Barbarian Rage Power: Elemental Rage

[Nickademus]

Should Barbarians be more like Sorcerers or Monks? Out of all the powers, this feels the most out of place.

What if this was renamed Vicious Rage and just let the Barbarian do an additional 1d8 ( or 1d6) points of extra damage?

Would this be more in line with Barbarian concept?

thanks

[Xithor]

Nickademus wrote:

Should Barbarians be more like Sorcerers or Monks? Out of all the powers, this feels the most out of place.

On the contrary, I think it's quite well suited for some barbarians. You have to be a fairly high level to attain the power, so it's not as if joe shmoe 3rd level Barbarian can just whack you with a jolt of electricity, you've got to work for it.

It makes perfect sense to me that a powerful individual would be able to draw the kind of power to do that little extra damage kick, be it gift from the gods, indomitable will, or just a little something they figured out how to do from watching the wizard.

Also, it's optional! If it doesn't work with your idea of a barbarian, then pick another power (I'm playing a barbarian at the moment myself, and I'm probably going to skip this power myself). It's all about choice, delicious, delectable choice!

[Nickademus]

Xithor wrote:

Also, it's optional! If it doesn't work with your idea of a barbarian, then pick another power (I'm playing a barbarian at the moment myself, and I'm probably going to skip this power myself). It's all about choice, delicious, delectable choice!

I am all about choice. I agree, it is a wonderful thing.

The elemental damage just didnt seem right to me. Not really worried about the power level of the abilty, I think where they put the chance to use the abilty at the right spot. My opinion was just when i read it, it sounds more like a sorcerer, elemental wizard or monk ability. I mentioned it only to give feedback and help fine tune the product.

To me, barbarians represent a ferocity (more offensive) of the Martial classes, lacking in armor and origanized weapon skill for something more feral and survivalistic approach to combat. Brute strenght and intensity to carry them through life. Adding the elementalism seems a little over the top.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Kalyth]

Nickademus wrote:

Xithor wrote:

Also, it's optional! If it doesn't work with your idea of a barbarian, then pick another power (I'm playing a barbarian at the moment myself, and I'm probably going to skip this power myself). It's all about choice, delicious, delectable choice!

I am all about choice. I agree, it is a wonderful thing.

The elemental damage just didnt seem right to me. Not really worried about the power level of the abilty, I think where they put the chance to use the abilty at the right spot. My opinion was just when i read it, it sounds more like a sorcerer, elemental wizard or monk ability. I mentioned it only to give feedback and help fine tune the product.

To me, barbarians represent a ferocity (more offensive) of the Martial classes, lacking in armor and origanized weapon skill for something more feral and survivalistic approach to combat. Brute strenght and intensity to carry them through life. Adding the elementalism seems a little over the top.

Thanks for the feedback.

Classing example of a barbarian (ok so hes a god but work with me). Thor.

I think i has its place. Should most barbarians have the ability. No but I can see a few concepts using for great thematic reasons. Its optional so I see no harm.

[ZeroCharisma]

Shoot, IIRC, Adam of Eternia (sort of the Lance Bass of 80's Barbarians, but <shrug> still a Barbarian) used to shoot beams of energy out of his sword.

Ultimately, however, I don't think we need to justify the inclusion/omission of powers by character examples.

The character you are building should be yours and yours alone. If you want a Barbarian that has elemental damage (and I considered taking this power so that I could do a "storm strike" with my Tamiir-Quah Barbarian) you can have one. If you want a slavering drooling half naked rugby player with a greataxe, that is your prerogative.

[Cleric]

Yes I think it would be "more" in line with the barbarian's concept. But I see no reason why to increase the damage to a d8. +d6 physical damage itself is more than enough. There are resistances and immunities to every type of damage so switching it should rarely change the damage value.

My solution was to simply ignore this power and suggest players to choose something else as there are better powers than this. Animal Fury for example which also I regard as a lousy choice.

[Quandary]

If you're grappling something, Animal Fury's great! (bonus attack @ full BAB for dmg, +2 Grapple) Certainly if you were taking the Improved Grapple Feat, it'd be a good one to take to multiply your effectiveness. Even if you're not grappling, a free attack at full BAB is great no matter what, and it's fairly cheap to use.

The wording of the "+2 bonus to grapple checks THIS ROUND" should (IMHO) be changed to "until the beginning of your next turn" so that it's effectiveness is not dependent on beating your opponent's initiative roll.

The wording of it ("ANY grapple checks made against this target...") also means your allies gain this benefit, so it's much easier to 'dog-pile' someone down.

("Does city dweller trust his sword more than Shoanti dentistry!?!?" :-)

[Cleric]

Either something's wrong with the edit button, or I screwed up (99%). Anyway it created another post so it's off-topic and I apologize.
Now, second reply.
Not to say Animal Fury is bad but I think it has a limited use. I prefer Strength Surge. The whole d6 bite thing makes me wonder how this can be. Humans other that Steven Tyler are not able to bite for 1d6 damage, in rage or otherwise. I see it as a unnecessary power in both use and flavor.