So I'm building an Invulnerable Rager Barbarian at level 6 (as the title says), and I'm looking for some advice regarding how to build it. I've scoured the messageboards for builds(including the AM BARBARIAN of Trinam), but most of the threads are difficult to follow and generally don't provide clear builds. I'm looking for insane damage output (without crazy metagamy exploitations that my GM would raise an eyebrow about, and I've got the feeling that the Trinam's AM BARB would do exactly that). Stats are:
Invulnerable Rager/6
Str 17
Dex 14
Con 15
Int 11
Wis 11
Cha 10
I've yet to place the ability score point received at level 4, though I assume it'll be put into Strength. With the notice above in mind, I'm open to all possibilities.
It's difficult to find space for deadly aim: you also have decent damage thanks to your STR, so there is really no need to invest in a feat you will rarely use.
Raging vitality is good, reckless abandon is another good feat. Beast totem and superstition lines are standard for a damage monster barbarian. If you have a solid party the spell sunder line might be unnecessary and I personally don't like it a lot: the majority of the board will disagree though.
AS for weapon: for the first levels use a greatsword, then at mid levels switch it for a keen falchion and start considering critical feats (dazing should be the first on you least, to be replaced later by stunning)
I'm thinking Dwarf, then you get a Large Dwarven Waraxe as a 2-handed 2d8/x3 weapon. Eldritch Heritage: Orc would be cool too. The 9th level Bloodline Power adds to your Strength. Find a way to get immunity to Fatigue and Exhaustion, so you can make use of Furious Finish.
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Cleave typically isn't worth spending a feat on, since your enemies have to be adjacent to each other in order to be cleave-able. With most DMs that just won't happen often enough to be worthwhile. Cleave is probably better for a fighter than any other class, since they can pick it up at level 2, then trade it out later, when they have iterative attacks and it becomes even less useful than it was earlier.
Eldritch Heritage requires both a 13 CHA and a wasted Skill Focus feat as prereqs. Not too much bang for your buck there.
An oversized (large) waraxe goes from d12 (avg: 6.5) to 3d6 (avg: 10.5). That's -2 to attack for +4 damage, kinda like power attack, but not as good (PA would be -2 attack for +6 damage using a 2 handed weapon) -- AND you can't ever turn an oversized weapon "off" when you need the extra attack bonus to hit a high AC enemy. Extra damage on a weapon is NOT the same as increased Damage Per Round when it with a penalty to attack.
As mentioned above, Raging Vitality is a very important feat for any barbarian build.
Toughness is always a solid pick.
Beast Totem line leads to Pounce at level 10. Pounce is a Good Thing.
As an Invulnerable Rager, increasing your already stacked DR is pretty effective. you can do that with a Rage Power at level 8 and higher (Improved Damage Reduction).
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Agree with Argus about Cleave just not being worth it. I took it for my barbarian at level 1, and I think I've used it exactly twice on my way to 4th level.
As mentioned by others, Power Attack and Raging Vitality are essential. Furious Focus is another good feat, since it eliminates the penalty for using Power Attack with a two handed weapon.
I'd stick with two handed weapons. Greatsword is probably the best choice, though at higher levels, crit range and modifiers are more important than the straight damage dice, so maybe consider switching to a falchion when you hit high enough level for the Improved Critical feat.
As for rage powers, the beast totem chain seems to be the most popular around here, for the whole pouncing thing. Superstitious is a great rage power, since it gives you bonuses to your saves against magic, but the downside is that you have to make saves against friendly magic, too, when you're raging. Reckless Abandon is another good rage power to help you hit more at the expense of AC. But as an Invulnerable Rager, you shouldn't worry about AC - just take the hits.
And yes, I'd put that level 4 stat point into strength. Then boost con to 16 at level 8. How did you come up with those stats, anyway? If you really want to be effective in combat, you can dump some of the mental stats to boost the physical stats. Even if you don't want to be stupidly dumb, an 8 or 9 int with 10 wis is still just barely below average, and lets you have more points to put into str and con, while only sacrificing one skill point. Barbarians get enough skill ranks per level that it's not that big a deal to give one up.
Since you'll be tanking, you'll probably want your favored class bonus on the HP most levels. If you're human, consider using the favored class bonus to increase your Superstitious bonus.
And yes, I'd put that level 4 stat point into strength. Then boost con to 16 at level 8. How did you come up with those stats, anyway? If you really want to be effective in combat, you can dump some of the mental stats to boost the physical stats. Even if you don't want to be stupidly dumb, an 8 or 9 int with 10 wis is still just barely below average, and lets you have more points to put into str and con, while only sacrificing one skill point. Barbarians get enough skill ranks per level that it's not that big a deal to give one up.Since you'll be tanking, you'll probably want your favored class bonus on the HP most levels. If you're human, consider using the favored class bonus to increase your Superstitious bonus.
As said, if human the favored bonus should go in Superstitious.
Half-orc is good too, as you get access to the toothy trait.
Are your stats point buy? If so drop Int to 10 to get Wis to 12.
Whatever the stat generation method, Put the level-up into Str and get Con at 8.
it would use two of your available rage powers, but Beast Totem (and lesser beast totem) will negate the Raging AC penalty and NET you AC when raging after level 8, as well as qualifying you for Greater Beast Totem and all its pouncy goodness.
feats: Power Atack is paramount. Furious Focus lets you ignore the PA attack penalty on your first swing each turn.