Those of you who have dared to peek behind the curtain at our Handbook of Erotic Fantasy comic should already be familiar with this strapping half-elf. We introduced Warlock way back in HoEF #4, and he’s been a Patreon exclusive ever since. Happily, our kind-hearted Quest Givers just voted to share the love, marking today as Warlock’s debut on the main site. So welcome to the comic, big guy! May all your blades boom and all your blasts be eldritch.

Any dang way, now that we’ve got the introductions out of the way, why don’t we talk about the choice that confronts all who would wield blade, book, or incorrigible shoulder demon? When you decide to become a warlock, the first order of business is striking a bargain with an otherworldly being. If we’re just talking Core Rulebook, your options include eldritch abomination from beyond time and space, the literal incarnation of evil, and ridiculously hot fey chick. Not much of a choice if you ask me. But then again, I’m exactly the sort of unwitting fool to fall for a pretty face.

If you’ve read your Dresden Files, seen Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, or come anywhere close to a Changeling game, you know how dangerous a Fey Queen can be. The promise of otherworldly delight always comes with strings attached. And in that way, the “good guy” choice of Archfey isn’t so far from the Faustian contract that undergirds the Fiend or the temptation of forbidden knowledge embodied by the Old One. Whichever way you choose, you’re getting more than you bargained for. And for me, that is the central premise of playing a warlock. You wanted something. You bargained for it. Now you’re paying off the interest.

And so, for today’s discussion question, let’s talk about the fine print on the contract. The terrible price of those mythos secrets. The cost of crossing into faerie. When you’ve got a PC in hock to a big bad from the Nevernever, how do you turn the screws? What favors does your boss expect? And just as important, how do you make sure that’s an interesting story hook rather than a “punishment” for daring to play a class with built-in baggage? Tell us your tale of bargains struck and tolls exacted down in the comments!

 

ADD SOME NSFW TO YOUR FANTASY! If you’ve ever been curious about that Handbook of Erotic Fantasy banner down at the bottom of the page, then you should check out the “Quest Giver” reward level over on The Handbook of Heroes Patreon. Twice a month you’ll get to see what the Handbook cast get up to when the lights go out. Adults only, 18+ years of age, etc. etc.