The Quintessential Barbarian
The Quintessential Barbarian cover
| Author | Robert Schwalb |
| Series | Quintessential Series |
| Publisher | Mongoose Publishing |
| Publish date | 2003 |
| Pages | 128 |
| ISBN | 1-903980-92-5 |
| OGL Section 15 | qbbn |
The material below is considered Open Game Content
Forest
Any area of land, hilly, mountainous or flat, mostly covered in trees qualifies as a forest. This region includes rainforests and the endless expanses of coniferous woods of the northern climates. Deciduous or coniferous, it makes little difference to the arboreal barbarian. Obviously, plant life in a forest is abundant. Likewise, forests are home to a wide number of animals and insects. Replete with many water sources, dwelling in the forest can prove to be a relatively popular choice for many tribes. The downside to this
region is that it is also home to all manner of nasty predators. Surpassed only by subterranean settings, forests can be very
dangerous places.
Adventuring: As mentioned above, forests are home to things wishing to hide, hunt and eat. These locations harbour many dangerous monsters. Considering this, many communities fall prey to the wandering bulette, athach or giant. Some barbarians flee the destruction of their homelands to make do in another land. Others fight back against civilisation’s encroachment. After numerous raids, they fight a losing battle, succumbing to the advance of ‘civilisation’.
Roleplaying: Forest barbarians are usually smaller, dextrous cousins to their typical counterparts. Accustomed to hiding and moving quietly through woodlands and jungles, they can easily blend into natural surroundings. Once removed from the safety of the forest, they stand out, awkward and out of place. Their personalities tend to reflect their physical behaviour, losing confidence in the open, yet dangerously wicked when camouflaged.
Benefit Menu: Depending on the technology level of their native community, characters from Forest regions may choose up to three of the following benefits: +4 competence bonus to Hide checks while in forest terrain, Alertness feat, +4 competence bonus to Move Silently while in forest terrain, Profession (guide) as a class skill, or Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Blowgun).
