What is Rage? By Barnibus

What is Rage?

Intro

Contrary to popular belief, the main weapon of a Barbarian is not their axe; it is their Rage. Rage is not only their weapon, it is also a tool with which they accomplish great feats. Rage is more than an emotion, it is a state of being. Each rage is unique to the Barbarian that possesses it. No two Barbarians experiences the same feelings when they are raging.

While it is impossible to implicate a concise definition of what it means to rage, it is possible to break the variety of rages into four broad parameters: Cold rage, Hot rage, Slow burning, and Long burning rages. These pair up with each other, creating four archetypes of the rage. Long burning cold rage, Long burning hot rage, Slow burning cold rage, and Slow burning hot rage. It is important to know which type of rage an individual possesses, for only then can they begin to harness the power it grants. Generally, Barbarians are one or the other: hot or cold, long burning or slow, although nothing is black and white.

Types of Rage

Hot rage is the physical aspect of raging, it is physically taxing on the rager while they exert supernatural strength, stamina and pain tolerance. Typically hot rages are defined by the loss of control. Many 'hot ragers' experience a blurring of vision or black outs and for the most part, are irrational in this state of mind. The rager loses a sense of right and wrong and will do next to anything to accomplish their goal.

Cold rage is the mental aspect of raging, it is mentally taxing on the rager while they exert extreme focus, determination, and insight. Typically, cold rages are defined by the gain of control. Many 'cold ragers' experience a type of clarity unsurpassed by even diviners. As cold is the counterpart to hot, so is cold rage to hot rage. Cold ragers are more rational, and often do not act on the focus of their rage immediately, but rather lay in wait, planning an opportunist strike.

Types of Burn

Fast burn is the shortest, but most potent burst of rage that one can experience. It gives an overwhelming sense of 'hot' or 'cold'. Typically fast burning rages are hot rages, exerting all their energy in a short time to accomplish their task, but it is not unheard of for cold rages to burn fast.

Slow burn is the longest, but most intense rage. Slow burning rages are also considered 'seething' rages. It allows the rager time to act, so it pairs best with cold rages, which generally require time to plan. Slow burning hot rages are the most draining, and some Barbarians have actually gone comatose after a slow hot rage burnt out.

Conclusion

There is no weak rage, each archetype has its benefits and hindrances, and each is powerful in its own right. What is important is that any individual who has rage, learns from it. It is not impossible to control hot rages, as they embody a 'loss of control', but learning from oneself and one's own rage will grant a better sense of their power. Only when one has a complete sense of their capabilities, will they come to realize just how useful rage is as a tool and weapon.

Barnibus the Barbarian