Path of Ogre

Path of Ogre

 

“I am one Ogre, but I will stand up for what I feel is right. When I stand up though, I will not stand alone. I know others feel the same way as I do. My Ancestors come from many lands and many beliefs. I am not ashamed. I carry the blood of many homelands. If you don’t believe the way I do, that’s your right, as my beliefs are my right, and unlike some in this world, I can express my views without violence. Can you? ”

 

Not all Barbarians are wild, uncontrolled savages. Some are wizened Elders, mentors, protectors, and leaders of men and women. For some, Rage is a last resort. They first focus their energies on supporting and strengthening those they love. They have grown beyond their Rage, but when they unleash it, it is not for their own benefit, and it is fearsome.

The Path of Ogre Barbarian is a leader and mentor to many, helping them to grow and succeed. Even in their Rage, they are capable of inspiring others. They are most frightful, not when Raging, but when coming to the defense of others. They offer support and encouragement, bolstering the resolve of others and protecting them not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well. Finally, they can make a call to arms, unleashing those who stand with them in a devastating wave of fury.

Features

Barbarian Level	Feature
3rd	Inspiring Rage, Mentor
6th	Frightening Protector
10th	Strength in Character
14th	Battle Charge

 

 Comments from the Author

Normally, this section would be at the end of the class (and not be this long), but in this case, I felt that it was needed at the beginning to help explain some things that might otherwise not make sense.

I created the Path of Ogre in honor of a friend who passed while I was finishing this book. His name was Shane Coble, but most knew him simply as “Ogre”. And when I say “most knew him”, I mean MOST knew him. He was one of those people that everyone knew. If you’ve been involved in the Nerd community in Oklahoma, it is very likely you knew him. Almost every new Nerd I meet, at some point someone mentions him and it’s always, “You know Ogre?” “Of course I know Ogre!”

Seeing the outpouring of love from all those he touched, I felt compelled to make this subclass. So many people were telling stories of how he impacted their lives. An incredible number of people described how he introduced them to Tabletop Role Playing Games, so creating a subclass for him seemed fitting.

I first met Ogre in my late teens when some friends got me into Melee, or Foam Fighting. He was the leader of our clan which was a Barbarian themed clan, but for the life of me, I can’t remember the name of the clan. We were a young and not overly talented clan. He was plenty skilled enough to join another larger and more prominent clan, but he preferred to help those of us who were less experienced. One of our tactics was an all out Charge, which was dangerous enough to help overcome our lack of skill, so it seemed a fitting capstone ability.

Over the years, he could have been said to fit any number of classes and different people would attribute different ones to him, but to me, he was always that Barbarian clan leader. Since I happened to be working on Barbarian subclasses, and Barbarian is lacking a more controlled, leader type of Path (which is a role that exists in Barbarian societies), it seemed perfect.

The last several years we have been more distant friends, only really connecting through Facebook or when we bumped into each other while volunteering at conventions. He was well known for making deeply insightful posts with some incredible quotes. I went back through his last few years worth of posts and got some of my favorites. I tried to fit as many as I could, but there are so many more. I used them where I would normally have lore or ability descriptions, so they don’t fit perfectly, but I did my best. That is the part I felt needed to be explained by placing this section here.

I hope this subclass does him justice and that you all enjoy it.

Rest in Peace my friend.

 

3rd Level

Inspiring Rage

“Sometimes the Ogre gets pissed off, sometimes I take being pissed and try to reforge the anger into something positive. This is one of those times. If you agree with what I am trying to do, please feel free to join me.”

When you enter your Rage, allies who can see you gain Advantage on Attack rolls until the beginning of your next turn.

Mentor

“Just remember, some of us with normally loud voices are being quiet so others can be heard.”

You learn the Guidance Cantrip

6th Level

Frightening Protector

“I will say it. I will say whatever I want on here. I am not politically correct but I won’t let people’s rights be stomped on. I don’t care what side you are on, I will respect you, even when I am shown disrespect. I will step in to prevent people being abused. I am making my own line in the sand. You cross it to try to harm another physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, I will do my best to stop it. But never think crying victim will save you if you are using it to oppress others. I will call you out and shut you down as well.”

When a creature within 30 feet of you makes an attack roll that isn’t against you, you may use your Reaction to force that creature to make a WIS Save (DC = 8 + your Proficiency Bonus + your Str Bonus). If it fails, it has Disadvantage on the Attack roll and is Frightened of you until the beginning of its next turn.

10th Level

Strength in Character

“For those who say you hit like a girl is an insult…I want…no I dare you to say that to some of the Lady fighters I know.”

You may use your Reaction to give a creature Advantage on an INT, WIS, or CHA Save.

Alternatively, you may use your Action to help a creature end an effect they are suffering that requires an INT, WIS, or CHA Save. The creature may immediately repeat the Saving Throw, and, if successful, the effect ends.

14th Level

Battle Charge

“When the horrific happens, thoughts and prayers are nice, but words, actions, and deeds are what matter. Not with timid voices, but a quiet voice wanting change. Not one person’s action but the actions of Many together can make people listen. Thoughts and Prayers mean only so much unless you back them up with what you do next. Ogre Out.”

When you enter your Rage you may make a Charge Attack, If you do so, you can Dash 

and make a single Melee attack as part of the same Action.

When you use your Battle Charge ability, whether you make a Charge or not, any allies within 30 feet of you who have not yet taken an Action (they may hold their Action to join your Battle Charge if they are higher in the initiative order) and wish to do so may join in your Battle Charge. Those who join have their Initiative moved to immediately after yours and may also make a Charge Attack. If they make a Melee attack on this turn, they gain your Rage Bonus to any Strength based damage rolls.
Once you use this ability, you may not use it again until you finish a Long Rest.

Tips & Tricks

• This is the Path to choose if you wish to play a more refined or “civilized” Barbarian.
• The Path of Ogre would make for an excellent leader for a Barbarian tribe or clan.
• This Path is meant to work with and strengthen a party. It is not designed to be as strong on its own or in a smaller party as most other paths.
• Many Barbarians are quick to anger and are often played as confrontational, uncompromising, and tend to attack first and ask questions … well probably never. While the Path of Ogre could be played that way as well, the spirit of the subclass is to be more considering and thoughtful.

Origin Ideas

(Choose or roll a d6)

1. Clan Leader: You are the leader of your clan or tribe, whether you were born into the position or earned it yourself through your deeds.
2. Veteran: You are a veteran of many battles. You have learned to control your Rage and the importance of guiding the young and inexperienced.
3. Empath: You have experienced many struggles in your life and you are determined to protect the ones you care about from experiencing the same.
4. Protector: You are a guardian; one of the protectors of your tribe. Your purpose is to safeguard the weaker members who are unable to protect themselves.
5. Big Brother: You have younger siblings and they have always looked up to you. You feel a need to provide a good example for them.
6. Spiritual Guide: You are a spiritual leader for your clan. You know that spirituality does not require the worship of deities or magic to be effective, but strength of character and purpose.

Quirks

(Choose or roll a d6)

1. Gentle Giant: You really don’t like hurting people, but they shouldn’t push you too far.
2. Dad Jokes: You’re always making bad jokes. Really bad jokes. The bigger the groan you get in response, the better.
3. Chaplin: You are full of inspiring quotes and proverbs, You are always trying to keep everyone’s spirits up.
4. Introspective: You are all too familiar with how a lack of consideration can lead to unintended words. You often look within yourself, deeply considering your words before you say them.
5. In the Words of … : You have a fascination with stories and are always making references to them. Unfortunately, not everyone is as familiar with them as you are.
6. Father Figure: When it comes to the young or inexperienced, you can’t help but take them under your wing and guide them.

 

Inspiring Rage

“Sometimes the Ogre gets pissed off, sometimes I take being pissed and try to reforge the anger into something positive. This is one of those times. If you agree with what I am trying to do, please feel free to join me.”

Beginning at 3rd level, when you enter your Rage, allies who can see you gain Advantage on Attack rolls until the beginning of your next turn.

Mentor

“Just remember, some of us with normally loud voices are being quiet so others can be heard.”

Ogre was always taking the young and inexperienced under his wing and mentoring them.

Beginning at 3rd level,  you learn the Guidance Cantrip

Frightening Protector

“I will say it. I will say whatever I want on here. I am not politically correct but I won’t let people’s rights be stomped on. I don’t care what side you are on, I will respect you, even when I am shown disrespect. I will step in to prevent people being abused. I am making my own line in the sand. You cross it to try to harm another physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, I will do my best to stop it. But never think crying victim will save you if you are using it to oppress others. I will call you out and shut you down as well.”

Beginning at 6th level, when a creature within 30 feet of you makes an attack roll that isn’t against you, you may use your Reaction to force that creature to make a WIS Save (DC = 8 + your Proficiency Bonus + your Str Bonus). If it fails, it has Disadvantage on the Attack roll and is Frightened of you until the beginning of its next turn.

Strength in Character

“For those who say you hit like a girl is an insult…I want…no I dare you to say that to some of the Lady fighters I know.”

Ogre was very supportive of mental health, always ready to offer encouragement.

Beginning at 10th level, you may use your Reaction to give a creature Advantage on an INT, WIS, or CHA Save.

Alternatively, you may use your Action to help a creature end an effect they are suffering that requires an INT, WIS, or CHA Save. The creature may immediately repeat the Saving Throw, and, if successful, the effect ends.

Battle Charge

“When the horrific happens, thoughts and prayers are nice, but words, actions, and deeds are what matter. Not with timid voices, but a quiet voice wanting change. Not one person’s action but the actions of Many together can make people listen. Thoughts and Prayers mean only so much unless you back them up with what you do next. Ogre Out.”

Beginning at 14th level, when you enter your Rage you may make a Charge Attack, If you do so, you can Dash and make a single Melee attack as part of the same Action.

When you use your Battle Charge ability, whether you make a Charge or not, any allies within 30 feet of you who have not yet taken an Action (they may hold their Action to join your Battle Charge if they are higher in the initiative order) and wish to do so may join in your Battle Charge. Those who join have their Initiative moved to immediately after yours and may also make a Charge Attack. If they make a Melee attack on this turn, they gain your Rage Bonus to any Strength based damage rolls.
Once you use this ability, you may not use it again until you finish a Long Rest.