D&D 5E Volo's Warlock NPCs

[CapnZapp]

Volo's Guide to Monsters contain a trio of NPCs with a quite heavy Warlock theme.

If they really are Warlocks, why aren't they made to use light armor? They have the same listing as any other +2 Dex arcane spellcaster: AC 12 (15 with Mage Armor)

I realize Mage Armor works just as well for Warlocks as, say, Wizards, but I can't help to think this was a missed opportunity in making these NPCs more distinct.

 

[ammulder]

Not just more distinct, but why spend half your spell power on something you could have all the time for a few gold pieces?

 

[Flamestrike]

Not just more distinct, but why spend half your spell power on something you could have all the time for a few gold pieces?

Armor is uncomfortable to wear, and Mage armor is an at will ability via armor of shadows for a Warlock.

Plus Warlocks are known for showing off.

 

[ammulder]

Armor is uncomfortable to wear, and Mage armor is an at will ability via armor of shadows for a Warlock. Plus Warlocks are known for showing off.

LOL! So the options are:

1. Use ~half your spell power
2. Use one of (if you're lucky) eight lifetime boons from your patron
3. Spend 45 GP

And he says, "well armor is uncomfortable."

Where's the button to grant the player Inspiration for that post?

 

[Flamestrike]

LOL! So the options are:

1. Use ~half your spell power
2. Use one of (if you're lucky) eight lifetime boons from your patron
3. Spend 45 GP

And he says, "well armor is uncomfortable."

Where's the button to grant the player Inspiration for that post?

Hey man, just because my Fighter is proficient in full plate doesn't mean I wear it in town. The is heavy and uncomfortable. I ditch it at the first opportunity and get into comfortable clothes.

I mean come on. If you had the option of walking around in a bullet proof vest all day long (with plates inserted they are heavy, and a total hassle to wear) or summoning a magical weightless force field with your mind which way do you do?

I mean, you got into this warlock caper for a reason didn't you?

 

[lowkey13]

*Deleted by user*

 

[ammulder]

I know, I know! It's just that there are THIRTY-TWO Eldritch Invocations, of which in a reasonable campaign you may get what, like six or eight to play with? Is the magical weightless force field going to be one of them or not? There's no gear for "see through magical Darkness" or "read all writing" or "scootch that guy 10 feet backward"...

 

[Flamestrike]

I know, I know! It's just that there are THIRTY-TWO Eldritch Invocations, of which in a reasonable campaign you may get what, like six or eight to play with? Is the magical weightless force field going to be one of them or not? There's no gear for "see through magical Darkness" or "read all writing" or "scootch that guy 10 feet backward"...

Thats a player concern, not a character concern.

Im sure this idea has never crossed the mind of the NPC Warlock in Volos guide to monsters.

 

[ammulder]

Thats a player concern, not a character concern.

I'm not clear on that. In character, do you get to ask your patron for a boon? Or does your patron grant whatever/whenever on their own schedule?

Because if you (the character) do get any influence, I think you'd definitely consider asking for things that you couldn't get any other way. Not saying you wouldn't ultimately go with your vanity...

But it's a very different proposition than just trying to do your patron's bidding and if they're sufficiently pleased then you get what you get.

Though now that I read closely, it says "In your studies of occult lore, you have unearthed eldritch invocations..." so maybe you can direct your studies, so to speak.

 

[flametitan]

I know, I know! It's just that there are THIRTY-TWO Eldritch Invocations, of which in a reasonable campaign you may get what, like six or eight to play with? Is the magical weightless force field going to be one of them or not? There's no gear for "see through magical Darkness" or "read all writing" or "scootch that guy 10 feet backward"...

Not everyone uses Eldritch Blast, or deals with magical darkness enough to warrant seeing through it. At will AC boost that's better than any non magical armour I have proficiency in? Sure.