Thinking about an unconventional Build: Halfling Barbarian/Artificer?

[banjomatt]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I am thinking about an interesting build for my next character...will be retiring my 5th level Wizard/Cleric.

I was thinking of a halfling barbarian, but wanted to make sure he was useful out of combat or when he wasn't raging, hence a foray into alchemist as well. His basic background is that Roscoe worked in his father's alchemy/herbalist shop when some thugs came in demanding protection money. Roscoe got hot headed and took issue with this, and the thugs pushed him into a shelf full of different potions and poultices. He almost died, but when he woke up he found he was much stronger, resilient, and had developed some magical powers as well! Now he is a bit of a superhero, fighting the local gangs and protecting the downtrodden.

Here are the crunchy bits:
My attribute rolls were 17, 14, 14, 12, 9, 8

My thoughts for 5th level
S: 17
D: 12 (14)
C: 14 (15)
I: 14
W: 9
Ch: 8

Background:
Custom--Arcana, Stealth, Herbalist kit, Alchemist kit, Feature: Rustic Hospitality

Level 1: Barbarian: Athletics, Perception
Level 3: Storm herald sea. I feel that shooting lightning fits well into the concept and gives him something to do on his bonus action.
Level 4: Resilient Wis - probably raise Str and Con at next ASI
Level 5: 2 attacks, etc

So very basically, Roscoe would be using a battleaxe 2-handed, find a breast plate, and shoot lightning on bonus actions he didn't have anything else to do.

The other part is his alchemy background. I see him making and using alchemical compounds like healing potions, acid, and alchemist fire and using them in and out of combat.

The final question is where do I go from here? I was thinking of taking some Artificer levels in Alchemist to really go into the batman superhero side of things and get cool potions.

I know both the storm herald and alchemist are thought to be weaker subclasses, so am I gimping myself? Any thoughts on the general concept, or specific level progression would be appreciated!

[Crucius]

Alright, I'm digging this!

Sadly there is not a whole lot of synergy between the two classes, but let's see what we can make of it.

First off, I like the flavor. The whole accident that made him stronger. Alchemist-barbarian also reminds me of Jeckyll and Hyde, where your character could drink a concoction (purely as flavor ofc) to enter rage. Just a thought.

Furthermore, might I suggest ancestral guardian subclass for barbarian? Based on the backstory he sounds like the type of guy that would stand up for his friends, which the ancestral guardian does beautifully. You could flavor the spirits as chemicals that are influencing the enemies minds, making them focus on you (get it, spirits, as in the ghosts as well as the alcohol).

For the rest, it's just barely not working. There are so many cool things that could work, but just don't. For example, to use your bonus action you could dual wield with 2 handaxes and the returning weapons infusions, thereby combining barbarian and artificer features. However this would eat up both infusions as well as the fact that thrown weapons do not get the rage bonus damage. It's soooo close, but it just doesn't gel together.

By going ancestral guardian 6 - alchemist X (don't know the level cap) you end up with a tank-support hybrid that is more of a generalist than a specialist, which is fine. You'll be able to contribute in a lot of various scenarios which is very cool! If you decide to go with ancestral guardian, I do really recommend the level 6 feature as it gives a reliable reaction and is very very strong. Also fits your character I'd think.

The way to play is to judge what kind of combat it is going to be, and which mode is best suited for that fight: brawler tank/support, or spellcaster AoE/support. It's not straight forward, but it is immensely satisfying!

[banjomatt]

Thanks for the reply Crucius! Some interesting ideas. I have re-examined and might go with a re-fluffed zealot, that way he can still get some extra damage and wield hand axes. Will probably be playing him in the next couple of weeks. Looking forward to it. Still a bit up in the air on the alchemist side of things, but I am digging the concept.

[Samayu]

So... mild-mannered halfling alchemist... "Don't make me angry. You won't like me when I'm angry."

[Quietus]

If it's an option, have you considered the UA armorer subclass for Artificer? Flavor the powered armor as something you've hooked up to continually feed you your potions, a la Bane, but you use these powers for good. Each hit from your giant powered mitts gives opponents disadvantage to hit anyone other than you.

::Edit:: Nevermind. My wife just pointed out, your powered armor has to be heavy armor, and you can't rage in heavy armor.

[da newt]

Not what you were looking for but: An option for a dual wielding Barb is to grab one lvl of Rogue and put a dagger in your off hand for 1d4 + 1d6 SA + rage damage (you can attack w/ ST for rage dam and still trigger SA as long as it's a finesse weapon) or throw it if you need to , and as an added bonus Expertise and one more skill. Later if it suits you Cunning action is just one more lvl ...


I like your theme/idea, but I think Zealot with Rogue may work better.