Path of the Defender

The Path of the Defender barbarian subclass is meant to increase the defensive utility of the barbarian by making it able to use its large hp pools to not only reduce damage taken by party members but also augment it’s own damage so it may keep up with and maybe surpass the damage of casters depending on circumstances. This barbarian path is focused on keeping the rest of the party alive by giving the barbarian more opportunities to attack but also make it an effective tank even when it is not being directly targeted. 

 

The small amount of magic flavor is used to explain the abilities without getting too crazy and stepping over the Wild Magic barbarian’s niche. It is used more as a way to explain how the abilities work, only truly affecting how the counterattack works.

Raging Protector

Starting when you choose this path at 3rd, if you are raging, whenever a party member within 15ft of you takes damage, you may take up to 25% of the damage instead.

Counter Stance

Beginning at 6th level, when you or an ally is attacked by a creature within 15ft of you, roll a D20. If you roll a 1-6 you may counterattack without the use of a reaction. These counterattacks count at magical damage even if the weapon in use is not inherently magical.

Desperate Rage

Beginning at 10th level, if you are raging, for every 10 HP missing from your max HP, gain 1d4 damage to an attack you land once per turn.

Defensive Drain

Beginning at 14th level, if you are raging, recover 25% of the damage you deal with an attack as long as that damage was taken from the “Raging Protector” ability.