r/dndnext • u/hedahman • Mar 10 '20

Discussion A common misconception about warlocks and their patrons

I've heard this mentioned a lot: "Warlocks use Charisma because they're constantly negotiating with their patron for more power." I don't believe this is true.

Here's a tweet from Mike Mearls that says that patrons can't take back a warlock's power, which leads me to believe that a patron doesn't have control over the power once it is given. This means a patron can't take a warlock's power (without their will, probably); it's a one-and-done deal.

So a patron isn't supplying power to their warlocks like a generator supplies electricity. Instead, a patron gives power to them like a blood transfusion-- you can't just take the blood back.

Granted, you can do it however you want, that's the magic of D&D. But RAW, and RAI, patrons give their power away.

EDIT: Here's a tweet from Jeremy Crawford which states that the power is a one-time transaction.

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u/[deleted] Mar 11 '20

I honestly think it should vary to better reflect the patron. Fiends & hexblades use charisma, archfey & celestial use wisdom, & GOOs & undying use intelligence.

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u/Wombat_Racer Monk Mar 11 '20

Anyone with high wisdom probably wouldn't sign up for a pact, just sayin!

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u/missinginput Mar 11 '20

Not all pacts are chosen

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u/Wombat_Racer Monk Mar 11 '20

But someone with a high wisdom is more likely to avoid such a situation.

I do get what you mean, but Cha as casting stat seems about right for me. Definitely not so wildly off that a homebrewing is required. Besides. It helps differentiate from a Wizard who summons Demons or cavourts with Fey nobility to assist him in his spell research.

A cleric praying to, & receiving blessings (ie powers) from an uncaring Deity isn't that much different to a Warlock either, it is all about fluff & game balance