I do realize that Warlocks' primary subclass is their patron. But at third level, the pact boon choice also adds basically a second layer on top of that. I am currently in the early ideation phase to create new homebrew content. The basic premise is to create a hybrid Druid-Warlock class. To attain that, I know I will create a new fey-related patron, with a different spell expanded spell list to include iconic druidic spells and cure wounds. It is basically a very similar concept in role to the Celestial Warlock, but with something druidic. Good, that's not what I'm talking about in this post.
At third level, I want to introduce a new Pact of Flesh feature that could be used for all patrons to add a level of shapeshifting capabilities on a short rest. Mechanically, it will be very similar to how Wild Shape functions. It has its own limited rules for what you can shapeshift into, no flying or swimming speeds for example. The CR is based on your Warlock level, just with the druid. To unlock swimming and flying, I propose new Invocations that are limited to Pact of the Flesh. That way, players can then shapeshift into creatures that are a bit more flexible.
The Pact of Flesh could offer a different creature type depending on your Patron. Fiendish patron, fiendish creatures. Fey patron, fey creatures. Outer gods, aberrations, Undying patron, undead forms. The limitations of CR and movement still apply, so it should be good in terms of balancing. Probably needs some introduction about spell like abilities too, but I just want to get some early hints from you guys. In case of my proposed Nature-based Warlock, I would offer Beasts as creatures, just like the druid.
I checked out the Monster Manual, and I figured out that I'm completely out of luck with the assumption that there is a good low-CR thingy to change into for each type that doesn't violate the flying/swimming speed rules. Instead, I will make a list of traits from which the Warlock can pick each time they use Pact of the Flesh. The amount you can pick from the list will be fixed, but can be expanded with Invocations. Possibly the choices are permanent, so you create an alternate demon/aberration/celestial/undead/beast/fey form. The rare traits are shunted into Invocations to require further investment. I'm currently thinking about having a list of 5-6 items, and two to three picks.
Hey
I do realize that Warlocks' primary subclass is their patron. But at third level, the pact boon choice also adds basically a second layer on top of that. I am currently in the early ideation phase to create new homebrew content. The basic premise is to create a hybrid Druid-Warlock class. To attain that, I know I will create a new fey-related patron, with a different spell expanded spell list to include iconic druidic spells and cure wounds. It is basically a very similar concept in role to the Celestial Warlock, but with something druidic. Good, that's not what I'm talking about in this post.
At third level, I want to introduce a new Pact of Flesh feature that could be used for all patrons to add a level of shapeshifting capabilities on a short rest. Mechanically, it will be very similar to how Wild Shape functions. It has its own limited rules for what you can shapeshift into, no flying or swimming speeds for example. The CR is based on your Warlock level, just with the druid. To unlock swimming and flying, I propose new Invocations that are limited to Pact of the Flesh. That way, players can then shapeshift into creatures that are a bit more flexible.
The Pact of Flesh could offer a different creature type depending on your Patron. Fiendish patron, fiendish creatures. Fey patron, fey creatures. Outer gods, aberrations, Undying patron, undead forms. The limitations of CR and movement still apply, so it should be good in terms of balancing. Probably needs some introduction about spell like abilities too, but I just want to get some early hints from you guys. In case of my proposed Nature-based Warlock, I would offer Beasts as creatures, just like the druid.
Zev Georg Mir, creator of Michtim: Fluffy Adventures
Game Designer, Storyteller, UX Gamedev, Homebrewer, Michtim
Get Michtim For D&D
The Tavern (casual RP socializing) game: DM, feel free to join, but read rules in first post and post questions if you have any!
Tym Eisenfuchs: ambiguous Michtim Warlock
Click links to find out more!
I checked out the Monster Manual, and I figured out that I'm completely out of luck with the assumption that there is a good low-CR thingy to change into for each type that doesn't violate the flying/swimming speed rules. Instead, I will make a list of traits from which the Warlock can pick each time they use Pact of the Flesh. The amount you can pick from the list will be fixed, but can be expanded with Invocations. Possibly the choices are permanent, so you create an alternate demon/aberration/celestial/undead/beast/fey form. The rare traits are shunted into Invocations to require further investment. I'm currently thinking about having a list of 5-6 items, and two to three picks.
Things like:
The shapeshifted form would be either Medium or Small size, I don't think Small needs to be an actual option that needs to be picked.
This way you could build an Abomination Warlock similar to Darkest Dungeon
Zev Georg Mir, creator of Michtim: Fluffy Adventures
Game Designer, Storyteller, UX Gamedev, Homebrewer, Michtim
Get Michtim For D&D
The Tavern (casual RP socializing) game: DM, feel free to join, but read rules in first post and post questions if you have any!
Tym Eisenfuchs: ambiguous Michtim Warlock
Click links to find out more!