(UPDATE 31-Jan-14: This post has been superseded; see Collected Class Options for revisions.)
Berzerkers are ferocious warriors who use fury and instinct to bring down foes. They are able to tap into powerful but dangerously unpredictable rage which enables them to fight more savagely than others. This furious state of mind borders on insanity, and a berzerker in a rage is unable to retreat from battle.
Berzerkers are also famous for dying young and fast.
Unless stated below, a berzerker is identical to a fighter in terms of rule effects:
- Level Limits: Dwarves are limited to 4th level as berzerkers, elves to 3rd level, while humans have unlimited advancement.
- Berzerk: The character can enter a berzerk rage in combat. He must first succeed an Athletics check to initiate the berzerk state; each attempt requires one full round.
While berzerk, the character can make two melee attacks per round, but cannot flee from battle. Afterwards, he must rest two full turns or be exhausted (–2 to hit and damage, cannot run, cannot berzerk until rested). - Melee Attacker: Berzerkers favour melee combat. A berzerker adds only ½ his lvl (rounded down) when making ranged attacks (including both projectile and thrown weapons).
- Armour Restriction: Although trained to fight while armoured, a berzerker loses the ability to rage while wearing medium or heavy armour.
- Skill Penalties: Berzerkers are not particularly quiet or scholarly. They take a -2 penalty to Subterfuge and Lore checks.
(Note that the key ability for this class is replicated by the berzerk rune.)
Dwarven Glory 