I'm contemplating allowing some rage powers to be used outside of actually entering a fit of rage. For instance surprise accuracy, powerful blow, and rolling dodge. However, they would still use up rounds of rage to activate. So for instance, a barbarian in combat could not be in a rage, but still use rolling dodge and pay 1 round of rage per use. So it's kinda like entering a rage, but not gaining the STR & CON benefits and AC penalty (and fatigue after ending a full-on rage).
I'd like some feedback on the ramifications of doing this.
I'm contemplating allowing some rage powers to be used outside of actually entering a fit of rage. For instance surprise accuracy, powerful blow, and rolling dodge. However, they would still use up rounds of rage to activate. So for instance, a barbarian in combat could not be in a rage, but still use rolling dodge and pay 1 round of rage per use. So it's kinda like entering a rage, but not gaining the STR & CON benefits and AC penalty (and fatigue after ending a full-on rage).
I'd like some feedback on the ramifications of doing this.
Hmmmmmm..... I think it has the possibility of limiting and at the same time overpowering the Barbarian. The abilities are all side effects of entering into rage, and the limits placed there on are to balance out gaining said abilities.
At the same time, multiple abilities are at times active, passive abilities I tend to see them ass, and now only being able to activate one at a time, at the cost of a rage rounds... seems like it might limit them as well.I know that my barbarian would be amazing if I didn't have to worry about AC penalties and the fatigue, when using some abilities, making him more of a beast in combat. (laughs) My DM wouldn't dare go for something like this, I know that much.
Hmmmmmm..... I think it has the possibility of limiting and at the same time overpowering the Barbarian. The abilities are all side effects of entering into rage, and the limits placed there on are to balance out gaining said abilities.
At the same time, multiple abilities are at times active, passive abilities I tend to see them ass, and now only being able to activate one at a time, at the cost of a rage rounds... seems like it might limit them as well.
I know that my barbarian would be amazing if I didn't have to worry about AC penalties and the fatigue, when using some abilities, making him more of a beast in combat. (laughs) My DM wouldn't dare go for something like this, I know that much.
Actually, the goal is to be LESS limiting, by allowing some powers to be used during combat without having to worry about becoming fatigued by trading the benefit of increased STR/CON. You can still use them as normal during a rage. My thought is that with certain powers, you could use them outside of a rage IN ADDITION to using them in a rage normally.
In general, my thinking is that if a power is always on or usable once per rage, then it shouldn't be part of the list below.
A list of powers from the core that I'd allow to be used outside of a rage (note that you would still have to burn a round of rage, and would activate them as per their description).
Animal Fury
Guarded Stance
Intimidating Glare
Knockback
Powerful Blow (despite being only usable once/rage, it's weak IMO)
Rolling Dodge
Superstition
Surprise Accuracy (another weak one)
Hmm… I think I'm nixing this idea. Too complex.