"To hold the voice of a god is to be both servant and harbinger. Through me, the artifact's will is made manifest in the currents of magic."

In the realms where the echoes of ancient gods and powerful spellcasters resonate, artifacts of immense magical potency lay dormant, each bearing the indelible mark of its creator. Some artifacts are imbued with the essence of celestial beings or powerful demons, while others carry the echoes of divine craftsmanship. These relics, with personalities and desires of their own, yearn for a servant who will wield them, unlocking their latent powers and serving their greater purpose.

Binding Ritual: Forging the Pact

Warlocks who choose the Patron of the Artifact subclass undergo a unique binding ritual, where they forge a pact with a sentient magical artifact. The artifact, possessing a distinct personality shaped by its origin, speaks directly into the warlock's mind, establishing a powerful connection.

Soul Sacrifice: Empowering the Wielder

The artifact hungers for souls, demanding sacrifices to fuel its power or to serve its greater master in a distant plane. In return, the warlock gains unique powers and abilities channeled through the artifact. The sacrificed souls become a wellspring of energy, shaping the warlock into a formidable beyond what they could achieve without its power.

Personal Conversations with Divinity: Holding the Voice of God

Unlike other warlock patrons who remain distant, the artifact is held in the literal hands of the warlock, serving as a conduit for direct communication. The warlock hears the whispers and commands of the artifact, experiencing an intimate connection akin to holding the voice of a god within their grasp.

Fulfilling the Artifact's Purpose: Quests of Destiny

Each artifact has a distinct purpose or desire that the warlock must fulfill to continue wielding its power. Whether it's building a temple in the artifact's name, acquiring more power and control, maintaining balance in the planes, battling cosmic threats, or simply seeking connection after eons of neglect, the warlock becomes the instrument through which the artifact manifests its will.

Powers and Curses: A Pact Sealed in Souls

The powers granted to the warlock by the artifact are vast and varied. They may include the ability to manipulate time, command otherworldly creatures, or unleash devastating magical attacks. However, the artifact's demands come with curses and challenges, testing the warlock's resolve and dedication to the artifact's purpose.

Artifact's Personality: A Living Presence

The artifact itself possesses a living presence, a personality shaped by its origin and purpose. It communicates with the warlock not just through commands but through emotions, memories, and shared experiences. The relationship between the warlock and the artifact is dynamic and evolves over time as they embark on quests together.

Legacy of Gods and Spellcasters: Walking Among Legends

Warlocks of the Patron of the Artifact subclass find themselves walking in the footsteps of legends, wielding the remnants of an era where gods walked with men and spellcasters shaped the fabric of reality. Their journey is intertwined with the destiny of the artifact, and their actions leave a lasting mark on the world, echoing the power and influence of the beings who came before them.