1e Barbarian
 

Has anyone played or DMed a barbarian? They seem of limited use to me. And a bit ridiculous - at level 8 and above they can call a barbarian horde...

Re: 1e Barbarian
 

Nope - I dunno, I never really liked 'em. :)

I haven't even played one in any of the D&D-related games that I have that have barbarians (Baldur's Gate 2, Temple of Elemental Evil).

12 hp/level is also quite a lot, I think (if monsters get only 8).

Re: 1e Barbarian
 

I've never played one either. I don't think I've been in any pen and paper games where they were even allowed. :) So, I guess that limits my playing one, but I wouldn't have chosen it any way.

I've always operated under the rule that being a barbarian is like being any other nationality, like a Thayan or Cormyrian. Perhaps the best known barbarian in the Forgotten Realms is Wulfgar who was raised a barbarian, but had the class of fighter.

Re: 1e Barbarian
 

The Realms (from 2e on) had no "barbarians" as a class anymore, which is why Wulfgar was a fighter, I think. :)

In Greyhawk and 1e Realms, there were specific regions from which barbarians came from, I think... I forget the particular names, though.

But anyway - barbarians were kind of stupid... :D Still, including them for completeness is still a nice idea. (Along with the unfairly-strong cavaliers)

Re: 1e Barbarian
 

Wulfgar started in 1e, but maybe because the novels were setting up for 2e. :)

I agree about inclusion for barbarians and cavaliers. Using Unearthed Arcana changes the paladin quite a bit, too. They are essentially super cavaliers.

Re: 1e Barbarian
 

I played a barbarian in Baldur's Gate II (which is *mostly* 2e)....they just had different prefs and armor limitations, etc.

Re: 1e Barbarian
 

The "barbarians" in 2e were a kit for fighters. They weren't as ridiculous as 1e barbarians, they were more a back-story or reasons for certain proficiencies.

Was Baldur's Gate II the last 2e game? Or was Icewind Dale II the last 2e game? Where's a wiki when you need one. ;)

Re: 1e Barbarian
 

I think it was Icewind Dale I that was last? I forget.

Re: 1e Barbarian
 

Well, it can't be Icewind Dale I, that would be silly. :) Perhaps you meant "II"? :D:D:D

Re: 1e Barbarian
 

Icewind Dale II was 3rd ed, so BG2 was probably the last 2nd ed (or 2.5 ed as some people call it) game.