Yes Charisma is used in social interactions, wich makes Warlocks good with those, but a Warlock learns to lie, deceive and talk his way out in society to Hide his affiliation with a Dark Entity.
Lots of people tends to forget it, but Warlocks ARN'T seen with a favorfull eye by others, they are scorned, hated and even hunted down, so they need to be able to Lie and hide who or what they really are to the others.
Thats why CHA is important for them.
None of my companions knows that i'm an Hexblade, they know i can do stuff, and that i'm an category 5 Edgelord, but none of them as any knowledge of my affiliation with some dark entity, and there's a few times i had to lie through my teeths to them, because there was 2 Good alligned characters at the time( they died since...), so i had to make EXTREME uses of deception and persuassion skills, even intimidation once or twice.
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"Normality is but an Illusion, Whats normal to the Spider, is only madness for the Fly"
But there’s no getting around the fact that a warlock’s power comes from a change to their very being, not by comprehensive understanding, although they may have that.
Sorry to dig this up after so long, but...
The Warlock's power comes from a pact with a patreon. It has nothing to do with their inner 'being' - it is a power granted to them from an external entity. In order to make that pact, they need an understanding at least, of a mechanism to be able to make contact with a patreon. That mechanism could be based upon studying ancent lore and rituals - which has nothing to Charisma.
But there’s no getting around the fact that a warlock’s power comes from a change to their very being, not by comprehensive understanding, although they may have that.
Sorry to dig this up after so long, but...
The Warlock's power comes from a pact with a patreon. It has nothing to do with their inner 'being' - it is a power granted to them from an external entity. In order to make that pact, they need an understanding at least, of a mechanism to be able to make contact with a patreon. That mechanism could be based upon studying ancent lore and rituals - which has nothing to Charisma.
It’s pretty clear that they don’t need any understanding at all of the mechanism (ie: getting involved in a pact accidentally with an archfey). Warlocks can study, but there’s no requirement at all. Their power is based in the power of their patron, which is charisma based. They are changed by the patron, who can just as easily take the power away.
The magic bestowed on a warlock ranges from minor but lasting alterations to the warlock’s being... (Invocation)
Drawing on the ancient knowledge of beings such as fey nobles, demons, devils, hags, and alien entities of the Far Realm... (A reason they could be Intelligence based.)
eldritch invocations, fragments of forbidden knowledge that imbue you with an abiding magical ability. (An excuse for both of the above.)
Hosted a battle between the Cult of Sedge and the Forum Countershere(Done now). I_Love_Tarrasques has won the fight, scoring a victory for the fiendish Moderators.
Drawing on the ancient knowledge of beings such as fey nobles, demons, devils, hags, and alien entities of the Far Realm... (A reason they could be Intelligence based.)
eldritch invocations, fragments of forbidden knowledge that imbue you with an abiding magical ability. (An excuse for both of the above.)
Neither of these are dependent on the Warlock themselves being intelligent or well-read, they are boons granted by other-wordly beings because their patrons like them.
Drawing on the ancient knowledge of beings such as fey nobles, demons, devils, hags, and alien entities of the Far Realm... (A reason they could be Intelligence based.)
eldritch invocations, fragments of forbidden knowledge that imbue you with an abiding magical ability. (An excuse for both of the above.)
Neither of these are dependent on the Warlock themselves being intelligent or well-read, they are boons granted by other-wordly beings because their patrons like them.
I’d also like to point out that warlocks have a pretty broad selection of intelligence based proficiencies, which would cover many of these bases. Still a charisma based spellcaster largely because they are learning magic from beings whose magic is based in charisma. Seems weird to base it on intelligence if that’s not how the patron does it.
But there’s no getting around the fact that a warlock’s power comes from a change to their very being, not by comprehensive understanding, although they may have that.
Sorry to dig this up after so long, but...
The Warlock's power comes from a pact with a patreon. It has nothing to do with their inner 'being' - it is a power granted to them from an external entity. In order to make that pact, they need an understanding at least, of a mechanism to be able to make contact with a patreon. That mechanism could be based upon studying ancent lore and rituals - which has nothing to Charisma.
It’s pretty clear that they don’t need any understanding at all of the mechanism (ie: getting involved in a pact accidentally with an archfey). Warlocks can study, but there’s no requirement at all. Their power is based in the power of their patron, which is charisma based. They are changed by the patron, who can just as easily take the power away.
Two points.
By RAW there is no mechanic to remove a magic from a Warlock. Nor a Cleric for that matter. Only Paladin's do have a listed note about what happens when they break their oath. Additionally, below it is commented in sage advice from Mearls, that you wouldn't lose it, and it isn't contradicted by Crawford. Doesn't prevent OTHER consequences (other servants etc) of course. BUT, a DM can do what they like for story/campaign reasons.
The other point is more opinion, because I swear I read this somewhere and can't find it. But the Patron isn't the source of power; all they did is enable the warlock to use pact magic. Most aren't gods, and don't provide divine magic (via WIS). So you don't learn new spells/invocation/Arcanum from them. Of course, they could point you the way on how to do it. This all becomes fluff in the end.
It’s pretty clear that they don’t need any understanding at all of the mechanism (ie: getting involved in a pact accidentally with an archfey). Warlocks can study, but there’s no requirement at all. Their power is based in the power of their patron, which is charisma based. They are changed by the patron, who can just as easily take the power away.
Can you really enter into a pact - an agreement - accidentally? Surely it requires at least a congency to make that pact?
I accept that this pact can come together in all sorts of ways, but if it's based upon secrets and forbidden lore, then this would require some nominal research, and indeed the pact itself would require a bit of Intelligence. If the patreon's gift is what gives the character Charisma, then are we to assume that Charisma is reduced whenever the pact is broken? If their Charisma is purely gifted to them, should it have any impact upon their normal persuasive skills?
It’s pretty clear that they don’t need any understanding at all of the mechanism (ie: getting involved in a pact accidentally with an archfey). Warlocks can study, but there’s no requirement at all. Their power is based in the power of their patron, which is charisma based. They are changed by the patron, who can just as easily take the power away.
Can you really enter into a pact - an agreement - accidentally? Surely it requires at least a congency to make that pact?
I accept that this pact can come together in all sorts of ways, but if it's based upon secrets and forbidden lore, then this would require some nominal research, and indeed the pact itself would require a bit of Intelligence. If the patreon's gift is what gives the character Charisma, then are we to assume that Charisma is reduced whenever the pact is broken? If their Charisma is purely gifted to them, should it have any impact upon their normal persuasive skills?
It's a premise for one of my characters. The 'secrets and forbidden lore' part is discovery as they gained levels. The pact was created in the sense of "Take my hand and I'll save your life,"
I like the idea that you present, that a patron could get back at a character for breaking a pact, by cursing them to reduce their CHA. And yes, if CHA is a side effect, then yes it helps all their skills.
Not sure I can get on board with the idea that the Patron and it's pact is the source of Charisma for your character. Charisma is a measure not just of likability but of overall presence and force of personality. To me, this trait has always been the answer to the "Why?" for Warlocks from the Patron's perspective as in "Why should I agree to help you gain power?" The force of presence of the would be Warlock is so strong that the Patron is intrigued enough to agree to a deal. Otherwise most people would simply be beneath the notice of their patron.
Also the character description section of the Warlock Intro is fairly implicit that the Warlock is receiving forbidden and abstract knowledge from their Patron which I believe is not something that can be taken away. Consider the following lines from the description:
"seekers of the knowledge that lies hidden"....."warlocks unlock magical effects"....."Drawing on the ancient knowledge"......"warlocks piece together arcane secrets to bolster their own power"....
Certainly the source of further progression could be withdrawn, but nothing can be taken back I would say. In fact this is my one big criticism of Critical Role- Campaign 2 wherein it is shown that Fjord can loose his powers when he displeases his patron. Just doesn't fit with how the character is presented in the PHB.
Well it was going to be but D&D changed it last second.
I think this is because you are making a deal. Like a business person making a deal. the more charismatic the person is the better the deal.
Also Charisma does not mean likeable. you can use charisma to charm magic or other worldly beings that wouldn't understand human concept of beauty or social edict.
Charismatic characters don't have to fit the human definition of charismatic you can see that in many of the monsters. the Hags that are cruel and ugly but have pretty good charisma scores and they cast spells using it.
Well it was going to be but D&D changed it last second.
I think this is because you are making a deal. Like a business person making a deal. the more charismatic the person is the better the deal.
Also Charisma does not mean likeable. you can use charisma to charm magic or other worldly beings that wouldn't understand human concept of beauty or social edict.
Charismatic characters don't have to fit the human definition of charismatic you can see that in many of the monsters. the Hags that are cruel and ugly but have pretty good charisma scores and they cast spells using it.
I thinking making a 'good deal' like a business man means Intelligence as much as Charisma, while the definition of what Charisma is, is as much determined by the skills based on Charisma as much as anything else.
I think somebody mentioned that Int-based Warlocks were an official idea till it was rejected. I think this was an error in the play testing outcome, honestly. They should have stuck with Intelligence being the core stat…..and I bet we wouldn't be debating it now if it was! :)
Well it was going to be but D&D changed it last second.
I think this is because you are making a deal. Like a business person making a deal. the more charismatic the person is the better the deal.
Also Charisma does not mean likeable. you can use charisma to charm magic or other worldly beings that wouldn't understand human concept of beauty or social edict.
Charismatic characters don't have to fit the human definition of charismatic you can see that in many of the monsters. the Hags that are cruel and ugly but have pretty good charisma scores and they cast spells using it.
I thinking making a 'good deal' like a business man means Intelligence as much as Charisma, while the definition of what Charisma is, is as much determined by the skills based on Charisma as much as anything else.
I think somebody mentioned that Int-based Warlocks were an official idea till it was rejected. I think this was an error in the play testing outcome, honestly. They should have stuck with Intelligence being the core stat…..and I bet we wouldn't be debating it now if it was! :)
Considering the number of sales people I have worked with in the last 30 years, I strongly disagree that making a 'good deal' requires ANY intelligence. It can help, but needed? Nope. But I digress.
But let's take a better salesperson for a moment; one making great deals. They would by the description above need both INT and CHA. That certainly can be done in the framework today without any changes to the class. Depending on how you generate scores, your mileage may vary.
But a low CHA high INT might be an interesting story. It's not one I personally see interesting this second. Mostly because on how I see it framed mentally. But I get it.
I think that the only problem with having an INT based Warlock kinda forces the warlock to the Faustian archetype of being able to outsmart/dependent on your patron.
Also I don't see why a patron would give the warlock more power just because they are smarter. Whereas a warlock asking/pleading/demanding with their patron for more abilities seems much more inline with them getting new spells.
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Alston | Level 6 | Human | Cleric | Forge DM | Toril Catastrophe | Rime of the Frostmaiden DM | Clockwork Contingent | Tyranny of Dragons
I think that the only problem with having an INT based Warlock kinda forces the warlock to the Faustian archetype of being able to outsmart/dependent on your patron.
Also I don't see why a patron would give the warlock more power just because they are smarter. Whereas a warlock asking/pleading/demanding with their patron for more abilities seems much more inline with them getting new spells.
Well, the Faustian pact is kinda the archetype I am going for. Or even something like Macbeth…..where somebody has done a deal to get their riches, fortune and power…..rather than because of their innate qualities.
A patreon wouldn't want to give the Warlock more power necessarily, but a high Intelligence Warlock would be better at negotiating a pact in their favour. They understand the syntax in the text, the implications of the lore….. and the get-out clauses….
Well, the Faustian pact is kinda the archetype I am going for. Or even something like Macbeth…..where somebody has done a deal to get their riches, fortune and power…..rather than because of their innate qualities.
A patreon wouldn't want to give the Warlock more power necessarily, but a high Intelligence Warlock would be better at negotiating a pact in their favour. They understand the syntax in the text, the implications of the lore….. and the get-out clauses….
Since you seem to be looking at that type of character it would make sense to be INT based, especially if you went seeking your pact. I kinda wish that Pact of the Tome allowed you to use either INT or CHA as your casting stat.
As for asking for more power I would imagine that a high INT warlock would negotiate a better pact in the first place, but their patron might be reluctant to give them too much power. I could see it make for an interesting story where you seek out a more powerful patron perhaps even explain how Mystic Arcanum changes the spell progression.
Conversely I would imagine a high CHA warlock would say yes to a pact due to more emotional reasons like desperation, honor, tradition, love etc.
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Alston | Level 6 | Human | Cleric | Forge DM | Toril Catastrophe | Rime of the Frostmaiden DM | Clockwork Contingent | Tyranny of Dragons
Well, the Faustian pact is kinda the archetype I am going for. Or even something like Macbeth…..where somebody has done a deal to get their riches, fortune and power…..rather than because of their innate qualities.
A patreon wouldn't want to give the Warlock more power necessarily, but a high Intelligence Warlock would be better at negotiating a pact in their favour. They understand the syntax in the text, the implications of the lore….. and the get-out clauses….
Since you seem to be looking at that type of character it would make sense to be INT based, especially if you went seeking your pact. I kinda wish that Pact of the Tome allowed you to use either INT or CHA as your casting stat.
As for asking for more power I would imagine that a high INT warlock would negotiate a better pact in the first place, but their patron might be reluctant to give them too much power. I could see it make for an interesting story where you seek out a more powerful patron perhaps even explain how Mystic Arcanum changes the spell progression.
Conversely I would imagine a high CHA warlock would say yes to a pact due to more emotional reasons like desperation, honor, tradition, love etc.
Yes. Given where we are now, the best I could hope for is a stipulation that Warlocks could be based off Charisma or Intelligence, in the same way you could have a Fighter based off Strength or Dexterity. I think a lot of my issues could be dealt with in just a few minor rule stipulations. Pact of the Sword would have been better if it also gave you proficiency in Medium Armour and Shields…..
Quote from TrippyHippyEcho>> Yes. Given where we are now, the best I could hope for is a stipulation that Warlocks could be based off Charisma or Intelligence, in the same way you could have a Fighter based off Strength or Dexterity. I think a lot of my issues could be dealt with in just a few minor rule stipulations. Pact of the Sword would have been better if it also gave you proficiency in Medium Armour and Shields…..
Honestly, I would literally just take all of the features of Hex Warrior from Hexblade, and put it into Pact of the Blade. That way, Hexblade is more balanced, and Pact of the Blade is good.
Hosted a battle between the Cult of Sedge and the Forum Countershere(Done now). I_Love_Tarrasques has won the fight, scoring a victory for the fiendish Moderators.
Quote from TrippyHippyEcho>> Yes. Given where we are now, the best I could hope for is a stipulation that Warlocks could be based off Charisma or Intelligence, in the same way you could have a Fighter based off Strength or Dexterity. I think a lot of my issues could be dealt with in just a few minor rule stipulations. Pact of the Sword would have been better if it also gave you proficiency in Medium Armour and Shields…..
Honestly, I would literally just take all of the features of Hex Warrior from Hexblade, and put it into Pact of the Blade. That way, Hexblade is more balanced, and Pact of the Blade is good.
Well, I think that some of the features could be made into Invocations as the whole package into the Pact of the Blade would be a bit overpowered compared to the others. But yes, you should be able to build something like the Hexblade with other patreons, and not have to have the pretty weak fluff text about the Raven Queen, etc.
Quote from TrippyHippyEcho>> Yes. Given where we are now, the best I could hope for is a stipulation that Warlocks could be based off Charisma or Intelligence, in the same way you could have a Fighter based off Strength or Dexterity. I think a lot of my issues could be dealt with in just a few minor rule stipulations. Pact of the Sword would have been better if it also gave you proficiency in Medium Armour and Shields…..
Honestly, I would literally just take all of the features of Hex Warrior from Hexblade, and put it into Pact of the Blade. That way, Hexblade is more balanced, and Pact of the Blade is good.
Well, I think that some of the features could be made into Invocations as the whole package into the Pact of the Blade would be a bit overpowered compared to the others. But yes, you should be able to build something like the Hexblade with other patreons, and not have to have the pretty weak fluff text about the Raven Queen, etc.
Frankly I would love for all of the 3 Pact Boon options to have some power progression as you gain levels. Currently Warlocks are the weakest of the full casters and would love power tweaks to pact boons and invocations since these are the things that most define the Warlock and make them different. For pact boons, I think they need some of the following:
Pact of the Blade-
Summon weapon on bonus action after certain level increase
Summon a shield along with weapon if you are using a one handed weapon after certain level increase
Pact of the Chain-
CR level of familiar forms increase after certain level increase
Once per day, you can cast Find Familiar as an action
Pact of the Tome
Can add one spell known from any spell list after certain level increase
Can add one additional known cantrip from any spell list after certain level increase
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Yes Charisma is used in social interactions, wich makes Warlocks good with those, but a Warlock learns to lie, deceive and talk his way out in society to Hide his affiliation with a Dark Entity.
Lots of people tends to forget it, but Warlocks ARN'T seen with a favorfull eye by others, they are scorned, hated and even hunted down, so they need to be able to Lie and hide who or what they really are to the others.
Thats why CHA is important for them.
None of my companions knows that i'm an Hexblade, they know i can do stuff, and that i'm an category 5 Edgelord, but none of them as any knowledge of my affiliation with some dark entity, and there's a few times i had to lie through my teeths to them, because there was 2 Good alligned characters at the time( they died since...), so i had to make EXTREME uses of deception and persuassion skills, even intimidation once or twice.
"Normality is but an Illusion, Whats normal to the Spider, is only madness for the Fly"
Kain de Frostberg- Dark Knight - (Vengeance Pal3/ Hexblade 9), Port Mourn
Kain de Draakberg-Dark Knight lvl8-Avergreen(DitA)
Sorry to dig this up after so long, but...
The Warlock's power comes from a pact with a patreon. It has nothing to do with their inner 'being' - it is a power granted to them from an external entity. In order to make that pact, they need an understanding at least, of a mechanism to be able to make contact with a patreon. That mechanism could be based upon studying ancent lore and rituals - which has nothing to Charisma.
It’s pretty clear that they don’t need any understanding at all of the mechanism (ie: getting involved in a pact accidentally with an archfey). Warlocks can study, but there’s no requirement at all. Their power is based in the power of their patron, which is charisma based. They are changed by the patron, who can just as easily take the power away.
Paladin - warforged - orange
The magic bestowed on a warlock ranges from minor but lasting alterations to the warlock’s being... (Invocation)
Drawing on the ancient knowledge of beings such as fey nobles, demons, devils, hags, and alien entities of the Far Realm... (A reason they could be Intelligence based.)
eldritch invocations, fragments of forbidden knowledge that imbue you with an abiding magical ability. (An excuse for both of the above.)
Just pointing those things out.
Subclass Evaluations So Far:
Sorcerer
Warlock
My statblock. Fear me!
Hosted a battle between the Cult of Sedge and the Forum Counters here(Done now). I_Love_Tarrasques has won the fight, scoring a victory for the fiendish Moderators.
Neither of these are dependent on the Warlock themselves being intelligent or well-read, they are boons granted by other-wordly beings because their patrons like them.
I am one with the Force. The Force is with me.
I’d also like to point out that warlocks have a pretty broad selection of intelligence based proficiencies, which would cover many of these bases. Still a charisma based spellcaster largely because they are learning magic from beings whose magic is based in charisma. Seems weird to base it on intelligence if that’s not how the patron does it.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Two points.
By RAW there is no mechanic to remove a magic from a Warlock. Nor a Cleric for that matter. Only Paladin's do have a listed note about what happens when they break their oath. Additionally, below it is commented in sage advice from Mearls, that you wouldn't lose it, and it isn't contradicted by Crawford. Doesn't prevent OTHER consequences (other servants etc) of course. BUT, a DM can do what they like for story/campaign reasons.
The other point is more opinion, because I swear I read this somewhere and can't find it. But the Patron isn't the source of power; all they did is enable the warlock to use pact magic. Most aren't gods, and don't provide divine magic (via WIS). So you don't learn new spells/invocation/Arcanum from them. Of course, they could point you the way on how to do it. This all becomes fluff in the end.
Warlock consequences:
Warlock Patrons:
https://www.sageadvice.eu/2018/03/22/so-an-a-god-be-a-patron-or-no/
Can you really enter into a pact - an agreement - accidentally? Surely it requires at least a congency to make that pact?
I accept that this pact can come together in all sorts of ways, but if it's based upon secrets and forbidden lore, then this would require some nominal research, and indeed the pact itself would require a bit of Intelligence. If the patreon's gift is what gives the character Charisma, then are we to assume that Charisma is reduced whenever the pact is broken? If their Charisma is purely gifted to them, should it have any impact upon their normal persuasive skills?
It's a premise for one of my characters. The 'secrets and forbidden lore' part is discovery as they gained levels. The pact was created in the sense of "Take my hand and I'll save your life,"
I like the idea that you present, that a patron could get back at a character for breaking a pact, by cursing them to reduce their CHA. And yes, if CHA is a side effect, then yes it helps all their skills.
Not sure I can get on board with the idea that the Patron and it's pact is the source of Charisma for your character. Charisma is a measure not just of likability but of overall presence and force of personality. To me, this trait has always been the answer to the "Why?" for Warlocks from the Patron's perspective as in "Why should I agree to help you gain power?" The force of presence of the would be Warlock is so strong that the Patron is intrigued enough to agree to a deal. Otherwise most people would simply be beneath the notice of their patron.
Also the character description section of the Warlock Intro is fairly implicit that the Warlock is receiving forbidden and abstract knowledge from their Patron which I believe is not something that can be taken away. Consider the following lines from the description:
"seekers of the knowledge that lies hidden"....."warlocks unlock magical effects"....."Drawing on the ancient knowledge"......"warlocks piece together arcane secrets to bolster their own power"....
Certainly the source of further progression could be withdrawn, but nothing can be taken back I would say. In fact this is my one big criticism of Critical Role- Campaign 2 wherein it is shown that Fjord can loose his powers when he displeases his patron. Just doesn't fit with how the character is presented in the PHB.
Well it was going to be but D&D changed it last second.
I think this is because you are making a deal. Like a business person making a deal. the more charismatic the person is the better the deal.
Also Charisma does not mean likeable. you can use charisma to charm magic or other worldly beings that wouldn't understand human concept of beauty or social edict.
Charismatic characters don't have to fit the human definition of charismatic you can see that in many of the monsters. the Hags that are cruel and ugly but have pretty good charisma scores and they cast spells using it.
I thinking making a 'good deal' like a business man means Intelligence as much as Charisma, while the definition of what Charisma is, is as much determined by the skills based on Charisma as much as anything else.
I think somebody mentioned that Int-based Warlocks were an official idea till it was rejected. I think this was an error in the play testing outcome, honestly. They should have stuck with Intelligence being the core stat…..and I bet we wouldn't be debating it now if it was! :)
Considering the number of sales people I have worked with in the last 30 years, I strongly disagree that making a 'good deal' requires ANY intelligence. It can help, but needed? Nope. But I digress.
But let's take a better salesperson for a moment; one making great deals. They would by the description above need both INT and CHA. That certainly can be done in the framework today without any changes to the class. Depending on how you generate scores, your mileage may vary.
But a low CHA high INT might be an interesting story. It's not one I personally see interesting this second. Mostly because on how I see it framed mentally. But I get it.
I think that the only problem with having an INT based Warlock kinda forces the warlock to the Faustian archetype of being able to outsmart/dependent on your patron.
Also I don't see why a patron would give the warlock more power just because they are smarter. Whereas a warlock asking/pleading/demanding with their patron for more abilities seems much more inline with them getting new spells.
Well, the Faustian pact is kinda the archetype I am going for. Or even something like Macbeth…..where somebody has done a deal to get their riches, fortune and power…..rather than because of their innate qualities.
A patreon wouldn't want to give the Warlock more power necessarily, but a high Intelligence Warlock would be better at negotiating a pact in their favour. They understand the syntax in the text, the implications of the lore….. and the get-out clauses….
Since you seem to be looking at that type of character it would make sense to be INT based, especially if you went seeking your pact. I kinda wish that Pact of the Tome allowed you to use either INT or CHA as your casting stat.
As for asking for more power I would imagine that a high INT warlock would negotiate a better pact in the first place, but their patron might be reluctant to give them too much power. I could see it make for an interesting story where you seek out a more powerful patron perhaps even explain how Mystic Arcanum changes the spell progression.
Conversely I would imagine a high CHA warlock would say yes to a pact due to more emotional reasons like desperation, honor, tradition, love etc.
Yes. Given where we are now, the best I could hope for is a stipulation that Warlocks could be based off Charisma or Intelligence, in the same way you could have a Fighter based off Strength or Dexterity. I think a lot of my issues could be dealt with in just a few minor rule stipulations. Pact of the Sword would have been better if it also gave you proficiency in Medium Armour and Shields…..
Honestly, I would literally just take all of the features of Hex Warrior from Hexblade, and put it into Pact of the Blade. That way, Hexblade is more balanced, and Pact of the Blade is good.
Subclass Evaluations So Far:
Sorcerer
Warlock
My statblock. Fear me!
Hosted a battle between the Cult of Sedge and the Forum Counters here(Done now). I_Love_Tarrasques has won the fight, scoring a victory for the fiendish Moderators.
Well, I think that some of the features could be made into Invocations as the whole package into the Pact of the Blade would be a bit overpowered compared to the others. But yes, you should be able to build something like the Hexblade with other patreons, and not have to have the pretty weak fluff text about the Raven Queen, etc.
Frankly I would love for all of the 3 Pact Boon options to have some power progression as you gain levels. Currently Warlocks are the weakest of the full casters and would love power tweaks to pact boons and invocations since these are the things that most define the Warlock and make them different. For pact boons, I think they need some of the following: