Barbarian

From d2pwiki

Contents 1 Lore 2 Skills 2.1 Combat Skills 2.2 Combat Masteries 2.3 Warcries 3 Builds 3.1 Whirlwind 3.2 Frenzy 3.3 Berserk 3.4 Wolf 3.5 Bard

Lore

It is said that when the world was very young the tribes of the Northern Steppes were given sacred charge. Somewhere deep within the great mountain Arreat, lies a source of great power, crucial to the well-being of all humanity. The tribes act as guardians of this artifact, and through this sacred duty, have shaped their way of life in observance of this power.

Steeped in mystery and tradition, these people refer to themselves as the Children of Bul-Kathos, the great and ancient king. To better protect their lands from outside forces they adopted a nomadic lifestyle, frequently moving within the confines fo the Steppes and maintaining few permanent settlements. Isolating themselves from the world outside their territories, they eschew the use of magic and complex machinery, as they believe these things can only weaken the resolve developed over so many years.

The Children of Bul-Kathos have developed a kinship with the land and have learned to harness the primal energies in nature to enhance their own substantial physical prowess. Because of this, and their freedom from the trappings of the outside world, the Western Kingdoms has historically referred to these tribes as barbarians, an epithet that belies the rich cultural and spiritual history these people possess. Although some trade with these curious folk, they do so only along the outmost borders of their lands. All intrusions into the territory surrounding Mount Arreat are forbidden, and warriors from the northern tribes are quick to thwart any incursions.

Every attempt at conquest has always been met with fierce and decisive resistance in an account of one skirmish, hordes of Barbarian tribesmen silently appeared where none had been but moments before. Their bodies painted in mysterious designs, the tribesmen descended on the invaders, howling as the charged like the fierce mountain winds. Fully half of the trespassing soldiers immediately dropped their weapons and fled, the remainder were set upon by the Northmen with a fervor that none of the battle-hardened invaders had ever witnessed. No quarter was asked and none was given, but in the end, when the outlanders sounded a full retreat, no chase was given either... at least none that could be observed.

It is interesting that recently, since news of Diablo's re-emergence has spread, a small number of Barbarian warriors has been seen roving the lands outside the Steppes, prepared for war and seeking information regarding the recent activities of the Prime Evils.

Traits and Abilities

Renowned for their awesome combat prowess as well as their arrogant demeanor, the Barbarians appear to be perpetually girt for battle. Through harsh conditioning, the Barbarians excel in physical combat and tremendous feats of strength. They derive their power chiefly from intense physical training, but also tap primal energies from the living world around them. They can manifest these or add to their already considerable catalogue of superhuman feats of strength and power.

Skills

Combat Skills

For the main article, see: Combat Skills

This tree includes the popular Whirlwind skill, among others which include Bash, Concentrate, Frenzy and Berserk

Combat Masteries

For the main article, see: Combat Masteries

This tree is entirely passive. Including masteries for Swords, Spears, Axes, Polearms, Throwing, and Maces (Includes Staves). This tree also includes the incredibly useful Natural Resistance along with Iron Skin, and Increased Speed.

Warcries

For the main article, see: Warcries

This tree includes, possible, the most sought after buff in the entire game. Battle Orders which increases Life, Mana, and Stamina. Other useful Warcries include Shout which increases the party's defense. Other useful skills included are Taunt which can force a monster to come within melee range, as well as Howl which causes monsters to run away from the player.

Builds

Whirlwind

For the main article, see: Whirlwind Barbarian

Whirlwind is effective with almost any weapon, though works best with fast weapons. Only IAS that is on the weapon itself will bring out the full potential of Whirlwind. Many builds will include the use of Concentrate and/or Berserk. Maul users and other Two-Handed weapon users usually go this route, because of the lack of a shield. However a good Sword/Shield combo can still use Whirlwind to great effectiveness.

Frenzy

For the main article, see: Frenzy Barbarian

Frenzy is a very fun skill to use, it makes a Barbarian an incredibly fast runner and attacker. Frenzy can only be used with two weapons.

Berserk

For the main article, see: Berserk Barbarian

Berserk utilizes the extremely high magic damage output of this skill to destroy their enemies. The major con to this skill, however, is that while a player uses it, his defense is reduced to 0. Because of this, many players will utilize an item combo such as Grief and an adequate Shield to provide blocking.

Wolf

For the main article, see: Wolf Barbarian

This is a lesser seen variant, which utilizes the Elite Unique Barbarian helm Wolfhowl. This helm grants the player access to Werewolf, Lycanthropy, and Feral Rage. This build will max Iron Skin, Shout, Battle Orders, and a Weapon Mastery according to what weapon a player uses. Natural Resistance is sometimes included.

Bard

For the main article, see: Bard

This build uses War Cry, Shout, Battle Orders... With high vitality this build truly shines. Running into the middle of a pack of monsters, while damaging and stunning them with War Cry while his party or his mercenary decimates the enemy.