Berserker of Ragnarok (3.5e Class)

Berserker of Ragnarok

Or Son of Ragnarok... Neither Barbarian nor Fighter, He is ruthless, efficient, and precise. For some, there is only rage. In the ways of their people, in the fury of their passion, in the howl of battle, conflict is all these brutal souls know. Savages, hired muscle, masters of vicious martial techniques, they are not soldiers or professional warriors—they are the battle possessed, creatures of slaughter and spirits of war. Known as barbarians, these warmongers know little of training, preparation, or the rules of warfare; for them, only the moment exists, with the foes that stand before them and the knowledge that the next moment might hold their death. They possess a sixth sense in regard to danger and the endurance to weather all that might entail. These brutal warriors might rise from all walks of life, both civilized and savage, though whole societies embracing such philosophies roam the wild places of the world. Within berserkers storms the primal spirit of battle, and woe to those who face their rage.

Role

Berserker of Ragnarok excels in combat, possessing the martial prowess and fortitude to take on foes seemingly far superior to themselves. With rage granting them boldness and daring beyond that of most other warriors, Berserker of Ragnarok charge furiously into battle and ruin all who would stand in their way. Their ability to withstand punishment is legendary among many planes of existence. They are capable of holding the line of defense with his great axe and heavy full plate as efficiently as a small phalanx.

Making a Berserker of Ragnarok

Alignment: Any nonlawful.

Starting Age: Simple.

Table: The Berserker of Ragnarok

Hit Die: d12

Level	Base Attack Bonus	Saving Throws			Special
		Fort	Ref	Will
1st	+6/+1	+2	+2	+2	Northland life (survival), Northland rage 1/day
2nd	+7/+2	+3	+3	+3	Uncanny dodge
3rd	+8/+3	+3	+3	+3	Resist cold 5, Trap Sense +1
4th	+9/+4	+4	+4	+4	Northland rage 2/day
5th	+10/+5	+4	+4	+4	Improved uncanny dodge, Northland life (stealth)
6th	+11/+6/+1	+5	+5	+5	Resist cold 10, Trap Sense +2
7th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+5	+5	Damage reduction 1/—
8th	+13/+8/+3	+6	+6	+6	Northland rage 3/day
9th	+14/+9/+4	+6	+6	+6	Resist cold 15, Trap Sense +3
10th	+15/+10/+5	+7	+7	+7	Northland life (swift tracker), Damage reduction 2/—
11th	+16/+11/+6/+1	+7	+7	+7	Runic Forging
12th	+17/+12/+7/+2	+8	+8	+8	Northland rage 4/day, resist cold 20, Trap Sense +4
13th	+18/+13/+8/+3	+8	+8	+8	Greater Northland rage, Damage reduction 3/—
14th	+19/+14/+9/+4	+9	+9	+9	Indomitable will
15th	+20/+15/+10+5	+9	+9	+9	Resist cold 25, Northland stride, Trap Sense +5
16th	+21/+16/+11/+6	+10	+10	+10	Damage reduction 4/—, Northland rage 5/day
17th	+22/+17/+12/+7	+10	+10	+10	Tireless rage
18th	+23/+18/+13/+8	+11	+11	+11	Resist cold 30,Trap Sense +6
19th	+24/+19/+14/+9	+12	+12	+12	Mighty Northland rage, Damage reduction 5/—
20th	+25/+20/+15/+10	+13	+13	+13	Improved northland stride, northland rage 6/day,Titanic rage
Class Skills (4 + Int modifier per level, ×4 at 1st level) Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Ride (Dex), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str).

Class Features

All of the following are class features of the Berserker of Ragnarok.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A Berserker of Ragnarok is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, light armor, medium armor, and heavy armor.

Northland Life (Ex): Due to the extreme nature of his native environment, the Berserker of Ragnarok is a tough survivor capable of thriving amidst the harshest of climates. At 1st level, he gains a +4 insight bonus to all Survival skill checks made in any cold environment. At 5th level, the Berserker of Ragnarok’s familiarity with his native land is so attuned that he gains a +2 insight bonus to all Hide, Listen, and Move Silently checks made in cold terrain. By the time he reaches 10th level, the Berserker of Ragnarok learns how to move swiftly through his homeland while tracking. He can move at his normal speed while following tracks in any cold environment without taking the normal -5 penalty. Furthermore, he only takes a -10 penalty (instead of the normal -20) when moving at up to twice his normal speed while tracking in such terrain.

Northland Rage (Ex): Like most barbarians, the Berserker of Ragnarok can fly into a fit of rage a number of times per day. Their frenzy, however, is quieter and more controlled. Indeed, the men from the far north also learned to keep their voice and emotions in check during their outbursts. While raging, a Berserker of Ragnarok gains extraordinary physical power and strength of will. In a rage, the berserker gains a temporary +4 enhancement bonus to Strength,Constitution as well as a +4 morale bonus to all Will saving throws. In addition, they do not suffer an AC penalty while enraged.

Additionally, the northland rage produces a fear effect. Any foe with fewer Hit Dice than the berzerker within 30 ft. of him must succeed at a Will save (DC 15 + berserker’s level) or become shaken for 1d4 rounds. Those who have witnessed this rage before gain a +2 bonus to their Will saving throw. An opponent who successfully saves against the fear effect of the northland rage cannot be affected by the same Berserker of Ragnarok’s rage for a period of 24 hours.

A fit of rage lasts for 6 rounds plus the character’s Constitution modifier. A Berserker of Ragnarok may prematurely end his rage. At the end of the rage, he loses the rage modifiers and becomes fatigued (-2 penalty to Strength, -2 penalty to Dexterity, unable to charge or run) for the duration of the current encounter. A Berserker of Ragnarok can fly into a fit of rage only once per encounter. At 1st level, he can use his rage once per day. At 4th level and every four levels thereafter, he can use it one additional time per day (up to a maximum of six times per day at 20th level). Entering a rage is a free action, but the Berserker of Ragnarok must do so on his own initiative action.

Uncanny Dodge (Ex): At 2nd level, a Berserker of Ragnarok retains his Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) even if he is caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. However, he still loses his Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized. If a Berserker of Ragnarok already has uncanny dodge from a different class, he automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead.

Resist Cold (Ex): At 3rd level, the Berserker of Ragnarok become so accustomed to the harsh elements of his native homeland that he gains the extraordinary ability to shrug off some of the damage he receives from cold energy. Effectively, the Berserker of Ragnarok gains energy resistance 5 against cold, meaning each time he is subjected to cold damage, whether from natural or magical source, this damage is reduced by 5 points before being applied to his hit points. The value of the cold resistance increases by 5 every three levels thereafter (10 points at 6th level, 15 points at 9th, and so on).

Improved Uncanny Dodge (Ex): At 5th level and higher, a Berserker of Ragnarok can no longer be flanked. This defense denies a rogue the ability to sneak attack the Berserker of Ragnarok by flanking him, unless the attacker has at least four more rogue levels than the target has Berserker of Ragnarok levels. If a character already has uncanny dodge from a second class, the character automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead, and the levels from the classes that grant uncanny dodge stack to determine the minimum level a rogue must be to flank the character.

Damage Reduction (Ex): At 7th level, a berserker gains Damage Reduction. Subtract 1 from the damage the Berserker of Ragnarok takes each time he is dealt damage from a weapon or a natural attack. At 10th level, and every three Berserker of Ragnarok levels thereafter (13th, 16th, and 19th level), this damage reduction rises by 1 point. Damage reduction can reduce damage to 0 but not below 0.

Runic Forging (Ex): At 11th level, the Berserker of Ragnarok gains the knowledge of Runic Forging. He will be able to start hunting for Runite Ore deposits (will require at least an adamantine pickaxe to harvest) and imbue the metal with ritualistic runes. creating armor and weapons with a hardness of 60/all and 1000 hp, which the metal can heal itself as if it has the Regeneration ability. This will restore 5hp per round to the armor or weapon.

Greater Northland Rage (Ex): At 13th level, a Berserker of Ragnarok’s rage bonus to Strength,Constitution, as well as his morale bonus on Will saves, increases to +6.

Indomitable Will (Ex): While in a rage, a Berserker of Ragnarok of 14th level or higher gains a +4 bonus on Will saves to resist enchantment spells. This bonus stacks with all other modifiers, including the morale bonus on Will saves he also receives during his rage.

Northland Stride (Ex): Starting at 15th level, a Berserker of Ragnarok may move through any sort of snowy and icy terrain at his normal speed and without taking any damage or suffering any other impairment. However, enchanted or magically manipulated frost, ice, and snow restricting movement affect him normally.

Tireless Rage (Ex): At 17th level and higher, a Berserker of Ragnarok no longer becomes fatigued at the end of his rage.

Mighty Northland Rage (Ex): At 19th level, a berzerker’s bonuses to Strength and Constitution during his rage, as well as his morale bonus on Will saves, increase to +8.

Improved Northland Stride (Ex): When he attains 20th level, the Berserker of Ragnarok can move upon any snowy or icy surface unhindered, regardless of whether it is natural or not.

Titanic Rage (Ex): At 20th level, a Berserker of Ragnarok’s bonuses to Strength and Constitution during his rage, as well as his morale bonus on Will saves, increase to +10. The rage now lasts until the end of the encounter without any penalty.

Ex-Berserker of Ragnarok

A Berserker of Ragnarok who becomes lawful loses the ability to rage and cannot gain more levels as a Berserker of Ragnarok. He retains all the other benefits of the class.

Epic Berserker of Ragnarok

Table: The Epic Berserker of Ragnarok

Hit Die: d12

Level	Base Attack Bonus	N/A	Special
		N/A
21st	+26/+21/+16/+11		Resist cold 35,Trap Sense +7
22nd	+27/+22/+17/+12		Damage reduction 6/—
23rd	+28/+23/+18/+13
24th	+29/+24/+19/+14		Titanic rage 7/day, Bonus Feats, Resist cold 40,Trap Sense +8
25th	+30/+25/+20/+15		Damage reduction 7/—
26th	+31/+26/+21/+16
27th	+32/+27/+22/+17		Resist cold 45,Trap Sense +9
28th	+33/+28/+23/+18		Titanic rage 8/day, Bonus Feats, Damage reduction 8/—
29th	+34/+29/+24/+19
30th	+35/+30/+25/+20		Resist cold 50,Trap Sense +10
Class Skills (4 + Int modifier per level) from 21 and onward Titanic Rage: The epic Berserker of Ragnarok gains one use of rage per day every four levels after 20th. Trap Sense (Ex): The epic Berserker of Ragnarok’s bonus increases by +1 every three levels higher than 18th. Damage Reduction (Ex): The epic Berserker of Ragnarok’s damage reduction increases by 1 point every three levels higher than 19th.

Bonus Feats: The epic Berserker of Ragnarok gains a bonus feat every four levels higher than 20th. Epic Berserker of Ragnarok Bonus Feat (Same as an Epic Barbarian's) List: Armor Skin, Chaotic Rage, Damage Reduction, Devastating Critical, Dire Charge, Epic Endurance, Epic Prowess, Epic Speed, Epic Toughness, Epic Weapon Focus, Fast Healing, Incite Rage, Legendary Climber, Legendary Leaper, Legendary Rider, Legendary Tracker, Legendary Wrestler, Mighty Rage, Overwhelming Critical, Ruinous Rage, Terrifying Rage, Thundering Rage.

Human Berserker of Ragnarok Starting Package

Armor: Full Plate (+8 AC, armor check penalty -6, +1 dex, speed 30 ft, 50lbs)

Weapons: Greataxe (1d12, crit x3, 12lbs, two-handed, slashing) / Shortbow (1d6, crit x3, range inc. 60ft, 2lbs, piercing)

Skill Selection: Pick a number of skills equal to 4 + Int modifier.

Feat: Weapon Focus (Greataxe)

Gear: Backpack with waterskin, one day’s trail rations, bedroll, sack, and flint & steel. Quiver with 20 arrows.

Gold (1d4x10) +15

Campaign Information

Playing a Berserker of Ragnarok

Religion: The Berserker of Ragnarok is considered to be a harbinger of the end times. Religion is of little concern to the Berserker of Ragnarok, though Odin would be a likely candidate if one existed. In essence, he is concerned with only bringing balance to the forces that bring life to his kind.

Other Classes: Barbarians enjoy the sheer ferocity, monks can appreciate the dedicated time spent on precision. For the most part, most classes are wary of these engines of destruction... Any civilization aware of their legends is skeptical of having such a thing in their midst. The key to their interactions is the simply irregularity in the berserker's approach to everything.

Combat: Pure front line melee combat! This is the kingdom of existence in which the Berserker of Ragnarok reigns supreme. Few will ever stand against him and live to tell the tail, as a warning to those who would try to.

Advancement: Typically it is not necessary to multiclass, as the benefit of the high tier berserker can often outweigh the benefit of a second class. BUT as long as you remain a non-lawful alignment and remember your focus in front line combat... anything complementary would be a boon to your character's playability.

Berserker of Ragnarok's in the World

“	Hell hath no fury like a berserker scorn	”
—Grummosh, Ancient Blackscale Lizardfolk, Berserker of Ragnarok

Where characters of this class fit in a d20 world.

Daily Life: Loan wanderers, generals in an army or mercenary hitman for higher... War is the only thing a Berserker of Ragnarok will ever want and ever know.

Notables: try finding one, it's just that easy!

Organizations: Rifts between the Martial plan and demonic planes are a common place for these folk. Often summoned by lords of the land offering the best coin.

NPC Reactions: Their stoic expression with the "1000 yard gaze" leaves most unwilling to spark conversation. Although well educated on what they hunt, social edict is not their strong suit.

Berserker of Ragnarok Lore

Characters with ranks in Knowledge: The Plains can research Berserker of Ragnarok's to learn more about them. When a character makes a skill check, read or paraphrase the following, including information from lower DCs.

Knowledge: The Plains

DC	Result
15	(Common) Well versed in combat, strategy and hold an inner rage rivaling even the fiercest Barbarian.
20	(Uncommon) Sons of Odin, Harbingers of Sanctuary are a few names he has been known by. (plus any common info)
25	(Rare) They are cast in the ideal image of Odin, from all the races walking the martial plain. Only summoned to prevent the collapse of the planar boundaries, but may never return to rest. (plus any uncommon or common info)
30	(Extremely Rare) These immortal soldiers are forged from the flesh of a god and that of a common race from the Martial Plane. They are capable of Runite forging and Runic imbuing, which are lost arts of an ancient bygone age. Producing equipment made to last longer than the immortal races themselves. These smiths and berserking warriors are often the keys to turning a battle in their forces favor. But beware unleashing a full army of Ragnarok, it may be the very last thing we'll ever do! (plus any rare, uncommon & common info)

Berserker of Ragnarok in the Game

How characters of this class fit in the game (PC and NPC) and what roles they play.

Their job is simple, to be the first and last line of defense in any party. As a heavily armored and well-trained combatant, their soul purpose of to be a force of their own on the battlefield. Though self-sufficient a Son of Ragnarok will never turn down a helping hand when one is offered. Honor and respect is his ultimate goal as nothing means more than to feast in the halls of Valhalla. Though they have the wisdom to understand pride is not everything it's cracked up to be.

Imagine how a higher level barbarian with a few levels in fighter would sound like? Master of martial skills and combat, Expert with weapons and armor of their choosing... Couple that intensive constant training with a raw wild fury able to inspire awe and terror alike. There you just may have a basis on this class in the world.

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