Dungeons & Dragons Celestial Patron, Explained

What are the benefits of having your warlock form a pact with a celestial in Dungeons & Dragons?

The Celestial Warlock: Unleashing Divine Power

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, clerics derive their magical abilities from deities and their strong belief systems. They spend considerable time studying and adhering to the texts and tenets of their faith. Warlocks, on the other hand, have a different approach. By making a pact with a Celestial, they gain access to power that would typically require years of devoted service. In this article, we will explore the fascinating realm of the Celestial Warlock.

What Is A Celestial?

A dwarven spellcaster in bejeweled clothes surrounded in flames

A Celestial can take many forms, but they are primarily beings that embody the highest virtues and ideals of goodness. They serve good-aligned gods, oppose evil, or are deities themselves. Some types of Celestials include:

  • Devas: Angelic beings with humanoid forms.
  • Ki-rin: Equines with single horns known for their luck.
  • Solar: Angelic beings who serve as the right hand to a divine being.
  • Empryean: Divine giants.
  • Hollyphant: Tiny flying elephants covered in golden fur.
  • Unicorn: Single-horned equines with the ability to sense evil.

Celestials are unwavering in their dedication to good, and they do not tolerate evil intentions. Even a single evil act can lead to the exile of an angel. While celestials may have different interpretations of what is right, their commitment to their sacred duty often involves purging and killing. However, they may be oblivious to the nuances of life and fall from grace, broadening the types of celestial patrons available to a Celestial Warlock.

Celestial Pacts

Guardian of Faith by Brian Valeza

Celestial patrons have clear motives. They seek to destroy the undead, defeat evil, and defend the innocent. However, the ways in which they enter into pacts with warlocks can vary. A celestial may take on a warlock to accomplish tasks they cannot personally undertake. For example, a deva might employ a warlock to investigate fiendish activities or gather information about a mysterious plague. Similarly, a solar could teach a warlock magic in exchange for protecting the realm.

Celestial patrons do not demand the soul of the warlock or engage in unnecessary slaughter. Instead, they request acts of diplomacy, oversight, or practical assistance that they are unable to perform themselves.

Why Not A Cleric?

Clerics have a more rigid relationship with their sources of power. Many celestials cannot bestow their divinity upon clerics as they are sworn to gods, like in the case of a solar. Additionally, the bond between a warlock and their celestial patron is contractual. While clerics are bound by a lifelong commitment to their deities, warlocks have more flexibility and room for negotiation with their patrons.

Unlike paladins and clerics, warlocks can perform covert missions to deal with cults or other evils, without divulging their divine connections. This freedom allows warlocks to get their hands dirty for a greater cause, while the celestial patrons achieve their goals through more discreet means.

The Benefit Of A Celestial Patron

Mount Celestia via Wizards of the Coast

Choosing a Celestial patron for your warlock yields various benefits. For instance, a Celestial Warlock can provide vital hit points in critical situations and access to Radiant Soul, a feature that grants resistance to fire and radiant damage. Furthermore, the expanded spell list for Celestial Warlocks offers great versatility and utility. In terms of healing and utility casting, Celestial Warlocks can surpass Divine Soul Sorcerers.

What makes Celestial Warlocks unique is that their connection to the divine changes their behavior. This feature distinguishes them from their Fiendish counterparts. Celestial Warlocks may feel compelled to pursue the core objectives of the celestial patron vigorously and yearn to explore the heavenly Celestial Plane. This connection provides an excellent starting point for redemption arcs or character development based on a warlock’s backstory. Additionally, it makes this patron choice accessible to new players or those new to spellcasting.

For Dungeon Masters, a celestial patron introduces intriguing planar plotlines and allows for exploration beyond the realm of a cleric’s deity. The party might find themselves caught in a divine war, escaping the grasp of fiends, or dealing with the consequences of a reckless celestial patron. The possibilities are endless.

Reference List:

  1. Wizards Coast Repeats Antiai Art Stance
  2. Dungeons & Dragons: Best Cleric Builds To Run
  3. Dungeons & Dragons: How To Build A Celestial Warlock

Now it’s time to unleash your celestial powers and embark on extraordinary adventures! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. And don’t forget to spread the word on social media! 🚀