Path of the Deathbound

A Deathbound Barbarian is to willingly embrace the power of undeath, forging a perilous connection with the realms beyond mortality. Those who walk this path often experience a profound encounter with death, be it a personal brush with the afterlife or a mystical communion with the spirits of the departed. Drawn by a thirst for strength beyond the confines of the living, these warriors willingly delve into the macabre and unfathomable.

Embarking on the path of the Deathbound requires a barbarian to confront their own mortality and confront the shadows of the grave. Some seek guidance from ancient necromantic tomes, while others are marked by a near-death experience that leaves an indelible imprint on their soul. Whatever the catalyst, those who embrace this path become conduits for the energies of undeath, using them to augment their physical prowess and defy the inevitability of the grave.

As a Deathbound Barbarian, one navigates the fine line between life and death, channeling necrotic power to become a force that strikes fear into the hearts of their enemies. The path demands resilience, as the very essence of the undead becomes interwoven with the barbarian's relentless spirit, turning them into a harbinger of death on the battlefield.

Necrotic Rage

At 3rd-level, you tap into the power of undeath during your rage. While raging, your melee attacks deal an additional 1d4 necrotic damage. Additionally, when you score a critical hit, you regain hit points equal to your Constitution modifier.

Soulsteel Strikes

At 6th-level, your melee attacks become infused with necrotic energy. When you hit with a melee attack while raging, you can choose to deal an additional 1d6 necrotic damage instead of the regular bonus damage from your Rage feature. Additionally, creatures hit by your Soulsteel Strikes must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC of 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier) on a  failed save the creature has their speed reduced by 10 feet until the end of their next turn.

Death's Embrace

At 10th-level, While raging, the power of undeath emanates from you. Friendly creatures, including yourself, within a 10 foot aura centered on you, gain resistance to necrotic damage. Additionally, when an enemy creature within the aura hits you with a melee attack, that creature takes necrotic damage equal to your Constitution modifier.

Soul Reaver

At 14th-level, your connection to the realms of undeath reaches its apex. While raging, when you reduce a creature to 0 hit points with a melee attack, you can choose to absorb a fragment of its departing soul. This absorption grants you temporary hit points equal to half of the creature's hit point maximum. Additionally, for the next minute, your melee attacks deal an additional 1d8 necrotic damage.