"Cannibalistic Fury: D&D 5e Barbarian Build"

The thought of a barbarian cannibal in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) can send shivers down the spine of any adventurer. While the idea may seem grotesque, it's not improper in a world filled with monsters and dangerous creatures. In this article, we'll explore the background, mechanics, and implications of such a character, and discuss their role in your campaigns.

First, let's understand the context. The barbarian class is about raw, primal power, with a focus on melee combat and hit points. A cannibal barbarian, however, takes this to a disturbing extreme, using their abilities not just to subdue foes but to consume them. It's a dark twist on an already fierce archetype.

Understanding the Cannibal Barbarian

At its core, a cannibal barbarian is a standard barbarian with a morbid twist. They use their Rage and primal prowess to overwhelm their foes, then feast on the fallen. It's a grim interpretation of the 'remove the head, the body dies' mentality, taken to a literal and gruesome extent.

an image of a man with horns and armor holding two swords in his right hand

an image of a man with two axes and blood on his face, standing in front of a white background

This interpretation isn't supported by official D&D 5e sources, but it's also not explicitly forbidden. It's up to your group's tolerance and the Dungeon Master's discretion. If you're okay with exploring dark themes and the potential repercussions, let's delve into the mechanical aspects.

Rage and Feeding Frenzy

Barbarians are defined by their Rage, a powerful boost to damage rolls and temporary hit points. A cannibal could interpret Rage as a feeding frenzy, amplifying their hunger and bloodlust. Mechanically, this could mean adding extra damage rolls whenever they kill a creature, symbolizing multiple bites.

a man with dreadlocks holding two swords

a drawing of a man in armor with two swords and a skull on his chest

Here's a simple way to represent this: during their Rage, whenever the barbarian kills a creature, they make an additional attack roll against another target within reach. This represents their feeding frenzy, and could add a layer of horror to combat.

Unholy Oaths and New Abilities

To further differentiate the cannibal barbarian, you could create a new Oath, like 'The Unholy Pact'. This Oath could grant additional abilities, such as gaining temporary hit points equal to the creature consumed, or being able to consume poison or diseased flesh without harm.

You could also introduce new abilities like 'Consume Ancestors', where the barbarian gains the benefits of Bcll, a common cantrip used to detect edible food, but for creatures instead. Another ability, 'Feed the Pack', could let the barbarian share the benefits of their feeding with nearby allies.

a drawing of a man with red hair and horns holding two swords in his hands

an image of a man in armor holding two swords

an image of a demon with horns and claws

Role in Campaigns

A cannibal barbarian's role in campaigns is complex. They're powerful combatants, but their feeding habits can cause problems. They might be shunned by NPCs and other PCs, or attract unwanted attention from law enforcement.

If handled well, their presence can add depth and challenge to your campaigns. They can serve as a warning to foes, a source of controversy among allies, and a subject of moral dilemmas. They could also be the key to uncovering dark secrets or dealing with ancient evils.

Integration with the Party

Integrating a cannibal barbarian into a party can be challenging. Other PCs might struggle with their behavior, leading to roleplaying opportunities and tensions. On the other hand, they might bond over shared dangers and experiences, leading to unexpected alliances and respect.

a woman with red hair and boots standing in front of a white background wearing armor

a man with chains and skulls on his body standing in the middle of a desert

As the DM, you can use this to explore themes of acceptance, tolerance, and the consequences of personal choices. You can also use the barbarian's reputation to create plot hooks and adventures.

The Dark Path Walking

As with any character, the cannibal barbarian's story is their own. They could be following a dark path out of necessity, a curse, or a personal philosophythat values survival over morality. Their backstory can add depth and motivation to their actions.

Maybe they're a former noble who turned to cannibalism to survive a harsh winter. Or perhaps they're a lost tribesman who believes consuming the fallen is a sacred duty. The possibilities are as dark and twisted as your imagination.

In the end, the cannibal barbarian is a disturbing but fascinating concept. They push the boundaries of what's acceptable in D&D, and can spark meaningful discussions and challenging roleplaying. As always, make sure your group is comfortable with the theme before including it in your games. Now, go forth and roleplay responsibly!