Warlock Clarifications

[dvvega]

I'm currently on hiatus from running a campaign and playing a filler game with one of my players DM-ing.

After this filler game, another player will DM for a while before I'm ready to continue. For this game I wanted to try something different from my normal characters (cleric in the filler, but normally a bard). So flipping through the books I see Warlock. It sounds great from an roleplaying point of view.

The DM has mentioned it will fit into his campaign model really well however I shouldn't expect to survive "unscathed" for too long. I think there is some definate evil afoot -=shrug=-.

Now onto the actual reason for posting: I am not looking for a list of min/max ideas, I just need clarifications on the actual class ...

1. I start with one least invocation. When I get to 2nd level I get another least invocation correct? Now reading the descriptions - I can swap any one of my least invocations for another least invocation (since I got a new invocation) however it later states that it only happens at specified levels (where I get high level invocations). Which is it?

2. Do the shape/essence invocations for eldritch blast have to be invoked first or are they "automatic" as I use my eldritch blast. In particular, the shape invocation that allows me to channel the blast through a melee attack.

3. Do warlocks qualify as arcane casters?

I think that is it for now.

D

 

[RigaMortus]

I am not an expert on the Warlock by any means, but this is how I understand it to work.

1. I start with one least invocation. When I get to 2nd level I get another least invocation correct? Now reading the descriptions - I can swap any one of my least invocations for another least invocation (since I got a new invocation) however it later states that it only happens at specified levels (where I get high level invocations). Which is it?

You can swap an invocation for another invocation of the same level (that is, least, lesser, greater). The restriction is that you can only do it to invocations that are 1 level lower than the highest one you can invoke. Confused yet? An example is... Once you get the ability to invoke lesser invocations (I believe you get your first lesser one at Warlock level 4), you can now swap 1 least invocation for another least invocation. Once you can invoke greater invocations, you can swap EITHER one least for a least OR one lesser of a lesser. Get it?

2. Do the shape/essence invocations for eldritch blast have to be invoked first or are they "automatic" as I use my eldritch blast. In particular, the shape invocation that allows me to channel the blast through a melee attack.

I am pretty sure they are automatic when you use your blast. You let the DM know that you are applying an essense and a blast to your EB and then it just happens. In the cast of Hideous Blow (the invocation that channels your EB through a melee attack)... That is a standard action. So you only get 1 attack, and with that attack the EB is channles through your weapon.

3. Do warlocks qualify as arcane casters?

I think that is it for now.

D

I don't believe so. They aren't "casters" they are "invokers". Much like how Psions are "manifesters". I don't even think they qualify as "arcane" but I am not certain of that.

 

[dvvega]

I don't believe so. They aren't "casters" they are "invokers". Much like how Psions are "manifesters". I don't even think they qualify as "arcane" but I am not certain of that.

Well they qualify for Acolyte of the Skin, so they have equivalent caster levels, I was interested in other Prestige Classes that require Arcane caster levels instead.

I would think they were Arcane because they're in Complete Arcane but a confirmation would be good.

D

 

[Saeviomagy]

1. I start with one least invocation. When I get to 2nd level I get another least invocation correct? Now reading the descriptions - I can swap any one of my least invocations for another least invocation (since I got a new invocation) however it later states that it only happens at specified levels (where I get high level invocations). Which is it?

No, you cannot swap out invocations whenever you level up. You instead ADD an invocation to the list you have.

So at 1st, you've got one, and at 2nd you've got the same one, plus a new one. Simple.

At the specified higher levels, you can swap out an invocation that you have for a different invocation of the same level.

2. Do the shape/essence invocations for eldritch blast have to be invoked first or are they "automatic" as I use my eldritch blast. In particular, the shape invocation that allows me to channel the blast through a melee attack.

As part of the standard action required to fire the eldritch blast, you apply 1 shape invocation and one modifying invocation (like bewitching blast).

3. Do warlocks qualify as arcane casters?

Yes. They qualify as arcane casters. They do NOT qualify as arcane SPELLcasters.

If a class or feat requires "caster level 3rd" or "arcane caster level 3rd", then a 3rd level warlock can get in. If it requires "arcane spellcaster level 3rd" or "must be able to cast 2nd level spells", a warlock cannot get in without help.

However, if a class says "must be able to cast detect magic" and one of your invocations duplicates detect magic, you're in.

 

[RigaMortus]

Well they qualify for Acolyte of the Skin, so they have equivalent caster levels, I was interested in other Prestige Classes that require Arcane caster levels instead.

I would think they were Arcane because they're in Complete Arcane but a confirmation would be good.

D

They qualify for Acolyte of the Skin because it specifically states that an arcane caster of x level OR a Warlock can take that PrC class. There are some PrCs that specifically state the Warlock can take levels in it, and there are others that are intended for "pure" arcane casters.

 

[dvvega]

Okay well in particular the PrCs I was looking at were Acolyte of the Skin ... this would be the concept of a well meaning Warlock just delving a little too far into his powers and revelling in them.

The Green Star Man ... the warlock has found a way to channel his "evil" power through the metal so that he doesn't descend into darkness anymore. It also goes along with my concept of a "backup" fighting type.

The Suel Arcanamech ... it needs Arcane Caster but not a specific level of spells as far as I remember. A Warlock who channels pure energies to defeat those wizards and sorcerers who represent evil in a disguised form - thus the warlock uses evil to combat evil. Yes angsty I know.

D