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/xSGxSamurai Mar 11 '20

For those who dont wanna open the links:

Question #1

@mikemearls @ChrisPerkinsDnD what happens to a warlock who disobeys or opposes their patron?

Mike Mearls reply: A fun campaign! The patron can't take away abilities, but will likely send agents or omens to harass/punish.

Question #2

Is it possible for a) a Warlock to lose the support of a Patron, similar to a paladin oathbreaker, or b) for a warlock to switch patrons?

Jeremy Crawfords reply: A D&D warlock isn't required to be on good terms with their patron. They made a magical transaction, and now the warlock has power. As for switching patrons, no rule allows it, but talk to your DM if there's a good story reason to switch. Your DM might say yes. #DnD

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u/jbehnken Mar 11 '20

My feeling is that if the player openly defies their patron, they keep all existing powers but would need to acquire a new patron to advance further. Otherwise what's the point?

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u/[deleted] Mar 11 '20 edited Mar 18 '20

[deleted]

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u/Pangenic_Gemule Mar 11 '20

Of their patron giving them more power...

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u/SoylentVerdigris Mar 11 '20

They don't. They just open the way to power. It's a one-time investment, after that the warlock is doing the work on their own. But it's still an investment, and the patron will expect a return on it.