Barbarian

For some people, the emotion of anger expresses more strongly than any other. It can be either explosive and hot, or cold and calculated. To witness it being expressed is often quite an intimidating sight. But nothing compares to the deep, terrifying rage of the mighty Barbarian. Capable of flying into a bloodlust unlike any other, facing one of these adventurers is like facing a force of nature: the Barbarian's infamous blood rage allows them to push beyond their physical limits for as long as it lasts. However, once their foe is slain and the rage disappears, this unique skill takes a toll on the body: the Barbarian rage ending often leaves them drained, and sometimes even incapacitated. At its worst, they will barely able to move afterwards, let alone lift a weapon. Some even find their consciousness slipping mid-rage, as their body cannot handle the strain anymore. To minimize the risk of this happening, the Barbarians hone their physical capabilities to perfection, similar to Monks. But in the case of the Barbarian, this is to have their rage last longer in battle. They often live for a challenge, and generally show off on the battlefield more than the humble Monk would. With their habits of raiding and deeper distaste against injustice, Hoarfrost Orcs often make for particularly talented Barbarians.    

A History of Violence

While tribes of roving wild men were always a fear of the more civilized people of the towns, these people from the wilderness often stepped in during the Age of Upheaval. Eventually, these tribes became somewhat a sight for sore eyes, as they often took on an Overlord's men for the sheer challenge of it. However, some demanded rewards, and weren't above causing damage to the town themselves if refused, so they were just as likely to be bandits. But while one of the mortal races draped in hides of dangerous animals might summon the imagery of a powerful, untamed survivalist taming the deadly wilds for themselves, and Barbarians sometimes even travel with these tribes, a true Barbarian sets themselves apart through their independence. They don't need this tribe to survive, and can just as easily strike out on their own if they so choose.   Whenever they find themselves within settlements, they often have trouble adjusting the more precise social norms there, and tend to come off slightly brutish. However, the intentions are of good-aligned Barbarians are never harmful: any allies from their adventuring party will find themselves apologizing for their friend's behavior at times, and reassuring others that they mean no harm. Often, a Barbarian will find themselves getting along better with animals and their adventuring party then common people. In the College of Wanderers, it's mandatory for an aspiring Barbarian to survive a week in the harshest wilderness around the College grounds with no aid. This is often done as a final test after their gruelling training: Should they return successfully, they are now considered this class.    

A Force of Nature

While the Barbarian is possibly best known for their terrifying rage and skill in battle and lack of book smarts, they are all but dumb forces. They are skilled survivalists, overcoming beasts that would tear any commoner apart: it's not uncommon for them to be wearing the hides of the deadliest animals in the territory that their nomadic tribe currently resides in. The hides of wolves, mountain lions, and bears are common. But snake hides, crocodiles, alligators, and such are not out of the question: it all depends on the Barbarian's surroundings. They also make for skilled hunters: whether their prey is beast or one of the mortal races, they will track it down. A Barbarian often knows the territory that they grew up around like the back of their hand, and is quick to analyze the dangers of a new environment. In areas where a map would fail you, a Barbarian is your most valuable ally.   They also boast a higher resistance to poison: learning which berries and mushrooms are edible mostly through trial and error has hardened their constitutions to most non-lethal toxins. It will take a higher dose of lethal poison to fell a Barbarian, and some are even able to eat certain ingredients with a hallucinogenic effect without issue (mushrooms and certain plants). They truly are apex predators in the food chain, and a testament to the tenacity of the mortal races to survive. A good-aligned Barbarian often cares deeply for those they call friends, and are unlikely to leave an ally behind in the face of danger. While they are independent, they take care of their chosen tribe: blood will flow if someone messes with those they care about. To be friends with a Barbarian means that one has a drinking buddy, a caring ally, a responsibility, and a bodyguard all in one: while they can be a handful sometimes, they are of great value to any adventuring party.