Barbarians --> PFS --> Background and Powers

[Matthew Pittard]

Hi,

I like many others run a Barbarian character in PFS. It took me some time to think up a concept for the Barbarian until I saw the piece in a released product on the Shoanti. I like their backstory (in regards to their oppression by the 'colonialists' from Cheliax)and their current views

I focused on the Shade-Quah (and how do I properly pronounce that btw?) and came up with Bleeding Bear.

He is ex Shadow lodge and I came up with the fact he had been 'rescued' after falling in battle by Grandmaster Torch.

I decided to go with the Spirit Totem and envisioned that the spirits grew more numerous as he 'absorbed' the spirits of those he killed who in turn joined the others at lashing out against his foes.

My questions are:

A) Does anyone use the Shoanti as a base for their barbarian/class?
B) How common is Spirit totem barbarians (I was one of 3 on the same table recently)
C) Am I right in thinking that the Shoanti are at least partially based on the Native American culture?

[Timothy McNeil]

Matthew Pittard wrote:

C) Am I right in thinking that the Shoanti are at least partially based on the Native American culture?

I am not in-the-know as to what Paizo had in mind with the Shoanti, but they always seemed more in line with the nomadic Eurasian tribes of the pre-CE era. And the tattoos remind me more of an appropriation of the Picts distinctive (temporary) body art to an "uncivilized" culture.

But I have seen MANY Shoanti barbarians. And at least one went spirit totem.

[Zach W.]

A) I have not, but a lot of my lodge is not so knowledgeable on the Lore.
B) Never heard of them.
C) Yes. Shoanti are heavily influenced by Native American culture.

[magnumCPA]

If I remember correctly, the Shoanti are essentially Native Americans crossed with Robert E. Howard's picts, so take from that what you will.