Stormbound Executioner (Barbican Archetype)

Stormbound Executioner (Barbican Archetype)
A warrior bound to the wrath of the storm, wielding electrified chains and harnessing the raw power of lightning to tear through enemies in a flurry of devastating slashes. As they fight, they build up electrical charge—Voltage—allowing them to unleash devastating, storm-fueled attacks.

Voltage System (Core Mechanic)
Voltage represents the growing electrical charge stored in your body and weapons as you fight. It builds with each strike and fuels your storm-powered abilities.
    •    Gaining Voltage:
    ◦    When you hit an enemy with a melee weapon attack, you gain 1 Voltage (max of 5).
    ◦    Critical hits generate 2 Voltage instead of 1.
    ◦    If you hit multiple enemies in one swing (e.g., a cleave), you still only gain 1 Voltage total per attack.
    •    Losing Voltage:
    ◦    Voltage persists between turns but resets to 0 at the end of your turn if you fail to hit an enemy.
    ◦    If you take lightning damage, you gain 1 Voltage instead of taking full damage (this does not apply if you are resistant or immune).
    •    Using Voltage:
    ◦    Voltage is not spent like a resource—abilities require you to meet a threshold but do not consume Voltage unless stated.
    ◦    Some powerful abilities consume all Voltage for massive effects.

Stormbound Executioner

Stormbound Executioner Features
Level 3: Chain of the Storm Tyrant
Your weapons are bound by electrified chains, extending your reach and allowing you to control the battlefield.
    •    Stormbound Chains – Your melee weapon attacks can extend up to 15 feet, dealing lightning damage instead of their normal type. These attacks count as melee weapon attacks but ignore disadvantage when used at range.
    •    Storm Lash – When you hit an enemy with a melee weapon attack, you can pull them 10 feet toward you or pull yourself to them.
    •    Voltage System – You gain access to the Voltage mechanic, allowing you to charge up energy with each successful hit.

Executioner’s Overcharge

Level 6: Executioner’s Overcharge
Your growing mastery of storm energy allows you to unleash more powerful strikes.
    •    Charged Strikes (3 Voltage, Discharges 1 Voltage) – When you hit a creature with a melee attack, you can release a shockwave of electricity.
    ◦    The target takes an additional 2d8 lightning damage.
    ◦    All creatures within 10 feet of the target take the same damage.
    ◦    They must make a Constitution saving throw (DC = 8 + Proficiency + STR or DEX modifier) or be stunned until the end of their next turn.
    ◦    Using this ability reduces your Voltage by 1 but does not reset it completely.
    •    Chain Lightning Grapple (2 Voltage Required) – When you hit a creature, you can wrap them in electrified chains.
    ◦    The target must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be restrained until the start of your next turn.
    ◦    This does not consume Voltage, but you must have at least 2 Voltage to use it.

Storm Surge Reaper

Level 10: Storm Surge Reaper
You become a living storm, striking down multiple foes with ease.
    •    Whirlwind Chains – When you take the Attack action, you can forgo one of your attacks to sweep your chains in a 10-foot radius around you.
    ◦    Each creature in the area must make a Dexterity saving throw or take weapon damage + lightning damage equal to half your level.
    •    Storm Dash (5 Voltage, Consumes All Voltage) – As a bonus action, you become lightning itself, teleporting up to 30 feet to a visible enemy.
    ◦    The next melee weapon attack you land this turn deals bonus 2d6 lightning damage and automatically crits if the enemy is stunned or restrained.
    ◦    After using this, your Voltage resets to 0.

Wrath of the Storm Tyrant

Level 14: Wrath of the Storm Tyrant
Your body overflows with pure storm energy, making you an unstoppable force.
    •    Stormbound Execution – When you hit an enemy while at max Voltage (5), you can expend all Voltage to call forth a devastating lightning strike.
    ◦    The target and all creatures within 15 feet take 6d10 lightning damage.
    ◦    The primary target must make a Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute (repeating the save at the end of each turn).
    •    Living Storm – While at 5 Voltage, you are wreathed in storm energy.
    ◦    You gain resistance to lightning and thunder damage.
    ◦    Any creature that hits you with a melee attack takes 1d6 lightning damage.