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
Orc Champion
Orcs are a violent race whose values rest primarily upon strength of arms. The value of a single orc is minuscule if he is lacking in martial prowess. Therefore, all orcs have some modicum of fighting ability. Rising above them all is the orc champion. This barbarian does nothing for himself beyond fight. He is killing personified. Determining who will be the champion in any given clan requires a brutal fight to the death amongst all of the young orcs who would compete. The conflict is bare-fisted and is thus extremely brutal.
The last orc standing is the victor and represents orc interests in the world of men.
Adventuring: Orcs expect their champion to venture into the world, amassing treasure and spreading destruction amongst the clan’s enemies. Many champions come from Half-Orc stock, for entering the pits is usually their only means to earn respect and a place in the society. Once allowed to depart and make their way through the world, they often find their brutal past is not in accordance with accepted civilised behaviour. So, many join with other adventurers seeking a life among peers rather than enemies.
Role-playing: The champion is proud, arrogant and haughty. Though estranged from his clan, he believes his primary responsibility is to represent the interests of his people. He views everything as a contest and any slight as a challenge to his authority and honour. Furthermore, bred for combat, he has little in the way of skills or personality. He is a difficult companion, although he more than makes up for his unusual attitudes by his offensive capabilities.
Benefits: His people train him from birth to join the ranks of the champions. His training provides the Improved Unarmed Combat feat as a bonus feat. In addition, his unarmed attacks inflict 1d6 points of damage instead of 1d2.
Penalties: Only knowing how to fight, the champion lacks any useful skills. Therefore, he receives (2 + Int modifier) x4 at first level and receives 2 + Int modifier at every succeeding level.
