Handbooker Helper: Warlock (Quick Build)

The legendary Mary Elizabeth McGlynn stopped by the studio to offer some sage advice with a Warlock Quick Build for the latest #HandbookerHelper!

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[Prince__Teclis]

I like to imagine all Patrons know each other.

Like Fistandantilus, Asmodeus, Cthulhu, Titania and all other Patrons meet up once a month for dinner, games of wit and to boast about their newest Warlocks. The idea of it always makes me grin.

[ryderigo]

Expected travis but didn't leave disappointed.

[KetchupRocket]

Can I just say THANK YOU again for showing people in their 50's playing D&D? My mom only heard of it when I started playing in high school, and now that she's nearing retirement she's shown a ton of interest in playing (heavy theatre background too). But she's been afraid that she's too old to play... which course isn't true, but it's great to see people like her playing!

[torchwoodboy]

Seriously, can we please get Mary in Campaign 2 please! PWETTY PLEASE!

[HellsCowBoy]

Ah. The class equivalent to having a sugar daddy. My favorite class.

[AdamEspersona]

I would also like to add to this Quick Build.

Spell Slots
They upscale automatically as you level up. 2nd-level spells starting at 3, 3rd at 5, 4th at 7, and then finally 5th at 9. Also, you start with 1 and then you gain a 2nd at level 2, 3rd at 11, and 4th at 17. Why the limited number? Because unlike all other casters, warlock can recharge their slots after a short rest. (Barring Land Druids and Wizards except their short rest recovery is once a day).

Eldritch Invocations
At level 2, you start to have access to special add-ons called "invocations". You start with 2 and level 2 and then you gain an extra one of your choice at certain levels. These range from bonuses to your Eldritch Blast cantrip to extra spells you can cast at will or once a day to skill boons such as proficiency in Persuasion/Deception and 120 ft. of sight even in magical darkness. Be wary, though: there are prerequisites that you must have before you can take on an invocation, be it warlock levels, cantrips, or even specific pacts.

Additional Spell Recommendations
Hex, Hellish Rebuke, Armor of Agathys

[hammsuke]

Not sure how I feel. Talesin should be on here as Mary's patron as we all know he is truly the dark lord

[bolwic]

MARY!!!! The Coolest Warlock in the world!!!

[JonarRoman]

Sort of surprised that the Warlock's slots refreshing on Short Rests wasn't mentioned.

Its one of the things that can make a Warlock pretty powerful, but only if the GM plans to allow more than one Short Rest a day.

[cussundriakneal]

Oh! I LOVE Mary! She did so good with this little episode! She's literally the embodiment of Charisma, CHARISMA, *CHARISMA!!!* Her voice is so soothing and majestic!

[ianhartman]

I'm a simple man: I see Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, I thumb up.

[hope_alt]

Spoiler for new players:
Wisdom isn't important for you at all, as you already have proficiency in Wis saving throw and none of warlock skill profis use wisdom. Wisdom saving throws are prominent, but in my opinion dexterity is a obviously better choice (your AC won't very high, as you lack proficiency in heavy armor and shields)
-AC boost; -initiative boost; -by far the most common saving throw is dexterity
To sum up, you will simply lack points to buy a high wisdom score - you'd better get those three 15s for Dex Con and Cha. And by the way, would you consider selling your soul to an ancient evil (or fey) a *wise* choice?

[zachgaskins]

Here's the real kicker of being a Warlock:
Fewer spell slots than other classes, but they are all MAX LEVEL and recover after a SHORT REST.

You are the quick-loading Desert Eagle of spellslingers.

[WallyDM]

Nice intro to the Warlock, thank you! IMO... this class presents the biggest opportunity for DM/Player interaction. The DM not only roleplays the Patron but also must interpret their goals and intentions as well as keeping the Patron involved (or meddling) in the character's life (more so than a deity). Warlocks definitely bring challenging, but fun aspects into a D&D campaign and an easy way for a DM to include quests or plot hooks.

[Greg]

Good Day, this is your friendly reminder that Mary McGlynn is AMAZING!!!

Great Job as always!

[thefrozenpanda]

I really do love this series. The breakdown's of the magic using classes certainly made them less scary to try and plan/build/play.

[maryhales]

“Charisma, Charisma, Charisma is QUEEN!”

No, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, YOU are the queen.

[herz]

MARY MY LOVE I'VE MISSED YOU!!! WE NEED YOU IN CAMPAIGN 2!!

[BrianWilkersontheAuthor]

I saw Mary and I saw "warlock" and I thought "perfect!" With both the usual mechanical advice AND story advice, this one is indeed "pact-ed" with useful information.
Hellish Rebuke at the end is awesome.

[chaseadams]

I hope one day we get a solid bloopers reel from all this