Is a Ninja/Barbarian possible?

[Vorput]

Alright, I originally posted this in the rules forum, and got a few responses... and was overall satisfied.

Now, however, when my players found out about it (minus the one who is actually becoming the ninja/barbarian)- there was some heavy opposition and calls that this was impossible. My original question was (and hoping for a more roleplaing response to it this time):


"I have a PC who is currently a ninja (complete adventurer), and wants to multiclass with barbarian.

He backs up this change rather convincingly with references to his character history.

I have two qualms though.

1) Is the chaotic barbarian compatible with the disciplined learning of a ninja?

2) Would a ninja/barbarian be able to use some of his ki abilities (ghost step, etc.) while raging? Or would the restrictions on abilities that take patience, etc. make it impossible?

The PC pointed out that the description of rage only limits dex, cha, and int skills though. So I dunno...

Any comments?"

As I said, my other players say its impossible- and the two classes are completely incompatible role-playing wise, and seem to think it's just a giant meta/power gaming move. Something I try to discourage as much as possible.

Thc characters history is that his family was attacked by a savage tribe of orcs, parents slaughtered, tow razed- he escaped and endd up training under another ninja. He's just set off on his own now though, and claims there's a spark of anger and rage he wants to cultivate into the Barbarian class now.

Something else to note, he wants to multiclass between ninja and barbarian as he does this, possibly with only a few levels in barb total.

So... yeah. Help? Thx.

 

[Crothian]

Ya, they can be taken together

I would rule 0 that the ki abilities can't be made while raging, but the rules seem to let it happen.

 

[drowdude]

I would allow it: but I would definately rule that the Ninja-Ki abilities require too much concentration to use while raging.

If it is purely a power-gaming move on the player's part, that simple ruling will prolly discourage him from pursuing that path.

 

[Roadkill101]

The rules may allow for it, but I personally prefer to not allow the Barbarian class unless it
was the starting class. Where Barbarains are less than civilized persons, but can later become more refined and polished.
So it it seems kinda backward to go from any class to Barbarian IMO.

 

[Dark Jezter]

With a barbarian's rage ability, a ninja really would be able to flip out and kill people.

 

[Altamont Ravenard]

I'd totally allow it.

The character hasn't learned to become a barbarian, he just discovered an untapped source of rage within him and is capable of exploiting it. The barbarian abilities could very well be a combat technique.

AR

 

[Victim]

A ninja/barbarian is perfect for flipping out via rage and killing people. What can go wrong?

 

[Bloodstone Press]

The rules may allow for it, but I personally prefer to not allow the Barbarian class unless it was the starting class. Where Barbarains are less than civilized persons, but can later become more refined and polished.
So it it seems kinda backward to go from any class to Barbarian IMO.

I tend to agree with this. However, I also don't like to tell players "no" very often. After all, it is just a game. Basically, if the PC can come up with a good reason why they should be a barbarian, I'll allow it.

And, in movies and in lit. there are examples of civilized people "going native."

And, like other folks have said, a ninja barbarian could really flip out and kill people... all the time!!

That would be SO awesome!

and by "awesome" I mean "cool."

 

[Tuzenbach]

I'd *sort of* allow it. I'd have to rule that, yes, a Barbarian is something the character must start with first. HOWEVER, this isn't to say that a different sort of Barbarian can't be constructed. I'd develop a new class and call it something like "The Berserker". Unlike the Barbarian, this would be a class that a character can actually *learn* later on. "What's to learn?", you ask? Well, the fine art of going berserk! In short, while I can't really see a Ninja/Barbarian, I'd definitely allow a Ninja/Berserker.

 

[snarfoogle]

As long as this hypothetical ninja/barbarian is a mammal and fights all the time, you would be not only be possible, you would be the iconic ninja.