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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Old Fart" data-source="post: 2838673" data-attributes="member: 20686">Others have mentioned class name and illiteracy. They are holdovers from the original class as presented in 1st ed Unearthed Arcana, which was itself designed to appeal to Conan fans. IMHO, the class is still inspired/derived from R.E. Howard more than Norse, American Indian, or any other historical culture.That being said, I actually like the class name, as it gives a easily identifyable "hook" into the character concept to new players, for which it is also a good choice of class to play. While I understand the objections to the cultural implications of the name, it's really no less culturally bound/inaccurate than cleric, druid, bard, paladin, etc.As for illiteracy, any player that feels this is counter to their character's concept can eliminate it for two skill points.Mechanically, I like that the class takes a fighting "style" and builds upon it through 20th level. I dislike that rage and fast movement are 1st-level abilities, which makes "dipping into" 1st level barbarian an all-too-common occurance. The conversion from 3.0 to 3.5 fixed this issue for rangers; I can't believe barbarian was not addressed as well.What I would I improve/change:1) Other than the whirling dervish barbarian option, every one I've seen in play had Power Attack. When virtually every member of the class has a feat, it may as well be one of the class abilities.2) The trap sense should be expanded to be a flat bonus to AC. This would compensate for the low-AC issues of the class. Something similar to the AC bonuses of the swashbuckler, duelist, et. al; and limited to certain armor types/encumbrance level as are those abilities.3) Add Spot to the list of class skills.4) Move rage or fast move to 2nd level or higher to discourage "class dipping."</blockquote>

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