Path of the Cursed Blood

Barbarians who walk the Path of the Cursed Blood are forever marked by a demonic affliction that twists both body and soul. Whether the result of a desperate bargain, a cruel curse, or the aftermath of a demonic assault, this taint is unmistakable and inescapable. Their skin is permanently cracked as if scorched from within, faint embers glowing beneath the surface. A faint but ever-present odor of sulfur clings to them, betraying their infernal burden to even the most untrained nose.

Wherever they go, townsfolk and travelers instinctively recoil, sensing the unnatural presence that lingers around these cursed warriors. Holy sites and consecrated ground cause them physical discomfort—sometimes a burning under the skin, sometimes a pounding in the skull—serving as a constant reminder that they no longer belong among the blessed.

The curse is not merely cosmetic. It is a constant companion, whispering temptations and hungers at the edge of their mind. In battle, the curse erupts with terrifying power, fueling their rage with hellfire or necrotic energy, but always at a cost. Each victory is tinged with suffering, and every act of heroism is shadowed by the fear that the demon’s influence may one day overwhelm what remains of their humanity.

“To bear this curse is to be forever changed. The world sees a monster, but the true battle is within—against the darkness that would claim my soul.”

Level 3: Infernal Fury

Your rage is tainted by demonic energy, fueling your strikes with hellish power.

• While raging, instead of the normal rage damage bonus, your weapon attacks deal 1d4 extra fire or necrotic damage (your choice when you rage) for each point of rage damage. The cracks in your skin glow either blood red or fiery orange based on your choice.

Level 6: Demonic Resilience

The curse toughens your flesh and spirit against unnatural harm.

• While you are raging, you gain resistance to fire and necrotic damage.

• When you fail a saving throw against being charmed, frightened, or stunned while raging, you can choose to succeed instead. You can use this feature once per rage.

 

Demonic Empowerment

The demonic curse within you surges when you are wounded or when your rage burns hottest, amplifying your physical might to terrifying levels.

Feature:

• While raging, whenever you are below half your maximum hit points, you add your Constitution modifier to your melee weapon attack rolls and damage rolls.

• Additionally, if you reduce a creature to 0 hit points while raging, you can immediately move up to half your speed as part of the same action, and this movement does not provoke opportunity attacks.

Level 14: Infernal Apotheosis

You unleash the full might of your demonic curse, transforming briefly into a terrifying avatar of the abyss.

• As a bonus action while raging, you can transform for 1 minute:

  • You gain resistance to all damage except force and radiant.

  • Your melee weapon attacks deal an additional 2d8 fire or necrotic damage (your choice).

  • You sprout wings and gain a fly speed equal to your walk speed.

  • At the end of this transformation, you suffer one level of exhaustion.

• Once you use this feature, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest.