Path of the Fire Heart (Barbarian Primal Path)

At 3rd level, a barbarian gains the Primal Path feature. The following option is available to a barbarian, in addition to those offered in the PHB: the Path of the Fire Heart.  

For an additional option, be sure to check out the Path of the Dreamwalker on the blog.

Path of the Fire Heart

Volcanos are a major part of Alberian lore and legends. One such legend tells the story of two lovers, Itza and Popoca. Itza was the beautiful daughter of an Aztec emperor, and Popoca was the emperor's greatest warrior. If Popoca were to win his daughter's hand, the emperor told Popoca that he had to defeat the emperor's enemy and return with his head. Desperately in love with Itza, Popoca accepted his liege's request. Immediately, Popoca and his men set out to the south to do battle with the enemy.

After several months of combat, the enemy sent a false note claiming that his legions had won the war and that Popoca was killed in combat. Distraught by the news, Itza could not stop crying. She did not eat. Eventually, she grew sick and died of heartbreak.

As the funeral for Itza was being prepared by the emperor, Popoca and his men returned victorious from the war. Everyone was surprised by Popoca's presence. The emperor informed Popoca of the message and told the warrior that Itza had died.

Seeing his true love dead, Popoca lifted her body and walked for a long time until he came to a range of mountains. There he laid down the body of Itza and commanded his men to build a funeral table for her. Popoca sat by her side and after a time, he too, died of sadness.

The Gods, touched by Popoca's sacrifice, turned both of the lovers into a pair of volcanos. The largest volcano was Popoca, which was named Popocatépetl (the Nahua name for "smoking mountain") since he still throws out to smoke to show that he is still watching over his love, Itza, a long, snow-topped ridge, that sleeps by his side.

This story inspires many warriors across all of Alberia, especially those who are still connected to nature. Barbarians, moved by the story of true love, sometimes follow  Popoca and follow the Primal Path of the Fire Heart. Fire Heart Barbarians are often brave, passionate souls, willing to put others before themselves. They draw power from Popoca himself (now a demi-god), using his smoke and fire to protect others while they rage.

River of Fire

Starting when you choose this path at 3rd level, you can channel the fire in your soul into your weapon strikes. While you're raging, the first creature you hit on each of your turns with a weapon attack takes extra fire damage equal to 1d6 + half your barbarian level. 

Volcano Guardian

At 6th level, you gain resistance to fire damage, and you don't suffer the effects of extreme heat, as described in the Dungeon Master's Guide. In addition, you are immune to being frightened. 

Smoking Mountain

At 10th level, you can use your bonus action to cast fog cloud while you are raging. After you cast this spell, you can't use this feature again until you finish a short or long rest.

Burning Passion

Starting at 14th level, when a creature within 5 feet of you hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction to cast heat metal on that creature's weapon.  After you cast this spell, you can't use this feature again until you finish a short or long rest.

-

Thanks for reading!