Hello everyone - I’d like some pointers/ideas on how to improve/optimize my first ever magic using PC.
As is tradition with first attempts - I decided to play it safe, and went for a Hexblade Warlock (Pact of the Blade).
Party-wise, I plan on playing the frontline “unholy” counter to our groups paladin - using similar armor, burst damage, and sword n board. The best strategy I have at the moment is to hit big on melee, throw in some useful debuff spells the enemies will hopefully find difficult to save against, all while keeping my CON high enough so I never lose concentration should I be hit.
Right, with all that out of the way, let’s jump into it!
Using the point buy system w/vuman (+1 CHA, +1 CON, free lvl 1 feat), I opted for the following:
STATS: STR 10 (+0) / DEX 14 (+2) / CON 14 (+2) / INT 12 (+1) / WIS 8 (-1) CHA 16 (+3)
SAVING THROWS: STR +2 / DEX +2 / CON +4 / INT +1 / WIS -1 / CHA +3
Although this is a Warlock build, I started by taking a level1Fighter dip, for all the right reasons. Fighting Style, Second Wind, better starting equipment and proficiency in STR and CON saves. Also I assigned WarCaster as my first level feat. Level 2-4 is when I multi-class into Warlock, and looks a lot like what you’d expect...
So what do you guys think? Am I on the right track to the perfect melee Warlock?
I know that further down the line, Eldritch Smite, Thirsting Blade, and Banishing Smite become available - which seem amazing. But am I missing anything? What, if anything would you change? Any and all feedback is welcome. Thanks in advance!
Just a note, you won't actually be able to take improved pact weapon until warlock level 3. At higher levels there is also the life drinker invocation.
I do plan on investing into Life Drinker, as well as, Superior Pact Weapon and Ultimate Pact Weapon when they’re available. Can you think of any other “must-haves” for a hexblade?
When I played a melee-focused Hexblade/Bladepact (without any Fighter levels) through tier 1 and 2 in Adventurers League, I found myself saving spells for OOC needs; my Improved Pact Weapon +CHA was ample damage to be on par with our Fighter (even without access to the Blade cantrips), or Agonizing Blast when at range. So I guess I recommend not blowing spell slots on Smites unless they're really needed, or unless you get LOTS of short rests.
Armor of Agathys is a great spell for you. Upcasting gives you a lot of extra temporary hp to offset your otherwise mediocre hp as well as doing a lot of damage to anyone able to hit you. It also doesn't require concentration so you can still keep hex up. I think it's way better than shield. Your AC will already be petty high with plate and a shield. I like spells that last a while on my hexblade because of the very limited number of spell slots. Shield is nice because it's cast as a reaction, but it's not as powerful as armor of agathys. You can cast it before fights because of its long duration.
Armor of Agathys will help you as you level up, as Kendis said.
Also agree with LBSchoener on WIS - you need that for Perception and Insight checks, and you'll probably need to make more WIS saves than STR saves. I played 3 rounds grappled by a giant lobster critter - I turned my my wrist, and made my pact weapon appear stabbed directly into it. Didn't bother trying to get out - but it helps that it kept doing a bad job trying to crush me, somehow.
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Hello everyone - I’d like some pointers/ideas on how to improve/optimize my first ever magic using PC.
As is tradition with first attempts - I decided to play it safe, and went for a Hexblade Warlock (Pact of the Blade).
Party-wise, I plan on playing the frontline “unholy” counter to our groups paladin - using similar armor, burst damage, and sword n board. The best strategy I have at the moment is to hit big on melee, throw in some useful debuff spells the enemies will hopefully find difficult to save against, all while keeping my CON high enough so I never lose concentration should I be hit.
Right, with all that out of the way, let’s jump into it!
Using the point buy system w/vuman (+1 CHA, +1 CON, free lvl 1 feat), I opted for the following:
STATS: STR 10 (+0) / DEX 14 (+2) / CON 14 (+2) / INT 12 (+1) / WIS 8 (-1) CHA 16 (+3)
SAVING THROWS: STR +2 / DEX +2 / CON +4 / INT +1 / WIS -1 / CHA +3
Although this is a Warlock build, I started by taking a level 1 Fighter dip, for all the right reasons. Fighting Style, Second Wind, better starting equipment and proficiency in STR and CON saves. Also I assigned War Caster as my first level feat. Level 2-4 is when I multi-class into Warlock, and looks a lot like what you’d expect...
Level 1 (Warlock)
Otherworldly Patron: Hexblade (Hexblades Curse, Hex Warrior)
Cantrips (2): Eldritch Blast, Booming Blade
Spells (2): Hex, Shield
Level 2
Eldritch Invocations (2): Agonizing Blast, Improved Pact Weapon
Level 3
Pact Boon: Pact of the Blade
So what do you guys think? Am I on the right track to the perfect melee Warlock?
I know that further down the line, Eldritch Smite, Thirsting Blade, and Banishing Smite become available - which seem amazing. But am I missing anything? What, if anything would you change? Any and all feedback is welcome. Thanks in advance!
Just a note, you won't actually be able to take improved pact weapon until warlock level 3. At higher levels there is also the life drinker invocation.
You’re right, my mistake. 😂
I do plan on investing into Life Drinker, as well as, Superior Pact Weapon and Ultimate Pact Weapon when they’re available. Can you think of any other “must-haves” for a hexblade?
When I played a melee-focused Hexblade/Bladepact (without any Fighter levels) through tier 1 and 2 in Adventurers League, I found myself saving spells for OOC needs; my Improved Pact Weapon +CHA was ample damage to be on par with our Fighter (even without access to the Blade cantrips), or Agonizing Blast when at range. So I guess I recommend not blowing spell slots on Smites unless they're really needed, or unless you get LOTS of short rests.
Making Wisdom your Dump stat is extremely risky, Why not Strength?
Abide.
Armor of Agathys is a great spell for you. Upcasting gives you a lot of extra temporary hp to offset your otherwise mediocre hp as well as doing a lot of damage to anyone able to hit you. It also doesn't require concentration so you can still keep hex up. I think it's way better than shield. Your AC will already be petty high with plate and a shield. I like spells that last a while on my hexblade because of the very limited number of spell slots. Shield is nice because it's cast as a reaction, but it's not as powerful as armor of agathys. You can cast it before fights because of its long duration.
..., that’s actually a really good point!
Armor of Agathys will help you as you level up, as Kendis said.
Also agree with LBSchoener on WIS - you need that for Perception and Insight checks, and you'll probably need to make more WIS saves than STR saves. I played 3 rounds grappled by a giant lobster critter - I turned my my wrist, and made my pact weapon appear stabbed directly into it. Didn't bother trying to get out - but it helps that it kept doing a bad job trying to crush me, somehow.