Bloodrager
n the untamed wilds and forgotten corners of power and the constant, looming threat of being
I
the world, where nature’s raw fury meets the
ancient echoes of primal spirits, the Bloodrager
Barbarian finds their calling. These warriors,
unlike their kin, do not merely harness rage; they
bind themselves to the very essence of life and
death, drawing upon the ancient and mystic
power of blood.
Their art, primal and visceral, is born of an intimate
connection with the life force that courses through all
living beings. The Bloodrager does not shy away from
this connection but plunges into it, merging their own
fury with the boundless energy of life itself. In their
hands, blood becomes more than a symbol of life; it
becomes a conduit for unleashing unbridled, savage
power.
As they roar into battle, their blood singing with the
ancient rhythms of the earth, they become avatars of
destruction. The ground trembles under their feet, not
just from their physical might, but from the raw,
untamed magic that they unleash. Their rage is no
longer just an emotional outburst; it is a cataclysmic
force, a storm of visceral energy that sweeps friend and
foe alike.
Yet, this power comes at a cost. To dance with such
primal forces is to risk being consumed by them. Each
time a Bloodrager taps into this ancient magic, they flirt
with a fate more terrifying than death—the loss of self to
the wild, untamable spirits of blood and battle. They
walk a razor’s edge, balancing between the ecstasy of
power and the abyss of madness.
In the wild places of the world, where civilization is
but a distant memory, these barbarians reign supreme.
To some, they are legends, embodiments of the wild
fury of nature itself. To others, they are a reminder of
the raw, untamed power that lurks in the heart of all
living things. But to those who have faced them in
battle, who have seen their eyes alight with primal fire,
they are a testament to the ancient and awesome power
that flows, hidden and forgotten, in the very blood of the
world.
Blood Manipulation
As a fierce adherent of this primal art, a Bloodrager
Barbarian wields the raw energy inherent in blood,
channeling it to amplify their ferocity, dominate their
adversaries, and execute devastating attacks. This
practice is not just a show of strength but a dance with
the very essence of life and death. It is an art steeped in
risk and moral complexity, for it delves into the
manipulation of the life force itself. Bloodrager
Barbarians tread a path fraught with danger, each drop
of blood harnessed a testament to their unyielding will
to survive and conquer. Theirs is a balance of unbridled
consumed by the very forces they unleash.
Becoming a Bloodrager
Choosing the path of a Bloodrager Barbarian often
arises from an intense, primal calling, a deep-rooted
desire for unbridled power, or a fascination with the
elemental forces of life. It’s a journey rife with both peril
and potency, as one learns to channel the tumultuous
energy within their own life force and that of the world
around them.
Your character might have been drawn to this path by
an innate rage or a quest for self-mastery. Collaborate
with your Dungeon Master to weave this choice into the
fabric of the campaign’s narrative, exploring the events
and motivations that propelled your character onto this
fierce and formidable road.
As a Bloodrager Barbarian, your path is one of raw
might and visceral blood magic, where every
thunderous blow and roaring battle cry is infused with
the untamed power of life itself.
Class Features
Refer to the Barbarian class features starting on page
46 of the Player’s Handbook.
Starting Equipment
Refer to the Barbarian class starting on page 46 in the
Player’s Handbook.
How to Play a Bloodrager
Your rage channels arcane energy, granting temporary
hit points and the ability to inflict extra necrotic damage
by expending Hit Dice. This creates a unique risk-
reward dynamic central to the Bloodrager’s style.
Hit Dice Management: Vital for both offense and
healing. Careful use of Hit Dice is essential for
maximizing combat effectiveness and longevity.
Strategic Gameplay:
Risk Management: Balance using Hit Dice for damage
against the need for health recovery. Employ abilities
like Blood Frenzy and Bloodlust tactically, considering
both immediate benefits and long-term costs.
Effective Positioning: Maximize the impact of abilities
like Blood Boil and Bloodlust by engaging in combat
strategically. Position yourself amidst enemies to
optimize aura damage and target injured foes for
Bloodlust benefits.
Hit Dice Economy: Monitor Hit Dice closely. These are
crucial for both enhancing attacks and healing during
rests.
Leveraging Core Strengths: Integrate Bloodrager
abilities with classic Barbarian traits, like enhanced
movement and resilience, for a potent combat style.
Blood Frenzy
3rd-level Bloodrager feature
At 3rd level, as a Bloodrager, you discover the ability
to channel the raw power inherent in your blood to
enhance your rage. When you rage, you gain temporary
hit points equal to your Barbarian level plus your
Constitution modifier. Additionally, upon entering your
rage, you can make a single weapon attack as a bonus
action.
This feature allows you to expend any number of Hit
Dice, adding extra necrotic damage to your weapon
attacks equal to the total rolled on those Hit Dice.
Furthermore, whenever you hit a creature with an
attack, you gain temporary hit points equal to half the
damage dealt. While using a Hit Die deals immediate
necrotic damage, your temporary hit points can partially
offset the potential cost of further Hit Dice expenditure.
Bloodlust
6th-level Bloodrager feature
At 6th level, while raging, you can enter a further state
of rage by going into a bloodlust as a bonus action. For
1 minute, you gain the following benefits:
You have advantage on attack rolls made against
creatures that are not at full hit points.
After being attacked with with a melee weapon, you
can use a reaction to strike back at the creature that
attacked you, which can only be used to take the
Attack (one weapon attack only) action.
When this effect ends, you gain one level of exhaustion.
You can only use the bloodlust ability once per long rest.
Blood Boil
10th-level Bloodrager feature
At 10th level, your rage manifests as a damaging aura.
When you enter your Blood Frenzy, you can spend a Hit
Die to deal excessive damage. At the start of each of
your turns while in this state, creatures within 5 feet of
you take necrotic damage equal to your Barbarian level.
This feature lasts until your Blood Frenzy ends or until
you choose to end it.
Blood Reckoning
14th-level Bloodrager feature
Upon reaching 14th level, in moments of near defeat,
you can defy death. When you are reduced to 0 hit
points, you can spend a Hit Die and choose to instead
drop to 1 hit point. Immediately after, you can take an
extra turn, during which you can only make a single
weapon attack. At the end of this turn, you gain one
level of exhaustion, and your maximum hit points are
lowered by the total rolled result of the Hit Die
expended until you finish a long rest.
(Instant Death pg. 197 PHB)
Blood Rite
18th-level Bloodrager feature
At 18th level, your mastery of blood magic allows you to
perform powerful rites by sacrificing your vitality. You
can spend Hit Dice to extend the duration of your Blood
Frenzy. As an action, choose one of the following rites,
each lasting a number of rounds equal to your
Constitution modifier (minimum 1 round):
Gain resistance to all damage types.
Gain advantage on all saving throws.
Increase your speed by 30 feet.
Gain immunity to fear and charm effects. These rites
require the expenditure of a Hit Die.
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