Rage Against the Machine
Barbarians. They may be big, dumb, stupid brutes, but damned if they aren’t fun to play, despite that (or, perhaps, because of it). Part of the reason is that it can be fun to play the simplistic savage, who doesn’t understand what’s going on, but doesn’t let it stop him from smashing things. Another part of it is the feeling of primal joy you get from the raw physical might the barbarian wields.
But just because barbarians are supposed to be simple-minded doesn’t mean they need to be simplistic to play. Few people remain very entranced with a game when all they do each round is “full attack.” One great way to make barbarians more fun and exciting (not to mention customizable) is through rage powers. And, what luck, I have some new rage powers here for you to use in your game.
Avenging Strike (Ex): While raging, as a standard action, the barbarian can make a single melee attack against a creature that damaged her since the end of her last turn. If she hits, roll the damage dice for the attack twice and add the results together, and add double the normal bonus from Strength, but do not multiply weapon abilities (such as flaming), or precision-based damage (such as sneak attack). This bonus damage is not multiplied on a critical hit. At 15th level, roll the damage dice for the attack three times and add the results together, and triple the normal bonus from Strength, instead. The barbarian must be at least 8th level before selecting this rage power.
Furious Fortitude (Ex): At any time, the barbarian can expend 3 or more of her daily rounds of the rage class feature in order to gain a bonus on the next Fortitude save she makes to resist the effect of a poison or disease. The bonus is equal to 1/3 the number of rounds of rage sacrificed (so a character who sacrificed 6 rounds would gain a +2 bonus, one who sacrificed 9 rounds would gain a +3 bonus, and so on).
Heedless Blow (Ex): While raging, the first time each round that the barbarian makes an attack, she may choose to provoke an attack of opportunity from each creature who threatens her. If she does, she gains a bonus on all attack and damage rolls made that round equal to 1/4 her barbarian level (rounded down, minimum 1). The attacks of opportunity are resolved prior to the barbarian’s attack.
Ignore Poison (Ex): If the barbarian is subjected to poison while she is raging, she ignores the effects of that poison until after her rage ends. She still continues to make saving throws to resist the poison, but any negative effects are not applied until after her rage is ended, at which point they are applied all at once. The barbarian must be at least 12th level before selecting this rage power.
Terrible Blow (Ex): While raging, as a free action, the barbarian can cause her critical multiplier for damage to increase by 1 for all attacks made that round. The barbarian must use this ability before the attack roll is made in order for it to apply to a given attack. The barbarian can use this ability a number of times equal to 1/4 her barbarian level (rounded down) each time she rages. A barbarian must be at least 8th level before selecting this rage power.
Tough Feet (Ex): While raging, the barbarian can treat up to 10 feet of movement through difficult terrain each round as though it were not difficult terrain. Additionally, while raging, the barbarian is immune to the effects of caltrops, and the stone spike spell.
Vengeful Rage (Ex): While raging, whenever a creature successfully deals damage to the barbarian with an attack, she gains a +2 morale bonus to attack and damage rolls against that creature until the end of her next turn.
War Cry (Ex): While raging, as a full-round action, the barbarian can let out a primal shout of anger and fury. If she does, each creature within 10 feet of her must succeed on a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 her barbarian level + her Charisma modifier) or be shaken for 1d4 rounds. The barbarian must be at least 8th level to select this rage power.