Anyone played a Hexblade?

[NiTessine]

The hexblade is not a tank class like the paladin is, but for the guy on the other flank of the enemy, he's a fairly solid choice.

I've played a hexblade, Zengo Feuermacher. He was a gnome, and he died when he was 1st-level. However, he did this in single combat with a harpy, and got over half of her hit points whittled down. Luck was involved, yes, but his hit points and BAB did play into it.

The hexblade isn't a bad class, but he's a light combatant, a support character who rarely strikes the killing blows, but makes it easier for the tanks and sorcerers to strike them. He'd probably work best as an archer, really, benefiting from high Dex for both attack bonus and armour class.

 

[Angel of Adventure]

I've got a Hexblade/Green Star Adept PC in my epic level game. Overall, he is a very competant warrior, probably tied for best warrior overall in the game. His spells are equivalent to that of the Paladian or Ranger, and I think that they are well balanced.

The cursing ability is neat and great for roleplaying. I really enjoy hearing what the PC comes up with when yelling at his foes.

-AoA

 

[Klaus]

For a "spellcasting warrior", you'd better off either using a Warmage (with the Armored Mage feat he can eventually cast spells in heavy armor) or a Suel Archanamach (Prestige Class that gives spellcasting to warrior types). Both from Complete Arcane.

And if you do multiclass, Practiced Spellcaster is your friend.

 

[CrusadeDave]

Hexblades work well with Prestige Classes

I find Hexblades are great with SRD Prestige Classes and really add to the flavor.

Want an Arcane Archer? How about Hex(bow) 6, Arcane Archer 1. Full BAB, and the quickest route to Arcane Archer. Even makes a nice Epic Build for an archer.

How about Blackguard? Hexblade 9 (6 if human), Blackguard 1. Think Arcane Resistance is good? How about combining it to Dark Blessing, Since the bonuses are unnamed, they should stack giving some really high saving throws. Plus you get Heavy Armor.

How about Dragon Disciple? Only way to get full BAB going into the class and the bonus spells add well.

One of the NPC's in my campaign is a Hexblade/Dragon Disciple/Blackguard. I think it builds nice, and again, has good flavor.

 

[Crothian]

Wow, I hadn't though of that for those classes, but those prestige classes make great sense for the Hex Balde.

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

The Battle Caster feat from CArc'd let 'em use medium armor, such as mithril plate. I think they'd need a level or two of fighter for the armor and some feats, though.

 

[Corsair]

I love Hexblade/DragonDisciple for the full BAB. Actually last time I did this it was hexblade4/barbarian1/DragonDisciple[red]. I was a neutral character in an otherwise all good party. Was sometimes tough to make friends.

 

[Felon]

These are some really great responses. Thanks for providing the benefit of your experiences. The insights into multi-classing were especially helpful.

Familiars still suck though. They suck for wizards and sorcerers too though, and I've house-ruled them heavly. Not sure what I'll replace them with here.

 

[Beholder Bob]

Perhaps use the unearthed arcana options for specialists getting something other then a familar? Prob use Necro and Enchant specialist as options, or failing that, swap it out for an animal companion ala the ranger.

BB

 

[Philip]

I made a Hexblade/Blackguard, a logical combination to me, both from a mechanical as well as a flavor standpoint. Except for the obvious dark blessing, the Hexblade's curse and the aura of despair have nice synergy. And since you have command undead uses to spare, a few nice divine feats can really add some needed melee punch.