Hey guys, this is my first attempt at creating a charging barbarian. I am looking for some critique on this build. Suggestions are welcome. My goal is to produce good striker damage, along with great mobility and support as a 2nd defender.
Korgul, level 11 Half-Orc, Barbarian, Bear Warrior Build: Rageblood Barbarian Feral Might: Rageblood Vigor Background: Born Under a Bad Sign (Born Under a Bad Sign Benefit)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES Str 21, Con 17, Dex 17, Int 9, Wis 13, Cha 12.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES Str 16, Con 14, Dex 14, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 11.
Hey guys, this is my first attempt at creating a charging barbarian. I am looking for some critique on this build. Suggestions are welcome. My goal is to produce good striker damage, along with great mobility and support as a 2nd defender.Korgul, lev
I'd switch stats around a bit, starting with 16/13/14/8/14/10, and bump str/dex at every opportunity.
Gouge+Spear Expertise is better. But if you really want Execution Axe, pick up Two-Handed Weapon Expertise. Axe Expertise is a waste.
I'm not too fond of Reckless Charge. I'd ditch that for something else, probably Battle Awareness.
Instead of Charging Rampage (which I think is a pretty weak feat), I'd pick up something else, maybe Superior Will or Improved Defenses.
At level 7, there are no powers other than Curtain of Steel.
I'd switch stats around a bit, starting with 16/13/14/8/14/10, and bump str/dex at every opportunity.Gouge+Spear Expertise is better. But if you really want Execution Axe, pick up Two-Handed Weapon Expertise. Axe Expertise is a waste.I'm not too fond
I didn't add any magic items as of yet, but I will likely pick up the chargers package.
I thought that axe expertise complemented brutal two pretty good because it was usable on regular damage die, such as the 1d6 from howling strike, whereas brutal only counts for [W] dice? I will look into two weapon expertise however.
I never noticed gouge before so I will take a look. What spear would the best bet? And would I MC into fighter to pick up surprising charge?
And I did pick up powerful charge.
I didn't add any magic items as of yet, but I will likely pick up the chargers package. I thought that axe expertise complemented brutal two pretty good because it was usable on regular damage die, such as the 1d6 from howling strike, whereas brutal
I didn't add any magic items as of yet, but I will likely pick up the chargers package.
I thought that axe expertise complemented brutal two pretty good because it was usable on regular damage die, such as the 1d6 from howling strike, whereas brutal only counts for [W] dice? I will look into two weapon expertise however.
I never noticed gouge before so I will take a look. What spear would the best bet? And would I MC into fighter to pick up surprising charge?
I do not say this very often, but have you thought about what'll happen when you get hit? Particularly, how will you overcome effects against Will ?
I would recommend some sort of boost there, as well as picking up, at the very least, Shrug it off.
I do not say this very often, but have you thought about what'll happen when you get hit? Particularly, how will you overcome effects against Will ?I would recommend some sort of boost there, as well as picking up, at the very least, Shrug it off.
I thought that axe expertise complemented brutal two pretty good because it was usable on regular damage die, such as the 1d6 from howling strike, whereas brutal only counts for [W] dice? I will look into two weapon expertise however.
Okay, maybe it's not a complete waste, but +1/2/3 damage on a charge with two handed weapon expertise or Spear Expertise is simply going to pay off more, and on demand.
If you go with Gouge, after you pick up Battle Awareness, Surprising Charge is quite good, particularly if you pick up Superior Reflexes too, and have some cooperation from your party for later rounds (which isn't too hard with all tools available for CA).
Okay, maybe it's not a complete waste, but +1/2/3 damage on a charge with two handed weapon expertise or Spear Expertise is simply going to pay off more, and on demand.If you go with Gouge, after you pick up Battle Awareness, Surprising Charge is qui
What else would you recommend to help with my defences Baldhermit aside from shrug it off?
Also the stat array you recommended earlier Mengu74, would that be sufficient con for this build? I assumed that Rageblood Barbarians benifited more from a higher con due to Rageblood Vigor?
Also what are thoughts on the Bear Warrior PP?
ok lots of great advice here. What else would you recommend to help with my defences Baldhermit aside from shrug it off? Also the stat array you recommended earlier Mengu74, would that be sufficient con for this build? I assumed that Rageblood Barbar
In my opinion, the bonus for the rageblood type, what makes them so good, is not the THP, but the extra attack. So I would drop Con, drop Wis, and start with 16/11/16/8/10/13,
ABout your chosen feats, you are so very much focused on charging, what will you do when the DM throws some terrain challenges in the mix ?
At level 2, as said, my pick is Shrug it off, and at level 6 probably Wilderness Step.
I also would pick up Battle Awareness, since, with the gouge, that will allow you to pick up the Draeven Marauder "let's crit on 19" Paragon Path.
In my opinion, the bonus for the rageblood type, what makes them so good, is not the THP, but the extra attack. So I would drop Con, drop Wis, and start with 16/11/16/8/10/13,ABout your chosen feats, you are so very much focused on charging, what wil
I thought that axe expertise complemented brutal two pretty good because it was usable on regular damage die, such as the 1d6 from howling strike, whereas brutal only counts for [W] dice? I will look into two weapon expertise however.
Okay, maybe it's not a complete waste, but +1/2/3 damage on a charge with two handed weapon expertise or Spear Expertise is simply going to pay off more, and on demand.
If you go with Gouge, after you pick up Battle Awareness, Surprising Charge is quite good, particularly if you pick up Superior Reflexes too, and have some cooperation from your party for later rounds (which isn't too hard with all tools available for CA).
It is pretty close to a complete waste. Brutal is +.5 per brutal. Axe Expertise is kind of sort of brutal 1, except you only get to reroll once. Which is difficult to model, but it is less than half the untyped bonus you get in Heroic from either of the other expertises. Granted they only apply to a charge, but, um, you should always be charging if you're going to optimized around it, so.
@OP: Have you read the Barbarian handbook?
Okay, maybe it's not a complete waste, but +1/2/3 damage on a charge with two handed weapon expertise or Spear Expertise is simply going to pay off more, and on demand.If you go with Gouge, after you pick up Battle Awareness, Surprising Charge is qui
I have read the handbook by Lord Duskblade. I took alot of his advice for feats and powers. Although it may be a little outdated, you guys are helping me fill in the gaps left by the handbook.
I have read the handbook by Lord Duskblade. I took alot of his advice for feats and powers. Although it may be a little outdated, you guys are helping me fill in the gaps left by the handbook.
I have read the handbook by Lord Duskblade. I took alot of his advice for feats and powers. Although it may be a little outdated, you guys are helping me fill in the gaps left by the handbook.
Then I refer you to post #3 in the Barbarian handbook, discussing stat allocation, to answer your question. Also post #15 has a sample build of a Half-Orc Rageblood.
Then I refer you to post #3 in the Barbarian handbook, discussing stat allocation, to answer your question. Also post #15 has a sample build of a Half-Orc Rageblood.
I have read the handbook by Lord Duskblade. I took alot of his advice for feats and powers. Although it may be a little outdated, you guys are helping me fill in the gaps left by the handbook.
Then I refer you to post #3 in the Barbarian handbook, discussing stat allocation, to answer your question. Also post #15 has a sample build of a Half-Orc Rageblood.
I think I am looking at a different handbook then you? Could you post the one you are referencing? Post #15 in Lord Duskblades is a comment about a picture.
Then I refer you to post #3 in the Barbarian handbook, discussing stat allocation, to answer your question. Also post #15 has a sample build of a Half-Orc Rageblood.[/quote]I think I am looking at a different handbook then you? Could you post the one
In my opinion, the bonus for the rageblood type, what makes them so good, is not the THP, but the extra attack. So I would drop Con, drop Wis, and start with 16/11/16/8/10/13,
ABout your chosen feats, you are so very much focused on charging, what will you do when the DM throws some terrain challenges in the mix ?
At level 2, as said, my pick is Shrug it off, and at level 6 probably Wilderness Step.
I also would pick up Battle Awareness, since, with the gouge, that will allow you to pick up the Draeven Marauder "let's crit on 19" Paragon Path.
I am going to assume you ment to add the 13 to Wisdom instead of Charisma to qualify for Battle Awareness?
I am going to assume you ment to add the 13 to Wisdom instead of Charisma to qualify for Battle Awareness?
Also the stat array you recommended earlier Mengu74, would that be sufficient con for this build? I assumed that Rageblood Barbarians benifited more from a higher con due to Rageblood Vigor?
High Con is not all that necessary. Dexterity is more valuable for defense. I like better wisdom for higher will, and to pick up Superior Will at Paragon, so I prefer 16/13/14/8/14/10, but 16/11/16/8/13/10 also works. I feel safer with an extra healing surge too, but that's more game/group/DM dependent.
It's an okay choice, but not a striker choice (not that any barbarian PP is a significant striker choice). Once you MC fighter, that opens some better options, both offensive and defensive ones. So I'd comb through those to see if anything jumps out at you. Also since you're half-orc, Bloodfury Savage is worth a look.
High Con is not all that necessary. Dexterity is more valuable for defense. I like better wisdom for higher will, and to pick up Superior Will at Paragon, so I prefer 16/13/14/8/14/10, but 16/11/16/8/13/10 also works. I feel safer with an extra heali
Fighter Multiclassing allows the Draeven Marauder and Kensei PPs. Both are very good striker PPs and better than any Barbarian PP. Another good PP choice would be the Half-Orc path Bloodfury Savage.
When you specialize on charging, Draeven Marauder combined with a Gouge will probably get you most. You don't need a Jagged Weapon to get your expanded crit range and can use your Vanguard Weapon further. In case you have a good option to get temporary HP besides your Rageblood Feat, you might be better of with a Battlecrazed Weapon. Half-Orcs also have some nice feats to expand the bloodied cheese.
Also, you should seriously consider taking the Improved Defenses feat.
Fighter Multiclassing allows the Draeven Marauder and Kensei PPs. Both are very good striker PPs and better than any Barbarian PP. Another good PP choice would be the Half-Orc path Bloodfury Savage.When you specialize on charging, Draeven Marauder co
Also the stat array you recommended earlier Mengu74, would that be sufficient con for this build? I assumed that Rageblood Barbarians benifited more from a higher con due to Rageblood Vigor?
High Con is not all that necessary. Dexterity is more valuable for defense. I like better wisdom for higher will, and to pick up Superior Will at Paragon, so I prefer 16/13/14/8/14/10, but 16/11/16/8/13/10 also works. I feel safer with an extra healing surge too, but that's more game/group/DM dependent.
It's an okay choice, but not a striker choice (not that any barbarian PP is a significant striker choice). Once you MC fighter, that opens some better options, both offensive and defensive ones. So I'd comb through those to see if anything jumps out at you. Also since you're half-orc, Bloodfury Savage is worth a look.
What do you guys think of a 16/12/16/8/12/10 stat array for this build? That gets me Battle Awareness at lvl 11, and gives me abit more Con.
High Con is not all that necessary. Dexterity is more valuable for defense. I like better wisdom for higher will, and to pick up Superior Will at Paragon, so I prefer 16/13/14/8/14/10, but 16/11/16/8/13/10 also works. I feel safer with an extra heali
That's a good choice. However, you might want to think about raising CON later and compensate for the loss of AC with Hide Armor Expertise (CON 15) / Second Skin (L21, CON 17) if you feel you need the extra surges.
That's a good choice. However, you might want to think about raising CON later and compensate for the loss of AC with Hide Armor Expertise (CON 15) / Second Skin (L21, CON 17) if you feel you need the extra surges.
Hmm, ok. So if I put points into Str/Con at lvl 14 & 18, and the rest into Str/Dex that will give me 26 Str 24 Dex and only 16 Con at lvl 30, if I pump Con to 17 for Second Skin then that leaves me with only 23 Dex.
What would be the best way to go about pumping my stats as I level if I was to start with 16/12/16/8/12/10?
Hmm, ok. So if I put points into Str/Con at lvl 14 & 18, and the rest into Str/Dex that will give me 26 Str 24 Dex and only 16 Con at lvl 30, if I pump Con to 17 for Second Skin then that leaves me with only 23 Dex. What would be the best way to go a
Hmm, ok. So if I put points into Str/Con at lvl 14 & 18, and the rest into Str/Dex that will give me 26 Str 24 Dex and only 16 Con at lvl 30, if I pump Con to 17 for Second Skin then that leaves me with only 23 Dex.
What would be the best way to go about pumping my stats as I level if I was to start with 16/12/16/8/12/10?
Bumps are more valuable then initial points. But if getting to second skin costs you a point of Dex... you didn't come out ahead, or anything. Aim for 16 con at Epic, which is 15 during Paragon, which is 14 during creation. Hide Armor Spec is fine. 16 str, pre-racial. The only question is if you want 14 Wis, so you can qualify for Superior Will, or 14 Dex. I'd go with 14 Wis. At Paragon+ that gives you Battle Awareness, Superior Will, Hide Armor Spec, and you can boost Dex/Str with every boost. If you don't want superior will, 12 in Wis, and you qualify for Battle Awareness with the +1 to all boosts at 11.
Bumps are more valuable then initial points. But if getting to second skin costs you a point of Dex... you didn't come out ahead, or anything. Aim for 16 con at Epic, which is 15 during Paragon, which is 14 during creation. Hide Armor Spec is fine. 1
Hmm, ok. So if I put points into Str/Con at lvl 14 & 18, and the rest into Str/Dex that will give me 26 Str 24 Dex and only 16 Con at lvl 30, if I pump Con to 17 for Second Skin then that leaves me with only 23 Dex.
What would be the best way to go about pumping my stats as I level if I was to start with 16/12/16/8/12/10?
Bumps are more valuable then initial points. But if getting to second skin costs you a point of Dex... you didn't come out ahead, or anything. Aim for 16 con at Epic, which is 15 during Paragon, which is 14 during creation. Hide Armor Spec is fine. 16 str, pre-racial. The only question is if you want 14 Wis, so you can qualify for Superior Will, or 14 Dex. I'd go with 14 Wis. At Paragon+ that gives you Battle Awareness, Superior Will, Hide Armor Spec, and you can boost Dex/Str with every boost. If you don't want superior will, 12 in Wis, and you qualify for Battle Awareness with the +1 to all boosts at 11.
Ok I am almost finished, I took your advice and went for 14 Con at the start, I wanted to go Dex instead of Wis so I put 14 into Dex as well so my array looks like this
16/14/14/8/12/10 with one point left over. Should it go into Wis? That will allow me to qualify for battle awareness in heroic and bump me to 14 at lvl 11.
Bumps are more valuable then initial points. But if getting to second skin costs you a point of Dex... you didn't come out ahead, or anything. Aim for 16 con at Epic, which is 15 during Paragon, which is 14 during creation. Hide Armor Spec is fine. 1
Hmm, ok. So if I put points into Str/Con at lvl 14 & 18, and the rest into Str/Dex that will give me 26 Str 24 Dex and only 16 Con at lvl 30, if I pump Con to 17 for Second Skin then that leaves me with only 23 Dex.
What would be the best way to go about pumping my stats as I level if I was to start with 16/12/16/8/12/10?
Bumps are more valuable then initial points.
No they're not, not in a direct tradeoff. If you're planning on having a stat be lower with the aim of bumping it later, versus having it start higher and choosing not to bump, the priority should be on what costs the least amount in the point buy. You can shave off a few extra points in secondaries and tertiaries in exchange for nothing if you do it haphazardly.
Bumps are more valuable then initial points.[/quote]No they're not, not in a direct tradeoff. If you're planning on having a stat be lower with the aim of bumping it later, versus having it start higher and choosing not to bump, the priority should
@Mand: You'll find that, in every situation, starting with your stats in such a way that you auto-qualify for the things you want that are not related to the stats you are bumping (either naturally or via the univseral bumps) means setting them up to do so and then never bumping them, vs bumping them. There is no situation where it is not better to set it up that way and then always bump two primary stats (with the exception of classes who have no secondary, certain Fighter builds etc., or you're playing in a specific level range, 17 Dex for Surprising Charge for Lair Assault comes to mind).
Bumps are more valuable than initial points. In 99% of cases, you should pick two stats and always bump them. Any advice to the contrary is so build specific that you'll know enough to do it better.
@OP: Sure. That'll qualify you for Superior Will in Epic, as well.
@Mand: You'll find that, in every situation, starting with your stats in such a way that you auto-qualify for the things you want that are not related to the stats you are bumping (either naturally or via the univseral bumps) means setting them up to
I have another question regarding Spear Expertise VS Two-Handed Weapon Expertise. Which do you recommend (Using a gouge).
Thanks Alcestis, I now have my stats in order.I have another question regarding Spear Expertise VS Two-Handed Weapon Expertise. Which do you recommend (Using a gouge).
They both give the same bonuses, i.e. +1/2/3 hit and +1/2/3 damage on a charge. That being said, if you take them both, you will end up with only +1/2/3 hit but +2/4/6 damage because the while the +hit is a feat bonus and therefore they do not stack, the +damage bonus is untyped and therefore they do stack. But either one is good.
They both give the same bonuses, i.e. +1/2/3 hit and +1/2/3 damage on a charge. That being said, if you take them both, you will end up with only +1/2/3 hit but +2/4/6 damage because the while the +hit is a feat bonus and therefore they do not stack
If you're using a Gouge, take Spear Expertise. Especially if you plan on getting Rage of the Crimson Hurricane at level 5 as recommended in LDB's handbook. I don't know if the CB is broken in regards to this, but you do not get the bonus to hit for RotCH from Two-Handed Expertise since the power is a burst.
If you're using a Gouge, take Spear Expertise. Especially if you plan on getting Rage of the Crimson Hurricane at level 5 as recommended in LDB's handbook. I don't know if the CB is broken in regards to this, but you do not get the bonus to hit for R
Why not take Surprising Charge, if you are taking the MC Fighter anyway.
Surprising Charge
Heroic Tier Prerequisite: Dex 17, fighter or rogue Benefit: When you make a charge attack against a target that is granting combat advantage to you, the attack deals 1[W] extra damage if you hit with a light blade or a spear.
Why not take Surprising Charge, if you are taking the MC Fighter anyway.Surprising ChargeHeroic TierPrerequisite: Dex 17, fighter or rogueBenefit: When you make a charge attack against a target that is granting combat advantage to you, the attack dea
Why not take Surprising Charge, if you are taking the MC Fighter anyway.
Surprising Charge
Heroic Tier Prerequisite: Dex 17, fighter or rogue Benefit: When you make a charge attack against a target that is granting combat advantage to you, the attack deals 1[W] extra damage if you hit with a light blade or a spear.
Since you took fighter, you should look at the paragon path "Blood-Crazed Berserker". It's like charge heaven. requires fighter in some form and evil alignment (lol).
Since you took fighter, you should look at the paragon path "Blood-Crazed Berserker". It's like charge heaven. requires fighter in some form and evil alignment (lol).
Ohhhh I overlooked that one. I was gonna switch from Bear Warrior to Bloodfury Savage, but I will give Blood-Crazed Berserker a look.
Another question. I am thinking of dropping the gouge (I know it is superior) in favor of the Executioners Axe. Gouge with Surprising Charge is almost too powerful / cheese, and kind of pigeon holes you into JUST charging. Also this will free up two feats (Battle Awareness & Surprising Charge) to help me better round out my character.
My question is this; if I am going to skip surprising charge is there any reason to MC into fighter? This is assuming I take the Bloodfury Savage PP. I understand that fighters unlock some killer PPs but I am speaking featwise.
Ohhhh I overlooked that one. I was gonna switch from Bear Warrior to Bloodfury Savage, but I will give Blood-Crazed Berserker a look.Another question. I am thinking of dropping the gouge (I know it is superior) in favor of the Executioners Axe. Gouge
Gouge + Draeven Maruader can make dms cry. Crit on a 19-20 while charging or simply standing there and attacking is all around bad for team monster.
Not to mention the fact that it takes away any incentive to do much of anything else. I would rather have a balanced character I enjoy playing even if that means my DPR may suffer a little bit.
I do still plan on having a strong emphesis on charging, just not putting all my eggs in one basket. I will post my plan for my new build soon and see what type of feedback I get.
Not to mention the fact that it takes away any incentive to do much of anything else. I would rather have a balanced character I enjoy playing even if that means my DPR may suffer a little bit.I do still plan on having a strong emphesis on charging,
Here's the thing, even if you don't charge every round the gouge is still better than the executioner's axe. It has a higher minimum damage and a higher average damage (the only thing it lacks is hi-crit). Stick with the gouge even if you don't take Surprising Charge.
Here's the thing, even if you don't charge every round the gouge is still better than the executioner's axe. It has a higher minimum damage and a higher average damage (the only thing it lacks is hi-crit). Stick with the gouge even if you don't take
Here's the thing, even if you don't charge every round the gouge is still better than the executioner's axe. It has a higher minimum damage and a higher average damage (the only thing it lacks is hi-crit). Stick with the gouge even if you don't take Surprising Charge.
It also loses 1 point of brutal, and losses points for "Ridiculous Weapon" factor. At worst Executioner Axe is slightly worse then the Gouge (not counting feat support) and the Axe fits my character image alot better.
It also loses 1 point of brutal, and losses points for "Ridiculous Weapon" factor. At worst Executioner Axe is slightly worse then the Gouge (not counting feat support) and the Axe fits my character image alot better.
Believe me, I feel you. I stuck with the ax for quite some time because I love d12s that much, but eventually I learned the joy of reflavoring. My barbarian's gouge is a double-bitted axe with a spike in the middle. Definitely play whatever you will enjoy the most, but this is the optimization board and the optimized choice is to have your gouge look like a normal ax (it's even an ax type weapon already so you're not cheating!).
As for losing 1 point of brutal, the gouge still wins. Brutal raises the minimum and average damage, and by virtue of being a 2d6 weapon the gouge wins out on both counts.
Believe me, I feel you. I stuck with the ax for quite some time because I love d12s that much, but eventually I learned the joy of reflavoring. My barbarian's gouge is a double-bitted axe with a spike in the middle. Definitely play whatever you will
Here's the thing, even if you don't charge every round the gouge is still better than the executioner's axe. It has a higher minimum damage and a higher average damage (the only thing it lacks is hi-crit). Stick with the gouge even if you don't take Surprising Charge.
It also loses 1 point of brutal
And yet still has higher average [W].
Brutal doesn't really matter, on its own. All that matters is the average [W] of the weapon taking into account Brutal, which is actually rather easy to calculate.
It also loses 1 point of brutal[/quote]And yet still has higher average [W].Brutal doesn't really matter, on its own. All that matters is the average [W] of the weapon taking into account Brutal, which is actually rather easy to calculate.
I appreciate that it is a better weapon. I guess I am willfully gimping myself. I just think that the gouge is overpowered and would just tempt me to take surprising charge therefore pigeon holeing me into a strictly charging build.
I am trying to make a build that focuses on both charging and packing a huge punch when I become bloodied (kind of fits the barbarian theme nicely) I was inspired by a sample rageblood half-orc build posted by Lord Duskblade in his Barbarian Handbook. So here is a quick snapshot of what lvl 11 may look like.
Please forgive the Executioner Axe over the Gouge. Also what should I be using as a ranged weapon? I took two handed weapon expertise; as such my 1h throw weapon attack will suffer.
level 11 Half-Orc, Barbarian, Blood-Crazed Berserker Build: Rageblood Barbarian Feral Might: Rageblood Vigor Background: Born Under a Bad Sign (Born Under a Bad Sign Benefit)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES Str 21, Con 15, Dex 19, Int 9, Wis 14, Cha 11.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES Str 16, Con 14, Dex 14, Int 8, Wis 13, Cha 10.
POWERS Barbarian at-will 1: Pressing Strike Barbarian at-will 1: Howling Strike Barbarian encounter 1: Desperate Fury Barbarian daily 1: Swift Panther Rage Barbarian utility 2: Shrug It Off Barbarian encounter 3: Blood Strike Barbarian daily 5: Rage of the Crimson Hurricane Barbarian utility 6: Revitalizing Charge Barbarian encounter 7: Wolf's Bound Barbarian daily 9: Oak Hammer Rage Barbarian utility 10: Savage Resurgence
ITEMS Hide Armor, Adventurer's Kit, Execution axe
I appreciate that it is a better weapon. I guess I am willfully gimping myself. I just think that the gouge is overpowered and would just tempt me to take surprising charge therefore pigeon holeing me into a strictly charging build. I am trying to ma
Do you get magic items? If so, take a Gouge/Execution Axe (whatever) Dwarven Thrower weapon, and then change one of your feats to Quickdraw. There, problem solved for ranged attack If you do not want to be a charge monkey, why take Reckless charge? If you are spending a feat on a charge feat, why not make it Surprise Charge? If you want to avoid charge boosts, then change Reckless Charge for Quickdraw and do what I suggest above for the ranged attack. If you get no magic items, aside from being screwed you just find the best heavy throw weapon you are proficient with and suck it up.
Do you get magic items? If so, take a Gouge/Execution Axe (whatever) Dwarven Thrower weapon, and then change one of your feats to Quickdraw. There, problem solved for ranged attack:) If you do not want to be a charge monkey, why take Reckless charge?
I didn't take surprising charge because I am not using a spear, I am using an Executioners Axe. I took Reckless Charge because I will be doing plenty of charging. I didn't say I don't want to charge at all, I just would like to balance my character a little more then a straight charger.
Again I realize how good gouge + surprising charge really is, I just think it is powerful to the point of being overpowered and not much fun. I am playing in a group that is not fully optimized and if I build a "charge monkey" with all the bells and whistles I am sure I will steal alot of the thunder from the group.
Is it really a bad idea to dabble in some charge support while also focusing on some other feats that will help balance out my character? To me that just seems like a more reliable route to take. Not to mention more fun.
Kroann
Edit: I am not sure what quick draw would accomplish if my 2h weapon what a dwarven thrower, as I would already have my weapon drawn and ready to throw I would not need to spend any action to draw I could just throw it. I am sure I am missing your meaning though.
I didn't take surprising charge because I am not using a spear, I am using an Executioners Axe. I took Reckless Charge because I will be doing plenty of charging. I didn't say I don't want to charge at all, I just would like to balance my character a
If it fits your imagination, take a Fullblade over the Executioner's Axe. Barbarians in generall have some accuracy issues, and the Fullblade will solve at least some of it. it also has feat support to allow using Howling Strike or Pressing Strike on an opportunity attack.
If it fits your imagination, take a Fullblade over the Executioner's Axe. Barbarians in generall have some accuracy issues, and the Fullblade will solve at least some of it. it also has feat support to allow using Howling Strike or Pressing Strike on
Here's the thing, even if you don't charge every round the gouge is still better than the executioner's axe. It has a higher minimum damage and a higher average damage (the only thing it lacks is hi-crit). Stick with the gouge even if you don't take Surprising Charge.
You can get High Crit back for a Paragon feat and 13 CON, too.
The problem then with going Draeven Marauder is that your crits will probably be overkill. When you're talking about a charging crit of weapon + howling strike + horned helm=6d6=36 + statics of around 15=51+high crit of average 16 + crit dice of average 7=74 + rending MBA around 25 + potentially rampage at level 11... You're likely to be killing a standard monster from full HP, let alone one which others of your party have been hitting, if you crit. It does make the crit-generating powers hilarious though. It makes me wonder about a Githzerai Barbarian/Rrathmal, and whether that might have some legs.
You can get High Crit back for a Paragon feat and 13 CON, too.The problem then with going Draeven Marauder is that your crits will probably be overkill. When you're talking about a charging crit of weapon + howling strike + horned helm=6d6=36 + stat
If you do not want to be a charge monkey, why take Reckless charge? If you are spending a feat on a charge feat, why not make it Surprise Charge? If you want to avoid charge boosts, then change Reckless Charge for Quickdraw and do what I suggest above for the ranged attack. If you get no magic items, aside from being screwed
you just find the best heavy throw weapon you are proficient with and suck it up.
