Warlock

Warlocks are wielders of dark, often forbidden magic, granted to them by an otherworldly patron. Unlike other arcane spellcasters, warlocks derive their power from a pact made with an extraplanar entity, be it a fiend, fey, eldritch god, or other mysterious supernatural beings. This pact bestows upon the warlock not only spells but also bizarre, often macabre abilities that are fueled by the magical energy granted by their patron. The nature of these pacts varies widely and dictates much of a warlock’s abilities and goals, weaving a tapestry of intrigue and danger into their very essence.
Adventures: Warlocks often embark on quests either at the behest of their patrons or to fulfill their own ambitions, which are typically entwined with their patron’s desires. Adventuring allows them to gather the knowledge and artifacts necessary to satisfy their agreements or to leverage more power from their patrons. For many warlocks, adventuring is also a way to test the limits of their arcane might, seek out lost occult knowledge, or exert their patron’s influence across the realms.
Characteristics: Warlocks are defined by their eldritch pact, granting them abilities far removed from the typical arcane arts. They can channel powerful spells, but unlike traditional spellcasters, their magic replenishes swiftly, allowing them to use their formidable spells after short rests. Warlocks can customize their powers through invocations—mystical secrets that grant them unique capabilities, from reading any language to casting spells that normally lie beyond their reach.
Alignment: Warlocks range widely in alignment, influenced heavily by the nature of their patrons. Those who serve benevolent or whimsical fey might be chaotic good or neutral, while those bound to fiends or sinister deities often skew towards neutral or evil alignments. The warlock’s actions might also reflect their personal stance on the moral implications of their pact.
Religion: Warlocks may or may not be religious. Some view their patron as a deity and offer them similar reverence, while others may maintain a pragmatic or even resentful perspective on their pact. Warlocks bound to celestial patrons might worship or respect divine entities aligned with their patrons’ ideals, whereas those allied with darker forces might shun conventional religions, seeing them as rivals or impediments.
Background: Warlocks come from all walks of life, each drawn into their pacts through different circumstances—some through desperation, others by ambition, and a few by deception. A warlock’s background often includes elements of mystery or the supernatural, having been marked by otherworldly forces from a young age or having sought them out willingly.
Races: Any race can become a warlock, but those with innate magical tendencies or who are outcasts within their own societies are more likely to seek out the eldritch power of a pact. Elves, Humans, and Tieflings are particularly common warlocks, each for different reasons related to their heritage or societal roles.
Other Classes: Warlocks often find allies among those who can appreciate or withstand their unconventional methods, such as Rogues and Sorcerers. Their relationships with more dogmatic or disciplined classes like Paladins and Clerics can be strained unless their goals align. Similarly, warlocks might either clash with or be intrigued by Wizards, given their shared interest in arcane knowledge.
Roles: In a party, warlocks serve as versatile spellcasters able to adapt to various situations through their invocations and spells. They excel in dealing damage, especially from a distance, and can fulfill roles ranging from crowd control to support, depending on their choice of spells and the nature of their eldritch pact. Their ability to regain spell slots quickly makes them ready for frequent encounters, ensuring they always have tricks up their sleeves.

Other Associated professions

• Apothecary
• Blood Hunter
• Sorcerer

Used By

• Arcanex
• Brethren Court
• Holy Flame
• Order of Weavers
• The Stone

Personal Characteristics

Personality Traits

• Mysterious: "I maintain an air of mystery about myself, never revealing more than necessary and always keeping others guessing about my true intentions."
• Manipulative: "I am adept at manipulating others to achieve my ends, using charm or deceit as necessary."
• Resolute: "Once I set my mind to a task, nothing can deter me from my chosen path, no matter how dark or perilous it may be."

Ideals

• Power: "I believe that power is the ultimate end, and everything I do is aimed at gaining more of it, whether through knowledge, magic, or pacts with otherworldly beings."
• Independence: "I value my freedom above all else and will resist anyone or anything that tries to control me."
• Secret Knowledge: "I am driven by the pursuit of secret and forbidden knowledge. I believe such knowledge is the key to true power and must be sought at all costs."

Bonds

• Pact: "I am bound by a pact with a powerful otherworldly entity, whose agendas and desires shape my destiny."
• Grudge: "I hold a deep-seated grudge against those who have wronged me in the past, and I am driven to seek revenge against them."
• Lost Love: "My quest for power cost me someone I loved, and I am haunted by guilt and sorrow, even as I continue on my path."

Flaws

• Hubris: "My quest for power can make me overconfident and blind to my own limitations, leading me into danger."
• Paranoia: "I am overly suspicious of others, always suspecting hidden agendas and betrayals, which often isolates me from potential allies."
• Ruthlessness: "In my pursuit of my goals, I can be ruthless, willing to use and sacrifice others without remorse if it serves my needs."