The Ancestor Patron (Warlock)
“So tell me what mortal needs my protection, great ancestor. You just say the word, and I’m there! Anybody who’s foolish enough to threaten our family… *snarl*”
— Mushu, Disney’s Mulan
PDF Link | D&D Beyond: The Ancestor Patron, Ancestral Spirit
Art Credit: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/forrest-defender
Most warlocks might have to search far and wide to find a proper patron, but some of them find their patron much closer to home! Across both real-world cultures and fantasy settings, ancestral spirits are often venerated and expected to offer guidance and protection. From the ancient roman Manes, to the veneration of family spirits in China, Japan, and elsewhere, to the elven spirits like the Undying Court that linger in Eberron, there are always those who attempt to venerate and entreat with these spirits, seeking their aid in protecting and elevating the family. They are warlocks of the Ancestor Patron, a new warlock subclass appearing in Legends of Prestige and Prowess, a compendium that focuses on — among other things — the past and the future. This patron is designed for family spirits, but it can represent any kind of watchful and protective patron that acts as a spirit-like presence.
Although most Ancestor patrons are undead spirits, the subclass doesn’t focus on the magic or powers of undeath. Instead, it focuses on abjuration and divination — themes that match the ancestor’s penchant for protecting and watching over its descendants — as well as utilizing the knowledge and wisdom of past ages. It shares some themes with the barbarian Path of the Ancestral Guardian, but the warlock subclass is less of a defender (or “tank” in video game terms) and more of a generalist and support role. The expanded spell list contains numerous information and support spells that allow the warlock to flavor all their spellcasting as actions from the patron themselves (if they choose). At higher levels, the warlock gains more control options, including telekinesis (which can be themed as the ancestor simply moving things) and a summoned spectral ally (which can also be themed as an avatar of the ancestor itself). Even the ally can be used as a support tool by keeping it near a friendly PC to guard them. Since the Ancestor warlock is more of a support and not a defender role, all of its beneficial spells and abilities can be used on either itself or others.
While sanctuary and shield of faith don’t normally scale with a warlock’s increasing spell slot levels, the compendium also features the following two optional spell revisions (among many other optional revisions for spells that fit the compendium). Though these spells should still be somewhat weaker as 3rd and 5th-level spells, you can choose to use these revisions for all spellcasters, or you can restrict them only to Ancestor warlocks if you are concerned about the spells providing more options to higher-level clerics, paladins, and artificers:
Sanctuary. Add At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the duration can last up to 10 minutes. If you use a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the duration can last up to 1 hour. If you use a spell slot of 7th level or higher, the duration can last up to 8 hours. If you use a 9th level spell slot, the spell can last up to 24 hours.
Shield of Faith. Add At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, you can target one additional creature for every two slot levels above 1st. The creatures must be within 15 feet of each other when you target them.
The monster included in this preview, the Ancestral Spirit, is a CR 4 undead that also appears in Legends of Prestige & Prowess alongside this new subclass. It’s one of the many spectral undead that can be summoned using summon apparition, and it serves as an excellent ghostly warrior for any DMs that find the regular ghost stat block to be too melee-focused or too much balanced around its Possession ability. Expect to find these spirits lurking in the halls of ornate palaces and ancient estates, guarding their lineage against harm… but only if your DM uses D&D Unleashed content, of course!
PDF Link | D&D Beyond: The Ancestor Patron, Ancestral Spirit
