I'm looking for ideas for a Barbarian in an upcoming Rise of the Runelords adv. path. We'll start at 1st level and probably work our way up to 14th or so with a twenty point buy. There will be three other characters who haven't committed to a build yet. The idea is to get crazy good defenses, both in Armor Class &/or damage reduction AND in saving against magic.
- I'm ok with skimping on reflex saves and energy attacks, but Will and Fortitude saves have to be stellar.
-A one or two level dip can be ok if absolutely necessary, but for flavor need as much Barbarian as we can cram in.
-Remember we start at first level, so try to make character playable throughout.
-Since a good offense can translate to a good defense, let's not absolutely neglect damage output, but defense is our priority.
-Any pfsrd races (within reason meaning less than 15 race point builds)and Pathfinder material is ok.
I see this guy as a melee combatant, front line fighter who just frustrates his enemies trying to smash him. So what magic items, feats, rage features, archetypes do you recommend??
Dwarven Barbarian works nicely in Runelords. Move 30' in medium armor like any barbarian, good fort/will/poison/magic saves. A few other benefits that might come in handy.
Dwarven waraxe proficiency is great, so you can use a shield when you need to.
I'm jealous! :) I'd go barb all the way through. Superstitious works well for someone native to Varisia.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I think what you are looking for may be found here.
|
Half Orc Invulnerable Rager Barbaraian. Take Heavy Armor Proficiency. Wear Full Plate as soon as possible. You lose out on Fast Movement till you grab Mithral later, but your AC should be solid.
Take the Sacred Tattoo and Shaman's Apprentice Alternate Racial Traits.
Take the Fate's Favored Trait along with whatever Campaign Trait you take. Combined with Sacred Tattoo this gives you +2 on all Saves.
Take all your Favored Class bonuses in the Human Alternate Favored Class feature. Available since you're a Half-Orc.
For your 2nd level Rage Power grab Superstition.
For your 3rd level Feat grab Power attack for damage.
For your 4th level Rage Power take Lesser Beast Totem.
For your 5th level Feat take Diehard (available because Shaman's Apprentice gives Endurance).
For 6th level take Beast Totem. This neatly cancels your Raging AC penalty, opens up Pounce later, and adds even more AC as you level.
So, by 6th level, your AC should be at least 23 you'll have DR 3/-, and your saves while raging (assuming Con 14, Dex and Wis 12, and a +2 Cloak of Resistance) are +13 Fort, +7 Reflex, +7 Will, with an additional +5 against spells, and spell-like and supernatural abilities. Plus, you have standard Barbarian offense.
As you level past that, you can do almost whatever you want, though Spell Sunder is only a couple of Rage Powers away (and Strength surge is a great complement to it), you'lll definitely want Greater Beast Totem at 10th, and Toughness and Extra Rage Power seem like solid Feats.
Healing's gonna be a bit of an issue, but not if you have a Cleric or Paladin in the group you're pretty good, since the downsides of Superstition don't apply to Channel Energy or Lay on Hands, and you only need to be healed enough to not die before your Rage stops.
...cool stuf...
For your 3rd level Feat grab Power attack for damage.
Maybe I'm confusing traits with feats, but where is 1st Level feat? I like the drift of the build itself, thanks.
@Lacdanna:
When I have time I'll comb through that very elaborate build that you linked to. That is very much what- or at least one of the what's- I'm looking for.
|
|
Maybe I'm confusing traits with feats, but where is 1st Level feat? I like the drift of the build itself, thanks....cool stuf...
For your 3rd level Feat grab Power attack for damage.
Heavy Armor Proficiency. Sorry if that's less than clear there.
And you're welcome, I think it's a pretty solid build.
I ran a dwarf invulnerable with superstition to level 13, he ruined enemies in rotrl.