Hello, everyone! We’re more than halfway through Villain Month now. This week in villainy, we’ll be delving into a dragon-themed Warlock patron, with two alternative pact boons as well. As before, if you’d like to win a copy of this Subclass PDF, all you have to do is correctly guess the villain that this subclass is based on. If you’re at a loss for your guesses, though, you can check out the TBM Games Twitter for hints throughout the day!
Warlock Patron
The Dragonbound
Your patron is a dragon or a powerful sorcerer whose bloodline has a spark of draconic magic. Some dragons utilize warlock servants in this way as a means of collecting additional treasure for their hoards, while others may be bound to a dragon who imprinted upon them after hatching, a magical defense mechanism meant to defend wyrmlings from harm until they mature into the ferocious creatures of legend. Others who wield draconic power may use this pact as a means of forming an apprenticeship, granting their student a fraction of this magic until they prove themselves capable of using it independently.
A likely patron for a Dragonbound warlock is a mighty blue dragon. These dragons consider their pacts a status symbol and their most talented servants a reflection of their tutelage, whether or not this is truly the case. Other potential patrons include mighty sorcerer-kings who secretly dole out their power to loyal forsworn servants to maintain their rule. Additionally, some warlocks find that this bond has been forged due to their contact with a dragon’s egg on the verge of hatching, creating a telepathic bond with the wyrmling that compels them to keep it safe as it begins to grow.
Expanded Spell List
The Dragonbound lets you choose from an expanded list of spells when you learn a warlock spell. The following spells are added to the warlock spell list for you.
Dragonbound Expanded Spells
Spell Level | Spells
1st | burning hands, detect magic
2nd | flaming sphere, locate object
3rd | fireball, lightning bolt
4th | conjure minor elementals, ice storm
5th | cloudkill, cone of cold
Bonus Proficiencies
Starting at 1st level, you gain proficiency with martial weapons and medium armor.
Mental Fortifications
Also starting at 1st level, you have become practiced at defending yourself from mental assaults. When a creature you can see uses an effect which requires you make an Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma saving throw, you may roll 1d4 and add the result to your saving throw. If you still fail the saving throw, you may deal psychic damage to the creature equal to 1d4 + your Charisma modifier.
Draconic Action
Starting at 6th level, your draconic patron has gifted you with a modicum of their fearsome martial prowess. When a creature you can see or hear ends its turn, you may use your reaction to immediately take an action.
You cannot use this ability again until you complete a short rest. Starting at 17th level, you can use it twice before a rest.
Arcane Exertion
Beginning at 10th level, you can continue to use arcane power even when you have spent all of your spellcasting energies, channeling your vitality into one last spell. When you cast a warlock spell, instead of expending a warlock spell slot, you may take a level of exhaustion.
Word of Nullification
Starting at 14th level, you have learned ancient secrets which can slow the movement of magic around you. As a bonus action, you utter a word laced with arcane power which mitigates all spells cast around you for 1 minute or until you lose your concentration (as if you were concentrating on a spell).
When a creature within 30 feet of you casts a spell, that spell is considered to be cast at 1 slot level lower than the spell slot expended. If this would lower the slot level below that of the spell, the spell fails but the spell slot used is still expended.
You cannot use this ability again until you complete a long rest.
Alternative Pact Boons
Pact of Vitality
Your patron grants you renewed vigor and longevity. You age at half the rate of other members of your species and become immune to nonmagical disease and poisons.
Additionally, if you fail a Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution saving throw, you may expend a spell slot as a reaction to succeed instead.
Pact of Wealth
Your patron has promised you treasure beyond your wildest dreams in exchange for your service. While in civilization, events and coincidence seem to conspire such that you can maintain an Aristocratic lifestyle on a daily basis.
Additionally, when you reach 5th level, you receive an uncommon magical item of your choice.