Arrond Hess
First Post
Warlocks & Familiars
With the presence of CA and the Acquire Familiar Feat, Warlocks have the option of acquiring a Familiar as a Wiz/Sorc, however it is the opinion of this gamer that such a familiar may not follow the same form as a traditional caster but have a flavor unique to his own abilities. I do agree with the requirement of needing a Feat for the Warlock. One of the thoughts I have had about it is considering the nature of the Warlock and his abilities. Primarily, according to the CA:
The Familiar:
For the most part the Warlock familiar operates the same as for a Wiz/Sorc with the following differences:
Familiar Basics:
Alignment: Same as the Warlock.
Statistics: A familiar retains its original statistics & increasing Int score (as per familiar progression) except it now has a Cha score of 10 + the Warlocks Cha modifier.
The increase in Cha rating I have based on the idea that the familiar is more of a refection/gestalt of the Warlock and his Patron personalities and thus shares many of their traits.
Familiar Ability Descriptions:
Alertness, Improved evasion & Empathic Link: as per PHB
Alter Self and Polymorph: The familiar is able to take the form of an Imp, Quasit, or Psudodragon, which is based on the patron of the Warlock. This form, once chosen, may not be changed. Treat these abilities as per their respective spells, with the following modifications: useable at will, with a 24 hour duration and requiring a move equivelent action on the part of the familiar.
Improved Familiar: The evolution of the Warlock's familiar is now complete, with the familiar permanently changing to the type of creature in question, retaining the alignment of the Warlock, its Int and Cha, and the ability to use its Polymorph ability to assume it's previous form.
Telepathic Link: The Warlock has a telepathic link with his familiar, up to a 1 mile distance. This link allows actual communication.
Speak: The familiar may verbally speak, in either of its two forms. It may also use any language the Warlock knows.
Eldritch Conduit: The Warlock may use his Invocations through his familiar, up to line of sight. The range of this ability increases to 1 mile at 13th level. The Invocations useable are limited to those that affect the Warlock only, through touch or have a telepathic component (such as Warlocks Call). When channeling an Invocation through his familiar, he is still subject to attacks of opportunity (if applicable).
Spell resistance: As per PHB
Eldritch Sight: The Warlock may make use of a special Invocation, allowing him to shift his visual perceptions to his familiar. While this ability may be used at will, like his other Invocations, the duration of this Invocation ends when he shifts his sight back to himself. In any given 24 hour period, the warlock may may not use this Invocation in excess of one hour.
Familiars and Death:
Familiars may not be dismissed. Should the familiar die, the Warlock must attempt a DC 15 Fortitude saving throw. Failure costs the Warlock 200xp/level; success reduces the loss to one half, the same as with a Wiz/Sorc. Should the Warlock be killed, the familiar suffers the same fate as his master, as his life is tied with his. A slain familiar may not be replaced for a year and a day. If the Warlock is later resurrected, he needs to only wait 1 month before he may summon a new familiar.
OK... How does all this look to ya guys & gals? Good, bad, indifferent? I look forward to your critiques.
With the presence of CA and the Acquire Familiar Feat, Warlocks have the option of acquiring a Familiar as a Wiz/Sorc, however it is the opinion of this gamer that such a familiar may not follow the same form as a traditional caster but have a flavor unique to his own abilities. I do agree with the requirement of needing a Feat for the Warlock. One of the thoughts I have had about it is considering the nature of the Warlock and his abilities. Primarily, according to the CA:
And:Complete Arcane said:
With these things in mind, what I have envisioned is a familiar that is a part of the warlock as well as a conduit between himself and the Powers which have granted him his powers.Complete Arcane said:
The Familiar:
For the most part the Warlock familiar operates the same as for a Wiz/Sorc with the following differences:
Familiar Basics:
Alignment: Same as the Warlock.
Statistics: A familiar retains its original statistics & increasing Int score (as per familiar progression) except it now has a Cha score of 10 + the Warlocks Cha modifier.
The increase in Cha rating I have based on the idea that the familiar is more of a refection/gestalt of the Warlock and his Patron personalities and thus shares many of their traits.
Familiar Ability Descriptions:
Code:
Master Natural
Class Armor
[U]Level Adj. Int Special [/U]
1-2 +1 6 Alertness, Improved evasion, Empathic Link
3-4 +2 7 Alter Self
5-6 +3 8 Telepathic Link
7-8 +4 9 Speak, Polymorph
9-10 +5 10 Eldritch Conduit
11-12 +6 11 Spell resistance, Bonus Feat: Improved Familiar
13-14 +7 12 Eldritch Sight
15-16 +8 13
17-18 +9 14
19-20 +10 15Alertness, Improved evasion & Empathic Link: as per PHB
Alter Self and Polymorph: The familiar is able to take the form of an Imp, Quasit, or Psudodragon, which is based on the patron of the Warlock. This form, once chosen, may not be changed. Treat these abilities as per their respective spells, with the following modifications: useable at will, with a 24 hour duration and requiring a move equivelent action on the part of the familiar.
Improved Familiar: The evolution of the Warlock's familiar is now complete, with the familiar permanently changing to the type of creature in question, retaining the alignment of the Warlock, its Int and Cha, and the ability to use its Polymorph ability to assume it's previous form.
Telepathic Link: The Warlock has a telepathic link with his familiar, up to a 1 mile distance. This link allows actual communication.
Speak: The familiar may verbally speak, in either of its two forms. It may also use any language the Warlock knows.
Eldritch Conduit: The Warlock may use his Invocations through his familiar, up to line of sight. The range of this ability increases to 1 mile at 13th level. The Invocations useable are limited to those that affect the Warlock only, through touch or have a telepathic component (such as Warlocks Call). When channeling an Invocation through his familiar, he is still subject to attacks of opportunity (if applicable).
Spell resistance: As per PHB
Eldritch Sight: The Warlock may make use of a special Invocation, allowing him to shift his visual perceptions to his familiar. While this ability may be used at will, like his other Invocations, the duration of this Invocation ends when he shifts his sight back to himself. In any given 24 hour period, the warlock may may not use this Invocation in excess of one hour.
Familiars and Death:
Familiars may not be dismissed. Should the familiar die, the Warlock must attempt a DC 15 Fortitude saving throw. Failure costs the Warlock 200xp/level; success reduces the loss to one half, the same as with a Wiz/Sorc. Should the Warlock be killed, the familiar suffers the same fate as his master, as his life is tied with his. A slain familiar may not be replaced for a year and a day. If the Warlock is later resurrected, he needs to only wait 1 month before he may summon a new familiar.
OK... How does all this look to ya guys & gals? Good, bad, indifferent? I look forward to your critiques.
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But, please, don't let your percieved lack of experience with arcane casters hold you back. From a DM's stand point, your imput would be greatly appreciated.
