Unleash Your Inner Warrior: Build a Barbarian!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Choosing a Race for Your Barbarian
3. Ability Scores and Their Importance
4. Barbarian Primal Paths
   1. Path of the Berserker
   2. Path of the Zealot
   3. Path of the Battle Rager
   4. Path of the Storm Herald
   5. Path of the Ancestral Guardian
   6. Path of the Totem Warrior
5. Selecting a Background for Your Barbarian
6. Determining Alignment, Faith, and Lifestyle
7. Age and Physical Description
8. Creating a Name for Your Barbarian
9. Building Your Character's Backstory
10. Helpful Resources for Building Your Barbarian

Let's Build a Barbarian: Creating the Ultimate Warrior

Are you ready to dive into the world of barbarians? In this article, we will guide you through the process of building your very own barbarian character. We'll cover everything from choosing the right race and ability scores to selecting a primal path and crafting a compelling backstory.

Introduction

The barbarian class is known for its raw power and brute strength. Barbarians are fearless warriors who tap into their primal instincts to unleash devastating attacks on their enemies. When creating a barbarian character, there are several key decisions that you'll need to make in order to build the ultimate warrior.

Choosing a Race for Your Barbarian

While there is no correct race for each class, certain races can provide natural bonuses to ability scores that are beneficial for a barbarian. Races like Goliaths, half-orcs, and Tritons are naturally strong, giving them a racial bonus to strength and constitution. Dragonborns, on the other hand, have a bonus to both strength and charisma. Dwarves, genasi, and lizard folk have racial bonuses for constitution. Consider these racial bonuses when choosing a race for your barbarian, but remember that you can play whatever race you prefer.

Ability Scores and Their Importance

When it comes to ability scores, strength and constitution are the most important for a barbarian. As a warrior class, you'll want your strength to be your highest ability score, followed by constitution. Dexterity is also useful for agility in combat. Intelligence is often the dump stat for barbarians, as they typically don't require a high intelligence score. However, you can create a smarter barbarian if you desire.

Barbarian Primal Paths

At level 3, you'll have the opportunity to choose a primal path for your barbarian. This is essentially a subclass that determines the specific abilities and features your barbarian will possess. Each primal path offers unique benefits and playstyles, allowing you to tailor your character to your preferred style of combat.

Path of the Berserker

If you want to be a heavy hitter and deal extreme amounts of damage, the Path of the Berserker is the way to go. This path grants you boundless rage, allowing you to unleash devastating attacks on your enemies. At later levels, you'll gain abilities like frenzy and retaliation, making you a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

Path of the Zealot

The Path of the Zealot is perfect for barbarians who draw their rage from a divine energy. By channeling the power of a deity, such as a god of combat or war, you can infuse your attacks with additional necrotic or radiant damage. This path is ideal for those seeking a complex backstory and a closer connection to divine powers.

Path of the Battle Rager

The Path of the Battle Rager is an intimidating path that focuses on wearing spiked armor and using theatrics to intimidate enemies. As a battle rager, you'll deal damage to your enemies simply by them attacking you. With spiked weapons and impressive rage, this path is all about being a formidable presence on the battlefield.

Path of the Storm Herald

Barbarians on the Path of the Storm Herald channel their rage into an aura of primal magic. This path is ideal for those who have trained alongside druids or rangers, as it grants magical abilities and a connection to nature. While not the best choice for heavy hitters, the Path of the Storm Herald offers utility and defensive options.

Path of the Ancestral Guardian

The Path of the Ancestral Guardian provides a detailed backstory that starts before your character was even born. By calling upon your ancestors during combat, you can gain their assistance in knocking down enemy defenses. At later levels, you'll have abilities like spirit shield, which can protect you and your allies from damage.

Path of the Totem Warrior

Barbarians on the Path of the Totem Warrior are attuned to nature and have a special connection with beasts. By choosing a specific totem, such as a bear, eagle, wolf, or tiger, you'll gain physical abilities associated with that totem during your rage. Each totem offers different benefits, making this path versatile and adaptable.

Selecting a Background for Your Barbarian

Choosing a background for your barbarian is an opportunity to further flesh out their story and personality. Backgrounds like folk hero, entertainer/gladiator, soldier, and Outlander can be fitting options for a barbarian. However, feel free to choose any background that speaks to you and aligns with your character's journey.

Determining Alignment, Faith, and Lifestyle

Determining your barbarian's alignment, faith, and lifestyle can add depth to their character. Consider the values and beliefs that your barbarian holds, whether they follow a specific deity or worship nature, and how they live their life. These aspects will shape your character's motivations and actions throughout their adventuring journey.

Age and Physical Description

Depending on the race you've chosen, your barbarian's age and physical description will vary. Some races age faster than humans, while others age slower. Consider these factors when describing your character's appearance, including details like height, build, hair color, and any distinguishing features.

Creating a Name for Your Barbarian

Choosing a name for your barbarian is an exciting task that can further enhance your character's identity. Use name generators specific to fantasy races or draw inspiration from characters in books, movies, or TV shows. Whether it aligns with your character's race or not, the name should reflect their personality and resonate with you as the player.

Building Your Character's Backstory

One of the most thrilling aspects of creating a character is building their backstory. Consider where your character was born, their childhood, upbringing, and how they became the adventurer they are today. Weave in the choices you've made, such as race, primal path, and background, to shape a compelling narrative for your barbarian.

Helpful Resources for Building Your Barbarian

To assist you in building the perfect barbarian, there are several resources available. The "Blank Handbook" provides color-coded suggestions for class choices and helpful tips. Additionally, name generators and character building guides can help you in making skill and race selections. Consult these resources to ensure your barbarian is well-rounded and ready for any adventure.

Thank you for joining us on this journey to build your ultimate barbarian. We hope this guide has been helpful in breaking down the various aspects of creating a formidable warrior. Remember to have fun, be creative, and unleash your inner barbarian on the world.