To be clear I am asking for those who have played a hexblade to offer opinions and eve for them to try and convince me to make similar choice... but I am having difficulty with the following choices
race: Tiefling or half elf
Main stats: standard array or point buy
cantrips and spells: direct damage spells or buffing/utility spells? Note I do know that I would like him to frequent melee in any fights
also of note is this character is intended for Adventurer’s League so please limit the discussion to PHB and XGE
At work so Ill answer the race selection quickly: Tiefling. Not only because of the stats and the extra spells you get (Darkness is one of them), but I felt it fit thematically for a "semi-evil" class.
This is really a role playing decision and Patron decision in my opinion. I see Warlock's as scarred or flawed individuals who have entered a bargain for power. They're not born with the power; but could be if you see your character that way (I took this notion with mine), nor are they trained like a wizard. We are taking the shortcut to power, costs be damned. Who does that? Not a rational, balanced, happy, individual that's who.
I personally see Tiefling's as the perfect Warlock race, they're merely embracing their dark heritage; but a Half-Elf offers more ways to develop a personality in the background. What led them down this path? Even most sylvan beings usually have more sense than to bargain with the Fey, with that being the easiest path to lead a Half-Elf character astray. If you chose another path, what horrible event scarred you so much you bartered for power with a dangerous entity.
Game mechanics wise, both races offer some great options between Infernal Legacy or skills/languages with the Half-Elf. Infernal Legacy plays into crowd control quite nicely, see later for emphasis on why we need crowd control.
Main stats: standard array or point buy
My DM let me roll my stats & place them where I wanted. Sorry, no help here.
cantrips and spells: direct damage spells or buffing/utility spells? Note I do know that I would like him to frequent melee in any fights.
I really like the idea of my character being an all around threat. With Agonizing Blast/Hex Warrior, we have the luxury of being equally dangerous in ranged or close combat. Think sniper antagonizing the enemy until they lose it & rush you, only to learn you're just as lethal in close combat, if a little squishy.
My spell selection has been more geared for control or mass damage across several targets to deal with crowds swarming my sniper station. In my opinion Infernal Legacy ties in better with this purpose between Hellish Rebuke & Darkness. I use spells such as Thunder Clap, Arms of Hadar, Hypnotic Pattern, Shatter, & Hunger of Hadar to help with the crowds. And of course Hex, to increase damage & impact abilities.
Tieflings might not have an innate tendency toward evil, but many of them end up there. Evil or not, an independent nature inclines many tieflings toward a chaotic alignment.
But I agree that Tieflings fit perfectly as warlocks. And id either play a wicked variant human or tiefling. For me there is no other choice.
this character, whichever race he chooses wants to “do good/improve the world” “regardless of consequences”. So that is what drove him to make he pact... mechanics wise it, while I like infernal legacy, I also like the option to put a +1 into con that comes with half-elf, but then DukeForau had to go and mention “wicked variant human” which would allow me a feat like warcaster at level 1 >.< lol
also, is a herbalism kit a trap choice? Ie according to XGE one can brew one healing potion per day of downtime for half the cost of purchasing such potions, as well as being able to brew the rarer healing potions for more resources...
I would prioritize 20 in Charisma before looking at feats, as it drives so much of what we do both in combat & in role-playing situations.
I would have used the stat boost to get to Charisma 20, first though if it was needed. I took a feat, Polearm Master to use with the Staff of Defense. This gave my character a free bonus action attack for when I am in close combat. I will next pick up sentinel to help in close combat or war caster to help with concentration checks.
Why warcaster? What about Resilient CON? This will give you CON a stat boost and also protects you against spellcasters with a prof in CON saves. As your prof bonus goes up you will have a better chance of maintaining concentration.
You can always sheath your sword to cast spells so the casting with your hands full isn’t a really great boon. I rarely get AOE attacks in my game also...with only 2 spells slots you’ll probably use your Pact weapon for AoEs anyway.
Because in addition to advantage on concentration checks, and the somatic component buff, there is the ability to eldritch blast as an attack of opportunity...
Yes but how common are AOE attacks? Will you do that much more damage with EB vs your pact weapon? Also, ranged spell attacks are at disadvantage at melee range.
first, pact weapon is likely going to be roughly 1d8+4, vs eldritch blast with agonizing blast at 1d10+4, so not much difference, but one level after being able to select the feat (assuming something other than variant human) EB+AB damage would be 2d10+4, PW avg still 9 vs EB+AB avg 16.
not sure why I am arguing the case For war caster since choosing something else is your opinion and that is what I asked for lol
Right sorry. AoO. That’s looks better...back on topic, I would look to pick up spells like darkness, armor of agathys, or shadow of Moil that give you a buff in melee. Most of the time you’ll be limited to 2 spells slots per short rest. An occasional hellish rebuke and/or Hex will probably round out your spell casting for most adventuring days.
i play a Hexblade chainlock not bladelock so take my opinion with a grain of salt!
I've got a Tiefling Hexblade 4 - melee heavy with a two-handed Katana pact weapon. Yeah, 2h sword is sort of a no-no, but Uber cool DM helps (see later...)
Tiefling gets you thaumaturgy right off the bat, Hellish Rebuke at 3, Darkness at 5. Nice stuff.
Cantrips - you're limited, but EB is a powerful ranged spell. It's my go-to for if she's out of range. Consider vs. save cantrips, like Poison Spray (melee range) or Toll the Dead (ranged) that don't give you disadvantage for anyone in cover (or in Darkness.)
Invocations - False Life gives you +8 temp HP at will. Agonizing Blast for extra EB.
Spells - she started with mostly attack spells, but is starting to add more buff/bane stuff. Smites are always a good idea. Hex is nice. I usually limit Concentration spells. I like Misty Step to jump straight INTO melee, rather than away from it. But, she's quite reckless.
My very nice DM has made her katana +1, finesse, and when I kill something with it, a can regain a spell slots (2x/day) which really helps in a battle.
I've got a Tiefling Hexblade 4 - melee heavy with a two-handed Katana pact weapon. Yeah, 2h sword is sort of a no-no, but Uber cool DM helps (see later...)
Tiefling gets you thaumaturgy right off the bat, Hellish Rebuke at 3, Darkness at 5. Nice stuff.
Cantrips - you're limited, but EB is a powerful ranged spell. It's my go-to for if she's out of range. Consider vs. save cantrips, like Poison Spray (melee range) or Toll the Dead (ranged) that don't give you disadvantage for anyone in cover (or in Darkness.)
Invocations - False Life gives you +8 temp HP at will. Agonizing Blast for extra EB.
Spells - she started with mostly attack spells, but is starting to add more buff/bane stuff. Smites are always a good idea. Hex is nice. I usually limit Concentration spells. I like Misty Step to jump straight INTO melee, rather than away from it. But, she's quite reckless.
My very nice DM has made her katana +1, finesse, and when I kill something with it, a can regain a spell slots (2x/day) which really helps in a battle.
This is unrelated but, why does it matter if the katana is finesse?A hexblade can use their charisma modifier for melee attacks.
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Giant flaming rocks filled with tarrasques fall, everyone dies.
I've got a Tiefling Hexblade 4 - melee heavy with a two-handed Katana pact weapon. Yeah, 2h sword is sort of a no-no, but Uber cool DM helps (see later...)
...
My very nice DM has made her katana +1, finesse, and when I kill something with it, a can regain a spell slots (2x/day) which really helps in a battle.
This is unrelated but, why does it matter if the katana is finesse?A hexblade can use their charisma modifier for melee attacks.
Planning to multi-class into Rogue Swashbuckler... and you need Finesse for Sneak Attack. So, he made it easy for me to do that...
Get the stats you should be using improved pact weapon therefore no real need for an early feat.
The biggest bonus of the hexblade is the pact weapon so use it effectively +7 attack bonus with +5 damage at level 4 is one of the best things about late tier 1 Hexblade.
When you hit level 5 forego thirsting blade in lieu of single strike with green flame or booming blade.
To be clear I am asking for those who have played a hexblade to offer opinions and eve for them to try and convince me to make similar choice... but I am having difficulty with the following choices
also of note is this character is intended for Adventurer’s League so please limit the discussion to PHB and XGE
At work so Ill answer the race selection quickly: Tiefling. Not only because of the stats and the extra spells you get (Darkness is one of them), but I felt it fit thematically for a "semi-evil" class.
Having difficulty with the following choices.
race: Tiefling or half elf
This is really a role playing decision and Patron decision in my opinion. I see Warlock's as scarred or flawed individuals who have entered a bargain for power. They're not born with the power; but could be if you see your character that way (I took this notion with mine), nor are they trained like a wizard. We are taking the shortcut to power, costs be damned. Who does that? Not a rational, balanced, happy, individual that's who.
I personally see Tiefling's as the perfect Warlock race, they're merely embracing their dark heritage; but a Half-Elf offers more ways to develop a personality in the background. What led them down this path? Even most sylvan beings usually have more sense than to bargain with the Fey, with that being the easiest path to lead a Half-Elf character astray. If you chose another path, what horrible event scarred you so much you bartered for power with a dangerous entity.
Game mechanics wise, both races offer some great options between Infernal Legacy or skills/languages with the Half-Elf. Infernal Legacy plays into crowd control quite nicely, see later for emphasis on why we need crowd control.
Main stats: standard array or point buy
My DM let me roll my stats & place them where I wanted. Sorry, no help here.
cantrips and spells: direct damage spells or buffing/utility spells? Note I do know that I would like him to frequent melee in any fights.
I really like the idea of my character being an all around threat. With Agonizing Blast/Hex Warrior, we have the luxury of being equally dangerous in ranged or close combat. Think sniper antagonizing the enemy until they lose it & rush you, only to learn you're just as lethal in close combat, if a little squishy.
My spell selection has been more geared for control or mass damage across several targets to deal with crowds swarming my sniper station. In my opinion Infernal Legacy ties in better with this purpose between Hellish Rebuke & Darkness. I use spells such as Thunder Clap, Arms of Hadar, Hypnotic Pattern, Shatter, & Hunger of Hadar to help with the crowds. And of course Hex, to increase damage & impact abilities.
Hope this helps.
Wraith, warlock lvl 2 - Eternal War Campaign
Talon, warlock lvl 2 - LMOP
Tieflings are not inherit evil
But I agree that Tieflings fit perfectly as warlocks. And id either play a wicked variant human or tiefling. For me there is no other choice.
I forgot to add to the op:
4. At 4th level, stat boost or a feat? Like war caster or shield mastery....
this character, whichever race he chooses wants to “do good/improve the world” “regardless of consequences”. So that is what drove him to make he pact... mechanics wise it, while I like infernal legacy, I also like the option to put a +1 into con that comes with half-elf, but then DukeForau had to go and mention “wicked variant human” which would allow me a feat like warcaster at level 1 >.< lol
also, is a herbalism kit a trap choice? Ie according to XGE one can brew one healing potion per day of downtime for half the cost of purchasing such potions, as well as being able to brew the rarer healing potions for more resources...
I would prioritize 20 in Charisma before looking at feats, as it drives so much of what we do both in combat & in role-playing situations.
I would have used the stat boost to get to Charisma 20, first though if it was needed. I took a feat, Polearm Master to use with the Staff of Defense. This gave my character a free bonus action attack for when I am in close combat. I will next pick up sentinel to help in close combat or war caster to help with concentration checks.
Wraith, warlock lvl 2 - Eternal War Campaign
Talon, warlock lvl 2 - LMOP
Why warcaster? What about Resilient CON? This will give you CON a stat boost and also protects you against spellcasters with a prof in CON saves. As your prof bonus goes up you will have a better chance of maintaining concentration.
You can always sheath your sword to cast spells so the casting with your hands full isn’t a really great boon. I rarely get AOE attacks in my game also...with only 2 spells slots you’ll probably use your Pact weapon for AoEs anyway.
I took Lucky Feat and +2 CHA for my first 2 ASIs. You’ll want to get your Charisma to 20 tout suite...IMO.
Because in addition to advantage on concentration checks, and the somatic component buff, there is the ability to eldritch blast as an attack of opportunity...
Yes but how common are AOE attacks? Will you do that much more damage with EB vs your pact weapon? Also, ranged spell attacks are at disadvantage at melee range.
Just curious, why are you using the abbreviation for Area of Effect when we’re talking about Attacks of Opportunity?
first, pact weapon is likely going to be roughly 1d8+4, vs eldritch blast with agonizing blast at 1d10+4, so not much difference, but one level after being able to select the feat (assuming something other than variant human) EB+AB damage would be 2d10+4, PW avg still 9 vs EB+AB avg 16.
not sure why I am arguing the case For war caster since choosing something else is your opinion and that is what I asked for lol
Right sorry. AoO. That’s looks better...back on topic, I would look to pick up spells like darkness, armor of agathys, or shadow of Moil that give you a buff in melee. Most of the time you’ll be limited to 2 spells slots per short rest. An occasional hellish rebuke and/or Hex will probably round out your spell casting for most adventuring days.
i play a Hexblade chainlock not bladelock so take my opinion with a grain of salt!
I've got a Tiefling Hexblade 4 - melee heavy with a two-handed Katana pact weapon. Yeah, 2h sword is sort of a no-no, but Uber cool DM helps (see later...)
Tiefling gets you thaumaturgy right off the bat, Hellish Rebuke at 3, Darkness at 5. Nice stuff.
Cantrips - you're limited, but EB is a powerful ranged spell. It's my go-to for if she's out of range. Consider vs. save cantrips, like Poison Spray (melee range) or Toll the Dead (ranged) that don't give you disadvantage for anyone in cover (or in Darkness.)
Invocations - False Life gives you +8 temp HP at will. Agonizing Blast for extra EB.
Spells - she started with mostly attack spells, but is starting to add more buff/bane stuff. Smites are always a good idea. Hex is nice. I usually limit Concentration spells. I like Misty Step to jump straight INTO melee, rather than away from it. But, she's quite reckless.
My very nice DM has made her katana +1, finesse, and when I kill something with it, a can regain a spell slots (2x/day) which really helps in a battle.
This is unrelated but, why does it matter if the katana is finesse?A hexblade can use their charisma modifier for melee attacks.
Giant flaming rocks filled with tarrasques fall, everyone dies.
Planning to multi-class into Rogue Swashbuckler... and you need Finesse for Sneak Attack. So, he made it easy for me to do that...
Get the stats you should be using improved pact weapon therefore no real need for an early feat.
The biggest bonus of the hexblade is the pact weapon so use it effectively +7 attack bonus with +5 damage at level 4 is one of the best things about late tier 1 Hexblade.
When you hit level 5 forego thirsting blade in lieu of single strike with green flame or booming blade.
I do multiple attacks, combo'd with Hexblade's Curse, for increased opportunity to drop one of my Smites. Crit on 19 or 20 on either attack is nice.