So last time we mentioned a small conflict we started on Bluesky. Well now we are showing you the Class that stood opposed to the Specialists. This is a special entry in a series of blogs as we discuss our Classes and their design intentions. With each blog the Class' updated Playbook is going to be released so the Pactbound, our take on the Warlock, has received updates!

Pactbound

Pactbound are spellcasters who have sworn themself to a powerful entity in exchange for magical power. 

Core Aspects: These are nearly identical to the Warlock, though now all Warlocks have Medium Armour and Shield Training.

Unique Aspects: All Classes gain a unique Inspired action and Mark of Fate effect. For the Pactbound this allows you to spend a Mark of Fate to get a read of your Patron's current thoughts, especially about you, and allow you to send a small message to them. While your Inspired action, lets you use cast a spell at 5th Circle.

Otherworldly Patron

Starting at Level 1 you pick an Otherworldly Patron. This Feature unlocks further Tiers at levels 6, 10, and 14. As covered in the Arcanist Class preview, one difference to note from level 6 onwards is you can choose to either progress through a subclass's 4 tiers or to pick up the first tier of a different subclass. 

Marked by Power

This is a little roleplay Feature, basically you carry around with you an invisible mark from your Patron, showing your are one of theirs. This can sometimes reveal itself or be noticed by others with certain senses, this could depending on their view of your Patron work in your favour or cause you problems.

Pact Magic

For this Feature works mostly the same as the Warlock.

Draw on the Pact

This Level 2 Feature, lets you spend a Minute long ritual once per day to recover Pact Magic Spell Slots as if you had completed a Short Rest.

Eldritch Invocations

This Feature works like Warlock but you will get more!

Reveal the Mark

This Feature lets you reveal your Patron's Mark to potentially gain Advantage on certain social Tests.

Pact Boon

At Level 3 you pick a Pact Boon which works like Warlock. You have Pact of the Blade for a Martial build, Pact of the Cauldron for potion making focuses, Pact of the Chain for those wanting an enhanced Familiar, Pact of the Flesh is exclusive to the Fragment Patron, Pact of the Token aims to enhance Cantrips and support allies, and Pact of the Tome enhances your spellcasting. 

Feats

This Feature is first gained at level 4 with further unlocks at levels 8, 10, 12, 16, and 19. Importantly each time you would gain this Feature you can increase one Trait's value by 1 AND gain a Feat.

Dark Communion

This Feature at Level 5 grants you the ability during a rest to request a small boon from your Patron for a price. 

Improved Boon

This Feature empowers your chosen Pact Boon, these further get enhanced at Levels 9 and 15.

Warding Mark

From 7th level, grants you  Advantage on Trait Tests to resist the Charmed, Frightened, and Terror conditions as well as to maintain Concentration. 

At Higher Levels

From here on many Features grant you more defences from your Patron, the ability to communicate with them, the ability to cast higher Circle spells, and greater pull with other servants of your Patron.  

Otherworldly Patrons

There are a number of Patrons that a Pactbound can gain access to. 

Ancient Artefact

This Patron lets you form a Pact with a Sentient Magical Item. The nature of its boons are based on the kind of Item your Patron is.

Archfae

This Patron lets you form a Pact with an Archfae. This Patron grants you the ability to charm your foes, teleport across the battlefield and warp reality.

Deathlord

This Patron lets you form a Pact with one of the Masters of the Realms of Death. This Patron grants you the ability to gain more and more Undead like traits while also improving your necromantic spells.

Deep One

This Patron lets you form a Pact with an ancient deep sea entity. This Patron enhances your water based spells, grants you the ability to operate underwater, and use hidden deep sea pathways to navigate the globe.

Draconic

This Patron lets you form a Pact with a dragon. This Patron works by making you part of their horde, with Features gaining scaling power based on how many Tiers of this Patron you have.

Eternal

This Patron lets you form a Pact with an Eternal or one of their servants. This Patron grants you a suite of support abilities.

Fragment

This Patron allows you to bond different fragments of ancient beings into yourself for temporary periods of time.  The Fragments are currently unavailable with this release hopefully we can get those added soon.

Masked Evil

This archetype operates like the warlock's fiend patron.

Outsider

This Patron lets you form a Pact with an entity from the Outside. This Patron grants your psionic powers and the ability to warp your form for enhanced effects.

Titan

This Patron lets you form a Pact with an elemental titan. This Patron grants you many abilities as if you were an elemental. 

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So that is the Pactbound hope people find this Class interesting and feel free to ask questions or give feedback! The draft document has been updated to reflect the above. Hopefully it gives you a sign of where we are taking this game!