Compensation for non-raging barbarians?

[Tonguez]

I agree that the idea of a non-raging barbarian is probably redundant but what could be done is change the way Rage works.

I though about a Totem Warrior class once (basically a Barbarian) but with the difference that the Totem Warrior could decide which stats were affected by the Rage. So a Totem Warrior might get bonuses to Dex and Wis while raging, or Str and Dex or even Int and Cha etc, etc.


I haven't done the follow through to see all whats effected or balancing or anything but it is an idea you could consider

PS How does the Dervish look? (can anybody post it?)

 

[UltimaGabe]

I though about a Totem Warrior class once (basically a Barbarian) but with the difference that the Totem Warrior could decide which stats were affected by the Rage. So a Totem Warrior might get bonuses to Dex and Wis while raging, or Str and Dex or even Int and Cha etc, etc.

I've toyed around with the idea of a Barbarian that gets different stat increases (like maybe an increase to Strength an Intelligence or something) but none of it has seen much work on my part. I think it'd take a while to balance out the benefits & penalties and such. I did, however, make a Barbarian a long time ago that gained bonuses to Strength and Dexterity, but took a penalty to Constitution (so he was harder to hit, but had less hit points). That character turned out to be one of my favorite, and I played him until 20th level.

As for this "Dervish" everyone's mentioning, I think you've got the name mixed up- the Dervish was a dancing prestige class from Complete Warrior. The UA variant Barbarian, however, had an ability called "Whirling Frenzy" where he got a +4 to Strength and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves, as well as an extra attack at his full attack bonus when making a full attack. Rather than getting Indomitable Will, he got Evasion (while in Frenzy). The bonuses increased to +6 Str and +3 to AC/Saves at the level he'd get Greater Rage, and then to +8 Str and +4 AC/Saves when he'd get Mighty Rage.

Other than that, it's exactly the same as Rage- except it'll generally have a shorter duration, since your Constitution modifier stays the same. It's got no real Drawback, however, unlike the -2 AC from Rage.

 

[fuindordm]

As for this "Dervish" everyone's mentioning, I think you've got the name mixed up- the Dervish was a dancing prestige class from Complete Warrior. The UA variant Barbarian, however, had an ability called "Whirling Frenzy" where he got a +4 to Strength and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves, as well as an extra attack at his full attack bonus when making a full attack. Rather than getting Indomitable Will, he got Evasion (while in Frenzy). The bonuses increased to +6 Str and +3 to AC/Saves at the level he'd get Greater Rage, and then to +8 Str and +4 AC/Saves when he'd get Mighty Rage.

Actually, if he uses the extra attack then all attacks are at -2 to hit.

It's also worth checking out the Arcan Unearthed totem warrior core class. They get a special ability related to their totem every 5 levels; one of these is always the ability to polymorph into the totem animal. They also get an animal companion. It's too mystical for my tastes, but it might be your cup of tea...

Ben

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

A slightly tweaked unfettered from AU works well, I think. Use Wis for the Parry ability, get a high Con (perhaps picking up Improved Toughness, or trading bonus feats or sneak attack for a higher HD), switch good Ref to good Fort (or don't)...

 

[Orichin]

A barbarian in one of my past campaigns wanted an animal companion. I had him switch out rage for a wolf/large cat/bear/whatever significant animal is (he had a gorilla, it was...interesting ) that got better like a paladin's warhorse, and a special attack usable as often as rage that allowed them to both make a full attack on a single opponent with +2 to hit and +4 damage. It worked rather well.

 

[Thetford]

I recall in an older version of D&D that one of the Asian type settings had a barbarian that didn't rage, But I remembered as he gained levels he could call together a barbarian hoard under a common cause. By High level he could call a small army if the cause was right. sorry don't remember the book though.

 

[jstater]

The 1st edition barbarian didn't rage, nor did he pick up damage reduction. What he did get was the ability to detect magic and illusions, better saves against magic, and the ability to hit creatures only damaged by magic weapons (in d20, this would translate as the ability to overcome DR -/magic). He was also barred from some magic items and associating with magic-using characters, these taboos being lifted as he gained levels. Maybe this will give you some inspiration in creating replacement abilities for barbarian rage.

 

[Szatany]

Tossing around the idea of a non-raging barbarian recently. It seems that barbarians can be kind of type cast into the raging, frothing, hp shield with an great axe, or a great sword, or other heavy damage weapon.

I am sure I am not the only one to have thought of this. So what skill, feat, or other mechanic compensation do you or your DM offer barbarians who forgo the rage option of the class? Do you feel it is balanced and fair? Does it work well with the other characters and fit in your campaign?

Thanks for the feedback.

-neg

I recommend this thread.

 

[Ferret]

Sohei?

I also like the idea of gaining totem, some basic spell casting or some kind of cross between the current barbarian and Shadowfoot's Shaman.

 

[Tetsubo]

The 1st edition barbarian didn't rage, nor did he pick up damage reduction. What he did get was the ability to detect magic and illusions, better saves against magic, and the ability to hit creatures only damaged by magic weapons (in d20, this would translate as the ability to overcome DR -/magic). He was also barred from some magic items and associating with magic-using characters, these taboos being lifted as he gained levels. Maybe this will give you some inspiration in creating replacement abilities for barbarian rage.

This is an excellent suggestion. I've never liked the fact that in 3.0/3.5 barabarian = berserker. All barbarians are not "shield-biters".