Pact Magic Variants (5e Variant Rule)
Pact Magic Variants
In the Player's Handbook there is only one version of spellcasting using pact magic, the pact magic used by the warlock.
There is however numerous other ways to go about providing class's with pact magic that this rule will attempt to address, specifically:
- Pact Magic Without Mystic Arcanum
- 1/2 Pact Magic Without Mystic Arcanum
- 1/2 Pact Magic With Mystic Arcanum
- Subclass Spellcasting akin to Pact Magic
These variants will be useful for homebrew classes which want to give their classes pact magic, but the warlock's version of pact magic would not work in the class.
When using these pact magic variants, you may want to add the following design note to the pact magic feature to signify that you are using a variant of the warlock's pact magic.
Pact Magic Without Mystic Arcanum
This pact magic is given to classes that want the warlock's pact magic, but don't want to have features that give the class single use spells of higher levels. This version of pact casting specifically does not give classes access to additional spells through Mystic Arcanum.
Inside is a transcribed copy of pact magic without Mystic Arcanum to be put into the 5e Class Feature preload after |classfeatures20= . Your spellcasting is almost identical to the warlock's pact magic(just change the warlock name whenever it mentions a table to the homebrew class name).
|extra1_name=Cantrips Known |extra1_1=2 |extra1_2=2 |extra1_3=2 |extra1_4=3 |extra1_5=3 |extra1_6=3 |extra1_7=3 |extra1_8=3 |extra1_9=3 |extra1_10=4 |extra1_11=4 |extra1_12=4 |extra1_13=4 |extra1_14=4 |extra1_15=4 |extra1_16=4 |extra1_17=4 |extra1_18=4 |extra1_19=4 |extra1_20=4 |extra2_name=Spells Known |extra2_1=2 |extra2_2=3 |extra2_3=4 |extra2_4=5 |extra2_5=6 |extra2_6=7 |extra2_7=8 |extra2_8=9 |extra2_9=10 |extra2_10=10 |extra2_11=11 |extra2_12=11 |extra2_13=12 |extra2_14=12 |extra2_15=13 |extra2_16=13 |extra2_17=14 |extra2_18=14 |extra2_19=15 |extra2_20=15 |extra3_name=Spell Slots |extra3_1=1 |extra3_2=2 |extra3_3=2 |extra3_4=2 |extra3_5=2 |extra3_6=2 |extra3_7=2 |extra3_8=2 |extra3_9=2 |extra3_10=2 |extra3_11=3 |extra3_12=3 |extra3_13=4 |extra3_14=4 |extra3_15=4 |extra3_16=4 |extra3_17=5 |extra3_18=5 |extra3_19=5 |extra3_20=5 |extra4_name=Slot Level |extra4_1=1st |extra4_2=1st |extra4_3=2nd |extra4_4=2nd |extra4_5=3rd |extra4_6=3rd |extra4_7=4th |extra4_8=4th |extra4_9=5th |extra4_10=5th |extra4_11=5th |extra4_12=5th |extra4_13=5th |extra4_14=5th |extra4_15=5th |extra4_16=5th |extra4_17=6th |extra4_18=6th |extra4_19=6th |extra4_20=6th
Below is an example of pact magic without Mystic Arcanum.
| Class Level |
Cantrips Known | Spell Known | Spell Slots | Slot Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1st |
| 2nd | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1st |
| 3rd | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2nd |
| 4th | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2nd |
| 5th | 3 | 6 | 2 | 3rd |
| 6th | 3 | 7 | 2 | 3rd |
| 7th | 3 | 8 | 2 | 4th |
| 8th | 3 | 9 | 2 | 4th |
| 9th | 3 | 10 | 2 | 5th |
| 10th | 4 | 10 | 2 | 5th |
| 11th | 4 | 11 | 3 | 5th |
| 12th | 4 | 11 | 3 | 5th |
| 13th | 4 | 12 | 4 | 5th |
| 14th | 4 | 12 | 4 | 5th |
| 15th | 4 | 13 | 4 | 6th |
| 16th | 4 | 13 | 4 | 6th |
| 17th | 4 | 14 | 5 | 6th |
| 18th | 4 | 14 | 5 | 6th |
| 19th | 4 | 15 | 5 | 6th |
| 20th | 4 | 15 | 5 | 6th |
1/2 Pact Spellcasting Without Mystic Arcanum
This pact magic is usually given to classes that are more focused on martial combat compared to spellcasting. This version of pact casting specifically does not give classes access to additional spells through Mystic Arcanum.
Inside is a transcribed copy of 1/2 pact magic without Mystic Arcanum to be put into the 5e Class Feature preload after |classfeatures20= and what your pact magic feature feature would look like.
Pact Magic
At 2nd level, your arcane research and the magic bestowed on you by your patron have given you facility with spells.
- Spell Slots
The Class table shows how many spell slots you have. The table also shows what the level of those slots is; all of your spell slots are the same level. To cast one of your warlock spells of 1st level or higher, you must expend a spell slot. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a short or long rest.
For example, when you are 5th level, you have two 2nd-level spell slots. To cast the 1st-level spell hellish rebuke, you must spend one of those slots, and you cast it as a 2nd-level spell.
- Spells Known of 1st Level and Higher
At 2nd level, you know two 1st-level spells of your choice from the warlock spell list.
The Spells Known column of the Class table shows when you learn more warlock spells of your choice of 1st level and higher. A spell you choose must be of a level no higher than what's shown in the table's Slot Level column for your level. When you reach 9th level, for example, you learn a new warlock spell, which can be 1st, 2nd, or 3rd level.
Additionally, when you gain a level in this class, you can choose one of the warlock spells you know and replace it with another spell from the warlock spell list, which also must be of a level for which you have spell slots.
- Spellcasting Ability
Charisma is your spellcasting ability for your warlock spells, so you use your Charisma whenever a spell refers to your spellcasting ability. In addition, you use your Charisma modifier when setting the saving throw DC for a warlock spell you cast and when making an attack roll with one.
Spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier
Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier
- Spellcasting Focus
You can use an arcane focus as a spellcasting focus for your warlock spells.
|extra3_name=Spells Known |extra3_1=— |extra3_2=2 |extra3_3=3 |extra3_4=3 |extra3_5=4 |extra3_6=4 |extra3_7=5 |extra3_8=5 |extra3_9=6 |extra3_10=6 |extra3_11=7 |extra3_12=7 |extra3_13=8 |extra3_14=8 |extra3_15=9 |extra3_16=9 |extra3_17=10 |extra3_18=10 |extra3_19=11 |extra3_20=11 |extra4_name=Spell Slots |extra4_1=— |extra4_2=1 |extra4_3=2 |extra4_4=2 |extra4_5=2 |extra4_6=2 |extra4_7=2 |extra4_8=2 |extra4_9=2 |extra4_10=2 |extra4_11=2 |extra4_12=2 |extra4_13=3 |extra4_14=3 |extra4_15=3 |extra4_16=3 |extra4_17=3 |extra4_18=3 |extra4_19=3 |extra4_20=3 |extra5_name=Slot Level |extra5_1=— |extra5_2=1st |extra5_3=1st |extra5_4=1st |extra5_5=2nd |extra5_6=2nd |extra5_7=2nd |extra5_8=2nd |extra5_9=3rd |extra5_10=3rd |extra5_11=3rd |extra5_12=3rd |extra5_13=4th |extra5_14=4th |extra5_15=4th |extra5_16=4th |extra5_17=5th |extra5_18=5th |extra5_19=5th |extra5_20=5th
Below is an example of 1/2 pact spellcasting without Mystic Arcanum.
| Class Level |
Spell Known | Spell Slots | Slot Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | — | — | — |
| 2nd | 2 | 1 | 1st |
| 3rd | 3 | 2 | 1st |
| 4th | 3 | 2 | 1st |
| 5th | 4 | 2 | 2nd |
| 6th | 4 | 2 | 2nd |
| 7th | 5 | 2 | 2nd |
| 8th | 5 | 2 | 2nd |
| 9th | 6 | 2 | 3rd |
| 10th | 6 | 2 | 3rd |
| 11th | 7 | 2 | 3rd |
| 12th | 7 | 2 | 3rd |
| 13th | 8 | 3 | 4th |
| 14th | 8 | 3 | 4th |
| 15th | 9 | 3 | 4th |
| 16th | 9 | 3 | 4th |
| 17th | 10 | 3 | 5th |
| 18th | 10 | 3 | 5th |
| 19th | 11 | 3 | 5th |
| 20th | 11 | 3 | 5th |
1/2 Pact Spellcasting With Mystic Arcanum
This pact magic is usually given to classes that are more focused on martial combat compared to spellcasting. This version of pact casting specifically gives classes access to additional spells through Mystic Arcanum.
Inside is a transcribed copy of 1/2 pact magic with Mystic Arcanum to be put into the 5e Class Feature preload after |classfeatures20= and what your pact magic and mystic Arcanum features would look like.
Pact Magic
At 2nd level, your arcane research and the magic bestowed on you by your patron have given you facility with spells.
- Spell Slots
The Class table shows how many spell slots you have. The table also shows what the level of those slots is; all of your spell slots are the same level. To cast one of your warlock spells of 1st level or higher, you must expend a spell slot. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a short or long rest.
For example, when you are 5th level, you have two 2nd-level spell slots. To cast the 1st-level spell hellish rebuke, you must spend one of those slots, and you cast it as a 2nd-level spell.
- Spells Known of 1st Level and Higher
At 2nd level, you know two 1st-level spells of your choice from the warlock spell list.
The Spells Known column of the Class table shows when you learn more warlock spells of your choice of 1st level and higher. A spell you choose must be of a level no higher than what's shown in the table's Slot Level column for your level. When you reach 9th level, for example, you learn a new warlock spell, which can be 1st, 2nd, or 3rd level.
Additionally, when you gain a level in this class, you can choose one of the warlock spells you know and replace it with another spell from the warlock spell list, which also must be of a level for which you have spell slots.
- Spellcasting Ability
Charisma is your spellcasting ability for your warlock spells, so you use your Charisma whenever a spell refers to your spellcasting ability. In addition, you use your Charisma modifier when setting the saving throw DC for a warlock spell you cast and when making an attack roll with one.
Spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier
Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier
- Spellcasting Focus
You can use an arcane focus as a spellcasting focus for your warlock spells.
Mystic Arcanum
At 11th level, your patron bestows upon you a magical secret called an arcanum. Choose one 4th-level spell from the warlock spell list as this arcanum.
You can cast your arcanum spell once without expending a spell slot. You must finish a long rest before you can do so again.
At higher levels, you gain more warlock spells of your choice that can be cast in this way: one 5th-level spell at 13th level, one 6th level spell at 15th level, and one 7th-level spell at 17th level. You regain all uses of your Mystic Arcanum when you finish a long rest
|extra3_name=Spells Known |extra3_1=— |extra3_2=2 |extra3_3=3 |extra3_4=3 |extra3_5=4 |extra3_6=4 |extra3_7=5 |extra3_8=5 |extra3_9=6 |extra3_10=6 |extra3_11=7 |extra3_12=7 |extra3_13=8 |extra3_14=8 |extra3_15=9 |extra3_16=9 |extra3_17=10 |extra3_18=10 |extra3_19=11 |extra3_20=11 |extra4_name=Spell Slots |extra4_1=— |extra4_2=1 |extra4_3=2 |extra4_4=2 |extra4_5=2 |extra4_6=2 |extra4_7=2 |extra4_8=2 |extra4_9=2 |extra4_10=2 |extra4_11=2 |extra4_12=2 |extra4_13=3 |extra4_14=3 |extra4_15=3 |extra4_16=3 |extra4_17=3 |extra4_18=3 |extra4_19=3 |extra4_20=3 |extra5_name=Slot Level |extra5_1=— |extra5_2=1st |extra5_3=1st |extra5_4=1st |extra5_5=2nd |extra5_6=2nd |extra5_7=2nd |extra5_8=2nd |extra5_9=3rd |extra5_10=3rd |extra5_11=3rd |extra5_12=3rd |extra5_13=3rd |extra5_14=3rd |extra5_15=3rd |extra5_16=3rd |extra5_17=3rd |extra5_18=3rd |extra5_19=3rd |extra5_20=3rd
Below is an example of 1/2 pact spellcasting with Mystic Arcanum.
| Class Level |
Features | Spell Known | Spell Slots | Slot Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | — | — | — | |
| 2nd | Pact Magic | 2 | 1 | 1st |
| 3rd | 3 | 2 | 1st | |
| 4th | 3 | 2 | 1st | |
| 5th | 4 | 2 | 2nd | |
| 6th | 4 | 2 | 2nd | |
| 7th | 5 | 2 | 2nd | |
| 8th | 5 | 2 | 2nd | |
| 9th | 6 | 2 | 3rd | |
| 10th | 6 | 2 | 3rd | |
| 11th | Mystic Arcanum (4th level) | 7 | 2 | 3rd |
| 12th | 7 | 2 | 3rd | |
| 13th | Mystic Arcanum (5th level) | 8 | 3 | 3rd |
| 14th | 8 | 3 | 3rd | |
| 15th | Mystic Arcanum (6th level) | 9 | 3 | 3rd |
| 16th | 9 | 3 | 3rd | |
| 17th | Mystic Arcanum (7th level) | 10 | 3 | 3rd |
| 18th | 10 | 3 | 3rd | |
| 19th | 11 | 3 | 3rd | |
| 20th | 11 | 3 | 3rd | |
Subclass Spellcasting akin to Pact Magic
This pact magic is designed to be used by subclasses, and can be used with or without a patron(your choice). Also, since subclasses get additional features at varying levels, it is impossible to create subclass pact casting with Mystic Arcanum that is balanced in all classes.
Below is a transcribed copy of what subclass pact casting would look like when put into a subclass and a table for it.
| Class Level | Cantrips Known | Spell Known | Spell Slots | Slot Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1st |
| 4th | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1st |
| 5th | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1st |
| 6th | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1st |
| 7th | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2nd |
| 8th | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2nd |
| 9th | 2 | 5 | 2 | 2nd |
| 10th | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2nd |
| 11th | 3 | 6 | 2 | 3rd |
| 12th | 3 | 6 | 2 | 3rd |
| 13th | 3 | 7 | 2 | 3rd |
| 14th | 3 | 7 | 2 | 3rd |
| 15th | 3 | 7 | 3 | 3rd |
| 16th | 3 | 8 | 3 | 3rd |
| 17th | 3 | 8 | 3 | 4th |
| 18th | 3 | 8 | 3 | 4th |
| 19th | 3 | 9 | 3 | 4th |
| 20th | 3 | 9 | 3 | 4th |
- Spellcasting
When you reach 3rd level, you augment your combat techniques with the ability to cast warlock spells.
- Cantrips
You learn two cantrips of your choice from the warlock spell list. You learn an additional warlock cantrip of your choice when you reach 10th level.
- Spell Slots
The Subclass Spellcasting table shows how many spell slots you have. The table also shows what the level of those slots are; all or your spell slots are the same level. To cast one of your warlock spells of 1st level or higher, you must expend a spell slot. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a short or long rest.
For example, when you are 8th level, you can have two 2nd level spell slots. To cast the 1st level spell hellish rebuke, you must spend one of those spell slots and you can cast it at 2nd level.
- Spells Known of 1st Level and Higher
At 2nd level, you know two 1st-level spells of your choice from the warlock spell list.
The Spells Known column of the Subclass Spellcasting table shows when you learn more warlock spells of your choice of 1st level and higher. A spell you choose must be of a level no higher than what's shown in the table's Slot Level column for your level. When you reach 11th level, for example, you learn a new warlock spell, which can be 1st, 2nd, or 3rd level.
Additionally, when you gain a level in this subclass, you can choose one of the warlock spells you know and replace it with another spell from the warlock spell list, which also must be of a level for which you have spell slots.
- Spellcasting Ability
Charisma is your spellcasting ability for your warlock spells, so you use your Charisma whenever a spell refers to your spellcasting ability. In addition, you use your Charisma modifier when setting the saving throw DC for a warlock spell you cast and when making an attack roll with one.
Spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier
Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier
- Spellcasting Focus
You can use an arcane focus/melee martial weapon as a spellcasting focus for your warlock spells.
Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Rules