Hex ... causes the target to have disadvantage on one ability check (so they will be aware that something is wrong), so I would expect it to cause a hostile response.
This it what does it for me. The given example of an undetected spell - reading someone's mind - has no effect on the target. This does. Suddenly becoming significantly worse at something would be noticeable, not just "I'm having an off day." If it was done at my table, at the very least the caster would have to succeed on a fairly difficult deception/stealth check and even then the target would immediately excuse themselves, assuming a sudden illness coming on, or even knowing they've been targeted but not by who.
Also, in my worlds spells carry intent with them. The intent behind hex is undeniably malevolent and that would be felt by the target.
Hex ... causes the target to have disadvantage on one ability check (so they will be aware that something is wrong), so I would expect it to cause a hostile response.
This it what does it for me. The given example of an undetected spell - reading someone's mind - has no effect on the target. This does. Suddenly becoming significantly worse at something would be noticeable, not just "I'm having an off day." If it was done at my table, at the very least the caster would have to succeed on a fairly difficult deception/stealth check and even then the target would immediately excuse themselves, assuming a sudden illness coming on, or even knowing they've been targeted but not by who.
Also, in my worlds spells carry intent with them. The intent behind hex is undeniably malevolent and that would be felt by the target.
Yeah, but what if what they became significantly worse at was the ability to notice things?
This it what does it for me. The given example of an undetected spell - reading someone's mind - has no effect on the target. This does. Suddenly becoming significantly worse at something would be noticeable, not just "I'm having an off day." If it was done at my table, at the very least the caster would have to succeed on a fairly difficult deception/stealth check and even then the target would immediately excuse themselves, assuming a sudden illness coming on, or even knowing they've been targeted but not by who.
Also, in my worlds spells carry intent with them. The intent behind hex is undeniably malevolent and that would be felt by the target.
My homebrew subclasses (full list here)
(Artificer) Swordmage | Glasswright | (Barbarian) Path of the Savage Embrace
(Bard) College of Dance | (Fighter) Warlord | Cannoneer
(Monk) Way of the Elements | (Ranger) Blade Dancer
(Rogue) DaggerMaster | Inquisitor | (Sorcerer) Riftwalker | Spellfist
(Warlock) The Swarm
Yeah, but what if what they became significantly worse at was the ability to notice things?
Its hard not to notice when you lose focus.
Becoming an airhead (confused) though... Doesn't really matter about noticing anymore at that point!