Article-At-A-Glance
- The Base Barbarian[1] is renowned for its masteries, as we will explore in this guide.
- Explore Barbarian Builds for character creation and development.
- Zero in on strengths, manage weak points, to boost and balance your Barbarian.
- Defensive tactics counter low AC while emphasizing Reckless Abandon in battles.
Click on the level for more information
This build is all about dealing huge damage and being a tough powerhouse. At Level 1, a human barbarian wields a Falchion weapon, benefiting from Power Attack and Raging Vitality feats. High Strength ensures devastating blows, and the human’s extra skill point is used to bolster survival abilities.
Stat Block Level 1:
Barbarian: male, human barbarian 1; CR 1/2; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d12+3; hp 15; Init +6; Spd 40 ft.; AC 13, touch 10, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +1; Grp +5; Atk Falchion +5 melee (2d4+6/18-20/x2) or slam +5 melee (1d3+4); Full Atk Falchion +5 melee (2d4+6/18-20/x2); SA Rage 8 rounds/day; SQ Fast Movement, Rage; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +5, Ref +0, Will +0; Str 18, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Acrobatics +2, Perception +4, Survival +4; Power Attack, Raging Vitality.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Rage provides +4 Str, +4 Con, +2 morale bonus on Will saves, and a -2 penalty to AC.
Possessions: Falchion, chain shirt, adventurer’s kit, 10 gp.
The Level 5 Base Barbarian build focuses on powerful melee attacks using a Falchion and maintaining high survivability with Toughness and HP bonuses. At this level, the character excels at delivering strong strikes and handling damage, using feats like Power Attack and Raging Vitality.
Stat Block Level 5:
Human Barbarian 5: male, human barbarian 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d12+20; hp 65; Init +5; Spd 40 ft.; AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +5; Grp +9; Atk Falchion +10 melee (2d4+9/18-20) or Power Attack Falchion +8 melee (2d4+15/18-20); Full Atk Falchion +10 melee (2d4+9/18-20) or Power Attack Falchion +8 melee (2d4+15/18-20); SA Rage 14 rounds/day, Power Attack, Raging Vitality; SQ Fast Movement, Uncanny Dodge, Trap Sense +1, Superstition; AL Neutral; SV Fort +8, Ref +3, Will +2; Str 20, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception 5, Acrobatics 5, Climb 5, Survival 5; Power Attack, Raging Vitality, Weapon Focus (Falchion), Toughness, Improved Initiative. Rage Powers: Superstition, Reckless Abandon.
Possessions: Masterwork Falchion, chain shirt, potion of cure light wounds, adventurer’s kit.
The Level 10 Base Barbarian build specializes in raw melee power and survivability. The character has maximized Strength for powerful hits and has solid defenses against spellcasters due to Superstition. It offers high mobility with Hurling Charge, allowing for effective ranged attacks during charges. They excel in sustained battles with high damage output and can handle multiple enemies thanks to Rage Powers like No Escape and Internal Fortitude, providing both offense and resilience on the battlefield.
Stat Block Level 10:
Barbarian Warrior: male, human barbarian 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d12+40; hp 130; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +10; Grp +18; Atk +17 melee (Falchion 2d4+9/15–20) or +12 ranged (Throwing Weapon 1d8+4); Full Atk +17/+12 melee (Falchion 2d4+9/15–20) or +12/+7 ranged (Throwing Weapon 1d8+4); SA Rage (22 rounds/day), Power Attack; SQ Fast Movement, Superstition, Trap Sense +3, Uncanny Dodge, DR 2/—; AL chaotic neutral; SV Fort +10, Ref +4, Will +8; Str 20, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +13, Acrobatics +12, Climb +15, Survival +10; Power Attack, Raging Vitality, Weapon Focus (Falchion), Improved Initiative, Improved Critical (Falchion), Toughness.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Rage allows increased Strength and Con but lowers AC; Superstition grants saves against magical attacks; Internal Fortitude prevents fatigue and exhaustion.
Possessions: +1 Flaming Falchion, Full Plate, Buckler, Potions of Cure Serious Wounds x3, Throwing Axes x4.
This Level 15 Barbarian is a powerhouse on the battlefield. With strengths in dealing and surviving damage, the character excels at drawing attention and smashing through foes with immense melee prowess. The build leverages a mix of offensive brutality and defensive resilience, making it effective against a variety of threats. Key abilities include exploiting rage with feats like Raging Brutality, and using rage powers for versatile attacks and defenses. Uncanny Dodge and Trap Sense add layers of protection while scouting abilities from skills ensure strategic advantages.
Stat Block Level 15:
Barbarian: male, human barbarian 15; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d12+60; hp 186; Init +6; Spd 40 ft.; AC 27, touch 13, flat-footed 25; Base Atk +15; Grp +27; Atk +28 melee (Falchion 2d4+16/15-20/x2) or +25 ranged (throwing weapon); Full Atk +28/+23/+18 melee (Falchion 2d4+16/15-20/x2) or +25/+20/+15 ranged (throwing weapon); SA Power Attack, Raging Brutality x1.5 Con to damage; SQ Rage 39 rounds/day, Uncanny Dodge, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Trap Sense +5, Damage Reduction 3/—; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +17, Ref +9, Will +9; Str 26, Dex 13, Con 20, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +21, Acrobatics +18, Survival +18, Climb +21, Swim +21; Power Attack, Raging Vitality, Weapon Focus (Falchion), Toughness, Improved Initiative, Improved Critical (Falchion), Reckless Rage, Raging Brutality, Heavy Armor Proficiency, Extra Rage.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Rage Powers – Superstition (+5 vs spells), Reckless Abandon, Lesser Hurling, Internal Fortitude, Hurling Charge, Fueled by Vengeance, No Escape, Roused Anger, Ghost Rager, Come and Get Me.
Possessions: +3 Falchion, Full Plate Armor, Buckler, assorted throwing weapons, miscellaneous adventuring gear.
This build emphasizes brute strength and resilience, making the Barbarian Level 20 a formidable warrior on the battlefield. With a focus on Strength and Constitution, they can dish out and withstand significant damage. Equipped with a Falchion for extended critical hits, Heavy Armor for enhanced protection, and rage-related enhancements, this barbarian excels at both dealing and absorbing hits. Featuring key traits such as Superstition and Internal Fortitude, it counters spellcasters effectively. The build allows for versatility in battle tactics through Hurling Charge and other rage powers.
Stat Block Level 20:
Base Barbarian: male, human barbarian 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d12+100; hp 240; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 25, touch 10, flat-footed 25; Base Atk +20; Grp +30; Atk Falchion +31 (2d4+15/15-20/x2) or Ranged weapon, Hurl (as per rage power); Full Atk Falchion +31/+26/+21/+16 (2d4+15/15-20/x2); SA Power Attack, Raging Brutality, Improved Critical, Rage powers (Superstition, Reckless Abandon); SQ Rage, Uncanny Dodge, Trap Sense +6, Damage Reduction 5/-, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Fast Movement, Indomitable Will; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +20, Ref +6, Will +12; Str 26, Dex 13, Con 20, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception (20 ranks), Acrobatics (10 ranks), Survival (10 ranks), Climb (15 ranks), Swim (15 ranks); Power Attack, Raging Vitality, Weapon Focus (Falchion), Toughness, Improved Initiative, Reckless Rage, Extra Rage, Heavy Armor Proficiency.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Superstition grants a strong resistance to magical attacks, and Reckless Abandon allows transferring attack bonus from Rage to compensate AC penalty.
Possessions: +3 Falchion, Full Plate Armor, Buckler, Potions of Cure Serious Wounds, standard adventurer’s gear.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Begin with foundational feats like Power Attack and Raging Vitality, critical for maximizing damage output and survival. Focus on honing skills in Perception and Survival while securing Reactionary for a boost in Initiative and Indomitable Faith for Will saves. Your main equipment starts with a Falchion and suitable armor, setting the stage for powerful melee strikes.
- Levels 6-10: Acquire feats such as Toughness for extra hit points and Improved Critical (Falchion) to widen your crit range. At the same time, evolve your Rage Powers with Superstition and Reckless Abandon for enhanced defense against magical effects and improved attack rolls versus AC, making you even more formidable in battle.
- Levels 11-15: Further refine your combat prowess with Reckless Rage and Raging Brutality, allowing higher damage through intensified rage. Add versatility through Rage Powers like Hurling Charge and Fueled by Vengeance, which keep your rage duration extended and let you exploit openings with thrown weapons, adding a range element to your combat style.
- Levels 16-20: Cement your dominance with Heavy Armor Proficiency and Extra Rage, ensuring resilience and sustained ferocity. Unlock powers such as Ghost Rager and Come and Get Me, fortifying your defenses against incorporeal foes and luring enemies into jeopardy with aggressive posturing. Equip a Full Plate Armor and Flying Shield if possible, optimizing your gear for peak performance while maintaining mobility.
Core Abilities & Features
The Base Barbarian[1] in Pathfinder 1E embodies sheer brute force. As a human, this build excels with added skill points and a valuable +2 attribute bonus, often placed in Strength to maximize damage potential. Starting as a Barbarian at level 20, the foundation of this build is all about raw power and durability.
Strength is critical, particularly with a 25-point buy, pushing the Barb’s strength to 20. This grants an impressive bonus to melee attacks and damage output. Prioritize Constitution too; it boosts your health and complements Rage abilities, which are central to this build. Skills like Perception, Acrobatics, and Survival expand utility beyond combat, crucial for scouting and avoiding hazards.
The feats sequence is methodical, maximizing damage and survivability. Power Attack increases damage at a slight hit cost, while Raging Vitality ensures survivability within Rage. Weapon Focus and Improved Critical with a Falchion extend threat range, substantially increasing critical hit chances. Rage Powers enhance this further; abilities like Superstition and Internal Fortitude fortify against spells and conditions, while No Escape and Come and Get Me engage opponents effectively.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Masterwork Falchion | The +1 enhancement to attacks will help early on in combat. Look for good bargains. |
| L6-10 | +1 Flaming Falchion | Provides additional fire damage per hit. Useful against most foes. |
| L11-15 | +2 Keen Falchion | Double the threat range to 15-20 with Improved Critical. Critical hits are more likely. |
| L16-20 | +3 Vorpal Falchion | Capable of decapitating opponents on a critical hit, ending fights decisively. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In a dungeon crawl, the Barbarian’s Perception skill becomes vital for spotting traps and hidden enemies. Utilize Rage to smash through doors or barriers and be prepared to take on groups of enemies in tight spaces. Superstition helps resist enemy spellcasters, while Uncanny Dodge avoids surprise attacks.
- Open Fields:
- In open fields, take advantage of the Barbarian’s mobility by using Acrobatics and Hurling Charge to maneuver around enemies. Engage opponents from a distance with a thrown weapon before charging in for melee combat. Your high Strength and Reckless Abandon make you a deadly force in open combat.
- Ambushes:
- When ambushed, rely on Improved Initiative and Raging Vitality to react quickly and recover from any immediate injuries. Use Come and Get Me to lure attackers in and retaliate with powerful counterattacks, while remaining tough against an onslaught thanks to Toughness and heavy armor.
- Defensive Stands:
- On a defensive stand, position the Barbarian in a chokepoint, using Rage and Raging Vitality to sustain yourself. Internal Fortitude protects against debilitating conditions that could otherwise stop you. Use No Escape to ensure no enemy can bypass your defense unpunished.
- Urban Encounters:
- In urban environments, use your scouting skills to navigate narrow streets and alleyways. The advantage of Superstition and Uncanny Dodge keeps you safe from surprise spell attacks or rogue strikes. Be ready to burst through closed doors or windows with sheer strength if needed.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counters |
|---|---|
| Low AC when using Reckless Abandon | Rely on high HP and Superstition bonus to mitigate spell threats. Use defensive spells or effects, such as Shield or Protection from Evil, from party members. |
| Vulnerability to control spells | Focus on Superstition, combine with allies casting Remove Fear or Dispel Magic to aid recovery from threats like fear or enchantments. |
| Limited ranged capabilities | Equip Lesser Hurling and Hurling Charge Rage Powers for improved range, consider a backup bow or throwing weapons for additional range options. |
| Over-reliance on Rage | Use Raging Brutality and Extra Rage for extended Rage rounds. Take rest breaks to manage Rage usage effectively. |
| Weak Will Saves | Choose the Indomitable Faith trait for a bonus to Will Saves and ensure party support with buffs like Bear’s Endurance. |
Roleplaying Opportunities
Unleashing the Fury Within
Embrace the chaos! As a barbarian, your character is not only defined by brute strength but by their untamed spirit. Imagine standing on the edge of a battlefield, the world clashing around you. The rush fuels your resolve, amplifying every muscle tense as your rage stokes the flames of battle.
Integrate your rage into roleplaying by visualizing how it affects your demeanor. During combat, describe how your eyes flare and your voice booms. Let the primal instinct manifest in your words and actions, creating a vibrant tapestry of raw power.
Living with the Beast
Off the battlefield, explore the constant battle within. Roleplay the internal struggle of controlling the animalistic fury that threatens to surface in tense situations. How does your barbarian cope with ordinary tavern chatter? Is there a ritual or mantra they use to keep in check?
Use these moments to deepen your character’s persona. Perhaps they find solace in nature, appreciating the quiet serenity that contrasts with the inner storm. Or, develop quirks that show their human side, such as a fondness for storytelling, connecting their own adventures with the tales of old.
FAQ
What are the key abilities of a Base Barbarian?
At its core, a Base-Barbarian excels in combat prowess and sheer physical strength. Rage is their signature ability, granting temporary boosts to Strength and Constitution. As they level, their ability to take and deal damage becomes formidable. They also gain access to powerful feats that enhance their offensive capabilities.
How should I build my Base Barbarian?
Focus on Strength for maximum damage and use Constitution to increase your hit points. Skills like Intimidate can complement your combative nature. Consider using feats like Power Attack and Great Cleave to maximize damage output. Items that boost physical attributes are crucial to enhance your performance in combat.
What are some weaknesses of the Base Barbarian[1]?
The Base-Barbarian can struggle with low AC due to Reckless Abandon during Rage. Magic and ranged attacks can be problematic due to limited defensive options. It’s essential to team up with spellcasters who can mitigate these vulnerabilities. Additionally, situations requiring finesse or intelligence might not play to their strengths.
Is there a best weapon choice for a Base Barbarian?
A greatsword or greataxe are popular picks, offering high damage output. However, the choice depends on personal preference and specific synergies with your build. Consider magic weapons or ones that allow critical hits often, as they can greatly increase your strike’s power. Remember, your weapon defines much of your combat strategy.
How can role-playing enhance my Base Barbarian experience?
Role-playing your Base-Barbarian can add depth to your game enjoyment. Develop a unique personality and backstory, possibly one of a fierce warrior seeking redemption. Engage with your party members and bring your barbarian’s perspectives to choices and battles. This not only enriches the story but can leverage your Barbarian’s strengths in creative ways.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Barbarian!
Try playing a Base-Barbarian in your next game and see their legendary power unfold. Join the discussion on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7!
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Barbarian – Base Barbarian – Pathfinder 1E ( The Base Barbarian )
The Base Barbarian
This build is the quintessential barbarian. Big sword and hit people over the head with it as hard as you can.
Class
Barbarian 20
Race
You are going to be a human for this build. For one, the additional skill is nice, as the Barbarian is not a terrible secondary skill monkey and scout (100% chance of falling into the trap, 100% chance of survival type scout). That floating +2 to a stat is most likely going to be thrown at Strength.
Ability Scores
Round up your Con if necessary, then invest everything in Strength.
15point-buy
Str 18/Dex 10/Con 15/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 8
20point-buy
Str 18/Dex 12/Con 16/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 8
25point-buy
Str 20/Dex 13/Con 15/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 8
Skills
You should always put a point per level in Perception as it is the single most rolled check in the game. Other class skills to be considered are Acrobatics, Survival, Climb, Swim in that order of priorities, with the occasional point in Ride or Knowledge(Nature).
Traits
Reactionary for a tasty +2 to Initiative is most likely your go to, and Indomitable Faith grants you a good bonus to your Will Save.
Favored Class Bonus
HP HP HP HP always HP.
Feats per level
1-Power Attack
Human Bonus-Raging Vitality
3-Weapon Focus(Falchion)
5-Toughness
7-Improved Initiative
9-Improved Critical(Falchion)
11-Reckless Rage
13-Raging Brutality
15-Extra Rage
17-Heavy Armor Proficiency
19-Extra Rage
Being a human allows you to begin at 1st lvl with both Power Attack and Raging Vitality, which are the two mandatory feats for a barbarian. Everything else is gravy on top. Toughness and Improved Initiative allow for a faster reaction and more durability, WP->Improved Critical for a Falchion allows a Crit Range of 15-20. Reckless Rage further enhances your Power Attack and Raging Brutality allows you to eat Rage rounds to add 1 and ½ time your Constitution to damage. Heavy Armor further adds to your tankiness and Extra Rage fuels your Raging Brutality.
Rage Powers per Level:
2-Superstition
4-Reckless Abandon
6-Lesser Hurling
8-Internal Fortitude
10-Hurling Charge
12-Fueled by Vengeance
14-No Escape
16-Roused Anger
18-Ghost Rager
20-Come and Get me
Superstition adds a fairly large bonus against spells, spell-like abilities and supernatural attacks against you, and Internal Fortitude completely protects you against two nasty conditions.
Reckless Abandon fuels your Power Attack essentially into your AC instead of attack bonus, Hurling Charge lets you start a charge and throw a throwing weapon as part of the charge, allowing you two attacks, which is great, Fueled by Vengeance further extends your Rage, Roused Anger lets you cycle your rage once a fight, Ghost Rager lets you screw up those pesky incorporeal enemies and No Escape and Come and Get me punish opponents who attack you and those trying to flee from you, all those combined making you a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, keeping you both mobile and yet as solid as the land itself.
Equipment
A Falchion and the best armor you can get. Eventually a Full Plate Armor and a Buckler(or a Flying Shield if you can afford one)
Final Thoughts on the build
You deal tons of damage while able to take twice that same punishment, all the while fairly well protected against spellcasters and rogues via Superstition and the Barbarian’s natural Uncanny Dodge. Trap Sense and your skill set allows for great scouting capabilities, and Acrobatics and Hurling Charge keeping you surprisingly mobile, making you a top tier tank that is both capable of severe damage output and yet mobile enough to give you plenty of options in a fight.
Leave a Reply