Half-Orc Barbarian kit

Parasolsyndicate

In general, I like the barbarian, I think the flavor and feel of the class is generally good.
However, since the Dwarven Defender kit dropped, I feel they have a hard time catching up.
* both same d12 hit dice
*DD gets mastery, heavy armor
*DD stance buffs AC, Barbarian stance weakens AC
*Dwarf already has good saves
*DD gets resistance gradually, Barbarian at 11th level. (in other words, not in BG1)

The thing is though, most races have other ports of call. Barbarians can't dual or multiclass, and elves can always go ranger. My suggestion is something nice for the halforcs. Either an approved barbarian multiclass for halforcs,
or a specific kit they can qualify for. Clearly, a barbarian is the iconic half-orc.
Suggestions for the kit:
+1 AC every 4-5 levels (scarification)
+3 point mastery allowed, perhaps in specific weapons
+Earlier damage resistance
-not immune to backstabs
-no proficiency in ranged weapons (except dagger or axe)

This suggestion is equal parts balancing and flavor; while dwarven defenders will continue to be the best tank Charnames, this would give something unique to the halforcs.

Commentary and suggestions are welcomed (...mostly).

bbear

I think the barbarian kit is fine as is. The kit has access to the barbarian rage, which gives the character a bunch of nice immunities for 4 rounds. For half-orcs, they have access to 19 str and 19 con, which is a really powerful combo right there. Also, the immunity to backstab is nice. Basically, the barbarian can tank in front of weak melees like thieves, mages and clerics, but suffer against archers and fighters.

Parasolsyndicate

I believe barbarian's designated as a class, not a kit.
While the halforc's stats are nice, stat bonuses are available as treasure, while good classes aren't.
The lack of good splint mails coupled with the rage penalty really hurts AC, especially compared to the other d12 class. I think that's mostly fine.

But giving the Defender the same hit dice, more reliable spell immunity (via saves), heavy armor, earlier reduction, AND mastery doesn't seem entirely sporting.

Doesn't mean there needs to be an 'Orc Defender', but a slight nudge for the tusky ones would be nice.

Nifft

Internally, the Barbarian is a Fighter kit.

Parasolsyndicate

Nifft said:

Internally, the Barbarian is a Fighter kit.

I see. Well, that largely invalidates this suggestion, as I suspect kit kits won't work too well.

Parasolsyndicate

Although as a counterpoint to the above, Sorcerer is effectively a wizard kit, and it has a subtype now.

Eudaemonium

I don't think Sorcerer is *coded* as a Wizard kit, though, whcih is why you can't make a Fighter/Sorcerer dual or multi, even with save editing, since the engine doesn't allow it. You *can*, however, make a Barbarian dual or multi with save editing, as long as it's a valid Fighter combo.

Now I have the urge to make a Half-Orc Barbarian/Druid...

Kilivitz

BG2 Tweaks has a component called "expanded dual-class options" that allowed the player to dual-class Barbarians and Wild Mages. I don't know if it works for EE, though.

EDIT: Yes, it works. Just tested it. Now I feel like playing a Barbarian/Druid.

Parasolsyndicate

Per my original post, I don't think Barbarian is bad, or even that half-orcs make bad Barbarians (because they clearly don't). While it's cool that people have taken it upon themselves to broaden the advantages of humans, it doesn't really help the poor half-orcs.

Given that they were later added into a game that wasn't designed for them, that's probably inescapable.

Although half-orcs do have one very strange option that dwarves don't: Cleric/Thief.