Character Concepts - Barbarians

[malcolm_n]

Hey all,

I decided to go with a theme this week for a chance to post a couple of concepts, instead of just one. I thought it’d be nice to see what each build can bring to different ideas, and the first 4 I completed were for barbarian. Technically, not all of these characters are full-fledged barbarians, but they all fit within the same theme as one. Enjoy, and please feel free to post any ideas for these characters you may have as well.

Thor
Conan
Incredible Hulk - The items in hulks possession were the best way I could represent some of the things he can do. For the concept, they aren't actually items, but just a part of his ability. In game terms, if they were taken from him, assume he's been weakened somehow and cannot use those abilities.
God of War
[sblock=Incredible Hulk]====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Incredible Hulk, level 26
Goliath, Monk|Fighter, Paragon Hybrid, Eternal Defender
Monastic Tradition (Hybrid): Stone Fist (Hybrid)
Hybrid Monk: Hybrid Monk Will
Hybrid Talent: Unarmed Combatant
Paragon Hybrid Talent: Fighter Combat Talent
Fighter Combat Talent: Brawler Style (Hybrid)
Background: Pivotal Event - Amazing Creation, Pivotal Event - Transformation, Refugee (Primal Power) (+2 to Arcana)

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 29, Con 15, Dex 21, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 10.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 18, Con 11, Dex 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 8.


AC: 36 Fort: 40 Reflex: 33 Will: 31
HP: 168 Surges: 10 Surge Value: 42

TRAINED SKILLS
Intimidate +18, Endurance +20, Athletics +32, Acrobatics +23

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +16, Bluff +13, Diplomacy +13, Dungeoneering +14, Heal +14, History +14, Insight +14, Nature +16, Perception +14, Religion +14, Stealth +18, Streetwise +13, Thievery +18

FEATS
Level 1: Hybrid Talent
Level 2: Improved Monk Unarmed Strike
Level 4: Improved Grab
Level 6: Improved Bull Rush
Level 8: Berserker's Fury
Level 10: Adept Power
Level 11: Markings of the Victor
Level 12: Deadly Rage
Level 14: Improvised Missile
Level 16: Fleet-Footed
Level 18: Power Attack
Level 20: Toughness
Level 21: Crushing Grab
Level 22: Crushing Pin
Level 24: Unarmed Mastery
Level 26: Weapon Expertise (Unarmed)

POWERS
Hybrid at-will 1: Grappling Strike
Hybrid at-will 1: Crane's Wings
Paragon Hybrid: Fighter's Grit
Paragon Hybrid: Duel in the Heavens
Paragon Hybrid: Titan's Step
Hybrid encounter 1: Steel Serpent Strike
Hybrid daily 1: Villain's Menace
Hybrid utility 2: Grit and Spittle
Hybrid encounter 3: Eternal Mountain
Hybrid daily 5: Supreme Avalanche Combination
Hybrid utility 6: Settling the Score
Hybrid encounter 7: Not So Fast
Hybrid daily 9: Staggering Blow
Hybrid utility 10: Spider Technique
Hybrid encounter 13: Bash and Pummel (replaces Steel Serpent Strike)
Hybrid daily 15: Relentless Headlock (replaces Villain's Menace)
Hybrid utility 16: Diehard
Hybrid encounter 17: Battering Ram (replaces Eternal Mountain)
Hybrid daily 19: Inevitable Fist (replaces Supreme Avalanche Combination)
Hybrid utility 22: Instant Getaway
Hybrid encounter 23: Trollclaw Grip (replaces Not So Fast)
Hybrid daily 25: Ruthless Slaughter (retrained to Stone Tempest Rage at Adept Power) (replaces Staggering Blow)

ITEMS
Monk Unarmed Strike, Starweave Armor, Ghost Strike Ki Focus +6, Belt of Titan Strength (epic tier), Bracers of Brachiation (paragon tier), Giantkind Gloves (epic tier), Earthreaver Stompers (paragon tier), Moradin's Blessing of Iron (level 8), Backlash Tattoo (heroic tier)
====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======[/sblock][sblock=Conan] ====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Conan, level 26
Half-Orc, Barbarian, Ancestral Weapon, Star-Favored Champion
Build: Thaneborn Barbarian
Feral Might: Thaneborn Triumph
Student of the Sword: Student of One-Handed Weapons
Background: Divinely Inspired, Occupation - Criminal, Occupation - Military, Occupation - Mariner, Brother in Battle, Windrise Ports (Windrise Ports Benefit)

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 25, Con 15, Dex 17, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 23.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 16, Con 11, Dex 13, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16.


AC: 38 Fort: 40 Reflex: 35 Will: 35
HP: 180 Surges: 10 Surge Value: 51

TRAINED SKILLS
Endurance +21, Perception +18, Intimidate +26, Athletics +32, Thievery +20

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +23, Arcana +14, Bluff +19, Diplomacy +19, Dungeoneering +13, Heal +13, History +14, Insight +13, Nature +13, Religion +14, Stealth +21, Streetwise +19

FEATS
Level 1: Student of the Sword
Level 2: Sneak of Shadows
Level 4: Weapon Proficiency (Bastard sword)
Level 6: Duelist's Panache
Level 8: Slaying Action
Level 10: Versatile Duelist
Level 11: Deadeye Slinger (retrained to Thaneborn Advance at Level 22)
Level 12: Withering Roar
Level 14: Bloody Triumph (retrained to Novice Power at Level 21)
Level 16: Weapon Focus (Heavy Blade)
Level 18: Weapon Expertise (Heavy Blade)
Level 20: Weapon Master
Level 21: Heavy Blade Mastery
Level 22: One with Shadow
Level 24: Sweeping Blade
Level 26: Whirlwind Sneak Attack

POWERS
Barbarian at-will 1: Devastating Strike
Barbarian at-will 1: Pressing Strike
Barbarian encounter 1: Vault the Fallen
Barbarian daily 1: Swift Panther Rage
Barbarian utility 2: Quick Palm
Barbarian encounter 3: Shatterbone Strike
Barbarian daily 5: Ancient Berserkers' Rage
Barbarian utility 6: Instinctive Charge
Barbarian encounter 7: Fearsome Smash
Barbarian daily 9: Rage of the Death Spirit
Barbarian utility 10: Heart Strike
Barbarian encounter 13: Blood-Frenzy Strike (retrained to Cunning Cyclone at Novice Power) (replaces Vault the Fallen)
Barbarian daily 15: Hunting Lion Rage (replaces Swift Panther Rage)
Barbarian utility 16: Bounding Advance
Barbarian encounter 17: Devastating Blow (replaces Shatterbone Strike)
Barbarian daily 19: Primal War Band Rage (replaces Ancient Berserkers' Rage)
Barbarian utility 22: Unexpected Clarity
Barbarian encounter 23: Staggering Strike (replaces Fearsome Smash)
Barbarian daily 25: Raptor's Eye Rage (replaces Rage of the Death Spirit)

ITEMS
Supremely Vicious Bastard sword +6, Assassinbane Stalkerhide Armor +5, Amulet of Protection +6, Rapidstrike Bracers (paragon tier), Boots of Stealth (epic tier), Gauntlets of Destruction (paragon tier), Girdle of the Dragon (paragon tier), War Ring (paragon tier)
====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ====== [/sblock][sblock=Kratos, God of War] ====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Kratos, Scion of Ares, level 26
Half-Orc, Barbarian, Twinclaw Slayer, Demigod
Build: Whirling Barbarian
Feral Might: Whirling Slayer
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Strength
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Constitution
Background: Auspicious Birth (Auspicious Birth Benefit)

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 29, Con 19, Dex 20, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 10.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 18, Con 13, Dex 13, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 8.


AC: 40 Fort: 42 Reflex: 37 Will: 30
HP: 194 Surges: 12 Surge Value: 48

TRAINED SKILLS
Intimidate +20, Endurance +23, Athletics +26

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +17, Arcana +14, Bluff +13, Diplomacy +13, Dungeoneering +14, Heal +14, History +14, Insight +14, Nature +14, Perception +14, Religion +14, Stealth +17, Streetwise +13, Thievery +17

FEATS
Level 1: Spiked Chain Training
Level 2: Two-Weapon Fighting
Level 4: Two-Weapon Threat
Level 6: Spiked Chain Novice
Level 8: Spiked Chain Expert
Level 10: Weapon Expertise (Flail)
Level 11: Thirst for Battle (retrained to Superior Initiative at Level 21)
Level 12: Unrelenting Assault
Level 14: Two-Weapon Opening
Level 16: Two-Weapon Ambush
Level 18: Sweeping Flail
Level 20: Explosive Rage Strike
Level 21: Two-Weapon Flurry
Level 22: Ferocious Critical
Level 24: Flail Mastery
Level 26: Primal Resurgence

POWERS
Barbarian at-will 1: Recuperating Strike
Barbarian at-will 1: Whirling Rend
Barbarian encounter 1: Whirling Frenzy
Barbarian daily 1: Macetail's Rage
Barbarian utility 2: Combat Sprint
Barbarian encounter 3: Blade Sweep
Barbarian daily 5: Thunder Hawk Rage
Barbarian utility 6: Combat Surge
Barbarian encounter 7: Curtain of Steel
Barbarian daily 9: Oak Hammer Rage
Barbarian utility 10: Heart Strike
Barbarian encounter 13: Rolling Boulder (replaces Whirling Frenzy)
Barbarian daily 15: Flameheart Rage (replaces Macetail's Rage)
Barbarian utility 16: Great Stomp
Barbarian encounter 17: Vigorous Strike (replaces Curtain of Steel)
Barbarian daily 19: Hydra Rage (replaces Thunder Hawk Rage)
Barbarian utility 22: Untouched
Barbarian encounter 23: Berserker's Flurry (replaces Rolling Boulder)
Barbarian daily 25: Blue Dragon Rage (replaces Oak Hammer Rage)

ITEMS
Bag of Holding (heroic tier), Tattoo of Vengeance (epic tier), Splitting Spiked chain +6, Summoned Stalkerhide Armor +5, Amulet of Protection +6, Bracers of Mighty Striking (epic tier), Floorfighter Straps (paragon tier), Girdle of the Dragon (paragon tier), Instant Campsite (heroic tier)
====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ====== [/sblock][sblock=Thor] ====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Thor, level 26
Human, Barbarian, Building Thunder, Demigod
Build: Thunderborn Barbarian
Feral Might: Thunderborn Wrath
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Strength
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Constitution
Background: Brother in Battle, Early Life - Divine Companionship, Veteran of a Religious War (Brother in Battle Benefit)

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 27, Con 25, Dex 13, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 15.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 16, Con 16, Dex 11, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 13.


AC: 36 Fort: 40 Reflex: 33 Will: 31
HP: 190 Surges: 15 Surge Value: 47

TRAINED SKILLS
Nature +19, Intimidate +20, Endurance +27, Athletics +25

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +13, Arcana +13, Bluff +15, Diplomacy +15, Dungeoneering +14, Heal +14, History +13, Insight +16, Perception +14, Religion +13, Stealth +13, Streetwise +15, Thievery +13

FEATS
Human: Weapon Proficiency (Craghammer)
Level 1: Weapon Focus (Hammer)
Level 2: Weapon Expertise (Hammer)
Level 4: Power Attack
Level 6: Thunderborn Rage
Level 8: Whisper's Advice
Level 10: Action Surge
Level 11: Devastating Critical
Level 12: Overwhelming Critical
Level 14: Point-Blank Shot
Level 16: Distant Shot
Level 18: Unfailing Courage
Level 20: Hammer Rhythm
Level 21: Perfect Recovery
Level 22: Bludgeon Mastery
Level 24: Triumphant Attack
Level 26: Superior Initiative

POWERS
Barbarian at-will 1: Devastating Strike
Barbarian at-will 1: Pressing Strike
Bonus At-Will Power: Howl of Fury
Barbarian encounter 1: Shout of Terror
Barbarian daily 1: Thunder Hooves Rage
Barbarian utility 2: Ominous Threat
Barbarian encounter 3: Brutal Slam
Barbarian daily 5: Vengeful Storm Rage
Barbarian utility 6: Combat Surge
Barbarian encounter 7: Blood Sacrifice
Barbarian daily 9: Oak Hammer Rage
Barbarian utility 10: Barbaric Instinct
Barbarian encounter 13: Thunderfall (replaces Shout of Terror)
Barbarian daily 15: Thunderfury Rage (replaces Thunder Hooves Rage)
Barbarian utility 16: Battle Lust
Barbarian encounter 17: Threatening Fury (replaces Brutal Slam)
Barbarian daily 19: Storm Drake Rage (replaces Vengeful Storm Rage)
Barbarian utility 22: Brutal Payback
Barbarian encounter 23: Arcing Throw (replaces Blood Sacrifice)
Barbarian daily 25: Stone Tempest Rage (replaces Oak Hammer Rage)

ITEMS
Dawn Warrior Stalkerhide Armor +5, Belt of Sonnlinor Righteousness (epic tier), Crimson Cloak +5, Circlet of Clear Thought (paragon tier), Quickstride Boots (paragon tier), Rampaging Slayer's Gloves (heroic tier), Adventurer's Kit, Goblin Totem Craghammer +6
====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ====== [/sblock]

 

[Starfox]

Isn't the barbarian class too supernatural for Conan? In 4E, I figure him as a rage fighter.

The class is a good fit for Thor tough.

 

[malcolm_n]

I could see that as a potential build. As a thaneborn barbarian mc rogue/fighter, he fills the roles out better as described by his history. He's a natural leader, a thief, and a fighter. I made sure to stay away from obvious mystical/magical powers for him for that reason, but I still felt good with him as a barbarian over a battlerager fighter.

If I went with that suggested build, I'd keep most of the feats, and substitute to end up Fighter mc rogue/warlord.

 

[Garthanos]

Power selection can really define characters so a Barbarian build of Conan really does feel fine... The original battlerager rules had a striker flavor to them they no longer have.

That said... the Hulk as monk...has my head swimming admittedly I may not have fully wrapped my head around the stone fist style yet.

 

[malcolm_n]

Hehe, yeah. I started to build hulk as a Rageblood barbarian, but the powers generally require a two-handed weapon, and hulk is all about the smashing with his bare hands. I also liked how the full disciplines gave hulk the movement abilities he should have regularly. Hulk loves to grapple with his enemies or just pound them over the head. This made a perfect fit for the hybrid stonefist|brawler.

The easiest way to think of it is not as an ascetic, but as a professional wrestler. Try busting him out in an encounter; he feels like Hulk when you play him. It's probably a good point to make that I built him as "all-the-time" hulk, not change to banner and back hulk (though making him banner-esque when you take away his "gear" could be an interesting role play opportunity). He has some of his latent intelligence and can parse his way through things, but when he really gets going (uses his daily rage), watch out.

The problem I'm having with monk, now, is I don't want it to become my default for fist-fighting heroes. I put off working on a spiderman build until I can find a better way without just defaulting to monk for the crazy movement + unarmed fighting. Granted, I guess I could make him centered breath, since there's more controller in Spiderman than striker; but then what about Beast, Thing, or Colossus? Then there's the blend into other martial-arts characters whom I really want to put off building until we get more builds for the class.

/end rant though. Monk's just a great fit for character concepts when you consider any real movement based hero can benefit from the class in some way. Now, add weapons, and you can easily go barb, fighter, or even ranger for an easy fix; but none of those classes (easily) support unarmed combat as well as they may (or may not) support the movement aspect.

 

[Mentat55]

I instantly thought of Conan as a hybrid fighter|rogue or fighter|warlord MC'ed to rogue, using Versatile Duelist and a bastard sword or broadsword -- not too far from what you did.

Doesn't Kratos scream the Godhunter ED? I know it probably isn't the best mechanically...but man does he ever put the hurt on higher level immortal solos I was thinking a hybrid barbarian|ranger or a barbarian MC ranger, Giantslayer PP, Godhunter ED.

One thought for Thor might be to go stormsoul genasi, or MC warden to be able to take the Storm Sentinel PP.

 

[malcolm_n]

I would have liked to use that epic destiny with Kratos, but I already gave him MC chain fighting and at the time I made him, I didn't know about the Windrise Ports background; in which case I would certainly have made it a consideration with him as two-blade warrior mc also.
Stormsoul genasi is a good option, but I don't see Thor as particularly smart, hence the lower score in int; MC warden is something I hadn't considered before, but I'm not keen on the paragon path. Although it does keep a storm-theme, it doesn't match the things I've seen Thor do. Most, if any, of the characters I've done for concepts up to now don't have powers with insubstantial, just because that's such a hard thing to reflavor. I could totally see giving Susan Storm (invisible woman) that kind of power though, but from another source .