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Welcome back to Multiclass Mondays!
Multiclass Mondays is a continuation of the “You, Version 2.0″ posts (here and here) that were put up a few weeks back regarding using the Theme mechanics to more effectively multiclass characters. The concept seemed to be a hit with many players and DMs around the Web, so we’re going to go through and provide Themes for all current D&D classes (even Psionics!) and maybe.. just maybe… throw in a few bonus Themes. For now, though, let’s stick to the basics.
Last week, we chiseled out the features of the Warden. This week, we hit my favorite 4E class, entering into the Pact of the Multiclass Warlock.
Though I have mentioned several times that most of the new striker multiclass feats will involve a hybrid-like version of the damage feature, the Warlock is an exception. (The rule will return with the Ranger) The Warlock is not the most damage-intensive striker. It takes a good deal of optimization to reconcile the Warlock’s damage output with the Rogue, Ranger or Avenger. Rather, the Warlock is made of utility and flavor; depending on the pact chosen, the Warlock can play effectively in almost any role (Infernalocks can Defend, Vestigelocks Lead, Starlocks Control) though none are inherently top-tier. What we want to capture with our multiclass feat, then, is a little bit of that utility.
Oathbound
Choose a Warlock pact. You count as a Warlock of that pact for the purpose of taking feats and paragon paths. Once per encounter when you drop an enemy to 0 or fewer HP, you gain the benefits of that pact’s Boon. In addition, you may use Warlock implements with Warlock and Warlock Paragon Path powers.
For the record, I briefly considering calling this feat ‘Tiger Blood’ or ‘Adonis Blood.’ Be glad I didn’t. Also, if we ever end up doing a Binder multiclass Theme (which I don’t expect, but just to put it out there), its feat would be similar to this one.
Theme at Level 1
Eldritch Hexer (Multiclass Warlock)
Prerequisite: Warlock
Theme Feature: Eldritch Blast (encounter usage, Dark Sun only)
Lv 1. Theme Power: Eldritch Blast (encounter usage, non Dark-Sun only)
The iconic Warlock power Eldritch Blast has a modest bit of racial feat support behind it, making the theme immediately interesting for Tieflings, Dragonborn, Eladrin and Shadar-Kai. Additionally, the Blast can be traded out for Eldritch Strike – a melee basic attack with a slide – around which entire builds are formed.
Theme at Levels 2+
- Lv 2: Ethereal Stride
- Lv 3: Delban’s Deadly Attention
- Lv 5: Flames of the Smoking Crown
- Lv 6: Red Leeches of Nihal
- Lv 7: Sorcerer-King’s Decree
- Lv 9: Ring of Pain
- Lv 10: Curse of Nessus
With such a variety of possible bents and pacts for the class, where exactly do we want to aim this Theme? We can’t possibly represent all pacts and secondary roles equally. Rather than try to hit a mechanical goal, we run with the perennially fascinating “creepy” factor of the Warlock. This list chooses powers that are broadly useful (though not terribly fiddly) and carry as much “ooky” as possible. The one important mechanical bit is that since the Warlock hits off of both CON and CHA, we should choose one for the Theme to focus on. In this case, we’ve chosen CHA if no good either/or options exist.
That’s the Warlock. From my favorite class this week to my most hated class next week, the Ranger.
P.S. Wondering what my two cents are on the new official Themes? At the time this posts, we’ve seen only the Animal Master, Alchemist, Order’s Adept and Wizard’s Apprentice. So.. Animal Master – underrated. I see where the mechanical deficincies are, but I like the animal benefits. B-
Alchemist – It makes the alchemy system a bit more accessible, but I would have liked to have seen this rolled into the Artificer class or Alchemist feat(s). A little late for my tastes, but better late than never. B+
Order’s Adept – +2 bonus to Will? More Utility powers? If I see an Orb Wizard with these Theme, I’m going to cry. Seriously. WAY off-scale power compared to the other Themes. Perhaps what we have here is a Theme for optimizer-enthusiasts mixed in with Themes for roleplay-enthusiasts? Time will tell. Tentatively a C, since I expect it to be nerfed.
Wizard’s Apprentice – A Theme better mixing mechanical benefits with roleplay madness. The free item is a new and unique trick and an encounter-level daze is nice. On the other hand, a free language? Very cool. Effective without being overpowering. A
Ryven Cedrylle was introduced to 2nd edition D&D by his father at age 8 and has been hooked ever since. When not out somewhere with his nerd-loving wife, he spends an inordinate amount of time staring at small objects - primarily beakers, stars, books about religion and virtual gaming miniatures. Follow him on 
Warlock is one of my favorites as well! I love the idea of 3 people playing the same class and being drastically different. I had almost forgotten about Eldrich Strike, which would be a great thing to add to a rogue of some sort. Great as always. Can’t wait to find out why you dislike the ranger so much!
Warlock is a great class despite it being a mechanical underdog. Your theme is also quite excellent.
Eldritch strike is a power that causes instant eyeroll for me, especially when it is used by a class other than warlock. Fortunately, that mostly stems from at-will usage rather than the encounter use here.
Looking forward to the secret of the ranger loathing.
I don’t think it would hurt to explicitly state that Eldritch Blast can be swapped for Eldritch Blow, since someone who isn’t super familiar with Warlock isn’t likely to know that option exists.
Giving them the option to take some of the more fun and distinctive warlock choices (rather than, say, optimizing it for damage or survivability) is a good way to go. I think the warlock is a class that very much appeals to people who (if you’ll pardon the tautology) find the class appealing! If you’re desperate for powerful elemental damage, you run Sorc.
That said, as someone who loves another class with a similar appeal/lack of appeal (Avenger), I’m not sure Oathbound is the best term to use for the feat itself. Maybe “Contracted?” I accord Oath the same class-specific territory I’d give the word Pact, but figure Pactbound has to be in effect in some things already.
With the existence of WotC’s new themes, do you feel that this project can remain balanced if you remove the feat req (in other words, no longer present “Dark Sun only” for the free power)? Or are you assuming a continued split between DMs who allow themes in their non DS campaigns and those who do?
Finally, still hungry for those psionics man. Ranger will be interesting to see given how markedly distinct each of the builds is…of all the times I’ve built a ranger, I think I’ve played a non-Beastmaster exactly once.