by Weissteufel on Mon May 11, 2020 5:44 am
Hey there everyone. I came up with this advanced class idea for warrior type characters, though it is very much a first draft. I would love to hear thoughts and feedback!
Overview
Fury. Frenzy. Violence. The Berserker is wrath made manifest into flesh, bone, and blood. Upon the battlefield, none can withstand the intensity of the Berserker’s frenzy, driving their weapons to overpower and overcome even the strongest of defenses. Tapping into the primal instinct within them, the Berserker fights with every ounce of the passions in their heart to take that which they desire, to defend what is theirs, or to simply sate their need for violence. While the berserker may reason and plan as well as any other warrior before an assault, these fearsome fighters are a testament to the universal truth of war: plans never survive first contact with the enemy. Strength of arms prevails, and their furious might makes right.
Character Creation
Allowable Races: Barbarian, Centaur, Dark Elf, Drak Sen (Mineral), Drak Sen (Metallic), Dwarf, Goblin, the Tribe, Minotaur, Ogre, Troll, Wolven
Qualifying Classes: Warrior, Knight, Ranger
Type of Class: Advanced Physical
Spell Spheres Allowed: Common, Racial
Armor: A B C
Weapons: A B C D
Class Stats: +7 STR, +3 AGI, +1 RES, +2 STA, +5 LFE
Mindset:
The Berserker is not a mindless animal, nor a cruel sadist, though there are certainly enough of them with these traits. Above all, the Berserker is passionate, which can manifest in a multitude of ways. Placid contemplation and half-measures never do for these warriors; they are brash, spirited, and show a force of personality that is hard to ignore. A Berserker has learned, whether through introspection, trauma, or some other experience, how to harness their passion and wrath and turn it into a weapon on the battlefield. Unlike other warriors, they do not train in heavy armor to defend themselves; they clad themselves instead in the strength of their convictions. They are not as refined as the Warlord, nor do they gain their prowess through devotion as the Paladin does. The Berserker relies upon their inner strength to whip themselves into a bloodthirsty battle trance, preferring to overpower their opponents.
Advantages:
Thunderous Fury:
The signature of the Berserker, this fearsome ability calls upon the passion within, stirring the Berserker into a wrathful battle trance. While in this state, the Berserker does not hold back, throwing everything they have into their attacks against their opponent.
Mechanics[/i]: When using Thunderous Fury, the Berserker's damage rolls receive a +1 bonus for eachevel of Berserker taken
Lionhearted:
A Berserker is a spirited individual, both on and off the battlefield. Being in tune with their emotions, their passions, and desires in such an intimate manner aids them when those convictions might be challenged or manipulated by others.
Disadvantages:
Overzealous
The Berserker is many things, but cautious is generally not one of them. Once they are enraged and in the throes of their passionate wrath, they exert themselves beyond the normal efforts of other fighters.
Mechanics: When the Berserker uses the Thunderous Fury ability, their actions in combat require twice the amount of stamina required.
Undying Fervor
The wellspring of emotions that the Berserker harnesses to fuel their feats of titanic wrath is a dangerous pool to draw from. Bardic epics and historical tales are rife with the deeds of Berserkers that drank too deeply from their passion, becoming unable to control themselves even after their enemies are slain or driven before them. In these dangerous moments, unless someone finds a way to bring the Berserker back from this state, friends can easily look like foes.