My Barbarian's Race [Archive] - Wizards Community

My Barbarian's Race [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
The_Rogue
03-01-07, 08:11 PM I can't decide what race my barbarian should be. So please choose for me.

Pick From This List:

- Human
- Half-Orc
- Orc
- Gnoll

I'm not exactly sure how an orc or gnoll would be greeted when entering a town or something so consider that as a factor.

Thank You :)
AMGriffin
03-01-07, 08:38 PM Hmm...I'll give you a brief synopsis of each as barbarians instead I think.

Humans: Human barbarians are members of wild tribes typically that have left ther home for whatever reasons. Though not used to civilized life, they are otherwise basically normal humans. A human barbarian would have no problems travelling about in a civilized village/city. Mechanically this is one of the better choices, as you'll have an easier time getting to Prestige classes and be a better all-around member of the team, being able to provide support outside of just smashing things.

Half-orc: Half-orcs barbarians commonly were raised by their orc parents, so they may have a hard time dealing with civilized society, moreso then human barbarians. They are going to be accepted into most places but viewed with an eye of suspicion. Mechanically the half-orc is only viable if you wanna take a few levels in clerics and go war priest, otherwise you're better off with a human or orc.

Orc: orc barbarians, the big scary hack and smash types. Fun stuff. Orcs are commonplace enough that they can actually enter most places with confrontation, but they will face serious racism and prejudice. Orcs are BAD at everything but breaking stuff, so if you just wanna play a "ugh me smash" barbarian this isn't a bad race.

Gnolls: Gnolls aren't often barbarians I think, usually they're rangers. Regardless Gnolls are going to be hardpressed to go anywhere, most villagers are going to panic at the sight of a 7 foot hyena man. They also are pretty unpowered too. If you shaved off the LA or the racial HD they'd be pretty well balanced. they have scent too, that's bound to be useful. You could maybe go ranger/barbarian multilcass.

So, yeah if you're using the original rules I'd say mechanically go with humans or gnolls. You could also try orcs if you're looking to just play a "me smash" character.

Might I also suggest the half-ogre? They make good barbarians.
TheCarrionCrawler
03-01-07, 09:44 PM Hmm...I'll give you a brief synopsis of each as barbarians instead I think.

Humans: Human barbarians are members of wild tribes typically that have left ther home for whatever reasons. Though not used to civilized life, they are otherwise basically normal humans. A human barbarian would have no problems travelling about in a civilized village/city. Mechanically this is one of the better choices, as you'll have an easier time getting to Prestige classes and be a better all-around member of the team, being able to provide support outside of just smashing things.

Half-orc: Half-orcs barbarians commonly were raised by their orc parents, so they may have a hard time dealing with civilized society, moreso then human barbarians. They are going to be accepted into most places but viewed with an eye of suspicion. Mechanically the half-orc is only viable if you wanna take a few levels in clerics and go war priest, otherwise you're better off with a human or orc.

Orc: orc barbarians, the big scary hack and smash types. Fun stuff. Orcs are commonplace enough that they can actually enter most places with confrontation, but they will face serious racism and prejudice. Orcs are BAD at everything but breaking stuff, so if you just wanna play a "ugh me smash" barbarian this isn't a bad race.

Gnolls: Gnolls aren't often barbarians I think, usually they're rangers. Regardless Gnolls are going to be hardpressed to go anywhere, most villagers are going to panic at the sight of a 7 foot hyena man. They also are pretty unpowered too. If you shaved off the LA or the racial HD they'd be pretty well balanced. they have scent too, that's bound to be useful. You could maybe go ranger/barbarian multilcass.

So, yeah if you're using the original rules I'd say mechanically go with humans or gnolls. You could also try orcs if you're looking to just play a "me smash" character.

Might I also suggest the half-ogre? They make good barbarians.

Excellent sumerization! Let me add a few more races:

Neanderthals (Frostburn) No level adjustment, +2 bonus' to both strength and con, +1 racial bonus to primitive weapons, +2 spot, listen and survival. If you want to play the perfect crazy caveman barbarian, neanderthal is the ticket!

Goliath (Races of Stone) +1 LA, powerful build: allowing to treat as large in certain circumstances, can even weild the monsterous Goliath Greathammer (3d6!) Worth the LA.

Half-Ogre (Races of Destiny) +2 LA, As AMGriffin suggested, Half-Ogres are a better Ogre than the Ogre. You are large, with reach and everything. You will be hard to hide and to kidnap for that matter! I had great fun playing on of these, so they have a special place in my heart.

Also, I would suggest Bugbear! With an ECL of 4, it's hefty commitment.
The_Shaman
03-02-07, 04:20 PM Some more input:

- humans: standard. Bonus skill points may allow a slight decrease in intelligence, and the bonus feat can help you either get a fighting style or increase your survivability. Besides, it's good for multiclassing
- Half-orc. The race is a bit gimped, but can work fine. Actually, consider looking at the desert half-orcs from the UA/SRD (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/races/environmentalRacialVariants.htm#desertHa lfOrcs): I think their abilities are actually better for a barbarian, and the +2 constitution may be just as important as the +2 strength normal half-greens get
- orc, gnoll - big, scary and tough. They're very good when you have to break stuff, and not much else.

Some ideas of my own:
- dwarves: arguably made to be barbarians imo. You get saves, you have a 30 ft speed in medium armor, and you rage like there's no tomorrow. Consider the Battlerager PrC if you multiclass.
- half-dragons: for a +3 LA race they're a bit meh, but they make powerful barbarians after you get some more HPs. It's a pity you probably won't be flying, but you get some pretty tough stuff. Consider taking the RoD feat that allows you to breath more often when you qualify for it (lvl 6 afaik). I think the bite attack is at full BAB, by the way :) . Half-dragon dwarves or half-orcs are scary.
- Draconics: HD lite. Decent ability modifiers, not too heavy LA, some useful side abilities.
JarionSilverblades
03-02-07, 07:04 PM Neanderthals (Frostburn) No level adjustment, +2 bonus' to both strength and con, +1 racial bonus to primitive weapons, +2 spot, listen and survival. If you want to play the perfect crazy caveman barbarian, neanderthal is the ticket!

Neanderthals are a good choice. Their Favored Class is Barbarian, and they also have Illiteracy as a race trait, which means there is real no lose from barbarian levels.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
The_Rogue 03-01-07, 08:11 PM	I can't decide what race my barbarian should be. So please choose for me. Pick From This List: - Human - Half-Orc - Orc - Gnoll I'm not exactly sure how an orc or gnoll would be greeted when entering a town or something so consider that as a factor. Thank You :)
AMGriffin 03-01-07, 08:38 PM	Hmm...I'll give you a brief synopsis of each as barbarians instead I think. Humans: Human barbarians are members of wild tribes typically that have left ther home for whatever reasons. Though not used to civilized life, they are otherwise basically normal humans. A human barbarian would have no problems travelling about in a civilized village/city. Mechanically this is one of the better choices, as you'll have an easier time getting to Prestige classes and be a better all-around member of the team, being able to provide support outside of just smashing things. Half-orc: Half-orcs barbarians commonly were raised by their orc parents, so they may have a hard time dealing with civilized society, moreso then human barbarians. They are going to be accepted into most places but viewed with an eye of suspicion. Mechanically the half-orc is only viable if you wanna take a few levels in clerics and go war priest, otherwise you're better off with a human or orc. Orc: orc barbarians, the big scary hack and smash types. Fun stuff. Orcs are commonplace enough that they can actually enter most places with confrontation, but they will face serious racism and prejudice. Orcs are BAD at everything but breaking stuff, so if you just wanna play a "ugh me smash" barbarian this isn't a bad race. Gnolls: Gnolls aren't often barbarians I think, usually they're rangers. Regardless Gnolls are going to be hardpressed to go anywhere, most villagers are going to panic at the sight of a 7 foot hyena man. They also are pretty unpowered too. If you shaved off the LA or the racial HD they'd be pretty well balanced. they have scent too, that's bound to be useful. You could maybe go ranger/barbarian multilcass. So, yeah if you're using the original rules I'd say mechanically go with humans or gnolls. You could also try orcs if you're looking to just play a "me smash" character. Might I also suggest the half-ogre? They make good barbarians.
TheCarrionCrawler 03-01-07, 09:44 PM	Hmm...I'll give you a brief synopsis of each as barbarians instead I think. Humans: Human barbarians are members of wild tribes typically that have left ther home for whatever reasons. Though not used to civilized life, they are otherwise basically normal humans. A human barbarian would have no problems travelling about in a civilized village/city. Mechanically this is one of the better choices, as you'll have an easier time getting to Prestige classes and be a better all-around member of the team, being able to provide support outside of just smashing things. Half-orc: Half-orcs barbarians commonly were raised by their orc parents, so they may have a hard time dealing with civilized society, moreso then human barbarians. They are going to be accepted into most places but viewed with an eye of suspicion. Mechanically the half-orc is only viable if you wanna take a few levels in clerics and go war priest, otherwise you're better off with a human or orc. Orc: orc barbarians, the big scary hack and smash types. Fun stuff. Orcs are commonplace enough that they can actually enter most places with confrontation, but they will face serious racism and prejudice. Orcs are BAD at everything but breaking stuff, so if you just wanna play a "ugh me smash" barbarian this isn't a bad race. Gnolls: Gnolls aren't often barbarians I think, usually they're rangers. Regardless Gnolls are going to be hardpressed to go anywhere, most villagers are going to panic at the sight of a 7 foot hyena man. They also are pretty unpowered too. If you shaved off the LA or the racial HD they'd be pretty well balanced. they have scent too, that's bound to be useful. You could maybe go ranger/barbarian multilcass. So, yeah if you're using the original rules I'd say mechanically go with humans or gnolls. You could also try orcs if you're looking to just play a "me smash" character. Might I also suggest the half-ogre? They make good barbarians. Excellent sumerization! Let me add a few more races: Neanderthals (Frostburn) No level adjustment, +2 bonus' to both strength and con, +1 racial bonus to primitive weapons, +2 spot, listen and survival. If you want to play the perfect crazy caveman barbarian, neanderthal is the ticket! Goliath (Races of Stone) +1 LA, powerful build: allowing to treat as large in certain circumstances, can even weild the monsterous Goliath Greathammer (3d6!) Worth the LA. Half-Ogre (Races of Destiny) +2 LA, As AMGriffin suggested, Half-Ogres are a better Ogre than the Ogre. You are large, with reach and everything. You will be hard to hide and to kidnap for that matter! I had great fun playing on of these, so they have a special place in my heart. Also, I would suggest Bugbear! With an ECL of 4, it's hefty commitment.
The_Shaman 03-02-07, 04:20 PM	Some more input: - humans: standard. Bonus skill points may allow a slight decrease in intelligence, and the bonus feat can help you either get a fighting style or increase your survivability. Besides, it's good for multiclassing - Half-orc. The race is a bit gimped, but can work fine. Actually, consider looking at the desert half-orcs from the UA/SRD (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/races/environmentalRacialVariants.htm#desertHa lfOrcs): I think their abilities are actually better for a barbarian, and the +2 constitution may be just as important as the +2 strength normal half-greens get - orc, gnoll - big, scary and tough. They're very good when you have to break stuff, and not much else. Some ideas of my own: - dwarves: arguably made to be barbarians imo. You get saves, you have a 30 ft speed in medium armor, and you rage like there's no tomorrow. Consider the Battlerager PrC if you multiclass. - half-dragons: for a +3 LA race they're a bit meh, but they make powerful barbarians after you get some more HPs. It's a pity you probably won't be flying, but you get some pretty tough stuff. Consider taking the RoD feat that allows you to breath more often when you qualify for it (lvl 6 afaik). I think the bite attack is at full BAB, by the way :) . Half-dragon dwarves or half-orcs are scary. - Draconics: HD lite. Decent ability modifiers, not too heavy LA, some useful side abilities.
JarionSilverblades 03-02-07, 07:04 PM	Neanderthals (Frostburn) No level adjustment, +2 bonus' to both strength and con, +1 racial bonus to primitive weapons, +2 spot, listen and survival. If you want to play the perfect crazy caveman barbarian, neanderthal is the ticket! Neanderthals are a good choice. Their Favored Class is Barbarian, and they also have Illiteracy as a race trait, which means there is real no lose from barbarian levels.