Homebrew Berserker Species Details

In the face of other races, Berserkers were long lost to the tale of time... Forgotten to the rest of the world, Berserkers lived solitary lives amidst barren lands and in harsh environments in the pursuit of becoming the ideal warrior. Put simply, they seem like very large humans with bulking muscles and indulge in the pursuit of becoming a God of War. Berserkers as a whole believe that they are the children of Uthgar Gardolfsson, the Battle Father. And wish to join him one day as an equal in the celestial plane. 

Hulking stature, intimidating visage

Berserkers height typically ranges from 7-9ft tall and weigh in at 300-400lbs. Their skin and hair range similarly to that of humans, but their eyes directly depict what tribe they hail from as seen below:

Yellow - Lion tribe

Black - Raven tribe

Navy blue - Bear tribe

Light green - Elk tribe

Grey - Wolf tribe

Brown - Great Worm tribe

White - Griffon tribe

Red - Tiger tribe

Sky blue - Sky Pony tribe

Dark green - Tree Ghost tribe

Pink - Thunderbeast tribe

Wartorn, but battle ready

Unfortunately, no one truly knows how old a Berserker can get... due to their unending desire for battle, even those considered elderly among the tribes constantly put their mettle to the test. The oldest known Berserker lived to be 237 years old; Sturm Von of the Griffon tribe died on his 237th birthday, as his present was a fight to the death with a cloud giant... he won, but died due to bleeding from a lost left leg after it was ripped from his body. He eventually killed it by taking his torn off leg from the giant and making the giant choke on it. 

Temperament like the tempest

Berserkers tend stay within the Neutral-Good to Neutral-Evil alignment and are relatively quiet and reserved. Speaking bluntly but always with the truth as they see it. But as soon as a fight breaks out, they can’t and won’t stop until he/she is the last one standing. They can’t ignore the thrill and glory of battle. They live for it, and hope that one day they may get to wage war and conquer.  

Top of the food-chain

The Berserker hierarchy is almost animalistic. Every 10 years a tournament called “The Crucible” is held for three days, each day has its own event and is judged by everyone except the ‘totems’ (competitors) and the previous chief holds the tie-breaker. The first day is a competition of strength. The second, of dexterity. And the last, of tactics. Only one of each tribe may be selected to enter. And the winner of the tournament must kill the previous chief in combat to take his position of authority. If the previous chief is victorious, he must kill his opponent to continue being chief. If he can’t kill his opponent, he is shamed, cast out from his tribe and his opponent takes his seat as chief.

A calling from the Battle Father

There is always more than enough reason for a Berserker to adventure. But all achievements are to be in the name of your tribe and the Battle Father. Berserkers are always looking for strong allies, for they believe  that in order to lead the strong you must be stronger. Strong allies make victory sweeter and more enjoyable. Berserkers are known for their loyalty and strength. Even in the face of betrayal. The calling to endure and temper oneself into the best weapon is the highest calling anyone could ever obtain. 

“One of strong body, mind and heart is more close to the Battle Father than any other.” - Drom Furkath, 3rd Chief Berserker, Tiger tribe.

Name of the kill

Berserker names are not gender derived, nor is anything else in the tribe. True names are given during the individual’s first kill. An elder Berserker will join a young Berserker in a hunt and choose a first name for the young one based off of the last sound that was made during the kill. Their last name becomes the tribe’s adolescent name prior to their first kill. If a Berserker has done a great deed for the betterment of the tribe, the chief gives a moniker to replace their true name. Monikers are highly sought after in the Berserker culture and are a sign of respect from everyone. 

Tribal Mark

Upon reaching adulthood, Berserkers receive a mark (tattoo) in reverence and loyalty to their tribe and the Battle Father. This can range from a single band around the arm to a chest piece. However, they believe that additional tattoos are to only be added through the approval of tribe elders by request for the heroic deed. The tattoo, therefore represents honor, sacrifice, or battle prowess.

 

Berserker Traits

Bolstering muscles and a large frame give little room for meekness.

Muscle bound

Due to your extensive warrior lifestyle, you have conditioned muscles. +2 STR

Choice: Agility or Toughness

During your training you had a choice to become faster, or be able to take more hits. What did you choose?

+1 DEX or CON

Haymaker

The haymaker is a traditional powerhouse punch. Utilized only in the most difficult situations. It takes an action to use, and if the Berserker misses, he is unable to use a reaction until his/her next turn. 

2D6+STR MOD

Natural Athlete

You gain proficiency with the athletics skill

Combat prowess: Improved critical

When your character flanks an enemy creature, your critical hit range increases by 1.

Ex: 20 crit range becomes 19-20 crit.