So one thing that I was originally looking forward to pre-launch was how Warlock Tavs were going to interact with their patrons. I think Larian even mentioned something about speaking with your patrons in one of the later panels from hell, but as far as I can tell there isn't much of a narrative relationship for Warlock patrons (outside of Wyll of course). Admittedly, I haven't done a complete Warlock playthrough, but from what I have read it mostly amounts to a few lines of dialogue within your character's head over the course of the game. If that is the case, I wanted to share an idea that I had about how patrons could have worked.
My idea was to have one patron for each subclass with each being a character that already existed in the game. I.E. all Fiendlocks get x, all Feylocks get y, and all GOOlocks get z.
Mild spoilers ahead:
Fiend: Mizora or Raphael
Both these characters already serve as patrons in the game so adding them for Tav would be a natural fit. Imagine Mizora coming to camp after you first encounter Karlach and saying "So my two pets have finally met", or having a Raphael call you out when he visits in Act 1 and having to explain that to your companions.
Archfey: Auntie Ethel
Auntie Ethel is the only major fey creature in the game and she technically has a red cap warlock in Act 3. Once again this would just provide an opportunity for the player to get a different perspective on events that were already written into the game.
Great Old One: Emperor or Omeluum
Mind flayers have been regularly used as GOOlock patrons in tabletop, and there are two prominent "friendly" mind flayers in the story. I personally like the idea of the character knowing the emperor as their patron in mind flayer form, but not knowing that he's the guardian. Would make that reveal even more interesting, but I do understand if there is push back here due to the other roles he plays. Omeluum is also a good option and could tie in the society of brilliance more.
The tricky part with those suggestions is we'd need a narrative reason that we could continue to level up in warlock if we were to attack them at any point. A bold choice that I would be behind is blocking off new warlock levels (it's canon that warlocks retain any abilities that they already have if the pact is broken) if your patron is defeated. Either way I'm sure Larian could write a solid narrative around it that would still be satisfying.
Just and FYI - I don't expect this relationship to be updated/patched in now, I just thought this would have been a cool way to implement it without having to create completely new character stories and wanted to share.
Curious to hear other thoughts on this idea.
