I just need some advice for my next level of my warlock Hexblade. I'm level 6 and maybe in a few weeks I will it the level 7.
So, for my next level I really hesitate between the feet Warcaster and the Ability Score Improvement. Because, I have 16 in constitution and 19 AC. Usually i'm fine in combat but sometimes, I feel that I don't have enough HP or enough AC to prevent the damage...
Therefore, if I get the feet Warcaster, I will be able to cast spells with a shield and pump my AC to 21. But, if I get the score improvement, I could pump my constitution to 18 and have much more HP.
In summary, I need some advice for what to chose and which one is better. Thank you for your help.
Have you considered taking the Improved Pact Weapon Invocation? It allows you to use your Pact Weapon as a spellcasting focus, so you'll have a focus in hand while you're in melee, and you can carry a shield. You'll also have a +1 Pact Weapon, and you can take that ASI instead of Warcaster.
I did this with my current BladeLock and it's working out beautifully. AC20 w/magical studded leather and a shield, and I've always got a casting focus at the ready.
My advice would be I just use your spell slots more defensively. Armor of Agathys is a great defensive spell that, at level 7, temporarily increases your hit points by 20. It also deals damage to anyone that attacks you!
What? I though that casting a spell required a hand free. So, as long as you have a casting focus ( your improved pact weapon ) and a shield, i'm good to go?!
If it really works, omg I need to get this invocation as soon as possible hahaha.
What? I though that casting a spell required a hand free. So, as long as you have a casting focus ( your improved pact weapon ) and a shield, i'm good to go?!
If it really works, omg I need to get this invocation as soon as possible hahaha.
A focus can take the place of material components, as long as there's no GP value for them. And you can perform the somatic components with the hand that's holding the focus. So basically, yeah, having your focus in one hand usually does the trick. And using your Pact Weapon as a focus saves a lot of juggling.
My Hexblade doesn't use a shield, and has focused on ASI rather than feats. Of course, her pact blade is two-handed, so a shield wouldn't work for her anyway. Her focus is a necklace she wraps around her wrist in combat. I might do Improved Pact Weapon invocations, but haven't yet.
Seems to work ok - she gets roughed up on occasion, but we've got a strong cleric in the crew. With 14 DEX, and Mithral half plate, she's got a 17 AC. Might bump the DEX next ASI, but 20 CHA is so temptingly close...
What? I though that casting a spell required a hand free. So, as long as you have a casting focus ( your improved pact weapon ) and a shield, i'm good to go?!
If it really works, omg I need to get this invocation as soon as possible hahaha.
A focus can take the place of material components, as long as there's no GP value for them. And you can perform the somatic components with the hand that's holding the focus. So basically, yeah, having your focus in one hand usually does the trick. And using your Pact Weapon as a focus saves a lot of juggling.
So what if you "summon" a 2hander as your pact weapon? Would you still be able to perform the somatic components then? Or does this only apply when you attack with the weapon?
What? I though that casting a spell required a hand free. So, as long as you have a casting focus ( your improved pact weapon ) and a shield, i'm good to go?!
If it really works, omg I need to get this invocation as soon as possible hahaha.
A focus can take the place of material components, as long as there's no GP value for them. And you can perform the somatic components with the hand that's holding the focus. So basically, yeah, having your focus in one hand usually does the trick. And using your Pact Weapon as a focus saves a lot of juggling.
So what if you "summon" a 2hander as your pact weapon? Would you still be able to perform the somatic components then? Or does this only apply when you attack with the weapon?
Assuming Improved Pact Weapon, a two handed melee weapon can act as a spell focus and you do not need to be attacking with it. Moreover, you can take one hand from the weapon, so you are holding it but not wielding it, and cast spells that have no Material components but do have Somatic components, or access Material components with a GP value. Most interpretations I've seen would still allow you use the two handed weapon for an AoO even if you took one hand off of it to cast a spell on your turn. In some ways, using a two handed weapon works well for spell casters, especially if you don't have the Warcaster feat.
Keep in mind that the Eldritch Mind invocation basically grants the same help as the Warcaster Feat (advantage on saving throws to maintain concentration).
Keep in mind that the Eldritch Mind invocation basically grants the same help as the Warcaster Feat (advantage on saving throws to maintain concentration).
But you can't cast spells as opportunity attacks. I personally feel like the invocations need to be used wisely, especially if the alternative options are just better. I love that invocations can completely shape the entirety of each Warlock individually. I think War Caster is always a good investment.
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Hey guys,
I just need some advice for my next level of my warlock Hexblade. I'm level 6 and maybe in a few weeks I will it the level 7.
So, for my next level I really hesitate between the feet Warcaster and the Ability Score Improvement. Because, I have 16 in constitution and 19 AC. Usually i'm fine in combat but sometimes, I feel that I don't have enough HP or enough AC to prevent the damage...
Therefore, if I get the feet Warcaster, I will be able to cast spells with a shield and pump my AC to 21. But, if I get the score improvement, I could pump my constitution to 18 and have much more HP.
In summary, I need some advice for what to chose and which one is better. Thank you for your help.
Have you considered taking the Improved Pact Weapon Invocation? It allows you to use your Pact Weapon as a spellcasting focus, so you'll have a focus in hand while you're in melee, and you can carry a shield. You'll also have a +1 Pact Weapon, and you can take that ASI instead of Warcaster.
I did this with my current BladeLock and it's working out beautifully. AC20 w/magical studded leather and a shield, and I've always got a casting focus at the ready.
DICE FALL, EVERYONE ROCKS!
My advice would be I just use your spell slots more defensively. Armor of Agathys is a great defensive spell that, at level 7, temporarily increases your hit points by 20. It also deals damage to anyone that attacks you!
What? I though that casting a spell required a hand free. So, as long as you have a casting focus ( your improved pact weapon ) and a shield, i'm good to go?!
If it really works, omg I need to get this invocation as soon as possible hahaha.
A focus can take the place of material components, as long as there's no GP value for them. And you can perform the somatic components with the hand that's holding the focus. So basically, yeah, having your focus in one hand usually does the trick. And using your Pact Weapon as a focus saves a lot of juggling.
DICE FALL, EVERYONE ROCKS!
Well thank you Jack! Next level I will get this invocation and my ability score improvement.
My Hexblade doesn't use a shield, and has focused on ASI rather than feats. Of course, her pact blade is two-handed, so a shield wouldn't work for her anyway. Her focus is a necklace she wraps around her wrist in combat. I might do Improved Pact Weapon invocations, but haven't yet.
Seems to work ok - she gets roughed up on occasion, but we've got a strong cleric in the crew. With 14 DEX, and Mithral half plate, she's got a 17 AC. Might bump the DEX next ASI, but 20 CHA is so temptingly close...
So what if you "summon" a 2hander as your pact weapon? Would you still be able to perform the somatic components then? Or does this only apply when you attack with the weapon?
Assuming Improved Pact Weapon, a two handed melee weapon can act as a spell focus and you do not need to be attacking with it. Moreover, you can take one hand from the weapon, so you are holding it but not wielding it, and cast spells that have no Material components but do have Somatic components, or access Material components with a GP value. Most interpretations I've seen would still allow you use the two handed weapon for an AoO even if you took one hand off of it to cast a spell on your turn. In some ways, using a two handed weapon works well for spell casters, especially if you don't have the Warcaster feat.
Keep in mind that the Eldritch Mind invocation basically grants the same help as the Warcaster Feat (advantage on saving throws to maintain concentration).
But you can't cast spells as opportunity attacks. I personally feel like the invocations need to be used wisely, especially if the alternative options are just better. I love that invocations can completely shape the entirety of each Warlock individually. I think War Caster is always a good investment.