How to make this Barbarian strong in magic?

[Aus_Snow]

For a monstrous Barbarian (2nd level) with high Charisma [16] and OK Wisdom [13, I think], what's a good multiclass option, both in terms of flavour and mechanics. . . one that also provides a high level of magic or magic-like abilities?

I have come up with - off the top of my head - Wilder (XPH), Shaman (from the Shaman's Handbook, by Green Ronin), Warlock (CArc), Spirit Shaman (CDiv), Savage Bard (UA).

Are any of these particularly good or bad for some reason? And what better options might there be?

Additional note: The 'build' doesn't have to be 'optimal', or anything like that. It's just a fun, casual character.

 

[Vorput]

Sorcerer?

 

[Stormborn]

Sorcerer seems an obvious choice for a high CHA PC. Warlock is another decent option.

 

[Nifft]

Wilder is nice. Same with Pyrokinetecist, if you're going Psionic.

Cleric is totally sweet, especially if you are allowd to use Divine feats to turn your Charisma bonus into combat bonuses.

Finally, don't neglect a couple levels of Rogue for Use Magic Device skill. Tumble + UMD is a lot of flexibility!

-- N

 

[Kunimatyu]

Flavor-wise, Wilder seems like an awfully good choice, and your barbarian hit points help mitigate the blacklash damage.

 

[blargney the second]

Another vote for wilder. There are a fair number of powers that can be manifested as a swift action. Swift manifest with surge, rage, Hassan CHOP!

 

[The Forsaken One]

Wilder for a load of reasons . Wilder can make you a combat machine if you do some research in how to combine the classes.

 

[ruleslawyer]

What are the available prestige class options?

Sorcerer/rage mage seems like fun. Another option would be the Runescarred Berserker.

But yeah; straight wilder is a nice choice.

 

[Nifft]

One thing to note about Wilder is that its class ability, Wild Surge, gets steadily worse as you gain more levels -- it's a big boost at level one, but ends up a very minor gain at high levels -- and the lost action really, really hurts at high levels. So, I'd take as few Wilder levels as possible. Level 3 is a good time to quit.

Slayer (SRD version of Illithid Slayer) is a very nice PrC for someone with Survival on his class skill list, since you need Track to qualify. It's full-BAB, 9/10 manifesting, and you end up with a permanent mind blank while psionically focused (at level 9). Pretty sweet.

Another PrC to consider is the Sactified Mind from Lords of Madness. It's a full-BAB, 5/6 manifesting (over 6 levels), and nets you Spell Resistance at 6th level. Plus lots of "smite aberrations" stuff.

There's probably something in Hyperconscious made just for this combo.

-- N

 

[DaveTheMagicWeasel]

Favoured Soul is one option, since Charisma powers the casting.

That way you can wear armour and get access to some of the best buff spells around off of the Cleric list.