Demystifying Eldritch Invocations: A Warlock’s Guide
Do Eldritch Invocations count against spells known? The definitive answer is no. Eldritch Invocations, a unique feature of the Warlock class in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, operate independently of the spells known mechanic. They represent a Warlock’s mastery of arcane secrets granted by their patron, distinct from the spells they learn and prepare. Think of them as specialized boons, enhancing their abilities and providing unique effects, separate from their regular spellcasting.
Understanding Eldritch Invocations
Eldritch Invocations are a cornerstone of the Warlock class, granting access to a range of powerful abilities and effects. These invocations can enhance the Warlock’s combat prowess, improve their utility, or provide access to spells they wouldn’t otherwise learn. Unlike spells, invocations are not limited by spell slots, offering a consistent source of power. It’s crucial to understand how invocations interact with other Warlock features, especially spells, to maximize their effectiveness. They are not spells known; they are magical enhancements.
The Nature of Invocations
Eldritch Invocations are essentially magical upgrades or specialized talents that the Warlock gains as they level up. Each invocation provides a specific benefit, such as improving the Eldritch Blast cantrip, granting the ability to see in magical darkness, or allowing the Warlock to cast certain spells without expending spell slots. The key distinction is that these invocations are not spells that the Warlock has to prepare or cast in the traditional sense. They represent innate magical abilities granted by their otherworldly patron.
Invocations vs. Spells Known
The concept of spells known refers to the limited number of spells a spellcasting class (like a Warlock) can learn and prepare from their class’s spell list. When a Warlock gains a level, they can choose new spells to learn, but they are restricted by their maximum number of spells known. Eldritch Invocations bypass this limitation. They don’t add to the spells known count, allowing the Warlock to expand their magical capabilities without sacrificing their ability to learn new spells. This distinction allows Warlocks to have powerful invocations and a varied list of spells that they know and can cast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Eldritch Invocations
To further clarify the nuances of Eldritch Invocations, let’s address some frequently asked questions. These FAQs will provide additional insight into how invocations function, their limitations, and their impact on the Warlock class.
1. Do Eldritch Invocations count as spells?
This is a tricky one! While some Eldritch Invocations allow you to cast spells, the invocations themselves are not spells. They are magical abilities that can sometimes emulate the effects of spells. Crucially, they don’t use spell slots unless the invocation specifically states so. This means you can, in some cases, cast a spell more often through an invocation than you could by learning the spell directly. Think of it as a talent, rather than a memorized incantation.
2. Do Eldritch Invocations use spell slots?
Generally, no. Most Eldritch Invocations don’t require spell slots. They are a separate source of magical power. However, some invocations allow you to cast specific spells, like the Chains of Carceri invocation allowing you to cast hold monster, and in those cases, the invocation may specify whether or not it consumes a spell slot. Read the invocation’s description carefully.
3. Are Eldritch Invocations always active?
Most are. Many Eldritch Invocations provide passive benefits that are always in effect. For example, the Agonizing Blast invocation adds your Charisma modifier to the damage of your Eldritch Blast cantrip, which is a constant effect. Others might require you to take an action, or occur when you fulfill certain conditions. Again, refer to the specific invocation’s description.
4. Can I swap Eldritch Invocations?
Yes. The rules explicitly allow you to swap invocations when you gain a level in the Warlock class. This provides flexibility to adjust your build based on your campaign’s challenges and your evolving playstyle. You can replace one invocation you know with another that you could learn at that level.
5. Can you take the same Eldritch Invocation twice?
No. While the rules don’t explicitly forbid it, there’s absolutely no benefit to taking the same invocation twice. The effects don’t stack. It would be a wasted choice. You would never need to learn an Eldritch Invocation twice.
6. Is Eldritch Blast an Eldritch Invocation?
No. Eldritch Blast is a cantrip, not an invocation. However, many of the most popular and powerful Eldritch Invocations enhance the Eldritch Blast cantrip, making it a cornerstone of the Warlock’s combat strategy. The Agonizing Blast Invocation specifically enhances the Eldritch Blast cantrip.
7. Do invocations take an action?
Some invocations are actual spells that require casting, and some may require a spell slot. For example: the Chains of Carceri invocation allows the warlock to cast hold monster without using a slot, but it still requires you to use an action to cast the spell.
8. Can a Warlock only cast 2 spells?
Not exactly. Warlocks have a limited number of spell slots, especially at lower levels. However, they regain these spell slots after a short rest, unlike most other spellcasting classes that require a long rest. Also, invocations can provide spell-like abilities without consuming spell slots, and at 11th level, Warlocks gain access to Mystic Arcanum, allowing them to cast a higher-level spell once per long rest without using a spell slot.
9. Why do Warlocks only have 2 spell slots?
The Warlock’s design philosophy revolves around quality over quantity. They have fewer spell slots but regain them more frequently. This encourages strategic use of powerful spells and reliance on cantrips and invocations for sustained combat. The consistent refreshing of spell slots promotes the use of short rests.
10. What’s the best Eldritch Invocation?
This depends entirely on your playstyle and party composition. However, some consistently rank high in terms of effectiveness:
- Agonizing Blast: Dramatically increases the damage of Eldritch Blast.
- Repelling Blast: Adds battlefield control to Eldritch Blast, pushing enemies away.
- Devil’s Sight: Allows you to see in magical darkness, invaluable for certain strategies and encounters.
- Eldritch Mind: Grants advantage on concentration saving throws, crucial for maintaining key spells.
11. Are all Eldritch Invocations Combat related?
No. While many invocations enhance combat abilities, others provide utility, social, or exploration benefits. For instance, Aspect of the Moon eliminates the need to sleep, while Mask of Many Faces allows you to cast disguise self at will.
12. Can Eldritch Knight get Shadow Blade?
Yes, an Eldritch Knight Fighter can learn the Shadow Blade spell at 8th level, making them a formidable melee combatant.
13. What is the best cantrip for a Fiend Warlock?
While personal preference and party composition play a role, the Eldritch Blast is considered the best for the Fiend Warlock, especially with the Agonizing Blast invocation.
14. Is Warlock considered a half caster?
This is somewhat debated. Warlocks are not traditionally classified as half-casters like Paladins or Rangers. Their unique spell slot recovery mechanic and reliance on invocations set them apart. Some argue that their limited number of spell slots aligns them more closely with half-casters, while others maintain their status as a distinct full-caster variant. Their unique refresh on spell slots makes them closer to a full caster.
15. Can I change my Pact Boon?
The rules are less clear on this than on swapping Eldritch Invocations. While not explicitly prohibited, changing your Pact Boon is generally up to the DM. It’s a significant change that can impact your character’s abilities and role in the party, so it’s best to discuss it with your DM beforehand and find a narratively appropriate way to do so.
Understanding Eldritch Invocations is vital to maximizing the potential of the Warlock class. They offer incredible customization and power, allowing players to tailor their Warlock to fit their desired playstyle. By grasping the nuances of invocations and how they interact with spells, players can create truly unique and effective characters. The insights provided by the Games Learning Society can be incredibly helpful. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.