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6 months ago ::
Dec 05, 2012 - 8:22PM
#1
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Date Joined:
Nov 12, 2012
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The Warlock...a class that was introduced fairly recently and captured the heart of a lot of us. What is the Warlock and what should it be within the mechanics of the game? I loved it from the moment it was introduced...an arcane striker cannon that doesn't run out of ammo. The Warlock also has a mixed bag of spell-like abilities useable each day. How do you envision the 5e version of the Warlock?
Eldritch Blast- every bit as iconic as sneak attack seems to be for rogues. Yet, that point provides an interesting question...does the Warlock NEED this ability. It should definately be an option. However, might other options for a Warlock be viable as a powerful at-will mainstay in combat? I would have to say certainly. Could they have a reliable ability that reduces the effectiveness of a foe or foes within the area or something else powerful? I would say certainly. An at-will healing power might be a bit odd and too much. Eldritch Blast seems every bit as iconic as sneak attack is to the rogue, despite the class only being in existance for a somewhat short time.
"Invocations"- I am referring to the rest of the Warlock's utility powers. A great variety of powers should be available based on the patron of the Warlock. We have seen Demons, Fey, Elementals, and perhaps others as possible patrons. How about chaotic celestials, though? Regardless, I feel that having abilitys that are very different than Wizard spells is very important.
What are your thoughts?
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6 months ago ::
Dec 05, 2012 - 8:26PM
#2
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One of the things that I liked about the warlock concept was the pact for powers. While difficult to enforce, I would like to see that expanded upon, perhaps with more available powers that a warlock can make deals with for power. Perhaps higher level abilities require some form of "payment" to the power? (come up with your own concept of the payment; could be a drain of another type of power, a debt in action owed, whatever)
Either way, I kind of hope that a form of the warlock survives the change to 5e.
I prefer 2nd Edition AD&D. But I have played basic, 1E, 2E, 3.5, & 4E, and found all to be fun.
IF IT'S D&D, I'LL PLAY IT, NO MATTER THE EDITION.
Just roll some dice.
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6 months ago ::
Dec 05, 2012 - 9:00PM
#3
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Date Joined:
Sep 19, 2006
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I'd like to see Warlocks retain their whole Pact-element. As for Eldritch Blast, why can't they do something similiar to Expertise Die (and by that, I don't mean the same thing). Basically a point-based way for them to get Blast Invocations like we had in 3E. So Eldritch Blast deals 1d6 + Charisma but you can sacrifice the 1d6 (just dealing Cha-damage) to grant Disadvantage against a target until the beginning of the next round. Or you can sacrifice it to knock prone or blind or etc... by spending Xd6 Eldritch Blast die.
As for the Invocations, I agree with you. They should, at some point, make it so that they follow the pact. They can be some-what similiar in effect (such as an Infernal-Pact walking through flame to teleport vs. a Dark-pact walking into a shadowy corner).
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6 months ago ::
Dec 05, 2012 - 9:56PM
#4
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Date Joined:
Feb 22, 2012
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Rs06 fairly recently? Its been over six years since the introduction of the warlock class 
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6 months ago ::
Dec 05, 2012 - 10:16PM
#5
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I like the Warlock class, but I see two issues with it at present. One is the pact system. As a big fan of the 3.5 Warlock, I find the pact mechanic to be a detriment to the class as a whole. Warlocks are born, not made, and as such they rely on their own power and not on the power of foreign entity. The other issue I have is with using Wizard Spells as Rituals. While I like the Arcane At-Will Striker, I see no reason for their inherent abilities to manifest in ways that mirror non-inherent abilities.
Warlocks were at their best when they were their own beast, not beholden to pacts (not to mention ripping off the Binder's bag of tricks) or mimicking Wizard spells. We seem to move farther and farther away from that core of the class as D&D "progresses".
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6 months ago ::
Dec 05, 2012 - 10:20PM
#6
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Date Joined:
Oct 26, 2004
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Wait wait wait what?
Since when are warlocks born?
Warlocks are the guys who don't have the innate talent for normal magic and thus must either search out these dark secrets or make deals with dread beings of eldritch might.
The only way to be born a warlock is if one of your ancestors was either a collosal jerk or a truly epic moron and got your whole lineage bound up in their contract.
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6 months ago ::
Dec 05, 2012 - 10:27PM
#7
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Date Joined:
Feb 22, 2012
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I wish I was related to one of those jerks.
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6 months ago ::
Dec 05, 2012 - 10:28PM
#8
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The key is packages.
Of course have a versatile and flavorfull amount of invocations and then present a few packages of, let's say, Core Pacts that can be made but remind DM's that they can create their own invocation list. I imagine many of the invocations would be universal and your Pact only adds a few more choices into the mix. As more suppliments come out release more invocations to work with and a few more optional packages.
A fighter can make up a fighting style based on maneuvers, the other classes should be presented that option too.
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6 months ago ::
Dec 05, 2012 - 10:33PM
#9
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Wait wait wait what?
Since when are warlocks born?
Warlocks are the guys who don't have the innate talent for normal magic and thus must either search out these dark secrets or make deals with dread beings of eldritch might.
The only way to be born a warlock is if one of your ancestors was either a collosal jerk or a truly epic moron and got your whole lineage bound up in their contract.
We've already gone Rounds around this one. "Warlocks are born, not made" is a direct quote from the Complete Arcane. I humbly request you provide additional support for your side of the argument. If you don't, I just won't re-engage you in a circular conversation we've already had.
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6 months ago ::
Dec 05, 2012 - 10:42PM
#10
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Date Joined:
Oct 26, 2004
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The fact that they are constantly described as getting their powers from fiendish or other powers as part of grim bargains?
Even if you accept the 3.5 fluff as gospel on the subject all such bloodlines are initiated by a pact, and that pact is where the power comes from.
Furthermore what makes the 3.5 fluff any more legitimate than any other fluff?
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