From the frozen wastes of the north and the hellish jungles of the south come brave, even reckless, warriors. Civilized people call them barbarians or berserkers and suspect them of mayhem, impiety, and atrocities. These "barbarians", however, have proven their mettle and their value to those who would be their allies. To enemies who underestimated them, they have proved their cunning, resourcefulness, persistence, and mercilessness.
Each barbarian tribe dedicates itself to a different totem creature:
- Ape Totem
- Bear Totem
- Boar Totem
- Dragon Totem
- Eagle Totem
- Jaguar Totem
- Lion Totem
- Serpent Totem
The decision of when to rage is one of the toughest faced by a barbarian. Selecting the berserker rage class feature instead of rage removes the need for this often complicated tactical decision, replacing it with an automatically activated boost to your combat prowess and durability. In short, when the going gets tough, you get tougher.
Unearthed Arcana Barbarian
A barbarian who prefers crafty hunting over pure ferocity might chose to exchange his rage ability for certain ranger class features.
Crusader
Devoted knight, divine agent, instrument of vengeance, peerless fighting machine - the crusader is a warrior dedicated to good, evil, law, chaos, or some other cause. She seeks out and destroys the enemies of her chosen faith. Strengthened by prayer or absolute devotion to a principle, armored by unshakable faith, and driven by her convictions, a good crusader is a mighty weapon against injustice and malice. An evil crusader, on the other hand, is a cruel and fearsome warrior of darkness.
A crusader who embraces a religion or holy faith is similar to a paladin in that she commands a number of holy (or unholy) powers. However, a crusader has no skill with divine spellcasting; she is a martial adept whose maneuvers are unpredictable gifts of divine power. Trusting in the power of her chosen deity, she allows faith and intuition to guide her through battle. Many crusaders receive the call to their cause early in life, but never study formally at a temple or monastery. These warriors are gifted with a natural ability to channel the divine energies of their cause, but in a raw, untamed manner. A crusader has absolute faith in her ability to draw on the source of her power; but she never quite knows how that power will manifest.
Dragon Magic Crusader
Any warrior knows that skill in battle isn't enough; you must also guard against the attacks of your enemies. A well-forged suit of armor can mean the difference between life and death, but a warrior whose very body is his armor has an immediate advantage. Those who have the blood of dragons running in their veins can gain this benefit.
Duskblade
The duskblade blurs the line between spellcaster and warrior, marrying the power of magic with hand-to-hand combat prowess.
A student of ancient elven spellcasting techniques, the duskblade combines arcane spellcasting with the combat skills of a fighter. While the ability to cast arcane spells in armor originated with the elves, over the millennia the secrets of the duskblade have been disseminated to the other races, and today members of any race can become a duskblade.
If you find you can't choose between being an arcane spellcaster who zaps your enemies with powerful spells and a nimble, powerful front-line melee character who lays them low with a sword, the duskblade is the perfect class for you. Combining arcane magic with melee prowess, you're prepared in any situation. Enemies who underestimate you never get a second chance, since you don't even have to switch back and forth between hands-on combat and spellcasting; you can do both simultaneously.
Dragon Magic Duskblade
Any warrior knows that skill in battle isn't enough; you must also guard against the attacks of your enemies. A well-forged suit of armor can mean the difference between life and death, but a warrior whose very body is his armor has an immediate advantage. Those who have the blood of dragons running in their veins can gain this benefit.
Dwarf Paragon
Known for their skill in warfare, their ability to withstand physical and magical punishment, and their great love of stone and stonework, dwarves grow as strong as their mountain homes. Dwarf paragons exemplify this strength, gaining a deeper intuitive understanding of stone and stonework, building upon their already proven toughness, and promoting the crafts and strengths of their people whenever possible.
Dwarf paragons are doughty warriors, and powerful paragons often take the lead in battles as well as diplomatic engagements.
Fighter
The questing knight, the conquering overlord, the king's champion, the elite foot soldier, the hardened mercenary, and the bandit king - all are fighters. Fighters can be stalwart defenders of those in need, cruel marauders, or gutsy adventurers. Some are among the land's best souls, willing to face death for the greater good. Others are among the worst, with no qualms about killing for private gain, or even for sport. Fighters who are not actively adventuring may be soldiers, guards, bodyguards, champions, or criminal enforcers. An adventuring fighter might call himself a warrior, a mercenary, a thug, or simply an adventurer.
Dragon Magic Fighter
Any warrior knows that skill in battle isn't enough; you must also guard against the attacks of your enemies. A well-forged suit of armor can mean the difference between life and death, but a warrior whose very body is his armor has an immediate advantage. Those who have the blood of dragons running in their veins can gain this benefit.
Half-Elf Fighter
Lacking the bonus feat of humans and the high Dexterity of elves, half-elf fighters are not particularly common. Those who do take up a life of the blade often become talkative swashbucklers who blend quick swordplay with a sharp tongue. They seek to confuse and demoralize foes, rather than overcoming them with brute force.
Dwarf Fighter
The prototypical image of dwarfhood is the heavily armored fighter. Many dwarves pursue this class, and most multiclass dwarves have at least a single level of fighter to augment their abilities.
The dwarf fighter gives up versatility to specialize in the arts of war most needed in dwarf communities. He focuses on traditional fighting styles and takes advantage of the dwarf's lack of mobility.
Thug
The thug is a street fighter, a survivor who learns to mix brute force with a bit of craftiness. He has most of the fighter's strengths, along with some additional skills to help keep him alive on the mean streets. Despite the name, not all thugs are mere hooligans - many are crafty veterans who use their knowledge of the streets to gain an advantage against their opponents.
Most thugs are nonlawful, though sometimes gangs of thugs with a lawful streak band together.
Unearthed Arcana Fighter
Some fighters prefer stealth and cunning over martial skill. This variant can also be combined with the thug variant described above.
Half-Orc Paragon
Half-orc paragons differ from other racial paragons in that they rarely have large populations of other half-orcs promoting and supporting their views of their race. Rather, most half-orc paragons find the strength to champion their heritage overcoming the challenges of a unique and sometimes isolating background. Powerful warriors, half-orc paragons combine the innate ferocity of their orc heritage with the quick thinking and adaptability of humanity.
Hexblade
Combining the dynamic powers of martial prowess and arcane might, the hexblade presents a deadly challenge to opponents unused to such a foe.
Knight
A knight is a proud, skilled melee combatant who fights in the name of honor and chivalry. A knight relies on more than a sharp sword and a stout suit of armor to defeat her foes. Her drive, determination, and fighting spirit allow her to control the battlefield in ways that others cannot match. A knight can challenge an opponent to a duel, calling upon the foe's pride and ego to force his hand. The knight's talent with heavy armor, shields, and defensive tactics grant her the ability to disrupt her foe's plans. Only the most talented rogues and monks can slip past a knight's defenses to strike at her allies. An adventuring group with wizards, sorcerers, and other lightly armored members thrives with the assistance of a knight. While the knight keeps enemies occupied, her allies can use their talents or abilities without fear of attack or harassment.
The knight class is a great choice if you want to play a tough, durable melee combatant whose strong personality allows you to manipulate your foes. Weaker foes cower in fear before you, while stronger foes move to strike you rather than your allies when you play on their egos and challenge them to duels. Your expertise in using armor and carrying a shield allows you to form an impregnable defensive line. Once you engage a foe, he has difficulty moving away to threaten your allies. If you want to be a front-line melee combatant who defends the rest of the party and manipulates opponents, the knight is a good choice.
Dragon Magic Knight
Any warrior knows that skill in battle isn't enough; you must also guard against the attacks of your enemies. A well-forged suit of armor can mean the difference between life and death, but a warrior whose very body is his armor has an immediate advantage. Those who have the blood of dragons running in their veins can gain this benefit.
Paladin
- Paladin of Freedom: The paladin of freedom is chaotic good, dedicated to liberty and free thought.
- Paladin of Honor: The compassion to pursue good, the will to uphold law, and the power to defeat evil - these are the three weapons of the paladin. Few have the purity and devotion that it takes to walk the paladin's path, but those few are rewarded with the power to protect, to heal, and to smite. In a land of scheming wizards, unholy priests, bloodthirsty dragons, and infernal fiends, the paladin is the final hope that cannot be extinguished.
- Paladin of Slaughter: The paladin of slaughter is a brutal champion of chaos and evil who leaves only destruction trailing in his wake.
- Paladin of Tyranny: The paladin of tyranny is a lawful evil villain bent on dominating those weaker than she.
Dragon Magic Paladin
Any warrior knows that skill in battle isn't enough; you must also guard against the attacks of your enemies. A well-forged suit of armor can mean the difference between life and death, but a warrior whose very body is his armor has an immediate advantage. Those who have the blood of dragons running in their veins can gain this benefit.
Half-Orc Paladin
At first glance, the concept of a half-orc paladin seems contradiction in terms. But those rare half-orcs with the necessary dedication to law and goodness become the most zealous protectors of righteousness.
Elf Paladin
Though elves typically tend towards chaos and freedom over law and order, an elf paladin can become a beacon of righteousness. He gives up some of his single-minded dedication in exchange for abilities that work well with his racial aptitudes.
Unearthed Arcana Paladin
The paladin who takes an active role in hunting her foul enemies must give up her defensive powers.
Ranger
The forests and hills are home to fierce and cunning creatures, such as bloodthirsty owlbears and malicious displacer beasts. But more cunning and powerful than these monsters is the ranger, a skilled hunter and stalker. He knows the woods as if they were his home (as indeed they are), and he knows his prey in deadly detail.
Half-Elf Ranger
Not all rangers spend their entire lives in the untamed wilds of the forests and hills. Some half-elves find a mix of rural and urban life to their taste, and temper their wilderness lore with the ability to interact well with a wide range of individuals. The half-elf ranger is the ultimate investigator and bounty hunter. She finds social skills just as important for survival as fighting prowess.
Gnome Ranger
Hampered to some extent by her size, the gnome ranger learns to play off her other strengths. By embracing her connection to burrowing animals, the gnome ranger can attract an animal companion that can support her in combat. Against her favored enemies, she favors tactics of stealth more than interaction, and she truly shines when she chooses the traditional foes of her race as favored enemies. Her magic likewise draws on her racial abilities, allowing her to cast illusions unavailable to most rangers. The combination of these abilities makes the gnome ranger a fearsome ambusher who fights with the ferocity of the badger.
Elf Ranger
The elf ranger combines sylvan grace with deadly skill, moving effortlessly through the wilds in search of his prey. He isn't quite as tough as a typical ranger but enjoys extra bonuses against his race's favored enemies and can befriend a powerful elven hound.
Urban Ranger
The urban ranger stalks the treacherous streets of the city, relying on his knowledge of alleyways and underworld contacts to keep him alive.
Unearthed Arcana Ranger
A ranger might forgo training in weapon combat in exchange for the ability to take animal form and the ability to move swiftly through the woodlands.
Samurai
Known for their matchless bravery and strict code of honor, the samurai were the noble soldiers of feudal Japan. In a fantasy setting, the samurai brings that courage and honor to the service of a lord, general, or other leader. The reputation of samurai for being tenacious in combat often precedes them in battle, and their mere presence is often enough to make dishonorable enemies slink away in the darkness.
Dragon Magic Samurai
Any warrior knows that skill in battle isn't enough; you must also guard against the attacks of your enemies. A well-forged suit of armor can mean the difference between life and death, but a warrior whose very body is his armor has an immediate advantage. Those who have the blood of dragons running in their veins can gain this benefit.
Soulborn
As a soulborn, you use incarnum to enhance your natural combat ability. You can also share the power of incarnum with your allies, making you a valuable member of any adventuring group. You have the ability to shape soulmelds, though you have less shaping power than an incarnate or totemist.
Dragon Magic Soulborn
Any warrior knows that skill in battle isn't enough; you must also guard against the attacks of your enemies. A well-forged suit of armor can mean the difference between life and death, but a warrior whose very body is his armor has an immediate advantage. Those who have the blood of dragons running in their veins can gain this benefit.
Dwarf Soulborn
A dwarf soulborn has a strong link to the souls of his ancestors and gains special benefits from their knowledge. Unlike most soulborns, the dwarf soulborn pays particular homage to a deity - in this case, Moradin Soulforger, the god of the dwarves. Believing that incarnum is a precious gift from Moradin, a dwarf soulborn prefers to wield the same weapon as his deity and is rewarded for this choice.
Elf Soulborn
To those who do not recognize her special gift, an elf soulborn might appear unnaturally tranquil and patient. Her special contact with the souls of her people perpetually reminds her of the value of a long-term outlook. Even if she fails in her tasks, she knows that her soul will inform those who come after her of what has come before. As befits their heritage, they tend to be keen-eyed archers.
Swashbuckler
The swashbuckler embodies the concepts of daring and panache. Favoring agility and wit over brute force, the swashbuckler excels both in combat situations and social interactions, making her a versatile character indeed.
Warblade
The warblade was born for conflict. Swift, strong, enduring, and utterly confident in his martial skills, he seeks to test himself against worthy foes. Battle is beautiful to him - a perfect moment in which life hangs suspended on the bright edge of a sword. Sheer combat skill is important to a warblade, so he trains intensely with his chosen weapons. But even more important are his athleticism, endurance, daring, recklessness, and joy in the hour of danger. Warblades, often called sword princes, live for the chance to test themselves in battle - the stronger the foe, the greater the glory once an enemy is defeated.
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