Voluntary reduction of caster level for warlock?

[SolitonMan]

Hi, I've tried searching the forums for a thread that would cover this but my request timed out, so I figured I'd just go ahead and ask: is it acceptable for a warlock to use their eldritch blast (or any invocation, really) at a caster level lower than their current one, thus reducing the damage? I can imagine situations where it might be useful to do a small amount of damage instead of 9d6, say. Like, as a trivial example, using a 1d6 hellrime blast to cool off a drink at a bar.

The SRD discusssion of magic and caster level states that a caster may voluntarily cast a spell at a lower level, as long as that level is sufficient to cast the spell in question (so no casting a 3d6 fireball, for example - and, I suppose, since a hellrime blast can't be done as a level 1 warlock, my previous trivial example is also moot). Because the damage of an eldritch blast isn't strictly level-based (since the advancement is irregular) I wasn't sure if it would be possible for a warlock to use an eldritch blast at a lower level. I can't find any information related to this, so any insights that might be provided would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Dandu]

RAW is unclear. Doesn't seem unreasonable, though.

 

[Alexander123]

Agreed, it seems reasonable that a caster would have control over his magic and be able to manipulate it to produce effects of varying degrees of strength.

 

[Sekhmet]

What they said.

 

[Particle_Man]

Maybe it depends on the fine print in the pact the Warlock signed with the Powers that granted this "gift".

 

[Falling Icicle]

The SRD discusssion of magic and caster level states that a caster may voluntarily cast a spell at a lower level, as long as that level is sufficient to cast the spell in question (so no casting a 3d6 fireball, for example - and, I suppose, since a hellrime blast can't be done as a level 1 warlock, my previous trivial example is also moot).

Invocations are spell-like abilities, which function just like spells in almost every way. The CA errata also specified that EB is an invocation, so yes, you should be able to lower the caster level of it voluntarily.

 

[Dalamar]

Do note, however, that the damage of Eldritch Blast is not dependant on caster level, but on class level so it doesn't help you reduce the damage one way or the other.

That said, if a DM doesn't allow a character with an at-will cold ability to cool their drink (or fire ability to light their pipe) seems way too strict for my tastes.

 

[Ahnehnois]

I would rule that a warlock can't reduce his damage, to emphasize the idea that his magic is from his bloodline or his patron, not from him, and that that patron likely doesn't want him to go easy on anything.

That said, the rules are silent on the subject and it would be perfectly reasonable to rule the opposite.

 

[Dandu]

I would rule that a warlock can't reduce his damage, to emphasize the idea that his magic is from his bloodline or his patron, not from him, and that that patron likely doesn't want him to go easy on anything.

What if his patron thought it was a really cool use for Hellrime Blast?

 

[SolitonMan]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I think we've worked out a method to reduce damage from EB. To reflect the observation Ahnehnois made about the non-good origins of a warlock's power, when my character wants to use his EB at lower damage dice, he has to make a Concentration check at DC 15 base. This base is increased by the number of caster levels the ability is reduced by, so if my level 18 warlock wants to use EB at level 9, the DC is 24 (15 + (18-9)). Failing the check doesn't prevent the use of the EB at a lower power level, but my warlock will take damage equal to the caster level reduction. This symbolizes the effort to suppress the full power of the blast, and adds a nice chaotic element to the effort.