Is the barbarian too front loaded?

[AdmundfortGeographer]

No, it really does suck. You cant trigger it before the battle, unless you're already walking in at low HP.

So the "trigger" aspect is what makes it useless to you? I disagree that it is an issue that makes its utility reduced for the barbarian-theme character, while it will make its utility reduced for characters that dip a single level of barbarian for the rage ability. Those that dip to barbarian for fast movement or the skill points and hit die still get their value.

Anytime its in effect, you'd have to be a fool to stand still to take a full attack (and receive a full attack in return).

I don't know what you are possibly talking about with this point. I'll take a shot in the dark and guess it's that the character doesn't get insta-hit points from a new Con, but instead gets universal DR... but you point is still less than clear.

Its a truly useless ability. Playtest it sometime.

Thanks for assuming. Actually I use it currently. I'm happier with it than with rage. We clearly disagree and have clearly different play styles.

 

[Jefe Bergenstein]

So the "trigger" aspect is what makes it useless to you? I disagree that it is an issue that makes its utility reduced for the barbarian-theme character, while it will make its utility reduced for characters that dip a single level of barbarian for the rage ability.

Precisely. With the extra rage feat, or a few barbarian levels, you are raging in every encounter, from the get-go (with extra HP). With this, you need to be frighteningly close to death to use it. 6hp/level is nothing. Going into a EL 10 encounter with 60hp is suicide, at 20th with 120, you may as well perform the CDG on yourself. The major problem is that it doesnt take your Con bonus into account. If you're at half HP or less in melee, you should probably be running or being healed, and the DR it gives just doesnt cut it. It only helps you when your chips are down, instead of helping you win from the beginning. Add in that if you take a prestige class its completely useless, and you see why I consider it utter garbage.

 

[AdmundfortGeographer]

6hp/level is nothing. Going into a EL 10 encounter with 60hp is suicide, at 20th with 120, ...

You are being disingenuous representing a hypothetical barbarian-themed character with a Con bonus of +0. I'm wasting my time clearly.

 

[Jefe Bergenstein]

You are being disingenuous representing a hypothetical barbarian-themed character with a Con bonus of +0. I'm wasting my time clearly.

No, I'm not. In order for the ability to trigger, its 6 X barbarian level. Not 6+con X barbarian level. THAT is the problem. That means you have to be at 60 HP at level 10. If you dont want to admit it sucks, whatever, but dont act like I'm trying to present false information. It kicks in when you're close to dead. In order to use it from the beginning of a combat, you need to be going in with your pants down, as opposed to rage, which is good all the time.

Assuming a level 20 barbarian with a 22 con (easily obtainable) and improved toughness, he's got about 276 HP. His berserker strength kicks in at 120 HP, a time when the fight should be practically over, the barbarian should be getting a heal spell from the cleric, or the party should be running. He pretty much shouldnt be thinking about sticking around to make a full attack (and receive one in turn). His benefit is in effect for fewer rounds than rage would be. Its just too situational. All its good for is blowing through hordes of low damage weenies (who arent a threat to begin with).

 

[frankthedm]

No, I'm not. In order for the ability to trigger, its 6 X barbarian level. Not 6+con X barbarian level. THAT is the problem. That means you have to be at 60 HP at level 10. If you dont want to admit it sucks, whatever, but dont act like I'm trying to present false information. It kicks in when you're close to dead. In order to use it from the beginning of a combat, you need to be going in with your pants down, as opposed to rage, which is good all the time.

Assuming a level 20 barbarian with a 22 con (easily obtainable) and improved toughness, he's got about 276 HP. His berserker strength kicks in at 120 HP, a time when the fight should be practically over, the barbarian should be getting a heal spell from the cleric, or the party should be running. He pretty much shouldnt be thinking about sticking around to make a full attack (and receive one in turn). His benefit is in effect for fewer rounds than rage would be. Its just too situational. All its good for is blowing through hordes of low damage weenies (who arent a threat to begin with).

The PHB Beserker Strength was too much of a nerf. If you gained moral bonuses to hit and damage the round after being damaged, that could be amusing.

 

[Sejs]

I'm a fan of the idea that classes like brabarian, and mage must be taken at 1st level or are otherwise inaccessable due to role-playing reasons.

Man, I wish I knew some brabarians.