Hey y'all. I'm creating a homebrew warlock subclass based around a pyramid scheme patron. I've got some ideas for the subclass features and patron-specific spells, but the thing I need help with is a mechanic that rewards the player in a meaningful but balanced way for recruiting others to their 'downline'.

Here's where I am so far (wording absolutely not final):

Adding to your Downline

You can recruit a number of people to your direct downline equal to your [CHA modifier or Proficiency Bonus: essentially capping at 5/6].

For each person in your direct downline, you receive the following:

1. New cantrip known 
2. New invocation
3. New spell known (or 1-use spell per long rest, similar to some invocations/mystic arcanum)
4. New invocation
5. New spell slot (or a spell slot of one less than the warlock's current 'regular' slots)
6. New invocation

Everything here is TBC, including the ordering of the rewards. I'm just experimenting with the stuff from the warlock class progression and stuff that would make them more powerful without breaking it too far, including:

• New cantrips
• New invocations
• New spells known
• New spell slot
• New mystic arcanum (this and the above new spell slot are ones i'm more conscious about, like making them the penultimate/final rewards appropriately).

Appreciate any advice I can get! Thanks in advance!

What you wrote for the feature doesn’t match how you’ve described the feature. You wrote “For each person in your direct downline, you receive the following:” followed By a list of 6 things. That means that the PC would get all 6 of those things every time they add a new person to their “downline,” but based on how you’ve described the feature working I think you mean something more like “for each person in your downline you gain one of the benefits listed below. You gain these benefits in a sequential order, and they are cumulative.” Meaning if you have one person in the online you have the first benefit, if you have two people you would have both the first and second benefits, and so on.

I’m not really too sure about that whole “downline” thing. I mean, I get it, but it just feels and sounds clunky. That’s a solid tip by the way, always say stuff out loud so you can hear it, that’ll inform you of how it’s gonna sound to other people too. You got another potential name or way to express what you mean?

Thanks for the feedback. Because I'm still trying to figure out the mechanics, I'm not too worried about refining the language yet. Usually I'll do a quick read through with my regular editing brain before checking the wording against other subclass features.

Thanks for the tip though!

1. Recruitment Mechanism:

   • As you’ve mentioned, the warlock can recruit a number of people to their direct downline. Using the Charisma modifier or Proficiency Bonus as the cap makes sense.
   • Consider flavoring this recruitment process as the warlock convincing others to join their pyramid scheme, promising them power and secrets.

2. Rewards for Each Recruit:

   • For each person in the downline, the warlock gains specific benefits. Let’s break down the rewards:

   • New Cantrip Known:

     • This is a straightforward reward. The warlock learns a new cantrip related to their patron’s theme. Perhaps it’s a minor magical trick or a subtle manipulation spell.
     • Flavor-wise, the warlock could teach this cantrip to their recruits as part of their initiation.

   • New Invocation:

     • Invocations are a core feature of warlocks. Each recruit grants the warlock a new invocation.
     • These invocations could represent the unique abilities or secrets shared by the patron with the warlock and their recruits.

   • New Spell Known (or 1-Use Spell):

     • I like the idea of granting a new spell known or a 1-use spell per long rest. This mirrors the warlock’s existing mechanics.
     • Consider spells related to persuasion, manipulation, or networking. These spells could be used to further recruit or maintain loyalty.

   • New Spell Slot (or Reduced Spell Slot):

     • Offering a new spell slot (or adjusting an existing one) is powerful. Be cautious about balance.
     • Perhaps the warlock gains a spell slot one level lower than their regular slots. This represents the energy drawn from their recruits.
     • Flavor-wise, the warlock channels the collective magical energy of their downline.

   • New Mystic Arcanum:

     • The ultimate reward! Receiving a new mystic arcanum is a significant boon.
     • To balance it, consider making it the penultimate or final reward. The warlock has truly mastered the pyramid scheme and gained access to forbidden knowledge.

3. Flavor and Roleplay:

   • Encourage roleplay interactions with recruits. How does the warlock convince others to join? What promises do they make?
   • Consider adding flavor text to each reward, describing how the patron’s influence manifests through the recruits.

4. Scaling and Balance:

   • As the warlock gains more recruits, the power increases. Ensure that the scaling is balanced and doesn’t overshadow other subclasses.