The New Bladelock: D&D Build #178

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Intro 0:00
World Anvil 5:22
Level 1 8:07
Level 2-6 21:06
Level 7-9 34:55
Level 10-13 43:16
Level 14-17 49:28
Final Thoughts 59:21
Outtakes 1:02:51

Master Sustained Damage Comparison:

Music Credits:

[JMcSkill]

Interesting point regarding custom backgrounds. On page 38 of the new PHB, there’s a sidebar that states if you choose an older background, you can pick what ability scores to increase as well as gain an Origin Feat of your choice. This essentially allows you to customize your background by RAW using the PHB only!

[roryvt]

Quick point I thought I'd note since everyone seems to miss it- Mystic Arcanums explicitly DON'T USE SPELL SLOTS. By the new spellcasting rules, this means you can cast them and a leveled spell on the same turn if you have actions available. Probably doesn't change much for this particular build, but worth noting on any warlock video

[dan]

Every non-hexblade bladelock now:
"Do you know how long i've been waiting for this?

[MinhDuong-lguk]

I may have missed it, but I think that Colby missed one of the sneakiest Buffs that warlocks received: Mystic Arcanum spells are cast without using spell slots! Therefore, you can cast your “high level” spell and a levelled bonus action spell all in one turn.

[Arkios]

The GOOLock description indicates a change in the Warlock fantasy that explains why subclass at level 3 is perfectly reasonable: you don't HAVE to create a pact with a specific entity.
Warlocks now officially gain their abilities by drawing from outside sources, but initially they can do so on their own, only getting an entity interested in them after doing so for a while.

Basically, you can study Eldritch Knowledge and get some modicum of power by tapping into one of those sources that might be associated with a Pact later on, but you might end up just not being able to go beyond level 2, because you're not interesting enough (low charisma) for anyone to offer you a pact for easier access.
Or you could accidentally stumble upon a book containing all of the knowlege on how to harness that power directly and never even NEED a pact; which could certainly lead to a whole different set of issues, depending on who notices your access.

A Warlock who takes it all for themselves is now possible within the class fantasy. And keeping your abilities after breaking your Pact, as long as you learn how to tap into your power source directly.

[TreantmonksTemple]

GOO Bladelock is also my first choice for Bladelock I want to try

[bigsmoke]

I audibly gasped when I heard you talk about Devouring Blade, I distinctly remember reading the playtest and thinking to myself "there's no way they'll keep THAT in"

[saschahein]

Me and my group have decided to go with our own version of custom backgrounds. 2 skill proficiencies, 1 tool proficiency, 1 origin feat, the ability score increases and 50 gp.

[BLynn]

The New Bladelock: D&D Build #178
Level 01: (see above) [warlock 1, race & background]
Level 02: (see above) [warlock 2 & eldritch invocations]
Level 07: (see above) [warlock 7 & eldritch invocations]
Level 10: (see above) [warlock 10]
Level 14: (see above) [warlock 14]

[torrfran]

*Count Dooku's voice* I've been looking forward to this

[mrmuffins]

I’ve been so hyped for this video since the embargo ended!

[Metalchefkiwi]

Its crazy that ive been scouring the internet today to piece a bladelock build together and then this video just happens to get posted right when i needed it lol

[rekcroom]

I’m glad that we aren’t abandoning the old content since I know personally I only recently got into TTRPGs in the past few years and I haven’t been able to play many of the “Old Toys” that others are sick of.

[matthewhelmers]

Every background should have had Con as a stat that can be increased. Every origin feat should have had a background that includes physical stats and another background with mental stats. Custom background should have been explicitly allowed in the Player's Hamdbook. OK, off my soap box.

I've been looking forward to this video! Thanks for the great work, Colby!

[rosskasal]

Yess! I have been so excited for the first *official* (?) 2024 build. Using this to help make a full archfey warlock for my first 2024 character

[Brogie_]

So Armor of Agathys had a major wording change. It doesn’t specify the Temp HP from Armor of Agathys only. So it could mean that you could extend it by giving yourself more Temp HP from a different source

[StriderZessei]

I love this. I'm excited to play a 1-20 Swords Bard with the Eldritch Adept feat letting me take Pact of the Blade.

[PainfulLaughter]

Damn. Going through a tough time. And, the song at the end totally got me crying. Thanks for all you do.

[darkestlight]

I agree whole heartedly, not having custom backgrounds is a massive step backwards. If a table doesn't allow for custom background I honestly don't know if I'd play at it

[zukuu]

"SAD Gishlock: 14 STR, 14 Dex, 14 CON, 17 CHA" Excuse me? xD