Ok, I can’t decide between a ranger and a barbarian for my PFS Core (meaning CRB only) character. So I’m going to build both to see which I like better. I haven’t built a barbarian in forever (probably back in 3.0 days) so this will probably need some help.
Half-Orc (just because it is traditional for a barbarian in my head)
Chaotic Good
Grand Lodge?
Traits ? and ?
Str 20(18+2), Dex 12, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 7 {{ to my grognard mind half-orcs should be stupid and unpleasant }}
Plan
1 fast movement, rage, feat Power Attack
2 uncanny dodge, rage power Animal Fury (d4 bite)
3 trap sense +1, feat Improved Sunder
4 rage power Clear Mind (reroll will save) {{ was thinking Superstition, but I don’t like not getting ally buffs }}
5 imp uncanny dodge, feat Step-Up
6 trap sense +2, rage power No Escape
7 DR 1/-, feat Vital Strike
8 rage power Knockback
9 trap sense +3, feat Iron Will
10 DR 2/-, rage power Unexpected Strike
11 greater rage, feat Imp Vital Strike
Was actually considering making him a slow brute. So I was thinking of dumping dex instead of int. What do you think about that?
Questions, Comments, Concerns, or Suggestions?
I would not dump dex, because even though you are a barbarian, so you aren't going to have the greatest AC, you should at least have some.
I think it looks good. I don't remember all of the trait names, but reactionary gets you +2 initiative, which is always nice. I would probably have my other one increase either my will or reflex save, as both of yours are going to be pretty low.
Yeah, I don't usually start a non-offense caster with an 18 stat. I was roughly remembering what I had once created long ago.
Reactionary is decent, but some many people have it that I don't really like it because I want to be at least a little different. And I really am making a pretty dang standard barbarian build.
Ok, so...
Half-Orc (just because it is traditional for a barbarian in my head)
Chaotic Good
Grand Lodge or ???
Traits Indomitable Faith (+1 will saves) and Deft Dodger (+1 to reflex saves)
Str 18(16+2), Dex 14, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 7 {{ to my grognard mind half-orcs should still at least be unpleasant }}
Plan
1 fast movement, rage, feat Power Attack
2 uncanny dodge, rage power Animal Fury (d4 bite)
3 trap sense +1, feat Improved Sunder
4 rage power Clear Mind (reroll will save) {{ was thinking Superstition, but I don’t like not getting ally buffs }}
5 imp uncanny dodge, feat Step-Up
6 trap sense +2, rage power No Escape
7 DR 1/-, feat Vital Strike
8 rage power Knockback
9 trap sense +3, feat Iron Will
10 DR 2/-, rage power Unexpected Strike
11 greater rage, feat Imp Vital Strike
Do I need both No Escape and Step-Up?
Are the Vital Strike feats worth it? I know you want to be going for the full attack, but you don't always get those especially if having to move (or charge) into combat. Seems like they would be worth it, but I don't think I've seen to many people taking them.
Personally I would drop the Int to 10 and make your Con a 15, putting your first point there at level 4. You are still getting 4 skill points per level which covers all the basics.
Playing a barbarian without diehard is kinda risky, dropping to 0 during rage is a sure way to die instead of being unconscious at high levels
Personally I would drop the Int to 10 and make your Con a 15, putting your first point there at level 4. You are still getting 4 skill points per level which covers all the basics.
I could, but probably won't. I like skill ranks. Plus it is for PFS and I often seem to sit at the table where no one knows anything.
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Playing a barbarian without diehard is kinda risky, dropping to 0 during rage is a sure way to die instead of being unconscious at high levels
I understand what you are saying, but unless I constantly find myself getting into the negatives, I don't think I will go for that. I will probably list it as an option to consider once I get to around level 7.
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Dying early on for PFS is the problem actually, by level 7 you should have enough prestige to have raise dead cast on you, before that is just a permanent death.
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Dying early on for PFS is the problem actually, by level 7 you should have enough prestige to have raise dead cast on you, before that is just a permanent death.
You specifically referred to high levels.
At low levels you are only going to lose a few HP from dropping out of rage. That seems less likely to drop you below con.
I would have to take Endurance and Diehard. Putting off the other feats I want until level 5+.
I will give it some more thought.
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Dying early on for PFS is the problem actually, by level 7 you should have enough prestige to have raise dead cast on you, before that is just a permanent death.You specifically referred to high levels.
At low levels you are only going to lose a few HP from dropping out of rage. That seems less likely to drop you below con.
I would have to take Endurance and Diehard. Putting off the other feats I want until level 5+.
I will give it some more thought.
Dying from getting knocked unconscious is a very real problem for a Core Barbarian.
say you are level 5 with a CON of 14, getting 10 "extra" HP when you rage. You get knocked unconscious, with the damage reducing you to -5 HP. Your rage drops, bringing your CON back to 14 and your HP to -15. You are dead.
Welcome to Core Barbarian. I am not saying it is a bad choice for Core, but there is a reason why almost every Barbarian takes Raging Vitality. Be careful out there.