Base Class: Warlock

Long ago, when the first apocalypse threatened existence itself, a being older than kingdoms willingly sacrificed nearly all of its divine essence to bind itself to the first Champion. Every generation since, when a new Champion arises, a fragment of that immortal guardian awakens beside them.

Unlike other warlocks, you do not bargain for power.

You inherit a legacy.

Your Herald has stood beside countless heroes before you.

It remembers every victory.

Every failure.

Every sacrifice.

Level 3: Fragment of the First Herald

The Herald is Tiny.

Choose its appearance.

Examples:

Raven
White Wolf Pup
Tiny Drake
Spirit Fox
Living Flame
Winged Serpent
Owl
Miniature Gryphon

Mechanically...

It uses its own stat block.

Herald

Small enough to perch on your shoulder.

AC = 13 + PB

HP =

Warlock Level ×5

Speed 30

Cannot attack.

Cannot wear equipment.

Shares your Initiative.

If reduced to 0 HP:

It disappears.

Returns after a Long Rest.

What it CAN do

Instead of attacking...

It supports.

As a Bonus Action choose one.

Watchful Eyes

Grant advantage on one Perception or Investigation check.

Guiding Presence

Grant advantage on one attack.

Comfort

Gain temporary HP equal to CHA modifier + PB.

Warning Cry

Impose disadvantage on one attack against you.

Level 6: Shared Burden

Whenever you cast a Warlock spell:

Choose one.

Teleport Herald

Move it up to 30 feet.

Deliver Spell

If the spell has a range of Touch,

the Herald may deliver it.

Guardian's Sacrifice

When you take damage,

the Herald may take half instead.

Additionally,

the Herald may take the Help action as a Bonus Action every round.

Level 10: Echoes of the Champions

Whenever you finish a Long Rest,

choose one Ancient Lesson.

Slayer

Once each turn

add CHA to damage.

Protector

Gain +2 AC while Herald is within 10 feet.

Sage

Gain proficiency in one skill.

Hunter

Ignore difficult terrain.

Redeemer

Once per combat

heal an ally

2d8+CHA.

These can change every Long Rest.

Level 14: True Union

For one minute

the Herald merges with you.

Instead of sitting nearby,

it becomes spectral armor.

You gain:

Flying speed equal to walking speed.

Resistance to Radiant and Necrotic.

Extra 1d8 Force damage on all attacks.

Advantage on saving throws.

You glow with celestial runes.

When this ends

gain one level of Exhaustion.

Level 3: Heraldic Invocations

Choose two:

Herald's Wings

Herald gains 60 ft fly speed.

Guardian's Voice

Speak telepathically through Herald.

Unlimited range on same plane.

Ancient Memory

Once daily,

consult the Herald.

Ask one question.

Receive truthful but cryptic guidance.

Bound Protector

Herald may impose disadvantage on attacks against allies.

Shared Soul

Whenever Herald grants temporary HP,

it also removes Fear from one ally.

Eternal Companion

If Herald dies,

return after 1 minute instead of Long Rest.

Ancient Memory

Gain Advantage in Arcana, History, Religion checks.