I'm thinking about playing a barbarian in my next Pathfinder game, but an issue I often have with playing any "front line" character is that they typically lack a worthwhile plan B. A barbarian might destroy enemies in melee combat, and have an OK set of skills (depending on race, Int, etc), but in a fight where melee is not an option (flying bad guys at lower levels is just one example, and flying is a very common part of "boss" bad guys' kits) they end up twiddling their thumbs. I always make sure to pack a ranged weapon, but just being proficient with a longbow doesn't mean you'll be all that effective with it, especially when damage reductions are involved.
What are some strategies you guys enjoy for making a front liner with something to contribute when melee combat is infeasible? My group typically uses CRB, UM, UC, and APG. I prefer not to fully optimize; I just want to make a meaningful contribution to most encounters, combat or otherwise.
I usually play a wizard or sorcerer of some kind, but when there's a boss or fight where our fighter/barbarian isn't being useful I'll usually have him hold the potions and/or wands and then stand in as my meat shield while trying to poke at the bad guys with a bow.
sure it might not be fun for him, but our GM usually makes sure to involve everybody in the battle, i.e. a flying bad guy with some minions on the ground trying to overwhelm our ranged attackers.
You could always play an urban barbarian, who can allocate the +4 rage bonus to any one of the 3 physical scores and carry a bow for backup?
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My barbarian carries a composite longbow, which lets him add his strength bonus to his damage. His dex bonus to hit isn't nearly as big as his strength bonus, but he does have one. Obviously, he's not nearly as deadly with the bow as he is in melee, but he's certainly not worthless. And I've been thinking of upgrading to a magic bow with bonuses beyond just the +1, like flaming or frost or something.
He's also got that increased barbarian speed, and good climb and acrobatics bonuses, so he's got the mobility to get into melee faster than enemies sometimes expect.
Strength Surge Sunder the intervening space?
Other than having an on-hand ranged weapon or having one of the party casters hit you up with an Air Walk or Fly spell, there aren't all that many other options*.
Get yourself a BATTY BAT AND RAGELACEPOUNCE?
I was waiting for ole AM to show up.
I was waiting for ole AM to show up.
He doesn't show up in every Barbarian thread, just the ones that count.
I play a tacklign barbarian if the guy is flying I grapple! when he attacks or climb a tree and fly like an eagle into his embrace
Yah, it gets a little simpler if the flying creature is a flying melee creature. At least then you can ready actions to "knock his ass down"... or to grapple.
I thought this was going to be a thread on natural contraceptives and the logistics of adventuring while pregnant. I'm disappointed.
Let me ask a related and more specific question: do you guys think a controller build for barbarian would be effective? I'm thinking dazzling display, intimidating glare, ground breaker, and stand still just off the top of my head. Obviously this would give up some amount of damage, but rage + power attack + glaive should still be enough to dish out respectable damage. What do you guys think?