Combat Skills
Bash: Level 1
Requirements= None
"Bash a target for extra damage". A simple skill that adds a fixed increase to the minimum and maximum melee damage to any attack. There is also a chance of adding knock-back effect to help break up a pack of surrounding foe. Each swing will cost mana, and the skill works in conjunction with masteries.
Leap: Level 6
Requirements= None
"Jump over obstacles". The animation and screenshot here show a very high Slvl of Leap, lower levels produce more of a hop so unless you are willing to donate a fair few points in this, stick with one point so you can move onto higher skills. Once a decent amount of points have been added though he can achieve great height and distance, easily clearing a group of monsters. On landing he will knock-back nearby monsters, dissipating the group. Some attacks you may also be able to leap over, such as the Sorceress's Glacial Spike as it's relatively slow but other attacks such as Nova, lag permitting, you'd have to be a substantial distance away and have reactions only master Grasshopper posseses. It has not been decided which inanimate objects the Barbarian may leap over yet. Blizzard have stated, "Right now I think its over creeks, but not over low walls, or vice-versa. Not finalised yet." You will however, not be able to leap off a cliff as the skill requires a valid destination to use.
Double Swing: Level 6
Requirements= Bash {1}
"Swing two weapons at once". As the name implies this is a dual-attack movement needing two weapons equipped. Only certain types of weapons can be dual wielded. If dealing with more than one monster he will first swing at the one on his right, followed by a swing at the one on the left. When dual wielding 2-handed weapons, the Barbarian will do less damage per weapon than he would if he was using just a 2-handed weapon.
Stun: Level 12
Requirements= Bash {1}
"Stuns your target". Temporarily renders the target inactive, disabling his attacks and affording you time to finish him off or make haste and retreat. The amount of time the foe is disabled will increase as the skill level increases. The animation, or non-animation as it were, of this is a locked foe with small stars twinkling over its head.
Double Throw
Requirements= Bash {1} Double Swing {6}
"Throw two weapons at once". Never released in animation or screenshot but this would require throwing knives/axes in both hands to hurl simultaneously. Similar in that way to 'Double Swing' but a ranged attack.
Leap Attack: Level 18
Requirements= Leap {1}
"Leap to and attack target enemy". The next step up from basic leap, this will combine a leap with an attack, striking immediately on landing. As with basic leap you will need to stack up on points with this one if you are to achieve great height and distances.
Concentrate: Level 18
Requirements= Bash {1} Stun {12}
"Attack that is not interruptible". This will allow the Barbarian to perform an uninterruptible attack, improving defence rating.
Frenzy: Level 24
Requirements= Bash {1} Double Swing {6} Double Throw {12}
"Successful hit increases speed". Recently the skill name was changed from Crushing Blow. Frenzy will allow the Barbarian to strike a single target with increasing rapidity with each successful hit. One possible scenario could be to invoke a Battle Cry to reduce the AC of a particularly powerful foe, then switch to Frenzy. If his 'to/hit' and mastery in the weapon of choice is above average this skill will prove very valuable.
Whirlwind: Level 30
Requirements= Bash {1} Leap {6} Stun {12} Leap Attack {18} Concentrate {18}
"Moving, spinning, attacking". Here we have the Tasmanian Devil of the Barbarian's arsenal. On selecting a target the Barbarian will whirl around travelling to the foe dealing damage to all he passes. Once he's reached the target he will stop and perform a normal attack. He appears to be uninterruptible in this mode, forcing his way through packs of monsters and although attacking all the time he will take damage himself. {Updated: 31 Jan}
Berserk: Level 30
Requirements= Bash {1} Stun {12} Concentrate {18}
"Powerful but reckless attack". This will substantially increase the Barbarian's damage at the cost of defence rating. The overhead animation is a small collection of white dots.
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