What is D&D bling?
Welcome to the eighth episode of D&D Bling - a look at the stylish accessorizing of heroes in medieval fantastic worlds.
D&D Bling #8: Barbarians
I can hear you think: “Wait, barbarians aren’t blinged-up! They’re half-naked most of the time.” Well, that other half is iced-out!
Axes
Barbarians like axes. All the classic heroes go into battle with swords. Fighting with an axe is not as effective, but it impresses bystanders.
Hissy fits
Barbarians want to impress their fellow party members so much that they will throw hissy fits on the battlefield when things aren’t going their way. They call it raging. I call it being starved for attention.
Tattoos
All the barbarians I know have tattoos. They won’t wear normal clothes, but they still want to be as trendy as possible. They say it’s their tribal tradition to have tattoos from head to toe. I say it’s showing off.
A blinged-up barbarian.
Image from David Ryan Paul
Visual Development
IllustrationConcept Art
Fur
Barbarians take the druid’s staple fur coat to another level. Some barbarians wear so much fur, they look like they’ve gone berserk in a zoo.
Leather
They won’t wear it as armor because it hinders movement. So they just wear leather for looks. That’s uber-bling.
Insanely big weapons (see picture)
How big does your weapon need to be? Really. I think there’s some overcompensation here.
Proof of barbarian bling abounds
Feel free to share your disdain of barbarian fashionistas.
Want more bling?
Check the D&D bling archives.
22 Comments
12:44 am on March 27th, 2008
Yeah i agree. barbarians are just flashier, less badass fighter. a naked fighter would beat a naked barbarian in combat
12:46 am on March 27th, 2008
You’re harsh on barbarians. They’re not really “blinged” up you’re stretching it.
12:50 am on March 27th, 2008
I was in a party with a bard and a barbarian and it was hard to tell who was the most image-obsessed.
4:35 am on March 27th, 2008
You’re forgetting that leather cord thing all barbarians wear around their necks. And the friendship bracelets - only seen on blonde teen high-schoolers and barbarians.
Bling it on!
6:34 am on March 27th, 2008
When was the last time your GM described a barbarian and you confused with something else? They’re like pro-wrestlers, only they take pride in their yuckiness.
6:47 am on March 27th, 2008
I can’t believe you forgot to include the long, thick waves of hair that every barbarian grows. And then there’s the required jewelry made from teeth, bones, and skulls…
8:19 am on March 27th, 2008
Belt of Giant Strength
If that ain’t bling bro, I don’t know what is!
8:27 am on March 27th, 2008
Plenty of scars from the “that won’t hurt until my rage ends” mentality.
12:10 pm on March 27th, 2008
They’re the one running around with the full body tan too.
12:36 pm on March 27th, 2008
Barbarian bling should always include:
The biggest axe you can wield.
Some form of cloak for warmth.
Hide armor.
A crude amulet of protection or health.
Str boosting items such as a belt or gloves.
Boots of haste and a ring of regeneration.
1:34 pm on March 27th, 2008
Ever play Diablo 2?
HUARRGH!
2:05 pm on March 27th, 2008
Great observations everyone. I’m kicking myself in the head repeatedly right now. I can’t believe I missed so many easy ones.
2:27 pm on March 27th, 2008
Can we help with the head kicking???
3:11 pm on March 27th, 2008
No. It’s a very personal activity. :P
3:27 pm on March 27th, 2008
“Insanely big weapons (see picture)”
Yeah, and that weapon in the barbarian’s left hand is a frickin’ DAGGER. ;)
4:12 pm on March 27th, 2008
Lets not forget that barbarians are so obsessed with having the most bling that if anyone else has any bling they will try to take it from them and smash it so that they alone will be the center of attention when it comes down to the bling.
4:25 pm on March 27th, 2008
There is also the Barbarian that is more of a plainsmen. Like Riverwind and Goldmoon from the Dragonlance series. More of the simple furs, hide boots stuff like that. Those are a fun way to role play the Barbarian and you have a lot less bling if you go that route. Of course you get a Blue Crystal Staff if you are Goldmoon, but that is neither here nor there.
7:27 am on March 28th, 2008
Who says an axe is less effective!? Ever read Legend, by David Gemmell? The axe only gets one crack, but you better be good to get past it! What worries me with the jewellery is, where did they get the skulls from, and who? Terry Pratchett has a good take on the Barbarian, his is named Cohen, Quote” I wish I were twenty years younger!” “Then what would you be?” “Eighty-shix!” Unquote. His bling is a set of diamond false teeth!
How about the tattoos, by the way, who needs jewellery when you can draw it on??
Ian
12:08 pm on March 29th, 2008
The barbarian in our campaign is actually tailored after the spartans in 300… -___-
That means he hasn’t tatoos, he hasn’t long hair, he hasn’t huge axes, he doesn’t wear fur…
But he’s image-obsessed anyway XD
12:17 pm on April 11th, 2008
Barbarians can hold their own, if their multiclassed right. But yeah, nobody ever screamed “WWE runway-special” like Ugg from the hills. And axes make great neigbor-repelant tools.
8:13 pm on July 10th, 2008
How do bone and fur wearing barbarians find the metal and expertise to make ridiculously over large two handed weapons?
Caus they are gangsters is what and with
Gold tooth, shirtless, ripped “barbarians” are the only class that can out Krump a bard. I mean a bard is a Bboy to the barbarians krump.
… smash that axe to the ground, tremble with anticipated fury, make an intimidate check, throw your arms out…. RIZE!
Heres the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0efEID-uCtE
6:53 pm on October 2nd, 2008
I belive you also misunderstood something… Being half-naked is the blinkest part of the barbarian. Those huge muscles are the ultimate chick magnet…