Barbarian

### Skills

Choose two from Animal Handling, Athletics, Intimidation, Nature, Perception, and Survival

**Barbarians** are exalted champions who earned their name brawling face to face with their foes. Often they have found experience fighting for the honours or amusement of the higher members of society. Barbarians are characterised by a powerful bestial rage empowered with which they fuel their fighting spirits. Barbarians might not be as well trained as Fighters or Paladins but can easily take them one-on-one in a fight.

## Primal paths

Barbarians eventually learn to shape the nature of their primal rage by following and living according to the tenets of a "primal path". Barbarians usually start to follow these primal paths when they notice that a regular brawl just doesn't provide them with the same excitement as it used to before. This inspires some to follow a new way of living in order to give themselves a higher purpose in life and to channel their raw emotions.

### **Path of the Ancestral Guardian**

Some barbarians hail from cultures that revere their ancestors. These people believe that the warriors of the past linger in the world as mighty spirits, who can guide and protect the living. But these ancestors also need to be protected from the many dangers preying on their vulnerable state. Those who follow the path of the Ancestral Guardian take up this task of protecting their ancestors, and their ancestors aid them in battle.

When an Ancestral Guardian rages, they come into contact with the dream and calls on these ancient spirits. In order to cement ties to their ancestors, barbarians who follow this path begin to cover themselves in elaborate tattoos that celebrate their ancestors’ deeds. These tattoos tell sagas of victories against terrible monsters and other fearsome rivals.

### **Path of the Berserker**

For some barbarians, rage and violence are a form of art. These barbarians follow the Path of the Berserker. an path of untrammelled fury, greased with blood. Berserkers want to perfect their rage, training and enhancing it with anything possible. While other barbarians may draw upon the essence of nature for their power, berserkers instead rely on their own fury and unbridled bloodlust to pull themselves through a fight. When a berserker rages they enter into an deep state of blinding fury known as a frenzy. While frenzied, a berserker is capable of attacks with such a speed that they easily overpower their victims.

Some Berserkers may fuel their rage with the aid of the natural world, foraging for herbs and fungi that can aid them by enhancing their abilities or altering their mental state. once well berserker enters a well prepared rage, they become completely and utterly fearless, but incapable of any social interaction.

### **Path of the Storm Herald**

Typical barbarians harbour a fury that dwells within. Their rage grants them superior strength, durability, and speed. Barbarians who follow the Path of the Storm Herald learn instead to transform their rage into a mantle of primal magic that swirls around them. When in a fury, a barbarian of this path taps into nature to create powerful, magical effects. Storm Heralds have to complete a harrowing pilgrimage on foot to the Stone of Anthem before they are officially recognised as Storm Heralds.

Once they complete their quest and get recognition, Storm Heralds become somewhat of celebrities. The Krikos order invites them as honorary initiated, allowing them access to many of the sacred druid groves. Many kings and leaders also may approach a newly honoured Storm Herald to invite them to their court as private guards or even knight. But their fame also makes them a prime target for nefarious forces.

### **Path of the Totem Warrior**

*Main article: Barbarian: Path of the Totem Warrior*
Barbarians who pursue their spiritual side are called Totem Warrior. Totem Warriors have learned to enhances their capacity for primal magic thanks to the guidance of their spirit animal. The spirit animal chosen by Totem Warriors - which is often related to their particular native culture - grant them a number of supernatural abilities, such as the ability to carry extra weight, enhance the ability of their allies in battle, or even leap a limited distance. Additionally, Totem Warriors might also take on physical features similar to their spirit animal, such as excess hair or unusually coloured eyes.

### **Path of the Zealot**

Some barbarians turn to faith to give their life meaning. Following the way of deities that inspire their followers to pitch themselves into a ferocious battle fury. These barbarians become the zealots – warriors who channel their rage into powerful displays of faith. They fight with such an religious fervour that they eventually learn to ignore pain through the power of prayer alone. Temples and monasteries often offer Zealots free lodging in exchange for a display of their herculean strength.