Article-At-A-Glance
- Unchained excels in versatile character options, boosting prowess through synergy.
- Highlights the effectiveness of barbarian builds in different combat and roleplaying scenarios.
- Promotes specific combination of skills and abilities to maximize character development.
- Showcases strategic build pathways for diverse gameplay styles and adventures.
Click on the level for more information
This build is centered around the Half-Orc Unchained Barbarian, leaning heavily into Dexterity for high initiative and multiple attack opportunities. With a bite attack from racial features and the Improved Unarmed Strike feat, early combat revolves around quick, successive attacks with decent survivability from Constitution and Endurance.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unchained Barbarian: male, Half-Orc Unchained Barbarian 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (orc); HD 1d12+2; hp 14; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 14, flat-footed 11; Base Atk +1; Grp +3; Atk Bite (+3 melee, 1d4+2) or Unarmed Strike (+3 melee, 1d3+2); Full Atk Bite (+3 melee, 1d4+2) or Unarmed Strike (+3 melee, 1d3+2); SA Rage; SQ Fast Movement, Orc Ferocity, Endurance; AL CN; SV Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +2; Str 14, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +4, Intimidation +3; Improved Unarmed Strike, Endurance.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Rage (temporary boost), Fast Movement (10-ft. bonus to speed when not wearing heavy armor).
Possessions: Mithral Breastplate (planned), currently Studded Leather for high Dex compatibility.
This Unchained Barbarian at level 5 is all about overwhelming offense. With the focus on Boar Style feat and Beast Totem rage powers, the character dishes out immense damage with multiple attacks each round. Key strengths include a high number of attacks and an intimidating presence.
Stat Block Level 5:
Unchained Barbarian: male, Half-Orc Unchained Barbarian 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (orc); HD 5d12+10; hp 55; Init +6; Spd 40 ft.; AC 19, touch 14, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +5; Grp +9; Atk Bite +8 melee (1d4+2) or Unarmed Strike +8 melee (1d3+4); Full Atk 2 Claws +6 melee (1d4+2), Bite +6 melee (1d4+2), and 3 Unarmed Strikes +6 melee (1d3+4); SA Rage, Boar Style; SQ Fast Movement, Rage Powers; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +2; Str 16, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +8, Intimidate +6, Acrobatics +10; Improved Unarmed Strike, Endurance, Boar Style, Two-Weapon Fighting. Rage Powers: Lesser Beast Totem, Bloody Bite.
Possessions: Mithral Breastplate, various personal effects.
This Unchained Barbarian build focuses on a high number of attacks per round with a Half-Orc’s natural bite, claw attacks from Beast Totem Rage Powers, and unarmed strikes. The character excels in dealing substantial damage through sheer attack volume rather than singular powerful hits, thanks to the Two-Weapon Fighting feats. The build incorporates Combat Reflexes for multiple attacks of opportunity per round, Come and Get Me for increased AoOs, and Fueled by Vengeance to sustain rage during combat.
Stat Block Level 10:
Mokgar: male, Half-Orc Unchained Barbarian 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (orc); HD 10d12+10; hp 83; Init +6; Spd 40 ft.; AC 21, touch 13, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +10; Grp +15; Atk bite +15 melee (1d4+5) or claw +15 melee (1d6+5); Full Atk 2 claws +15 melee (1d6+5) and bite +15 melee (1d4+5) and 5 unarmed strikes +15 melee (1d4+5); SA Rage Powers; SQ Fast Movement, Pounce, Uncanny Dodge; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +10, Ref +9, Will +6; Str 18, Dex 18, Con 13, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +13, Acrobatics +12, Intimidation +15; Improved Unarmed Strike, Endurance, Boar Style, Two-Weapon Fighting, Boar Ferocity, Combat Reflexes.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Beast Totem (Lesser, normal, Greater), Fueled by Vengeance, Come and Get Me, Body Bludgeon, No Escape; Rage rounds/day.
Possessions: Mithral Breastplate, various potions and adventuring gear.
By level 15, the Unchained Barbarian[1] has become a terror on the battlefield, able to perform numerous attacks each turn due to the synergy of the Boar Style and Beast Totem feat lines. The character excels in combat agility, leveraging a high Dexterity for frequent attacks of opportunity, while also retaining flexibility through feats like Two-Weapon Fighting. Although slightly less durable than other barbarians due to lower Constitution, compensates with tactical advantages and offensive power.
Stat Block Level 15:
Barbarian: male, Half-Orc Unchained Barbarian 15; CR 15; Medium humanoid (orc); HD 15d12+30; hp 120; Init +6; Spd 40 ft.; AC 23, touch 16, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +15; Grp +29; Atk Bite +25 melee (1d4+10) or Claw +23 melee (1d6+5); Full Atk 7 Unarmed +23 melee (1d6+5) and 2 Claws +21 melee (1d6+5) and Bite +21 melee (1d4+5); SA Rage Power; SQ Uncanny Dodge, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Rage (33 rounds/day); AL CN; SV Fort +13, Ref +10, Will +7; Str 18, Dex 24, Con 14, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +21, Intimidation +18, Acrobatics +23; Improved Unarmed Strike, Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, Greater Two-Weapon Fighting, Combat Reflexes, Multiattack, Boar Style, Boar Ferocity, Boar Shred, Power Attack (delayed to 19th level).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Beast Totem chain (including Pounce), Fueled by Vengeance, Come and Get Me.
Possessions: Mithral Breastplate, no weapons needed.
This Unchained Barbarian build emphasizes unarmed combat, leveraging Boar Style feats for bleed damage and demoralizing free actions. It delivers a staggering ten attacks per round using Pounce from Beast Totem, supplemented by Charles for additional bite and claw attacks. Combat Reflexes and high Dexterity maximize attacks of opportunity, with internal fortitude provided by Rage Powers. The build isn’t reliant on Power Attack due to enhanced attack volume and bleed damage, instead focusing on maximizing attack opportunities and battlefield control.
Stat Block Level 20:
Unchained Barbarian: Male, Half-Orc Unchained Barbarian 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (orc); HD 20d12+40; hp 270; Init +6; Spd 40 ft.; AC 25, touch 14, flat-footed 23; Base Atk +20; Grp +30; Atk unarmed strike +28 (1d10+10) or bite +28 (1d4+10); Full Atk 7 unarmed strikes +28 (1d10+10), 2 claws +26 (1d6+9), bite +26 (1d4+9); SA Pounce, Improved Unarmed Strike, Boar Style, Combat Reflexes; SQ Rage Powers, Endurance, Fast Movement, No Escape, Internal Fortitude, Fearless Rage; AL CN; SV Fort +17, Ref +11, Will +7; Str 26, Dex 22, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Perception +25, Intimidate +23, Acrobatics +23; Improved Unarmed Strike, Endurance, Boar Style, Two-Weapon Fighting, Boar Ferocity, Boar Shred, Combat Reflexes, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, Greater Two-Weapon Fighting, Multiattack, Power Attack.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Pounce allows for a full attack after a charge; Come and Get Me provokes attacks of opportunity from enemies; Fueled by Vengeance extends rage duration when damaged; Body Bludgeon enables grappling; Fearless Rage prevents fear effects.
Possessions: Mithral Breastplate, assorted magical items enhancing Dexterity and Constitution, adventurer’s gear.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: At these levels, the Unchained Barbarian[1] focuses on establishing a strong foundation with Improved Unarmed Strike, initiating the Boar Style chain, and enhancing survivability with Endurance. The character begins to thrive without needing external weapons, leveraging the natural bite attack.
- Levels 6-10: This phase ramps up offensive capabilities with the Boar Ferocity and Boar Shred feats, enabling free-action demoralizations and bleed damage. The character gains additional rage powers like Fueled by Vengeance, enhancing combat duration through efficient rage management.
- Levels 11-15: Greater Two-Weapon Fighting becomes available, vastly increasing potential attack output per round. Rage powers such as Come and Get Me increase retaliation potential, turning the Barbarian into a formidable threat capable of handling multiple opponents simultaneously.
- Levels 16-20: This period maximizes the Barbarian’s fearsome attack capabilities with a total of Ten Attacks per round due to Multiattack and complemented with Body Bludgeon and No Escape. The culmination of fearsome presence is solidified by Internal Fortitude and Fearless Rage, reinforcing endurance and fearlessness.
Core Abilities & Features
The Unchained Barbarian[1] offers revamped mechanics that promise simplicity paired with relentless savagery. One key change is replacing the standard Rage bonuses with static enhancements, solidifying their role as dependable powerhouses. A noteworthy tweak involves converting Constitution boosts to temporary hit points, crafting a strategic buffer in ferocious battles. These alterations encourage a direct, furious playstyle without the hindrance of constant calculations.
This build emphasizes dexterity and relentless assault, marked by ten potential attacks per round. Central to this strategy is choosing Half-Orc as the race, exploiting alternative racial features like a natural bite attack and Endurance feat. When combined with the Beast Totem’s expanded attack repertoire, this build employs a formidable array of strikes: unarmed, claws, and a deadly bite. These attacks, enhanced further by the Multiattack feat, minimize penalties ensuring each strike hits with frightening accuracy.
Strategically selected feats and rage powers amplify this aggressive approach. The Boar Style feat chain injects demoralizing effects and bleed damage, while powers like Come and Get Me allow relentless counter-attacks. With Fueled by Vengeance sustaining Rage, and no control over fear with Fearless Rage, this barbarian engulfs the battlefield in chaos. Their combination of speedy reflexes, tactical feats, and an unyielding aggressor’s spirit makes this brutal progression one thoroughly toting unprecedented raw might.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Mithral Chain Shirt | Light armor providing a good balance of protection and mobility; doesn’t hamper Dex bonus. |
| L6-10 | Mithral Breastplate | Offers higher armor bonus than a chain shirt without limiting Dexterity growth. |
| L11-15 | Belt of Physical Might (+2 Str and Dex) | Enhances both Strength and Dexterity, crucial for maximizing attack and defense. |
| L16-20 | Belt of Physical Perfection (+6 Dex) | Significant Dexterity boost ideal for optimizing attacks and boosting Armor Class. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In tight passages, maximize your AoOs. Use “Come and Get Me” to provoke enemies into your threat range. Your high Dex ensures plenty of AoOs, juggling between Ten Attacks per turn, disrupting casters, and devastating enemy formations.
- Open Fields:
- The plains are your playground. Engage from a distance, drawing foes in with taunts. Once close, unleash full attack rounds. Pounce helps close gaps quickly, and with your Multiattack prowess, attacker swarms are cut down effortlessly, maintaining battlefield control.
- Ambushes:
- Prepare fast with Reactionary trait boosting initiative. Use “Boar Style” to spread fear quickly and deliver bleed damage. Breaking ambushes with sheer brutality, “Come and Get Me” encourages reckless enemies into premature action, leaving them vulnerable to counter-assaults.
- Defensive Stands:
- As a front line character, rely on Bloody Bite and Rage Powers to deter and damage. Utilize terrain to choke points. The threat of Ten Attacks per turn discourages advances, effectively using “Come and Get Me” to mentally destabilize aggressors.
- Urban Encounters:
- In tight city alleys, agility and AoOs shine. Control chokepoints and apply Intimidation. Using acrobatics, position strategically to exploit limited mobility. The presence you command disrupts and divides opponents, leaving them demoralized and bleeding out of the encounter.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low Constitution | Focus Favored Class Bonus on HP. Equip a Belt of Mighty Constitution for +2-4 to Constitution. |
| Lack of Weapon Damage | Utilize Rage Powers for additional damage. Equip Amulet of Mighty Fists (+1 to +5 enhancement bonus to attack and damage rolls.) |
| Reliance on High Dexterity | Maximize Dexterity with equipment like Gloves of Dexterity (+2 to +6 enhancement bonus to Dexterity), and focus on protective gear such as Mithral Breastplate (allows maximum Dexterity bonus without increasing armor check penalty). |
| Vulnerability to Spellcasters | Equip Cloak of Resistance (+1 to +5 resistance bonus on saving throws).Consider Rage Powers like Internal Fortitude for immunity to fatigue, exhaustion and other negative spells effects. |
| Low Charisma for Intimidation | Strategize with team. Have allies use buffs like Heroism or equip a circlet of persuasion (+3 to Charisma-based skill checks). |
Roleplaying
The Unchained Barbarian[1] embodies primal fury and raw power, which makes for rich roleplaying opportunities. Consider the Half-Orc’s backstory: perhaps they grew up in a fierce tribal society where survival depended on cunning and strength. This background influences their reaction to conflict, often choosing physical solutions over diplomatic ones.
The blend of Toothy and Shaman’s Apprentice gives the sense of a character respected for their survival skills and shamanic potential. They might embrace their bite attack as a symbol of their wild heritage, boasting about ‘having teeth long enough to gnaw through enemies.’ Dexterity being a focus suggests they move with surprising grace despite their massive frame, a skilled warrior accustomed to relying on agility over brute force, and that could be woven into interactions, highlighting an unexpected finesse.
The character’s traits and feats can also inform their motivations. With a focus on Boar Style, they could value the boar’s relentless nature, facing each battle with unyielding resolve. Their capacity to demoralize opponents may manifest as an intimidating presence, a warrior who relishes the psychological warfare of combat. As they progress, the additional attacks and combat reflexes could mean they are never caught off guard, reflecting a character always on edge, ready for any threat. This vigilance could stem from past betrayals or hard-learned lessons.
FAQ
What is the best ability choice for an Unchained Barbarian?
The best ability for an Unchained Barbarian is Strength. It directly boosts your melee attack and damage rolls, essential for a frontline fighter. Constitution is also crucial to maximize hit points and Rage rounds. Don’t neglect Dexterity, as it can improve your Armor Class.
How do Rage Powers influence gameplay?
Rage Powers enhance your fighting style in multiple ways. They can grant extra attacks, improve defenses, or allow unique combat moves. Choose powers that complement your character’s role in the party. For example, Reckless Abandon gives attack bonuses while trading off Armor Class.
What role does an Unchained Barbarian play in a party?
An Unchained Barbarian excels as a frontline damage dealer. They absorb damage and deal massive melee hits. A Barbarian’s Rage increases both their damage output and survivability. By drawing enemy attention, they keep other party members safe. Coordination with healers and spellcasters is key for success.
Which skills are vital for an Unchained Barbarian?
Focus on Athletics and Survival to make full use of your capabilities. Intimidate can be useful for demoralizing foes. Consider investing in Perception to stay aware during ambushes. Each skill adds versatility and strength to your overall performance.
What kind of equipment benefits an Unchained Barbarian the most?
Prioritize equipment that enhances your Strength and Constitution. A Belt of Giant’s Strength or Amulet of Health fits perfectly. Proper armor gives additional protection without hindering mobility. Weapons with high critical hit potential add to your destructive power.
Are Unchained Barbarians superior to standard Barbarians?
Unchained Barbarians offer more flexibility and streamlined gameplay. Their Rage mechanic is refined, providing a more dynamic experience. The choice between Unchained or standard depends on your play style preference. Some enjoy the straightforward nature of standard Barbarians. Others prefer the enhanced capabilities of the Unchained version.
Join us at Stellar Dragons with the Unchained Barbarian!
Consider the Unchained Barbarian[1] for your next game to experience unmatched power. Do you think the Unchained could be the best build in Pathfinder 1E? Join our discussion on the Stellar Dragons Discord server: https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Barbarian – Unchained Barbarian – Pathfinder 1E ( the Unchained Barbarian )
The Unchained Barbarian
So Unchained Classes are an attempt to simplify and update certain classes that were deemed to require a tad too much bookkeeping between fights or were considered a tad weak, barbarian being one of them, replacing the stats bonuses from Rage to static bonuses, and changing bonus to Constitution to Temporary Hit Points. Let’s see just how much we can break them
Class
Unchained Barbarian 20
Race
Half-Orc, take both the Toothy and the Shaman’s Apprentice Alternative Racial Features for a free Endurance feat and a primary natural Bite Attack that deals 1d4 damage. Of course, your floating +2 will go straight into Dexterity. What kind of drugs am I on? Let me cook. Let. Me. Cook.
Ability Scores
Increase your Dex score at lvl 4 by +1 and everything else can go directly into Str
15Point-Buy
Str 14/Dex 18/Con 14/Int 9/Wis 10/Cha 7
20Point-Buy
Str 16/Dex 18/Con 14/Int 9/Wis 10/Cha 7
25Point-Buy
Str 18/Dex 18/Con 13/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 7
Skills
Once again, Perception is your go to, followed by Intimidation(as it is required for the Boar Style feat chain), and then Acrobatics.
Traits
Reactionary. That +2 to Initiative is ridiculous. Anything else that increases your Will Save comes second.
Favored Class Bonus:
Everything in HP, but doubly so the case as you do not gain a bonus to Constitution while raging and your Con will be low compared to other Barbarians.
Feats per Level
1-Improved Unarmed Strike
Half-Orc Bonus: Endurance
3-Boar Style
5-Two Weapons Fighting
7-Boar Ferocity
9-Boar Shred
11-Combat Reflexes
13-Improved Two Weapons Fighting
15-Greater Two-Weapons Fighting
17-Multiattack
19-Power Attack
Wow, Power Attack only at lvl 19? What’s THAT about? Well, you are fighting unarmed, meaning that the bonus to damage will be negligible anyway. With the Boar Style, you can Demoralize opponents as a Free Action and give them Bleed damage and once per turn an extra 2d6 damage with an attack. Which you get a ton of with the Two Weapons Fighting feat chain (7 Unarmed Strikes per turn by lvl 20). Which is already very good in itself before you consider the Rage Powers…
Rage Powers per Level
2-Lesser Beast Totem
4-Bloody Bite
6-Beast Totem
8-Fueled by Vengeance
10-Greater Beast Totem
12-Come and Get me
14-Body Bludgeon
16-No Escape
18-Internal Fortitude
20-Fearless Rage
So, every Barbarian should take the Beast Totem chain just because screw you, Pounce. However, for this particular build, it gets even better with the addition of two claws attacks, with your natural bite attack, meaning your Full Attack, including your fists, are now Ten Attacks per round. 7 Unarmed, 2 Claws, One Bite. And via the Multiattack feat, the negative you get on attack rolls are negligible. And that’s the attacks in your turn. Via the beautiful, beautiful combination of Combat Reflexes, Come and Get Me and your high Dex, you can dish out almost an entire Full Attack Action in Attacks of Opportunity each turn. Fueled by Vengeance keeps your rage going, Body Bludgeon adds a Grapple option, No Escape is self Explanatory with this build and finishes with both Internal Fortitude and Fearless Rage to add a small layer of protection to your Rages.
Equipment
The best armor you can get that doesn’t impede on your Dex. A Mithral Breastplate should be your general goal. You don’t need weapons.
Final Thoughts on the Build
I am lowkey terrified of this build. Ten Attacks per turn is no joke, and despite no Power Attack, you still dish out so much damage it’s not even funny. You are slightly less robust than other barbarians but otherwise you will aggro fire with the sheer amount of presence you command between damage and fear effects you can throw on the battlefield single handedly.
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