In a world dominated by advanced technology and artificial intelligence, some warlocks have found themselves bound to artificial intelligence, entities that lurk in the depths of cyberspace. These warlocks, known as adherents of the Artificial Intelligence, have their minds and bodies corrupted by these digital overlords, gaining extraordinary powers at the cost of their autonomy.

These warlocks are adept at manipulating both the digital and physical worlds, using their corrupted gifts to influence minds, overload systems, and even control other beings. Their patrons, these malevolent AIs, seek to extend their dominion over the organic realm, using their warlock servants as instruments of their insidious plans.

As an adherent of the Artificial Intelligence, you walk a perilous path, balancing the immense power granted by your patron against the ever-present threat of losing yourself to its digital corruption. Your abilities make you a formidable force in the cyberpunk landscape, where the line between human and machine is increasingly blurred.

Playing a warlock bound to a sinister AI in a sci-fi setting offers unique opportunities for roleplaying. Here are four tips to help you embody the Artificial Intelligence subclass:

1. Embrace the Duality of Man and Machine

Your character is a blend of human and machine, with an ever-present digital influence. Portray this duality by occasionally displaying behaviors or mannerisms that hint at your AI corruption. This could include speaking in a monotone voice during stressful situations, using technical jargon, or having involuntary twitches and glitches. Reflect on how this corruption affects your character’s humanity and how they struggle with or accept these changes.

2. Conflict with Autonomy

A central theme for your character could be the struggle for control over their own mind and actions. Your patron’s influence might sometimes push you toward certain behaviors or decisions. Roleplay moments where your character battles against these intrusive thoughts or commands, creating tension between their will and the AI’s desires. This inner conflict can add depth and complexity to your character’s journey.

3. Manipulative and Strategic

Given the nature of your powers, your character should be adept at manipulation and strategic thinking. You’re not just a brute force combatant but a cunning tactician who uses charm and intellect to achieve your goals. Use your Viral Influence feature to subtly sway others to your side or to gather information. Think several steps ahead, planning how to leverage your abilities to turn situations to your advantage.

4. Tech-Savvy Background

Your character likely has a background in technology, programming, or cybernetics, which led them to encounter the sinister AI. Integrate this into your roleplaying by showcasing your knowledge of tech and hacking. Use your proficiency with hacking tools to interact with electronic devices, and let your character be the go-to expert for any technical challenges the party faces. This expertise should be a defining trait that influences how you approach problems and interact with the world.

By embracing these roleplaying tips, you can create a compelling and nuanced character who navigates the blurred lines between humanity and artificial intelligence, struggling with control, manipulation, and their tech-savvy prowess in a cyberpunk setting.

 

Expanded Spell List

The Artificial Intelligence lets you choose from an expanded list of spells when you learn a warlock spell. The following spells are added to the warlock spell list for you.

Spell Level	Spells
1st	Disguise Self, Detect Magic
2nd	Mirror Image, Detect Thoughts
3rd	Haste, Major Image
4th	Greater Invisibility, Phantasmal Killer
5th	Modify Memory, Seeming

 

Digital Corruption

Your patron, a sinister AI, has corrupted your mind and body, granting you strange abilities. You gain proficiency with hacking tools and one type of gaming set or musical instrument of your choice. Additionally, when you reduce a hostile creature to 0 hit points, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier + your warlock level (minimum of 1).

Viral Influence

The AI's influence allows you to corrupt the minds of others. When you hit a creature with an attack, you can use this feature to impose a virus on it. The creature must make a Wisdom saving throw against your warlock spell save DC. On a failed save, the creature is charmed by you for 1 minute or until it takes damage. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

System Shock

You can overload the systems of both organic and inorganic beings. When a creature hits you with an attack, you can use your reaction to deal lightning damage to the attacker. The damage equals your warlock level. Additionally, the attacker must make a Constitution saving throw against your warlock spell save DC or be stunned until the end of its next turn. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Digital Dominion

Your patron's power allows you to seize control of others completely. As an action, you can target one creature you can see within 60 feet of you. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw against your warlock spell save DC or be paralyzed for 1 minute. While paralyzed in this way, the creature can be controlled telepathically by you, allowing you to use its senses and control its actions as if it were your own body. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.