Warlock, Baatorian (3.5e Class)

Special Note

This is an adaptation of the Warlock, Abyssal created by Mister Sinister.

Also, I would like help in creating more Baatorian Warlock Invocations. These would be adaptations of the current warlock invocations or new ones flavored to the various devils and layers of baator. The last grade, Dire, are level eight to nine equivilent.

This is a tranformational class, and I see no need for epic levels, further advancemt for baatorian warlock should come thru multi-class. However its your campaign!

Baatorian Warlock

Baator is an endless creator, constantly giving rise to more powerful and wicked entities, as per the unflagging will of the Lord of the Nine. It is a source of vast and transformative power, although it takes great strength of will and dedication to evil and law on the part of those who would use it; to do so requires becoming more and more like unto one of its diabolic inhabitants in both mind and body. He swears dedication to the lords that rule Baator, the archdukes, receiving authority as well as transformations involving painful and complex rituals. However, those that persevere and succeed become baatorian warlocks - mortals that wield the power of Baator in their lord’s name. Baatorian warlocks are considered valued servants of the Lords of the Nine, often gaining high status and rank in their lord’s domain.

Making a Baatorian Warlock

As powerful magic-users, baatorian warlocks can fulfill many roles if they choose to. However, most tend to specialize towards ranged support.

Abilities: Charisma is very important to a baatorian warlock, as it determines their save DCs and many of their class abilities. A high Constitution and Dexterity aren't amiss either - they are needed to survive in the competition of Baator!

Races: Only mortals (a creature that isn't an outsider, an undead, an elemental, or a fey) can become baatorian warlocks. Otherwise, they can be found among all races, but races with a disposition towards evil tend to have more of them.

Alignment: Baatorian warlocks must be either lawful or evil (or both), they cannot be chaotic or good. This limits their alignments to lawful neutral, lawful evil, or neutral evil. Note that non-evil and non-lawful abyssal warlocks are exceedingly rare (although possible).

Starting Gold: 4d4×10 gp (100 gp).

Starting Age: Moderate

The Abyssal Warlock

Hit Die: d6

Level	Base Attack Bonus	Saving Throws			Special	Invocations Known
		Fort	Ref	Will
1st	+0	+2	+0	+2	Baatorian blast, invocations (least), Rank of Baator	4
2nd	+1	+3	+0	+3	Aura of burning/cold logic	5
3rd	+2	+3	+1	+3	Baatorian transformation (least)	6
4th	+3	+4	+1	+4	Piercing blast	7
5th	+3	+4	+1	+4	Invocations (lesser)	8
6th	+4	+5	+2	+5	Aura of burning/cold logic (enhanced)	9
7th	+5	+5	+2	+5	Baatorian transformation (lesser)	10
8th	+6	+6	+2	+6	Wings of Baator	11
9th	+6	+6	+3	+6	Invocations (greater)	12
10th	+7	+7	+3	+7	Summon aid	13
11th	+8	+7	+3	+7	Baatorian transformation (greater)	14
12th	+9	+8	+4	+8	Lord's blessing	15
13th	+9	+8	+4	+8	Invocations (dark)	16
14th	+10	+9	+4	+9	Nothing hidden	17
15th	+11	+9	+5	+9	Baatorian transformation (dark)	18
16th	+12	+10	+5	+10	True baatorian	19
17th	+12	+10	+5	+10	Invocations (dire)	20
18th	+13	+11	+6	+11	Obey your maker	21
19th	+14	+11	+6	+11	Baatorian transformation (dire)	22
20th	+15	+12	+6	+12	Home at last	23
Class Skills (Skill Points::4 + Int modifier per level, ×4 at 1st level) 3.5e Skills: Appraise, Bluff, Concentration, Craft, Decipher Script, Disguise, Gather Information, Intimidate, Knowledge (all), Listen, Perform, Profession, Sense Motive, Spellcraft, Spot, Use Rope, Use Magic Device Class Features All of the following are class features of the Baatorian warlock. Weapon and armour proficiencies: Baatorian warlocks are proficient with all simple weapons, and one martial weapon of their choice. They are proficient with light armour, but not with shields. Rank of Baator Ex: Baatorian warlocks are considered by the denizens of Baator to be as a native, having rank appropriate to their power. Their rank is equal to a baatezu of HD of ½ their class level (max 10HD); thus a 16th level warlock would be considered equivalent to a baatezu of 8HD. Devils of lesser rank tend to not interfere with those above them, and to usually obey them unless following the commands of an even greater ranked baatezu. This does not mean they won’t surreptitiously scheme to cause the downfall of those more powerful... Those considered minor lords or above (20+ HD/levels) will not feel subject to the commands of others based upon rank, save the orders of their lord and those of higher rank serving their lord; of course they aren’t foolhardy either and will kowtow to overwhelming might. Invocations: Baatorian warlocks have the ability to call upon the powers of devils, using abilities called 'invocations'. These are considered to be at-will spell-like abilities. They always have a caster level equal to the baatorian warlock's character level, and DCs equal to 10 + 1/2 the baatorian warlock's character level + the baatorian warlock's Charisma modifier. Unlike most spell-like abilities, invocations have an effective spell level, as noted in their descriptions. The list of baatorian warlock invocations can be found here, any SRD invocations that have the right "flavor" may be considered available as well. Baatorian warlock invocations come in five grades: least, lesser, greater, dark and dire. The table above indicates when a baatorian warlock can learn higher grades of invocations. At any level when a baatorian warlock learns invocations, they can learn any invocation up to the highest grade they can use. At 4th level, and every even-numbered level after that, a baatorian warlock can permanently forget one invocation they know and replace it with another invocation that they could have learned at that level. Invocations come in three types: general invocations, baatorian essence invocations and baatorian shape invocations. Baatorian essence invocations and baatorian shape invocations modify a baatorian blast, with the former changing something about the blast's nature, while the latter changing its shape or form. Any given baatorian blast use can only have a maximum of one baatorian essence invocation and/or one baatorian shape invocation applied to it. Applying these invocations requires no time. Other invocations require a standard action to use unless noted otherwise. Baatorian Blast Su: A baatorian warlock can hurl some energy from Baator at their enemies. This can be used in two ways: a proximity blast or a ranged blast. The baatorian warlock can choose which they use. Regardless of the form chosen, the ability always deals 1d6 damage per level of the baatorian warlock. Half of this damage is fire, the other half is cold. If the baatorian warlock chooses a proximity blast, they can use it at any time that a melee attack could have been made (such as part of a full attack, at the end of a charge, an attack of opportunity, etc). No more than one attack per round can be a proximity blast. If the baatorian warlock chooses a ranged blast, this ability has a range of Close (25ft + 5ft/2 character levels of the baatorian warlock), and requires a ranged touch attack to hit. This requires a standard action to use. If the baatorian warlock has used a proximity blast this round, they cannot also use a ranged blast. Likewise, if the baatorian warlock has used a ranged blast this round, they cannot also use a proximity blast. Aura of Burning/Cold Logic Su: Begginning at 2nd level the warlock radiates an aura that makes non-devils within Close range (determined by their level) recognize the futility of their fight. The aura is either a burning heat that boils away the chaos of wild emotion or a searing cold the freezes the mind slowing the tumult of chaotic emotion (dealing 1 point of fire or cold damage per 2 levels of the warlock (max 10) at the beginning of each of the warlock's turns as per baatorian blast, Fort save negates damage). The aura breaks the opponents will, forcing non-devils to make a Will save upon first coming into range (DC 10 + ½ the warlock’s level + his Charisma modifier) or fall under the effect of a calm emotions spell (with a duration of 1 round per level of the warlock). At 6th level, the baatorian warlock has a superior version of this same ability; extending it to medium range. The duration of the calm emotions effect is increased to 3 rounds per level. Baatorian Transformation Ex: Starting at 3rd level, a baatorian warlock begins to resemble a baatorian devil a little more. They gain a least transformation from the list below. At 7th level, they also gain a lesser transformation, at 11th, a greater transformation, at 15th, a dark transformation, and at 19th, a dire transformation. These transformations, although practical, make baatorian warlocks incredibly unnerving to non-evil mortals. For each transformation that the baatorian warlock gains, they receive a -3 penalty on all Charisma-based checks (except Intimidate) against mortals. Least Transformations Skin of the Devil: The baatorian warlock gains resistance to acid 5 and fire 10. Essence of the Devil: The baatorian warlock gains resistance to electricity 5 and cold 10. Constitution of the Devil: The baatorian warlock becomes immune to mundane poison and disease (magical versions still affect them as normal). Lesser Transformations Mind of the Devil: The baatorian warlock gains telepathy out to 100ft. Baatorian Toughness: The baatorian warlock gains 3 additional hit points + 1 hit point per level. If they later gain additional levels, increase the hit points gained at those levels by 1. FelIron Hide: The baatorian warlock gains DR X/-, where X is 2 + one-third their character level. Greater Transformations Halo of Fire: Only a baatorian warlock that has taken Skin of the Devil can select this transformation. They become immune to fire, and may also burst baatorian fire energy, dealing 1d6 damage per two class levels to any creature or object (not including anything they are wearing, carrying etc) struck by their natural weapons. This burst also affects any natural or crafted weapon striking the warlock; the warlock still takes damage from the weapon. This damage ignores fire resistance equal to his class level. The Baatorian warlock can deactivate this ability if they choose. This fire can set objects ablaze. Venomous Blood: Only a baatorian warlock that has taken Constitution of the Devil can select this transformation. They become immune to all poison and disease. Additionally, if they bleed on or bite any creature (any adjacent creature to the baatorian warlock when they are injured will be bled on), that creature must make a Fort save (DC 8 + 1/2 the baatorian warlock's class level + the baatorian warlock's Constitution modifier) or become affected as if by a poison spell. Note that a creature cannot be forced to make more than one save against this ability each round - any subsequent exposure in the same round uses the same outcome as the first. Crown of Rime: Only a baatorian warlock that has taken Essence of the Devil can select this transformation. They become immune to cold, and may also burst baatorian cold energy, dealing 1d6 damage per two class levels to any creature or object (not including anything they are wearing, carrying etc) struck by their natural weapons. This burst also affects any natural or crafted weapon striking the warlock; the warlock still takes damage from the weapon. This damage ignores cold resistance equal to his class level. The baatorian warlock can deactivate this ability if they choose. This cold can freeze liquids and objects. Dark Transformations Dark Blessing: Only a baatorian warlock that has taken Baatorian Toughness can select this transformation. They may use their Charisma modifier instead of their Constitution, Dexterity or Wisdom modifier on their Fort, Ref and Will saves respectively, if this would give a higher result. Additionally, they no longer fail a save on a natural 1 automatically. Closed Mind: Only a baatorian warlock that has taken Mind of the Devil can select this transformation. Whenever they are forced to make a Will save, they roll twice and choose the better result. Additionally, they treat any result of less than 3 on their Will saves as 3 instead. FelSteel Hide: Only a baatorian warlock that has taken Feliron Hide can select this transformation. Their DR improves to equal 1/2 their class level +2. Additionally, they treat any result of less than 3 on their Fort saves as 3 instead. Dire Transformations Blight Upon Nature: The baatorian warlock causes plants to wilt (as per the blight spell) within Medium range (caster level equal to their class level, and DCs identical to their invocation DCs). Animals will not naturally enter this area, and if forced, will only do so if they can make a Will save (DC identical to the baatorian warlock's invocation DC). If they fail this save, they will flee as if panicked. Lastly, any good or chaotic creature is sickened within this range (and chaotic good creatures take double the normal penalties) automatically. Walking Beguilement: Any living creature within Medium range (calculated based on the baatorian warlock's class level) of the baatorian warlock must make a Will save (DC identical to their invocation DC) or become fascinated as long as they remain in this area. A successful save renders the creature immune to this effect for 1 hour; only obvious threats allow a new save and only enacted attacks automatically break the effect. The baatorian warlock is always immune to their own Walking Beguilement. Additionally, chaotic or good creatures in this area receive a -2 penalty on Will saves (and the penalty is -4 for chaotic good creatures). Walking Desecration: The area within Medium range of the abyssal warlock is desecrated and unhallowed (caster level for both is equal to the abyssal warlock's character level, and save DCs are the same as their invocation DCs). Additionally, lawful or good creatures in the area are automatically fatigued (and lawful good creatures are exhausted instead). Piercing Blast Ex: From 4th level, a baatorian warlock's Baatorian Blast ability becomes greatly empowered, taking on some aspects of Hellfire or Hellrime; the warlock chooses to do either fire or cold damage only from this point forward, once chosen it may not be changed. The blast ignores resistance equal ½ the warlock’s class level. At 8th level this improves to ignore resistance; at 16th level it grows again to treat immunity as resistance 30 minus the warlock's CHA modifier. Wings of Baator Ex: At 8th level, a baatorian warlock sprouts large wings. These have an appearance based upon the warlock’s Baatorian Blast; bat-like, insect-like, skeletal or feathered trailing harmless sparks for fire, or glittering snowflakes for cold. These wings grant them a fly speed of 30ft, with good maneuverability. The warlock has the ability to disperse or reform these wings at will on planes other than Baator; on Baator the wings are always present. Summon Aid Sp: From 10th level, the baatorian warlock may use lesser planar ally once per day, gaining a second use per day at 20th level. Any devil of lesser rank summoned by the baatorian warlock will have an attitude no worse than indifferent, and will require one half the normal payment for services. Lord's Blessing Su: From 12th level, a baatorian warlock has so advanced in their devilhood that one of the great lords of the nine takes notice. When this class feature is gained, the baatorian warlock must choose one archduke; he gains that lord’s Brand of the Nine Hells as a free bonus feat. This choice is permanent, and cannot be changed later. The warlock can command any baatezu of HD lower than his class level that has his archdevil's brand (thus, if they chose Bel, they could command baatezu with the Brand of the Nine Hells (Bel) feat) as if they were the lord themselves. Additionally, they can bestow that lord's Brand of the Nine Hells on a creature, as a free bonus feat, as if they were the lord themselves, but cannot do it to any creature whose CR is greater than the baatorian warlock's level - 6. At 16th level the baatorian warlock receives, as a free bonus feat, the Mark of (layer of Baator) as appropriate for his lord; thus a warlock serving Bel would receive the Mark of Avernus. The warlock’s Rank of Baator is now class level -4 (with no limit) for all diabolic denizens on his lord’s layer of Baator, thus a 16th level warlock serving Bel would be considered as a 12HD baatezu when on Avernus. Nothing Hidden Su: A 14th level baatorian warlock is so in-tune with the emotions of others that they can simply know what's truly going on. Additionally, their connection with Baator is so strong that nothing made by the First Ones can hide from them. Baatorian warlocks of this level are constantly under detect thoughts, detect chaos and true seeing. True Devil: From 16th level, a baatorian warlock is transformed by the baatorian energies they use into a true devil, gaining the benefits of the outsider and devil (sub) types. A baatorian warlock who reaches this level also cannot be permanently killed outside of Baator, and if killed elsewhere, simply returns to life six days later somewhere in Baator; on their lord's layer or a random layer for non-allied warlocks. Obey Your Maker Sp: An 18th-level baatorian warlock has gained some of the great power of the archdevils. Baator and the Material Plane now respond to their will in a powerful (and dangerous) way. While on Baator or the Material Plane, an 18th-level baatorian warlock can use Limited Wish/Bend Reality as an at-will spell-like ability. Its caster level is always considered to be equal to their class level, and any DCs it requires identical to the baatorian warlock's invocation DC. Outside of the Material Plane, the baatorian warlock can still use this ability, but the other planes resist the influence, and each use of this ability gains the baatorian warlock a negative level. This will never cause actual level loss, and is automatically removed when one day has passed. A baatorian warlock that is immune to negative levels still takes the appropriate penalties. A baatorian warlock that ever gains as many negative levels as actual levels by use of this ability is ejected by the plane, placing them on their lord’s layer of Baator, unconscious until they recover a number of negative levels equal to their class level - 1. Home At Last Su: At 20th level, a baatorian warlock becomes a minor devil lord. As part of this ascension, all residents of Baator see the warlock’s rank as HD equal to his class level, on his lord’s layer. Warlocks without a lord do not receive an upgrade in rank from this ability. Additionally, the warlock can use plane shift as a spell-like ability to either reach or leave any location on the Material Plane or in Baator, up to 4 times a day. The warlock always arrives exactly where he wanted to go unless the area is warded; in that case he arrives as close as safely possible. As a standard action the warlock may use Greater Teleport at-will in all planes not aligned with chaos or good, there is no useage limit on this ability. This ability is available to all baatorian warlocks of twentieth level. The warlock gains the ability to banish any non-native of Baator from his lord’s layer back to their home plane; this banishment prevents them from returning to any location on Baator for a period of six days. The warlock may also banish from his lord’s layer any devil of lesser rank; this sends the target back to the layer of its lord, or a random layer of Baator if it is not bound to a lord, for a period of six days during which it may not leave that layer unless sent by a devil with a rank higher than that of the warlock. Non-natives of Baator are allowed a WILL save with the difference in level/HD as a bonus or penalty to the base DC20, this ability may only be used 6 times per day. Warlocks without a lord do not receive this ability. Ex-Baatorian Warlocks A baatorian warlock that ceases to be in one of the allowed alignments immediately loses access to all supernatural and spell-like abilities of this class. They also cannot advance further in the class; both can be restored by an atonement spell from a lawful or evil character. Epic Baatorian Warlock If you want epic progression for this class I recommend basing it off of WOTC's epic warlock article here []. Starting Package Weapons: . Skill Selection: Pick a number of skills equal to 4 + Int modifier. Skill Ranks Ability Armor Check Penalty Feat: . Bonus Feats: . Gear: . Gold: . Campaign Information Playing a Baatorian Warlock Religion: A baatorian warlock serves his lord to gain power, there is no worship involved, only fear and avarice. Other Classes: Baatorian warlocks find paladins repugnant, and have no respect for anyone chaotic in alignment, otherwise they will travel with anyone that serves to further their goals. Combat: Baatorian warlocks prefer to deal damage at range with their Baatorian Blast ability. Advancement: Baatorian warlocks often choose to take levels in thaumaturgist, true fiend or conduit of the lower planes. Baatorian Warlocks in the World “ Challenge my lord? No fool, your quest ends in fire! ” —Laroch, Human Baatorian Warlock The baatorian warlock is an agent for his lord, often spending a great deal of time on the Prime Material Plane gathering resources and spreading his lord's influence. Organizations: A baatorian warlock is part of his lord's retinue; whether it be serving on Baator or any other plane, he seeks to curry his lord's favor and advance in authority. NPC Reactions: Most folks can't tell one warlock from another, or from a wizard for that matter, but when they do get to know the nature of the baatorian warlock they respond with fear and distrust. Baatorian Warlock Lore Characters with ranks inKnowledge (Planes) can research baatorian warlocks to learn more about them. When a character makes a skill check, read or paraphrase the following, including information from lower DCs. DC Result 5 Baatorian warlocks use magic to kill their enemies. 10 Baatorian warlocks serve the powers of hell. 15 The lord a specific baatorian warlock serves. 20 Personal information about a specific baatorian warlock. Baatorian Warlocks in the Game Adaptation: . Sample Encounter: . EL : . Back to Main Page → 3.5e Homebrew → Classes → Base Classes