I love the Arch Fey thematically, but Awakened Mind from the Great Old One is something I'm really excited to play with (all the ways you could attempt to persuade/deceive/intimidate as a voice in someone's head). Not to mention Create Thrall... what an ability!
I would say that the hexblade actually gives you a greater option thematically for patron choices. Maybe the Yklwa/ spear you have has a blade tipped with the talon from the Spirit of the Forest, or that sword you use now has a pomel jewel that was harvested from the shed scale of a chrystal dragon. Maybe your greataxe haft is the result of a fiend ripping the back bone out of a minion in his service. All are "gifts" that you can use to flavor your weapons, spells and Hexblade's curse, while also giving you broader options for alignment and play style.
I really like the Fiend, but I am going to play a great Old One with a variant Human going to go Pact of the Chain with a Gazer Familiar. I feel it is far enough out there that I will have a good time, Waterdhavian Noble background for the spoiled brat.
Great old ones of course. Though each have their own awesomeness but for me nothing stands out more than entities that are beyond understand and on par if not surpass deities. Though unfortunately most of the ones i don't remember any that doesn't want to devour everything or kill everything or destroy everything in the DnD lore. Still their concept is far more amazing to me than destructive demons, deceptive devils, chaotic Archfey or liches and other folk of undead.
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Born under the watch of something from the furthest corners of the far realms.... It knows all.... it sees all... and it asks: "What is it that you want to see?"... and my answer is... ALL"
I don't think I'll ever say I have a favorite Patron, because it just depends on what I'm feeling like at the moment.
Now, I love demons in stories, there's just something about the struggle with dark powers that appeals to me; been a fan since I started the game back with planescape in 2e, and played some variation of tiefling dark magic user for three editions now. I'm a huge fan of the Brimstone Angel series as well, and I adore Feridah.
The fey are fun for a more whimsical take on magic, especially with a half-elf sprite. Charming, scary, and just fanciful faux-bard type for when I want something similar without the buffing aspects. I'm looking forwards to running a half-elf feylock, who's working on becoming a full fey as part of a elf/eladrin plot to produce more elf souls so the race stops dying out.
Yuan-ti Great Old One, because who doesn't like snake themed characters? My favorite was Arms of Hadar / Black Tentacles, which I reflavored to giant pits of eldritch serpents.
Celestial... not actually a fan. There's so many other options for the same healy-holy theme I think I'd go for. Cleric, paladin, divine soul... there's not even an option for a celestial familiar, which is a big fail in my book. Same with Undying, I think - you turn into a pseudo-zombie, but I'd rather do a necromancer, or oathbreaker, or death cleric.
Hexblade is just fun with soul stealing and ghostly minions. Kill something, and send its specter out to torment and haunt your enemies! Lots of curses, and I always have fun with curses! All in all, just something that is all around fun and well done.
Though unfortunately most of the ones i don't remember any that doesn't want to devour everything or kill everything or destroy everything in the DnD lore. Still their concept is far more amazing to me than destructive demons, deceptive devils, chaotic Archfey or liches and other folk of undead.
Side note - many of the GOO ones are actually Abyssal gods, who have a lot in common with said destuctive demons.? Anyways, main reason I brought this up - Ulban the comet from 4e is actually from a future where the Old Ones won and is seeking to reverse the abominations spreading. Of course, that was back in 4e, when we had Star Pact. GOO are slightly different in 5e, but its just a thought. Another thought is that the GOO is related to snake figures, like Dulban, so you could possibly also go for a couatl or a lillend.
Hexblade all the way, because I think that having a sentient sword by your side is just so cool and the fact that you are actually communicating with someone from the Shadowfell. In my campaign I was playing as a Hexblade in the story Into the Abyss and my DM gave me an oppurtunity to meet my patron who was really just an extremely powerful Drow.
I tend to like Archfey. They are an unpredictable ball of Ally, Antagonist, bystander, and Patron all in one. And you can never be sure if/how/when/why what they ask of you will screw you unlike most of the others.
GOO like somebody mentioned they are so un-knowable but most of them if they are not specially made are out to destroy everything. And the more Lovecraftian they get the more this is true. They will just drive you mad while they do it.
Fiends and devils you know from the start are just out to screw you for what they give you. It's just a matter of figuring out how and when and if that price was higher than you thought.
Undying's motivations are pretty clear as well given the kind of creatures that they are. They may not be after complete destruction but most of them are after some levels of it as well as some levels of personal power and you kind of know they expect you to help facilitate that somehow.
Hexblade Patrons and Celestials again unless they are home-made lie somewhere between the Fiends/Devils and the Undying but with less trying to actively screw you over in the process. But they are definitely running by some kind of rules and your there to help facilitate what they want and even the good ones tend to be looking for destruction of something It just happens to mostly be evil things or overly chaotic ones usually.
That's not to say that each can't have outliers that are very different from the generalities. But usually to get that you have to kind of make them up for yourself between you and the DM to get them.
Though as a small aside because I saw it brought up above. I don't know why Some people read hexblade and assume "hey I get a smart magical weapon!" because it doesn't say that at all. And the way it's official release is written it doesn't even have to be a weapon giving one it's power. And that's even ignoring that you can have pacts other than Pact of the Blade for it so you don't even get a sort of a mechanical version of a patron gifted weapon of any kind at all.
Though as a small aside because I saw it brought up above. I don't know why Some people read hexblade and assume "hey I get a smart magical weapon!" because it doesn't say that at all. And the way it's official release is written it doesn't even have to be a weapon giving one it's power. And that's even ignoring that you can have pacts other than Pact of the Blade for it so you don't even get a sort of a mechanical version of a patron gifted weapon of any kind at all.
This. I've played Hexblades with Blade Pacts, and now I mostly play them with Tome Pacts; I think the Hexblade is a great chassis, and I rarely even handle a weapon - much less a sentient one.
Though as a small aside because I saw it brought up above. I don't know why Some people read hexblade and assume "hey I get a smart magical weapon!" because it doesn't say that at all. And the way it's official release is written it doesn't even have to be a weapon giving one it's power. And that's even ignoring that you can have pacts other than Pact of the Blade for it so you don't even get a sort of a mechanical version of a patron gifted weapon of any kind at all.
Yeah, I play my Hexblade as she went (or, was summoned...) to the Shadowfell, met something that may be her patron, but she's not sure... and when she awakened on the Material Plane, found a sword next to her. This sword doesn't appear sentient, but indicates that her patron wants her to kill something... she's not sure what exactly, but she's been "triggered" to kill undead and aberrations. So, this sword doesn't try to really talk to her, or control her actions, but it's more like Sting from LotR.
Though as a small aside because I saw it brought up above. I don't know why Some people read hexblade and assume "hey I get a smart magical weapon!" because it doesn't say that at all. And the way it's official release is written it doesn't even have to be a weapon giving one it's power. And that's even ignoring that you can have pacts other than Pact of the Blade for it so you don't even get a sort of a mechanical version of a patron gifted weapon of any kind at all.
Yeah, I play my Hexblade as she went (or, was summoned...) to the Shadowfell, met something that may be her patron, but she's not sure... and when she awakened on the Material Plane, found a sword next to her. This sword doesn't appear sentient, but indicates that her patron wants her to kill something... she's not sure what exactly, but she's been "triggered" to kill undead and aberrations. So, this sword doesn't try to really talk to her, or control her actions, but it's more like Sting from LotR.
If she's pact of the blade then that's not necessarily a bad way to go. Because the blade is more a manifestation of her granted powers as a Warlock. It's not outright her Patron or some kind of direct copy or link to her patron. Although storywise the patron could occasionally use it to communicate it's not necessarily needed. Fjord of Critical Role walks a fine line of this. But the sword (while gaining magical properties from items he's absorbed) Walks a fine line but certain things make it clear that the weapon that he has is definitely not his Patron. it's a manifestation of effects and things about Fjord and the Pact that he signed with his Patron.
I prefer Great Old Ones because the cosmic shenanigans you can unleash is just off to hook. You can invoke confusion, hilarity as well as terror with a few well-placed words and the proper narrative. They are versatile, many-shaped and extremely powerful. Always fun.
Currently in my TOA campaign my ranger made a pact with the Queen of Creeping Vines in the prelude and since Ranger levels 6-8 are relatively weak in my eyes, I am considering to take a few levels in warlock with the QoCV as the patron and build it up hexblade'ish, pact of the blade and all that fluff. Fits wonderfully to the character as he already sold his soul and he uses a whip in his offhand, which could become the pact weapon. Pretty thorny vines galore!
If she's pact of the blade then that's not necessarily a bad way to go. Because the blade is more a manifestation of her granted powers as a Warlock. It's not outright her Patron or some kind of direct copy or link to her patron. Although storywise the patron could occasionally use it to communicate it's not necessarily needed. Fjord of Critical Role walks a fine line of this. But the sword (while gaining magical properties from items he's absorbed) Walks a fine line but certain things make it clear that the weapon that he has is definitely not his Patron. it's a manifestation of effects and things about Fjord and the Pact that he signed with his Patron.
My DM once told me that my HB Ash's sword grew cold when she walked into a room, and a couple other times passed me a note at specific times that said "ShadowReaver is ice cold." which means it's time for Ash to start swinging.
One time it was awesome - Klarr our Barbarian was all "hey, let's justtalk to these sort of strange people..." And Ash surprise attacked the leader, and second round chopped his head off (he was trying to cast a spell...) and Klarr was still trying to act as peacekeeper.
Fiends and Fey have lots of potential as patrons offering deals and tricks. I just feels that the Great Old Ones offer more creative options to players. You are able to create this patron that no one has heard of, something not of the player's world. It's motives can be malevolent, peaceful, or totally confusing even to the warlock who agrees to carry them out.
Also it seems to be the closest option for a psychic flavored character at the moment. I love me some creepy mind powers.
I have a Great Old One pact warlock and I love the expanded spell list. I also like that the roleplay is a somewhat insane person that's probably seen a bit of the Far Realm.
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I love the Arch Fey thematically, but Awakened Mind from the Great Old One is something I'm really excited to play with (all the ways you could attempt to persuade/deceive/intimidate as a voice in someone's head). Not to mention Create Thrall... what an ability!
As a man that loves Lovecraft, I have to pick Great Old One.
Cattle die, kindred die, every man is mortal. But the good name never dies of one who has done well.
I really like the Raven Queen from UA, and I hope to see it in Xanathars.
I love the idea of using forbidden rituals to bind yourself to the darkness itself, or to death, as a dark but neutral force.
We do bones, motherf***ker!
I really like the Fiend, but I am going to play a great Old One with a variant Human going to go Pact of the Chain with a Gazer Familiar. I feel it is far enough out there that I will have a good time, Waterdhavian Noble background for the spoiled brat.
Great old ones of course. Though each have their own awesomeness but for me nothing stands out more than entities that are beyond understand and on par if not surpass deities. Though unfortunately most of the ones i don't remember any that doesn't want to devour everything or kill everything or destroy everything in the DnD lore. Still their concept is far more amazing to me than destructive demons, deceptive devils, chaotic Archfey or liches and other folk of undead.
Born under the watch of something from the furthest corners of the far realms.... It knows all.... it sees all... and it asks: "What is it that you want to see?"... and my answer is... ALL"
Fiend. Because fire.
Abide.
I don't think I'll ever say I have a favorite Patron, because it just depends on what I'm feeling like at the moment.
Now, I love demons in stories, there's just something about the struggle with dark powers that appeals to me; been a fan since I started the game back with planescape in 2e, and played some variation of tiefling dark magic user for three editions now. I'm a huge fan of the Brimstone Angel series as well, and I adore Feridah.
The fey are fun for a more whimsical take on magic, especially with a half-elf sprite. Charming, scary, and just fanciful faux-bard type for when I want something similar without the buffing aspects. I'm looking forwards to running a half-elf feylock, who's working on becoming a full fey as part of a elf/eladrin plot to produce more elf souls so the race stops dying out.
Yuan-ti Great Old One, because who doesn't like snake themed characters? My favorite was Arms of Hadar / Black Tentacles, which I reflavored to giant pits of eldritch serpents.
Celestial... not actually a fan. There's so many other options for the same healy-holy theme I think I'd go for. Cleric, paladin, divine soul... there's not even an option for a celestial familiar, which is a big fail in my book. Same with Undying, I think - you turn into a pseudo-zombie, but I'd rather do a necromancer, or oathbreaker, or death cleric.
Hexblade is just fun with soul stealing and ghostly minions. Kill something, and send its specter out to torment and haunt your enemies! Lots of curses, and I always have fun with curses! All in all, just something that is all around fun and well done.
Side note - many of the GOO ones are actually Abyssal gods, who have a lot in common with said destuctive demons.? Anyways, main reason I brought this up - Ulban the comet from 4e is actually from a future where the Old Ones won and is seeking to reverse the abominations spreading. Of course, that was back in 4e, when we had Star Pact. GOO are slightly different in 5e, but its just a thought. Another thought is that the GOO is related to snake figures, like Dulban, so you could possibly also go for a couatl or a lillend.
Hexblade all the way, because I think that having a sentient sword by your side is just so cool and the fact that you are actually communicating with someone from the Shadowfell. In my campaign I was playing as a Hexblade in the story Into the Abyss and my DM gave me an oppurtunity to meet my patron who was really just an extremely powerful Drow.
I feel that the Great Old One is a good feel. I'm going to play a GOO soon who was tricked while they were being chased through a city by some guards.
I won't go into too much detail as I don't have it finished yet but I'm very exited to play my second Warlock
I tend to like Archfey. They are an unpredictable ball of Ally, Antagonist, bystander, and Patron all in one. And you can never be sure if/how/when/why what they ask of you will screw you unlike most of the others.
GOO like somebody mentioned they are so un-knowable but most of them if they are not specially made are out to destroy everything. And the more Lovecraftian they get the more this is true. They will just drive you mad while they do it.
Fiends and devils you know from the start are just out to screw you for what they give you. It's just a matter of figuring out how and when and if that price was higher than you thought.
Undying's motivations are pretty clear as well given the kind of creatures that they are. They may not be after complete destruction but most of them are after some levels of it as well as some levels of personal power and you kind of know they expect you to help facilitate that somehow.
Hexblade Patrons and Celestials again unless they are home-made lie somewhere between the Fiends/Devils and the Undying but with less trying to actively screw you over in the process. But they are definitely running by some kind of rules and your there to help facilitate what they want and even the good ones tend to be looking for destruction of something It just happens to mostly be evil things or overly chaotic ones usually.
That's not to say that each can't have outliers that are very different from the generalities. But usually to get that you have to kind of make them up for yourself between you and the DM to get them.
Though as a small aside because I saw it brought up above. I don't know why Some people read hexblade and assume "hey I get a smart magical weapon!" because it doesn't say that at all. And the way it's official release is written it doesn't even have to be a weapon giving one it's power. And that's even ignoring that you can have pacts other than Pact of the Blade for it so you don't even get a sort of a mechanical version of a patron gifted weapon of any kind at all.
Archfey are my favorites because I enjoy playing tricksters. And I have not been disappointed.
DICE FALL, EVERYONE ROCKS!
This. I've played Hexblades with Blade Pacts, and now I mostly play them with Tome Pacts; I think the Hexblade is a great chassis, and I rarely even handle a weapon - much less a sentient one.
Yeah, I play my Hexblade as she went (or, was summoned...) to the Shadowfell, met something that may be her patron, but she's not sure... and when she awakened on the Material Plane, found a sword next to her.
This sword doesn't appear sentient, but indicates that her patron wants her to kill something... she's not sure what exactly, but she's been "triggered" to kill undead and aberrations. So, this sword doesn't try to really talk to her, or control her actions, but it's more like Sting from LotR.
If she's pact of the blade then that's not necessarily a bad way to go. Because the blade is more a manifestation of her granted powers as a Warlock. It's not outright her Patron or some kind of direct copy or link to her patron. Although storywise the patron could occasionally use it to communicate it's not necessarily needed. Fjord of Critical Role walks a fine line of this. But the sword (while gaining magical properties from items he's absorbed) Walks a fine line but certain things make it clear that the weapon that he has is definitely not his Patron. it's a manifestation of effects and things about Fjord and the Pact that he signed with his Patron.
I prefer Great Old Ones because the cosmic shenanigans you can unleash is just off to hook. You can invoke confusion, hilarity as well as terror with a few well-placed words and the proper narrative. They are versatile, many-shaped and extremely powerful. Always fun.
Currently in my TOA campaign my ranger made a pact with the Queen of Creeping Vines in the prelude and since Ranger levels 6-8 are relatively weak in my eyes, I am considering to take a few levels in warlock with the QoCV as the patron and build it up hexblade'ish, pact of the blade and all that fluff. Fits wonderfully to the character as he already sold his soul and he uses a whip in his offhand, which could become the pact weapon. Pretty thorny vines galore!
Let chaos rain... uh, reign!
My DM once told me that my HB Ash's sword grew cold when she walked into a room, and a couple other times passed me a note at specific times that said "ShadowReaver is ice cold." which means it's time for Ash to start swinging.
One time it was awesome - Klarr our Barbarian was all "hey, let's justtalk to these sort of strange people..." And Ash surprise attacked the leader, and second round chopped his head off (he was trying to cast a spell...) and Klarr was still trying to act as peacekeeper.
I am a big fan off the Great Old Ones.
Fiends and Fey have lots of potential as patrons offering deals and tricks. I just feels that the Great Old Ones offer more creative options to players. You are able to create this patron that no one has heard of, something not of the player's world. It's motives can be malevolent, peaceful, or totally confusing even to the warlock who agrees to carry them out.
Also it seems to be the closest option for a psychic flavored character at the moment. I love me some creepy mind powers.
I have a Great Old One pact warlock and I love the expanded spell list. I also like that the roleplay is a somewhat insane person that's probably seen a bit of the Far Realm.