Utility of Wizard "dip."

[UngeheuerLich]

Actually I would rather pick the ritual caster feat at level 1 or just wait till level 3 to become a tome warlock. You don´t sacrifice a lot by not going blade pact.

Why ritual caster instead of wizard level: because the higher level rituals are also very useful and you don´t get them with just a level 1 dip into wizard.

 

[Warpiglet]

Actually I would rather pick the ritual caster feat at level 1 or just wait till level 3 to become a tome warlock. You don´t sacrifice a lot by not going blade pact.

Why ritual caster instead of wizard level: because the higher level rituals are also very useful and you don´t get them with just a level 1 dip into wizard.

Not sacrifice a lot? It's the character's vibe! Black maul with charisma mod is cool! Great weapon master to boot!

but I am interested now I reading more about the higher level rituals and ritual caster...will do that now

 

[Sword of Spirit]

Our group's bard plans to take 1 level of wizard at some point (if fits his concept well).

The bard's single level 20 feature (Superior Inspiration) is underwhelming. The only other things they'd get would be the ability to switch a bard spell for another when leveling, and 1 more hp than the wizard.

By giving up that one bard level, he gets:
-Access to 1st level wizard rituals
-A few 1st level prepared wizard spells
-1 1st level spell slot (Arcane Recovery)
-3 cantrips
-Access to magic items available to wizards

Now, the general drawback in taking a wizard dip as a full caster is that you'll gain spell levels more slowly. If there is any single-class full caster in the group, you'll be casting X-1 level spells while they're casting X level spells ever other level (except levels 19-20). This is huge. A full caster just feels like a chump when he's a spell level behind his peers in the party. However, waiting until level 18-20 for that dip gets rid of that problem (although it also delays the benefits of any dip that isn't designed just to allow high level stuff).

I am a 2nd and soon to be 3rd level hexblade. I can swing the 13 int, but that is not much of a bonus for saves. I would be looking mainly at utility spells and such.

We will see what I choose. From the first, he had wizardry in the background...just not sure if I want to make the jump. If I do, I am only doing one level and all others warlock. Likely to take elven accuracy, great weapon master and charisma bumps...

cannot do everything, so warcaster and the like are probably out...

the game is made well. choices mean a lot and are hard.

As a hexblade, the major downside of taking that wizard level (being half a level behind for purposes of your maximum spell level known) isn't nearly as important for you, because you won't have as big of a dependency on your spells. I'm generally not a fan of level dipping, but this is the sort of situation when it works thematically and mechanically.

 

[Saeviomagy]

Dipping wizard for wizard rituals is silly, since you only get level 1 wizard rituals that way. You're way, way, way better off being a tomelock (for every ritual in the entire game) or taking ritual caster (for every wizard ritual).

All the spells you listed are ritual spells, so ritual caster(wizard) would get you access to them as long as you aren't in a hurry (which is not always a given, but still).

All up, 1 level of wizard isn't great. If you're really keen on it, then I'd suggest maybe doing 2 levels and choose a school that gives you a synergistic benefit.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Not sacrifice a lot? It's the character's vibe! Black maul with charisma mod is cool! Great weapon master to boot!

but I am interested now I reading more about the higher level rituals and ritual caster...will do that now

You know that hexblade and blade warlock or tome warlock are completely different choices. You can be hexblade and tome warlock. You can take SCAG cantrips so you don´t really need extra attack.

A different thing to consider: whenever you cast a ritual spell, you lose concentration on hex.

 

[Warpiglet]

You know that hexblade and blade warlock or tome warlock are completely different choices. You can be hexblade and tome warlock. You can take SCAG cantrips so you don´t really need extra attack.

A different thing to consider: whenever you cast a ritual spell, you lose concentration on hex.

Yes I am aware that I could be a hexblade with pact of the tome. However, unless I am mistaken, I could not use a maul with a charisma bonus unless also pact of the blade!

As to the second point...I did not realize that with ritual magic. Good insight.

A counterpoint though is that I will have at least three first level slots to fill a day assuming at least one short rest with arcane recovery with wizard. I would see the first level slots as more disposable. I would not want to break concentration for a 4th or 5th level spell though! (Of course I would not be too likely to cast hex in a slot higher than 1st due to the opportunity cost, but that is just me; some people seem to swear by it).

then again, I am not likely to take any modification for eldritch blast either--I want to take some utility invocations along with melee ones. Eldritch blast is not a primary tool for this character...

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Yes I am aware that I could be a hexblade with pact of the tome. However, unless I am mistaken, I could not use a maul with a charisma bonus unless also pact of the blade!

As to the second point...I did not realize that with ritual magic. Good insight.

A counterpoint though is that I will have at least three first level slots to fill a day assuming at least one short rest with arcane recovery with wizard. I would see the first level slots as more disposable. I would not want to break concentration for a 4th or 5th level spell though! (Of course I would not be too likely to cast hex in a slot higher than 1st due to the opportunity cost, but that is just me; some people seem to swear by it).

then again, I am not likely to take any modification for eldritch blast either--I want to take some utility invocations along with melee ones. Eldritch blast is not a primary tool for this character...

You are totally right and I am sorry. I should have read that hexblade feature before posting.
So I would then advise ritual master. It is a cool feat if you happen to find a ritual book.
Of course the wizard dip allows you to cast hex with a low spell slot.
I migt add: If you think those slots are useful, you might be happier with 2 wizard levels and I would recommend one of three schools:
Abjuration for nearly unlimited extra hp per day. Transmutation for constitution saves (which will help a lot for your concentration saves) or war magic. Extra initiative and +4 to saves and +2 AC for the low low cost of not being able to cast non cantrip spells might be the best choice.

 

[Warpiglet]

You are totally right and I am sorry. I should have read that hexblade feature before posting.
So I would then advise ritual master. It is a cool feat if you happen to find a ritual book.
Of course the wizard dip allows you to cast hex with a low spell slot.
I migt add: If you think those slots are useful, you might be happier with 2 wizard levels and I would recommend one of three schools:
Abjuration for nearly unlimited extra hp per day. Transmutation for constitution saves (which will help a lot for your concentration saves) or war magic. Extra initiative and +4 to saves and +2 AC for the low low cost of not being able to cast non cantrip spells might be the best choice.

No apology necessary...you just gave me an interesting idea!

I actually have the character's history tied with death etc. and he is tied to the shadowfell. Taking a second level of wizard is very interesting...I could also take necromancy which would actually really fit well!

Two levels is more than I was thinking but dang...that could really help round out the creepy. I also suggested he followed Wee Jas previously...I need to think this through! Again, thanks for the food for thought....

Further...one added benefit if I went this way (since you got me thinking about hit points!).

If I did the more congruent necromancy, I would get hit points for downing enemies with spells. What if I have them hexed and am hitting them with a pact weapon? I think it would do some hit point absorbing a la Elric. AND it would be nicely coupled with the Hexblade's curse...additive. Not game breaking, but could say my creepy warrior is absorbing the lifeforce of fallen foes.

That is just some cool imagery..