Oathbreaker Barbarian Multiclass: A Comprehensive Guide

by Luna Greco 56 views

Hey guys! Ever thought about taking your Barbarian down a darker path? Maybe you're craving a character who's not just strong, but also carries a heavy weight of past sins and broken vows. If so, an Oathbreaker Barbarian multiclass might be exactly what you're looking for! This build combines the raw, unbridled rage of the Barbarian with the sinister, corrupted power of the Oathbreaker Paladin. It's a potent mix that can deliver incredible damage while offering a unique roleplaying experience. Forget about being the shining knight; we're diving deep into the realm of morally grey characters who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. We're talking about a character that can inspire fear in their enemies and maybe even in their allies. Think Darth Vader meets Conan the Barbarian – a terrifying force of nature fueled by rage and dark magic. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of building a truly compelling and powerful Oathbreaker Barbarian multiclass, from stat distribution and class features to spell selection and roleplaying tips. We'll explore different level progressions, discuss the best feats to pick, and delve into how to effectively use your abilities in combat. So, grab your greataxe, embrace the darkness, and let's forge an Oathbreaker Barbarian that will leave its mark on any campaign!

Why Multiclass Barbarian and Oathbreaker?

So, why exactly should you consider multiclassing Barbarian and Oathbreaker? The beauty of this combination lies in the synergy between the two classes. Both classes are melee-focused, meaning they excel in close-quarters combat. They both benefit from high Strength and Charisma, making them surprisingly effective together. You might be thinking, "Okay, but what specific benefits do I get?" Let's break it down:

  • Unarmored Defense and Rage: The Barbarian's Unarmored Defense gives you a solid AC even without wearing armor, which is crucial since heavy armor negates Rage. Rage, of course, is the Barbarian's bread and butter, providing resistance to physical damage and a damage boost to your attacks. Combining this with the Paladin's divine might creates a character that's incredibly difficult to take down and deals massive damage.
  • Divine Smite and Spells: The Oathbreaker Paladin brings Divine Smite to the table, allowing you to expend spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on a hit. This is huge for burst damage potential, especially when combined with the Barbarian's Reckless Attack for advantage. Oathbreaker Paladins also get access to spells like Hellish Rebuke and Inflict Wounds, adding some serious offensive punch and battlefield control options to your arsenal. Imagine the look on your enemy's face when you not only hit them with a massive weapon attack but also follow it up with a searing blast of dark energy.
  • Aura of Hate: This is the Oathbreaker's signature ability and the real reason this multiclass shines. Aura of Hate adds your Charisma modifier to the damage of melee weapon attacks for both you and any fiends and undead within 10 feet. This is a massive damage boost, especially at higher levels when your Charisma score is likely to be quite high. It also opens up interesting tactical possibilities, allowing you to summon creatures that benefit from the aura as well.
  • Roleplaying Potential: Beyond the mechanics, this multiclass opens up amazing roleplaying opportunities. An Oathbreaker Barbarian is a character wrestling with inner demons, driven by a thirst for vengeance, or simply someone who's abandoned their former ideals. This complexity makes for a far more engaging and memorable character than your average good-guy Paladin or rage-fueled Barbarian. You get to explore themes of morality, redemption, and the corrupting influence of power.

In short, multiclassing Barbarian and Oathbreaker Paladin creates a character that's a force to be reckoned with in combat and a fascinating character to portray in roleplaying scenarios. It's a build that offers both raw power and compelling narrative potential. You will be a menace on the battlefield.

Key Stats and Ability Score Distribution

Alright, let's talk about the nitty-gritty of character creation: stats! For an Oathbreaker Barbarian multiclass, you'll need to prioritize a few key abilities. Think of it like this: you're building a powerhouse that blends martial prowess with a touch of dark charisma. So, let's break down the essential stats:

  • Strength (STR): This is your primary stat. Strength dictates your attack rolls, damage rolls, and carrying capacity. As a melee-focused character, you'll want Strength to be as high as possible. Aim for at least 15 at character creation, ideally higher if your race provides a bonus to Strength. This will allow you to wield heavy weapons effectively and hit like a truck. The more Strength the more damage!
  • Charisma (CHA): This is your second most important stat. Charisma fuels your Oathbreaker Paladin abilities, including your spells, Divine Smite, and, most importantly, Aura of Hate. A high Charisma score is essential for maximizing your damage output and spellcasting effectiveness. Aim for at least 14 at character creation, and try to increase it as you level up. Aura of Hate is the KEY!
  • Constitution (CON): Constitution is crucial for any character, but especially for a melee character who will be taking a lot of hits. It determines your hit points and your Constitution saving throws, which are important for maintaining concentration on spells (if you choose to cast them) and resisting poison and other debilitating effects. You need this to survive on the battlefield.
  • Dexterity (DEX): Dexterity contributes to your Armor Class (AC) when using Unarmored Defense, as well as your initiative and Dexterity saving throws. While not as crucial as Strength, Charisma, and Constitution, a decent Dexterity score is still beneficial. It can be the difference between getting hit or dodging that crucial attack. Having high AC is crucial for survival.
  • Wisdom (WIS): Wisdom affects your Wisdom saving throws, which are common against spells and other magical effects. It's also important for certain skills, such as Perception. While not a primary stat, you'll want to avoid having a very low Wisdom score. You don't want to be easily mind-controlled, do you?
  • Intelligence (INT): Intelligence is your dump stat. It doesn't directly contribute to your combat effectiveness or your Paladin/Barbarian abilities. You can safely leave Intelligence at 8 or 10. Unless you're planning to multiclass into Wizard (which we don't recommend for this build), Intelligence is not a priority.

Example Stat Array (using point buy):

  • Strength: 15 (+2 racial bonus)
  • Dexterity: 10
  • Constitution: 14
  • Intelligence: 8
  • Wisdom: 10
  • Charisma: 14 (+1 racial bonus)

This is just an example, of course, and you can adjust it based on your race and your specific preferences. The key takeaway is to prioritize Strength, Charisma, and Constitution, in that order. Getting these three stats right is the key for playing this multiclass effectively.

Race Selection: Choosing the Right Heritage

Choosing the right race can significantly impact your Oathbreaker Barbarian multiclass. Certain races offer bonuses to the stats you need (Strength, Charisma, Constitution) or provide other useful abilities that synergize well with the build. Let's explore some of the top contenders:

  • Half-Orc: The Half-Orc is a fantastic choice for this build. They get a +2 bonus to Strength and a +1 bonus to Constitution, which are both crucial for a melee-focused character. Their Relentless Endurance ability allows them to drop to 1 hit point instead of 0 once per long rest, providing extra survivability. Savage Attacks adds extra damage on critical hits, further enhancing your offensive potential. They are BEASTS on the battlefield.
  • Tiefling (especially Asmodeus Tiefling): Tieflings are an excellent option for those looking to lean into the darker, more sinister aspects of the Oathbreaker. They get a +2 bonus to Charisma, which is essential for your Paladin abilities, and a +1 bonus to Intelligence (which isn't as important, but still nice to have). Asmodeus Tieflings also get access to the Hellish Rebuke spell, which thematically fits the Oathbreaker archetype perfectly and adds some extra damage output. Plus, they look incredibly cool with their horns and infernal heritage.
  • Aasimar (especially Fallen Aasimar): Aasimars offer a unique blend of celestial and human traits. Fallen Aasimars, in particular, are a great fit for an Oathbreaker character. They get a +2 bonus to Charisma and a +1 bonus to Strength. Their Necrotic Shroud ability allows them to deal extra necrotic damage and frighten enemies, which synergizes well with the Oathbreaker's fear-based abilities. Fallen Aasimars offer fantastic roleplay potential.
  • Goliath: Goliaths are a strong and resilient race that makes excellent Barbarians. They get a +2 bonus to Strength and a +1 bonus to Constitution. Their Stone's Endurance ability allows them to reduce incoming damage, making them even tougher to kill. They are naturally tough and imposing, making them perfect for a Barbarian.
  • Human (Variant): The Variant Human is always a solid choice due to its flexibility. They get +1 to two different ability scores, allowing you to customize your stats to your liking. More importantly, they get a feat at level 1, which can significantly boost your character's power early on. Feats like Great Weapon Master or Polearm Master can dramatically increase your damage output. You get to customize your build!

Ultimately, the best race for your Oathbreaker Barbarian depends on your play style and the kind of character you want to create. If you want a brutal damage dealer, Half-Orc or Goliath are excellent choices. If you want to embrace the dark side, Tiefling or Fallen Aasimar might be more fitting. And if you value versatility, Variant Human is always a strong option. The choice is yours.

Level Progression: Building Your Multiclass

Now, let's talk about the roadmap for your character: level progression. How many levels should you take in Barbarian, and how many in Oathbreaker Paladin? There's no single right answer, as the ideal progression depends on your play style and what you want to prioritize. However, here are a few popular and effective approaches:

  • Barbarian 5 / Oathbreaker Paladin 7: This is a very popular and balanced build. Taking 5 levels in Barbarian early on gets you Extra Attack, significantly boosting your damage output. Then, switching to Oathbreaker Paladin for 7 levels grants you Aura of Hate, Divine Smite, and 2nd-level Paladin spells. This build offers a great mix of martial prowess, damage, and utility. It's a well-rounded option.
  • Barbarian 3 / Oathbreaker Paladin 9: This build focuses more on the Paladin side of things, prioritizing spellcasting and Paladin features. Taking 3 levels in Barbarian gets you the Rage and a Barbarian subclass (Path of the Totem Warrior for extra survivability is a good choice). Then, 9 levels in Oathbreaker Paladin grants you 3rd-level Paladin spells, an additional Fighting Style, and other powerful Paladin abilities. If you want to be a spellcasting menace, this is your pick. You are a magical powerhouse.
  • Barbarian 8 / Oathbreaker Paladin 4: This build skews more towards the Barbarian side, emphasizing raw damage and resilience. Taking 8 levels in Barbarian gets you two Ability Score Improvements/Feats and the Brutal Critical feature. Dipping into Oathbreaker Paladin for 4 levels gives you Divine Smite, Aura of Protection (which is also very useful), and a Fighting Style. This is the tankiest option and you will be very hard to put down. A true tank!

Here's a more detailed breakdown of each level progression:

Barbarian 5 / Oathbreaker Paladin 7:

  • Levels 1-5: Barbarian (Path of the Totem Warrior or Path of the Zealot)
    • Key Features: Rage, Unarmored Defense, Reckless Attack, Extra Attack, Barbarian Subclass Features
  • Levels 6-12: Oathbreaker Paladin
    • Key Features: Divine Smite, Oathbreaker Spells, Aura of Protection, Aura of Hate, 2nd-level Paladin Spells

Barbarian 3 / Oathbreaker Paladin 9:

  • Levels 1-3: Barbarian (Path of the Totem Warrior or Path of the Zealot)
    • Key Features: Rage, Unarmored Defense, Reckless Attack, Barbarian Subclass Features
  • Levels 4-12: Oathbreaker Paladin
    • Key Features: Divine Smite, Oathbreaker Spells, Aura of Protection, Aura of Hate, 3rd-level Paladin Spells, Additional Fighting Style

Barbarian 8 / Oathbreaker Paladin 4:

  • Levels 1-8: Barbarian (Path of the Totem Warrior or Path of the Zealot)
    • Key Features: Rage, Unarmored Defense, Reckless Attack, Extra Attack, Barbarian Subclass Features, Brutal Critical, Two Ability Score Improvements/Feats
  • Levels 9-12: Oathbreaker Paladin
    • Key Features: Divine Smite, Oathbreaker Spells, Aura of Protection, Fighting Style

Ultimately, the best level progression depends on what you want to accomplish with your character. Consider your play style, your party's needs, and the overall tone of the campaign when making your decision. And don't be afraid to experiment! Find the right balance for your build.

Feats: Enhancing Your Power

Feats can significantly enhance your Oathbreaker Barbarian multiclass, providing powerful abilities and customization options. Let's explore some of the best feats for this build:

  • Great Weapon Master (GWM): This is a must-have feat for any melee damage dealer who uses heavy weapons. GWM allows you to take a -5 penalty to your attack roll to gain a +10 bonus to your damage roll. This is a massive damage increase, especially when combined with Reckless Attack for advantage. It's risky, but the reward is HUGE.
  • Polearm Master (PAM): If you prefer using polearms like glaives or halberds, Polearm Master is an excellent choice. It allows you to make an additional attack with the butt of your polearm as a bonus action, further increasing your damage output. It also grants you an opportunity attack when a creature enters your reach, making you a formidable defender as well. More attacks equal more damage!
  • Sentinel: Sentinel is another fantastic feat for melee characters, especially those who want to control the battlefield. It allows you to make an opportunity attack when a creature within your reach attacks a target other than you, and it also prevents creatures you hit with an opportunity attack from moving for the rest of their turn. This feat makes you a sticky defender.
  • Resilient (Wisdom): Wisdom saving throws are a common weakness for Barbarians and Paladins. Resilient (Wisdom) gives you proficiency in Wisdom saving throws, making you much more resistant to spells and other magical effects. This feat significantly increases your survivability against spellcasters. Don't be a victim of mind control!
  • Tough: Tough provides a simple but effective boost to your hit points, giving you +2 hit points per level. This is a great feat for any character who wants to be more durable, and it's especially useful for a melee-focused character like the Oathbreaker Barbarian. More hit points means more survivability.
  • Savage Attacker: Savage Attacker lets you reroll your weapon damage dice once per turn and choose which result to use. This can lead to significantly higher damage output over time, especially if you're using a weapon with large damage dice, like a greataxe. More consistent damage equals more carnage!

The best feats for your Oathbreaker Barbarian will depend on your play style and your party's needs. If you're focused on maximizing damage, Great Weapon Master and Polearm Master are excellent choices. If you want to be more resilient, Resilient (Wisdom) and Tough are great options. And if you want to control the battlefield, Sentinel is a fantastic feat. Choose wisely!

Roleplaying an Oathbreaker Barbarian: Embracing the Darkness

Okay, let's talk about the most exciting part: roleplaying your Oathbreaker Barbarian. This isn't just about swinging a big axe; it's about embodying a character who's walked a dark path, grappling with inner turmoil, and perhaps even seeking redemption. This character is complex and interesting.

  • The Fallen Hero: Maybe your character was once a noble Paladin who broke their oath due to a tragic event or a moral failing. They now carry the weight of their past sins, haunted by visions of what they once were. This provides a rich backstory to explore, full of guilt, regret, and the potential for redemption. You were once good but now you are broken.
  • The Vengeful Soul: Perhaps your character's oath was shattered by betrayal or injustice. They're consumed by a burning desire for revenge, willing to do whatever it takes to right the wrongs that have been done to them. This motivation can drive their actions and create conflict within the party, especially if their methods are morally questionable. Revenge is a powerful motivator.
  • The Corrupted Champion: Maybe your character willingly abandoned their oath in pursuit of power. They've embraced the darkness and revel in their newfound abilities. This character can be a truly terrifying force, driven by ambition and a thirst for control. You've embraced the darkness, now dominate!

When roleplaying an Oathbreaker Barbarian, consider the following questions:

  • What oath did they break, and why? This is the core of their backstory. What were they sworn to uphold, and what caused them to abandon their oath?
  • How do they feel about their broken oath? Are they consumed by guilt, or do they feel justified in their actions? Do they seek redemption, or have they fully embraced the darkness?
  • How does their rage manifest? Is it a controlled fury, or do they lose themselves in a blind rage? How does their rage affect their interactions with others?
  • What are their goals and motivations? What drives them forward? Are they seeking revenge, power, or something else entirely?
  • How do they interact with other characters? Are they distrustful and withdrawn, or do they form bonds with their companions despite their dark nature?

Remember, an Oathbreaker doesn't have to be purely evil. They can be morally grey characters struggling with their inner demons. They can even be on a path to redemption, using their corrupted powers for good. The key is to make them a compelling and complex character.

Final Thoughts: Forging Your Legend

The Oathbreaker Barbarian multiclass is a potent and engaging build that offers both raw power and compelling roleplaying opportunities. By combining the Barbarian's unbridled rage with the Oathbreaker Paladin's sinister abilities, you can create a character that's a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield and a fascinating character to portray in any campaign. So, guys, embrace the darkness, forge your legend, and let the echoes of your broken vows resonate across the realms!