Error and Questions re: Berserker from Codex Nordica

[rom90125]

Introduction of the Berserker class in Codex Nordica (pg. 103) states the prime attribute is Cha yet on pg. 105 it states the Prime Attribute is Strength. Based on the class write-up, specifically the ability Odin's Fury, I assume the Prime Attribute is indeed Charisma. Am I correct?

And regarding Odin's Fury, I admit I'm confused. The text from Codex Nordica states:

Before battle or an event that causes great excitement, the Berserker must either try to control their urges or be a victim to them. To do this, the player must make a charisma save or slip into the mindless rage.

The text that follows this snippet in the book implies that the Berserker must make the Cha save to enable Odin's Fury. Is this correct? What happens if the Berserker fails this save? What defines "mindless rage"? Does the Berserker still invoke Odin's Fury, however, they attack friend and foe alike?

[Treebore]

I can tell you how I would interpret the Troll language used, but as far as an "official" ruling? No frikkin idea.

[rom90125]

I can tell you how I would interpret the Troll language used, but as far as an "official" ruling? No frikkin idea.

Tree, bring on your interpretation, please sir. In the absence of "official", I willingly accept your adjudication. Thank you!

[Treebore]

It reads to me that to remain in control, to attack your enemies, and not attack your ALLIES, you must make the save. If you fail, everyone is your enemy, and you will attack whomever is closest. Your an out of control, raging and rabid beast.

[Aramis]

I can tell you how I would interpret the Troll language used, but as far as an "official" ruling? No frikkin idea.

Tree, bring on your interpretation, please sir. In the absence of "official", I willingly accept your adjudication. Thank you!

*Aramis subtly moves so Treebore is always between himself and Rom*

[Captain_K]

That's a great NPC, but as my brother in arms, the first time he started bleeding out, I gab a hand full of dirt and start the funeral rites.. after all we'd not want to save his life with magic if he died valiantly in battle... things that make PC go nuts and kill other PCs should be far and few between, not an every time something upsets someone or puts them in mortal danger... you'd spend more time killing your own player.... Name your first Berserker Elric.

[rom90125]

I hear you, Cap'n K. I think there is opportunity to RP this PC, while he is still alive. I agree it is unlikely he will make it through the entirety of the campaign, but it will be an interesting ride while it lasts.

[Aramis]

I don't have the book in question, but it could be read as the berserker, if he fails to control his anger, charges into battle with the perceived foe, mindless of his own health, or any strategy the party is trying to organise.

Certainly this would be more playable than a "vorpal" character that is likely to fail half of their saves, and given their iikely proximity to other PCs at the outset of all the combats, is going to kill more PCs than monsters in any given session.

One wonders how such a "booby trap" version of the character would survive long enough to establish an actual class, as he would soon be alone in the dungeon, or slain by fellow party members

[Treebore]

I don't have the book in question, but it could be read as the berserker, if he fails to control his anger, charges into battle with the perceived foe, mindless of his own health, or any strategy the party is trying to organise.

Certainly this would be more playable than a "vorpal" character that is likely to fail half of their saves, and given their iikely proximity to other PCs at the outset of all the combats, is going to kill more PCs than monsters in any given session.

One wonders how such a "booby trap" version of the character would survive long enough to establish an actual class, as he would soon be alone in the dungeon, or slain by fellow party members

Well, the book in question does describe them as pretty scummy individuals (they take whatever and whomever they wish, whether others like it or not) as well as tells how Lords will hold them in reserve in case their more normal soldiers fail them. They are not meant to work well with others, let alone live well with others, and are very much meant to be utilized as an individual, or to fight alongside others who are just like them.

[Captain_K]

The berserker can, like any class, be tweaked by the CK or player.. make it a roll to drop their berserk each round they are doing things they wish they were not.. thus for each hit to a friend "in the wrong place at the wrong time" they make a roll to regain control, for most PCs if the roll is reasonable, I would ensure this roll be based on a prime, then they will eventually snap out of it. That or make the rage not be so blinding. But then the "no damage from bladed attacks" and +5 to STR might need to be toned down too.

[Celticgamer]

Introduction of the Berserker class in Codex Nordica (pg. 103) states the prime attribute is Cha yet on pg. 105 it states the Prime Attribute is Strength. Based on the class write-up, specifically the ability Odin's Fury, I assume the Prime Attribute is indeed Charisma. Am I correct?

And regarding Odin's Fury, I admit I'm confused. The text from Codex Nordica states:

Before battle or an event that causes great excitement, the Berserker must either try to control their urges or be a victim to them. To do this, the player must make a charisma save or slip into the mindless rage.

The text that follows this snippet in the book implies that the Berserker must make the Cha save to enable Odin's Fury. Is this correct? What happens if the Berserker fails this save? What defines "mindless rage"? Does the Berserker still invoke Odin's Fury, however, they attack friend and foe alike?

There was not a correction in that made and thus confusion, so let's set that straight! While the Prime Attribute for the Berserker Class IS STRENGTH, the 'Odin's Fury' ability requires the Charisma save to unlock the ability. The 'mindless rage' is of course the blood-thirsty killing frenzy the Berserker is famous for, sending them into the state in which they will slaughter all around them, unable to recognize friend or foe for the length or duration of the 'Odin's Fury' or Berserker state. Failing their urges, they will be sent into this Fury completely, but they can choose to give into it as well.

Berserkers can barely distinguish each other in the battle (KNOWLEDGE save) once the carnage begins after it starts, but this is once each one has their Fury initiated. This is due to it sending their minds into a terrible place, a bloody, lustful realm distant from any coherent thought.

[rom90125]

Introduction of the Berserker class in Codex Nordica (pg. 103) states the prime attribute is Cha yet on pg. 105 it states the Prime Attribute is Strength. Based on the class write-up, specifically the ability Odin's Fury, I assume the Prime Attribute is indeed Charisma. Am I correct?

And regarding Odin's Fury, I admit I'm confused. The text from Codex Nordica states:

Before battle or an event that causes great excitement, the Berserker must either try to control their urges or be a victim to them. To do this, the player must make a charisma save or slip into the mindless rage.

The text that follows this snippet in the book implies that the Berserker must make the Cha save to enable Odin's Fury. Is this correct? What happens if the Berserker fails this save? What defines "mindless rage"? Does the Berserker still invoke Odin's Fury, however, they attack friend and foe alike?

There was not a correction in that made and thus confusion, so let's set that straight! While the Prime Attribute for the Berserker Class IS STRENGTH, the 'Odin's Fury' ability requires the Charisma save to unlock the ability. The 'mindless rage' is of course the blood-thirsty killing frenzy the Berserker is famous for, sending them into the state in which they will slaughter all around them, unable to recognize friend or foe for the length or duration of the 'Odin's Fury' or Berserker state. Failing their urges, they will be sent into this Fury completely, but they can choose to give into it as well.

Berserkers can barely distinguish each other in the battle (KNOWLEDGE save) once the carnage begins after it starts, but this is once each one has their Fury initiated. This is due to it sending their minds into a terrible place, a bloody, lustful realm distant from any coherent thought.

Fantastic! Thank you sir for the clarity! I'm looking forward to giving this class a try tomorrow night. I doubt some of the other PCs agree, however, it will be memorable either way!

[Celticgamer]

Tell me how it goes! We have a blast with the Berserkers in our games, it is always unpredictable, as it used to be in Antiquity. Their presence was lethal and feared, and simply having them near brought tension knowing they could unleash the killing frenzy. That is why a team of them, or worse, an army, was a terrifying force...