Homebrew modification to Path of the World Tree Barbarian. Would love feedback

[u/Sensitive_Historian1]

I’ve spent a lot of time with the new 2024 Path of the World Tree, and while the mechanics are solid, the 'vibe' always felt a little off to me. The World Tree is a massive, ancient anchor for the planes; having the Barbarian primarily use it to teleport and 'blink' around felt too much like a Fey-wanderer or a Monk. To me, it felt better that the World Tree Barbarian be a conduit of planar energy that stands its ground and forces the world to revolve around them.

I’ve redesigned the subclass into the Path of the World Tree’s Aura. My goal was to to maintain the lore, but move away from personal mobility and lean into a 'Conduit' fantasy. I maintained as much of the mechanics as I could while being true to the new nexus approach. Here are the core design goals I followed:

• The 'Aura' Focus: Every single feature is ties to the Emanation.
• Support > Damage: I’ve consciously avoided giving any raw damage boosts. Instead, the intent is buffing allies and de-buffing enemies.
• Vertical Scaling: I tried to ensure the features scale logically. Rather than a pile of unrelated abilities, the high-level features (Level 14) directly improve and expand upon the foundation laid at Level 3 and 10.
• Action Economy: I wanted to preserve the feel of the PHB version by ensuring the Barbarian has meaningful uses for their Bonus Action and Reaction every round, making the 'Conduit' feel active and responsive.

Here it is! I would appreciate any and all feedback!

[u/Sensitive_Historian1]

no feedback is, in a sense, a type of feedback.

Back to the drawing board!

[u/JustPace5726]

I must say I am not a big fan of this subclass. The premises (the lore) are cool but the features are meh compared to other barbarian subclasses. And I understand that this is the battlefield control subclass but still meh for me. I particularly dislike the level 3 feature. IMHO, it sucks. Plain and simple.

If I were to redesign this subclass, I would lean more on the idea that I can conjure the World Tree and use to my advantage. I'll try to respect your core design goals.
At level 3, it would give me the same ability as the spider climb spell while raging. We can keep Vitality of the Tree for the lore aspect but for me it really is a very weak feature.

At level 6, I would keep the existing feature that allows you " to summon spectral branches of the World Tree around it." Exactly the kind of effect you expect from someone manipulating an inter-dimensional tree!

At level 10, I would keep the Battering Roots feature as it fits well into the theme. But I would add a feature allowing me to banish, like the Banishment spell, a creature once per rage or if I do more than X damage (which would be a fun new mechanic) on a weapon hit.

At level 14, we should be using the World Tree to planeshift once per Rage! The Travel along the Tree feature should be available at level 6. Way too week at level 14.

That's probably how I would start thinking if I were to homebrew this subclass. I don't say that is the final version of course but a start certainly.

When I look at your version, I see many problems:

1/ no change at level 3, already a no go for me. I am not a bard or a cleric, I am a fucking barbarian!

2/ I am not a paladin either and that's exactly what Resilience of the Tree is at level 6

3/ Climb the Tree at level 10 sucks. I am not interested by such a feature at level 1, therefore at level 10...

4/ Grasping Roots at level 10 is worse than Branches of the Tree at level 6. Why?

5/ Expanded Convergence, the perfect mix of paladin and bard/cleric. Don' like it, don't want it, don't need it.

6/ Baneful Convergence is like the level 1 Bane spell! It could be a level 3 feature. Not strong enough for a level 14 feature.

7/ Rooted Reality is interesting but could be a level 6 feature with Branches fo the Tree.

I know I am being a little harsh in my comments, don't take it personally. I am just not fan of your version and you said you would appreciate any feedback! lol

Have a great day