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Warlock Maledictions
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<blockquote data-quote="Hawk Diesel" data-source="post: 7517157" data-attributes="member: 59848"><p>I see what you are doing here, and I don't know how to feel about it. I think it is certainly an interesting concept, and does get back to the core of the original Warlock class. That class was all about getting at-will, unlimited spell-like abilities. And so now, in a version of D&D where nearly all casters have some kind of resourceless, at-will, spell-like abilities via cantrips, how might we get back to what made the original Warlock great?</p><p></p><p>So I think making them the master of cantrips is certainly an interesting idea. Allowing them to add modifier damage to cantrips or other battlefield control effects is an interesting idea. But I'm not sure if I necessarily like this idea completely either. As [MENTION=20564]Blue[/MENTION] has mentioned, it would make Warlock an appealing dip for any caster that wants to improve the power of their cantrips.</p><p></p><p>Additionally, when we look at the original Warlock, the primary ability was the Eldritch Blast. It automatically increased in power as you leveled, and many of the invocations either changed the shape of Eldritch Blast (either chaining blasts, ranged area of effect like fireball, or within a radius centered on caster) or the energy type used by the eldritch blast. Additionally, you could add effects like charm, stun, fear, ect to the blast.</p><p></p><p>So if we are going to help it go back to its roots, I don't think the way is to find ways to expand the Warlock's access to offensive cantrips. Rather, I think it is to lean into Eldritch Blast.</p><p></p><p>1) Make Eldritch Blast a class ability. It is no longer a cantrip. No other class can get access to it without the appropriate level dip. </p><p></p><p>2) The number of rays is no longer determined by character level, but by Warlock level (thus rewarding those that devote to Warlock similarly to how a Fighter gets those extra attacks via fighter levels only).</p><p></p><p>3) At a certain level, all warlocks get agonizing blast.</p><p></p><p>4) Maledictions can provide imbue an eldritch blast with a battlefield control (push, pull, reduce speed, ect), or a change of shape (extended range, small area of effect, multiple rays, ect).</p><p></p><p>5) As a bonus action, maybe a Warlock can change the energy type of the eldritch blast. At default it remains force damage since it is least resisted. But then with investment from action economy, you can change the damage type so that you can take advantage of vulnerabilities.</p><p></p><p>6) Eliminate warlock access to other offensive cantrips. All they need is Eldritch Blast. Continue to allow them access to defensive or utility cantrips. Only exception maybe would be tomelock, though not sure.</p><p></p><p>Now, I haven't thought out this idea completely. It is still very rough and I would need to look at the class further to see where there is design space to do all of this.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Hawk Diesel, post: 7517157, member: 59848"] I see what you are doing here, and I don't know how to feel about it. I think it is certainly an interesting concept, and does get back to the core of the original Warlock class. That class was all about getting at-will, unlimited spell-like abilities. And so now, in a version of D&D where nearly all casters have some kind of resourceless, at-will, spell-like abilities via cantrips, how might we get back to what made the original Warlock great? So I think making them the master of cantrips is certainly an interesting idea. Allowing them to add modifier damage to cantrips or other battlefield control effects is an interesting idea. But I'm not sure if I necessarily like this idea completely either. As [MENTION=20564]Blue[/MENTION] has mentioned, it would make Warlock an appealing dip for any caster that wants to improve the power of their cantrips. Additionally, when we look at the original Warlock, the primary ability was the Eldritch Blast. It automatically increased in power as you leveled, and many of the invocations either changed the shape of Eldritch Blast (either chaining blasts, ranged area of effect like fireball, or within a radius centered on caster) or the energy type used by the eldritch blast. Additionally, you could add effects like charm, stun, fear, ect to the blast. So if we are going to help it go back to its roots, I don't think the way is to find ways to expand the Warlock's access to offensive cantrips. Rather, I think it is to lean into Eldritch Blast. 1) Make Eldritch Blast a class ability. It is no longer a cantrip. No other class can get access to it without the appropriate level dip. 2) The number of rays is no longer determined by character level, but by Warlock level (thus rewarding those that devote to Warlock similarly to how a Fighter gets those extra attacks via fighter levels only). 3) At a certain level, all warlocks get agonizing blast. 4) Maledictions can provide imbue an eldritch blast with a battlefield control (push, pull, reduce speed, ect), or a change of shape (extended range, small area of effect, multiple rays, ect). 5) As a bonus action, maybe a Warlock can change the energy type of the eldritch blast. At default it remains force damage since it is least resisted. But then with investment from action economy, you can change the damage type so that you can take advantage of vulnerabilities. 6) Eliminate warlock access to other offensive cantrips. All they need is Eldritch Blast. Continue to allow them access to defensive or utility cantrips. Only exception maybe would be tomelock, though not sure. Now, I haven't thought out this idea completely. It is still very rough and I would need to look at the class further to see where there is design space to do all of this. [/QUOTE]
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