The Hexblade (Essentials Warlock) is up!

[blalien]

First the binder and now the hexblade? The warlock is absorbing all the classes nobody cares about.

 

[Jhaelen]

First the binder and now the hexblade? The warlock is absorbing all the classes nobody cares about.

Speak for yourself

I think warlock is one of the most intriguing and flexible classes. Currently I'm in love with the Sorcerer-King pact from the Dark Sun setting.

 

[Zaran]

Did they really have to give Warlocks a pet? I thought they were trying to distance themselves from WoW.

Again, I say this alot. I'm glad they simplified the primary stats but will they do the same thing with the original class?

 

[Ryujin]

Elric of Melnibone has finally landed.

 

[Klaus]

Lovelovelove!

This class is the reverse of "use weapon as implement"! I love that they create weapons out of nothing, and infernal summoning + armor + weapon means we have a very good "blackguard" class. Kudos all around!

Also, this class has more in common with the Soulknife than the Hexblade, it seems.

 

[Mengu]

Not a fan.

No dual implement spellcaster unless they pick up arcane implement proficiency or swordmage multiclass to be able to use their heavy blade as an implement.

Despite being a weapon user, they are denied weapon enchantments, and have to stick with rod/wand enchantments.

Their striker damage feature only applies to warlock and warlock PP powers, so no dipping into other classes, no bonus to racial powers or PP's.

No Curse, no Prime Shot, no Shadow Walk, almost all existing warlock feats are of no use to the hexblade.

I would much rather play a regular warlock, and make my own hexblade with Eldritch Strike, and/or make pretend melee attacks with Shadowdance Armor.

The only somewhat interesting part of the class for me is the summoned critter, but even that is not enough of an attraction to play the hexblade. I'm rather disappointed with the preview. Will have to wait and see the full class write up and any new feats to pass final judgement.

 

[Ryujin]

To counter that they also don't need to have both a magic weapon and a magic implement, in order to benefit from both ranged and melee attacks. Having the implement provides the weapon bonus.

 

[Imaro]

Wow, I really like this, in fact I think this is a better gish than the swordmage.

 

[Kobold Avenger]

So this is like the 2nd Arcane class (well technically it's a subclass) that gets heavy armour prof.

I'll say that the Hexblade much like the Sentinel is an interesting variation on an existing class, rather than a redo of one. Both variations of the Warlock have their advantages over each other.

What I like about this sub-class is you clearly have an archetype like a Hell-Knight or a Fey Champion. Which leads me to guess that the Fey Pact Hexblade probably uses something like a rapier. And makes me curious what the Star Pact Hexblade in the upcoming article will be like.

 

[Kobold Avenger]

Wow, I really like this, in fact I think this is a better gish than the swordmage.

I don't think the Swordmage was ever intended to be a Gish. It was always the warrior who makes his sword magic and does spells with it.