Path of the Alpha

Some barbarians are sufficiently in tune with their inner beast that they may find partners among the animals of the world, who recognize them as kindred spirits. Whether out of friendship or dominance, these barbarians and their companions fearlessly stand together.

Herd's beginning

At 3rd level, you have formed a bond with a creature of the wilds, which will accompany and fight alongside you to the death. Choose a beast of CR 1/2 or lower to be your companion. Add your proficiency bonus to the beast’s AC, attack rolls, and any saving throws. Its hit point maximum equals its normal maximum or four times your barbarian level, whichever is higher.

The beast obeys your commands as best it can. It rolls for initiative like any other creature, but you determine its actions, decisions, attitudes, and so on. If you are incapacitated or absent, your companion acts on its own.

Of one mind

At 6th level your time spent with your pet has gotten it to be more in tune with you. When you are in a rage, your pet rages with you, gaining the same benefits that you do, but only while you are within 30 feet of it. If you fall unconscious or die, your beast continues to rage for 1 minute.

Unspoken no longer

Additionally, at 6th level you can comprehend and verbally communicate with your beast companion.

Impose dominance

At 10th level you can attempt to assert your will over the feral creatures of the world. As an action, choose a beast or monstrosity within 30 feet that you can see and can see or hear you. Make your choice of an Animal Handling or Intimidation check against a DC equal to double the creature's CR. On a success, the creature becomes charmed by you for 1 minute if it has an intelligence score of 8 or less. If you damage a creature you have charmed in this way, you must attempt the check again, or the charm is lost. Once this charm effect wears off, a creature cannot become charmed through this feature for 24 hours.

Pack leader

At 14th level, your mastery of animals has allowed you to bond with even more. Choose two beasts of CR 1/4 or lower. They gain the same benefits from your Gathering Herd, Of One Mind, and Unspoken No Longer features as your previously gained companion and will also obey your commands as best they can. They roll for initiative like any other creature, but you determine their actions, decisions, attitudes, and so on. If you are incapacitated or absent, your companions act on their own.

Art by Louis Green