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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Warpiglet" data-source="post: 7300128" data-attributes="member: 6689161">Actually, a closer look at the table answers some additional questions.  First, the gap really emerges with hex and curse at three attacks.  Secondly, if we add feats, this will be mitigated with again a large investment.  However, if damage is your thing, a magic weapon and greatweapon master can make it tighter.So the tables are very interesting.  However, a few questions:If we add eldritch smite to the mix, what happens?  For one thing, we will have one less hex!  However, we might actually use this on a crit.  Heck we probably will use this on a crit with the hexblade curse!  This means we are looking at big damage to a single target.Additionally, we are looking at a 19-20 crit range with a hexblade's curse.  If we have GWM, we are looking for an extra swipe every ten strikes.Additionally, when we knock a person down with the eldritch smite, we have advantage on follow through.  Great weapon master would shine here and it would be time to take a -4 for a chance at +10 perhaps.I do not argue with the table per se, but do not think they take into account the variables of eldritch smite or great weapon master OR magic weapons beyond a +1.I do not have time to crunch those variables right now.  But painting with broad strokes, I believe a GWM hexblade could actually outperform in damage on single targets in single encounters.  And I also think the gap is not quite as large generally.The opportunity cost of hexes (vs. fifth level spells) should be considered as well.  Without hex, there is less of a gap of course.  This however is much less of an issue when you actually get reasonable short rests.Very interesting questions to ponder (to me at least!).With heavy investment, I do think the blade pact and particularly the hexblade blade pact are much closer to a blaster than conventional wisdom suggests.  It is not enough to dissuade me from having that sort of fun.  But I do concede capping EB at three attacks would be reasonable.  I doubt I will play to 4 beams in any event.Last thought:  with the melee centric blade pact I plan to play, will likely ignore warcaster and perhaps even resilient con with the idea that I will drop most spells into eldritch smiting...if you are a blaster I think warcaster is something you DO want or else disadvantage in close range kicks in...</blockquote>

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