Advise for a One-Handed Barbarian

[Blackshade10]

Cool beans.  Looks like Bear Warrior is OKed with my DM too. 

Fuzzy death looks to be the order.

[Blackshade10]

Alright, another question for you all:

I find myself remarkably lacking in skills(unsurprisingly actually), and consider multiclassing into something to give myself some extra skills.  Problem is this:

What class?

I'm limited to 4 class by the end of my 20 levels(until I hit Epic in which case the limit on classes is completely removed).  

I considered dipping into Fighter earlier for feats, but now consider dipping into Expert from Unearthed Arcana so that I get 2 feats, two saves of my choice, 7 skill points, and class skills in everything I could possibly want(specifically tumble).  

My main gripe is the loss of BaB that I need to qualify for Bear Warrior, so I've considered taking it after I get my first level in Bear warrior.


Thoughts? Should I just cross-class into tumble?  Should also point out that I do want to learn a language, but just one so it's just 2 skill points.

Also, wanted to ask this as well, but should I still put my additional ability scores into Strength or Con?  Would it severely impact me despite going Bear Warrior with it's scary good strength bonuses? 

Thankee.

[skydragonknight]

This normally where I point out a Cityspace article where you can trade ride for tumble, but it's called "skilled city dweller" and that alone kills the theme. That said, it never hurts to have a rank in Tumble even CC just to use be able to roll it.

[PhaedrusXY]

Did anyone else expect to see a request about optimizing a barbarian who'd lost an arm somehow when they first saw this thread? 

[McPoyo]

Did anyone else expect to see a request about optimizing a barbarian who'd lost an arm somehow when they first saw this thread? 

*raises an arm*

[PhaedrusXY]

Did anyone else expect to see a request about optimizing a barbarian who'd lost an arm somehow when they first saw this thread? 

*raises an arm*

Only one?

[veekie]

One armed is sort of the point.

[skydragonknight]

Beats optimizing an unarmed monk. Although I'd get a kick out of that.

[Bozwevial]

Beats optimizing an unarmed monk. Although I'd get a kick out of that.

It shouldn't be too hard if you use your head.

[McPoyo]

That's easy: Willing deformity (Obese),then psychic warrior with the called weapon ACF to use you as a weapon. Done.

[Blackshade10]

*Slides in again*

Still want to hear if I should mutli-class fighter or not.  But felt I should share this with all:

On first page I listed a custom weapon that was light.  It's now 1 handed, and usable with Power Attack

In addition, it is ALSO usable with TWF as a light weapon.  DM custom ruled it.  In addition, my character got a pair of them, rather than just one, as a custom item in his last adventure.

Thoughts/advice?

[RobbyPants]

Soooo.... you can TWF and Power Attack without blowing a feat on Oversized TWF?  Awesome!  This cracks me up that the DM doesn't like monks, then he allows this.

Yeah, you'll want some fighter and/or ranger levels to get you TWF.  You'll also likely want Leap Attack and Shock Trooper.  Using two one-handed weapons while Power Attacking nets you the same damage as using a two-handed weapon.  The only real downside is it looks like it's too late in your character's career to take advantage of Pounce, which actually kills this idea pretty seriously.  Ask your DM if he'd allow you to swap out Fast Movement for Pounce (a decision you'd normally have to make at level 1).

If you can't get pounce, then TWF charging won't be a good idea.  Also, you'll have to spend a lot of money keeping both weapons enchanted.  So, see if that's something you want to play and if your DM allows it.

[Blackshade10]

I'm fairly certain that this is my DM being nice because I was unhappy with the unarmed thing but dropped the issue pretty fast.  My DM is a great guy, even if I don't always agree with him. 

Planned on going Fighter and taking both those feats at 6th level.  Leaves open the problem of getting TWF feat itself, so I might hold back on Leap Attack since Shock Trooper is wonderful. 

Also, due to the fact that my character has a long and very awesomely epic quest involving him personally, I'm fairly certain I'll continually be getting my weapon in pairs.

In the event that Pounce is a no go, any suggestions on alternatives? 

[McPoyo]

Dip a level in psychic warrior and grabbing Lion's Charge, Psionic?

[Blackshade10]

*points at first post*

No Psionics.

[McPoyo]

Hence the question mark

[Blackshade10]

Yeah, Psionics is a definite no go.

[PhaedrusXY]

A dip into cleric with the Travel domain, which you swap out for Travel Devotion, will get you the ability to move as a swift action for a minute once per day. Add on a Chronocharm of the Horizon Walker, and later a Belt of Battle. It's not as good as pounce, but at least you'll be able to make full attacks after moving.

[Blackshade10]

Interesting, though I'll admit, very unlikely. Clerics are rare in the setting and just making my character go Cleric is just so very unlikely.  Hate to be a downer on that, trying to find what would fit him best as well.

Also:  Can't go more than 4 classes.

[RobbyPants]

Does the DM allow retraining of any kind?