Can You Change Eldritch Invocations in D&D 5e? A Warlock’s Guide
Yes, you can change Eldritch Invocations in D&D 5e, but the ability to do so is tied to leveling up as a Warlock. Specifically, the Player’s Handbook states that when you gain a level in the Warlock class, you can choose one of the invocations you know and replace it with another invocation that you could learn at that level. This offers a degree of flexibility, allowing you to adapt your build and strategies as you progress in your adventuring career. This ability to swap is crucial for optimizing your Warlock and ensuring your invocations remain relevant and powerful as you gain levels. It’s a defining feature of the Warlock class, contributing to their versatility and customization.
Understanding Eldritch Invocations
Eldritch Invocations are a core feature of the Warlock class in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. They represent special magical gifts bestowed upon a Warlock by their otherworldly patron. These invocations grant a variety of benefits, from enhancing the Warlock’s Eldritch Blast cantrip to providing access to unique spells and abilities. Unlike spells which are limited by spell slots, many Eldritch Invocations provide permanent, at-will effects, making them a potent and reliable resource. Choosing the right invocations is crucial for tailoring your Warlock to your preferred playstyle.
The Power of Customization
The ability to swap invocations on level up is a significant boon. Consider the early game, where an invocation that grants a specific utility spell (like detect magic via Eldritch Sight) might be incredibly useful. As you gain levels and access to more powerful spells, that early invocation might become less critical. Being able to exchange it for something like Agonizing Blast dramatically increases your damage output and ensures you’re always optimized for your current challenges.
Strategic Swapping
Don’t underestimate the power of strategic invocation swapping. As a campaign progresses, the types of challenges you face will undoubtedly evolve. A Warlock who planned for social intrigue might find themselves suddenly facing a horde of demons. Adaptability through invocation swapping is key to survival and ensuring your Warlock remains a force to be reckoned with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Eldritch Invocations
1. Can you take Eldritch Invocations more than once?
No, you cannot take the same Eldritch Invocation more than once. Each invocation is unique, and the game rules don’t allow for duplicates. The value comes from the variety and strategic combination of different invocations.
2. Are Eldritch Invocations always active?
Most Eldritch Invocations are permanently active, providing a constant benefit. For example, Agonizing Blast enhances your Eldritch Blast every time you cast it, without requiring any specific action or trigger. Some invocations, however, might grant abilities used at will, or have a limited number of uses per day or long rest.
3. Do Eldritch Invocations use Warlock level or character level?
The requirements for learning specific Eldritch Invocations are often tied to your Warlock level. For example, some invocations might require you to be at least 5th level in the Warlock class. However, the effects of some invocations may scale with your overall character level. A prime example is Eldritch Blast, where the number of beams increases as you gain character levels, irrespective of other class levels.
4. Do Eldritch Invocations count as cantrips?
No, Eldritch Invocations do not count as cantrips. While some invocations grant access to spells, they are distinct from the cantrips you choose when creating your Warlock. Invocations are special magical abilities granted by your patron.
5. Can a Warlock cast a 6th level spell?
Yes, Warlocks can cast 6th-level spells through their Mystic Arcanum feature, gained at 11th level. This feature allows them to choose one 6th-level spell from the Warlock spell list and cast it once per long rest without expending a spell slot.
6. Why do I have multiple beams with Eldritch Blast?
Eldritch Blast gains additional beams at higher character levels. You get two beams at 5th level, three beams at 11th level, and four beams at 17th level. Each beam requires a separate attack roll and deals 1d10 force damage.
7. Can a Warlock take Eldritch Adept?
Yes, a Warlock can take the Eldritch Adept feat. This feat allows any character to gain one Eldritch Invocation, provided they meet the prerequisites. For a Warlock, it provides an additional invocation known.
8. How many times can a Warlock use Eldritch Invocations?
Most Eldritch Invocations that grant passive benefits or at-will abilities can be used an unlimited number of times. However, some invocations grant access to spells that can only be cast a limited number of times per day or long rest.
9. Can you “spam” Eldritch Invocations?
Whether you can “spam” an Eldritch Invocation depends on the specific invocation. Many invocations are always active, so there’s no need to “spam” them. Others grant abilities you can use at will. Some invocations, however, are limited to once per long rest.
10. Is Eldritch Blast an Eldritch Invocation?
No, Eldritch Blast is a cantrip, not an invocation. However, certain invocations like Agonizing Blast and Repelling Blast directly enhance Eldritch Blast, making it one of the Warlock’s most potent offensive options.
11. Does Agonizing Blast add to each beam of Eldritch Blast?
Yes, Agonizing Blast adds your Charisma modifier to the damage of each beam of Eldritch Blast that hits a target. So, if you fire two beams and both hit, you add your Charisma modifier to the damage of each beam. This can significantly increase your damage output.
12. Can a Warlock learn polymorph?
The polymorph spell is not on the standard Warlock spell list. However, a Warlock can gain access to polymorph through the Sculptor of Flesh Eldritch Invocation. This allows them to cast polymorph once per long rest without expending a spell slot.
13. Can you take Agonizing Blast twice?
No, you cannot take Agonizing Blast twice. Each Eldritch Invocation can only be taken once. The rules don’t allow for stacking the effects of the same invocation.
14. Can you use Eldritch Adept to get Agonizing Blast on a non-Warlock?
To take Agonizing Blast, the character must have the Eldritch Blast cantrip. The prerequisite for Agonizing Blast is being a warlock who has Eldritch Blast. The feat makes available to non-warlocks those invocations that have no prerequisites.
15. Can a Warlock move between Eldritch Blasts?
Yes, a Warlock can break up their movement between multiple beams of Eldritch Blast. Each beam is a separate attack, so you can move, fire a beam, move again, and fire another beam, as long as you have movement remaining. You can break up your movement on your turn, using some of your speed before and after your action.
Mastering the Warlock
Understanding and effectively using Eldritch Invocations is critical for mastering the Warlock class. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and swap out invocations as you level up to optimize your character’s build. By doing so, you’ll unlock the full potential of your Warlock and become a formidable force in any adventuring party. Embrace the power granted by your patron, and remember that a well-chosen invocation can be the difference between victory and defeat.
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