Tweaking elf barbarians

[VoidAdept]

I'm thinking of adding a little flavor to barbarians from certain elf nations in my campaign. Unlike the stereotypical barbarians who tend to be savages who hail from remote lands, these elves are specially trained warriors who can enter a trance-like state in combat and become cold, unemotional killers. The trance is identical to a regular barbarian's rage; it just looks outwardly different.

Two questions: First, I can't see these 'barbarians' being illiterate, considering the society that they come from. Would you swap out illiteracy for some other penalty, or is it not such a big deal to drop it outright?

Second, what would be a good name for these barbarians?

 

[Darthbelch]

uhm, then they wouldnt really be barbarians, more like....well trained combatants.

 

[IceFractal]

Darthbelch: Yes, but they would still use the Barbarian mechanics.

VoidAdept: Being an Elf Barbarian is penalty enough - that -2 Con hurts.
Although, since literacy costs 2 skill points, you could make them take a rank in Concentration (same cost), to represent their training.

 

[Drowbane]

For the Elf Barbarian I would advocate a few Fighter levels to emphasize the fact that they are well trained. This also solves the illiteracy issue.

"Do you have any idea how much work I put into my character?"
"Uhm...As much work as the others?"
"No! He's from the stories I write, He's the strongest in the universe and nothing can kill him!"
"Interesting. Well, it seems to me, he's still only level 4 in DnD..."
"So! He's a half god and I say you give him the power he deserves!"
"Okay Then. Jagg the 4th level samurai half-god just got his ass handed to him by a warforged that was level 3...."
"He cant Die! Someone Revive him!"
Nobody revived him.
Oh, and the warforged that killed him was a fellow player
-Real conversation between me and a player...

Yeah, I've known players like that...

 

[Tonguez]

Name: Zealot
Ability: Zeal

I already use this varient imc to allow for 'Lawful Barbarians' - the Zealot is a warrior of such fervent beleif that 'fighting for the cause' can have a physiological affect making them stronger and tougher.

Zealots can multiclass with Monks

IMC all Zealots must have a cause for which they are willing to die (this replaces the illiteracy) but I like Icefractals idea of requiring them to take Concentration.