Path of the Pactmaker

Those who make pacts with powerful outsiders and supernatural entities in exchange for incredible and unique magical prowess are considered to be either incredibly brave and ambitious, or complete fools. This is the dangerous road walked by those known as witches and warlocks. Often they are outcasts and pariahs, or those with incredible ambition with absolutely nothing to lose. One does not follow this Path by accident, but often by necessity and a drive for power. Conduits of their patrons power, they turn their gifted magic against their enemies and rivals to achieve their goals. Followers of this Path are often seen as charlatans and vagabonds of the magical world, who sell themselves to often evil powers for their magic because they lacked the capability themselves for arcane tutelage or magical heritage, or the conviction to put faith in the might of gods. Yet they also prove that one does not need training, birthright or devotion to obtain strength. As, at the end of the day, the last one standing is the one with the will and the drive to surpass all those that oppose them and use whatever means necessary to achieve that end.

• Requirements: CL 1, 10 EXP

You seal a pact with a powerful otherworldly entity from which you receive power - you gain the Eldritch Blast Talent (see below). This pact not only dictates what powers you gain access to, but also what type of entity you serve. Upon selecting this Talent, you are permanently under the influence of a Geas towards your Patron to do their bidding. The instruction laid out by this geas changes based upon the whims of your patron - their desires and ambitions. You only receive the penalties of Geas if you rebel against such wishes dictated by your patron, though other punishments are not out of the question, particularly depending upon who you serve. Needless to say, you cannot defend against the effects of this Geas in any way, shape, or form, though skilled magicians may be capable of noticing the distinct signature of a higher power upon your person, subtle as it may be.

Your Patron may occasionally force you to perform tasks and favours, or act as their agent in the mortal realm. The nature of these tasks are left to GM discretion, but typically are either complications for your adventure, or an adventure in of itself. The patron never attempts to task the Pactmaker with obviously suicidal objectives, but many patrons do not have qualms about giving them tasks that are against character’s moral or ethical views. A particularly rebellious warlock that gains the ire of their patron, or one that successfully breaks the effects of this geas, is stripped of their powers and becomes an ex-witch or warlock. Only by making a new pact with a different patron, or by atonement with the original patron, can you regain your Talents from this Path.

For more information on Patrons, and the unique abilities they offer, see the Patrons page.

• Requirements: Patron's Allegiance, 0 EXP

You may conjure a ray of magical force known as an Eldritch Blast. This Talent channels the power of your patron to create pure destructive force. The blast has a range increment of Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 CL), and is resolved as a ranged touch attack against your chosen target. The Blast deals Force damage, and always costs 1 MP or TP to use (you may use either one freely). The Blast is treated as a wielded light weapon, meaning you may use it multiple times in one Full Attack Action and even use Two Weapon Fighting with it, provided that you possess the Prowess to do so. However, this also means you may not use Eldritch Blast if both of your hands are occupied. As you gain Caster Levels, the damage of the Blast increases, as shown on the table below: