Here is the write-up/conversion for the D&D 3.5 Warlock.
It is based upon this. And this is the original class' invocation list. If this is not allowed to be posted, inform me.
Basically, I would like all of your opinions on whether this is balanced or not and checking to see if I overlooked something. I'm pretty new to tabletop RPGs, but so far, one of my favorite experiences was playing a warlock in 3.5. I want to do a balanced conversion for them, to bring them to a game I think is better than 3.5 (PF).
Let me start off by saying that the Warlock in 3.5 is generally considered to be underpowered. They bring relatively little utility but do good, consistent damage. After level 7 or so, Wizards and Sorcerers gain more spells and spells per day and can out blast and out-utility the Warlock. At higher levels, this damage gap is more severe. Also, people tend to think of the Warlock as a spellcaster. They aren't. They're more like an archer with magic-like abilities.
My main concern with this warlock is that a lot of their strong invocations simply last for 24 hours and are at-will abilities with unlimited uses. That's not something I've noticed PF doing much. But, with that said, warlocks only get 3 least, 3 lesser, 3 greater and 3 dark invocations. And that's for a level 20 lock. They are much more limited in what they can do when compared to a Wizard, Sorcerer or Cleric. Therefore, it may not be too bad of a thing to allow a Warlock to be specifically good at a few of these things, in order to mitigate the general lack of utility they have. This is especially true when you remember a Warlock must still sacrifice invocation slots to access eldritch essences and blast shapes.
I also felt the class lacked a real reason to commit to leveling 20 levels and didn't have an awesome capstone. I decided Patrons and Mysteries added a lot of flavor, so I decided to give my PF Warlock a choice of one patron/mystery and grant them SLAs based on that, with a Final Revelation/Grand Hex at level 20. Good or bad idea?
Are any of the currently listed invocations too OP/UP? I had to delete a least invocation (Earthen Grasp) and 2 lesser invocations (Stony Grasp and Wall of Gloom) because they didn't have PF equivalents. I also got rid of the original's Beguiling Influence invocation and added The Beguiling Presence ability.
Examples of possible ways to buff the Warlock:
- Allow the Warlock to qualify for an Improved Familiar based upon their pact at a certain level (likely 7th-10th somewhere). Would have to pay and spend time finding it.
- Free language dependent on pact
- More blast shape or eldritch essence invocations to choose from
- Free blast shape or eldritch essence invocations at certain levels
- Create an Extra Invocation feat
- Add class skills based on pact
Examples of possible ways to nerf the Warlock:
- Get rid of energy resistence
- Limit invocations per day to X + Charisma mod (possibly separate blast shape and eldritch essence invocations to remain unlimited)
- Limit invocations to X + Charisma mod rounds/minutes/hours, like many Witch hexes do
I know this is long, but I'd really like input on this, as I'd like to present it to my GM to play. Also, are there any glaring typos/misprints/glitches you noticed? Thank you.
It all looks to be in order. My only critique from a once over is that diplomacy and intimidate should both be on the class skill list, instead of having to choose one.