A Variant Barbarian: More Logical Ability Progression

[airwalkrr]

While the barbarian is one of the finest examples of a 3rd edition class, I admit I have a few problems with it. First, although most of the abilities are fairly logical in their progression, there are still a few unexplainable gaps to content with that leave me ill at ease. For example, why do most rage improvement abilities happen after level 10? Why couldn't they be spaced out more evenly? My second problem is that the barbarian is far too attractive as a dip class for melee characters who are not lawful. I rarely see a 3e fighter, ranger, or druid build that doesn't have at least one level of barbarian. I think rage is the main reason for this. So I toned down rage. In the long run, this variant barbarian will actually end up being better at rage than his core rule counterpart at several stages, but early on, he has a slightly weaker rage the mechanics of which mostly reinforces the desire to take more barbarian levels.

Take a look and tell me what you think. I think you will find it is better organized than the core barbarian while still remaining powerful enough to challenge any melee character build.

 

[Crashy75]

Just glanced at it (the starting rage really) but I like it. I was also playing with a rage variant somewhere that granted temp HP based on barb level. Now that I think about it i'm not sure if it was by barb level or char level. That reminds me. Personally I'd post the class directly on the thread myself. I think you'll get more responses. Also, it'd be easier to quote specific things you want to comment on. The poster could refer back to the variant as they're posting. Just a thought.

EDIT: It was per char level. The better rages would give a better rate. Still I like yours better.

 

[airwalkrr]

Someone requested bullet points in the ranger thread. Here are some for the barb.

-Rage grants +2 str, 1 temp hp per barb level, +1 bonus to Fort and Will at 1st.
-Improves to +4 str, 2 temp hp, +2 fort/will at 4th level.
-Improves to +6 str, 3 temp hp, +3 fort/will at 8th.
-Indomitable will at 12th.
-Tireless rage at 16th.
-Improves to +8 str, 4 temp hp, +4 fort/will at 20th.
-rage 1/day at 1st, 2/day at 4th, 3/day at 7th, 4/day at 10th, etc.
-DR at 8th, then every 3 levels thereafter (11th, 14th, etc.)