Barbarians

**NOTE:** *It is important to note, that taming an intelligent dragon is not really possible in many other worlds, but due to Archaian dragon culture, they (a) either choose to follow their original dragon connections, or (b) they are tuned into the land and barbarian tribes and have the 'calling'. In Achaia, a warrior could "tame" a dragon who has the 'calling', by means more of being friends or a mere pet but a mutual bond of spirit. A dragon is not considered a pet, by any respectable dragon rider in any Archaian barbarian clan.*

In a world where druids are the civilised government class and have a deep connection with nature and its balance, the evolution of dragons takes a unique twist.

As druids maintain a delicate equilibrium in the natural world, dragons, the mighty and mystical creatures, have evolved to be closely intertwined with the primal and untamed aspect of nature, which is represented by barbarians.

In this world, dragons have evolved to have a more primal and ferocious appearance. They develop thicker, rugged scales that resemble the natural environment they inhabit, such as moss-covered or bark-like scales that allow them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Their wings are broader and more muscular, granting them greater maneuverability and speed during combat, especially in close-quarters environments like dense forests or rugged mountains.

The dragons' breath weapon have evolved to have more raw, untamed power.

Instead of a focused, concentrated breath attack, they unleash a wild and chaotic burst of energy, such as a tempest of lightning bolts or a raging firestorm that engulfs the area around them. This uncontrolled and unpredictable breath weapon is to be a reflection of the barbarian's untamed nature and raw power. Dragons in Achaia have a 50% chance of the '***calling of the land***'.. To be protectors of their region and to adopt some barbarian followers. or become bonded to a barbarian.

In this case, dragons with the '*calling*' adopt more barbarian-like behavior and tactics in their interactions with other creatures. They've become more territorial and fiercely protective of their natural habitats, acting as guardians of the wilderness, there barbarians and defenders of nature's balance.

They also exhibit a strong sense of freedom and independence, shunning the confines of civilization and preferring to roam the untamed lands, much like barbarians who reject the constraints of civilization. These Dragons form close bonds with barbarian tribes, recognizing their shared affinity for the wild and untamed aspects of nature. They ally with barbarians in their struggles against encroaching civilization, and their combined strength and power make them formidable opponents to any who threaten the natural world.

In summary, the evolution of dragons in this history over time with barbarians, has resulted in dragons that are more primal in appearance, possess untamed and chaotic breath weapons, exhibit barbarian-like behavior, and form close alliances with barbarian tribes to protect nature's balance from the encroachment of civilization.

The barbarian culture throughout the world of Achaia, hold deep reverence and respect for their tribal dragon and all dragons. The dragon, seen as a powerful and primal force of nature, could be considered a revered entity or just a powerful bonded friend and ally depending on the tribes culture and alignment.

The dragon with this '*calling*' is seen as a guardian and protector of the barbarian tribe and their lands. It is regarded as an embodiment of nature's raw power, revered for its strength, wisdom, and untamed nature. The dragon is seen as a symbol of the tribe's identity, representing their connection to the wild and untamed aspects of nature that they hold dear. Barbarians have rituals and ceremonies dedicated to the dragons depending on alignment. They could offer sacrifices of food, livestock, or other valuable items as a sign of respect and gratitude to the dragon. These offerings are made in sacred groves, mountain peaks, or other natural locations that hold significance to the tribe and the dragon.

The barbarians also seek guidance and blessings from the dragon for important decisions, battles, or hunts, believing that the dragon's wisdom and power would aid them in their endeavors. The tribal dragon is also considered a trusted advisor and ally to the barbarian tribe. The dragon's keen senses, vast knowledge of the wilderness, and ability to communicate with other animals is highly valued by the tribe. Barbarians seek counsel from the dragon on matters related to nature, survival, and warfare, and follow the dragon's guidance with utmost reverence.

The main tribal dragon will always be the oldest dragon of all the riders, in the tribe. The greatest warriors will be dragon riders and those dragons will always be younger than the main tribes dragon. The alignments of all dragons within a tribe, will be the same alignment or one away from the main tribal dragons. Everything is about the balance of the region and tribe. The dragon's lair is considered a sacred place, and any intrusion or harm to the dragon or its territory is considered a grave offense. Barbarians protect the dragon and its lair from any external threats, including other civilizations or adventurers who seek to harm or exploit the dragon. Any interaction with the dragon is approached with respect, humility, and a deep understanding of the dragon's power and importance to the tribe.

Overall, the tribal dragon holds a revered and respected position in barbarian culture, seen as a powerful force of nature that embodies the values and beliefs of the tribe. The dragon could be considered a deity-like figure, providing guidance, protection, and wisdom to the barbarian tribe, and their bond is one of deep reverence, respect, and mutual understanding.

The dragon with the 'calling' is considered as a cherished member of the tribe, a revered symbol of their culture, and a source of strength and inspiration for the barbarian way of life. The dragon is a living embodiment of the untamed and primal aspects of nature that the barbarians hold dear, and their relationship are one of mutual respect and admiration. This unique bond between barbarians and dragons would be a central aspect of barbarian culture in Achaia.

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**The Path of the Dragon Rider**

The Path of the Dragon Rider is an exciting and unique path for barbarians in Achaia. This path taps into the ancient bond between mighty barbarians and the formidable dragons, allowing barbarians to harness their draconic essence and become formidable Dragon Riders themselves. As a Dragon Rider, barbarians gain abilities that enhance their combat prowess and grant them a deep connection with their draconic companion.

A Barbarian must first find a dragon with the '*Calling of the Land (or Water)*' that is not already part of a tribe. The dragon must have the same alignment as the Barbarian, or one alignment away from the Barbarians. Once they've found a dragon, the Barbarian attempts to form a bond, through sacred tribal ritual. The younger a dragon is, the easier it may be. The Quest of Draconic Bonding is a profound and personal journey, allowing a barbarian to find and bond with a dragon testing the barbarian's inner strength, determination, and connection with the primal forces of the world. Through this ritual, they embark on a unique and intimate partnership, destined to become a legendary Dragon Rider and their dragon companion, forging their own path in the world.

**Tribal Ritual**: *The Rite of Draconic Bonding*

The Rite of Draconic Bonding is a sacred ritual practiced by barbarians who seek to forge a deep connection with a dragon with the '**calling*'.*** This ritual serves as the foundation for the ***'**Path of the Dragon Rider'*, allowing barbarians to become bonded with these powerful creatures.

**Preparation**:

1. *Chosen Dragon*: Vision Quest; The barbarian embarks on a vision quest to seek guidance from their ancestral spirits and nature itself. They venture into the wilderness, spending days or even weeks in isolation, communing with the primal forces around them. Through meditation, dreams, and encounters with sacred creatures, the barbarian seeks a vision that will lead them to a young dragon. Sometimes a dragon is carefully selected by the tribal elders for its compatibility with the aspiring Dragon Rider. Each tribe has their own methods. The dragon's temperament, elemental affinity, and overall demeanor are taken into consideration during this selection process.
2. *Quest for the Dragon*: Guided by the vision, the barbarian sets forth on a perilous journey to find the lair or nesting grounds of a dragon. They must navigate treacherous terrain, overcome formidable obstacles, and face challenging encounters. This quest tests their resilience, resourcefulness, and determination.
3. *Offering of the Heart*: Upon reaching the dragon's lair, the barbarian carefully selects a heartfelt offering that reflects their own character and desires. This offering could be a personal possession, a prized weapon, or a symbol of their heritage. It signifies their willingness to share a part of themselves with the dragon. The barbarian seeking to bond with a dragon may gather precious offerings to present to the dragon. These offerings often include rare gemstones, exotic herbs, and unique artifacts of significance to the dragon's heritage.

**The Ritual**:

1. *Silent Vigil*: The barbarian enters the dragon's lair, cautiously approaching the dragon. They sit in silent meditation, allowing their presence to be felt without making any sudden movements or sounds. This quiet vigil establishes a sense of respect and mutual understanding. This only works with dragons who have the '*calling*'.
2. *Bonding through Shared Breath*: The barbarian begins a deep and focused breathing exercise, synchronizing their breath with the dragon's. In this shared rhythm, a spiritual connection starts to form, as if their souls are merging in harmony. This act signifies the intention to form a bond and establishes a subtle empathic link.
3. *Trial of Trust*: The dragon, curious yet cautious, evaluates the barbarian's intentions and character. Sensing the barbarian's sincerity and through a series of non-lethal challenges, the dragon tests the barbarian's resolve, courage, and ability to communicate non-verbally. This trial serves as a foundation of trust between the two beings. These trials could include puzzles, feats of strength, or displays of bravery. The barbarian must overcome these challenges to prove their dedication and earn the dragon's trust. After the dragon has finished with the tests on the barbarian, the *Trial of Trust* determines the barbarian's ability to overcome the challenges presented by the dragon to earn its trust. The difficulty of the trial can be determined by the age and temperament of the dragon. A younger dragon may be more receptive, making the trial easier, while an older or more wary dragon might pose greater challenges. The DM sets the DC for the skill check. The DC represents the level of difficulty the barbarian must surpass to pass the trial. The DC can range from 10 (young) to 22 or higher (ancient). To perform the *Trial of Trust*:
	1. After the player has completed the dragons desired tests successfully, the barbarian announces their intention to pass the trial and make their skill check.
	2. The DM sets the DC for the skill check, considering the dragon's temperament and the specific challenges presented.
	3. The player rolls a d20 and adds their relevant skill modifier to the roll. Animal Handling, Insight, and Persuasion, depending on the approach taken by the barbarian give a +1 bonus each to the barbarians check.
	4. If the result of the roll meets or exceeds the DC, the barbarian successfully passes the trial and gains the dragon's trust.
	5. If the result of the roll is lower than the DC, the barbarian fails to pass the trial, and the dragon becomes more wary or skeptical. The outcome of passing or failing the Trial of Trust can impact the overall success of the ritual and the strength of the bond formed with the dragon. Passing the trial may result in a more profound connection, while failing could require additional efforts or negotiations to win the dragon's trust. The DM should adjust the DC and the consequences of passing or failing the trial to suit the narrative and create an engaging and rewarding experience for the player and their barbarian character.
4. *The Touch of Union*: After successfully passing the trials, the dragon approaches the barbarian. With a gentle touch of its snout, it initiates physical contact, allowing the barbarian to place their hand upon the dragon's scales. In this intimate moment, the bond is solidified, and the energies of the barbarian and the dragon intertwine.
5. *Empowerment Dragon's Mark*: As the bond forms, the barbarian undergoes a surge of primal energy, feeling their senses sharpen and their connection with the dragon deepening. They gain an understanding of the dragon's needs, desires, and thoughts, forging a psychic link that transcends words. Upon the successful completion of the ritual, a visible mark, often taking the form of a tattoo or a subtle draconic scale pattern, manifests on the barbarian's body. This mark represents and indicates the bond between the Dragon Rider and their draconic companion, acting as a symbol of their newfound connection and shared destiny. They must be on the same plane or across elemental planes for the psychic bond to stay. Any other planes separation and the barbarian loses the link, re-establishing it automatically once back together.
6. *Oath of Companionship*: In a solemn vow, the barbarian makes a heartfelt pledge to honor and protect the dragon, promising to uphold the ancient bond and support each other in times of need. This oath seals their relationship, binding them together on their shared path as Dragon Rider and dragon companion.

The Rite of Draconic Bonding is a sacred and deeply spiritual ritual, intertwining the destinies of the barbarian and the dragon. It solidifies their bond, granting the barbarian the abilities and powers of a *Dragon Rider*, and opens the door to an incredible journey filled with adventure, power, and the mysteries of the dragon's ancient wisdom.

**Path of the Dragon Rider - Class Abilities.**

A barbarian can take this path at any level, as long as another path was never chosen. If the barbarian successfully bonds with a dragon, they automatically gain the benefits up to their current level.

3rd Level - *Draconic Bond*: At 3rd level, a barbarian who chooses the Path of the Dragon Rider forms a bond with a dragon. This bond is forged through a sacred ritual, in which the barbarian and the dragon form a deep connection. This dragon becomes the barbarian's lifelong companion and serves as their mount and ally. The type of dragon can vary, allowing players to choose between different elements and personalities. Dragons chosen must be of the normal, metallic, gem or chromatic types.

- *Draconic Instinct*s: The bond with their dragon imbues the barbarian with draconic instincts. At 3rd level, they gain resistance to a damage type associated with their chosen dragon, such as fire, lightning, cold, acid, or poison. Additionally, the barbarian gains the ability to speak, read, and write Draconic.

6th Level - *Dragon's Might*: At 6th level, the Dragon Rider taps into the might of their draconic companion, gaining access to limited draconic abilities. They can choose one of the following abilities:

1. Dragon's Breath: The Dragon Rider can channel the elemental power of their dragon, gaining the ability to exhale a 15-foot cone of energy associated with their dragon type. The energy deals damage of the chosen type (e.g., fire, cold, acid) to all creatures within the area, allowing for a potent area-of-effect attack. The damage of the breath is 2d6 + the barbarian's Constitution modifier at 6th level, and increases as the barbarian progresses every 2 levels. (e.g., 3d6 at level 8, 4d6 at level 10, etc.) The affected creatures can make a *Dexterity* saving throw to halve the damage. The DC for the saving throw would be 10 + their Constitution modifier. The Dragon Rider can use Dragon's Breath a number of times equal to their Constitution modifier (minimum of once), and they regain all expended uses after a long rest.
2. Dragon's Scales: The Dragon Rider's bond with their dragon enhances their durability. While raging, the barbarian gains natural AC bonus +2, increasing by 1 for every 3 levels. (eg.. +3 at level 9, +4 at level 12).

10th Level - *Aerial Assault*: When the Dragon Rider makes a melee weapon attack against a creature while flying on the dragon, they can add their Strength modifier to the attack roll and the damage roll, in addition to their normal bonuses. This represents their ability to strike with the force and precision with their dragon in mid-air.

*Draconic Presence*: - While raging, the Dragon Rider exudes an aura of primal power and authority. They have advantage on *Charisma* (Intimidation) checks made against creatures within 30 feet of them. Additionally, creatures that start their turn within this aura must succeed on a *Wisdom* saving throw against a DC of 8 + the Dragon Rider's proficiency bonus + their *Charisma* modifier, or become frightened until the start of their next turn.

14th Level - *Draconic Resurgenc*e: When the Dragon Rider falls to 0 hit points and isn't killed outright, they can choose to instead drop to 1 hit point. Additionally, they regain hit points equal to half their maximum hit points. Once they use this ability, they must finish a long rest before using it again.

*Draconic Fury Manifest*: While raging, the Dragon Rider's attacks become infused with the raw energy of their dragon. Whenever they hit with a melee weapon attack, they can choose to add additional damage equal to their barbarian level. This damage is of the same type associated with their chosen dragon (e.g., fire, lightning, cold). This additional damage is not multiplied on a critical hit and can be used as many times a day as the barbarians *Constitution* modifier.

The **Path of the Dragon Rider** offers barbarians a unique blend of primal fury and draconic power. By bonding with a dragon, these barbarians become awe-inspiring forces on the battlefield, unleashing devastating attacks and striking fear into the hearts of their enemies.

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