Barbarian Brands

This section introduces barbarian brands, which any user of rage can take to increase her rounds of rage.

They are similar to a paladin’s oaths or a monk’s vows.

A barbarian can brand or ceremonially scar her flesh to gain more rounds of rage. By adhering to the tenants of her brand, the barbarian increases her maximum daily rounds of rage by the amount listed in the brand’s description. Every brand comes with a penalty or limitation to offset this increase in rage. If a barbarian knowingly and willingly goes against the tenants of her brand, her rounds of rage are reduced to 0 (as if she had spent all of her rage) and she cannot replenish her rage or use abilities that require rage until she has redeemed herself. The redemption required is specified in the brand (and does not require the atonement spell).

After the redemption, the barbarian’s normal rage pool (without the bonus from the brand) returns. If she upholds the previously broken brand for a full month, her rage pool regains the additional rounds from taking the brand, and she can decide whether to continue with her brand or forgo her brand without penalty. Once a barbarian forgoes a brand in this fashion, she can never gain a rage bonus from that brand.

A barbarian may have multiple brands. Their effects and increase to her rounds of rage stack. Breaking one brand does not affect other brands.

Brand of Destruction

Nothing in this world is beyond destruction. The barbarian seeks out the demolition of all things. If her rage ends without sundering an item or destroying a crafted object with at least 20 hp, then she breaks this brand.

Benefit(s): A barbarian with this brand increases her maximum daily rounds of rage by 1 round of rage per 3 barbarian levels.

Redemption: The barbarian must sunder and destroy a magical item (worth at least 1,000 gp x her barbarian level) that she would otherwise be able to use.

Brand of Exhaustion

The branded barbarian holds nothing back in her rage.

A barbarian who takes this brand is exhausted instead of fatigued for 1 minute upon exiting rage. If she has the tireless rage ability, she is instead fatigued for 1 minute upon exiting rage.

Benefit(s): A barbarian with this brand increases her maximum daily rounds of rage by 1 round of rage for every 3 barbarian levels.

Special: When a barbarian gains a level, she may choose to remove this brand from her body. If she does, she can never gain it again.

Brand of the Old Ways

A barbarian who takes this brand instantly forgets all written forms of language. As long as the barbarian is branded, she cannot read or write.

Benefit(s): A barbarian with this brand increases her maximum daily rounds of rage by 1 round of rage for every 4 barbarian levels.

Special: When a barbarian gains a level, she may choose to remove this brand from her body. If she does, she can never gain it again.

Brand of Pain

Life is pain. The barbarian understands that better than most. If the barbarian is at her maximum hit points when her rage ends, then she breaks this brand.

Benefit(s): A barbarian with this brand increases her maximum daily rounds of rage by 1 round of rage for every 4 barbarian levels.

Redemption: The barbarian must spend 24 hours with fewer than 5 hit points remaining.

Brand of Silence

Violence solves all problems. Words are for the weak. If a barbarian speaks or otherwise communicates while in a rage, then she breaks this brand. Wordlessly intimidating enemies or roaring in anger does not break this brand.

Benefit(s): A barbarian with this brand increases her maximum daily rounds of rage by 1 round of rage for every 3 barbarian levels.

Redemption: The barbarian must go one week without speaking or communicating in any way.

Brand of Slaughter

The barbarian must seek out death as a means to resolve conflict. If her rage ends before she has killed a creature with a HD at least half her own (minimum 1), then she breaks this brand.

Benefit(s): A barbarian with this brand increases her maximum daily rounds of rage by 1 round of rage per barbarian level.

Redemption: The barbarian must slay a surrendered, helpless enemy of her own race and alignment.