The warlock's biggest problem as a class (and it has numerous problems) is apathy.
Take Eyebite. It targets will which ends up being +3 to hit (monster defenses average will to be 3 lower then AC) which is the same as taking a +3 weapon. It makes you invivible to the monster until the end of your turn. It only does 2d6+Cha on a hit with curse, which you will often have but not always.
A mordenkrad wielded by a fighter is +3 to hit and does the same damage only without needing a curse. It is also brutal and rerolls 1's on damage. The Mordenkrad doesn't have range or make the fighter invisible, but it marks and makes the enemy never want to leave the fighter. It can also be given feats that make it better (hammer rhythm anyone?). It also doesn't provoke opportunity attacks when you use it.
Basically that means a defender does more damage then a warlock and is stickier. Why would the DM attack your warlock?
Things get even worse when you compare Eldritch blast versus what a greatbow ranger can do, or heck a fighter with a long bow. Even the fighter has better range.
So that nifty invisibility eyebite grants? It is mostly useless. The DM has no reason to hit you and it goes to waste. A defense no one attacks is useless. It is your own personal Maginot Line.
All this means that the warlock is one elusive bastard, but that he doesn't do his job. He doesn't make the monsters cry. At least not with at-wills. Which is about 50% of your attacks.
Honestly I think in the long run you will have more fun with a teleporting eladrin rogue. You will do damage, be elusive, and can multiclass into warlock for your flavor. Trust me your group will thank you for the choice to adjust your character concept.
Take Eyebite. It targets will which ends up being +3 to hit (monster defenses average will to be 3 lower then AC) which is the same as taking a +3 weapon. It makes you invivible to the monster until the end of your turn. It only does 2d6+Cha on a hit with curse, which you will often have but not always.
A mordenkrad wielded by a fighter is +3 to hit and does the same damage only without needing a curse. It is also brutal and rerolls 1's on damage. The Mordenkrad doesn't have range or make the fighter invisible, but it marks and makes the enemy never want to leave the fighter. It can also be given feats that make it better (hammer rhythm anyone?). It also doesn't provoke opportunity attacks when you use it.
Basically that means a defender does more damage then a warlock and is stickier. Why would the DM attack your warlock?
Things get even worse when you compare Eldritch blast versus what a greatbow ranger can do, or heck a fighter with a long bow. Even the fighter has better range.
So that nifty invisibility eyebite grants? It is mostly useless. The DM has no reason to hit you and it goes to waste. A defense no one attacks is useless. It is your own personal Maginot Line.
All this means that the warlock is one elusive bastard, but that he doesn't do his job. He doesn't make the monsters cry. At least not with at-wills. Which is about 50% of your attacks.
Honestly I think in the long run you will have more fun with a teleporting eladrin rogue. You will do damage, be elusive, and can multiclass into warlock for your flavor. Trust me your group will thank you for the choice to adjust your character concept.
