Path of the Scholar

While many barbarians embrace nature or the divine, those who follow the Path of the Scholar take a more intellectual approach to combat. One who follows this path is deeply moved by the inner workings of the world around them and uses their knowledge to fuel their rage.

Scholar barbarians are often nobles or knights who have grown up having a formal education. At some point in their academic journey, they discovered something which drove their curiosity to new heights. This curiosity has become the basis for both their worldview and their efficiency in combat.

Studious Upbringing

You believe that understanding the world around you is one of the most important activities you could pursue. When you choose this path at 3rd level, you gain proficiency in Investigation and History.

Scrutinizing Ire

Beginning at 3rd level, you gain a knack for being able to assess your foe mid-combat. When you enter your Rage, you can scrutinize one creature you can see to learn whether its Armor Class and current hit points are equal, superior, or inferior to your own. A scrutinized creature does not have advantage against you when you use your Reckless Attack feature. This effect persists until either the scrutinized creature dies, you die, or your rage ends. Only one creature may be scrutinized at a time. Upon the scrutinized creature's death, you can use your Bonus Action to scrutinize another creature.

Rapid Focus Shift

Your mind has sharpened and you're able to more quickly assess your opponents than before. Starting at 6th level, whenever a creature you've scrutinized with Scrutinizing Ire dies, you may scrutinize another creature as a free action.

Judicious Strikes

Starting at 10th level, once per round, whenever you make a melee weapon attack using Strength against a scrutinized creature, you deal additional psychic damage equal to your Intelligence modifier. Furthermore, the bonus to damage you gain while raging as shown in the Rage Damage column of the Barbarian table deals psychic damage as well.

Improved Scrutinizing Ire

Your time in combat has heightened your reflexes and wisened your wit. Upon reaching 14th level, when you enter your Rage, you may scrutinize a number of creatures in sight equal to your Intelligence modifier (minimum of 2).