Mr Erth's page

I'm DMing my own campaign, starting in a months time, and I want to make sure all my players are having fun. We're all relatively new to the game.

One of my players (who isn't incredible strong rules-wise and so needs a little help building an effective character) rolled these stats:

Str 17
Dex 12
Con 12
Int 11
Wis 13
Cha 17

I can't recall if these stats are before or after putting a +2 from Human in there, but I think it's after (he might have rolled 10 con).

He's making a Human Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) and they're starting at level 1. I don't think 17 strength is bad and the charisma is nice for intimidating, but I'm worried he's gonna be in constant risk of dying with so low dex and con. So here's where you guys come in.

I need advice that I can give him on how to build his barbarian effectively (and thoughts on how effective he can possibly get). Any thoughts on gear (magic and otherwise), feats and rage powers would be greatly appreciated (I checked out the barbarian guide here on the boards, but it's unfinished and outdated).

Thanks in advance.

I'm making a custom magic weapon for my homemade campaign and I'm thinking about giving it a new magic weapon ability I call Crushing. Basically it allows the user to add 3x his str modifier to the damage instead of the normal 1½ when wielding it in both hands.

I was thinking of pricing it like a +2 modifier. Does this seem right? In general, do you think an ability like that is game breaking? Mind you, my players won't know of it in advance, so no one will be building a character around it.

Any thoughts/advice welcome.

My friend made a new race for his home-made campaign and I was hoping I could have some one better versed in the rules to help me evaluate it.

The big important question is: Is this race balanced when compared to the core races? If not, should it be nerfed or improved? Any advice welcome.

Also, we're not really powergamers, so if the difference is a small one or hard to exploit (eg. coming up only in very specific situations), then it's probably not relevant.
We're creating characters with point buy 20, while trying to avoid extremes (so few/no dump stats 8 or lower, probably no starting 20s)

Here are the important numbers:
Race:Greyman
Size: Medium
Speed:30 feet
Ability scores: +2 constitution, +2 wisdom, -2 dexterity
Misc. bonuses: Dark vision, +2 perception, +1 HP regained when resting, natural armor bonus equal to half of the constition modifier rounded down, +1 save vs spells and effects that rely on physical/sexual attraction (they have no reproductive organs), -1 on reflex saves, -1 Touch AC, -2 on swim checks

I've left out the flavor text on purpose. If, for some reason, you deem it important, I guess I'll post what I've been provided. Thanks in advance.