Every 1980s professional wrestling fan probably remembers John Nord, better known by his moniker, The Berzerker. That’s exactly who I picture when I read about Shadowdark’s berserker, “howling, battleraging warriors.” These greatxe (or spear) carrying humanoids are officially neutral in alignment. Once a day, they can rage, making them immune to morale checks and giving them +1d4 damage for 3 rounds. I would assume they do not have the best table manners, but I’m sure they are formidable foes on the battlefield.
Encounter Seed: The characters find themselves in the domain of a particularly ruthless band of berserkers. These are territorial and do not speak the common tongue. They are tough warriors who seemingly cheat death. [Mechanic: Upon reaching 0 HPs, these berserkers roll a DC 10+half damage taken on the last attack CON check. If they succeed, they continue fighting with 1 remaining hit point. For example, if the last attack was for 6 points of damage, the berserker would have a DC 13 CON check.]
Encounter Seed: A group of berserkers approaches the characters in a clearing. The berserkers see something they want and are willing to trade beads for it. They do not understand why beads are not as valuable as gold.
Encounter Seed: Three berserkers are taking a break while scouting ahead for a larger group. They are eating some type of dried meat and are not expecting anyone else.
Adventure Seed: One of the necessary tools for destroying the cursed statue that is plaguing the settlement is a magical axe currently in the hands of the chief of a group of berserkers. That axe is not something that the berserkers are likely to part with willingly. [Note: The beserker chief should probably be a few levels ahead of the normal berserkers.]
Adventure Seed: Elven spies observed representatives of the Lightning Tree Orcs meeting with the berserkers of the Blood Hill tribe. It appeared that the orcs handed them a chest of some sort. Surely, they cannot have forged an alliance?
Ridiculous Adventure Seed: The berserkers are celebrating the birthday of one of their heroes. That means they are going to get drunk…and rambunctious. The last time this happened, the crew entered the nearest settlement and destroyed the damn tavern. Hopefully, someone can distract them for the night or convince them to stay away.
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