My AL namesake character just reached Level 4, and I was looking for some advice rebuilding him for the last time before going into Level 5. (Limited to Xanathar and PHB). I have very little experience since I'm going into my, like, 5th session ever, so I thought I'd reach out to some more experienced players.

Sparlock is a Sword and Board Hexblade Warlock who has spent waaaay too much time unconscious so far. He's passed for both a Variant Human and Half Elf, depending on whether I was willing to give up the 16 in con for the War Caster or another feat. 

Three solid options have occurred to me:

1) Warlock 5. Most damage hands down. But I'm concerned that those saving throws are going to be my bane. Mirror Image + Blur can be fun against melee attackers.
2) Fighter 1, Warlock 4. Basically the same, but I miss out on that 2nd attack at level 5 in exchange for Strength and Constitution saves, Second Wind, and a Fighting Style. Would pick up Action Surge at 8 after I got the Spectar.
3) Bard 3, Warlock 2. Significant losses to damage output, but greatly increased skill versatility, and works great with my characters backstory. Dexterity and Charisma saving throws, Expertise in Perception and Stealth could help, and the added spell slots will let me throw around Shield and Healing Word, recast Hex, as well as offering some control in the form of giving disadvantage via cantrips, and other magicky goodness of various degrees of usefulness. College of Swords gives a Fighting Style and some maneuverability, plus I can use my Pact Weapon for both classes spells when I reach Level 3. No stat increases or feats (unless I went human) until level 9, and he won't get his second attack until level 10, so very noticeable drops in attack prowess for the foreseeable future. 

When last he adventured, Sparlock was Human Variant with Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16

What do y'all think? Any particular thoughts,  criticisms, or advice? The DM last night suggested avoiding the 8 in strength due to the prevalence of 10 ft gaps. 

Edit: Three options. The fourth was Bard 3, Fighter 1 (possibly as starting class), and Warlock 1, but I thought I might be spread too thin.

Hexblade Bladepact warlock with polearm master and a glaive and aim for Sentinel. Awesome damage as a warlock.

Yes...if you’re going for a melee caster then stick with warlock and ignore the fighter dip. Second  the polearm master and sentinel...then jack your CHA to 20. Stay away from the Bard!

Hexblade and College of Whispers have amazing synergy in RP and mechanics. In my current campaign, I'm going warlock to 5 and then dipping into bard for at least 3 levels.

Thanks everyone for the input! I've been eyeing the glaive builds, but because of my source material (see my new profile pic), I'm going to have to stick fast with sword and board. 

What do y'all think of this:

Human Variant, Warlock(5)

Invocations: Thirsting Blade, Improved Pact Weapon, Maddening Hex(?)

Str 8, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16

War Caster, Resiliant(Con)

Cantrips: Eldritch Blast, Frostbite, Mage Hand

Spells: Armor of Agathys, Hex, Blur, Mirror Image, Blink(?), Fly

Part of the reason I wanted to multiclass Fighter at first level was the Constitution saving throw proficiency to make up for the low number of spell slots available to me. War Caster + Resiliant means I'll rarely, if ever, lose concentration on my spells (assuming I stay conscious). Of course, the effect will be more noticeable at higher levels,  so I might consider putting it off until level 8 for the immediate +1 boost to attack and damage rolls in exchange for some HP and concentration chance.

I think I might need some better options than Maddening Hex or Blink, though.