Primal Paths, for non-Barbarians (5e Variant Rule)

The Foundations of a Primal Path

explanation

Remember: You still aren't an actual Barbarian

Even receiving the Primal Path of a Barbarian, you do not actually receive the iconic ability to Rage.

Because of this, some special consideration is required for Path features which are normally dependent on Rage. In general, any feature gained, which is normally associated with a Rage ability may be used up to once per short rest, and has its normal duration (usually the duration of a Rage, meaning one minute).

If an individual class description gives different rules for these rage-based abilities, use the specific rule, rather than the general one.

Individual Class Descriptions

Bard

Receives level 3 feature at level 3.

Receives level 6 feature at level 6.

At level 14, the Bard receives their choice of the level 10 or 14 feature.

Any feature gained, which is normally associated with Rage ability, may instead be used by expending 1 bardic inspiration die—though it only last's for one round. With the expenditure of 2 bardic inspiration dice, such abilities may benefit any normal target of bardic inspiration.

Cleric

Receives level 3 feature at level 3.

Receives level 6 feature at level 6.

Receives level 10 feature at level 8.

Receives level 14 feature at level 17.

Any feature gained, which is normally associated with Rage ability, may instead be used by expending 1 use of Channel Divinity. If multiple abilities could be used simultaneously during a single Rage, any number of them may be activated together, with a single activation.

Additional, at level 1, the cleric selects a Domain as normal. They gain only the level one feature associated with it, and do not receive the normal bonus spells from their domain, either.

Druid

Receives level 3 feature at level 2.

Receives level 6, 10 and 14 features, all at their normal levels.

At level 2 the Druid learns their choice of the Barbarians Reckless Attack or Danger Sense abilities.

At level 6 the Druid gains the Barbarians Fast Movement ability.

Fighter

Receives level 3 feature at level 3.

Receives level 6 feature at level 7.

Receives level 10 feature at level 10.

Receives level 14 feature at level 15.

Finally, at level 18, the Fighter gains indomitable might, as the barbarian feature.

Monk

Receives level 3 feature at level 3.

Receives level 6 feature at level 6.

Receives level 10 feature at level 11.

And, receives the level 14 feature at level 17.

Any feature gained, which is normally associated with Rage ability, may instead be used by expending 1 Ki Point, lasting for a full minute.

Paladin

Receives level 3 feature at level 3.

Receives level 6 feature at level 7.

Receives level 10 feature at level 15.

And, receives the level 14 feature at level 20.

Any feature gained, which is normally associated with Rage ability, may instead be used by expending 1 use of Channel Divinity. If multiple abilities could be used simultaneously during a single Rage, any number of them may be activated together, with a single activation.

Finally, at level 20, the Paladin learns the Relentless Rage ability of a barbarian. The Paladin may use this ability even when they are not Raging. The DC of the Constitution Saving throw is reset whenever the Paladin takes a short or a long rest.

Ranger

Receives level 3 feature at level 3.

Receives level 6 feature at level 7.

Receives level 10 feature at level 11.

And, receives the level 14 feature at level 15.

Rogue

Receives level 3 feature at level 3.

Receives level 6 feature at level 9.

Receives level 10 feature at level 13.

And, receives the level 14 feature at level 17.

Additionally, at level 3 the Rogue learns their choice of the Barbarians Reckless Attack or Danger Sense abilities.

Sorcerer

Receives level 3 feature at level 1.

Receives level 6 feature at level 1.

Receives level 10 feature at level 14.

And, receives the level 14 feature at level 18.

Any feature gained, which is normally associated with Rage ability, may instead be used by expending 2 Sorcery Points, lasting for a full minute.

At level 1, the Sorcerer also gains the Barbarians Unarmored Defense ability.

Warlock

Receives level 3 feature at level 1.

Receives level 6, 10 and 14 features, all at their normal levels.

Wizard

Receives level 3 feature at level 2.

Receives level 6, 10 and 14 features, all at their normal levels.

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