Full Name:Trask
Race: Half Orc
Classes/Levels: Barbarian
Gender: Male
Size: 6'4"
Age:20
Alignment:Chaotic Neutal
Deity:Gorum (Rovagug if getting rid of Veteran of Battle trait)
Location:Hold of Belkzen
Languages:Common/ Orc
Strength:18
Dexterity:14
Constitution:14
Intelligence:11
Wisdom:13
Charisma:7
Racial traits
+2 to One Ability Score (added to strength)
Darkvision 60 ft.
Intimidating: +2 Intimidate
Orc Blood: Count as both Human & Orc
Sacred Tatto's (ad +1 luck on save rolls)
Weapon Familiarity: greataxes, falchions
- treat orc weapons as martial
Weapons: Falchion and 3 throwing axes
Armour: Studded leather (-1) (Will upgrade to mithalas version soon getting rid of the -1)
Feat:
Power Attack
Trait:
Veteran of Battle (CN): You have fought in several battles, and each time felt the presence of your god guiding your sword-arm, making you ready to act at a moment’s notice. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Initiative checks, and if you are able to act during a surprise round, you may a draw a weapon (but not a potion or magic item) as a free action during that round.
Killer: You made your first kill at a very young age and found the task of war or murder to your liking. You either take particular pride in a well-placed blow, or find vile pleasure in such a strike as you twist the blade to maximize the pain. You deal additional damage equal to your weapon's critical hit modifier when you score a successful critical hit with a weapon; this additional damage is added to the final total, and is not multiplied by the critical hit multiple itself. This extra damage is a trait bonus.
I was wondering if Killer was a good trade in this instance for example Reactionary, who would raise my initiative bonus from +3 to +5. Or if there are better combinations to fine tune this dmg dealing built. ?
Veteran of Battle and Reactionary wouldn't stack as they are both trait bonuses. There are better traits than Killer, but Killer is still not bad.
So if I want an initiative bonus i should best drop both Traits and take Reactionary with another non-combat trait.
any suggestions?
I like Veteran of Battle, but that's just me.
True but is the drawing your weapon in surprise round really worth the +1 on initiative you lose?
And if it does, what would be a suitable replacement for Killer? Since it only helps on critical hits. (+2 dmg if i am not mistaken)
Drawing your weapon in the surprise round will take the whole surprise round unless you have Quick Draw, this is more important to some than others.
Honestly, take anything that strikes your fancy. Traits provide such little bonuses that you can't go wrong (unless you are actively trying).
Fates Favored trait will add another +1 to your saves immediately (augmenting your tattoo luck bonus) and later you can pick up a luck stone or a crown of conquest to further capitalize on the luck bonus stacking. The jingasa of the fortunate soldier is good too, adding another luck bonus.
Keep in mind that initiative is classified as an ability check per RAW, so whenever something like a luckstone is giving you bonuses on ability checks it's to be included in initiative as well.
Thanks Lastoth and GMBS,
As for Feats,
Combat Reflexes (Combat) or Power Attack?
I chose PA over Toughness thinking i could pick it up later, but CR sounds a good thing to have too :p
If you're using a reach weapon and you position yourself to game it well, it's my opinion CR will serve you much better during levels 1 and 2. Power attack at 3 is practically mandatory though. I would not recommend toughness for a barbarian. Toughness is a larger boost the lower in HD you go, so it has its lowest return on investment for a d12HD.
I'll give you my barbarian build for my current campaign, so you can see what I'm doing. Taking invulnerable rager to stack up to 18ish DR including haste bonus in late levels. We're given a free feat at level 1 and I snagged endurance from the alternate racial ability:
Barbarian1 Power Attack, Endurance, Die Hard
Barbarian2 Guarded Life
Barbarian3 Extra Rage Power: Superstitious
Barbarian4 Reckless Assault
Unarmed Fighter1 Stalwart, IUS/Crane Style
Barbarian5
Barbarian6 Deathless Initiate, Greater Guarded Life (6)
Barbarian7
Barbarian8 Combat Reflexes, Internal Fortitude
Barbarian9
Barbarian10 Improved Stalwart, Eater of Magic
Barbarian11
Barbarian12 Extra Rage Power: Ghost Rager, Come and Get Me
Barbarian13
Barbarian14 Quick Reflexes, Unexpected Strike
The only thing set in stone at level 12 and later is Come and Get me, I will probably shuffle the rest out to get spell sunder. To be clear I do not think guarded life and deathless initiate are ideal, I don't think I will be using them every fight or even in most fights. I just wanted to play a guy focused mostly on defense to see how it plays.
So what race did you use for this one?
Half orc, as required per deathless initiate.
Hmm what Racial trait did you trade in for Endurance?
Axe To Grind is a solid trait if you're the only melee in the party. +1 damage is nothing to sneeze at...
Shamans apprentice forces you out of the intimidate bonus, which was fine with me. (See here.)