Barbarian, Explorer

Some barbarian leave their native homes to seek out new people, lands, civilisations and wonders.

The Quintessential Barbarian
Author Robert Schwalb
Series Quintessential Series
Publisher Mongoose Publishing
Publish date 2003

As explorers, they are always on the move trying to find new places to colonise, new vistas to reach. Some explorers travel across the wide seas seeking new ground to conquer and settle. Others seek the great battlefields where the gods of might and valour sport with mortals. In barbarian cultures, these rare few realise the world is bigger than they are and so they are worldlier than their typical counterparts.

Adventuring: Explorers explore. It is in their blood; they hear the call of wanderlust and succumb to its cloying voice. Explorers will often unite with other adventurers, especially when new lands are to be discovered, new treasure available for the taking. Motivated by knowledge and the acquisition of it, they will be less bold in wiping out hordes of humanoids. Rather, they would learn from them, discovering how their people function as opposed to their own. On the other hand, explorers lack a certain amount of common sense; they will venture into dangerous areas more readily than others as such places might harbour some waiting secret. Adventuring is the overarching goal of any explorer and thereby makes it the quintessential choice for any explorer.

Role-playing: Explorers are full of questions. Their size and potential for violence due to their savage streak makes them unusual conversationalists. They will press for almost any action that will push the limits of exploration, seeking to outdo those who have done so before. In addition to their aggressive behaviour, these barbarian are more tolerant of magic and sorcery. They understand other cultures adhere to different values. While the barbarian may not appreciate them fully, he will always be respectful.

Benefits: Explorers must work with maps, notes and instruments. Therefore, these characters have a wider selection of skills than other barbarians.

All explorers may purchase literacy for 1 skill point instead of 2 due to their abundant thirst for knowledge. Explorers receive 6 + Intelligence modifier x 4 at first level and 6 + Intelligence modifier every succeeding level. Explorers have access to the following skills: Craft (Wisdom), Diplomacy (Charisma), Gather Information (Charisma), Intimidate (Charisma), Knowledge (Geography) (Intelligence), Profession (sailor) (Wisdom), Ride (Dexterity), Search (Intelligence), Sense Motive (Wisdom), Speak Language and Survival (Wisdom).

Penalties: Explorers rely on transportation in their travels and so they do not gain the Fast Movement class ability. In addition, their greater refinement and self-control limits the explorer’s rage. Explorers gain a +2 to Strength and Constitution, +1 morale bonus to Will saves, -2 penalty to AC and this rage only lasts for 1 round + the newly improved Constitution modifier. In all other respects, the rage functions normally.