Combat Masteries

From d2pwiki

Masteries

Notes

It is best to pick one mastery, and max only it, rather then to spread yourself out. If you think you will use a sword for an end game weapon, then max Sword Mastery. If you think you will use an axe, then get the mastery for axes. If you are going to utilize a staff weapon as an end game weapon; Ribcracker for instance, then Mace Mastery is what you want (it works for both Mace-Class and Staff-Class weapons).

Special Note: No masteries work for Daggers.

Sword Mastery

Level Requirement: 1

Lore

Although there are many gifts from the Great and Ancient King Bul-Kathos, the greatest of these is the secret of steel. Raw iron is hardened and made resilient, forged into weapons of honor and power. Most mortal swords are patterned after the blade first wielded by Bul-Kathos himself. Balancing offense with defense, it is the perfect weapon for the defense of Mount Arreat in the coming apocalypse. All Barbarian warriors learn the secrets of steel at an early age, yet few truly master the deadly elegance of the sword. Those few who do often disdain all other weapons.

Stats

This is a passive skill

Level	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Damage Bonus	28%	33%	38%	43%	48%	53%	58%	63%	68%	73%
Attack Rating Bonus	28%	36%	44%	52%	60%	68%	76%	84%	92%	100%
Critical Strike Chance	3%	6%	9%	11%	12%	13%	14%	15%	16%	17%

Level	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
Damage Bonus	78%	83%	88%	93%	98%	103%	108%	113%	118%	123%
Attack Rating Bonus	108%	116%	124%	132%	140%	148%	156%	164%	172%	180%
Critical Strike Chance	17%	18%	18%	19%	19%	20%	20%	20%	20%	21%

Axe Mastery

Level Requirement: 1

Lore

Barbarian warriors of the Shadow Wolf Tribe are masters of the axe. Through the axe, they sought to match the swiping claws and the biting teeth of the wolves with which they lived and fought beside. These first axes were but crude stones mounted on wooden hafts, and after learning the secret of steel and swords from Bul-Kathos, the axe soon fell into disfavor. Recently, however, warriors and smiths from the Steppes have perfected the axe as a weapon equal to or greater than the sword. The Wolf Tribe once again teaches the swift and terrible power of the axe to those who wish to learn how to cull the weak from the herd and to protect their pack from the legions of Hell.

Stats

This is a passive skill

Level	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Damage Bonus	28%	33%	38%	43%	48%	53%	58%	63%	68%	73%
Attack Rating Bonus	28%	36%	44%	52%	60%	68%	76%	84%	92%	100%
Critical Strike Chance	3%	6%	9%	11%	12%	13%	14%	15%	16%	17%

Level	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
Damage Bonus	78%	83%	88%	93%	98%	103%	108%	113%	118%	123%
Attack Rating Bonus	108%	116%	124%	132%	140%	148%	156%	164%	172%	180%
Critical Strike Chance	17%	18%	18%	19%	19%	20%	20%	20%	20%	21%

Mace Mastery

Level Requirement: 1

Lore

Barbarians who have quested with the mighty Bear Tribe are masters of the Mace. From simple wooden clubs to the contemporary, armor-defeating flanged mace, warrior masters wield these weapons to devastating effect. As the Bear shaman, Koth, said to those who favor the sword and axe, "When you are beset by hordes of the walking dead, do not come weeping to me if you have turned away from the wisdom of Bear."

Stats

This is a passive skill

Level	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Damage Bonus	28%	33%	38%	43%	48%	53%	58%	63%	68%	73%
Attack Rating Bonus	28%	36%	44%	52%	60%	68%	76%	84%	92%	100%
Critical Strike Chance	3%	6%	9%	11%	12%	13%	14%	15%	16%	17%

Level	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
Damage Bonus	78%	83%	88%	93%	98%	103%	108%	113%	118%	123%
Attack Rating Bonus	108%	116%	124%	132%	140%	148%	156%	164%	172%	180%
Critical Strike Chance	17%	18%	18%	19%	19%	20%	20%	20%	20%	21%

Pole Arm Mastery

Level Requirement: 6

Lore

Members of the Crane Tribe value distance, grace and a single overwhelming blow over the close grappling form advocated by the Bear Tribe. Though the two clans were wary of one another for many generations, recently the nomadic peoples have commingled and now share their powerful techniques with all that would learn. Crane warriors evolved their pole arm technique from dealing with mounted raiders and fighting in the shallow river waters found in the steppe. A master of the pole arm avoids physical contact with his opponent until he can land a single killing blow.

Stats

This is a passive skill

Level	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Damage Bonus	28%	33%	38%	43%	48%	53%	58%	63%	68%	73%
Attack Rating Bonus	28%	36%	44%	52%	60%	68%	76%	84%	92%	100%
Critical Strike Chance	3%	6%	9%	11%	12%	13%	14%	15%	16%	17%

Level	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
Damage Bonus	78%	83%	88%	93%	98%	103%	108%	113%	118%	123%
Attack Rating Bonus	108%	116%	124%	132%	140%	148%	156%	164%	172%	180%
Critical Strike Chance	17%	18%	18%	19%	19%	20%	20%	20%	20%	21%

Throwing Mastery

Level Requirement: 6

Lore

Although not as well known for their use of bows and other such ranged weapons, hunters from the Steppes have practiced the use of thrown weapons since earliest times. The open grasslands of their native soil are well suited for taking down game with swift and accurate blows from a hurled blade. It seems a natural evolution and a simple matter for them to have transferred this skill to combat.

Stats

This is a passive skill

Level	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Damage Bonus	28%	33%	38%	43%	48%	53%	58%	63%	68%	73%
Attack Rating Bonus	28%	36%	44%	52%	60%	68%	76%	84%	92%	100%
Critical Strike Chance	3%	6%	9%	11%	12%	13%	14%	15%	16%	17%

Level	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
Damage Bonus	78%	83%	88%	93%	98%	103%	108%	113%	118%	123%
Attack Rating Bonus	108%	116%	124%	132%	140%	148%	156%	164%	172%	180%
Critical Strike Chance	17%	18%	18%	19%	19%	20%	20%	20%	20%	21%

Spear Mastery

Level Requirement: 6

Lore

Warriors of the Snake Tribe, who favor the spear and are known for their cold eyes and sibilant battle chants. Only seasoned warriors may apply to the spear the techniques of the Snake-a patient teacher that reminds us that all foes can be defeated in time. These are lessons learned from the many dangerous pit vipers that breed among the steppes surrounding Mount Arreat.

Stats

This is a passive skill

Level	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Damage Bonus	28%	33%	38%	43%	48%	53%	58%	63%	68%	73%
Attack Rating Bonus	28%	36%	44%	52%	60%	68%	76%	84%	92%	100%
Critical Strike Chance	3%	6%	9%	11%	12%	13%	14%	15%	16%	17%

Level	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
Damage Bonus	78%	83%	88%	93%	98%	103%	108%	113%	118%	123%
Attack Rating Bonus	108%	116%	124%	132%	140%	148%	156%	164%	172%	180%
Critical Strike Chance	17%	18%	18%	19%	19%	20%	20%	20%	20%	21%

Increased Stamina

Level Requirement: 18

Lore

The tribes of the northern Barbarians are a nomadic people, roaming the vast open plains of the Northern Steppes. Being raised in this environment has strengthened the Barbarian people. Simply by looking at a member of the northern clans, you can tell that they are more hale and hearty than the average person. Such is their vigor! Through strict conditioning, the Barbarian warriors can train their bodies to endure tremendous physical exertions, and at a moments notice can be ready for battle.

Stats

This is a passive skill

Level	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Stamina Bonus	30%	45%	60%	75%	90%	105%	120%	135%	150%	165%

Level	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
Stamina Bonus	180%	195%	210%	225%	240%	255%	270%	285%	300%	315%

Notes

This skill is one such that one point is enough to be put into it. Any more and it is a waste. Battle Orders more then makes up for any lacking points in this skill.

Increased Speed

Level Requirement: 24

Lore

It is a fatal assumption that the Barbarian warrior is slow and ponderous. His great bulk belies a very agile individual. A lifetime of patrolling the vast plains of his native soil, where it is often necessary to cover great distances in very little time, has empowered the Barbarian warriors with the ability to walk and run at surprising rates of speed.

Stats

This is a passive skill

Level	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Movement Speed Bonus	13%	18%	22%	25%	28%	30%	32%	33%	35%	36%

Level	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
Movement Speed Bonus	37%	38%	39%	40%	40%	41%	41%	42%	42%	43%

Notes

This is useful, but remember that with diminishing returns, only one or a few points is needed in this skill.

Iron Skin

Level Requirement: 18

Lore

The harsh grasslands of their homeland offer the Barbarian people little refuge from the elements. Constant prolonged exposure to the sun, wind, rain and other elements has toughened their skin to the resilience of natural leather.

Stats

This is a passive skill

Level	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Defense Bonus	30%	40%	50%	60%	70%	80%	90%	100%	110%	120%

Level	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
Defense Bonus	130%	140%	150%	160%	170%	180%	190%	200%	210%	220%

Notes

This is passive (always on). Though Shout will give one a better defense when maxed this Iron Skin.

Natural Resistance

Level Requirement: 1

Lore

In order to survive the unforgiving lands of the north, the people of the Barbarian tribes have developed hardy resistances to the common elements. Heat and cold alike are something they endure often. Since food is scarce while foraging, they have learned to consume species of plants that would slay normal men. Through additional training, a warrior can further fortify himself against these dangers, allowing him to better survive while traveling to unfamiliar lands and battling unknown foes.

Stats

This is a passive skill

Level	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
Resistances Bonus	12%	21%	28%	35%	40%	44%	47%	49%	52%	54%	56%	58%	60%	61%	62%	64%	64%	65%	66%	67%

Notes

A few points into this skill along with the quest reward from saving Anya, and one can almost reach 0 resistances in hell without the help of items, making maxing one's resistances in hell much easier.