p><p><strong>3. Mobility enhancements</strong> - One of the best ways to accomplish the above two priorities is by charge optimization, since there are items to enhance accuracy and damage for chargers. Throw in some mobility to generate the necessary space to charge early and often, and you have yourself a character.</p><p></p><p><strong>4. Defense bonuses</strong> - While Barbarian Agility combined with raising Strength and Dexterity aggressively should cover the majority of your defenses nicely by default, some investment in making yourself tougher to hit is certainly not a waste of time, especially on the non-AC defenses side.</p><p></p><p><strong>5. Miscellaneous</strong> - After those basic tenets are covered, you pretty much have free rein with any feat slots you may have left over. I personally prefer to optimize initiative (and thus get my blows in faster) or power recovery (to get another go at using good powers) of, if you have the room, both.</p><p></p><p><strong>Class Feats</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Brutal Reach</span> (D 384)</strong> - Reach weapons aren't usually known for their mindblowing stats, so anything that gives them a little more bite is appreciated.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Deadly Rage</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Extra damage while raging is a very welcome dose of extra punch on a Barbarian.</p><p></p><p><strong>Hide Armor Expertise (PrP)</strong> - After the errata, this feat is <span style="color: #ff0000"><strong>worthless</strong></span> for most Barbarians, but any Barbarians that decides to go light on the Dexterity, yet still wants to stay in Hide Armor might want this. That said, I highly recommend you don't take this route, at least not for long.</p><p></p><p><strong>Hurl Weapon (PrP)</strong> - It turns any off-hand weapon throwable, which can be decent for the right Whirler.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Improved Rageblood Vigor</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Substantially increases the amount of THP you get on a kill. Can be pretty sweet, especially early on in your career.</p><p></p><p><strong>Improved Roar of Triumph (PHB 2)</strong> - Extra range and a bit of damage buffing on your Roar of Triumph. Pretty decent.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Reckless Charge</span> (PrP)</strong> - A bonus to hit while charging is good enough to take the -2 to AC that comes with it in stride, especially when magic items exist to make that disadvantage disappear.</p><p></p><p><strong>Swift Slayer (PrP)</strong> - A decent mobility upgrade to your mobility power on a kill.</p><p></p><p><strong>Thaneborn Fury (D 386)</strong> - A penalty to hit on anyone unlucky enough to get crunched by your Rampage attack. Decent enough.</p><p></p><p><strong>Thunderborn Rage (PrP)</strong> - Some decent extra damage when you bloodied an enemy.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Paragon Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong>Bloodthirsty Visage (D 386)</strong> - Obviously useful if you pack a lot of fear powers, but those have their own set of issues as well (such as creatures being immune to their effects). That said, the maximum amount of awesome it can provide is limited since it's a feat bonus. It can stil be good on the right Barbarian though.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Charging Rampage</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - A sweet feat that gives range to your Rampage attack (particularly useful if you happen to kill your target before Rampage actually got to do anything).<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Echoing Roar</span> (D 386)</strong> - Getting your class feature power back after you use your second wind is pretty neat.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Explosive Rage Strike (PrP)</strong> - Turns your Rage Strike into a Close Burst. Can be useful.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Rageblood Recovery</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Free healing when you use your Swift Charge? Sounds like a good deal to me.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Thaneborn Advance</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Repositioning when you drop someone can get you in someone's face quick or set you up for a charge, and either is awesome.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Thunderous Cry</span> (PrP)</strong> - Mass combat advantage is a pretty neat benefit to have.</p><p></p><p><strong>Violent Reminder (PrP)</strong> - A sizable bonus to your next damage roll after a kill. Nice, if you have some room to spare.</p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Epic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Enduring Rage</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Ragebloods can grab this feat and be very hard to bring down.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Overpowering Charge</span> (PrP)</strong> - Knocking prone on every charge? An excellent upgrade to your capabilities.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Primal Resurgence</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Recovering a Rage when you get bloodied is an excellent ability to have.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Second Skin</span> (PrP)</strong> - A superior version of Armor Specialization (Hide) is some quality AC. Requires a fair bit of Con, though most builds should go ahead and make the investment in order to get it.</p><p></p><p><strong>Slayer's Shift (PrP)</strong> - Repositioning when you bloody or kill is decent.</p><p></p><p><strong>Thaneborn Conqueror (PHB 2)</strong> - A damage debuff on your class power. Solid.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>General Feats</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong>Armor Proficiency (PHB)</strong> - While I am more partial to the Hide-wearing Barbarian, you're probably going to need this feat to maintain Melee-worthy AC if you insist on favoring Constitution or Charisma over Dexterity.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900">Axe Expertise</span> (HotFL)</strong> - A scaling bonus to hit, as well as a way to mitigate that disappointing 1 on those big weapon damage dice.</p><p></p><p><strong>Blindfighting Warrior (HotFK)</strong> - The ability to ignore penalties for being unable to see your target while attacking can come in handy.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Cunning Stalker</span> (HotFK)</strong> - An alternate method of getting combat advantage that can come in handy if you're focusing on charging targets that are far away from the rest of your party.</p><p></p><p><strong>Great Fortitude/Iron Will/Lightning Reflexes (PHB)</strong> - A feat bonus for one NAD, that scales with tier. Good... if you can afford them.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Hafted Defense</span> (PHB 3)</strong> - Some more AC for Polearm wielders. Nice.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Headsman's Chop</span> (PHB 3)</strong> - A pretty neat way to take advantage of the fact that prone is actually a pretty common status condition on your list.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900">Heavy Blade Expertise</span> (HotFL)</strong> - Great attack bonus scaling, and a bonus to OA's as some icing.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Improved Defenses</span> (HotFL)</strong> - A nice, scaling bonus to your NAD's. Something that I highly recommend you grab.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Improved Initiative</span> (PHB)</strong> - Going first is nice for you, since front-loading your offense can help you take enemies off the board quickly.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900">Light Blade Expertise</span> (HotFL)</strong> - A scaling accuracy bonus, and some extra damage if you have CA. Excellent.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900">Master at Arms</span> (HotFL)</strong> - A +1 to hit per tier increases your base competence by a lot, and action economy on your drawing isn't half bad either.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Nimble Blade</span> (PHB)</strong> - A Whirler employing a Light Blade (such as a Spiked Chain with Spiked Chain Training) that finds obtaining CA easy will likely want this feat.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Powerful Charge</span> (PHB)</strong> - If you have the feat to spare, +2 to damage for your favorite kind of attack action is pretty darn sweet.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Resilient Focus</span> (HotFL)</strong> - +2 to all saving throws can be pretty useful.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Silvery Glow</span> (D 386)</strong> - While it makes you worship a specific Deity and is worthless without Permafrost, this actually provides a little extra damage over Weapon Focus, which is excellent to have.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900">Spear Expertise</span> (HotFL)</strong> - A scaling bonus to attack rolls, as well as charging damage. Especially nice for a Barbarian.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Spring Step</span> (PHB 3)</strong> - A good answer to when you get knocked prone.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Superior Fortitude</span> (HotFL)</strong> - A scaling bonus to Fortitude, and it throws in some resist all against ongoing damage as a bonus. That's pretty sweet.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Superior Reflexes</span> (HotFL)</strong> - Gets you free combat advantage on the first turn of every fight, as well as a scaling bonus to Reflex, which is great, considering that your preferred tactic is to rush right in.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Superior Will</span> (HotFL)</strong> - A big bonus to Will, and a better chance to shake off dazing and stunning. This one if tempting even if you're patching your NADs with Improved Defenses.</p><p></p><p><strong>Timely Respite (PHB 2)</strong> - A save when you second wind is pretty solid, <span style="color: #0000ff"><strong>especially</strong></span> for a Dwarf.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Toughness (PHB)</strong> - Extra HP can be welcome, if you have the room.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Two-Weapon Defense</span> (PHB)</strong> - +1 to AC and Reflex for a feat is pretty neat.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Two-Weapon Fighting</span> (PHB)</strong> - A nice damage bonus, and it opens the door for some other cool feats if you're a Whirler.</p><p></p><p><strong>Vicious Advantage (PHB 3)</strong> - Expanding your ability to get CA is hardly bad.</p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Weapon Focus</span> (PHB)</strong> - A damage bonus, which is gold for a Striker like you.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Weapon Proficiency</span> (PHB)</strong> - You have a pretty good array of weapons right out of the box, but picking up more raw stats is great for some extra damage, especially considering how big a role weapon damage dice usually plays in your attacks.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Wintertouched (PHB)</strong> - Not much good by itself, but it and Lasting Frost combine to make some nice things happen.</p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Paragon Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Agile Opportunist</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - It requires a bit of setup and party cooperation, but a way to make extra attacks can be nice to have.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Armor Specialization</span> (PHB)</strong> - More AC for you is pretty sweet.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Critical Targeting</span> (D 387)</strong> - A neat encounter-long bonus to damage on a crit. Pretty cool.</p><p></p><p><strong>Danger Sense (PHB)</strong> - If you have the room, this will save you from any bad initiative rolls you might make.</p><p></p><p><strong>Deadly Axe (PHB)</strong> - If you're wielding an Axe that doesn't have high crit already (like a Gouge or a Halberd), this can be a solid damage pump feat sometime in Epic.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Heavy Blade Opportunity</span> (PHB)</strong> - If you're rocking a Heavy Blade, getting some extra punch on OA's is a nice thing to have for a feat. It's <span style="color: #00ccff"><strong>better</strong></span> if you're a Polearm Barbarian with a Glaive.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Lasting Frost</span> (PHB)</strong> - Combine this with Wintertouched and a way to get the Cold keyword for some pretty sizable benefits (like combat advantage and +5 damage via the vulnerability). Cold resistance can be a hurdle, but it can be overcome.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Polearm Gamble</span> (PHB)</strong> - While this feat requires a bit of investment in your ability scores, anything that can net you extra attacks is sweet for a Polearm Barbarian.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Reserve Maneuver</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - This can allow you to swap a lackluster PP Encounter power for something cool from your own list, which is a nice ability to have.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Unfailing Courage</span> (D 377)</strong> - Healing on an Action Point is a great thing to have.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Epic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900">Axe/Bludgeon/Flail/Heavy Blade/Light Blade/Pick/Spear Mastery</span> (PHB)</strong> - Whatever weapon you're wielding, you want improved criticals with it. Any chance to get a critical and its attendant damage boost is awesome.</p><p></p><p><strong>Blind-Fight (PHB)</strong> - Dealing with invisible enemies is plenty easier for you with this feat.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Cleaving Axe</span> (PHB 3)</strong> - Basic attacks on a kill? Sure.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Epic Fortitude/Epic Reflexes/Epic Will</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Whether you're shoring up a weak defense or reinforcing a strong one, these feats can provide quite a defensive boost.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Epic Resurgence</span> (PHB)</strong> - Recovering your Encounter power on a critical is a good thing to have.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Long Step</span> (PHB 3)</strong> - This feat makes the space necessary for charging a hell of a lot easier, no magic items required.</p><p></p><p><strong>Rapid Regeneration (PHB 3)</strong> - If your Constitution is solid and you have a decent suite of powers that allow you to regenerate, this is a pickup to consider.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Superior Initiative</span> (PHB 3)</strong> - A huge initiative bonus you would do very well to retrain Improved Initiative into.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Triumphant Attack</span> (PHB)</strong> - Encounter-long debuffs on a critical is a very cool thing for you.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Unfettered Stride</span> (PHB)</strong> - It requires Acrobatics, but ignoring difficult terrain is very good to have for a mobile Striker.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Racial Feats</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p><strong>Dragonborn</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Dragonborn Frenzy</span> (PHB)</strong> - A bonus to damage while bloodied is pretty neat.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Hurl Breath</span> (PHR: DB)</strong> - Gives you a bona fide Ranged damage option.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Inspiring Triumph (PHR: DB)</strong> - A minor defense buff for your allies. Solid.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Spirits of the Primal Dragons</span> (PrP)</strong> - A sizable damage buff for an entire turn when you get bloodied. Sweet.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Paragon Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Corrosive Breath</span> (PHR: DB)</strong> - Turning Dragon Breath into a setup punch sounds good to me.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Thundering Breath (PHR: DB)</strong> - A decent racial feat to buff your Dragon Breath.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Epic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Concussive Breath</span> (PHR: DB)</strong> - Mass dazing sounds pretty awesome.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Dissolving Breath</span> (PHR: DB)</strong> - A penalty to all defenses makes Dragon Breath an even better setup buff.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Draconic Restoration (PHR: DB)</strong> - Getting Dragon Breath back when you heal is solid.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Draconic Triumph</span> (PHR: DB)</strong> - Dragon Breath recharges after a kill. Sweet.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Dwarf</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Dodge Giants</span> (PHB)</strong> - A bonus to AC against what will become a common variety of opponents can be good for you.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900">Dwarven Weapon Training</span> (PHB)</strong> - An excellent way for a Dwarf Axe or Hammer user to get a front-loaded proficiency and damage combo.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Spirits of Stone</span> (PrP)</strong> - A bonus to hit when you pop your second wind. Nice.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Paragon Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Dwarven Durability</span> (PHB)</strong> - Expanding your surge value and getting 2 extra surges out of the deal is very welcome for a frontliner.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Eladrin</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900">Eladrin Soldier</span> (PHB)</strong> - Get yourself a Greatspear and go to town with free proficiency and extra damage.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Feral Fey Step</span> (PrP)</strong> - A nice way to use your Fey Step as an escape or charge setup button, and it happens outside your turn. Nice.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Genasi</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Elemental Barbarian</span> (PrP)</strong> - A bonus to hit when you use one of two very good racial powers? Sure.</p><p></p><p><strong>Firepulse Master (D 367)</strong> - Makes a good racial power even better.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Extra Manifestation</span> (FRPG)</strong> - Adds versatility to your racial arsenal.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Primordial Surge</span> (D 367)</strong> - Considering that the fighting style you favor is a close-range combatant, this is a huge amount of THP to have available, especially early on in your career. A very good grab.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Paragon Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900">Shocking Flame </span>(FRPG)</strong> - Free elemental damage, and this one scales! Never leave home without it; I wouldn't (you should be manifesting one of the two types favored by this feat 24/7 anyway).</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Epic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Double Manifestation</span> (FRPG)</strong> - Versatility meets power. Win.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Githzerai</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900">Githzerai Blade Master</span> (D 378)</strong> - This feat is arguably even better than Eladrin Soldier or Dwarven Weapon Training, because the damage scales and the weapons made available to you are just as good if not better.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Epic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong>Adamantine Mind (PHB 3)</strong> - Buffs your racial power. Solid.</p><p></p><p><strong>Iron Body (PHB 3)</strong> - Another buff for your racial power. Could be worse.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Gnoll</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Paragon Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong>Fierce Charge (D 367)</strong> - Not much to see for you right now, but it opens up an excellent feat in Brutal Charge.</p><p></p><p><strong>Swift Bite (D 367)</strong> - Some extra damage when you bloody an enemy. Decent.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Epic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #ff9900">Brutal Charge</span> (D 367)</strong> - This feat will allow you to mix your charging bonuses with your devastating multiattack powers, and provide some extra damage of its own from its racial power. No way you miss out on this.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Goliath</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Goliath Greatweapon Prowess</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - If you're planning to use a military weapon, this is very likely the feat for you.</p><p></p><p><strong>Markings of the Blessed (PHB 2)</strong> - Rerolling a save can be solid.</p><p></p><p><strong>Markings of the Predator (PrP)</strong> - A decent bonus to all defenses when you bloody a target.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Markings of the Victor</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Rerolling your entry attack can be nice.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Paragon Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Unyielding Stone</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Some THP as part of your Stone's Endurance can make you extremely hard to bring down.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Epic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Ancient Stone</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - A follow-up turn of resistance can help you absorb even more hits.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Half-Orc</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Anger Unleashed</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - A nice bonus to attack rolls for a turn when you get bloodied.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Savage Assault (PHB 2)</strong> - Adding debuffs to your racial power is pretty solid.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Thirst for Battle </span>(PHB 2)</strong> - An excellent alternative to Improved Initiative, though you still should retrain it to Superior Initiative come Epic.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Paragon Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Strength from Pain</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - A big bonus to damage for a turn when you get bloodied. Nice to have on a Barbarian (very thematic, too).<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Unrelenting Assault</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - Helps take a lot of sting off any miss.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Epic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Ferocious Critical</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - A very substantial bonus to hit and damage the turn you score a critical. Excellent on a Barbarian.<strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Human</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong>Action Surge (PHB)</strong> - A hefty self-buff for Humans, it brings you a lot of accuracy right when you need it the most. </p><p></p><p><strong>Stubborn Survivor (FRPG)</strong> - Saving throw bonuses are good (and hard to find), so more fuel for playing human (and for burning your AP's).</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Paragon Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Action Recovery</span> (PHB)</strong> - Could prove useful to get rid of any annoying status effects.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Minotaur</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Bloodied Ferocity</span> (PHB 3)</strong> - Lashing out when you get bloodied is an awesome benefit.</p><p></p><p><strong>Goring Shove (PHB 3)</strong> - A push is a decent enhancement to Goring Charge.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Opportunity Gore</span> (D 369)</strong> - Makes Minos serious mobility stoppers. A nice pickup for your party dynamics and for doubling as a Defender when the situation warrants it. Bear in mind this feat will likely have an expiration date, though, as Goring Charge's accuracy scaling is terrible.</p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Paragon Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Beast Within</span> (PHB 3)</strong> - +1 to hit AND damage while bloodied is sweet.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Epic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Uncanny Scent</span> (PHB 3)</strong> - Strictly better than Blind-Fight for you. Sweet.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Shifter</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong>Gorebrute Charge (PHB 2)</strong> - A damage bonus while shifting for your favorite standard action. Solid.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Longtooth Spirit Shifter</span> (PrP)</strong> - More regeneration while bloodied is always cool.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Sturdy Shifter</span> (EPG)</strong> - A sizable amount of THP when you activate your racial power is nice to have.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Paragon Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Beasthide Shifting</span> (PHB 2)</strong> - A resist all effect while bloodied is very appreciated by a Barbarian.</p><p></p><p><strong>Clifflwalk Shifting (PHB 2)</strong> - An extra movement form while you're banged up. Solid.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Tiefling</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Hellfire Blood</span> (PHB) </strong>- A nice way to make up the gap for your lower Strength.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Insatiable Rage of Minauros</span> (PHR: TF)</strong> - Rather risky, but the damage bonus is sizable enough that taking a gamble is not that bad an idea.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Rites of Spirits' Blood</span> (PrP)</strong> - It makes you even more accurate against a bloodied enemy, and it also hands out a minor damage buff when you use your Infernal Wrath. Good stuff.</p><p></p><p><strong>Tail Slide (PHR: TF)</strong> - A decent way to move allies about while you move.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Paragon Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Hellfire of Mephistopheles</span> (PHR: TF)</strong> - Your bread-and-butter strategy is fire, so having a way to punch through resistance is certainly a smart idea.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Secrets of Belial</span> (PHR: TF)</strong> - Swapping out for any Utility power you want? Sure.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Epic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong>Renewed Wrath (PHR: TF)</strong> - Getting to reuse your racial power is pretty solid.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Warforged</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><strong>Heroic Tier:</strong></strong></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #00ccff">Warforged Tactics</span> (EPG)</strong> - A very nice bonus to hit when you have an ally cooperating with you, one that you have no real reason to not take.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Exotic Weapon Feats</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p>As the name implies, these feats give you capacities beyond and above those a normal Weapon Proficiency feat would grant you (including scaling powers you can swap yours for), but they also burn up your Multiclass slot, so choose carefully.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Spiked Chain Training</span> (DMA 2009)</strong> - This feat gives Whirlers access to a very damaging double weapon that can use Light Blade support. Though losing the Multiclass hurts, this weapon makes it worth your while.</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p><strong>Dragonmark Feats (EPG)</strong></p><p>[sblock]</p><p>Dragonmark feats are different from other Heroic Tier feats in that you: (a) can only have one of them at a time, and (b) they usually come with an associated race, which I will be noting. Note that the feat doesn't actually force you to be of that race, so if your DM agrees, you can take this feat while being a member of another race.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: #0000ff">Mark of Storm</span> (Half-Elf)</strong> - This has some nice synergy with Deadly Draw and Lightning Weapons, and it opens access to a pretty nice Paragon Path, too.</p><p>[/sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nibelung, post: 6712012, member: 74499"] [b]Originally posted by lordduskblade:[/b] [b]Recommended Feats: Preparing for Destruction[/b] The emphasis here is on 'recommended' feats: I won't be talking about feats that are rated lower than [b]Black[/b], because they're likely just not a good idea for your character or an outright trap. Overall, you have certain priorities when it comes to feats, which are described as follows: [b]1. Accuracy bonuses[/b] - A Barbarian's attacks are dealing a lot of damage pretty much by default; a bigger priority for you is making sure those attacks actually get to connect, especially considering you don't have a native accuracy-boosting feature and you usually only get one shot at landing them. [b]2. Damage bonuses[/b] - While Barbarian attacks are pretty damaging already, it never hurts to pack more punch on your hits, you being a Striker and all. [b]3. Mobility enhancements[/b] - One of the best ways to accomplish the above two priorities is by charge optimization, since there are items to enhance accuracy and damage for chargers. Throw in some mobility to generate the necessary space to charge early and often, and you have yourself a character. [b]4. Defense bonuses[/b] - While Barbarian Agility combined with raising Strength and Dexterity aggressively should cover the majority of your defenses nicely by default, some investment in making yourself tougher to hit is certainly not a waste of time, especially on the non-AC defenses side. [b]5. Miscellaneous[/b] - After those basic tenets are covered, you pretty much have free rein with any feat slots you may have left over. I personally prefer to optimize initiative (and thus get my blows in faster) or power recovery (to get another go at using good powers) of, if you have the room, both. [b]Class Feats[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][/b] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Brutal Reach[/COLOR] (D 384)[/b] - Reach weapons aren't usually known for their mindblowing stats, so anything that gives them a little more bite is appreciated. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Deadly Rage[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Extra damage while raging is a very welcome dose of extra punch on a Barbarian. [b]Hide Armor Expertise (PrP)[/b] - After the errata, this feat is [COLOR=#ff0000][b]worthless[/b][/COLOR] for most Barbarians, but any Barbarians that decides to go light on the Dexterity, yet still wants to stay in Hide Armor might want this. That said, I highly recommend you don't take this route, at least not for long. [b]Hurl Weapon (PrP)[/b] - It turns any off-hand weapon throwable, which can be decent for the right Whirler. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Improved Rageblood Vigor[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Substantially increases the amount of THP you get on a kill. Can be pretty sweet, especially early on in your career. [b]Improved Roar of Triumph (PHB 2)[/b] - Extra range and a bit of damage buffing on your Roar of Triumph. Pretty decent. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Reckless Charge[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - A bonus to hit while charging is good enough to take the -2 to AC that comes with it in stride, especially when magic items exist to make that disadvantage disappear. [b]Swift Slayer (PrP)[/b] - A decent mobility upgrade to your mobility power on a kill. [b]Thaneborn Fury (D 386)[/b] - A penalty to hit on anyone unlucky enough to get crunched by your Rampage attack. Decent enough. [b]Thunderborn Rage (PrP)[/b] - Some decent extra damage when you bloodied an enemy. [Size=3][b][b]Paragon Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b]Bloodthirsty Visage (D 386)[/b] - Obviously useful if you pack a lot of fear powers, but those have their own set of issues as well (such as creatures being immune to their effects). That said, the maximum amount of awesome it can provide is limited since it's a feat bonus. It can stil be good on the right Barbarian though. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Charging Rampage[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - A sweet feat that gives range to your Rampage attack (particularly useful if you happen to kill your target before Rampage actually got to do anything).[b] [COLOR=#0000ff]Echoing Roar[/COLOR] (D 386)[/b] - Getting your class feature power back after you use your second wind is pretty neat.[b] Explosive Rage Strike (PrP)[/b] - Turns your Rage Strike into a Close Burst. Can be useful.[b] [COLOR=#0000ff]Rageblood Recovery[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Free healing when you use your Swift Charge? Sounds like a good deal to me.[b] [COLOR=#0000ff]Thaneborn Advance[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Repositioning when you drop someone can get you in someone's face quick or set you up for a charge, and either is awesome.[b] [COLOR=#0000ff]Thunderous Cry[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - Mass combat advantage is a pretty neat benefit to have. [b]Violent Reminder (PrP)[/b] - A sizable bonus to your next damage roll after a kill. Nice, if you have some room to spare. [b][/b] [Size=3][b][b]Epic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Enduring Rage[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Ragebloods can grab this feat and be very hard to bring down. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Overpowering Charge[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - Knocking prone on every charge? An excellent upgrade to your capabilities.[b] [COLOR=#00ccff]Primal Resurgence[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Recovering a Rage when you get bloodied is an excellent ability to have. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Second Skin[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - A superior version of Armor Specialization (Hide) is some quality AC. Requires a fair bit of Con, though most builds should go ahead and make the investment in order to get it. [b]Slayer's Shift (PrP)[/b] - Repositioning when you bloody or kill is decent. [b]Thaneborn Conqueror (PHB 2)[/b] - A damage debuff on your class power. Solid. [b][/b][/sblock] [b]General Feats[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b]Armor Proficiency (PHB)[/b] - While I am more partial to the Hide-wearing Barbarian, you're probably going to need this feat to maintain Melee-worthy AC if you insist on favoring Constitution or Charisma over Dexterity. [b][COLOR=#ff9900]Axe Expertise[/COLOR] (HotFL)[/b] - A scaling bonus to hit, as well as a way to mitigate that disappointing 1 on those big weapon damage dice. [b]Blindfighting Warrior (HotFK)[/b] - The ability to ignore penalties for being unable to see your target while attacking can come in handy. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Cunning Stalker[/COLOR] (HotFK)[/b] - An alternate method of getting combat advantage that can come in handy if you're focusing on charging targets that are far away from the rest of your party. [b]Great Fortitude/Iron Will/Lightning Reflexes (PHB)[/b] - A feat bonus for one NAD, that scales with tier. Good... if you can afford them. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Hafted Defense[/COLOR] (PHB 3)[/b] - Some more AC for Polearm wielders. Nice. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Headsman's Chop[/COLOR] (PHB 3)[/b] - A pretty neat way to take advantage of the fact that prone is actually a pretty common status condition on your list. [b][COLOR=#ff9900]Heavy Blade Expertise[/COLOR] (HotFL)[/b] - Great attack bonus scaling, and a bonus to OA's as some icing. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Improved Defenses[/COLOR] (HotFL)[/b] - A nice, scaling bonus to your NAD's. Something that I highly recommend you grab. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Improved Initiative[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - Going first is nice for you, since front-loading your offense can help you take enemies off the board quickly. [b][COLOR=#ff9900]Light Blade Expertise[/COLOR] (HotFL)[/b] - A scaling accuracy bonus, and some extra damage if you have CA. Excellent. [b][COLOR=#ff9900]Master at Arms[/COLOR] (HotFL)[/b] - A +1 to hit per tier increases your base competence by a lot, and action economy on your drawing isn't half bad either. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Nimble Blade[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - A Whirler employing a Light Blade (such as a Spiked Chain with Spiked Chain Training) that finds obtaining CA easy will likely want this feat. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Powerful Charge[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - If you have the feat to spare, +2 to damage for your favorite kind of attack action is pretty darn sweet. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Resilient Focus[/COLOR] (HotFL)[/b] - +2 to all saving throws can be pretty useful. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Silvery Glow[/COLOR] (D 386)[/b] - While it makes you worship a specific Deity and is worthless without Permafrost, this actually provides a little extra damage over Weapon Focus, which is excellent to have. [b][COLOR=#ff9900]Spear Expertise[/COLOR] (HotFL)[/b] - A scaling bonus to attack rolls, as well as charging damage. Especially nice for a Barbarian. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Spring Step[/COLOR] (PHB 3)[/b] - A good answer to when you get knocked prone. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Superior Fortitude[/COLOR] (HotFL)[/b] - A scaling bonus to Fortitude, and it throws in some resist all against ongoing damage as a bonus. That's pretty sweet. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Superior Reflexes[/COLOR] (HotFL)[/b] - Gets you free combat advantage on the first turn of every fight, as well as a scaling bonus to Reflex, which is great, considering that your preferred tactic is to rush right in. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Superior Will[/COLOR] (HotFL)[/b] - A big bonus to Will, and a better chance to shake off dazing and stunning. This one if tempting even if you're patching your NADs with Improved Defenses. [b]Timely Respite (PHB 2)[/b] - A save when you second wind is pretty solid, [COLOR=#0000ff][b]especially[/b][/COLOR] for a Dwarf.[b] Toughness (PHB)[/b] - Extra HP can be welcome, if you have the room. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Two-Weapon Defense[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - +1 to AC and Reflex for a feat is pretty neat. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Two-Weapon Fighting[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - A nice damage bonus, and it opens the door for some other cool feats if you're a Whirler. [b]Vicious Advantage (PHB 3)[/b] - Expanding your ability to get CA is hardly bad. [b][/b][b] [COLOR=#00ccff]Weapon Focus[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - A damage bonus, which is gold for a Striker like you.[b] [COLOR=#00ccff]Weapon Proficiency[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - You have a pretty good array of weapons right out of the box, but picking up more raw stats is great for some extra damage, especially considering how big a role weapon damage dice usually plays in your attacks.[b] [/b] [b]Wintertouched (PHB)[/b] - Not much good by itself, but it and Lasting Frost combine to make some nice things happen. [b][/b] [Size=3][b][b]Paragon Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Agile Opportunist[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - It requires a bit of setup and party cooperation, but a way to make extra attacks can be nice to have. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Armor Specialization[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - More AC for you is pretty sweet. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Critical Targeting[/COLOR] (D 387)[/b] - A neat encounter-long bonus to damage on a crit. Pretty cool. [b]Danger Sense (PHB)[/b] - If you have the room, this will save you from any bad initiative rolls you might make. [b]Deadly Axe (PHB)[/b] - If you're wielding an Axe that doesn't have high crit already (like a Gouge or a Halberd), this can be a solid damage pump feat sometime in Epic. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Heavy Blade Opportunity[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - If you're rocking a Heavy Blade, getting some extra punch on OA's is a nice thing to have for a feat. It's [COLOR=#00ccff][b]better[/b][/COLOR] if you're a Polearm Barbarian with a Glaive. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Lasting Frost[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - Combine this with Wintertouched and a way to get the Cold keyword for some pretty sizable benefits (like combat advantage and +5 damage via the vulnerability). Cold resistance can be a hurdle, but it can be overcome. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Polearm Gamble[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - While this feat requires a bit of investment in your ability scores, anything that can net you extra attacks is sweet for a Polearm Barbarian. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Reserve Maneuver[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - This can allow you to swap a lackluster PP Encounter power for something cool from your own list, which is a nice ability to have. [b][/b] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Unfailing Courage[/COLOR] (D 377)[/b] - Healing on an Action Point is a great thing to have. [Size=3][b][b]Epic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#ff9900]Axe/Bludgeon/Flail/Heavy Blade/Light Blade/Pick/Spear Mastery[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - Whatever weapon you're wielding, you want improved criticals with it. Any chance to get a critical and its attendant damage boost is awesome. [b]Blind-Fight (PHB)[/b] - Dealing with invisible enemies is plenty easier for you with this feat. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Cleaving Axe[/COLOR] (PHB 3)[/b] - Basic attacks on a kill? Sure. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Epic Fortitude/Epic Reflexes/Epic Will[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Whether you're shoring up a weak defense or reinforcing a strong one, these feats can provide quite a defensive boost. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Epic Resurgence[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - Recovering your Encounter power on a critical is a good thing to have.[b] [COLOR=#00ccff]Long Step[/COLOR] (PHB 3)[/b] - This feat makes the space necessary for charging a hell of a lot easier, no magic items required. [b]Rapid Regeneration (PHB 3)[/b] - If your Constitution is solid and you have a decent suite of powers that allow you to regenerate, this is a pickup to consider. [b][/b] [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Superior Initiative[/COLOR] (PHB 3)[/b] - A huge initiative bonus you would do very well to retrain Improved Initiative into. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Triumphant Attack[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - Encounter-long debuffs on a critical is a very cool thing for you. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Unfettered Stride[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - It requires Acrobatics, but ignoring difficult terrain is very good to have for a mobile Striker. [/sblock] [b]Racial Feats[/b] [sblock] [b]Dragonborn[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Dragonborn Frenzy[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - A bonus to damage while bloodied is pretty neat.[b] [COLOR=#0000ff]Hurl Breath[/COLOR] (PHR: DB)[/b] - Gives you a bona fide Ranged damage option.[b] Inspiring Triumph (PHR: DB)[/b] - A minor defense buff for your allies. Solid.[b] [COLOR=#0000ff]Spirits of the Primal Dragons[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - A sizable damage buff for an entire turn when you get bloodied. Sweet.[b] [/b] [Size=3][b][b]Paragon Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Corrosive Breath[/COLOR] (PHR: DB)[/b] - Turning Dragon Breath into a setup punch sounds good to me.[b] Thundering Breath (PHR: DB)[/b] - A decent racial feat to buff your Dragon Breath. [Size=3][b][b]Epic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Concussive Breath[/COLOR] (PHR: DB)[/b] - Mass dazing sounds pretty awesome.[b] [COLOR=#0000ff]Dissolving Breath[/COLOR] (PHR: DB)[/b] - A penalty to all defenses makes Dragon Breath an even better setup buff.[b] Draconic Restoration (PHR: DB)[/b] - Getting Dragon Breath back when you heal is solid. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Draconic Triumph[/COLOR] (PHR: DB)[/b] - Dragon Breath recharges after a kill. Sweet. [b][/b][b][/b][/sblock] [b]Dwarf[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Dodge Giants[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - A bonus to AC against what will become a common variety of opponents can be good for you. [b][COLOR=#ff9900]Dwarven Weapon Training[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - An excellent way for a Dwarf Axe or Hammer user to get a front-loaded proficiency and damage combo. [b][/b] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Spirits of Stone[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - A bonus to hit when you pop your second wind. Nice. [Size=3][b][b]Paragon Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Dwarven Durability[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - Expanding your surge value and getting 2 extra surges out of the deal is very welcome for a frontliner.[b] [/b][b][/b][/sblock] [b]Eladrin[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#ff9900]Eladrin Soldier[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - Get yourself a Greatspear and go to town with free proficiency and extra damage. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Feral Fey Step[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - A nice way to use your Fey Step as an escape or charge setup button, and it happens outside your turn. Nice. [b][/b][/sblock] [b]Genasi[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Elemental Barbarian[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - A bonus to hit when you use one of two very good racial powers? Sure. [b]Firepulse Master (D 367)[/b] - Makes a good racial power even better. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Extra Manifestation[/COLOR] (FRPG)[/b] - Adds versatility to your racial arsenal. [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Primordial Surge[/COLOR] (D 367)[/b] - Considering that the fighting style you favor is a close-range combatant, this is a huge amount of THP to have available, especially early on in your career. A very good grab. [Size=3][b][b]Paragon Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#ff9900]Shocking Flame [/COLOR](FRPG)[/b] - Free elemental damage, and this one scales! Never leave home without it; I wouldn't (you should be manifesting one of the two types favored by this feat 24/7 anyway). [Size=3][b][b]Epic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Double Manifestation[/COLOR] (FRPG)[/b] - Versatility meets power. Win. [/sblock] [b]Githzerai[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#ff9900]Githzerai Blade Master[/COLOR] (D 378)[/b] - This feat is arguably even better than Eladrin Soldier or Dwarven Weapon Training, because the damage scales and the weapons made available to you are just as good if not better. [Size=3][b][b]Epic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b]Adamantine Mind (PHB 3)[/b] - Buffs your racial power. Solid. [b]Iron Body (PHB 3)[/b] - Another buff for your racial power. Could be worse. [/sblock] [b]Gnoll[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Paragon Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b]Fierce Charge (D 367)[/b] - Not much to see for you right now, but it opens up an excellent feat in Brutal Charge. [b]Swift Bite (D 367)[/b] - Some extra damage when you bloody an enemy. Decent. [Size=3][b][b]Epic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#ff9900]Brutal Charge[/COLOR] (D 367)[/b] - This feat will allow you to mix your charging bonuses with your devastating multiattack powers, and provide some extra damage of its own from its racial power. No way you miss out on this.[b] [/b][b][/b][/sblock] [b]Goliath[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Goliath Greatweapon Prowess[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - If you're planning to use a military weapon, this is very likely the feat for you. [b]Markings of the Blessed (PHB 2)[/b] - Rerolling a save can be solid. [b]Markings of the Predator (PrP)[/b] - A decent bonus to all defenses when you bloody a target. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Markings of the Victor[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Rerolling your entry attack can be nice. [Size=3][b][b]Paragon Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Unyielding Stone[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Some THP as part of your Stone's Endurance can make you extremely hard to bring down. [Size=3][b][b]Epic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Ancient Stone[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - A follow-up turn of resistance can help you absorb even more hits.[b] [/b][b][/b][b][/b][/sblock] [b]Half-Orc[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Anger Unleashed[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - A nice bonus to attack rolls for a turn when you get bloodied.[b] Savage Assault (PHB 2)[/b] - Adding debuffs to your racial power is pretty solid.[b] [COLOR=#00ccff]Thirst for Battle [/COLOR](PHB 2)[/b] - An excellent alternative to Improved Initiative, though you still should retrain it to Superior Initiative come Epic. [Size=3][b][b]Paragon Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Strength from Pain[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - A big bonus to damage for a turn when you get bloodied. Nice to have on a Barbarian (very thematic, too).[b] [COLOR=#0000ff]Unrelenting Assault[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - Helps take a lot of sting off any miss.[b] [/b] [Size=3][b][b]Epic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Ferocious Critical[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - A very substantial bonus to hit and damage the turn you score a critical. Excellent on a Barbarian.[b] [/b][b][/b][/sblock] [b]Human[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b]Action Surge (PHB)[/b] - A hefty self-buff for Humans, it brings you a lot of accuracy right when you need it the most. [b][/b][b]Stubborn Survivor (FRPG)[/b] - Saving throw bonuses are good (and hard to find), so more fuel for playing human (and for burning your AP's). [Size=3][b][b]Paragon Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Action Recovery[/COLOR] (PHB)[/b] - Could prove useful to get rid of any annoying status effects. [/sblock] [b]Minotaur[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Bloodied Ferocity[/COLOR] (PHB 3)[/b] - Lashing out when you get bloodied is an awesome benefit. [b]Goring Shove (PHB 3)[/b] - A push is a decent enhancement to Goring Charge. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Opportunity Gore[/COLOR] (D 369)[/b] - Makes Minos serious mobility stoppers. A nice pickup for your party dynamics and for doubling as a Defender when the situation warrants it. Bear in mind this feat will likely have an expiration date, though, as Goring Charge's accuracy scaling is terrible. [b][/b] [Size=3][b][b]Paragon Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Beast Within[/COLOR] (PHB 3)[/b] - +1 to hit AND damage while bloodied is sweet. [Size=3][b][b]Epic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Uncanny Scent[/COLOR] (PHB 3)[/b] - Strictly better than Blind-Fight for you. Sweet. [/sblock] [b]Shifter[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b]Gorebrute Charge (PHB 2)[/b] - A damage bonus while shifting for your favorite standard action. Solid. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Longtooth Spirit Shifter[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - More regeneration while bloodied is always cool. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Sturdy Shifter[/COLOR] (EPG)[/b] - A sizable amount of THP when you activate your racial power is nice to have. [Size=3][b][b]Paragon Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Beasthide Shifting[/COLOR] (PHB 2)[/b] - A resist all effect while bloodied is very appreciated by a Barbarian. [b]Clifflwalk Shifting (PHB 2)[/b] - An extra movement form while you're banged up. Solid. [b][/b][b][/b][/sblock] [b]Tiefling[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Hellfire Blood[/COLOR] (PHB) [/b]- A nice way to make up the gap for your lower Strength. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Insatiable Rage of Minauros[/COLOR] (PHR: TF)[/b] - Rather risky, but the damage bonus is sizable enough that taking a gamble is not that bad an idea. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Rites of Spirits' Blood[/COLOR] (PrP)[/b] - It makes you even more accurate against a bloodied enemy, and it also hands out a minor damage buff when you use your Infernal Wrath. Good stuff. [b]Tail Slide (PHR: TF)[/b] - A decent way to move allies about while you move. [Size=3][b][b]Paragon Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Hellfire of Mephistopheles[/COLOR] (PHR: TF)[/b] - Your bread-and-butter strategy is fire, so having a way to punch through resistance is certainly a smart idea. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Secrets of Belial[/COLOR] (PHR: TF)[/b] - Swapping out for any Utility power you want? Sure. [Size=3][b][b]Epic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b]Renewed Wrath (PHR: TF)[/b] - Getting to reuse your racial power is pretty solid. [/sblock] [b]Warforged[/b] [sblock] [Size=3][b][b]Heroic Tier:[/b][/b][/size] [b][COLOR=#00ccff]Warforged Tactics[/COLOR] (EPG)[/b] - A very nice bonus to hit when you have an ally cooperating with you, one that you have no real reason to not take. [/sblock] [/sblock] [b]Exotic Weapon Feats[/b] [sblock] As the name implies, these feats give you capacities beyond and above those a normal Weapon Proficiency feat would grant you (including scaling powers you can swap yours for), but they also burn up your Multiclass slot, so choose carefully. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Spiked Chain Training[/COLOR] (DMA 2009)[/b] - This feat gives Whirlers access to a very damaging double weapon that can use Light Blade support. Though losing the Multiclass hurts, this weapon makes it worth your while. [/sblock] [b]Dragonmark Feats (EPG)[/b] [sblock] Dragonmark feats are different from other Heroic Tier feats in that you: (a) can only have one of them at a time, and (b) they usually come with an associated race, which I will be noting. Note that the feat doesn't actually force you to be of that race, so if your DM agrees, you can take this feat while being a member of another race. [b][COLOR=#0000ff]Mark of Storm[/COLOR] (Half-Elf)[/b] - This has some nice synergy with Deadly Draw and Lightning Weapons, and it opens access to a pretty nice Paragon Path, too. [/sblock] [/QUOTE]
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Appetite for Destruction: The Barbarian's Handbook (by lordduskblade)
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