I'm of Two Minds: The Possesed Warlock

Kellard was in a jam. A dozen soldiers were headed in his direction. I told you your party would desert you. He exhaled. “Fine, but can you help me get out of this mess?” If I have to. I shall grant you my strength and assistance. Within moments, a demonic formed peeled off of Kellard, becoming a winged demon. A mere moment after, Kellard’s skin became darker as he became stronger, tougher, faster. Between the two, the soldiers didn’t last a minute. When the last soldier hit he ground, the demon faded and Kellard’s skin returned to normal. However, he was spent; he could barely move.

“Thanks.” You remain to serve, so I am satisfied. Kellard stumbled down the hall. His strength gradually returned. He saw a button hidden in the statuary and pressed it. He felt a moment of fear, but it was soon washed away. Their puny mind magics are easy to turn away! A door opened and Kellard walked through it to the sunlight and new adventures.

In numerous cultures, a priest gains power from a being that temporarily possesses them. However, there are some entities that force a splinter of their personality into the mind of a warlock. This “passenger” empowers the warlock while at the same time providing some possible conflict, especially if the warlock and the passenger have opposing goals (the warlock wants to rule the world while the passenger wants him to become one with the universe, or the passenger wants to inflict harm on the world while the warlock is a good person). The warlock must always be working against an alien mind whose goals are either primordial or hidden in cosmic layers.

[Design Considerations: The passenger is always going to be encouraging the warlock to either be his highest self or become as primordial as possible. It is likely to become friends with the barbarian due to their love of not mincing words, and they are likely to have a love/hate relationship with cleric. They are likely to respect sorcerers from a non-human origin. They are likely to multi-class into those classes. Feats to consider are Crusher, Keen Mind, Poisoner, Savage Attacker, Telekinetic, and Telepathic. If the Magic Initiate feat is taken, look at the guidance, resistance, thaumaturgy, and toll the dead cantrips and the command, inflict wounds, and shield of faith spells.

Note: Depending on how The Possessed is ran, it presents an interesting role-playing challenge as the player can run one or two characters (the PC and the passenger). The DM can also complicate things by passing notes (thoughts of the passenger). There are plenty of ways that this can be run that can be fun or horrifying.]

Level 3: Spells of The Possessed

The passenger always makes sure that you have certain spells prepared. You gain these spells when you gain the appropriate level.

• Level 3: arms of Hadar, unseen servant, darkness, spider climb
• Level 5: hunger of Hadar, vampiric touch
• Level 7: phantasmal killer, summon aberration
• Level 9: Bigby’s hand, planar binding

Level 3: Of Two Minds

Every so often your passenger helps out by defending your mind from attack. You can gain Advantage on saves versus spells of the Enchantment school a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus. You recharge this ability every Long Rest.

Level 6: Keenness

You effectively have two sets of eyes. You gain the Observant feat. Choose another General feat if you already have Observant.

Level 10: Demonic Form

The passenger decides to help you out of a jam. You either glow with an inner light or become darker (the passenger defines the effect, once chosen it’s the same from that point on). You gain +2 to Strength, (Warlock levelx2) Temporary hit points, and resistance to all physical damage for one minute. You are also under the effects of haste. However, you are Incapacitated for one minute afterwards (you do retain the ability to move, but at half-speed). You can use this ability a number of times equal to your Charisma bonus (minimum of once). All expended uses recharge with a Long Rest.

Level 14: Send Spirit

Your passenger can project part of his consciousness to help you achieve your goals. You can cast summon fiend without using a spell slot. You can use this ability once per Long Rest.