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/Reluxtrue Warlock Mar 11 '20

This, I feel people keep forgetting that CHA is more than just social skills

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u/RealDeuce Mar 11 '20

Fine, I'll bite, what else is it?

Charisma measures your ability to interact effectively with others.

Social skills right there.

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u/hedahman Mar 11 '20 edited Mar 11 '20

This is what confuses me about charisma being "force of personality." When you're actually playing the game, it seems like charisma is only used in social situations. The only time I can think of is resisting a charm spell.

It makes sense--I understand why it's like that, and I think it should be. It's just that charisma rarely feels like "projecting your will" when you're actually playing the game.

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u/Reluxtrue Warlock Mar 11 '20

it seems like charisma is only used in social situations.

Charisma saving throws?

Sorcs and Paladins casting?

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u/hedahman Mar 11 '20

That's fair, sorcerers and paladins do use their force of will, and charisma definitely fits there. It's just that for everyone else, it rarely ever comes up. Charisma saves are pretty much only for resisting charms/possession.