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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ander00" data-source="post: 4501382" data-attributes="member: 19041">The other day I got the chance to try out a barbarian for the first time. It was a short session, with only three combat encounters, but I thought I'd get the ball rolling here and have a thread in which we can share our experiences and observations.I like making characters who go against the norm to some degree and I wanted to use the Warduke miniature, so my 7th level human barbarian wears scale armor, wields a bastard sword (to be replaced with a Waraxe at epic levels) and shield, and will become an Iron Vanguard later on.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">At first glance, the class feels a bit more complicated than it needs to be. In the first battle I forgot to use swift charge after a killing blow, but I'd say it'll all come naturally pretty quick (while I still mix up Combat Superiority and Combat Challenge in my mind). I did not get to use the controversial rage strike, as in those first three encounters I did not rage once. I may get some use out of it at higher levels, what with a Divine Oracle in the party, but I don't see barbarians using this option very often.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The at-will powers are rather strong, especially when considered in a vacuum. Other classes may get jealous when you can shift 2 squares before the attack, through an enemy, and then push him in addition to dealing damage. On the other hand, that versatility is what I would've wanted out of at-will powers in general. Those were, after all, being advertised as always giving your character something interesting to do (something they may fail at, depending on the class and the specific powers chosen).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The armor issue. Personally, I like my barbarians in proper armor, and seeing how dexterity and intelligence otherwise tend to have a low priority, I don't see a mechanical reason to limit barbarians to light armor either. Sure, they're relatively tough, but not tough enough to be where flavor and some powers suggest they should be, unless they take measures to increase their armor class beyond absolutely worthless.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Defenses, continued. With a focus on strength and constitution, and the class bonus going to your Fortitude defense, other defenses are going to suffer. My barbarian is a human, uses a shield, and I opted to spend some points on dexterity and wisdom, so the problem is less pronounced for him than it might be for others, but his Reflex and Will defense will still fall behind the curve at later levels. Thaneborn barbarians will be better off in this regard, as will Pit Fighters, Heavy Blade Masters, etc..</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">I like playing a striker without a 1/round tacked-on damage mechanic. I am not convinced it's as problematic for multiclassing as some people claim, but I would've liked the article to include a multiclass feat so we can also playtest that.</li> </ul>My barbarian has spent 4 of 5 feats on increasing his survivability (he's not the only striker in the party, or I would've gone with a more aggresive build), and like most of the other characters has gone through half of his healing surges for this adventuring day. He doesn't deal as much damage as the rogue he's replacing, or as much as a typical barbarian will, but he's holding his own and, so far, he's fun to play.cheers</blockquote>

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