Warlock

System for Multi-Classing into Warlock

1. Must Have a Patron

A Warlock’s power is tied directly to their pact with a powerful being, often an otherworldly entity, a demon, a fey, a devil, or something else. The first step toward multi-classing into Warlock is forming a bond with a Patron.

How to Complete:

• The player must first establish who their Patron is. This could be done through a roleplaying encounter or a quest that links the player to a powerful entity. The Patron could be an established figure from your campaign world, or it could be a new entity created for the player.
• The Patron could offer a blessing, gift, or curse that marks the player as their chosen or chosen vessel. The nature of the pact should be detailed (e.g., a fey pact offering powers tied to nature, a fiendish pact providing infernal magic, or an archfey offering charming powers).

Completion Criteria:

• The player must have a Patron and be able to describe the nature of their pact with the Patron. This could include what the Patron demands of them or the powers they offer in return.

2. Weapon Training

Warlocks are often seen as wielders of magic, but many have the potential to fight with weapons as well, especially those who deal with patrons of war, demons, or devils. Weapon Training is essential for a Warlock that desires to be proficient in combat.

How to Complete:

• The player must engage in Weapon Training, either through self-practice or under the tutelage of a mentor. This training could be part of their initial journey to understand their Patron’s requirements, or it could be a trial that helps them understand the full extent of their capabilities.
• Training can be completed via combat training sessions, missions with an emphasis on using weapons, or being mentored by a skilled fighter, mercenary, or another Warlock who specializes in weapon combat.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must gain proficiency in simple weapons, martial weapons, or any weapon types the Patron has trained them in (based on the patron’s focus or alignment).

3. Minimum of 3 Tasks Must Be Completed for Your Patron

Patrons often demand services or tasks from their Warlocks, and fulfilling these tasks can cement the Warlock's path toward power. These tasks could involve collecting rare artifacts, protecting a domain, eliminating enemies, or performing rituals for the Patron.

How to Complete:

• The player must complete at least three tasks set by their Patron. These tasks should be specific, meaningful, and tie into the Warlock’s backstory. The tasks can vary based on the Patron's nature:
• A Fiend might demand the Warlock to corrupt souls or destroy enemies.
• An Archfey might require the player to perform tasks related to trickery or the natural world.
• A Great Old One might involve deciphering forbidden knowledge or creating a cult.
• Each task could involve guild quests, personal side quests, or unique quests where the Warlock performs the bidding of their Patron.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must complete at least three Patron-driven tasks, and these should shape their relationship with the Patron (i.e., how they view them, if they are truly loyal or if they start doubting their bond with the Patron).

4. Progressive Background Story

The path of a Warlock is deeply tied to their story and relationship with their Patron. The background should reflect the Warlock’s journey, their bond with the Patron, and the progression of their power over time.

How to Complete:

• Write or Roleplay Your Patron’s Discovery: The Warlock must describe how they found their Patron or how their Patron found them. This could be a mysterious encounter, a fate-bound meeting, or a chosen ritual to summon the Patron.
• The story should cover the moment the Pact was made, the tasks given, and the nature of the bond.
• Over time, the background story progresses as the Warlock completes their Patron’s tasks and advances in power. Each task or encounter with the Patron could unlock new chapters in their relationship. The story can evolve as the player completes specific milestones in the system.
• The player could be required to write a journal entry, attend a special session with the Patron, or create significant roleplay moments to describe the gradual transformation of their character's life as a result of the Pact.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must develop a progressive story detailing their Patron’s influence on their life, the discovery of the Patron, and how they fulfill the Patron’s demands. This should be tied to quests and tasks in the campaign.

5. Magic Studies

Warlocks are magic users whose power derives from their Patron, but they still need to study and refine their understanding of magic. Their magical studies could be in the form of arcane knowledge, rituals, or enchanted books from their Patron.

How to Complete:

• The player must engage in Magic Studies, which could include:
• Researching magical texts provided by their Patron, where the player learns specific spells or rituals.
• Practicing rituals under the guidance of the Patron or a mentor.
• Attending magical schools or guilds that specialize in Warlock magic, especially if the Patron has an established network or base of operations.
• This may include specific quests to find magical artifacts, learn forbidden knowledge, or study unique magic granted by their Patron.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must complete a study program or questline related to learning new spells, rituals, or magical practices that solidify their connection to their Patron. This study can unlock special spells or patron-specific abilities.

Finalizing the Multi-Classing into Warlock

Once all five criteria have been completed, the character can officially multi-class into Warlock. They gain the Warlock Spellcasting ability, as well as any unique invocations or Patron-specific abilities they have earned during their journey.

Completion Criteria:

• The player gains Warlock Spellcasting based on Charisma, along with the Warlock Pact (such as Pact of the Chain, Blade, or Tome), and any invocations granted by their Patron.
• The Patron's Influence becomes a key element of the player’s character, affecting their story, abilities, and decisions.

Bonus System for Extra Depth

To further enhance the system, consider adding the following rewards for each milestone:

• Patron Gifts: Each task completed for the Patron could grant a small boon, like temporary magical enhancements, a new spell, or a powerful item tied to the Patron's influence.
• Bloodline or Magical Power: Completing the background story or Patron tasks could unlock unique Patron-based powers, like a temporary boon to combat abilities, a magic item, or the ability to call on the Patron for assistance in dire situations.
• Guild Connections: After completing tasks and studies, the Warlock might gain influence in a particular guild or faction tied to their Patron, gaining access to additional quests, information, or allies.