Article-At-A-Glance
- The guide highlights the unique combat abilities Busterblade and Fusillade skill progression.
- Master complex ability combinations to unleash the Barbarian’s full potential in Pathfinder 1E.
- Encourages players to join discussions for insights and community strategies.
- Provides actionable tips for role playing and character development specific to Barbarian builds.
Click on the level for more information
At level 1, the Barbarian Busterblade build focuses on leveraging massive strength through a Titan Mauler archetype using large two-handed weapons. The build is centered around high melee damage potential and begins to incorporate the unique theme of throwing large weapons using the Powerful Throw feat. Initial abilities such as Power Attack enhance combat efficiency, and the Raging Vitality feat supports increased survivability.
Stat Block Level 1:
Human: male, Human Barbarian (Titan Mauler) 1; CR 1/2; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 1d12+3; hp 15; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13, touch 11, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +1; Grp +5; Atk Greatsword +5 melee (2d6+6/19-20) or Greatsword (thrown) +2 ranged (2d6+6); Full Atk Greatsword +5 melee (2d6+6/19-20) or Greatsword (thrown) +2 ranged (2d6+6); SA Rage (8 rounds/day); SQ Fast Movement, Rage; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +1; Str 19, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 7, Wis 7, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Intimidate +6, Perception +4; Power Attack, Raging Vitality.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
This build benefits from the ability to fight with oversized two-handed weapons in one hand, starting to combine melee abilities with potential ranged weapon throwing due to the Titan Mauler’s unique strengths.
Possessions: Greatsword, basic adventurer’s kit, studded leather armor.
A Barbarian Titan Mauler specialized in wielding and throwing large greatswords with two-weapon fighting. Focus on Strength with feats like Power Attack, Raging Vitality, and Throw Anything. Hurls weapons using Lesser Hurling rage powers and intimidates foes with Unnatural Presence. Equipped with multiple greatswords, the Busterblade[1] excels in damage output.
Stat Block Level 5:
Barbarian: Male, Human Barbarian (Titan Mauler) 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d12+10; hp 60; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +5; Grp +9; Atk Greatsword +9 melee (2d6+6) or +3 thrown (2d6+6); Full Atk Greatsword +9/+4 melee (2d6+6) and +3 thrown (2d6+6); SA Rage (10 rounds/day), Powerful Throw; SQ Fast Movement, Uncanny Dodge; AL CN; SV Fort +7, Ref +3, Will +3; Str 20, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 7, Wis 7, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Intimidate +8, Perception +4, Acrobatics +4; Power Attack, Raging Vitality, Two-Weapon Fighting, Throw Anything.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Rage Allows increased damage and temporary boosts; Lesser Hurling—Throws melee weapons using Strength.
Possessions: Multiple Greatswords, Large-Sized Greatsword.
At level 10, the Barbarian Busterblade slings Greatswords with formidable precision. Through the Titan Mauler archetype, this character wields Large Sized Greatswords one-handed, utilizing feats like Power Attack and feats under Two-Weapon Fighting to hurl up to six swords per round, dealing gigantic damage. With Greater Spirit Totem, they hit adjacent foes and demoralize ones further, thanks to Intimidating Glare. The Rage power Hurling Charge ensures enemies fall before they can even get close.
Stat Block Level 10:
Barbarian Busterblade: male, human barbarian 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d12+30; hp 130; Init +2; Spd 40 ft.; AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +10; Grp +18; Atk Greatsword +18 melee (3d6+13/19-20) or Longbow +12 ranged (1d8+11/x3); Full Atk Greatsword +18/+13/+8 melee (3d6+13/19-20) or Longbow +12/+12 ranged (1d8+11/x3); SA Rage powers (Greater Spirit Totem, Hurling Charge); SQ Fast movement, uncanny dodge; AL CN; SV Fort +13, Ref +6, Will +5; Str 22, Dex 15, Con 16, Int 7, Wis 8, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Intimidate +12, Perception +10, Acrobatics +8; Power Attack, Raging Vitality, Two-Weapon Fighting, Throw Anything, Powerful Throw, Point-Blank Shot.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Rage powers allow for throwing of swords and demoralizing foes.
Possessions: Several Large Sized Greatswords, Longbow, and basic Adventurer’s Kit.
The Busterblade[1] Build at level 15 focuses on maximizing damage output with an unconventional style. Utilizing the Titan Mauler archetype, the Barbarian becomes a whirlwind of destruction capable of dual-wielding and throwing large weapons like Greatswords due to feats such as Two-Weapon Fighting and Rapid Shot. Intimidate plays a crucial role with intimidating skills enhanced through rage powers like Intimidating Glare and Battle Roar. This build leverages powerful melee strategies including the devastating Come and Get Me tactic, making it a formidable opponent on the battlefield.
Stat Block Level 15:
Busterblade: male, human barbarian (Titan Mauler) 15; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d12+75; hp 180; Init +5; Spd 40 ft.; AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +15; Grp +24; Atk +26 melee (2d6+13/19-20, Large Greatsword) or +21 ranged (2d6+16/19-20, thrown Large Greatsword); Full Atk +26/+21/+16 melee (2d6+13/19-20, Large Greatsword) and +26/+21/+16 melee (2d6+13, Two-Weapon Greatsword) or +21/+21/+16/+11 ranged (2d6+16/19-20, thrown Large Greatsword); SA Abundant Rage, Come and Get Me, Powerful Throw; SQ Fast Movement, Rage Powers, Tireless Rage; AL CN; SV Fort +15, Ref +9, Will +7; Str 24, Dex 15, Con 20, Int 7, Wis 8, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Intimidate 18, Perception 17, Acrobatics 18; Power Attack, Raging Vitality, Two-Weapon Fighting, Throw Anything, Powerful Throw, Point-Blank Shot, Combat Reflexes, Rapid Shot, Quick Draw, Double Slice, Toughness.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Lesser Hurling allows throwing a greatsword while charging; Come and Get Me provokes attacks of opportunity, turning enemy hits into free retaliations.
Possessions: +3 Large Greatsword, +2 Full Plate Armor, Belt of Giant Strength +4, Amulet of Natural Armor +2, Ring of Protection +2.
The Busterblade[1] build capitalizes on the Barbarian’s immense strength, allowing for wielding and throwing of oversized weapons, specifically Greatswords. This unconventional approach utilizes feats such as Two-Weapon Fighting and Rapid Shot to throw multiple Greatswords per round, using the Titan Mauler’s ability to wield massive weapons one-handed. The build maximizes damage through Strength and intimidation through various Rage Powers. Defensive capabilities are bolstered with high HP and strategic Rage Powers like ‘Come and Get Me’.
Stat Block Level 20:
Busterblade: male, human barbarian (Titan Mauler) 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d12+160; hp 320; Init +2; Spd 40 ft.; AC 24, touch 13, flat-footed 22; Base Atk +20; Grp +33; Atk +34 melee (2d6+13/19-20, Large Greatsword) or +32 ranged (2d6+12, thrown Large Greatsword); Full Atk +34/+29/+24/+19 melee (2d6+13/19-20, Large Greatsword) and +32 ranged (2d6+12, thrown Large Greatsword); SA Rage 8/day, Power Attack, Throw Anything; SQ Fast Movement, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Trap Sense +6, Damage Reduction 5/-, Greater Rage, Mighty Rage; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +26, Ref +12, Will +10; Str 30, Dex 15, Con 22, Int 7, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Intimidate +30, Perception +23, Acrobatics +23; Power Attack, Raging Vitality, Two-Weapon Fighting, Throw Anything, Powerful Throw, Point-Blank Shot, Combat Reflexes, Rapid Shot, Quick Draw, Double Slice, Toughness.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Come and Get Me, Spirit Totem (Greater), Hurling Charge, Battle Roar, Intimidating Glare, Boasting Taunt, Fueled by Vengeance; Enlarge Self (increase size and weapon damage).
Possessions: Greatswords x6, Large Sized Greatsword, Belt of Giant Strength +4, Cloak of Resistance +5, Boots of Speed, Ring of Protection +3.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Begin your journey as a Barbarian with a focus on Power Attack and Raging Vitality, enhancing your damage output and survivability. The introduction of Two-Weapon Fighting and weapon throwing opens up tactical versatility in combat.
- Levels 6-10: Access to Lesser Spirit Totem and Hurling Charge emphasizes your role as a melee powerhouse. Your Combat Reflexes prepare you for strategic counterattacks, and Point-Blank Shot increases your efficiency in close-quarters combat.
- Levels 11-15: At this stage, Come and Get Me augments your reactive fighting style, while Rapid Shot allows for a stunning number of thrown weapons, elevating your combat presence. Intimidation becomes a potent tool with Intimidating Glare.
- Levels 16-20: Mastery of the battlefield is achieved with abilities like Boasting Taunt and Greater Spirit Totem, drawing and devastating foes with each encounter. Your formidable stature as a Titan Mauler is made complete with increased weapon size, maximizing your offensive capabilities.
Core Abilities & Features
Imagine wielding weapons of mythic proportions. The Barbarian – Busterblade build brings this fantasy to life through the Titan Mauler archetype. This build allows the Barbarian to brandish oversized weapons with ease. The Human race is a crucial choice here, granting the needed feat and skill point bonuses. A strong focus is placed on maximizing Strength, with additional boosts to Constitution for durability.
When assembling this powerhouse, the ability score distribution is key. Opt for a 15 Point-Buy setup with stats organized as Str 17, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 7, Wis 7, and Cha 12. Increasing the budget with a 25 Point-Buy raises Strength to 19 and Wisdom to 10, fortifying both offensive and defensive capabilities.
The build’s core features revolve around a tally of strategic feats. Power Attack and Raging Vitality are fundamental, bolstering damage output during rage. But the real twist comes with Two-Weapon Fighting and Throw Anything. As a Titan Mauler, wield two-handed weapons in one hand, create a fearsome vision with dual greatswords. Powerful Throw utilizes this strength for long-range assaults. Rapid Shot and Double Slice enhance this even further, allowing massive damage each turn. Combat Reflexes teams with rage powers like Come and Get Me, to beckon foes into your lethal range.
On the subject of rage powers, choices like Spirit Totem provide extra attacks with intimidating reach, while Lesser Hurling and Hurling Charge make weapon throwing extraordinary. Enhance your offensive and battlefield control further through rage powers like Fueled by Vengeance and Boasting Taunt. Each turn becomes a storm of blades and intimidation, making the Busterblade[1] Barbarian a hard-hitting whirlwind on any battlefield.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Masterwork Greatsword | Start with a standard Greatsword, upgrade to Masterwork for better accuracy. Keep a few spare for throwing. |
| L6-10 | +1 Large Greatsword | Enhancing your main weapon with a +1 enchantment is vital. Upgrade to Large Sized for leveraging the Titan Mauler’s abilities. |
| L11-15 | +2 Large Throwing Greatsword | Boost your damage output with a +2 enchanted Large Greatsword. The throwing enchantment allows for devastating ranged attacks. |
| L16-20 | +3 Large Keen Throwing Greatsword | Maximize your critical threat range and damage with a +3 Keen Large Greatsword. Maintain a stockpile for throwing during combat. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In the tight confines of a dungeon, use your Intimidate skill to control smaller groups of enemies. The Spirit Totem provides useful additional AOE attacks, damaging any adjacent foes. Use Hurling Charge to pick off enemies from a distance before closing in with your large-sized greatsword for powerful melee strikes.
- Open Fields:
- Utilize the open space to fully exploit Rapid Shot and Two-Weapons Fighting, hurling up to six greatswords every round. Use the mobility allowed by Hurling Charge to maintain distance from approaching enemies, keeping your frontline presence strong while staying out of range of some threats.
- Ambushes:
- When ambushed, rely on Intimidating Glare to buy crucial action time by demoralizing attackers. With Come and Get Me, bait enemies into attacking, allowing your Combat Reflexes to punish them. Follow up with devastating melee damage from the greatsword, quickly turning the tide in your favor.
- Defensive Stands:
- During a defensive stand, stand your ground with the assistance of Tactical Shot to harass approaching enemies. Use Boasting Taunt while holding a chokepoint, forcing enemies to attack, making use of Come and Get Me in combination with Combat Reflexes for optimal defense and retaliation.
- Urban Encounters:
- In crowded urban settings, avoid indiscriminate throwing. Rely more on melee prowess. Use Intimidating Glare for crowd control and target selection. The ability to throw weapons quickly can still be utilized to control the space, targeting specific threats effectively with your powerful ranged options.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counters |
|---|---|
| Low Defense | Utilize equipment like Amulet of Natural Armor to increase AC. Consider Potions of Barkskin for temporary boosts. |
| Will Saves Vulnerability | Equip a Cloak of Resistance to enhance saves. Use the Carefully Hidden trait for a passive +1 bonus. |
| Weapon Dependency | Always carry backups like Composite Longbows or Javelins for ranged combat if disarmed. |
| Mobility Issues | Invest in Boots of Striding and Springing for enhanced speed and maneuverability during combat. |
| Combat Reflexes Requires Proper Timing | Practice using the Come and Get Me rage power strategically to maximize retaliation opportunities. |
Roleplaying
Opportunities
Imagine stepping into the boots of a towering behemoth, wielding oversized blades with an audacity that matches your bellowing rage. As a Barbarian Busterblade, your presence shakes the battlefield. Embrace the essence of recklessness by charging into battle with no regard for personal safety. Your laughter booms as enemies cower under the shadow of your mighty swords. Use this as a chance to portray an audacious, larger-than-life character who relishes every conflict.
Speaking in grunts, roars, or brief, commanding sentences reflects your preference for action over words. Incorporate a fondness for smashing, bashing, and intimidating foes with your expression. Make sure to pick traits that favor fearlessness and a love for the fray. This build also allows opportunities to create vibrant scenes of combat prowess, showcasing feats like throwing greatswords with superhuman strength. This ridiculous strength is a gift from your ancestors, something you often boast about around campfires.
Themes
The heart of the Barbarian Busterblade is raw power. Your journey centers around the theme of overwhelming strength, not just in physique but in personality. Trust only in your might, as your bond with your weapon dwarfs your ties to others. Play into the idea of a lone warrior, finding camaraderie only with those strong enough to stand amidst a storm of blades.
Consider themes of vengeance. Fueled by a grudge, whether personal or ancestral, your barbarian’s path is one of retribution. Every swing of your massive sword is a strike against those who have wronged you or your tribe. Seize storytelling moments to convey your fierce loyalty, quick temper, and a deep-rooted honor code, painting a vivid picture of a character who thrives in chaos, yet you have your own moral compass.
FAQ
What makes the Busterblade[1] Barbarian so formidable?
The Busterblade[1] Barbarian combines raw power with strategic versatility. Its focus on large weaponry provides incredible damage output. Paired with feats like Power Attack, this build can decimate foes quickly. The Barbarian’s rage further boosts attack and damage, increasing combat effectiveness. The Busterblade[1]’s ability to trip or push also controls enemy movements, giving you tactical advantages.
Which feats are essential for maximizing the Busterblade[1]’s potential?
Prioritize feats that enhance your damage dealing and combat control. Power Attack is critical for increased damage, leveraging your high strength. Cleave lets you hit multiple opponents, maximizing impact in mob situations. Improved Sunder can dismantle an enemy’s equipment, crippling their capabilities. Lastly, consider Weapon Specialization for extra damage with your chosen weapon.
How does armor choice impact the Busterblade[1]’s effectiveness?
Armor choice is key to balancing defense and mobility. Heavy armor offers maximum protection but may slow down your movement. This can be a disadvantage in tactical maneuvers or when closing distances quickly. Medium armor is a great compromise, providing moderate protection and better mobility.
What’s the best strategy for engaging multiple enemies?
When facing multiple opponents, positioning and control are crucial. Use your reach to keep enemies at bay while utilizing Cleave to damage several foes. Engage with solid positioning to limit flanking opportunities. Rage boosts your damage, helping clear out weaker targets quickly. Use trip attacks to control enemy movements, restricting their ability to swarm you.
How can a Busterblade Barbarian contribute outside of combat?
Outside of combat, the Busterblade[1] Barbarian can still shine. Strength checks are trivial, letting you act as the muscle. Intimidation skills allow you to coerce and negotiate effectively. Use these interpersonal skills to alter enemy behaviors or gather information. Additionally, track and hunt using your survival skills.
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Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Barbarian – Busterblade – Pathfinder 1E ( the Busterblade )
The Busterblade
What is one of the biggest tropes of Barbarians? Bigass weapons.
Well, with the Titan Mauler Archetype, we can do something like that, yes.
Class
Barbarian (Titan Mauler) 20
Race: Human. You will need the extra feat and extra skill points, trust me on this one. The Floating +2 goes into Strength, duh.
Ability Scores: Put all your ASIs in Strength, unless your starting Str is even, then add a +1 to Constitution.
15Point-Buy
Str 17/Dex 15/Con 15/Int 7/Wis 7/Cha 12
20Point-Buy
Str 18/Dex 15/Con 15/Int 7/Wis 8/Cha 12
25Point-Buy
Str 19/Dex 15/Con 15/Int 7/Wis 10/Cha 12
Traits
Unnatural Presence to allow Intimidation to work on Animals and Vermin. Carefully Hidden for a
+1 on Will Saves as this will be needed.
Skills
Intimidate is actually our go to for this build, followed by Perception and Acrobatics.
Favorite Class Bonus
Hit Points. We have a terribad defense with this build so we’ll need all the HP we can get.
Feats per Level
1-Power Attack
Human Bonus-Raging Vitality
3-Two Weapons Fighting
5-Throw Anything
7-Powerful Throw
9-Point-Blank Shot
11-Combat Reflexes
13-Rapid Shot
15-Quick Draw
17-Double Slice
19-Toughness
You are probably wildly confused by these feat choices. Power Attack and Raging Vitality of course are mandatory and Combat Reflexes is the harbinger of the Come and Get Me Rage power, and of course Toughness is self-explanatory. But what about all these Two-Weapons Fighting, Throw Anything and Rapid Shot things?
Well, because we are going to throw our weapons that we are two weapons fighting with. And using our Strength for it via Powerful Throw. And because we are a Titan Mauler, we can use a Two-Handed weapon in one hand meaning we can Two-Weapons Fighting with a pair of Greatswords. And then throw greatswords at our opponents faces.
Rage Powers per Level
2-Lesser Spirit Totem
4-Lesser Hurling
6-Spirit Totem
8-Hurling Charge
10-Greater Spirit Totem
12-Come and Get me
14-Fueled by Vengeance
16-Intimidating Glare
18-Battle Roar
20-Boasting Taunt
Ok so now we have a bunch of powers that enhance our Intimidation Skill, Intimidating Glare allows us to Demoralize an enemy as a Move Action, and Battle Roar deals said demoralized enemy Sonic Damage. Boasting Taunt forces enemies to attack us, which pairs nicely with Come and Get me and Combat Reflexes. Hurling Charge allows us to throw a Greatsword at an enemy as we charge before pulling our Large Sized Greatsword and demolishing them in melee with baffling high damage. Spirit Totem allows us an additional method of attack which eventually has a reach of 15ft and even deals damage to each opponent that is adjacent to us when we start our turn, making us one of the best melee damage dealers in the game.
Equipment
Greatswords for days. By lvl 3 a Large Sized Greatsword for additional fun.
Final Thoughts on the Build
You are playing Beyblade with swords that are as tall as you, and you can throw those blades too. This is ridiculous. If you Two-Weapons Fighting, You can throw up to 6 Greatswords each round via Rapid Shot and Two-Weapons Fighting.
No no, you clearly did not understood what I just said. I said that you are throwing six zweihanders at people’s faces each six seconds. Oh and you have a Bustasword that is larger than you to beat those giants with. In addition, as a Titan Mauler, you can Enlarge Self to become large, increasing the size of those blades you are throwing to skewer several horses a round. This is ridiculous and I Love it.
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