Nothing says “RAGE!” like a halfling, right? Well, despite what you think, halfling barbarians may just be the thing to add some sizzle to your campaign. Halflings may seem like unlikely choices for Barbarians. Still, you can create a fun and practical character in combat with creativity. In this guide, we will explore the traits of Halflings and Barbarians, the best subclasses for a Halfling Barbarian, strengths, and weaknesses, starting equipment options, creating a fantastic backstory, roleplaying strategies, and answer some common questions about Halfling Barbarians.
Halflings are small in stature, usually standing around three feet tall. They have nimble fingers and toes, making them surprisingly agile. Halflings are also known for their bravery and quick thinking, which can be helpful in combat situations. However, they are less strong and durable than some other races, making them less effective as fighters when compared to characters like humans or half-orcs. Halflings also have the Lucky racial trait, which allows them to reroll any 1s on attack rolls, ability checks, or saving throws. They also gain the “Brave” racial trait, which gives them advantage against being frightened.
Barbarians are potent warriors that rely on their brute strength in battle. They are known for their ability to enter a rage, which increases their damage output and resistance to damage. Barbarians also have a wide range of skills and proficiencies, making them versatile characters in combat. However, they can be impulsive and prone to anger outside of battle, which can get them into trouble. Among other things, barbarians gain the following features at level 1:
“Proficiencies
Player’s Handbook
Armor: Light armor, medium armor, shields
Weapons: Simple weapons, martial weapons
Tools: None
Saving Throws: Strength, Constitution
Skills: Choose two from Animal Handling, Athletics, Intimidation, Nature, Perception, and Survival
Rage
Unarmored Defense“
As mentioned, a Halfling Barbarian’s main strengths are agility, bravery, and quick thinking. They are also less intimidating, which may be helpful in negotiations or social situations. However, their small size and lack of physical strength can be a disadvantage in combat, especially when using heavy weapons or armor.
The best subclass for a Halfling Barbarian is one that accentuates their strengths while mitigating their weaknesses. Some good options include the Path of the Totem Warrior, which allows the Barbarian to choose from different animal spirits to gain benefits like increased mobility or resistance to certain types of damage. The Path of the Ancestral Guardian is also a good choice for Halflings, as it allows them to protect their allies from harm and reduces the damage they take themselves.
When creating a Halfling Barbarian, some good starting equipment options include a shield for additional protection and a versatile weapon like a battleaxe or mace. Investing in some ranged weapons like a short bow is also a good idea, so you can attack from a distance if needed. Too many barbarians neglect the ranged attacks that could be just as devastating. Because halflings get a +2 to their Dexterity in 5e, having a ranged attack just makes sense. Couple that with the fact that Halflings have a base walking speed of 25, which is just below the average walking speed of other races; a ranged halfling barbarian seems like a smart move.
Maybe, the most crucial aspect of any D&D character is their backstory. When creating a Halfling Barbarian, consider where they come from and what drove them to become warriors. Maybe they were forced to leave their home and seek revenge against those that wronged them. Or perhaps they come from a proud lineage of Barbarians and want to prove themselves to their family and tribe. In most settings, seeing a halfling barbarian will be abnormal. Bring that into the character’s backstory and make it a point to accentuate their personality.
Playing a Halfling Barbarian can be a lot of fun, especially when it comes to roleplaying them. You can emphasize their bravery by constantly taking on challenges that seem too big for them or their quick thinking by coming up with creative solutions to problems. You can also highlight their impulsive nature by making rash decisions in social situations or their tenderness by showing compassion and empathy towards their allies. You’ll have no shortage of fun roleplaying encounters by pairing a halfling and a barbarian.
Yes! In fact, Halflings can make great Barbarians with the right build and subclass.
Halflings are generally not strong enough to effectively wield great weapons, so it is not advised. However, with the right feat (Great Weapon Master) and the right DM, you could make it happen.
Halflings can use any light and manageable weapon (i.e., simple weapons). Some good options include short swords, daggers, and hand axes.
Creating a Halfling Barbarian can be a fun and rewarding experience for Dungeon Masters and players. You can create a unique and engaging character with the right subclass, starting equipment, and backstory to keep the game interesting. So give it a try! See what adventures await your little Barbarian?
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