True Berserk
They advanced without mail-coats, and were as frenzied as dogs or wolves; they bit their shields; they were as strong as bears or boars; they struck men down, but neither fire nor steel could mark them. This was called the Berserk Rage. -- Accounted by Snorri Sturluson
You are a true Berserk, and the battle-fury that is Odin's gift to brave men runs thick in you. Even with the Beast within you, you must take some time to make the wod rise and give yourself over to the war-joy. You may do this by gashing yourself with a knife, burning yourself, or gnawing on the edge of your shield, the scabbard of your sword, or the haft of your ax. When you are berserk, you add two dice to your strength, add one die to your stamina, and gain three Bruised health levels, Also, while berserk, your wound penalties are reduced by two dice, so you suffer no hindrance from injury until you reach the Crippled health level. Berserk lasts for the duration of the scene, or until you spend three turns calming down away from combat or other strenuous physical activity.
Berserks may not wear armor while they are berserk(and will shed such armor if entering a berserk), nor may the enter a berserk when not in human form, or stay there if they lose their human form-- they instead immediately fall into a Frenzy. Berserks are generally fairly controlled, though anyone interposing himself between a berserk warrior and the warrior's chosen target will be casually struck aside. Berserks cannot Frenzy or enter Rotschreck while berserk, and conversely cannot enter their berserk state if in Frenzy or Rotschreck. Those catching a glimpse of a berserk out of their corner of their eyes during battle often mistake the fierce warriors for bears.
