Hi, I saw your offer of answering questions/offering advice, so I hope I’m not coming off pushy or anything. I’m putting together an Archfey warlock and I’m kind of wondering how the relationship should affect his magic/spellcasting? She’s spider-based, very dark and cobwebs hanging everywhere with creepily long limbs, but she’s chipper af and likes to pop in and fuck with the party. I’ve never done a warlock, so I’m still just figuring out how to play that relationship ‘believably’.
Hmm, awesome question!
With regards to spell-casting, I would choose your spells carefully, keeping in mind the balance between creepy and chipper you have going on. Spells like Spider Climb and Infestation fit with the spider theme, and, in mythology, the fey are often at their scariest and most playful when they control people. You already get spells like Calm Emotions and Dominate Person as a part of your class features, but you could add to this by taking the spell Dream or Puppet (from Unearthed Arcana).Â
Beyond just selecting thematically appropriate spells, remember you can select the cosmetic appearance of your magic. Perhaps when you cast Eldritch Blast, it’s a beam of black energy that scuttles forward, reaching towards its target as it branches into what look like long legs. This is an easy way to make all of your spell casting feel thematically cohesive and built a sense of character.
If you want to play your Warlock/Patron relationship believably, start off by thinking about who your Warlock was before they made their pact, and what their motivation was for doing so. Were they deliberately seeking power, or were they tricked by a wily fey into giving up more than they bargained for? Are they grateful towards their patron for their new abilities, or do they regret signing themselves up for that kind of service? You can also decide on the nature of their pact - was it a simple trade, or are they now in permanent service to the Archfey? What would happen if they try to back out of the deal?
Your character sounds really cool, with loads of room for fun roleplaying and development. Personally, I’m a sucker for anyone who wants to show the fey as fun-loving but creepy, instead of just the happy party-people some people make them. I really hope this helped, and let me know if there’s anything else you would like to ask!
