Vandal

Vandal (Barbarian, 10th Level)

  The rank of Vandal strikes terror into conventional military forces while commanding grudging respect from generals who understand the strategic value of controlled chaos on the battlefield. This title, earned through demonstrations of systematic destruction that reshape entire battle zones, marks its bearer as equivalent to a military weapon of mass destruction wrapped in mortal flesh. When any Vandal arrives at military installations, fortress commanders immediately begin calculating structural vulnerabilities and evacuation routes, while siege engineers study their techniques for breaking fortifications previously considered impregnable. The rank carries both awe and apprehension wherever recognized, as Vandals represent primal forces of destruction channeled through tactical brilliance and supernatural fury.     The practical capabilities of Vandals extend far beyond battlefield prowess into strategic demolition and psychological warfare. They can assess and systematically dismantle complex fortifications, identify critical support structures of enemy positions, and create cascading destruction that multiplies their individual impact exponentially. Their ability to enter controlled berserker states allows them to fight effectively while sustaining injuries that would incapacitate ordinary warriors, making them ideal for breakthrough assaults and desperate last stands. Military engineers consult with Vandals when planning siege operations, while urban defenders study their methods to identify weaknesses in their own fortifications. The mere rumor of a Vandal's presence in enemy forces can cause defending troops to abandon positions rather than face their terrifying combination of tactical intelligence and unstoppable fury.     In the complex political landscape of territorial warfare and resource competition, Vandals serve as living deterrents whose reputation for systematic destruction influences diplomatic negotiations before violence becomes necessary. House military advisors understand that employing a Vandal sends unmistakable messages about commitment to total warfare, often forcing rivals to negotiate rather than risk the collateral damage that Vandal involvement inevitably brings. The rank provides access to classified military intelligence about fortress design, siege equipment specifications, and defensive strategies, as commanders recognize that Vandals need comprehensive knowledge to maximize their destructive potential.   Notable Example: Sherman, whose unique condition of hosting the animated remains of his deceased twin Gherman and the elf Vorrin Shadowleaf as hand puppets, represents the most disturbing evolution of the Vandal archetype—one whose internal conflicts between order and chaos make him an unpredictable but devastatingly effective instrument of systematic destruction.