Spoils of Art: Warlock (1989)
In memory of Julian Sands, 1958 – 2023.
Warlock1,2 is a 1989 movie by Steve Miner and David Twohy, starring Julian Sands, Lori Singer, and Richard E. Grant.
What follows is not a review of the movie, but an attempt to replicate it's aesthetics using "Into the Dungeon: Revived" framework. If you haven't yet seen the movie, but are considering doing so, be aware of possible spoilers you might encounter here. I'll try to avoid the big ones however.
Contents
Overview ↩
Warlock — a man who professes or is supposed to practice magic or sorcery; a male witch; sorcerer.3
The first thing we should establish, is the nature of the Warlock's magic. I guess, assuming it to be a form of Mystic Feature is a pretty good starting point.
Magic Circle
From the start, we can see the application of a warding sigil drawn on a door to contain the warlock imprisoned within the tower. Later, the sigil is erased by evil forces to free the antagonist.
The warding mark can be equated to a weaker form of Magic Circle (3). However, considering that it was made by witch-hunters, it's more akin to a warding ritual. The wiping of the mark though, easily can be attributed to an effect similar to Erase (1) Spell.
Thumbscrew Manacles
Another attestment to the Mystic-like nature of Warlock's powers is thumbscrew manacles which he is bound with. Since spellcasting requires to perform proper gestures and incantations, this cruel method of restraining surely must be popular within witch-hunting circles.
Ring
After being transported to present times, the Warlock obtains an antique ring and immediately casts either Hold Portal (1), or Telekinesis (5) Spell. Considering later moments from the movie, I gravitate towards the latter. However, Telekinesis is a 5th Circle Spell, and while mighty, the Warlock doesn't appear to be that powerful. This might be explained though, by ring being not only the Warlock's Focus, but also a magical item granting limited telekinetic powers to its user.
Telekinetic Ring
Move or hurl a medium-sized object. The object can deal up to d8 Damage, depending on its size.
Warlock's Patron
Quite soon, the Warlock reveals the name of his demonic patron — Zamiel, who then possesses the faux channeler and reveals the Warlock's quest: bringing together the three parts of the Grand Grimoire. While the effect is similar to Summon Being (4) Spell, the warlock doesn't seem to cast anything here, and I will attribute it instead to a mystical link binding the Warlock to his patron.
By removing the possessed channeler's eyes, the Warlock obtains a gift from Zamiel — a homing device that will help him find pages from the Grand Grimoire.
Witch Compass
The Witch-hunter has a homing device of his own — the witch-compass. By placing a drop of blood taken from the target on its arrow, the user can detect the direction and distance to the target. The range appears to be quite small though.
"The needle shall point up his direction. The quicker it swings, the closer is he; the slower — the more distant."
— Giles Redferne, the Witch-hunter
Aging Curse (4)
The Warlock appears to be proficient in a number of curses, one of which he bestows on Kassandra.
By taking a personal object from the target and then speaking the incantation, the Warlock curses the target to age for 20 years in a day. The curse can be broken by returning the taken object back to the target, reversing the curse effect immediately.
"Tout, Tout, through and about; your callow life in dismay. Rentum, Osculum, Tormentum: a decade twice over a day."
— Warlock
Flying Potion
To cover greater distances in his search of the Grand Grimoire's pages, the Warlock brews Flying Potion.
For the next d4 hours, you can fly, travelling at up to 100 miles per hour.
"Of all ingredients used by a witch, the most coveted is human fat. If that fat is cut from an unbaptized male child, there is but one purpose - one thing is will beget — flying potion."
— Giles Redferne, the Witch-hunter
Guess who just found the main ingredient for a flying potion.
Signs and Weaknesses
During the course of the movie, various signs of witch/warlock presence, as well as their weaknesses are revealed.
Signs:
- cream sours overnight
- horses sweat in the morning
- bread doesn't rise
- flame burns pure blue
Weaknesses:
- salt
- consecrated ground
Witch-hunter's Rituals
While not being able to use magic himself, the Witch-hunter possesses knowledge of a number of rituals, allowing him to stand up against mystical witching powers.
Defense
Two copper pennies held between teeth will ward off any errant magic. It will also protect you from a malevolent spells' effects if you pass a WIL Save to not show any fear.
Offense
By using a blessed hammer, you can drive nails in the witch's or warlock's tracks. The target must succeed on a STR Save to not fall unconscious from the pain.
Blindness Curse (2)
Another powerful curse used by the Warlock seems to be an enhanced version of Blindness Spell.
By directly looking into the target's eyes, you can bestow Blindness. The target must succeed on a WIL Save to avoid the effect. The vision can be restored only by Healing.
Grand Grimoire
"The spell book. All witches keep grimoires, yet one is indestructible, one is the bible of black magic - the Grand Grimoire. Always witches have lusted for it, and now, here, I find a page - one lone page!"
— Giles Redferne, the Witch-hunter
The Warlock cleverly uses this powerful indestructible artefact as protection from incoming attacks, albeit only from the front.
Witchflame Magic
After obtaining the second part of the Grand Grimoire, the Warlock prepares a number of Witchflame Spells he uses later.
Witchflame Touch (2)
Touch for d6 Fire Damage. The target must succeed on a STR Save or be Stunned for the next turn, vomiting out the flame.
Witchflame Blast (3)
Deals d8 Fire Damage. The target must succeed on a STR Save to avoid being knocked away.
Witch-hunter ↩
STR 14, WIL 14, 12hp, Armour 1 (light), bodkin dagger (d6), salted whip (d4, d6 against witches and warlocks), witch-compass, thumbscrew manacles, Healer, Tactician, Witch-hunter.
Witch-hunter (Feature)
Roll twice for HP and take the better result.
You are trained in tracking and dealing with the witches and warlocks alike. You have learned all about their nature, magic, powers and weaknesses. You also know a number of Offensive and Defensive Rituals to help you in the hunt.
Warlock ↩
STR 13, WIL 17, 13hp, Armour 3 (from the front only), telekinetic ring, Zamiel's eyes, Grand Grimoire, Expert Warlock (patron: Zamiel).
Spell Tome (fragments):
2: Blindness Curse, Witchflame Touch
3: Aging Curse, Witchflame Blast
Signs: wherever the warlock goes, he affects the world around him: cream sours overnight, horses sweat in the morning, bread doesn't rise, flame burns pure blue, etc.
Weakness: contact with salt or consecrated ground causes pain and d4-d12 Damage, depending on the intensity.
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