Barbarian

From Diablo Wiki

Also see Barbarian (Diablo II), Barbarian (Hellfire)

The Barbarian is one of five Diablo III classes, and the only known so far to carry over from the previous title, Diablo II. Using pure physical force as a means to destroy his enemies, the Barbarian is the culmination of centuries of inner-clan warfare and wilderness survival. The Barbarian exemplifies close quarters combat and is an unequaled master of arms.

In my journey to catalogue the various denizens, civilizations, and fauna of our world, I have traveled far and wide, but never before have I been struck with such dismay as when standing upon the ramparts of the ancient fortress of Bastion's Keep. I came to see firsthand the barbarians, those near-legendary, immense, relentless, dual-wielding furies of combat dwelling upon their sacred Mount Arreat. - Abd al-Hazir

Legacy

The Barbarian is the only class from the second installment to carry on to Diablo III. The Barbarian is confirmed to be one of many heroes that vanquished Diablo. However, the Barbarian is back to serve humanity once again... only the events in Diablo III will unfold the Barbarian's final chapters.

Features

When Diablo III was announced in Paris on June 28, 2008, it was the Barbarian that starred in the new gameplay demonstration. Showing that the class would still specialize in brute force, the speaker played a video of the Barbarian, dual-wielding weapons and buried in heavy armor, grinding its way through dozens of enemies at a time in the bowels of a dungeon.

Unlike in the previous game, where the Barbarian was a strictly male character, players will be able to choose its sex in the upcoming game. Beyond that, though, not much is known about how similar or different the Barbarian of Diablo III will be than its predecessor.

There is also a new form of combat resource for the Barbarian called Fury. Unlike Mana, it builds up instead of draining every time the Barbarian attacks. When the Barbarian is not fighting it drains away, so it is advantageous for the Barbarian to be in a constant state of battle.

Abilities

The Barbarian's three skill types are Berserker, Battlemaster, and Juggernaut. Each tree carries with it unique abilities, both passive and active, as well as separate styles of combat.

Berserker	Juggernaut	Battlemaster
Frenzy Threatening Shout Onslaught Double Strike Strong Constitution Berserker State Leap Attack Enrage Dual Wield Specialization Savage Speed Boost Whirlwind Slashing Strike Relentless Attacks Destroy Armor	Bash Cleave Ground Stomp Focused Strength Stubborn Recovery Taunt Stunning Blows Two-Handed Weapon Specialization Invigorated Seismic Slam Revenge Iron Will Crushing Blows Seismic Effect	Battle Rage Perseverance Power of the Battlemaster Iron Skin Hammer of the Ancients Battle Cry Scavenge Critical Attacks Shield Specialization Furious Charge Ignore Pain Deliberate Defense Improved Battle Rage Death Proof Inspiring Presence Natural Resistance (Diablo III) Mighty Hammer

Lore

The Barbarian, a member of any of several tribes on the fringes of civilization, rebuffs the influence of those he sees as soft and weak. Ceaseless clan warfare and the constant struggle to survive in the hostile wilderness are evident in the Barbarian's sturdy and powerful frame. Though perhaps lacking the sophistication of his civilized contemporaries, the Barbarian has an acute awareness of his surroundings. Because of his shamanistic belief in the animal powers with whom he identifies, the Barbarian is sometimes associated with stories of lycanthropy. In fact, he believes that he can improve his superb battle tactics by calling upon the totemic animal spirits to infuse him with supernormal strengths and abilities.

It is said that when the world was very young the tribes of the Northern Steppes were given a sacred charge. Somewhere deep within the great mountain, Arreat, lies a source of great power, crucial to the well being of all humanity. The tribes were tasked to act as guardians of this artifact. They have shaped their way of life in observance of this power and fulfilling their sacred duty.

Children of Bul-Kathos

Steeped in mystery and tradition, these people refer to themselves as the "Children of Bul-Kathos," the great and ancient king. To better protect their lands from outside forces, they adopted a nomadic lifestyle, frequently moving within the confines of the Steppes and maintaining few permanent settlements. Isolating themselves from the world outside their territories, they eschew the use of magics and complex machinery, as they believe these things can only weaken their resolve developed over so many years.

The Children of Bul-Kathos have developed a kinship with the land and have learned to harness the primal energies within nature to enhance their own substantial physical prowess. It is because of this, together with their freedom from the trappings of the outside world, that the Western Kingdoms have historically referred to these tribes as "Barbarians," an epithet that belies the rich cultural and spiritual history these people truly possess. Although some trade with these curious bands of nomads, they do so only along the outermost borders of their lands. All intrusions into the territory surrounding Mount Arreat are forbidden, and warriors from the northern tribes are quick to thwart any incursions. Every foreign attempt at conquest has been met with fierce and decisive resistance.

An account of one skirmish recounts how hordes of Barbarian tribesmen silently appeared where none had been but moments before. Their bodies painted in mysterious designs and their faces howling as they charged like the fierce mountain winds, the tribesmen descended on the invaders. Fully half of the trespassing army immediately dropped their weapons and fled, the remainder were set upon by the Northmen with fervor that none of the battle-hardened invaders had ever witnessed. No mercy was asked and none was given, but in the end, when the outlanders sounded a full retreat, no chase was given either… at least none that could be observed.

Since news of Diablo's re-emergence has spread, a small number of Barbarian warriors have begun roving the lands outside the Steppes, prepared for war and seeking information regarding the recent activities of the Prime Evils.

Renowned for their awesome combat prowess as well as their arrogant demeanor, the Barbarians appear to be perpetually girt for battle. Through harsh conditioning, the Barbarians excel in physical combat and tremendous feats of strength. They derive their power chiefly through intense physical training, but they also tap primal energies from the living world around them. They can manifest these or add to their already considerable catalogue of superhuman feats of strength and power.^[1]

Trivia

Although it was not confirmed yet, it seems that David Jean Thomas is returning as the voice of the Barbarian from Diablo II. The voice is very reminiscent of that in Diablo II. The voice cast for the female Barbarian is, at this point, unknown, and no speculations were made.

References

1. ↑ Diablo II Manual, page 49. Blizzard Entertainment, 2000.