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Message: <blockquote data-quote="fuindordm" data-source="post: 9876903" data-attributes="member: 5435">I see your point about the saving throws, but if we design the class so that it's always lower level than its peers, but give them massive HP and saving throw bonuses to catch up, why bother? The RAW Barbarian seems intended to create a PC who can hold the line in combat and win the Alone survivalist gameshow, but is kind of a wimp in combat due to lagging THAC0 and lack of offensive abilities.If you're interested in my take on it, here's the PDF.Highlights:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Toned down the absurd list of NWPs, they are helpful in wilderness but do not replace a ranger.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Explicitly non-magical--they pay for their strong defensive bonuses by receiving less benefit from magic even when allowed. In particular, armor and weapons function at one point less of bonus. (So a +1 sword is +0 for the barbarian using it, but the sword is still magical)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Added one offensive ability, "primal rage" because all other warrior classes have something offensive and I don't think anyone plays a barbarian expecting to feel like a wimp compared to the fighter and ranger. While raging, the barbarian gains a damage bonus of +1/2 levels and is basically always charging (+2 to hit, opponents are at +2 to hit you). Other rules around rage (duration, fatigue, etc) are in the PDF.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Added a variant Berserker class with stronger rage and even fewer NWPs.</li> </ul>Not playtested yet, this is still a theoretical option for my current campaign. But I think it is now comparable to the fighter and ranger. Also note that I do not partake of the 2nd edition NWP system. ;-)</blockquote>

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