Special Rage Rules

[Anubis]

Would it break the system too much if certain circumstances allowed characters other than Barbarians to rage? In the next adventure, one of the main characters, a Paladin of Heironeous, is slated to watch his little kid sister get brutally sacrificed in order to wake a powerful demon. Would it be wrong for said Paladin to go into an automatic Rage (as per the Barbarian ability) upon seeing this, with it lasting until after the battle is over?

I'm thinking that would not break the system, and is quite realistic, but I would like to get some opinions.

 

[MarauderX]

Berserk maybe, but I like the rage just for the barbarians. I would give the character extra damage bonuses, but would take the same number away from BAB and AC. I would restrict it down so that it never was equal to the barbarian version.

 

[haiiro]

If it fits the way you run your game, and it makes sense for the story/plot/etc., go for it. If you think it will bother the other players -- "Hey, the paladin is getting to rage for free -- I want to be able to sneak attack in the next fight!" -- then don't do it.

I certainly wouldn't make it a regular occurrence, nor as powerful as the actual rage ability.

 

[Anubis]

Well I was gonna make it as powerful as the normal Barbarian rage ability, but the player never gets to make the choice. Basically, it would be my option, like if I thought the situation warranted it, it would happen. I would say once every ten or twenty levels is as often as THIS kind of rage would ever happen.

 

[haiiro]

Like I said, it depends heavily on your players and playing style. Once or twice in the scope of the entire campaign sounds like it would be just fine, and a pretty neat (and memorable) occurrence to boot.

 

[Anabstercorian]

The other players will be a bit jealous - Make sure to give them something similar someday soon.

 

[Firzair]

I'd make it a double or even triple strength rage!!! Hell I'd allow him doing double damage with each attack for free!!!
Sure as hell I'd freak out if someone wants to sacrifice my brother (whose an adult) and I'd go into frenzy if somebody tried this with my son!
'ware the power of family-bonds!

Greetings
Firzair

 

[Tonguez]

Not a rage but a unique smite with added benefits because its 'Divine Retribution'

in other words as long as you give it a different name like 'Divine Retribution' and explain that it is the power of Faith driving him then yeah go hard

(this also helps stop other players going eew but what about me! - I want my Sorcerer to go into a rage too)

oh and I agree with Firzair make this a major thing...

 

[Jeph]

You might want to try half the bonuses and penalties–+2 str, +2 con, +1 will, -1 AC.

 

[whatisitgoodfor]

The ELH allows something vaguely similar for NPCs.

With a high enough attitude altering skill check (diplomacy ususally) an NPC group will become "Fanatical" towards the character who made the check.

While Fanatic and performing for the character, the NPCs get a +2 to Str and Con, and a -1 to AC. (I don't recall if the bonus to Will saves was in there or not.)

You might try allowing those bonuses to apply to the characters when something that they are truly fanatical about is being threatened.