I am currently converting a character I do not enjoy that is about to hit level 2 into something I think will be much more fun to play.
It is currently a Skald, and while I enjoy the raging song I am not enamored with the gameplay. I am considering keeping the single level in Skald simply so I can still rage song and give that to the party as a benefit, and then taking the rest of my levels in Mad Dog Barbarian OR simply rerolling completely as a Mad Dog. I am leaning towards the 2nd option.
Here is a question: As a Mad Dog the rage ability will not come online until level 4. Does that mean I skip the first rage power at level 2, or do all my rage powers get pushed back and I begin earning them once I am able to rage. Example: Hit level 4, and my first rage power would be given at level 5? Then 7? Then 9, and so on? Or, hit level 4, learn rage ability and pick up from there on the rage powers learned as a normal Barbarian...so level 4, 6, 8 etc?
My idea behind this character will be to raise my AC high for the 1st few levels until I get my Rage ability and then go the more traditional route of big hitter. So: level 1 Human would take the following feats: Dodge & Mobility, wear Medium Armor and use a Shield, and then attempt to draw AoO from enemies to allow party members to move easily into position. My next feat would go to Power Attack to prepare for raging. And then, at level 4 I will dump the shield and medium armor and focus on a Reach Weapon build, light armor for maximum movement.
Thoughts? Tips?
Human
Mad Dog Barbarian
STR 18
DEX 14
CON 14
INT 12
WIS 12
CHA 7
Trait: Indomitable Faith (+1 Will Save)
Trait: Clever Wordplay (INT Bonus to Handle Animal)
Human Feat: Dodge
1st Level Feat: Mobility
3rd Level Feat: Power Attack
5th Level Feat: The One that allows you to use a skill while raging
Rage Power will depend on Answer to above progression question. May go standard Beast Totem, or maybe Spirit Totem (the one that gives helpful spirits surrouding me that bash target and provide me with chance to be missed in combat)
Animal Companion:
Wolf, for Trip opportunity every time it hits with Bite attack. Are there Feats I can apply to Wolf that increase its ability to successfully Trip?
5th Level Feat will be: Skilled Rager (choose a skill that you can use while Raging-Handle Animal)
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If you read the archetype, your animal companion replaces the rage powers gained at 2nd, 6th, 10th, 14th, and 18th levels. Therefore, you do not get a rage power at 2nd. Indeed, you will only get two rage powers at all during standard PFS levels, so choose carefully. Because rage powers are often more powerful than feats, the extra rage power feat may end up being your friend with this build.
I think your first level feats need improvement. Dodge provides very little benefit and mobility only works if you (usually unwisely) move through attacks of opportunity. Try improved init and iron will instead. Remember, Barbarians suffer an inherent AC penalty when raging, so AC is hard to optimize.
I would also consider moving the int bonus (2 pt buy) to your con, making it a 15. A 15 con is a prerequisite for the absolutely amazing feat Raging Vitality, which will save your life at later levels. I would take it at 7. Barbs have 4 skill points per level, so it is not a huge loss.