So I fell in love with the idea of a fear-fuelled goblin barbarian. Ever suspended, horrified, on the jagged edge of the fight-or-flight instinct. So his battlecries are really screams of terror, and he stabs as much in fearful desperation as in furious anger.
Only I've no idea how to do it. Dex built, dip ranger for dual-wield? Strenght built, or some sort?
I'm not looking for a level 20 build, btw. Starting level is 4, and I expect he'll never see any higher than maybe 10? =)
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Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
I'm aware. However, max dex rather than strength makes a decent difference to AC, and dual wielding compensates (somewhat) for the damage lost on Rage. Although the barbarian also get's the option to use Bonus Actions for extra attacks, which far outstrips an off-hand attack. Frenzy comes at the price of Exhaustion, though.
I'm not really convinced the trade-off is so crazy.
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Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
It doesn't have much, but there's a little blurb on Dex-based Barbarians.
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Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny. Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
I'm aware. However, max dex rather than strength makes a decent difference to AC, and dual wielding compensates (somewhat) for the damage lost on Rage. Although the barbarian also get's the option to use Bonus Actions for extra attacks, which far outstrips an off-hand attack. Frenzy comes at the price of Exhaustion, though.
I'm not really convinced the trade-off is so crazy.
It really depends how much you want an optimized character vs a narratively satisfying one.
I would recommend going for a strength based build, and utilising point buy you could end up with a stat array of: str 15 (and taking the slasher feat at level 4 - you want to take the dueling fighting style in fighter and fight with a shield and longsword/battleaxe, which will take you up to 16 in str), 14 dex (+2 from race), con 15 (+1 from race), and 2 points left over to bump up one of your mental scores (probably wisdom to avoid a negative save modifier) to a 10. Take 6 levels of barb followed by 4 levels of fighter. For subclasses I would recommend the Zealot, whilst the Ancestral guardian and Totem barb can work if you really want to lean into the tanking aspect.
Once in fighter levels, take the dueling fighting style. This makes your damage even more consistent. Using the additional action that action surge provides is vital to your damage output, and the hp from second wind adds even more to your tankiness. For subclass I would recommend either battle master or rune knight (if you have tashas) as the extra power from the manoeuvres/runes is insane. Use your 4th level fighter ASI to improve your strength score to 18 for the extra damage, or con to 18 for extra survivability.
- For rune knight, definitely take the fire rune for the combat power and the expertise with tools you are proficient with is great utility. If you're looking for more utility I recommend the frost rune, otherwise it doesn't matter all too much what your second rune is. For battle master, I recommend you take the menacing strike (thematic and useful) and distracting strike ( to add some more team usefuleness), and the third one doesn't matter too much, although precision attack is good for just general damage. (Remember these are my recommendations, you don't have to follow this exactly, change it as you see fit).
The build works by having a ridiculous AC, good HP and decent damage output. Combining +3 from both dex and con, add in a shield and you'll have an AC of 17. Your average HP at level 4 will be 45, whilst at level 10 it'll be 101 (if you keep the 16 con) or 111 (if you take the +2 to con at level 10). A good turn could look like: 1d8+2+2+1d6+3+10+ 1d8+2+2+1d8+ 1d8+2+2+1d8+1d8+2+2= 59.5 damage, (with 16 str, action surge, use fury of the small and precision attack or menacing strike twice and dueling) , or 63.5 if you took the +2 to str at level 10. You can also reduce the enemies speed by 10ft as long as you hit one attack, and if you score a crit then they have disadvantage on all attack rolls, which is great for you and your team.
Overall its pretty viable, but you do perform pretty badly at any mental saving throws. The zealot lvl 6 ability can come in clutch with this though, especially at lower levels. I could see taking resilient (wisdom) to be pretty useful, either at level 4 (if you're happy to postpone the slasher feat and the extra damage from it) or level 10 (though it may be a bit late by then).
Sorry this is so long, hope you at least found it helpful.
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'The Cleverness of mushrooms always surprises me!' - Ivern Bramblefoot.
I can't seem to pick an ASI for level 4, am I missing something here? =)
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Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Hahah - I see. Never made a multiclass character in 5e before. Well, thanks, I'm much the wiser =)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Yeah the trickiest bit abou5 optimising a multiclass is the levels and how they affect each other in terms of feature progression. Definitely take the first 6 levels as barbarian for this build.
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'The Cleverness of mushrooms always surprises me!' - Ivern Bramblefoot.
Basically, he does kinda-sorta ok damage, has stealth, and can be a little nuisance with decent stealth and Nimble Escape (although at the cost of the off-hand attack). AC 16 is sorta ... decent, for a barbarian running around in his briefs. And I'm hoping having Animal Handling will persuade the GM to let me have some sort of combat pet - like a riding raptor. Or a spider, which seems more goblin-y to me, outside WoW =)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Basically, he does kinda-sorta ok damage, has stealth, and can be a little nuisance with decent stealth and Nimble Escape (although at the cost of the off-hand attack). AC 16 is sorta ... decent, for a barbarian running around in his briefs. And I'm hoping having Animal Handling will persuade the GM to let me have some sort of combat pet - like a riding raptor. Or a spider, which seems more goblin-y to me, outside WoW =)
Well, the traditional riding/combat pet for goblins is the worg, or you could just use a wolf since that's all worgs really are (and they don't have the whole evil thing). If you want to sell having a pet to your DM, you might have better luck going with something a bit more classic than a dinosaur.
Also, in terms of practicality, how come your character doesn't have a shield? I'd figure that would be the go-to for a Dexterity Barbarian. And why a javelin instead of a shortbow or crossbow or something?
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny. Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
Well, the traditional riding/combat pet for goblins is the worg, or you could just use a wolf since that's all worgs really are (and they don't have the whole evil thing). If you want to sell having a pet to your DM, you might have better luck going with something a bit more classic than a dinosaur.
Also, in terms of practicality, how come your character doesn't have a shield? I'd figure that would be the go-to for a Dexterity Barbarian. And why a javelin instead of a shortbow or crossbow or something?
Goblin wolfriders are too cliche for my liking. Dinosaurs (which could just be a refluffed wolf) are only marginally better, being the WoW cliche. Spiders are fun - but can travel on walls and ceilings, and may not be every GM's hot dream.
I had a goblin that rode a gorilla, once. That GM sorely regretted his mistake.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Basically, he does kinda-sorta ok damage, has stealth, and can be a little nuisance with decent stealth and Nimble Escape (although at the cost of the off-hand attack). AC 16 is sorta ... decent, for a barbarian running around in his briefs. And I'm hoping having Animal Handling will persuade the GM to let me have some sort of combat pet - like a riding raptor. Or a spider, which seems more goblin-y to me, outside WoW =)
I definitely wouldn't expect that from a DM. Mounts either die all the time or give the PC free plot armour which is game breaking. And just giving a player a whole extra turn is massively unbalanced in low level play.
I definitely wouldn't expect that from a DM. Mounts either die all the time or give the PC free plot armour which is game breaking. And just giving a player a whole extra turn is massively unbalanced in low level play.
Oh, I dunno. It's a class feature for rangers, after all. And I think there's a reasonable space for a character that's weaker than the average barbarian to have a pet that's weaker than the average ranger's companion.
I don't do OP. Not unless it's by accident.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
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So I fell in love with the idea of a fear-fuelled goblin barbarian. Ever suspended, horrified, on the jagged edge of the fight-or-flight instinct. So his battlecries are really screams of terror, and he stabs as much in fearful desperation as in furious anger.
Only I've no idea how to do it. Dex built, dip ranger for dual-wield? Strenght built, or some sort?
I'm not looking for a level 20 build, btw. Starting level is 4, and I expect he'll never see any higher than maybe 10? =)
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
I'm aware. However, max dex rather than strength makes a decent difference to AC, and dual wielding compensates (somewhat) for the damage lost on Rage. Although the barbarian also get's the option to use Bonus Actions for extra attacks, which far outstrips an off-hand attack. Frenzy comes at the price of Exhaustion, though.
I'm not really convinced the trade-off is so crazy.
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
You might find this helpful: Literally Too Angry to Die - A Guide to Optimizing a Barbarian.
It doesn't have much, but there's a little blurb on Dex-based Barbarians.
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny.
Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
It really depends how much you want an optimized character vs a narratively satisfying one.
Option 1: Narrative focus
Subclass: Beserker
Load out: Sword & Shield
Feats/ASI: Shield Master + STR ASI
Primary Stat: STR
MCing: None
Option 2: Optimized (Damage)
Subclass: Zealot
Load out: Two handaxes or scimitars
Feats/ASI: +STR ASIs
Primary Stat: STR
MCing: 2x Fighter for Two Weapon Fighting + Action Surge
I would recommend going for a strength based build, and utilising point buy you could end up with a stat array of: str 15 (and taking the slasher feat at level 4 - you want to take the dueling fighting style in fighter and fight with a shield and longsword/battleaxe, which will take you up to 16 in str), 14 dex (+2 from race), con 15 (+1 from race), and 2 points left over to bump up one of your mental scores (probably wisdom to avoid a negative save modifier) to a 10. Take 6 levels of barb followed by 4 levels of fighter. For subclasses I would recommend the Zealot, whilst the Ancestral guardian and Totem barb can work if you really want to lean into the tanking aspect.
Once in fighter levels, take the dueling fighting style. This makes your damage even more consistent. Using the additional action that action surge provides is vital to your damage output, and the hp from second wind adds even more to your tankiness. For subclass I would recommend either battle master or rune knight (if you have tashas) as the extra power from the manoeuvres/runes is insane. Use your 4th level fighter ASI to improve your strength score to 18 for the extra damage, or con to 18 for extra survivability.
- For rune knight, definitely take the fire rune for the combat power and the expertise with tools you are proficient with is great utility. If you're looking for more utility I recommend the frost rune, otherwise it doesn't matter all too much what your second rune is. For battle master, I recommend you take the menacing strike (thematic and useful) and distracting strike ( to add some more team usefuleness), and the third one doesn't matter too much, although precision attack is good for just general damage. (Remember these are my recommendations, you don't have to follow this exactly, change it as you see fit).
The build works by having a ridiculous AC, good HP and decent damage output. Combining +3 from both dex and con, add in a shield and you'll have an AC of 17. Your average HP at level 4 will be 45, whilst at level 10 it'll be 101 (if you keep the 16 con) or 111 (if you take the +2 to con at level 10). A good turn could look like: 1d8+2+2+1d6+3+10+ 1d8+2+2+1d8+ 1d8+2+2+1d8+1d8+2+2= 59.5 damage, (with 16 str, action surge, use fury of the small and precision attack or menacing strike twice and dueling) , or 63.5 if you took the +2 to str at level 10. You can also reduce the enemies speed by 10ft as long as you hit one attack, and if you score a crit then they have disadvantage on all attack rolls, which is great for you and your team.
Overall its pretty viable, but you do perform pretty badly at any mental saving throws. The zealot lvl 6 ability can come in clutch with this though, especially at lower levels. I could see taking resilient (wisdom) to be pretty useful, either at level 4 (if you're happy to postpone the slasher feat and the extra damage from it) or level 10 (though it may be a bit late by then).
Sorry this is so long, hope you at least found it helpful.
'The Cleverness of mushrooms always surprises me!' - Ivern Bramblefoot.
I'll worldbuild for your DnD games!
Just a D&D enjoyer, check out my fiverr page if you need any worldbuilding done for ya!
Hm. I made this guy: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/103523449
I can't seem to pick an ASI for level 4, am I missing something here? =)
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Hahah - I see. Never made a multiclass character in 5e before. Well, thanks, I'm much the wiser =)
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Yeah the trickiest bit abou5 optimising a multiclass is the levels and how they affect each other in terms of feature progression. Definitely take the first 6 levels as barbarian for this build.
'The Cleverness of mushrooms always surprises me!' - Ivern Bramblefoot.
I'll worldbuild for your DnD games!
Just a D&D enjoyer, check out my fiverr page if you need any worldbuilding done for ya!
Alright, so with MC tossed out like the day before yesterdays breakfast, here's Skizz in his latest incarnation: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/103523449
Basically, he does kinda-sorta ok damage, has stealth, and can be a little nuisance with decent stealth and Nimble Escape (although at the cost of the off-hand attack). AC 16 is sorta ... decent, for a barbarian running around in his briefs. And I'm hoping having Animal Handling will persuade the GM to let me have some sort of combat pet - like a riding raptor. Or a spider, which seems more goblin-y to me, outside WoW =)
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Well, the traditional riding/combat pet for goblins is the worg, or you could just use a wolf since that's all worgs really are (and they don't have the whole evil thing). If you want to sell having a pet to your DM, you might have better luck going with something a bit more classic than a dinosaur.
Also, in terms of practicality, how come your character doesn't have a shield? I'd figure that would be the go-to for a Dexterity Barbarian. And why a javelin instead of a shortbow or crossbow or something?
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny.
Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
Goblin wolfriders are too cliche for my liking. Dinosaurs (which could just be a refluffed wolf) are only marginally better, being the WoW cliche. Spiders are fun - but can travel on walls and ceilings, and may not be every GM's hot dream.
I had a goblin that rode a gorilla, once. That GM sorely regretted his mistake.
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
I definitely wouldn't expect that from a DM. Mounts either die all the time or give the PC free plot armour which is game breaking. And just giving a player a whole extra turn is massively unbalanced in low level play.
Oh, I dunno. It's a class feature for rangers, after all. And I think there's a reasonable space for a character that's weaker than the average barbarian to have a pet that's weaker than the average ranger's companion.
I don't do OP. Not unless it's by accident.
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.