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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Insight" data-source="post: 1979281" data-attributes="member: 11437">I'm curious how other DMs handle certain character classes that are based more on cultural origin or upbringing as opposed to skill sets.  The two that immediately come to mind are the Barbarian and the Monk.  In my view, Barbarians are characters from a culture that lives within nature, has few social constructs, little institutionalization, and are generally very warlike.  I like Barbarians as an idea, and I don't really have a problem with people in my game wanting to play Barbarians, given an appropriate culture in the campaign setting.Monks are also a cultural origin type class, to a lesser degree.  These characters have been brought up with a certain philosophy and mindset, and have spent many years developing and honing their skills.  They live away from their native society, usually in isolated places, and normally only associate with their own brotherhood.  Obviously, the Monks in the PHB are based on Shaolin Monks, and may not be appropriate in all campaign settings.That being said, here is my question: do you allow characters to add these sorts of classes during play when they did not start with them?  In other words, do you allow player characters to become Barbarians and/or Monks, or do they have to start play with one of these classes in order to advance them?  What are your reasons for allowing or disallowing this?</blockquote>