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Inspired by the conversion done by SmiloDan but wanting to do something that would be more different from Complete Arcana Warlock I have designed the following version of Warlock:
I kept the Eldritch Bolt but reworked it into permanent ranged attack that scale more like ranged weapon (testing will be need to check if I even got close to such scalling, current version is freshly written). Invocations were reworked completly into class resource that is spend to gain certain benefits, similar to ki points. They role was taken by hexes borrowed from the witch class. Novelty feature is metamorphosis (ok, not so novelty for those familiar with Warcraft - questing for Gul'dan skull to finish Illidan's metamorphosis into demon was quite... interesting).
Role: Warlocks draw the power from dark planes and their fiendish denizens gaining the ability to fire bolts of unholy energy and transform for a short time into eldritch monstrosities.
Alignment: Any.
Hit Dice: d8.
Class Skills: Bluff (Cha), Craft (Int), Disguise (Cha), Fly (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge [arcana] (Int), Knowledge [planes] (Int), Perception (Wis), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), Spellcraft (Int), Stealth (Dex), Use Magic Device (Cha).
Skill Ranks Per Level: 4+Int modifier.
Base Attack Bonus: Medium Progression.
Good Saving Throws: Will.
Level..Special
1.........Eldritch Bolt, Eldritch Invocation, Eldritch Pact, Forbidden Secret, Metamorphosis
2.........DR 1/varies, Hex
3.........Eldritch Bolt +1, Forbidden Secret
4.........DR 2/varies, Hex
5.........Augment Bolt 1, Forbidden Secret
6.........DR 3/varies, Hex
7.........Eldritch Bolt +2, Forbidden Secret
8.........DR 4/varies, Hex
9.........Augment Bolt 2, Forbidden Secret
10........DR 5/varies, Hex
11........Eldritch Bolt +3, Forbidden Secret
12........DR 6/varies, Hex
13........Augment Bolt 3, Forbidden Secret
14........DR 7/varies, Hex
15........Eldritch Bolt +4, Forbidden Secret
16........DR 8/varies, Hex
17........Augment Bolt 4, Forbidden Secret
18........DR 9/varies, Hex
19........Eldritch Bolt +5, Forbidden Secret
20........DR 10/varies, Eldritch Apotheosis, Hex
Weapon And Armor Proficiency: Warlocks are proficient with all simple weapons and light armors but not shields.
Eldritch Bolt (Su): 1st level Warlock gains the ability to project bolt of devastating energy with a 60 feet range. On a successful ranged touch attack eldritch bolt inflicts 1d8 points of damage, half of which is unholy (or chaotic for qlippothic pact) and half is of energy type associated with the warlock's eldritch pact. At 3rd and every four levels thereafter warlock gains +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls with his eldritch bolt.
Eldritch bolt is treated as a ranged attack that provokes attacks of opportunity and benefits from all bonuses and penalties applying to ranged weapon attacks. Single bolt is fired with an attack action and multiple bolts can be fired with a full attack action.
One free and unrestrained hand is required to fire eldritch bolts.
Eldritch Invocation (Su): Warlocks can call upon the dark powers for aid. They may use eldritch invocation a number of times per day equal to their Charisma bonus (minimum 1) plus one additional time per two class levels.
Warlock can use single invocation as a swift action to fire one additional eldritch bolt at highest base attack bonus as a part of full attack. He may also use invocation to activate metamorphosis as an immediate action. Finally he may use invocation to gain +4 profane bonus to single Charisma-based ability or skill check made against Outsiders with subtype asociated with their pact. Certain forbidden secrets grant additional uses for invocation.
Warlock has to be able to speak to use any invocation.
Eldritch Pact: 1st level Warlock selects single patron representing the source of his power: abyssal, daemonic, infernal or qlippothic. Each pact grants DR equal to one-half Warlock level and energy resistance of 5+Warlock level against associated energy type.
Daemonic Pact: Daemonic Warlocks serve the powers of pure annihilation dwelling on the bleak plane of Abaddon. Daemonic DR is penetrated by good weapons and the associated energy type is acid.
Infernal Pact: Infernal Warlocks are pawns of devils from the fiery Hell. Infernal DR is penetrated by silver weapons and the associated energy type is fire.
Qlippothic Pact: Qlippothic Warlocks coax aid of inscrutable and ancient qlippoths, fallen masters of the Abyss from before the times of demons. Qlippothic DR is penetrated by lawful weapons and their associated energy type is cold. Unlike in case of other pacts, qlippothic eldritch bolt inflicts half chaotic and half cold damage.
Forbidden Secrets: As the descend on their path to darkness warlocks learn many eldritch secrets that alter them and their powers in unpredictable way. Certain forbidden secrets grant additional abilities while using metamorphosis ability.
At 1st level and every two levels thereafter warlock selects one of the following forbidden secrets:
Crown Of Horns: Metamorphosed warlock gains gore natural attack that inflicts double damage if used during a charge.
Dark Cantrips (Sp): Warlock gains three 0th level spells selected from Sorcerer/Wizard or Witch spell lists as spell-like abilities usable at will. One additional cantrip is gained at 2nd, 4th and 6th level.
Dark Familiar: Warlock gains familiar as per arcane bond ability with fiendish template added. He may select Improved Familiar feat using his class level instead of caster level as a prerequisite.
Dark Witchcraft: Warlock gains the ability to use spell-completion and spell-trigger items as if were witch of the same level using his Charisma score instead of Intelligence score.
Dark Wizardry: Warlock gains the ability to use spell-completion and spell-trigger items as if were wizard of the same level using his Charisma score instead of Intelligence score.
Elemental Shroud: Metamorphosed warlock's unarmed and natural attacks inflicts additional 1d6 points of energy damage associated with his pact.
Fiendish Healing: Metamorphosis fast healing is increased to 5.
Fiendish Servitor (Sp): Warlock gains service of minor fiend that appears as a tiny twisted humanoid but otherwise acts as constant unseen servant spell. It may be dimissed and recalled with a full-round action. It appears at the beginning of the following turn.
Fiendish Wings: Metamorphosed warlock grows pair of wings that grant him +20 bonus to Acrobatic checks made to jump and allow him to fall safely from any distance as long as he has 10 feet of free space around oneself from each side. After reaching 5th level he also gains flying speed of 60 feet with average maneuverability.
Flailing Tentacles: Metamorphose warlock gains 2 tentacle natural attacks with reach extended by 5 feet. This secret can be taken multiple times granting two additional tentacle attack each time.
Planar Stride (Sp): Warlock can make an invocation as a full round action to plane shift to the plane associated with his pact. If he is on plane associated with his pact he can instead plane shift to his native plane. Selecting this forbidden secret requires 12th level.
Razor Claws: Metamorphosed warlock gains two claw natural attacks.
Shadow Veil: Metamorphosed warlock gains concealment.
Slavetaker: Character adds merciful to the list of available augmentations and can inflict nonlethal damage with natural attacks while metamorphosed without penalties to his attack rolls.
Stinging Tail: Metamorphosed warlock gain sting natural attack. At 10th level it injects mild poison dealing 1 point of Dexterity damage on a failed Fortitude saving throw (DC 10+1/2 warlock level+Constitution modifier).
Tearing Fangs: Metamorphosed warlock gains bite natural attack. At 10th level warlock gains blood drain ability allowing him to deal 1 point of Constitution damage when he successfully establishes or maintains pin on a living creature that has blood.
Twisted Agility: Grants +4 profane bonus to Dexterity while metamorphosed.
Twisted Might: Grants +4 profane bonus to Strength while metamorphosed.
Twisted Presence: Grants +4 profane bonus to Charisma while metamorphosed.
Metamorphosis (Su): Starting at the first level Warlocks can temporarily invoke the unholy energies and act as the vessel for the dark power. Activating this ability is a swift action that grants fast healing 2, resistance to acid, cold, electricity and fire equal to one-half Warlock level, darkvision with 60 feet range (or 60 feet increase to existing darkvision) and +10 bonus to Disguise checks. Warlock emanates aura of evil with strength equal to evil outsider of his HD while using metamorphosis.
Certain forbidden secrets grant additional abilities or enhance existing ones while metamorphosis is active.
All the natural attacks gained in metamorphosis are treated as magic and evil.
Metamorphosis can be used for a total number of rounds per day equal to Warlock level. Those rounds do not need to be consecutive. Maintaining active metamorphosis or turning it off is not an action. While on the plane associated with his eldritch pact time spent metamorphosed does not count against the daily limit.
Hex: Warlocks learn a number of magic tricks, called hexes, that grant them powers or weaken their foes. At 2nd level, a warlock gains one hex of his choice. He gains one additional hex on 4th level and every two levels beyond 2nd. A warlock cannot select individual hex more than once.
Unless otherwise noted, using hex is a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. The save DC to resist the hex is equal to 10 + ½ the warlock's level + the warlock's Charisma modifier.
This ability is otherwise identical to Hex feature of the witch class.
Augment Bolt: Starting at 5th level Warlock can apply additional effects to his eldritch bolt selected from the list of available augmentations for a total equal to his augmentation rating. At 5th level he can have up to one point of augmentation with one additional point available every four levels beyond 5th.
Changing the set of augmentations active requires one minute of concentration. Warlock may make an invocation to change set of augmentations active as a full-round action.
Unless otherwise noted augmentation act as magic weapon qualities of the same name. Warlock has to select his augmentations before making an attack roll and cannot change them until the beginning of his following turn.
+2 augmentations: anarchic (abyssal or qlippothic pacts only), axiomatic (infernal pact only), corrosive burst, flaming burst, icy burst, shocking burst, unholy, wounding.
Major Hex: Starting at 10th level and every two levels thereafter Warlock can select major hex whenever he could select a new hex.
Grand Hex: Starting at 18th level and every two levels thereafter Warlock can select grand hex whenever he could select a new hex.
Eldritch Apotheosis: After reaching 20th level Warlock becomes infused with unholy power ceasing to be mortal entity and becoming one with his masters. His type changes to Outsider with native, evil and augmented subtypes and ceases to age.
Daemonic Apotheosis: Daemonic Warlock gains immunity to acid, death effects, disease and poison.
Infernal Apotheosis: Infernal Warlock gains immunity to fire and poison and his DR changes to 10/silver and good.
Qlippothic Apotheosis: Qlippothic Warlock gains immunity to cold, mind-affecting effects and poison.
I intend to add more secrets and augmentations in the future.
All the opinions, comments, platesting and questions are welcome. Especially I would like pointing errors and things that are unclear and need rewriting.
This is SO COOL. Sorry I can't provide more useful feedback right now. SO COOL
Haha I agree with Flak, this is really cool. I like it a lot, very flavorful and interesting. I'll think about this some more; right now my only observations are
1) Edit: I was going to say that the damage from Eldritch Bolt seemed underwhelming, but I overlooked the Augment Bolt ability, which actually seems pretty cool.
2) The class feels extremely front-loaded. Could just be a gut reaction, but there are a lot of abilities on that first line. I don't really have any suggestions for spacing them out though, so maybe this isn't such a constructive observation :)
3) Metamorphosis is a really neat idea, and a lot of the forbidden secrets are cool. However, I would replace the rounds/day = class level with the bard/barbarian system of 4+stat mod per day, +2 rds/level. One round of this ability at 1st level is extremely close to useless.
Also, I'd like at some point for him to be able to use the ability at will. Maybe 20th level, at the very latest (similar to a druid gaining Wild Shape at will)? The class doesn't have a lot of tricks aside from the Eldritch Bolt and Metamorphosis, and only a couple minutes per day of being a demon doesn't feel like enough for me.
Haha I agree with Flak, this is really cool. I like it a lot, very flavorful and interesting. I'll think about this some more; right now my only observations are
1) Edit: I was going to say that the damage from Eldritch Bolt seemed underwhelming, but I overlooked the Augment Bolt ability, which actually seems pretty cool.
Initialy I thought about the 1d6 at 1st plus 1d6 every two levels beyond first but then I decided to give it 1d8 damage but ability to use full attack to gain beienfits of iterative attacks, haste and Rapid Shot (if selected) and ability to benefit from effects that would augment ranged attacks. Together with it being ranged touch attack I think that it should be decent damage-dealing ability comparable with Bard archer.
Also I think about forbidden secret Improved Eldritch Bolt that changes its damage from 1d8 to 2d6. I have yet to decide about minimum level to get it.
2) The class feels extremely front-loaded. Could just be a gut reaction, but there are a lot of abilities on that first line. I don't really have any suggestions for spacing them out though, so maybe this isn't such a constructive observation :)
I had similar feeling and I am still thinking about what to do - I already removed Hex that was initially granted at 1st level (as per witch feature). I might move Eldritch Invcation to second level like the Ninja's Ki Pool or Paladin Lay On Hands.
3) Metamorphosis is a really neat idea, and a lot of the forbidden secrets are cool. However, I would replace the rounds/day = class level with the bard/barbarian system of 4+stat mod per day, +2 rds/level. One round of this ability at 1st level is extremely close to useless.
I planned to make it so at first then backed off of this. Actually now, with Eldritch Bolt reworked I might return to the initial version where it works 4+Charisma modifier rounds, +2 rounds/level, +6 rounds per Extra Metamorphosis feat taken.
Also, I'd like at some point for him to be able to use the ability at will. Maybe 20th level, at the very latest (similar to a druid gaining Wild Shape at will)? The class doesn't have a lot of tricks aside from the Eldritch Bolt and Metamorphosis, and only a couple minutes per day of being a demon doesn't feel like enough for me.
Did you sneaked into my house and peeked into earlier draft notes?! Metamorphosis at will was something I thought about and actually prefer to doing. However, it would invalidate Extra Metamorphosis feat that I have yet to show (nothing special just extra rounds of metamorphosis per day similar to Extra Performance/Extra Rage). However, if I would add note that all Extra Metamorphosis feats automatically retrain into other feats when Eldritch Apotheosis is reached...
Thank you for your input. I am glad that you are liking it.
This is not conversion but homebrew rewriting. It keeps the name of the class, name of one of the features and the spirit of the class from Complete Arcane - except for those elements its writen anew and thus can hardly be qualified as conversion. I understand that those who didn't knew the CA Warlock can think that it's conversion but those looking for conversion here will get disappointed. Can we get back to homebrew section now?
I would prefer there to be a non-good or chaotic alignment restriction personally barring NG and LG alignments from the class.
I like the idea of metamorphosis becoming permanent at level 20, with the addition that the warlock can appear like his mortal form at will.
I would like metamorphosis to work like alter self, changing into a specific 'demonic' shape and giving either a +2 size/profane bonus to strength or dexterity chosen when you gain access to the ability. Also I assume it is supposed to be a specific form much like the demons from Charmed.
I would like Edlritch bolt to have an option to make melee attacks with it by shaping it into a weapon and/or having a possibility to daze or stun struck targets for a round.
Eldritch bolt still doesn't deal great damage and has limited buffing potential so hitting might be a problem, I'd consider redoing it to add charisma bonus to damage with a +1 to hit at the stated levels. The class needs a little more motivation to invest in charisma.
I also like to see a forbidden secret/hex that allows charisma modifier to add to either dexterity, constitution or wisdom modifier for the purpose of saves. Like Dark One's Own Luck used to be.
An ability similar to the monk's abundant step class feature would be sweet and thematically approriate.
Great job, looks to be fairly balanced, clearly laid out and fun to play. I will check back later when I caught up on some sleep.
I would prefer there to be a non-good or chaotic alignment restriction personally barring NG and LG alignments from the class.
My bad. It should have Alignement: Any, except Lawful Good. I need to add more flavor description but I see Warlock as someone who does not get from specific fiend (like fiend-worshipping Clerics) but rather draws it from the very essence of one of the planes (with possible hint and push from some meddling fiend) thus allowing Neutral Good to become warlock and still be driven by good intentions. Retaining good alignement as the warlock progressess more and more should be hard because of temptations present but it is mostly matter of roleplaying.
I like the idea of metamorphosis becoming permanent at level 20, with the addition that the warlock can appear like his mortal form at will.
I wonder if with that Warliock should not get shapechanger subtype together with Eldritch Apotheosis.
I assume that you agree with the idea of exteneding Metamorphosis to 4+Charisma bonus rounds per day with +2 rounds per level as per Rage/Perform?I would like metamorphosis to work like alter self, changing into a specific 'demonic' shape and giving either a +2 size/profane bonus to strength or dexterity chosen when you gain access to the ability.
I wanted metamorphosis to be ability almost fully customized with Forbidden Secrets, with each step giving more and more features of the fiendish form, at first minor and then more and more "demonic".
Also I assume it is supposed to be a specific form much like the demons from Charmed.
I don't know Charmed. The metamorphosis is intended to be the same each time (not counting new features gained as Forbidden Secrets).
I would like Edlritch bolt to have an option to make melee attacks with it by shaping it into a weapon and/or having a possibility to daze or stun struck targets for a round.
I think of such options as well - they are waiting to be processed into new options as Forbidden Secrets/feats. Either melee touch attack or melee weapon-shaped eldritch bolt will be added. Extra effects on hit will probably be either as new augmentations or as Forbidden Secrets that require invocation after a successful hit.
Eldritch bolt still doesn't deal great damage and has limited buffing potential so hitting might be a problem, I'd consider redoing it to add charisma bonus to damage with a +1 to hit at the stated levels. The class needs a little more motivation to invest in charisma.
Theoretically it should be comparable to Rogue/Bard archer with the selection of similar feats (minus Manyshot which is bow-specific) - it would lack enhancement bonus to attack and damage but it should be compensated with level based bonus to hit and damage, augment bolt probably will be a bit weaker than magic qualities of bow at the same levels but have advantage of being changable from encounter to encounter
And it is ranged touch attack which grants advantage against most but not all opponents.I also like to see a forbidden secret/hex that allows charisma modifier to add to either dexterity, constitution or wisdom modifier for the purpose of saves. Like Dark One's Own Luck used to be.
I'll consider this. I resisted the urge to give Warlock Unholy Grace (i.e. adding Charisma bonus to all saves as a dark equivalent of Paladin's Divine Grace).
An ability similar to the monk's abundant step class feature would be sweet and thematically approriate.
Urgh! Another one peeking into my notes! Again, this will be Forbidden Secret, probably powered by daily invocations.
Great job, looks to be fairly balanced, clearly laid out and fun to play. I will check back later when I caught up on some sleep.
I know it *looks* balanced. I hope I will have chance to actually check it and would be glad if others could test it too.
I've seen a lot of attempts at a PF Warlock, but most of them just plain suck. This one is excellent. I have a friend who has been dying to be a (non-sucky) Warlock in PF and he may want to have your babies after I show him this.
I wonder if with that Warliock should not get shapechanger subtype together with Eldritch Apotheosis.
I assume that you agree with the idea of exteneding Metamorphosis to 4+Charisma bonus rounds per day with +2 rounds per level as per Rage/Perform?Yes, the duration should be longer, the shape changing power is a bit of a deviation from the classic warlock, but yes I think shapechanger subtype would be appropriate if not a big thing in the grand scheme of things.
I wanted metamorphosis to be ability almost fully customized with Forbidden Secrets, with each step giving more and more features of the fiendish form, at first minor and then more and more "demonic".
That is fine, I am only worried a bit from a mechanical point of view, you might end up with warlocks polymorphed in dragons and other creatures which are completely stackable with this transformation.
And it is ranged touch attack which grants advantage against most but not all opponents.I didn't quite get from your notes the bolts were touch attacks now, though it would be more consistent to make it touch attacks they should be fine without the bonus to hit then ? I might try a couple of warlocks against my players and se how it goes.
I'll consider this. I resisted the urge to give Warlock Unholy Grace (i.e. adding Charisma bonus to all saves as a dark equivalent of Paladin's Divine Grace).I think it is a good addition, not quite unholy grace but very useful and makes them a little more adaptable.
I wanted metamorphosis to be ability almost fully customized with Forbidden Secrets, with each step giving more and more features of the fiendish form, at first minor and then more and more "demonic".
That is fine, I am only worried a bit from a mechanical point of view, you might end up with warlocks polymorphed in dragons and other creatures which are completely stackable with this transformation.
Good point. Adding note that it is polymorph effect, which IIRC do not stack, should solve the problem.
Metamorphosis (Su): A warlock can call upon the dark powers and channel them into own body to polymorph into malefic hyrbid of mortal and fiend. Starting at the first level, a warlock can metamorphose for a number of rounds per day equal to 4+Charisma modifier. At each level after the first, he can metamorphose for two additional rounds. Temporary increases to Charisma do not increase total number of metamorphosis rounds per day. Warlock can activate metamorphosis as a swift action.
While metamorphosed warlock gains fast healing 2, resistance to acid, cold, electricity and fire equal to one-half class level, darkvision with 60 feet range (or 60 feet increase to existing darkvision), +10 bonus to Disguise and aura of evil with strength equal to evil Outsider of the same total HD.
Certain forbidden secrets grant additional abilities or enhance existing ones while metamorphosis is active. All the natural attacks gained in metamorphosis are treated as magic and evil.
Invocations (Su): A warlock can call upon the dark powers for aid. Starting at 2nd level he may use invocation a number of times per day equal to his Charisma bonus (minimum 1) plus one additional time per two class levels.
A warlock can use single invocation as a swift action to fire one additional eldritch bolt at highest base attack bonus as a part of full attack. He may also use invocation to activate metamorphosis as an immediate action. Finally he may use invocation as a swift action to gain +4 profane bonus to single Charisma-based ability or skill check made against Outsiders with subtype associated with his pact. Certain forbidden secrets grant additional uses for invocation.
A warlock has to be able to speak to use any invocation.
Some warlocks learned how to call upon the dark powers more often.
Prerequisites: Invocation feature.
Benefits: Character can invoke two more times per day.
Special: This feat may be taken multiple times. Its effects stack.
Some warlocks learned how to metamorphose their bodies for extended periods of time.
Prerequisites: Metamorphosis feature.
Benefits: Character can use metamorphosis for six additional rounds per day.
Special: This feat may be taken multiple times. Its effects stack.
Deadbinder (Su): Daemonic pact only. Character gains Command Undead as a bonus feat. He substitutes his warlock level in place of Cleric level and powers it with invocations instead of channel energy.
Demonbane (Su): Infernal or qlippothic pact only. Warlock's eldritch bolt, unarmed attack and natural attacks granted by metamorphosis gain bane (demons) special quality, improving their enhancement bonus to attack and damage rolls by 2 and dealing 2d6 points of bonus damage.
Eldritch Arms (Su): With a swift action warlock can manifest energy of his eldritch bolt as a melee weapon until the beginning of his following turn. Eldritch Arm deals the same damage and has the same qualities as eldritch bolt but requires melee touch attack roll to hit and appears to be a weirdly fantastic sword (threat range 19-20), axe/mace (critical multiplier x3) or polearm/whip (reach weapon). The form has to be selected when the weapon is manifested and cannot be changed until the beginning of the following turn.
Fiendish Artifice: Character gains single Item Creation feat as a bonus feat substituting his warlock level for required caster level. Magic items created with this ability gain aura of evil based on their caster level. Any failure on skill check made to craft the item creates cursed object and natural roll of one is automatic failure while crafting items with Fiendish Artifice. This forbidden secret can be selected multiple times, each one granting additional Item Creation feat.
Fantastic! I like these changes.
First, some renaming: eldritch bolt came a long way from the CA Warlock ability and works in different way now so to avoid copyright-related confusion it changes name to Dark Bolt (also, as much I like the sound of the word "eldritch" I think that it should be reserved for more Lovercraftian forces than mere fiends). Because of the same reasons Eldritch Invocations drop eldritch from their name and Eldritch Pact and Eldritch Apotheosis becomes Dark Pact and Dark Apotheosis, respectively. Any other "eldritch" abilities will be renamed as well.
And now new goodies for review:
Damned Fortitude (Su): Warlock becomes unnaturally resilient. He adds his Charisma bonus to Fortitude saving throws.
Damned Reflexes (Su): Warlock gains unnatural reaction speed. He adds his Charisma bonus to Reflex saving throws.
Damned Will (Su): Warlock gains unnatural willpower. He adds his Charisma bonus to Will saving throws.
Dance Of Ruin (Su): Abyssal pact only. Warlock learned the secret ruinous dance of vrocks'. Using this ability is an invocation that can be done only while metamorposed – at the end of 3 rounds of dancing (full-round actions), a crackling wave of energy explodes from the dancing warlock, dealing 5d6 points of electricity damage to all creatures within 100 feet (including the warlock). A Reflex save halves the damage (DC 10+1/2 warlock level+Charisma modifier). For each additional vrock or warlock using this ability, the damage increase by 5d6 to a maximum of 20d6. If multiple participants are dancing use the highest saving throw DC and add +1 per additional dancer with no upper limit. The dance immediately ends and must be started anew if any of the participants is incapacitated, stunned or otherwise prevented from dancing.
Selecting this forbidden secret requires 9th level.
Devil's Eyes (Su): Infernal pact only. Warlock gains darkvision with 60 feet range or extends range of his darkvision by 60 feet when in his mortal form. When metamorphosed he gains ability to see in any form of darkness, including magical darkness without any penalties, like some devils.
Eternal Metamorphosis: Round in which metamorphosed warlock drops a living creature with 1 or more HD below 0 hp does not count against his metamorphosis daily duration limit.
Lifeender (Su and Sp): Daemon or qlippothic pacts only. Warlock can use bleed as spell-like ability at will. While metamorphosed he increases his fast healing value by 1 for each dying living creature with 1 or more HD within 20 feet.
Mask Of The Dark Mistress (Sp): Abyssal or infernal pact only. Grants the ability to use alter self as a spell-like ability at will. Each minute spent polymorphed counts as single round of metamorphosis for that day.
Planar Stride (Sp): Moves the warlock through space by sliding on the borders between planes. Uses single invocation to duplicate effects of dimension door as a spell-like ability.
Selecting this forbidden secret requires 7th level.
Powerful Bolt: Dark bolt of metamorphosed warlock becomes more potent increasing its damage dice size by one step.
Souleater (Ex): Warlock gains fiendish ability to gain power from soul gems. He may ingest a soul gem with a standard action that provokes attacks of opportunity to gain of the following benefits: regain one of his daily invocations; add three rounds to his daily metamorphosis use or sustain his need for food and water for a single day. Consuming soul gem is euphoric experience for a warlock granting +1 morale bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, ability checks, skill checks and saving throws for one minute.
Voiceless Whispers (Su and Sp): Metamorphosed warlock gains telepathy special ability with range of 100. Communication is limited to basic concepts unless language is shared between participants.
With an invocation character may use sending as a spell-like ability.
Selecting this forbidden secret requires 9th level.
Some existing secrets also were rewriten:
Crown Of Horns: Metamorphosed warlock gains gore (1d6) primary natural attack. After reaching 10th level it inflicts double damage if used to attack during charge.
Rending Claws: Metamorphosed warlock gains two claw (1d4) primary natural attacks. At 10th level, rend (2 claws) special attack is gained as well.
Tearing Fangs: Metamorphosed warlock gains bite (1d6) primary natural attack. At 10th level it delivers 1d6 bleed in addition to regular bite damage.
Not to thread jack or anything, but that metamorphosis is really cool. I think it would be awesome if the warlock was more melee-oriented. Sort of like a druid, but cooler XD.
Here's an edit of the ability I put together in the spirit of Illidan!
A warlock can call upon the dark powers and channel them into his own body to polymorph into malefic hyrbid of mortal and fiend. Starting at the first level, a warlock can metamorphose for a number of rounds per day equal to 4 + his Charisma modifier. At each level after the first, he can metamorphose for two additional rounds. Temporary increases to Charisma do not increase total number of metamorphosis rounds per day. A warlock can enter or end metamorphosis as a free action.
While metamorphosed the warlock gains +4 Strength and Dexterity, 2 Claw attacks (1d8), and a gore attack (2d6). These are primary attacks and are treated as magic and evil. Additionally, the warlock gains See In Darkness with 60 feet range, and an aura of evil with strength equal to an evil Outsider of the same total HD.
At 4th level, the warlock gains a bonus on all saving throws equal to his Charisma modifier while metamorphosed.
At 6th level, the warlock gains the flaming burst property with each of his natural attacks while metamorphosed.
At 8th level, the warlock gains wings while metamorphosed, granting him a fly speed of 60 feet with average maneuverability. Additionally, he gains two wing buffet attacks (1d6). These are secondary attacks, and are treated as magic and evil.
At 10th level, the warlock is enlarged while metamorphosed. He gains a +4 Size bonus on Strength, and a +2 Profane bonus to Armor class. As a large creature, he gains reach. His speed increased to 40 feet, and his fly speed increases to 80 feet.
At 12th level, the warlock gains the unholy property with each of his natural attacks while metamorphosed.
At 14th level, the warlock gains an aura of hellfire while metamorphosed. This aura deals 1d8 + 1 damage per warlock level to any creature that strikes the warlock. Half the damage dealt by this ability is fire, the other half is unholy (and thus untyped). If the attacker has spell resistance, it applies to this effect.
At 16th level, the warlock gains the effects of shadow walk while metamorphosed. Additionally, he may cast shadow step as a spell-like ability while metamorphosed, but doing so costs 1 round of metamorphosis. His caster level is equal to his warlock level.
At 18th level, the warlock gains an aura of necrotic energy while metamorphosed. This aura deals 1d6 points of negative energy damage per warlock level to each creature within a 20-foot radius centered on the warlock. A Fortitude saving throw halves this damage. The DC for this ability is equal to 10 + 1/2 the warlock's Hit Dice + the warlock's Charisma modifier. He can activate this ability as a free action, but while it is active he must spend 2 rounds of metamorphosis per round.
At 20th level, the warlock gains the ability to plane shift as a spell-like ability while metamorphosed. He may do so once per day, but only to travel to one of the elemental or lower planes. His caster level is equal to his warlock level.
Not to thread jack or anything, but that metamorphosis is really cool. I think it would be awesome if the warlock was more melee-oriented. Sort of like a druid, but cooler XD.
I aim at maximizing warlock's customizing potential. I think that by selecting metamorphosis-focused secrets and feats it will be possible - melee-oriented metamorphosis build is one of the two main combat warlock roles, second being the dark bolt firing ranged one and many combinations of thereof.
Here's an edit of the ability I put together in the spirit of Illidan!
** spoiler omitted **...
Nice one and capturing the spirit of Illidan's metamorphosis, I think. Maybe I could include your (a tiny-weeny bit tweaked) Metamorphosis as an alterante class feature replacing basic metamorphosis and forbidden secrets, or at least some of them. Some of features I would move between levels and I think that at first level claws and gore could do 1d6 and 1d8 damage respectively, they are still primary attacks so they could probably be used to deal horrific amount of damage and improve them later. Maybe even leave claws at first level and add gore or bite on a higher level. Also I would give the metamorphosis some natural armor that scales with level (a forbidden secret that I must add to my warlock yet).
^_^
First, some renaming: eldritch bolt... changes name to Dark Bolt
I like that change. Eldritch is a cool word, but I think Dark fits better with your warlock's focus.
I pretty much like all of these. I absolutely love the idea of using invocations to boost the Forbidden Secrets' effects (Planar Stride, Voiceless Whispers, etc.) Fantastic! Maybe for your Damned Saves FS you could give them an invocation-related boost, like a reroll or something?
THIS IS EVERYTHING I WANT IN A WARLOCK.
Now, to disengage Cruise Control to point out vantage points of where this fits in my universe of wants and needs and such.
1. To me, it fits as an alternate class Summoner type...which is exactly what I wanted. Not just because of the implications most Azerothian, but because it captures the essence of the concept of a warlock - strange powers and an outsider-themed apotheosis.
2. I especially like the idea of the powers following pacts in the same spirit of as their analogs in the edition that brings such flamewars and drama - and as such, avoiding lawful or good requirements, though if there's a pact themed around the Fair Folk, I would be dubious about complete good exclusion barring the requirements that such a pact be plausible only from an Unseelie perspective.
3. I so would want an Archetype feature in a more Binder theme where, instead of having an eidolon, one has an outsider servitor of the type appropriate to the pact, with points spendable on upgrades in the same way, along with a familiar in the form of a living spellbook with appearances to match the pact/bond/what have you. Hello, agrippa...
First, some renaming: eldritch bolt... changes name to Dark BoltI like that change. Eldritch is a cool word, but I think Dark fits better with your warlock's focus.
Fantastic! Maybe for your Damned Saves FS you could give them an invocation-related boost, like a reroll or something?
Why, yes, thats an idea that I have been missing... Warlock gets constant bonus to saving throw and can utter an invocation as an immediate action to reroll that particular kind of save! That's it! Thank you.
Augment Metamorphosis: Metamorphosed warlock's unarmed and natural attacks benefit from augmentations currently selected for his dark bolt, except for effects that can't be applied to melee attacks, like distance property.
Chaos Bolt (Su): Abyssal or qlippothic pacts only. As a standard action a warlock can use invocation to fire single bolt of chaotic energy that affects creature struck with random effect of prismatic spray spell. Chaos bolt uses the same attack bonus as the warlock's regular dark bolt.
Selecting this secret requires 11th warlock level.
Damned Fortitude/Reflex/Will (Su): Warlock becomes unnaturally resilient. He adds his Charisma bonus to Fortitude/Reflex/Will saving throws and may utter invocation to reroll failed Fortitude/Reflex/Will saving throw as an immediate action.
Enhanced Metamorphosis: Metamorphosed warlock's unarmed and natural attacks share enhancement bonus to attack and damage rolls of his dark bolt.
Liesayer (Su): A warlock gains supernatural affinity for deception. He automatically succeeds all Will saving throws against effects that compel to speak the truth or detect lies. Additionally he can utter an invocation as a swift action to gain +4 profane bonus to single Charisma-based ability or skill check against sapient creature he is communicating with in language both understand.
Lingering Doom (Su): After the warlock hits a creature or object with his dark bolt he may make invocation to leave lingering charge of unholy energy upon that target. The charge remains upon target or his corpse until triggered with a maximum duration of one round per warlock level. The warlock may trigger the lingering doom with a standard action as long as the target remains within 1 mile. No line of sight or effect is required. Triggered lingering doom explodes dealing 1d6 points of damage (the same types as the warlock's dark bolt) per two warlock levels to the target and everyone within 20 feet. A successful Reflex saving throw halves the damage for everyone except initial target.
Untriggered lingering doom may be dispelled with DC of 11+warlock level.
Chaining Bolt: invocation or augmentation that places short-time dimensional anchor upon creature struck with dark bolt. Possibly also dimensionally anchors opponents grappled/pinned while metamorphosed.
Dark Lash turns dark bolt into a lash of energy that will allow performing some combat maneuvers from afar - disarm, trip and reposition probably, maybe grapple. Or maybe I will make it into separate secrets/augmentations that add particular effect to dark bolt like trip, push, pull.
I am also thinking about more pact-specific forbidden secrets.
Eternal Metamorphosis: A warlock can use his metamorphosis for one additional round each day per point of permanent Constitution bonus (minimum +1). Rounds in which metamorphosed warlock drops a living creature with 1 or more HD below 0 hp do not count against his metamorphosis daily duration limit.
Lingering Doom (Su): After a warlock hits a creature or object with his dark bolt he can make an invocation to leave a charge of unholy energy lingering upon the target. The target may make a Will saving throw to negate this effect. Within 1 round per level, the warlock may trigger the charge with a standard action that provokes attacks of opportunity as long as target remains within 1 mile. No line of sight or effect is required to trigger the lingering doom. Triggered lingering doom explodes dealing 1d6 points of damage per warlock level to the target and everything within 20 feet radius. A successful Reflex saving throw halves the damage for everyone except the target. Lingering doom causes damage of the same type as the warlock's dark bolt.
Both saving throws have DC of 10 + ½ warlock level + Charisma modifier.
Selecting this secret requires 7th level.
Half-elf: Gain 1/6 of a new hex.
Half-orc: Add +1/4 to dark bolt and natural weapon damage while metamorphosed.
Human: Gain 1/6 of a new forbidden secret.
Tiefling: Add 1 to the tiefling's total number of metamorphosis rounds per day.
Blightbringer (Sp): Abyssal or daemonic pact only. A warlock can cause a local blight that causes normal vegetation to wither and die and mundane animals to grow sick and barren. Using this ability requires requires one hour ritualized invocation within the affected area. The blight spreads in 1 mile radius and lasts for one season. Each additional warlock knowing this secret participating in the invocation either extends extends the range of blight by 1 mile or duration by 1 season. Blight ends immediately if all the participants are dead.
At 10th level, blight caused with this ability makes denizens of the area grow sickly and more prone to disease, which results in greater amount of deaths amongst children and elders.
At 15th level, blight caused with this ability causes occasional spontaneous animation of dead corpses. Usually those who died from starvation or disease raise, often as ghouls.
At 20th level, blight caused with ability increases demonic or daemonic activity in the area.
Selecting this secret requires 5th level.
Chains Of The Damned (Su): Daemonic or infernal pact only. After damaging a sentient creature with dark bolt or natural attacks granted by his metamorphosis, a warlock may utter an invocation to bind the target with astral chains. Unless the target makes a successful Will save (DC 10 + ½ warlock level + his Charisma modifier) he becomes unable to use any form of extra-dimensional travel (as if affected with dimensional anchor spell) and entangled. A warlock may decide to tether the target to oneself if the effect was delivered with natural attack. Chained subject may attempt to release oneself by making a Will saving throw as a standard action or by rendering the warlock unconscious, petrified, feebleminded or otherwise mentally incapacitated.
Selecting this forbidden secret requires 7th level.
Clinging: Grants +4 profane bonus to Climb checks. Metamorphosed warlock limbs grow suckers and muscles giving him climb speed of 20 feet and +4 bonus to grapple checks and CMD against grapple.
Dark Heresy: A warlock gains the ability to use spell-completion and spell-trigger items as if were cleric of the same level using his Charisma score instead of Wisdom score.
Forbidden Lore (Sp): Grants +4 profane bonus to Knowledge [arcana] and Knowledge [planes] checks. After reaching 9th level warlock can make an invocation to use contact other plane as a spell-like ability.
Hulking Fiend: Metamorphosed warlock grows one size category. He gains +2 size bonus to Strength, -2 penalty to Dexterity, all his natural attack improve their damage dice by one size category and his reach increases to match new size.
Selecting this secret requires 5th level.
Leaping Death: Grants +4 profane bonus to Acrobatics. Metamorphosed warlock gains pounce special ability.
Leathery Hide: Metamorphosed warlock improves his natural armor bonus by 3. At 3rd level and every four levels thereafter a warlock gains +1 enhancement bonus to his natural armor score.
Malefic Staff:
A warlock can use hand in which he holds magic staff or wand to fire dark bolts. Also, once per day he can recharge magic staff by expending invocation as long as the highest level of spell contained within isn't higher than half his warlock level -1. A warlock needs to be capable of triggering the staff or wand for either ability to work.
Taking this secret requires knowledge of Dark Heresy, Dark Witchcraft or Dark Wizardry secret.
Many-Eyes: A warlock gains +4 profane bonus to Perception checks. While metamorphosed he grows multiple eyes granting him all-around vision special ability.
Reveal The Madness (Su)
Qlippothic pact only. A warlock can utter an invocation as a standard action to assault the senses of nearby mortals with the sensation of qlippothic presence. This is a mind-affecting gaze effect that affects living creatures within 30 feet that fail Will saving throw (DC is 10+ ½ warlock level+his Charisma modifier). Saving throw DC gains +2 profane bonus while metamorphosis is active.
Creatures that fail their saving throw are sickened for 1d4 rounds. At 6th level, a warlock may instead choose to cause blindness for 1d4 rounds instead, at 12th level he may choose to cause nausea for 1d4 rounds and stun for 1d4 rounds at 18th level. 20th level warlock may choose two effects at the same time. All the targets, friend or foe suffer the same effect.
Creatures that succeed their saving throw are immune to this power being used by the same warlock for the following 24 hours.
Soulstealer (Sp): A warlock may touch a dying humanoid and utter invocation as a standard action that provokes attacks of opportunity. If the creature dies within the following minute a soul gem forms within the dead creature mouth. Soul gem is a fine-sized object with hardness 1 and 2 hit points.
Creation of soul gem is a death effect that traps the spirit of the dead creature. Any attempt to resurrect the body whose soul is trapped in soul gem requires a caster level check against DC of 10+1/2 warlock level+his Charisma modifier. If the soul gem resides in unholy area the DC increases by 2. Destroying the gem condemns the to one of the lower planes but allows normal resurrection.
A warlock can have one soul gem created with this power in existence per point of Charisma bonus (minimum 1). Creating soul gems beyond this limit causes oldest ones to shatter. Soul gems traded to fiends or other creatures capable of tapping their power do not count against this limit.
Spirit Reading (Su) Grants +4 profane bonus to Sense Motive checks. A warlock can utter an invocation to use detect thoughts upon single sentient creature within 30 feet to read surface thoughts as if spent three rounds concentrating already. Saving throw DC to resist being read is 10 + 1/2 warlock level + Charisma bonus.
Unholy Quickness: A warlock gains +2 profane bonus to initiative rolls. While metamorphosed he increases his base speed by 10 feet and his flying speed (if any) by 20 feet.
This forbidden secret may be selected once at 5th level and one more time at 11th and 17th levels.
Unbound Sight (Su and Sp): Metamorphosed warlock gains constant see invisible effect.
At 11th level warlock may utter an invocation as a standard action to gain true seeing effect for one minute.
Unbound Spirit (Sp): Grants +4 profane bonus to Escape Artist checks. Warlock can utter an invocation as a swift action to gain freedom of movement effect for single round. After reaching 17th level he may target oneself with freedom spell instead.
Selecting this secret requires 9th level.
Unstoppable Invocation (Su): Whenever the warlock attempts to use any invocation while magically muted, silenced or within area of magical silence the invocation first attempts to dispel silencing effect as if targeted dispel magic was used. If the dispel attempt fails, the warlock is staggered for one round.
Selecting this secret requires 5th level.
Voidsense (Su): A warlock gains blindsense with 5 feet range. Its range increases by 5 feet at 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 20th level. While metamorphosed it upgrades to blindsight.
How about this:
Big Damn Hero: The warlock gains the benefits of an Enlarge Person combined with an effect similar to a Heroism spell, but providing a profane bonus.
Just wanted to dot this.
And finally here it is: Drejk's Warlock, version 1.0 available for download and sharing. Please, feel free to spread it to anyone who would be interested. Or you think would be intersted. Or possibly even remotely interested.
Thank you all.
Ok, time to finish the Captain now.