Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 asmodeuslore Jan 07, 2010 7:37:25	Dungeon 174 Sealing the Pact: Developing Patrons for Warlocks by Jeff Morgenroth and Arnie Franke The details of a warlock’s pact provide excellent fodder for unique adventures and campaign color. Talk about this Article here.
#2 garner_adam Jan 07, 2010 21:15:37	I'm really glad they're starting to do articles like this one. It adds more flavor to this class and doubles as useful to players and dungeon masters.
#3 psychicbard Jan 09, 2010 12:33:29	I agree.  Also, regarding the new writers, I think WOTC really really struck a vein of gold with these two (especially that Arnie Franke character)!
#4 marius4 Jan 09, 2010 23:03:22	Yes, these two recent articles on warlock pacts are excellent.  This is what I want to find in the mags.  The core books lay down the central mechanics and paint the class flavor in broad strokes, while the articles go in depth for interested gamers and can give ideas and inspiration for your games.  The various quick mechanics pieces are handy to choose from as well, but when I want to sit down and actually read some D&D in the ole magazine these are really nice fare to have.
#5 Eric888 Jan 11, 2010 4:09:17	I didn't really like this article because it made it seem like warlocks were basically subjects doing their master's biddding. They are an arcane class, not a divine a class. Their 'patron' may have taught them their magic but players should not feel like they are somehow under their control or influence. My warlock does not care what her patron wants, and I hope not many warlocks are any different. Again, they are not a divine class.
#6 AvonRekaes Jan 11, 2010 16:42:57	So what, precisely has your warlock given their patron in return for the power? Warlocks may not be divine, but their patron shouldn't be ignored either. Of course, no one's forcing you to be under the heel of your patron, but the give-and-take nature of the pact is one element that can set your warlock apart from the Wizard and Sorcerer. The Wizard got his power by studying it, the Sorcerer got his power by being born with it. The Warlock has to bargain for it. The Patron does not teach the warlock his power, he bestows it, and that usually means the warlock has given something up in the process. Maybe it was something ephemeral, like his name, or a piece of his soul, or maybe it was for favors and tasks from the patron. Maybe you completed them before the game began, or maybe you didn't. And just because you have a patron doesn't mean you act the same way as a cleric or paladin would toward their deity. The fundamental difference is that divine characters believe in their god fully and willingly. Even evil clerics willingly serve their god. But the Pact Patron is much more enigmatic, and has a much looser grip on the Warlock's body, mind, and (possibly) soul. A divine character throws his whole life and ambition in behind his God's ideals, whereas the Warlock may not even know what their patron's ideals even are. The Warlock doesn't have to agree with his Patron, doesn't have to like them. What he does have to do one way or another, (either before the game in backstory, or maybe during the game if the DM has ideas), is pay the price for his pact. So again, what has your warlock given their patron in return for the power?
#7 shaych0488 Jan 11, 2010 20:09:52	Mine unwittingly gave his singing voice to the Summer Queen...he can still talk, but when he tries to sing, nothing comes out.  ALWAYS make sure to read the fine print of your pact...the "that's just vague enough to work" mentality can be both fun and destructive
#8 AvonRekaes Jan 14, 2010 13:47:31	That's a pretty cool price to pay, especially if your character was a really good singer beforehand. And it provides plot hooks if the DM wants to use them. Imagine the warlock's surprise when he hears his own singing voice, and finds out the singer is a traveling bard enchating a local village with song. The mystery of how the bard ended up with the warlock's voice is intruiging, but the party is too busy helping the villagers find their missing children... Fey are fun. :P
#9 MustrumRidcully Jan 15, 2010 4:04:24	Mine unwittingly gave his singing voice to the Summer Queen...he can still talk, but when he tries to sing, nothing comes out.  ALWAYS make sure to read the fine print of your pact...the "that's just vague enough to work" mentality can be both fun and destructive Very Timm Thaler of you. ;)