In a campaign I'm DMing, I got a genie warlock who's patron would like to enter a pact with the entire party, giving em slight buffs for (in short) killing every fire elemental and efreeti the party comes across.
For the warlock that buff is quite easy: a bunch of xp for a level-up. However, what should I give the other party members so it's still balanced? My first thought was the magic initiate (warlock) feat, though idk if that's strong enough. Second idea would be a stat increase of +2 in either strength or constitution or a +1 to both (player's choice), though I once more don't know if that'd be a good balance with a level-up. I am also considering scrapping the idea of a level-up for the warlock completely and giving everyone the same buff, but I kinda like the idea cause a level-up would imo best convey a deepening pact or however one would call it. The characters are level 5 at the moment, and with the content I have planned I don't think they'll get to level 20, so that extra xp/level would stay throughout the rest of the campaign.
Considering the genie wants to enter a pact with them—— why not give everyone 1 level of warlock? If the campaign won’t get to 20 anyways. It won’t interfere or etc to any longterm plan players do/have.
that said- some players won’t like being directed to level in warlock.
the genie can always just give them some common magic items.
Honestly, I've literally done just this recently. My party are level 5, but they all secretly got offered a choice by the Great Old One - gain a warlock level in exchange for completing a particular task. Only one of my players accepted the offer, but there's literally no harm in one player being a higher level than the rest of the party. It doesn't change the maths all that much in the long run.
There are people who will scream that it's not fair that one player is a clear level higher than everyone else, but the offer was extended to every member of the party. The others all refused it because they didn't like the restrictions of being bound to a warlock patron. That's the key here - if the offer is made to the entire party it's fair game. They can accept or reject however they like.
Even better my party revealed to each other that they'd been secretly approached by the Great Old One.
I would suggest the Magic Initiate Warlock Feat rather than a level - it keeps their sheets simpler and achieves the same thing. Depending on the skill level of the group you can allow them to use their primary stat for the +hit on Eldritch blast. (Thinking fighter barb etc that normally use all caster stats as dump stats)
Maybe give them a boon, but toned down for lower levels. The toning down is optional, but they made the boons, so why not use them. Side question, how many people here actually use them because I've never heard of the boons being used a lot.
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In the words of the great philosopher, Unicorse, "Aaaannnnd why should I care??"
Best quote from a book ever: "If you love with your eyes, death is forever. If you love with your heart, there is no such thing as parting."- Jonah Cook, Ascendant, Songs of Chaos by Michael R. Miller. Highly recommend
Boons are meant for tier 3/4 characters so can be a bit much for L5. Charms are typically limited time/use items and a pact is more long term to my mind. What I would probably do is offer the warlock initiate feat ( or another caster initiate feat of the character’s choice) to the other party members and maybe a magic item or getting the next invocation early to the warlock ( NOTICE - early not extra)
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In a campaign I'm DMing, I got a genie warlock who's patron would like to enter a pact with the entire party, giving em slight buffs for (in short) killing every fire elemental and efreeti the party comes across.
For the warlock that buff is quite easy: a bunch of xp for a level-up. However, what should I give the other party members so it's still balanced?
My first thought was the magic initiate (warlock) feat, though idk if that's strong enough. Second idea would be a stat increase of +2 in either strength or constitution or a +1 to both (player's choice), though I once more don't know if that'd be a good balance with a level-up.
I am also considering scrapping the idea of a level-up for the warlock completely and giving everyone the same buff, but I kinda like the idea cause a level-up would imo best convey a deepening pact or however one would call it.
The characters are level 5 at the moment, and with the content I have planned I don't think they'll get to level 20, so that extra xp/level would stay throughout the rest of the campaign.
Thanks for any suggestions in advance :3
General gut suggestion, don't give your warlock a free level. Just give them the same boon (or comparable boon) you give the other players.
Considering the genie wants to enter a pact with them—— why not give everyone 1 level of warlock? If the campaign won’t get to 20 anyways. It won’t interfere or etc to any longterm plan players do/have.
that said- some players won’t like being directed to level in warlock.
the genie can always just give them some common magic items.
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Quite like this idea, thanks :D
Honestly, I've literally done just this recently. My party are level 5, but they all secretly got offered a choice by the Great Old One - gain a warlock level in exchange for completing a particular task. Only one of my players accepted the offer, but there's literally no harm in one player being a higher level than the rest of the party. It doesn't change the maths all that much in the long run.
There are people who will scream that it's not fair that one player is a clear level higher than everyone else, but the offer was extended to every member of the party. The others all refused it because they didn't like the restrictions of being bound to a warlock patron. That's the key here - if the offer is made to the entire party it's fair game. They can accept or reject however they like.
Even better my party revealed to each other that they'd been secretly approached by the Great Old One.
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I would suggest the Magic Initiate Warlock Feat rather than a level - it keeps their sheets simpler and achieves the same thing. Depending on the skill level of the group you can allow them to use their primary stat for the +hit on Eldritch blast. (Thinking fighter barb etc that normally use all caster stats as dump stats)
Look at it from the Old one's POV, why would he give them a level?
Give the party a nice magic item, give the Warlock a 2nd magic item (make it commo type or something that show the old ones thanks)
I would suggest a charm as a suitable reward.
Maybe give them a boon, but toned down for lower levels. The toning down is optional, but they made the boons, so why not use them. Side question, how many people here actually use them because I've never heard of the boons being used a lot.
In the words of the great philosopher, Unicorse, "Aaaannnnd why should I care??"
Best quote from a book ever: "If you love with your eyes, death is forever. If you love with your heart, there is no such thing as parting."- Jonah Cook, Ascendant, Songs of Chaos by Michael R. Miller. Highly recommend
Boons are meant for tier 3/4 characters so can be a bit much for L5. Charms are typically limited time/use items and a pact is more long term to my mind. What I would probably do is offer the warlock initiate feat ( or another caster initiate feat of the character’s choice) to the other party members and maybe a magic item or getting the next invocation early to the warlock ( NOTICE - early not extra)
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.