This Afflicted Warlock build starts as a concoction of curses and stealth. With a low Strength, melee combat relies on dexterity-based maneuvers, while the character’s Eldritch Blast serves as the arcane weaponry. Light armor enhances AC as they exploit their stealth skills. At this level, spell invocations are limited, but they prioritize building toward stealth and tactical synergies.
Stat Block Level 1:
Afflicted Warlock: male, Human Wererat 1/Warlock 5/Fighter 4/Cancer Mage 10; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (Shapechanger[2]); HD 1d8+2; hp 10; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 14, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +0; Grp +0; Atk Rapier +4 melee (1d6+4/18-20/x2) or Eldritch Blast +4 ranged; Full Atk Rapier +4 melee (1d6+4/18-20/x2) or Eldritch Blast +4 ranged (1d6); SA Eldritch Blast, Sneak Attack (Craven); SQ Disease Immunity, Shapeshifting (Hybrid Form); AL Chaotic Evil; SV Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +3; Str 8, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 15.
Skills, Abilities and Feats:
Hide +6, Move Silently +6; Weapon Finesse.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Eldritch Blast, Tatterdemalions Provide AC Bonus.
Possessions: Rapier, Chain Shirt.
At level 5, the Warlock build capitalizes on a diverse skill set, combining warlock abilities with stealth tactics. With the eldritch blast, you can enhance your rapier strikes, joined with sneak attacks for substantial damage. The wererat template adds lycanthropic traits enhancing strengths in stealth.
Stat Block Level 5:
Unnamed: male, human wererat 1/warlock 5; CR 6; Medium humanoid (lycanthrope); HD 6; hp 34; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 14, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +3; Grp +2; Atk rapier +7 (1d6/18-20) or eldritch blast +8 (2d6); Full Atk rapier +7 (1d6/18-20) or eldritch blast +8 (2d6); SA eldritch blast, sneak attack; SQ lycanthrope traits, detect magic, damage reduction 1/cold iron; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +5, Ref +9, Will +6; Str 8, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 15.
Eldritch blast inflicts straightforward damage from range; lycanthrope provides disease transmission, enhanced stealth, and scuttling.
Possessions: Rapier, chain shirt.
At level 10, the build focuses on combining Warlock’s eldritch blast with melee attacks using a rapier, boosted with sneak attack, poison, and Craven to maximize single-strike damage. Utilizing the Cancer Mage abilities, the character can spread disease and weaken foes.
Stat Block Level 10:
Unnamed: Male, Human Wererat 1/Warlock 5/Fighter 4; CR 12; Medium Humanoid (Shapechanger[2]); HD 1d8+2 plus 4d6+8 plus 4d10+8; hp 78; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +8; Grp +8; Atk Rapier +12 melee (1d6+4 plus eldritch blast); Full Atk Rapier +12/+7 melee (1d6+4 plus eldritch blast); SA Eldritch Blast, Sneak Attack; SQ Alternate form, Invisibility (self), Detect magic, Fast healing 1; AL Chaotic Evil; SV Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +5; Str 8, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 15.
Eldritch blast (1d6), shenanigan an infinite strength combo with DM approval.
Possessions: Rapier, chainshirt, Tatterdemalions.
The Afflicted[1] is a level 15 build with specialties in stealth and debilitating strikes. As a Warlock and Cancer Mage, this character excels in using eldritch blasts combined with sneak attacks and poisons to incapacitate foes. This character’s Cancer Mage levels offer disease forms and infinite strength possibilities, enhancing combat potency. The Wererat transformation aids in mobility and stealth, making it a formidable foe in dark environments.
Stat Block Level 15:
Afflicted: male, human Wererat 1/Warlock 5/Fighter 4/Cancer Mage 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid (shapechanger[2]); HD 1d8+8 plus 5d6+8 plus 4d10+8 plus 5d6+10; hp 114; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +12; Grp +11; Atk Rapier +17 melee (1d6+2/18-20) or Eldritch Blast +14 ranged touch (2d6 damage); Full Atk Rapier +17/+12/+7 melee (1d6+2/18-20) and Eldritch Blast +14 ranged touch (2d6 damage); SA Sneak Attack, Craven, Poison; SQ Disease Form, Stealth, Eldritch Blast, Wererat Afflictions; AL NE; SV Fort +10, Ref +15, Will +7; Str 8, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 15.
The character can become a disease creature, significantly hindering foes’ strength and morale while hiding skillfully.
Possessions: Rapier, chain shirt, Tatterdemalions, vials of poison.
This build is a unique combination of stealth and power. By level 20, the character is a master at incapacitating foes with a mix of eldritch blast and weapon strikes. The Cancer Mage class offers an endless strength combo, allowing for enhanced combat abilities. The character excels in stealth and can take a disease form to debilitate enemies.
Stat Block Level 20:
Nameless One: male, human Wererat 1/Warlock 5/Fighter 4/Cancer Mage 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (shapechanger[2]); HD 1d8+2 plus 5d6+10 plus 4d10+8 plus 10d6+20; hp 120; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 19, touch 14, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +15; Grp +17; Atk rapier +21 melee (1d6+2/18-20) or eldritch blast +20 ranged touch (9d6); Full Atk rapier +21/+16/+11 melee (1d6+2/18-20) and eldritch blast +18/+13 ranged touch (9d6); SA Eldritch blast, sneak attack, craven, poison; SQ Damage reduction 2/silver, disease form, stealthy movement; AL Chaotic Evil; SV Fort +13, Ref +14, Will +12; Str 8, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 15.
Capable of spreading lethal plagues through Cancer Mage powers, gains increased strength from shapeshifting.
Possessions: Rapier, chainshirt, Tatterdemalions.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: Start as a Warlock with the basics of eldritch blasts. Acquire the lycanthropic characteristics of Wererat, improving skills with Dexterity enhancements and granting immunity to non-silver weaponry.
Levels 6-10: Shift into a Fighter to enhance your fighting skills with martial abilities. Enhance resilience by starting with chain shirts and progressing to Tatterdemalions
Levels 11-15: Embark on the Cancer Mage path, unlocking disease manipulation abilities. Leverage your rapier with sneak attack and poison combo for higher stealth kills.
Levels 16-20: Master the Cancer Mage capabilities to enable crowd control via disease forms, sicken foes rapidly. Explore infinite strength combos cautiously.
Core Abilities & Features
Eldritch Blast & Rapier Combo
The Afflicted[1] brings a unique blend of magical prowess and martial skill through the Eldritch Blast. While typically a standalone magic attack, this build cleverly integrates it with a rapier, exploiting the 1d6+2 damage boost it can offer. This magical enhancement adds a layer of unpredictability to the physical strike. Coupled with the sneak attack potential, you gain a mechanical hybrid that’s both finesse and forceful.
Stealth and Scouting
With a Dexterity score of 18, stealth becomes an arena where The Afflicted[1] shines. The Hide skill at 6 and Move Silently also at 6 ensure this build moves unseen and unheard. These abilities are pivotal for scouting ahead, setting ambushes, or avoiding combat altogether when discretion calls for it. The use of the Tatterdemalions adds a mystical disguise, enhancing defensive and evasive measures.
Cancer Mage Synergy
When stepping into the role of a Cancer Mage, this build taps into a realm of unspeakable power. One key feature is the potential for an infinite strength combo. This ability, though perilous and requiring table agreement, leaves open doors for creative manipulation of battlefield dynamics. Another highlight is the Disease Form ability that spreads contagion among enemies, effectively debuffing them while leaving you unharmed. Skill in unsettling opponents becomes a tactical advantage.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Masterwork Rapier
Upgrade the starting rapier to masterwork for a +1 bonus on attack rolls. This will help in early combat when combined with your Warlock abilities.
L6-10
Mithral Chain Shirt
Switch to a Mithral Chain Shirt for its light weight and flexibility, granting improved stealth and mobility without compromising protection.
L11-15
Tatterdemalion Armor
Acquire Tatterdemalion armor, which offers unique bonuses like increased stealth and provides versatility in movement while enabling quick escapes.
L16-20
Enhanced Poisoner’s Kit
As you delve deeper into the Cancer Mage class, an Enhanced Poisoner’s Kit allows effective preparation and application of poisons, augmenting your attack potential significantly.
Combat Scenarios
Dungeon Crawls:
In the cramped and often shadow-filled halls, utilize your excellent stealth from high Dexterity and Move Silently skill to get the drop on opponents. Use your eldritch blast combined with a rapier for a deadly sneak attack. Leverage your disease form for debuffing clustered enemies, making them easier targets.
Open Fields:
Exploit the open space to keep a safe distance while using your eldritch blast to wear down enemies. If they close in, seamlessly transition into melee attacks with your rapier. Use your fast movement from wererat form to outmaneuver foes, striking from unexpected angles.
Ambushes:
Set traps with the Poison ability from being a Cancer Mage and wait in hiding with your high Hide skill. When opponents are at a disadvantage, emerge and maximize damage with a combo of eldritch blast and rapier. Capitalize on your stealth to pick off isolated foes.
Defensive Stands:
Use your fighter levels to bolster defenses and hold the line. Engage enemies using your combat expertise and wear them down with eldritch blast and rapier strikes. Your disease form can sap enemy strength, making their attacks less effective over time.
Urban Encounters:
Play to your natural environment by ducking into alleys and turning corners to break line of sight. Utilize your stealth and disguise aspects of wererats for surprise assaults. Use urban structures to limit enemy movements, setting up for precise rapier strikes and sneak attacks.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Low Strength Score
Optimize for stealth strategies; leverage Dexterity for combat operations with sneak attacks.
Limited Damage from Eldritch Blast
Combine Eldritch Blast with melee attacks using a Rapier for additional damage and apply poison effects.
Limited to Close Combat
Use Cloak of Displacement to mislead enemies and avoid damage during close encounters.
Weak to Dispel Magic
Identify casters early and use Hide/Move Silently to dodge detection when their spells are active.
Detectable by Scent
Acquire an item like the Draught of Camouflage to mask your scent against creature tracking.
Vulnerable to Area Damage
Stay close to walls or use Tatterdemalion for mobility to evade large attacks.
Roleplaying The Afflicted
Crafting the dark and intriguing persona of The Afflicted[1] allows you to delve deep into the shadows of society. As a Warlock who resides both in seclusion and among the grime of urban decay, your character thrives in places others shrink from. Use this to your advantage by playing up the contradictions of being both a human and a creature touched by otherworldly forces. Your character can be brooding and contemplative, lingering in the sorrow of their transformation. Revel in the potential angst of a once-normal life now twisted into something unfamiliar.
Reflect on the reasons that propel The Afflicted[1]. Welcome the struggle between the yearning for power and the traces of humanity that remain inside. Your condition causes others to avoid and fear you, but it is this very shadow that bestows upon you powerful skills. Do you accept the curse, discovering comfort in the isolation and strength it provides? Or do you quietly long for recognition and salvation? Engage with these themes as your objectives change, and your decisions will resonate more profoundly.
The Afflicted[1] offers a unique mix of magical and melee prowess. This build lets you blend Eldritch Blast with rapier combat for an unpredictable attack. Its synergy with the Cancer Mage class allows you to exploit disease-based abilities. You can tailor the build to your week’s goals as your character evolves. This adaptability makes The Afflicted[1] versatile in various combat scenarios.
What key abilities make a Warlock’s ‘The Afflicted[1]’ build stand out?
The Eldritch Blast combined with rapier strikes creates a lethal combo. High Dexterity ensures excellent stealth and mobility. The Cancer Mage synergy empowers you with disease manipulation, boosting battlefield control. Tapping into the Wererat’s attributes provides extraordinary adaptability.
To tackle low strength, prioritize stealth strategies and sneak attacks. Counter limited Eldritch Blast damage by pairing it with rapier strikes. Cloak of Displacement and Hide skills counter close combat vulnerabilities and magic detection. Use a Draught of Camouflage to avoid detection by scent-based creatures. Stay mobile, use walls or Tatterdemalion form to evade area attacks.
What equipment should ‘The Afflicted[1]’ prioritize throughout its levels?
Early on, upgrade to a Masterwork Rapier for better attack rolls. As you progress, switch to a Mithral Chain Shirt for flexibility and stealth. Later, acquire Tatterdemalion armor for enhanced movement and stealth bonuses. In higher levels, employ an Enhanced Poisoner’s Kit to boost your attack potency.
How does ‘The Afflicted[1]’ approach roleplaying in D&D campaigns?
Embrace the duality of being human and a creature influenced by dark forces. Revel in the contrast between your search for power and lingering humanity. The stigma of your affliction allows for complex interactions and brooding intrigue. Your character might find solace in solitude or desire redemption.
Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
The old woman couldn’t keep her footing. She slipped on the slick paved stone of the sewer floor, the two of them making their way to her wererat companion’s abode. The old woman couldn’t help but ask, a genuine question, even with the grumble that came with it.
-“Why can’t yall live in a normal place?”
-“I wouldn’t exactly call living alone in a hut in the woods normal either”.
–“Ah, forget it, yall wouldn’t be able to appreciate the view or the quiet anyway.”
They reached the rat’s nest after not too much longer, there were thousands of them. In the middle, stood a man that fed them remains of something putrid.
–“There there my littles, feed well. Soon your plague will destroy this city above”. The rat said with a grin, as she watched them ravenously devour their meal.
–“That will take too long, we need results faster”. Said the figure in tatters, as he dropped a chunk of the feed to the plague of rat. He turned around at them, with a piercing look.
–“Then what do you propose?” The witch asked, as she attempted to keep her distance from the feeding beasts.
–“Hear me out”…
Race
Human
Class
Wererat 1/Warlock 5/Fighter 4/Cancer Mage 10 (2 LA Buyback)
Rapier, at first a chainshirt, then eventually your Tatterdemalions.
Goal
Your eldritch blast may not deal much damage, but you can add it to your rapier strikes, and that accumulated with sneak attack, craven, poison and all your other nasties means you can incapacitate many foes in a single strike. You can take disease form to sicken your enemies, and have great stealth and scouting abilities too. You can also shenanigan an infinite strength combo simply by being a Cancer Mage so…y’know…don’t do it unless you have the explicit ok from your table.
-“What happened to her after you defeated the beast?” Asked one of the kids, the old man across from them gave a mild chuckle, their curiosity always bringing a smile to him. He scratched his chin slowly, collecting his thoughts as the fire cracked in the fireplace. The whole inn was listening to the half-elf’s story now.
-“Well, as well traveled as I am, there were many things I could teach her, I could teach everything about listening to nature, how to hunt beasts and how to recognize plants and prints. Though, as with all teachers, there were some things I could never teach her. How to be a beast, as she already was, being a werewolf and all. She wanted to learn to better control and use that part of her. So she left too, eventually, in search of the Lady of the Woods.”
There were whispers in the inn when that name came out of the storyteller’s mouth. The traveling woman pulled out a smoke pipe and started cleaning it, and prepared some dried herbs.The half-elf continued unfazed.
-“The Lady is said to be as old as the forest, and its most ancient guardian, capable of taking the form of all the beasts who walk its depths. From the smallest insect to the most majestic dragon, she is one with each of these forms. If someone could teach our young wolf lady how to control her inner beast, it was the Lady.”
Race
Changeling
Class
Wildshaping Ranger 5(Variant)/Master of Many Forms 10/Nature’s Warrior 3/Warshaper 2
You are a ranger capable of Wildshaping like the druid. But you take that ability and crank it to eleven. You have more than ten uses per day, can change your form in the same use of wild shape, and can take nearly any form in the monster manual. This makes you a fantastic swiss army knife of a character, with a form for every situation, and by gaining the Extraordinary abilities of your forms, your toolset only expands even more. Take the form of a fly to spy on a conversation or the form of a friggin’ Dragon to fight virtually any enemy as two examples.
And they say only Tier 1 characters have a backpocket plan for any situation…
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