After all the complicated characters that I have been trying to make lately, I decided just to go for something simple. Something that was both fun and easy to play, and I settled on a Goliath Barbarian. I made this character https://ddb.ac/characters/33953046/TmRuL4, but I am not sure if he is any good or not. His AC seems a little low for an unarmoured barbarian, and his attacks don't look like they would do much damage. Or at least they don't feel like they do.
I have tried switching out his greataxe for a longsword and shield, but, although doing so increased his AC, his attacks then felt too restrained. Going sword and board didn't feel as primal or wild and made him feel more like a fighter than a barbarian. Also, while simulating how he would perform in combat, he was not getting dice rolls any better or worse with the sword and shield as he was with the greataxe.
He is also supposed to be a colossal mountain of a man with enormous amounts of grit and courage that borders on arrogance; but, with the strength and constitution to pull it off. The kind of person whom you are pleased is on your side. The sort of man you send upfront to smash up the enemies lines, harass them, prevent them from reforming and kill as many as he can before they get to you.
Lastly; although its traditional for a barbarian to dump intelligence, I wanted him to be reasonably intelligent and wise, but not good with people. He has knowledge and wisdom that he could share with others if he were able to better interact with them, but he can't. He is not a good teacher, and he is somewhat socially inept. In a fight though, oh boy, do you want him on your side.
Do you have any suggestions for how I can improve this character? Especially his numbers and damage absorption and dealing capabilities.
Cheers
Foxes XD
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A caffeinated nerd who has played TTRPGs or a number of years and is very much a fantasy adventure geek.
I think it is already fine. Barbarian AC would not be as high as you expect since they have the feature called rage where it have resistance (half damage) to slashing, bludgeoning and piercing damage while you raging. Just take back your greataxe. If you want to make it more resilient, take subclass totem warrior bear totem to gain more resistance. Later on when reach level that allow you to take Ability score improvement, just add it on Con for additional defense or Str for more damage. Overall I don't think there are any major issue.
At level one your AC isn't going to be that great. Barbs are pretty ASI dependent to get good AC, couple that with their damage reduction and their large hit die and it balance out pretty well. ShadowJoker's recommendations are all excellent.
The only way to improve his unarmored AC (without a shield) would be to raise his dex or con. That's simply not possible. You're already using the biggest damage die in the game. Greatsword averages /slightly/ more DPR because the minimum damage is higher, but not enough to make a noticeable difference.
You could get a /little/ more by going variant human, and PAM so you can get a second attack/round with your bonus action, plus an OA when things enter your reach. That's pretty much it though. There are only so many things you can do. For a Goliath barb, it's about as good as it gets. Vhuman PAM fighter with a halberd/glaive (or you can really cheese it up with spear, shield and dueling) will have better DPR and AC, but that's not a goliath barb.
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Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
At level one the only thing I would consider is having the longsword/battleaxe/whatever and a shield handy if you need it. As you aren't dumping int, you should know when it is in your best interests to increase your protection.
But mechanically, it probably wont make a difference. Once you get Reckless attack, everything has advantage to hit you when you use it. So your health pool (functionally doubled while raging) is more important than the armor. Plus you can shed even more with Stone's endurance.
Like you, I was concerned with my AC at first. The greataxe was a better fit for Asutar due to the Savage Attacks adding a d12 to a crit rather than a d6 for a greatsword, but much of the rest will be similar. It should be noted that I haven't used Relentless Endurance yet or received more than maybe one in combat heal thus far.
While the character is now 4th level, we just leveled at the end of the last session. I do have a ring of protection that is bumping my AC to 16 and I'm using Scale Male to get to 15 with my +1 dex modifier. I started with unarmored defense and only had 14 AC and 16 with the shield. I'm the only consistent melee player with an undying warlock, a grave cleric, and a scout rogue that usually prefers ranged. The cleric likes to cast bane which bumps my AC from attacks made by affected creatures and has taken to carrying Aid to help out in more troubling times (I guess that counts as "healing". *shrug*)
I've used three modalities: Greataxe for single target DPR, handaxe/longsword (once I got one) and shield to boost my AC when I felt the need, and dual wield handaxe for increased consistent DPR or multiple low HP creatures. I'll usually choose a modality for a session and stick with it, particularly if I'm sword and board. It's easier to change between the offensive modalities since you can put away a weapon during one round and/or throw the handaxes before pulling out the Greataxe.
As has been stated above, rage, your larger hit die and your +3 con will do much to keep you alive. You can stop using reckless attacks (once you get it) judiciously to avoid additional damage, particularly if there are multiple enemies that can deal moderate damage or one that deals severe damage.
Your physical saves will be good. Strength and Con are your proficiencies and dexterity receives a buff from Danger Sense. You'll be susceptible to mental saves unless you can get some + save equipment like the ring of protection.
If you are stressed about your AC, you can go with Scale Mail until you bump your Dex or Con (recommend Con since it also boosts your hit points). With a +2 dex and a +4 con mod, your unarmored defense will be equal better than scale mail and equal to breastplate (same AC for both, but scale mail has disadvantage on stealth checks). Keep in mind that a longsword only loses 2 average damage per hit to a greataxe. Being more comfortable attacking recklessly more often will help compensate for that since you'll hit and crit more frequently. The shield will make it so that you are hit 10% less frequently, meaning that you won't be concerned as much. Once you get to third level, though, you may not feel the need for the shield as your hit points will be quite high, and if you go bear totem, you'll be resistant to most types of damage. Even being resistant to just bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing will cover you well in the early levels.
Do you have any suggestions for how I can improve this character? Especially his numbers and damage absorption and dealing capabilities.
Cheers
Foxes XD
The obvious answer is to play him enough to level up a few times. Level 1 characters are not overly strong by designed. If every character was fantastic from the start, what would even be the point of the game?
10 is average when it comes to stats which means that he probably has some wisdom to share, at least in the areas that he himself is knowledgeable in.
As for damage dealing capabilities, he already has the best damage available to a level 1 character, same goes for damage absorbtion. I'm not really sure what more you expect out of a level 1 character?
Thanks for all your replies, everyone. Although it seems that I can not get much more out of this character at the current level, you have given my several possible advancements paths that will lead to the type of character that I envisioned.
I am most grateful for that.
Thanks again,
Foxes XD.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A caffeinated nerd who has played TTRPGs or a number of years and is very much a fantasy adventure geek.
Like you, I was concerned with my AC at first. The greataxe was a better fit for Asutar due to the Savage Attacks adding a d12 to a crit rather than a d6 for a greatsword, but much of the rest will be similar. It should be noted that I haven't used Relentless Endurance yet or received more than maybe one in combat heal thus far.
While the character is now 4th level, we just leveled at the end of the last session. I do have a ring of protection that is bumping my AC to 16 and I'm using Scale Male to get to 15 with my +1 dex modifier. I started with unarmored defense and only had 14 AC and 16 with the shield. I'm the only consistent melee player with an undying warlock, a grave cleric, and a scout rogue that usually prefers ranged. The cleric likes to cast bane which bumps my AC from attacks made by affected creatures and has taken to carrying Aid to help out in more troubling times (I guess that counts as "healing". *shrug*)
I've used three modalities: Greataxe for single target DPR, handaxe/longsword (once I got one) and shield to boost my AC when I felt the need, and dual wield handaxe for increased consistent DPR or multiple low HP creatures. I'll usually choose a modality for a session and stick with it, particularly if I'm sword and board. It's easier to change between the offensive modalities since you can put away a weapon during one round and/or throw the handaxes before pulling out the Greataxe.
As has been stated above, rage, your larger hit die and your +3 con will do much to keep you alive. You can stop using reckless attacks (once you get it) judiciously to avoid additional damage, particularly if there are multiple enemies that can deal moderate damage or one that deals severe damage.
Your physical saves will be good. Strength and Con are your proficiencies and dexterity receives a buff from Danger Sense. You'll be susceptible to mental saves unless you can get some + save equipment like the ring of protection.
If you are stressed about your AC, you can go with Scale Mail until you bump your Dex or Con (recommend Con since it also boosts your hit points). With a +2 dex and a +4 con mod, your unarmored defense will be equal better than scale mail and equal to breastplate (same AC for both, but scale mail has disadvantage on stealth checks). Keep in mind that a longsword only loses 2 average damage per hit to a greataxe. Being more comfortable attacking recklessly more often will help compensate for that since you'll hit and crit more frequently. The shield will make it so that you are hit 10% less frequently, meaning that you won't be concerned as much. Once you get to third level, though, you may not feel the need for the shield as your hit points will be quite high, and if you go bear totem, you'll be resistant to most types of damage. Even being resistant to just bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing will cover you well in the early levels.
I suggest you should get Survival skill instead the Insight, it's more effective in the Zealotus Path you took, also get Acrobatics skill instead of Deception, because you are a supposed Barbarian ( just let the Deception skill for the Thieves / Burglars ).
I suggest you should get Athlete ( DEX stat ), and you'll be in the path to be a Battle Tactician. Plus Skilled ( ACROB ) + ( SURVIV ) + ( RELIG ) or ( INVESTIG ). And then you'll be the best Master of all advantages in battle & situations.
Durable, only if you consider your CON is not enough tougher. Tavern Brawler ( optional/situational ).
I thought there was a Tactician Feat in this D&D, then if you can get it, you'll be the Wizard's worst enemy.... hehehehe.
After all the complicated characters that I have been trying to make lately, I decided just to go for something simple. Something that was both fun and easy to play, and I settled on a Goliath Barbarian. I made this character https://ddb.ac/characters/33953046/TmRuL4, but I am not sure if he is any good or not. His AC seems a little low for an unarmoured barbarian, and his attacks don't look like they would do much damage. Or at least they don't feel like they do.
I have tried switching out his greataxe for a longsword and shield, but, although doing so increased his AC, his attacks then felt too restrained. Going sword and board didn't feel as primal or wild and made him feel more like a fighter than a barbarian. Also, while simulating how he would perform in combat, he was not getting dice rolls any better or worse with the sword and shield as he was with the greataxe.
He is also supposed to be a colossal mountain of a man with enormous amounts of grit and courage that borders on arrogance; but, with the strength and constitution to pull it off. The kind of person whom you are pleased is on your side. The sort of man you send upfront to smash up the enemies lines, harass them, prevent them from reforming and kill as many as he can before they get to you.
Lastly; although its traditional for a barbarian to dump intelligence, I wanted him to be reasonably intelligent and wise, but not good with people. He has knowledge and wisdom that he could share with others if he were able to better interact with them, but he can't. He is not a good teacher, and he is somewhat socially inept. In a fight though, oh boy, do you want him on your side.
Do you have any suggestions for how I can improve this character? Especially his numbers and damage absorption and dealing capabilities.
Cheers
Foxes XD
Why are you worried about your Goliath's AC whern you've yet have the iniciative in Intimidation skill, by your Gigantic size ?? OMFG, don't tell me you forgot to be skilled on Intimidation ???
Then I suggest you should get Skilled feat ( Intimidation ) + ( Investigation ) + ( Animal Handling ). Or get Alert feat ( wich it allows you to get an extra advantage on every situation, instead of Great AC ). Get Tavern Brawler feat, just for the fun.
Don't get the Grappler feat, because if you've already took the Intimidation skill proficiency, I don't see the real use of this feat.
After all the complicated characters that I have been trying to make lately, I decided just to go for something simple. Something that was both fun and easy to play, and I settled on a Goliath Barbarian. I made this character https://ddb.ac/characters/33953046/TmRuL4, but I am not sure if he is any good or not. His AC seems a little low for an unarmoured barbarian, and his attacks don't look like they would do much damage. Or at least they don't feel like they do.
I have tried switching out his greataxe for a longsword and shield, but, although doing so increased his AC, his attacks then felt too restrained. Going sword and board didn't feel as primal or wild and made him feel more like a fighter than a barbarian. Also, while simulating how he would perform in combat, he was not getting dice rolls any better or worse with the sword and shield as he was with the greataxe.
He is also supposed to be a colossal mountain of a man with enormous amounts of grit and courage that borders on arrogance; but, with the strength and constitution to pull it off. The kind of person whom you are pleased is on your side. The sort of man you send upfront to smash up the enemies lines, harass them, prevent them from reforming and kill as many as he can before they get to you.
Lastly; although its traditional for a barbarian to dump intelligence, I wanted him to be reasonably intelligent and wise, but not good with people. He has knowledge and wisdom that he could share with others if he were able to better interact with them, but he can't. He is not a good teacher, and he is somewhat socially inept. In a fight though, oh boy, do you want him on your side.
Do you have any suggestions for how I can improve this character? Especially his numbers and damage absorption and dealing capabilities.
Cheers
Foxes XD
Why are you worried about your Goliath's AC whern you've yet have the iniciative in Intimidation skill, by your Gigantic size ?? OMFG, don't tell me you forgot to be skilled on Intimidation ???
Then I suggest you should get Skilled feat ( Intimidation ) + ( Investigation ) + ( Animal Handling ). Or get Alert feat ( wich it allows you to get an extra advantage on every situation, instead of Great AC ). Get Tavern Brawler feat, just for the fun.
Don't get the Grappler feat, because if you've already took the Intimidation skill proficiency, I don't see the real use of this feat.
Goliaths aren't gigantic; I believe they are still medium, they do count as large when lifting carrying, pushing or pulling. Also; intimidation requires charisma, which Zanath doesn't have a very good score in so that would be a waste of skill. Especially when he only gets limited skill options in the first place.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A caffeinated nerd who has played TTRPGs or a number of years and is very much a fantasy adventure geek.
Like you, I was concerned with my AC at first. The greataxe was a better fit for Asutar due to the Savage Attacks adding a d12 to a crit rather than a d6 for a greatsword, but much of the rest will be similar. It should be noted that I haven't used Relentless Endurance yet or received more than maybe one in combat heal thus far.
While the character is now 4th level, we just leveled at the end of the last session. I do have a ring of protection that is bumping my AC to 16 and I'm using Scale Male to get to 15 with my +1 dex modifier. I started with unarmored defense and only had 14 AC and 16 with the shield. I'm the only consistent melee player with an undying warlock, a grave cleric, and a scout rogue that usually prefers ranged. The cleric likes to cast bane which bumps my AC from attacks made by affected creatures and has taken to carrying Aid to help out in more troubling times (I guess that counts as "healing". *shrug*)
I've used three modalities: Greataxe for single target DPR, handaxe/longsword (once I got one) and shield to boost my AC when I felt the need, and dual wield handaxe for increased consistent DPR or multiple low HP creatures. I'll usually choose a modality for a session and stick with it, particularly if I'm sword and board. It's easier to change between the offensive modalities since you can put away a weapon during one round and/or throw the handaxes before pulling out the Greataxe.
As has been stated above, rage, your larger hit die and your +3 con will do much to keep you alive. You can stop using reckless attacks (once you get it) judiciously to avoid additional damage, particularly if there are multiple enemies that can deal moderate damage or one that deals severe damage.
Your physical saves will be good. Strength and Con are your proficiencies and dexterity receives a buff from Danger Sense. You'll be susceptible to mental saves unless you can get some + save equipment like the ring of protection.
If you are stressed about your AC, you can go with Scale Mail until you bump your Dex or Con (recommend Con since it also boosts your hit points). With a +2 dex and a +4 con mod, your unarmored defense will be equal better than scale mail and equal to breastplate (same AC for both, but scale mail has disadvantage on stealth checks). Keep in mind that a longsword only loses 2 average damage per hit to a greataxe. Being more comfortable attacking recklessly more often will help compensate for that since you'll hit and crit more frequently. The shield will make it so that you are hit 10% less frequently, meaning that you won't be concerned as much. Once you get to third level, though, you may not feel the need for the shield as your hit points will be quite high, and if you go bear totem, you'll be resistant to most types of damage. Even being resistant to just bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing will cover you well in the early levels.
I suggest you should get Survival skill instead the Insight, it's more effective in the Zealotus Path you took, also get Acrobatics skill instead of Deception, because you are a supposed Barbarian ( just let the Deception skill for the Thieves / Burglars ).
I suggest you should get Athlete ( DEX stat ), and you'll be in the path to be a Battle Tactician. Plus Skilled ( ACROB ) + ( SURVIV ) + ( RELIG ) or ( INVESTIG ). And then you'll be the best Master of all advantages in battle & situations.
Durable, only if you consider your CON is not enough tougher. Tavern Brawler ( optional/situational ).
I thought there was a Tactician Feat in this D&D, then if you can get it, you'll be the Wizard's worst enemy.... hehehehe.
Deception came with the background and preceded the decision for zealot. Insight was chosen to compliment the background, since he started out as a smuggler. The background is central to his backstory and the rogue is a scout to cover the survival.
Athlete or tavern brawler could be interesting if the campaign goes long enough. Durable hasn't been an issue. I'd probably lean more towards Prodigy than skilled if I want some skills improvements. I think that Tactician is UA and I'm not taking UA this campaign. Something like Mobile would help him be feared by wizards, plus he's the only full time melee in the group. Getting places faster and the mini disengage would prove quite useful.
After all the complicated characters that I have been trying to make lately, I decided just to go for something simple. Something that was both fun and easy to play, and I settled on a Goliath Barbarian. I made this character https://ddb.ac/characters/33953046/TmRuL4, but I am not sure if he is any good or not. His AC seems a little low for an unarmoured barbarian, and his attacks don't look like they would do much damage. Or at least they don't feel like they do.
I have tried switching out his greataxe for a longsword and shield, but, although doing so increased his AC, his attacks then felt too restrained. Going sword and board didn't feel as primal or wild and made him feel more like a fighter than a barbarian. Also, while simulating how he would perform in combat, he was not getting dice rolls any better or worse with the sword and shield as he was with the greataxe.
He is also supposed to be a colossal mountain of a man with enormous amounts of grit and courage that borders on arrogance; but, with the strength and constitution to pull it off. The kind of person whom you are pleased is on your side. The sort of man you send upfront to smash up the enemies lines, harass them, prevent them from reforming and kill as many as he can before they get to you.
Lastly; although its traditional for a barbarian to dump intelligence, I wanted him to be reasonably intelligent and wise, but not good with people. He has knowledge and wisdom that he could share with others if he were able to better interact with them, but he can't. He is not a good teacher, and he is somewhat socially inept. In a fight though, oh boy, do you want him on your side.
Do you have any suggestions for how I can improve this character? Especially his numbers and damage absorption and dealing capabilities.
Cheers
Foxes XD
Why are you worried about your Goliath's AC whern you've yet have the iniciative in Intimidation skill, by your Gigantic size ?? OMFG, don't tell me you forgot to be skilled on Intimidation ???
Then I suggest you should get Skilled feat ( Intimidation ) + ( Investigation ) + ( Animal Handling ). Or get Alert feat ( wich it allows you to get an extra advantage on every situation, instead of Great AC ). Get Tavern Brawler feat, just for the fun.
Don't get the Grappler feat, because if you've already took the Intimidation skill proficiency, I don't see the real use of this feat.
Goliaths aren't gigantic; I believe they are still medium, they do count as large when lifting carrying, pushing or pulling. Also; intimidation requires charisma, which Zanath doesn't have a very good score in so that would be a waste of skill. Especially when he only gets limited skill options in the first place.
Unless your DM is on board with Intimidation (strength) checks. The option is discussed in the PHB in the ability check section.
Goliaths aren't gigantic; I believe they are still medium, they do count as large when lifting carrying, pushing or pulling. Also; intimidation requires charisma, which Zanath doesn't have a very good score in so that would be a waste of skill. Especially when he only gets limited skill options in the first place.
Unless your DM is on board with Intimidation (strength) checks. The option is discussed in the PHB in the ability check section.
Or potentially even Constitution (Intimidation). Like when Kal Droggo walked into the knife to show how tough he was.
Why are you worried about your Goliath's AC whern you've yet have the iniciative in Intimidation skill, by your Gigantic size ?? OMFG, don't tell me you forgot to be skilled on Intimidation ???
Then I suggest you should get Skilled feat ( Intimidation ) + ( Investigation ) + ( Animal Handling ). Or get Alert feat ( wich it allows you to get an extra advantage on every situation, instead of Great AC ). Get Tavern Brawler feat, just for the fun.
Don't get the Grappler feat, because if you've already took the Intimidation skill proficiency, I don't see the real use of this feat.
What are you talking about, size and Intimidation? Also, Alert doesn't give you Advantage on anything. I don't really see how any of your suggestions would help OP with what he's asking.
Hi,
After all the complicated characters that I have been trying to make lately, I decided just to go for something simple. Something that was both fun and easy to play, and I settled on a Goliath Barbarian. I made this character https://ddb.ac/characters/33953046/TmRuL4, but I am not sure if he is any good or not. His AC seems a little low for an unarmoured barbarian, and his attacks don't look like they would do much damage. Or at least they don't feel like they do.
I have tried switching out his greataxe for a longsword and shield, but, although doing so increased his AC, his attacks then felt too restrained. Going sword and board didn't feel as primal or wild and made him feel more like a fighter than a barbarian. Also, while simulating how he would perform in combat, he was not getting dice rolls any better or worse with the sword and shield as he was with the greataxe.
He is also supposed to be a colossal mountain of a man with enormous amounts of grit and courage that borders on arrogance; but, with the strength and constitution to pull it off. The kind of person whom you are pleased is on your side. The sort of man you send upfront to smash up the enemies lines, harass them, prevent them from reforming and kill as many as he can before they get to you.
Lastly; although its traditional for a barbarian to dump intelligence, I wanted him to be reasonably intelligent and wise, but not good with people. He has knowledge and wisdom that he could share with others if he were able to better interact with them, but he can't. He is not a good teacher, and he is somewhat socially inept. In a fight though, oh boy, do you want him on your side.
Do you have any suggestions for how I can improve this character? Especially his numbers and damage absorption and dealing capabilities.
Cheers
Foxes XD
A caffeinated nerd who has played TTRPGs or a number of years and is very much a fantasy adventure geek.
I think it is already fine. Barbarian AC would not be as high as you expect since they have the feature called rage where it have resistance (half damage) to slashing, bludgeoning and piercing damage while you raging. Just take back your greataxe. If you want to make it more resilient, take subclass totem warrior bear totem to gain more resistance. Later on when reach level that allow you to take Ability score improvement, just add it on Con for additional defense or Str for more damage. Overall I don't think there are any major issue.
At level one your AC isn't going to be that great. Barbs are pretty ASI dependent to get good AC, couple that with their damage reduction and their large hit die and it balance out pretty well. ShadowJoker's recommendations are all excellent.
The only way to improve his unarmored AC (without a shield) would be to raise his dex or con. That's simply not possible. You're already using the biggest damage die in the game. Greatsword averages /slightly/ more DPR because the minimum damage is higher, but not enough to make a noticeable difference.
You could get a /little/ more by going variant human, and PAM so you can get a second attack/round with your bonus action, plus an OA when things enter your reach. That's pretty much it though. There are only so many things you can do. For a Goliath barb, it's about as good as it gets. Vhuman PAM fighter with a halberd/glaive (or you can really cheese it up with spear, shield and dueling) will have better DPR and AC, but that's not a goliath barb.
Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
Tasha
At level one the only thing I would consider is having the longsword/battleaxe/whatever and a shield handy if you need it. As you aren't dumping int, you should know when it is in your best interests to increase your protection.
But mechanically, it probably wont make a difference. Once you get Reckless attack, everything has advantage to hit you when you use it. So your health pool (functionally doubled while raging) is more important than the armor. Plus you can shed even more with Stone's endurance.
So you are doing fine.
This is my level 4 barbarian
https://ddb.ac/characters/26564083/94hjLo
Like you, I was concerned with my AC at first. The greataxe was a better fit for Asutar due to the Savage Attacks adding a d12 to a crit rather than a d6 for a greatsword, but much of the rest will be similar. It should be noted that I haven't used Relentless Endurance yet or received more than maybe one in combat heal thus far.
While the character is now 4th level, we just leveled at the end of the last session. I do have a ring of protection that is bumping my AC to 16 and I'm using Scale Male to get to 15 with my +1 dex modifier. I started with unarmored defense and only had 14 AC and 16 with the shield. I'm the only consistent melee player with an undying warlock, a grave cleric, and a scout rogue that usually prefers ranged. The cleric likes to cast bane which bumps my AC from attacks made by affected creatures and has taken to carrying Aid to help out in more troubling times (I guess that counts as "healing". *shrug*)
I've used three modalities: Greataxe for single target DPR, handaxe/longsword (once I got one) and shield to boost my AC when I felt the need, and dual wield handaxe for increased consistent DPR or multiple low HP creatures. I'll usually choose a modality for a session and stick with it, particularly if I'm sword and board. It's easier to change between the offensive modalities since you can put away a weapon during one round and/or throw the handaxes before pulling out the Greataxe.
As has been stated above, rage, your larger hit die and your +3 con will do much to keep you alive. You can stop using reckless attacks (once you get it) judiciously to avoid additional damage, particularly if there are multiple enemies that can deal moderate damage or one that deals severe damage.
Your physical saves will be good. Strength and Con are your proficiencies and dexterity receives a buff from Danger Sense. You'll be susceptible to mental saves unless you can get some + save equipment like the ring of protection.
If you are stressed about your AC, you can go with Scale Mail until you bump your Dex or Con (recommend Con since it also boosts your hit points). With a +2 dex and a +4 con mod, your unarmored defense will be equal better than scale mail and equal to breastplate (same AC for both, but scale mail has disadvantage on stealth checks). Keep in mind that a longsword only loses 2 average damage per hit to a greataxe. Being more comfortable attacking recklessly more often will help compensate for that since you'll hit and crit more frequently. The shield will make it so that you are hit 10% less frequently, meaning that you won't be concerned as much. Once you get to third level, though, you may not feel the need for the shield as your hit points will be quite high, and if you go bear totem, you'll be resistant to most types of damage. Even being resistant to just bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing will cover you well in the early levels.
The obvious answer is to play him enough to level up a few times. Level 1 characters are not overly strong by designed. If every character was fantastic from the start, what would even be the point of the game?
10 is average when it comes to stats which means that he probably has some wisdom to share, at least in the areas that he himself is knowledgeable in.
As for damage dealing capabilities, he already has the best damage available to a level 1 character, same goes for damage absorbtion. I'm not really sure what more you expect out of a level 1 character?
Thanks for all your replies, everyone. Although it seems that I can not get much more out of this character at the current level, you have given my several possible advancements paths that will lead to the type of character that I envisioned.
I am most grateful for that.
Thanks again,
Foxes XD.
A caffeinated nerd who has played TTRPGs or a number of years and is very much a fantasy adventure geek.
I suggest you should get Survival skill instead the Insight, it's more effective in the Zealotus Path you took, also get Acrobatics skill instead of Deception, because you are a supposed Barbarian ( just let the Deception skill for the Thieves / Burglars ).
I suggest you should get Athlete ( DEX stat ), and you'll be in the path to be a Battle Tactician. Plus Skilled ( ACROB ) + ( SURVIV ) + ( RELIG ) or ( INVESTIG ). And then you'll be the best Master of all advantages in battle & situations.
Durable, only if you consider your CON is not enough tougher. Tavern Brawler ( optional/situational ).
I thought there was a Tactician Feat in this D&D, then if you can get it, you'll be the Wizard's worst enemy.... hehehehe.
My Ready-to-rock&roll chars:
Dertinus Tristany // Amilcar Barca // Vicenç Sacrarius // Oriol Deulofeu // Grovtuk
Why are you worried about your Goliath's AC whern you've yet have the iniciative in Intimidation skill, by your Gigantic size ?? OMFG, don't tell me you forgot to be skilled on Intimidation ???
Then I suggest you should get Skilled feat ( Intimidation ) + ( Investigation ) + ( Animal Handling ). Or get Alert feat ( wich it allows you to get an extra advantage on every situation, instead of Great AC ). Get Tavern Brawler feat, just for the fun.
Don't get the Grappler feat, because if you've already took the Intimidation skill proficiency, I don't see the real use of this feat.
My Ready-to-rock&roll chars:
Dertinus Tristany // Amilcar Barca // Vicenç Sacrarius // Oriol Deulofeu // Grovtuk
Goliaths aren't gigantic; I believe they are still medium, they do count as large when lifting carrying, pushing or pulling. Also; intimidation requires charisma, which Zanath doesn't have a very good score in so that would be a waste of skill. Especially when he only gets limited skill options in the first place.
A caffeinated nerd who has played TTRPGs or a number of years and is very much a fantasy adventure geek.
Deception came with the background and preceded the decision for zealot. Insight was chosen to compliment the background, since he started out as a smuggler. The background is central to his backstory and the rogue is a scout to cover the survival.
Athlete or tavern brawler could be interesting if the campaign goes long enough. Durable hasn't been an issue. I'd probably lean more towards Prodigy than skilled if I want some skills improvements. I think that Tactician is UA and I'm not taking UA this campaign. Something like Mobile would help him be feared by wizards, plus he's the only full time melee in the group. Getting places faster and the mini disengage would prove quite useful.
Unless your DM is on board with Intimidation (strength) checks. The option is discussed in the PHB in the ability check section.
Or potentially even Constitution (Intimidation). Like when Kal Droggo walked into the knife to show how tough he was.
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What are you talking about, size and Intimidation? Also, Alert doesn't give you Advantage on anything. I don't really see how any of your suggestions would help OP with what he's asking.
Durable feat, if you have an odd CON value, Tough feat otherwise.