About This Build
This build explores the design of Tharn Wildvein, a Half-Orc Barbarian in Dungeons & Dragons 5e inspired by the essence of Wolverine — the feral loner, the unstoppable survivor, the relentless fury in the face of overwhelming odds.

Rather than a direct adaptation, this is a fantasy reinterpretation: a savage warrior whose power is not bestowed by science or sorcery, but awakened by rage, trauma, and unrelenting instinct. His body is the weapon — muscle, claw, and willpower forged through countless battles.

This build embraces the Path of the Beast from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, reflecting a character who transforms in rage, not into a monster, but into a more authentic version of himself. When the beast inside stirs, claws sprout, wounds close, and enemies fall. He doesn’t fight for glory or vengeance — he fights because it’s all he knows.

These first three levels lay the groundwork for that narrative: a creature of primal fury and brutal resilience. The mechanics support a wild, unarmored juggernaut with claws sharp enough to tear plate and a soul too stubborn to die.

🪓 Step-by-Step Build Reasoning – Tharn Wildvein, Half-Orc Barbarian (Path of the Beast, Levels 1–3)

Race: Half-Orc
Class: Barbarian
Background: Outlander
Alignment: Neutral
Subclass (Level 3): Path of the Beast
Playstyle: Rage-fueled brawler with natural weapons, self-healing, and relentless tenacity

📊 Ability Scores (Point Buy + Half-Orc ASI)

🧬 Race Features – Half-Orc

• Darkvision (60 ft)
• Relentless Endurance (Drop to 1 HP once per long rest)
• Savage Attacks (Crits deal extra weapon die)
• Intimidation proficiency (Unnerving presence)

🧭 Background – Outlander

• Skills: Athletics, Survival
• Tools: One musical instrument (e.g., bone flute)
• Feature: Wanderer – natural explorer and forager

💢 Barbarian – Class Features by Level

🩸 LEVEL 1 – The Survivor

• Hit Points: 15 (12 + CON)
• Rage (2/day): +2 melee damage, resistance to B/P/S
• Unarmored Defense: 10 + DEX + CON = AC 15
• Proficiencies: Athletics, Perception
• Gear: Greataxe, handaxes, explorer’s pack, no armor

A feral brawler who shrugs off wounds and thrives in the wild. Built to keep moving forward no matter how many times he’s knocked down.

⚔️ LEVEL 2 – Reckless Fury

• Reckless Attack: Gain advantage on STR melee attacks — enemies get advantage against you
• Danger Sense: Advantage on DEX saves vs visible effects (traps, spells)

Always swing first, always swing hard. Risk is just another word for “motivation.”

🧬 LEVEL 3 – Awaken the Beast

• Subclass: Path of the Beast

• Form of the Beast (choose on each rage):

  • Claws (Default): 1d6 + STR slashing, and make an extra claw attack (3 attacks total at Lv5)
  • Bite: 1d8 + STR; heal for prof. bonus if below half HP
  • Tail: 1d8 + STR; add 1d8 to AC as reaction

• Rage Damage: +2

• Rages per Day: 3

Claws for combat, bite for survival, tail for defense. All aspects of a creature who refuses to die cleanly.

🧠 Skills (Proficient)

• Athletics (STR)
• Perception (WIS)
• Intimidation (CHA)
• Survival (WIS)

🪓 Combat Routine

• Open combat with a roar and Rage → Choose Claws
• Use Reckless Attack for advantage and go all-in
• Rely on Unarmored Defense + half damage resist + Relentless Endurance to stay in the fight
• Switch to Bite when heavily wounded to self-heal mid-battle

🎒 Inventory Highlights

• Greataxe (ceremonial, rarely used)
• Handaxes (flavored as backup weapons)
• Leather wraps for fists and forearms (flavor for natural weapons)
• Bone flute (keeps him centered between battles)
• Scavenged mementos from fallen foes

💬 RP Summary

Theme: A savage nomad haunted by fragmented memories and blood-soaked instincts. He doesn’t remember his tribe — only the scream of war drums and the cold bite of steel. When rage hits, it’s not just power he unleashes — it’s truth. The beast is who he really is.

“I’m not here to win. I’m here to make sure you lose.”