The Barbarian's Personality (CBarbH)

To role-play a barbarian effectively, get a handle on his personality. The more you know about what makes him tick, the more realistically he'll behave. You'll also understand better how he relates to his companions, responds to NPCs, and reacts in combat.

You might begin by consulting previous volumes in the Complete Handbook series. The books (Complete Fighter, Priest, Wizard, Thief, and others) include lists of archetypes drawn from literature, film, and other fictional and mythological sources. Many of these archetypes can be adapted to barbarian characters. The Complete Warrior's Handbook and The Complete Priest's Handbook are especially helpful; look at the Brash Youth, the Crude Crusher, and the Dangerous Antagonist in the former, and the Crusader, the Earnest Novice, and the Proselytizer in the latter.

The Complete Bard's Handbook features tables that can randomly determine personality traits. Most traits apply to any type of character, barbarians included.

The Complete Ranger's Handbook explains how to summarize a character's personality with a single word, called the defining characteristic. Although a character's personality is composed of many elements, the defining characteristic is the most dominant, the trait from which all other personality components arise. Below, we list several possibilities applicable to barbarians.

There's no best way to choose a defining characteristic, but you'll know you're on the right track if a particular characteristic seems to fit your conception of the character. For instance, if you picture your barbarian constantly examining outworld items, his defining characteristic might be Curious. If you see him as happy-go-lucky, he might be Playful. The descriptions below are intentionally vague, allowing for a broad range of personal interpretations.

You may also select secondary traits to compliment the defining characteristic. Each entry below lists a number of options. Choose one or two that appeal to you, or make up your own. Any secondary traits are fine, so long as they don't contradict the defining characteristic; a Playful paladin might be inquisitive but he's unlikely to be sullen. Feel free to mix and match the secondary traits, or you may ignore them altogether.

Some kits work better with certain characteristics, and each entry lists suggestions. But don't feel restricted by them. Use any characteristic with any kit that feels right to you.

List of Defining Characteristics[]

Comforting[]

Wise, thoughtful, and empathetic, the comforting barbarian serves as an advisor and caretaker. He is a tireless advocate for the weak and the dispossessed. His soothing demeanor transcends cultural differences; regardless of their race or background, the troubled seek him out for counsel, the doubtful come for reassurance. He prefers to leave leadership roles to others, though he stands ready to make decisions should the need arise.

Secondary Traits: Humble, quiet, stern, reverent, nurturing, tireless.

Suggested Kits: Dreamwalker, Medicine Man/Medicine Woman, Plainsrider, Seer.

Curious[]

The curious barbarian delights in the world around him. Insatiably inquisitive, his interests know few limits. He can spend an afternoon watching a spider spin a web or a lioness groom her cubs. He runs his hands over trees to feel the texture of the bark, sniffs old bones for unusual odors, and smacks stones together to hear what sounds they make. Where other barbarians view the outworld as intimidating, even frightening, the curious barbarian sees it as a source of endless wonder. He's fascinated by outworlders' clothing, awed by their weapons, amazed by their magic. His curiosity often frustrates his companions; while they're anxious to get moving, he may be lingering behind to fish pebbles from a pond.

Secondary Traits: Analytical, careless, friendly, happy, humorous, laconic.

Suggested Kits: Brushrunner, Brute, Dreamwalker, Flamespeaker, Islander.

Fearless[]

The fearless barbarian's matchless skill on the battlefield makes him a formidable combatant and a natural leader. No enemy is too fierce, no task too daunting, no monster too ghastly. He takes charge when others hesitate, storming an opponent's stronghold, striding through a shadowy labyrinth, challenging a defiant dragon. Though quick to act, he is by no means careless, relying on common sense and the lessons of experience.

Secondary Traits: Bold, serious, virtuous, honest, troubled, flamboyant.

Suggested Kits: Forest Lord, Wizard Slayer, Plainsrider, Ravager, Witchman.

Grim[]

The grim barbarian sees life as a series of obstacles, an essentially joyless experience where good intentions are thwarted by calamitous whims of fate. He has seen too much misery to believe in the dominance of benevolent spirits; supernatural entities exist primarily to torment and hinder the living. Though he may fight tirelessly to promote his ideals, he fears his efforts may be futile, that evil will triumph in the end despite his best efforts. Taking himself seriously—perhaps too seriously—he scoffs at recreation as a waste of time and resists efforts from his friends to cheer him up.

Secondary Traits: Intimidating, angry, philosophic, courageous, melancholy, quiet.

Suggested Kits: Forest Lord, Wizard Slayer, Ravager, Plainsrider, Spiritist, Witchman.

Homesick[]

Though he works hard, supports his companions, and tries to be positive, the homesick barbarian can't hide how much he misses his homeland. Perhaps he is an exile. Or perhaps his homeland no longer exists, destroyed in a natural disaster or conquered by ruthless invaders. In any event, his chances of being reunited with his people seem remote at best, filling him with melancholy and longing. He reminisces incessantly, and cherishes childhood mementos as his most prized possessions.

Secondary Traits: Talkative, sad, tentative, friendly, cynical, brave.

Impulsive[]

The impulsive barbarian acts on the spur of the moment, responding to his immediate needs, scoffing at those who squander their time with planning. He prefers action to conversation, confident that sympathetic spirits will keep him out of trouble. On the battlefield, he attacks furiously and without hesitation. He is generous to a fault, handing over his dinner to a hungry stranger or giving his only horse to a friend with sore feet. His companions find him amusing, unpredictable, even inspiring; he seems to take more pleasure from life than those who deliberate over every move, even though his impetuousness often gets him in trouble.

Secondary Traits: Outgoing, impatient, tactless, energetic, truthful, amiable.

Suggested Kits: Brushrunner, Flamespeaker, Islander, Witchman.

Playful[]

The playful barbarian lives for fun and games. He chases rabbits for sport, puts dead mice in a friend's backpack as a joke, and hangs upside down from a tree limb just to see what it feels like. He relishes combat for the sheer exhilaration of smashing his enemy's skull. He always has a smile on face, no matter how bleak the situation, and attempts to boost his party's morale with mischievous antics. If he has problems, he keeps them to himself, confident that bad times will eventually give way to good.

Secondary Traits: Undependable, flippant, optimistic, cheery, shallow, shrewd.

Suggested Kits: Brushrunner, Dreamwalker, Flamespeaker, Islander.

Proud[]

Brimming with self-assurance, the proud barbarian considers himself the living embodiment of everything good about his people and his culture. He is unwavering in his determination, secure in the righteousness of his cause, and confident that his actions will bring honor to his homeland and his ancestors. He holds himself to the highest standards, and expects himself to set an example for others to follow. Where others falter, the proud barbarian perseveres.

Secondary Traits: Boisterous, arrogant, optimistic, haughty, quick-witted, reflective.

Savage[]

Unforgiving and ferocious, the savage barbarian glories in warfare. He exists to dominate and conquer, recounting lurid tales of the spilled blood of his enemies. He crushes his foes with remorseless fury. He dismisses the civilized world as a culture of weaklings and believes himself the equal of any outworld warrior. Though loyal to his friends, he is hot-tempered and easily insulted; a companion who makes a disparaging remark may find himself slammed to the ground, a dagger an inch from his eye.

Secondary Traits; Brave, abrasive, haughty, violent, unapproachable, passionate.

Suggested Kits: Brute, Wizard Slayer, Plainsrider, Ravager, Witchman.

Selfless[]

Deeply religious, the selfless barbarian believes he was brought into the world to help others, and puts the welfare of the needy above his own. He is considerate, charitable, and compassionate. If a companion rips her cape, he volunteers to repair it. If a warrior loses his shield, he helps him make another. If a mount dies, he oversees the services necessary to ensure a safe passage into the afterlife. With an abiding respect for the spirit world, he looks to his ancestors for guidance, heedful of the insights they reveal to him through omens and dreams.

Secondary Traits: Soft-spoken, ponderous, dignified, cautious,, introverted, courteous.

Suggested Kits: Dreamwalker, Islander, Medicine Man/Medicine Woman, Seer.

Suspicious[]

Uncomfortable with friends and strangers alike, the suspicious barbarian remains aloof, distrustful of the motives of others. Though willing to cooperate with his party to achieve a common goal, he withdraws as soon as the goal is achieved. The outworld fills him with anxiety; he presumes that danger lurks around every corner. The reason for his chronic unease often lies buried in his past; a trusted friend may have betrayed him, a parent may have abandoned him as a child, or an honored leader may have been revealed as a traitor.

Secondary Traits: Moody, lonely, angry, resigned, thoughtful, determined.

Suggested Kits: Brute, Flamespeaker, Forest Lord, Ravager, Spiritist.