”It began with a ripple. The White Well’s still waters, reflecting the fey moons pale light until the pool appeared milky white, stirred as if some irreverent spectator had tossed a pebble just to see what would happen. The ripple became ripples. The ripples became froth. The water boiled and seethed with alarmingly violent motion. Then...it stopped. Perfect stillness reigned once more. It was then that the white blade rose from the water. Inch by inch it climbed ever higher until a platinum crossbar appeared, to be followed by a pearlescent handle gripped by a flawless hand whose skin was cream and whose grip was easy. The sword stood above the still pool, raised high by an expectant hand. I waited, uncertain for a moment, until reason told me the sword was being offered. In moving into the pool, which I did after my shameful hesitation, I took the first step onto Destiny’s road.”
Your Patron: The Lady of the White Well
The Feywild shines with magical potential that is wondrous in its brilliant and terrible beauty. Among the most powerful beings found there are the Archfey. These beings are possessed of vast power and majesty. They have walked the forests and deserts, climbed the mountains, and swum the seas since before the tearful sundering of the Blessed Three (the gods Corellon, Lolth, and Sehanine). The archfey are mighty forces in this plane, and they are uncontested in their rule of the demesnes they claim.
Not all archfey, however, are willing to consort with the “lesser races,” let alone each other. These have withdrawn to the wildest places, where they spend eternity in contemplation or furtherance of their inscrutable plans. Others are prevented from leaving their refuges by ancient magic that binds them there. The Lady of the White Well is such an archfey.
Although not seen in many years by any civilized fey, one can hear her tale in Queen Titania’s court, for its tragedy and romance make it popular with singers and star-struck youth:
"Ages ago, Sehanine, Corellon, and Lolth lived in joyful harmony. Their lives and love were woven through bonds of kinship and passion unlike any the world has seen since. Their company was doomed to heartache when darkness poisoned Lolth against her fellows, leading to her exile in the Abyss and the fall of those elves who sided with her against their kin. Before the tragic end of their romance, Lolth’s jealousy was fed by Corellon’s adoration for Sehanine. To restore her place as Corellon’s favored, Lolth beguiled an eladrin knight and wove a glamour to make him look like Corellon. The enchantments affecting the poor knight led him to a pool where Sehanine bathed. The goddess believed the young knight to be her companion, and she conceived a child from their union. Corellon was enraged when he discovered Sehanine’s infidelity. Before Sehanine could intercede, Corellon doomed the child to remain at the pool where she had been conceived until the day when she might give her heart freely to another.
Sehanine cared for her daughter, gave her power over the night, and taught her powerful magic. The moon goddess’s favours would not last however; Lolth’s treachery and the Dawn War that followed saw both Sehanine and Corellon withdraw from the Feywild. Thus the lady of the White Well has remained, waiting for one worthy to win her heart. She has not had to endure the long years alone. Many have come to her shore, seeking favor. She has refused them all so far, but to those few who impress her with earnestness and valour, she has offered boons. To the rarest few, those for whom her heart aches, she offers something even greater: the chance to win not only her heart but also her hand. Upon these, she bestows the Sword of the White Well in the hope that her champion will prove worthy."
Benefit: Your patron is the Lady of the White Well. Her Domain in the Feywild is actually a massive crescent shaped lake, called "The White Well", in the midst of a luscious forest. It is called so because the lake bed is solid white marble and its waters always seem to reflect the moon, making the waters appear milky and white from a distance. Unicorns, Pegasus, Couatls, Lillendi and all types of fey freely frolic in her domain. The temperature always feels pleasant and cool despite the occasional layer of frost that can appear on the green grass. The white well is bordered by the Kingdom of the Prince of Frost on one side, and the Domain of Lord Wyntyr on the other.
**** Hidden Lore: Lord Wyntyr is actually the fey knight who fathered the Lady. Corellon took pity on him and after learning the truth. He changed the knight into an Archfey. Lord Wyntyr, also known as the Jolnir, the Winter King and Kris Kringle: Usually thought of now as the immortal fey who brings treats and gifts to virtuous youth on the winter solstice. The knight who fell to Lolth’s treachery so long ago, lingers as a watchful and protective spirit over his daughter. Although the knight vowed never to fight after his disgrace, he safeguards The Lady from harm by using the Feywild’s magic and the devoted creatures under his command. The jovial Archfey derives his power from the joy in the mortal world and is known to be exceptionally kind and helpful to Hexblades of The Lady of the White Well. ****
The Lady of the White Well a strikingly beautiful elven woman (Imagine she resembles Ravenna from The Huntsman movies). A sliver of "Gold and Light" in a domain of "silver and cold". Golden blonde hair and cream coloured skin. Golden leaf and feathers fall from her in beautiful patterns and disappear. Ravens (both Golden and Black) always seem perched or flying nearby. Like all archfey, she is both gorgeous and enchanting, but can become terrifying when moved to anger. Fortunately this is a rare occurrence. The Lady of the White Well enjoys dancing and music; and she particularly delights in a skillful game of Dragonchess or a spirited fencing match.
Pact Weapon: The Sword of the White Well
You have sought out the Lady of the White Well and impressed her enough to earn her favour. She entrusts you with a charge: become her Shining Knight and fight in her name and for her honor as her champion. How you acquit yourself in your quests will determine whether you can one day claim the ultimate prize: her devoted and eternal love.
The sword of the White Well was the noble blade used by the fey knight who fathered the lady. When he learned how he had been used by Lolth, the knight hurled the weapon into the lake and vowed to never fight again. Thus the weapon symbolizes the tragic circumstances of the lady’s birth while also representing the gift of hope in the magic she bestows to champions who have the best chance at winning her heart.
The weapon possesses perfect balance and adjusts its length and weight to its wielder. Beautifully scribed on the side of the blade in sylvan reads: “I do not love the sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for its glory. I love only that which they defend”.
Benefit: your Hexblade is exquisitely crafted from the finest materials: Platinum, Mithral, & Silver. The sword has a slim, elegant blade that shines as if bathed in moonlight. Your weapon gifted from the Lady of the White Well is anUnbreakableMoon-Touched Sword, Longsword. The weapon will continue to shed moonlight in whatever form you change the weapon to (ie: glaive, greatsword, longbow, dagger, etc). For interest you may wish to give the weapon another minor property or quirk from the lists on page 143 of the DMG.
During the early years of the lady’s exile, several elven handmaidens stayed with her, offering companionship and sympathy. As these handmaidens died, the lady sustained them in undeath and sometimes sends these servants to aid her champions. A handmaiden appears in soft, white light. She is an achingly beautiful eladrin, yet strange in her bearing and manner. She is armed with a slim, white sword and ready to fight at your side. Her once diaphanous gown now appears shredded and torn.
Benefit: your Accursed Specter takes the form of a Mourning Handmaiden. This is a cosmetic effect only
**** Although if you wanted to create your own unique creature for a Mourning Handmaiden check out "Creating Quick Monster Stats" on page 274 of the DMG to get you started. Just keep it as a CR 1 Undead and you should be fine. You could also change things up and use the stats for a Dryad or a Quickening. It would feel thematic without it being overpowered, but talk to your DM ****
Optional Expanded Spell List
Although the standard Hexblade list fits the theme perfectly fine, you should feel free to swap in whatever spells you like so long as they are the same level and are thematically fitting with the story. I went for a radiant moonlight, nature, knight feel but You-do-You.
Recommended Spell Alteration idea: Change the damage type of "Greenflame Blade" from fire to radiant and call it "Moonfire Blade". ("The blade's soft glow builds until it blazes with eldritch power").
Adapted from the original article in Dragon# 393 By Robert J. Schwalb
Check out my Disabled & Dragons Youtube Channel for 5e Monster and Player Tactics. Helping the Disabled Community and Players and DM’s (both new and experienced) get into D&D. Plus there is a talking Dragon named Quill.
Kudos this is really a great take on the Hexblade Patron! Hexblade is SOOO popular with us Warlock fans but, unfortunately, it leads to a lot of silly, cliched patrons (my patron is my grandfather's sentient magic crystal sword that just wants me to be free and happy and kill everyone!) and angst-ridden and goofy backstories. You have really made something unique.
The Mourning Handmaiden is probably my favorite part. You've taken an odd-fitting subclass feature and made it part of your patron's lore.
I would probably choose this patron over both the Archfey and traditional Hexblade. The spell list is pretty outstanding as well.
One question: What about Tome and Chainlocks? How would you fit that in your lore? I almost always choose Chainlocks for flavor and fun.
One question: What about Tome and Chainlocks? How would you fit that in your lore? I almost always choose Chainlocks for flavor and fun.
They way I run hexblades is that, the weapon is what connects you to your Parton. Like how He-Man's sword connects him to the powers of greyskull and allows him to use those powers. Lucky enough, the way hex blades are designed this happens outside of the pact boons. They don't have to be "pact of the blade", even if they have the sword. They function fine with the chain or tome pact. There is no need to overcomplicate it. They all come as gifts from The Lady of the White Well.
For the narrative, the Pact of the Tome is a Fey grimoire with pages of pure gold with writing that have been etched onto them with acid. Obviously ancient but untouched by the passage of time. It provides spells of illusion and trickery and contains long lost ancient secrets known only to the oldest of fey.
For a chain lock: the Lady provides you with a trusted companion to set forth on your noble quest. "As she summoned the spirit, you see a radiant chain appear around your wrist. Almost etherial, the chain seems to disappear if you aren't looking at it quite right. You follow the chain as it twists and moves and it leads to a similar manacle around the wrist of a sprite. As the connection is made, the sprite's form finalizes into its shape and the chain seems to disappear completely. The chain sometime appears at the edges of your vision, much like a mirage; but only for an instant. Regardless of the distance this etherial chain is always long enough to connect the two of you and can neither be cut nor broken. The sprite you notice is protected by sturdy leaf-leather armor and armed with a small sword and bow. The sprite seems excited to begin this adventure with you in service to the Lady of the White Well." Although the sprite does seem to be a bit of a chatterbox.
These are just quick examples though. The fun part is that you are free to make your own lore. Be creative and feel free to use some, all or none of these suggestions. Treat it like a jumping-off-point to make your own backstory.
Hope this helps answer your question. Cheers
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Check out my Disabled & Dragons Youtube Channel for 5e Monster and Player Tactics. Helping the Disabled Community and Players and DM’s (both new and experienced) get into D&D. Plus there is a talking Dragon named Quill.
My first hexblade Patron was Baba Yaga. I found the Archfey Patron underwhelming so I reimagined Baba Yaga as the mother of dreaded hexes which seemed to fit (for the most part) with a Hexblade Chainlock.
If I were to play the character again, your Patron would be a much better fit. The spell list combined with the hexblade subclass features would make a great chassis for a traditional witch.
The White Well - You wandered alone for many days through a serene forest that seemed to exude deep sorrow. Finally,you reached a pool that reflected the moon with unmatched intensity. You found the White Well, said to be the residence of its namesake Lady, an archfey of divine heritage.The only reason to visit the White Well is to approach the Lady.
Approached the Lady of the White Well: You sought the Lady, beseeching for her favor or possibly her love. But how did the Lady respond to your entreaty?
Make a Charisma check:
DC 20: The Lady looked upon you favorably and offered a portion of her power.
DC 15: The Lady was flattered by your offer and bade you good luck before dismissing you empty handed.
DC 10: The Lady was saddened by your coarse manners and rude demeanor, and she teleported you away with a wave of her hand.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Check out my Disabled & Dragons Youtube Channel for 5e Monster and Player Tactics. Helping the Disabled Community and Players and DM’s (both new and experienced) get into D&D. Plus there is a talking Dragon named Quill.
Judging by the number of threads and posts, Warlock is by far the class that draws the most interest. Hexblade is arguably the best of the bunch when it comes to Warlocks. People constantly talk about taking a "dip" into Warlock, for a couple of levels, and it's almost always Hexblade they are going for since they get so many nice little benefits at first level, and those nifty upgrades at 2nd.
So by all means, give more power to Hexblades. Their blade was so boring after all. Who wants a blade made out of shadow? Now you can get one made out of precious metals that shines like the moon. A great list of all sorts of groovy powers too, and maybe a quirk. It's UNBREAKABLE! You can carve up Artifacts with your gently glowing sword. Who needs Mount Doom if you want to get rid of the One Ring of Power? You can summon it again at will too, so if the gods themselves are angry with you, who cares?
Great spell additions there. I zeroed in on Goodberry immediately. It's Druid and Ranger only, but why should they have all the fun? Taking away things that make other classes special is glorious. I see Cleric spells, Wizard spells, Ranger and Druid spells, Paladin smites, the Paladin's steed... Is there any class you haven't pillaged something from?
I have got to love it. I can't wait to try it and see my DM's face. I'm sure she'll love it too. Rename "Devil's Sight" to "The Lady's Vision". Aasimar Warlock Hexblade with Pact of the Blade
My first hexblade Patron was Baba Yaga. I found the Archfey Patron underwhelming so I reimagined Baba Yaga as the mother of dreaded hexes which seemed to fit (for the most part) with a Hexblade Chainlock.
If I were to play the character again, your Patron would be a much better fit. The spell list combined with the hexblade subclass features would make a great chassis for a traditional witch.
( A little off topic to the OP, but you should check out the Red, White, and Black Knights that served Baba Yaga - there's some great lore there to mine if she's your patron).
I really like what you've done here lore-wise. My only issue is with the sword... I don't know about the unbreakable bit. I don't think that there's anything game breaking about giving a first level character a sword that glows with moonlight, but unbreakable feels like it introduces a chance for cheese. Plus, given how unlikely it is to actually break a sword (in game, RAW), if it does actually occur, the story arc to get it fixed (reforged somewhere special, the pieces bathed in the waters of the White Well, return the pieces to the Lady and embark on some quest...) are too good to pass up.
I notice that the original posters stopped adding things after my post, so what I had to say might have gotten through as I intended.
The first thing it says about the Hexblade Patron is that it comes from the Shadowfell, and she's an Archfey
No single Patron should be any more powerful than any of the others.
People who multi-class into Warlock almost always take Hexblade if they are only going to take a few levels of Warlock For power-builds it's pretty much mandatory to take Hexblade.
The expanded spell list has spells that are specific to a bunch of other classes, which is the equivalent of handing out multiple copies of the Magic Initiate feat.
Not only is your Patron violating the rules about where a Hexblade Patron comes from, she's the daughter of Santa Claus and that's just darned silly.
To use this [REDACTED] you have to break a whole bunch of different rules. Having her be an Archfey isn't so terrible, I don't like it and would not allow it, but some might, but you'd need to strip out all non-cosmetic powers and abilities, and fix the optional spell list to have nothing but spells normally available to Warlocks. If they want other caster classes toys, they can get them with Magic Initiate, and only once, because you can't have two versions of the same feat.
I notice that the original posters stopped adding things after my post, so what I had to say might have gotten through as I intended.
In other words, "my posts effectively shut down a conversation about a pretty cool idea that the original poster brought here to talk through, refine, and receive positive feedback on. I felt compelled to post this because my opinion about how somebody else plays a game that has no impact on me at all is more important than anything else."
You know, Geann... I've noticed your posts quite a bit here of late, and all I can say is that you wouldn't be welcome at my table... and I suspect that many here feel the same.
To Ajexton, in particular, I'm sorry that you were treated that way. I suggest that you ignore the 'input' you received from Geann, and focus on the more positive input from the rest of the community here.
I notice that the original posters stopped adding things after my post, so what I had to say might have gotten through as I intended.
Actually its because I posted everything I wanted to and I have no need to respond to people who want to cause conflict just for attention. I just block them. If someone doesn't like what I wrote, fine don't use it. People are welcome to their opinion, but nothing says I have to care about their opinion.
Bishop69 your words were very kind. Thank you.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Check out my Disabled & Dragons Youtube Channel for 5e Monster and Player Tactics. Helping the Disabled Community and Players and DM’s (both new and experienced) get into D&D. Plus there is a talking Dragon named Quill.
This is months later but… wow. I deeply appreciate the effort you put into reflavoring the Hexblade as an archfey. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
”It began with a ripple. The White Well’s still waters, reflecting the fey moons pale light until the pool appeared milky white, stirred as if some irreverent spectator had tossed a pebble just to see what would happen. The ripple became ripples. The ripples became froth. The water boiled and seethed with alarmingly violent motion.
Then...it stopped. Perfect stillness reigned once more.
It was then that the white blade rose from the water. Inch by inch it climbed ever higher until a platinum crossbar appeared, to be followed by a pearlescent handle gripped by a flawless hand whose skin was cream and whose grip was easy. The sword stood above the still pool, raised high by an expectant hand.
I waited, uncertain for a moment, until reason told me the sword was being offered. In moving into the pool, which I did after my shameful hesitation, I took the first step onto Destiny’s road.”
Your Patron: The Lady of the White Well
The Feywild shines with magical potential that is wondrous in its brilliant and terrible beauty. Among the most powerful beings found there are the Archfey. These beings are possessed of vast power and majesty. They have walked the forests and deserts, climbed the mountains, and swum the seas since before the tearful sundering of the Blessed Three (the gods Corellon, Lolth, and Sehanine). The archfey are mighty forces in this plane, and they are uncontested in their rule of the demesnes they claim.
Not all archfey, however, are willing to consort with the “lesser races,” let alone each other. These have withdrawn to the wildest places, where they spend eternity in contemplation or furtherance of their inscrutable plans. Others are prevented from leaving their refuges by ancient magic that binds them there. The Lady of the White Well is such an archfey.
Although not seen in many years by any civilized fey, one can hear her tale in Queen Titania’s court, for its tragedy and romance make it popular with singers and star-struck youth:
"Ages ago, Sehanine, Corellon, and Lolth lived in joyful harmony. Their lives and love were woven through bonds of kinship and passion unlike any the world has seen since. Their company was doomed to heartache when darkness poisoned Lolth against her fellows, leading to her exile in the Abyss and the fall of those elves who sided with her against their kin. Before the tragic end of their romance, Lolth’s jealousy was fed by Corellon’s adoration for Sehanine. To restore her place as Corellon’s favored, Lolth beguiled an eladrin knight and wove a glamour to make him look like Corellon. The enchantments affecting the poor knight led him to a pool where Sehanine bathed. The goddess believed the young knight to be her companion, and she conceived a child from their union. Corellon was enraged when he discovered Sehanine’s infidelity. Before Sehanine could intercede, Corellon doomed the child to remain at the pool where she had been conceived until the day when she might give her heart freely to another.
Sehanine cared for her daughter, gave her power over the night, and taught her powerful magic. The moon goddess’s favours would not last however; Lolth’s treachery and the Dawn War that followed saw both Sehanine and Corellon withdraw from the Feywild. Thus the lady of the White Well has remained, waiting for one worthy to win her heart. She has not had to endure the long years alone. Many have come to her shore, seeking favor. She has refused them all so far, but to those few who impress her with earnestness and valour, she has offered boons. To the rarest few, those for whom her heart aches, she offers something even greater: the chance to win not only her heart but also her hand. Upon these, she bestows the Sword of the White Well in the hope that her champion will prove worthy."
Benefit: Your patron is the Lady of the White Well. Her Domain in the Feywild is actually a massive crescent shaped lake, called "The White Well", in the midst of a luscious forest. It is called so because the lake bed is solid white marble and its waters always seem to reflect the moon, making the waters appear milky and white from a distance. Unicorns, Pegasus, Couatls, Lillendi and all types of fey freely frolic in her domain. The temperature always feels pleasant and cool despite the occasional layer of frost that can appear on the green grass. The white well is bordered by the Kingdom of the Prince of Frost on one side, and the Domain of Lord Wyntyr on the other.
**** Hidden Lore: Lord Wyntyr is actually the fey knight who fathered the Lady. Corellon took pity on him and after learning the truth. He changed the knight into an Archfey. Lord Wyntyr, also known as the Jolnir, the Winter King and Kris Kringle: Usually thought of now as the immortal fey who brings treats and gifts to virtuous youth on the winter solstice. The knight who fell to Lolth’s treachery so long ago, lingers as a watchful and protective spirit over his daughter. Although the knight vowed never to fight after his disgrace, he safeguards The Lady from harm by using the Feywild’s magic and the devoted creatures under his command. The jovial Archfey derives his power from the joy in the mortal world and is known to be exceptionally kind and helpful to Hexblades of The Lady of the White Well. ****
The Lady of the White Well a strikingly beautiful elven woman (Imagine she resembles Ravenna from The Huntsman movies). A sliver of "Gold and Light" in a domain of "silver and cold". Golden blonde hair and cream coloured skin. Golden leaf and feathers fall from her in beautiful patterns and disappear. Ravens (both Golden and Black) always seem perched or flying nearby. Like all archfey, she is both gorgeous and enchanting, but can become terrifying when moved to anger. Fortunately this is a rare occurrence. The Lady of the White Well enjoys dancing and music; and she particularly delights in a skillful game of Dragonchess or a spirited fencing match.
Pact Weapon: The Sword of the White Well
You have sought out the Lady of the White Well and impressed her enough to earn her favour. She entrusts you with a charge: become her Shining Knight and fight in her name and for her honor as her champion. How you acquit yourself in your quests will determine whether you can one day claim the ultimate prize: her devoted and eternal love.
The sword of the White Well was the noble blade used by the fey knight who fathered the lady. When he learned how he had been used by Lolth, the knight hurled the weapon into the lake and vowed to never fight again. Thus the weapon symbolizes the tragic circumstances of the lady’s birth while also representing the gift of hope in the magic she bestows to champions who have the best chance at winning her heart.
The weapon possesses perfect balance and adjusts its length and weight to its wielder. Beautifully scribed on the side of the blade in sylvan reads: “I do not love the sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for its glory. I love only that which they defend”.
Benefit: your Hexblade is exquisitely crafted from the finest materials: Platinum, Mithral, & Silver. The sword has a slim, elegant blade that shines as if bathed in moonlight. Your weapon gifted from the Lady of the White Well is an Unbreakable Moon-Touched Sword, Longsword. The weapon will continue to shed moonlight in whatever form you change the weapon to (ie: glaive, greatsword, longbow, dagger, etc). For interest you may wish to give the weapon another minor property or quirk from the lists on page 143 of the DMG.
Fitting Minor Propertiy options are: Compass, Gleaming, Guardian, Song Craft, Temperate & Waterborne. Fitting Quirks are: Blissful, Confident, Loud, Metamorphic, Muttering, & Possessive.
Accursed Specter: Mourning Handmaiden
During the early years of the lady’s exile, several elven handmaidens stayed with her, offering companionship and sympathy. As these handmaidens died, the lady sustained them in undeath and sometimes sends these servants to aid her champions. A handmaiden appears in soft, white light. She is an achingly beautiful eladrin, yet strange in her bearing and manner. She is armed with a slim, white sword and ready to fight at your side. Her once diaphanous gown now appears shredded and torn.
Benefit: your Accursed Specter takes the form of a Mourning Handmaiden. This is a cosmetic effect only
**** Although if you wanted to create your own unique creature for a Mourning Handmaiden check out "Creating Quick Monster Stats" on page 274 of the DMG to get you started. Just keep it as a CR 1 Undead and you should be fine. You could also change things up and use the stats for a Dryad or a Quickening. It would feel thematic without it being overpowered, but talk to your DM ****
Optional Expanded Spell List
Although the standard Hexblade list fits the theme perfectly fine, you should feel free to swap in whatever spells you like so long as they are the same level and are thematically fitting with the story. I went for a radiant moonlight, nature, knight feel but You-do-You.
Recommended Spell Alteration idea: Change the damage type of "Greenflame Blade" from fire to radiant and call it "Moonfire Blade". ("The blade's soft glow builds until it blazes with eldritch power").
Adapted from the original article in Dragon# 393 By Robert J. Schwalb
Check out my Disabled & Dragons Youtube Channel for 5e Monster and Player Tactics. Helping the Disabled Community and Players and DM’s (both new and experienced) get into D&D. Plus there is a talking Dragon named Quill.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPmyTI0tZ6nM-bzY0IG3ww
Kudos this is really a great take on the Hexblade Patron! Hexblade is SOOO popular with us Warlock fans but, unfortunately, it leads to a lot of silly, cliched patrons (my patron is my grandfather's sentient magic crystal sword that just wants me to be free and happy and kill everyone!) and angst-ridden and goofy backstories. You have really made something unique.
The Mourning Handmaiden is probably my favorite part. You've taken an odd-fitting subclass feature and made it part of your patron's lore.
I would probably choose this patron over both the Archfey and traditional Hexblade. The spell list is pretty outstanding as well.
One question: What about Tome and Chainlocks? How would you fit that in your lore? I almost always choose Chainlocks for flavor and fun.
They way I run hexblades is that, the weapon is what connects you to your Parton. Like how He-Man's sword connects him to the powers of greyskull and allows him to use those powers. Lucky enough, the way hex blades are designed this happens outside of the pact boons. They don't have to be "pact of the blade", even if they have the sword. They function fine with the chain or tome pact. There is no need to overcomplicate it. They all come as gifts from The Lady of the White Well.
For the narrative, the Pact of the Tome is a Fey grimoire with pages of pure gold with writing that have been etched onto them with acid. Obviously ancient but untouched by the passage of time. It provides spells of illusion and trickery and contains long lost ancient secrets known only to the oldest of fey.
For a chain lock: the Lady provides you with a trusted companion to set forth on your noble quest. "As she summoned the spirit, you see a radiant chain appear around your wrist. Almost etherial, the chain seems to disappear if you aren't looking at it quite right. You follow the chain as it twists and moves and it leads to a similar manacle around the wrist of a sprite. As the connection is made, the sprite's form finalizes into its shape and the chain seems to disappear completely. The chain sometime appears at the edges of your vision, much like a mirage; but only for an instant. Regardless of the distance this etherial chain is always long enough to connect the two of you and can neither be cut nor broken. The sprite you notice is protected by sturdy leaf-leather armor and armed with a small sword and bow. The sprite seems excited to begin this adventure with you in service to the Lady of the White Well." Although the sprite does seem to be a bit of a chatterbox.
These are just quick examples though. The fun part is that you are free to make your own lore. Be creative and feel free to use some, all or none of these suggestions. Treat it like a jumping-off-point to make your own backstory.
Hope this helps answer your question. Cheers
Check out my Disabled & Dragons Youtube Channel for 5e Monster and Player Tactics. Helping the Disabled Community and Players and DM’s (both new and experienced) get into D&D. Plus there is a talking Dragon named Quill.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPmyTI0tZ6nM-bzY0IG3ww
My first hexblade Patron was Baba Yaga. I found the Archfey Patron underwhelming so I reimagined Baba Yaga as the mother of dreaded hexes which seemed to fit (for the most part) with a Hexblade Chainlock.
If I were to play the character again, your Patron would be a much better fit. The spell list combined with the hexblade subclass features would make a great chassis for a traditional witch.
Check out my Disabled & Dragons Youtube Channel for 5e Monster and Player Tactics. Helping the Disabled Community and Players and DM’s (both new and experienced) get into D&D. Plus there is a talking Dragon named Quill.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPmyTI0tZ6nM-bzY0IG3ww
Judging by the number of threads and posts, Warlock is by far the class that draws the most interest. Hexblade is arguably the best of the bunch when it comes to Warlocks. People constantly talk about taking a "dip" into Warlock, for a couple of levels, and it's almost always Hexblade they are going for since they get so many nice little benefits at first level, and those nifty upgrades at 2nd.
So by all means, give more power to Hexblades. Their blade was so boring after all. Who wants a blade made out of shadow? Now you can get one made out of precious metals that shines like the moon. A great list of all sorts of groovy powers too, and maybe a quirk. It's UNBREAKABLE! You can carve up Artifacts with your gently glowing sword. Who needs Mount Doom if you want to get rid of the One Ring of Power? You can summon it again at will too, so if the gods themselves are angry with you, who cares?
Great spell additions there. I zeroed in on Goodberry immediately. It's Druid and Ranger only, but why should they have all the fun? Taking away things that make other classes special is glorious. I see Cleric spells, Wizard spells, Ranger and Druid spells, Paladin smites, the Paladin's steed... Is there any class you haven't pillaged something from?
I have got to love it. I can't wait to try it and see my DM's face. I'm sure she'll love it too. Rename "Devil's Sight" to "The Lady's Vision". Aasimar Warlock Hexblade with Pact of the Blade
<Insert clever signature here>
( A little off topic to the OP, but you should check out the Red, White, and Black Knights that served Baba Yaga - there's some great lore there to mine if she's your patron).
I really like what you've done here lore-wise. My only issue is with the sword... I don't know about the unbreakable bit. I don't think that there's anything game breaking about giving a first level character a sword that glows with moonlight, but unbreakable feels like it introduces a chance for cheese. Plus, given how unlikely it is to actually break a sword (in game, RAW), if it does actually occur, the story arc to get it fixed (reforged somewhere special, the pieces bathed in the waters of the White Well, return the pieces to the Lady and embark on some quest...) are too good to pass up.
Neat concept, sword is a bit OP but overall it is a neat concept.
Seems like a cool alternative as a patron.
I notice that the original posters stopped adding things after my post, so what I had to say might have gotten through as I intended.
To use this [REDACTED] you have to break a whole bunch of different rules. Having her be an Archfey isn't so terrible, I don't like it and would not allow it, but some might, but you'd need to strip out all non-cosmetic powers and abilities, and fix the optional spell list to have nothing but spells normally available to Warlocks. If they want other caster classes toys, they can get them with Magic Initiate, and only once, because you can't have two versions of the same feat.
<Insert clever signature here>
I notice that the original posters stopped adding things after my post, so what I had to say might have gotten through as I intended.
In other words, "my posts effectively shut down a conversation about a pretty cool idea that the original poster brought here to talk through, refine, and receive positive feedback on. I felt compelled to post this because my opinion about how somebody else plays a game that has no impact on me at all is more important than anything else."
You know, Geann... I've noticed your posts quite a bit here of late, and all I can say is that you wouldn't be welcome at my table... and I suspect that many here feel the same.
To Ajexton, in particular, I'm sorry that you were treated that way. I suggest that you ignore the 'input' you received from Geann, and focus on the more positive input from the rest of the community here.
Thanks for taking the time to tell me you don't like me. That's appreciated.
<Insert clever signature here>
Actually its because I posted everything I wanted to and I have no need to respond to people who want to cause conflict just for attention. I just block them. If someone doesn't like what I wrote, fine don't use it. People are welcome to their opinion, but nothing says I have to care about their opinion.
Bishop69 your words were very kind. Thank you.
Check out my Disabled & Dragons Youtube Channel for 5e Monster and Player Tactics. Helping the Disabled Community and Players and DM’s (both new and experienced) get into D&D. Plus there is a talking Dragon named Quill.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPmyTI0tZ6nM-bzY0IG3ww
This is months later but… wow. I deeply appreciate the effort you put into reflavoring the Hexblade as an archfey. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for.