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We're getting ready for a new campaign, and I was looking into make a Hexblade. I was looking into the class more for the roleplaying opportunities and background possibilities (he's going to be the brother of the party warlock), but I also like the possiblities that the class provides, combat wise. I was just wondering what some of your suggestions would be for a decent Hexblade build, or even some information on supplemental rules you may know of.
We're getting ready for a new campaign, and I was looking into make a Hexblade. I was looking into the class more for the roleplaying opportunities and background possibilities (he's going to be the brother of the party warlock), but I also like the possiblities that the class provides, combat wise. I was just wondering what some of your suggestions would be for a decent Hexblade build, or even some information on supplemental rules you may know of.
I've always thought the Hexblade could be a very interesting class. Some things I would look at if I were you would be the extra feats in one of the Dragon magazines (the issue mentioned above). Also Arcane Strike is very usefull.
Spell choice wise: only pick spells with no SR as your caster level is pretty pathetic. Personally I like picking debuffs & curses from a thematic point of view.
Combining Intimidate checks, Hexblade curse & Enervation can potentially lead to an enormous penalty on an opponent.
Checkout the Hexblade Handbook
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One thing that can help is to look at the Hexblade as a more magic-focused, arcane version of the Ranger. The feat that may be one of the most beneficial is called Arcane Strike, if I remember it correctly. If you're in a situation in which your spells can't help you, then you can sacrifice them to add to your attack and damage.
Lastly, keep in mind your alignment must be non-good, so if you normally play a good man, then its time for you to embrace being the bad guy. Or, at least, not nice. :P
You might also want to consider buffing your familiar and trying to get a big tough familiar, similar to an animal companion. It can help with flanks and such. And since familiars are relatively intelligent, they can use better tactics than a real animal companion.
There feats and spells that buff familiars pretty well.
I would strongly recommend the alternate Dark Companion Hexblade class ability from PHBII. It replaces your familiar with a non-killable shadow-like panther type creature that can't attack or BE attacked, but it lowers opponent's saves by -2 just by standing next to them (no save). Combine that with your Hexblade's curses and Bestow Curse, and suddenly Tasha's Hideous Laughter (or ANYTHING that requires a save)becomes a viable combat threat.
One thing I would emphasise is the main difference hexblades have with other 1/2 casters, their casting ability is based on Charisma. Make use of as many charisma based abilities as you can (like intimidating strike) and you shouldn't have many problems.
Oooh, that's right. If you're going to go for maximum charisma to better your spells, you might also want to check out the Weapon Panache feat from Green Ronin's Master Class Assassin's Handbook. It allows you to use your charisma to hit instead of your strength.
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I was planning on getting Practiced Spellcaster at 3rd level so that up to 8th level I'll have a full caster level, and it also opens up the possibility of getting an improved familiar without waiting forever. Although I was thinking about the Dark Companion to capitalize on feats such as power attack, and make it easier to Hex. It's going to be a slightly higher powered campaign from what I understand, or at least the method for rolling stats will be.
Don't forget Ability Focus Hexblade's curse to boost the DC's. Another great piece of Hexblade enhancing flavor is the list of alternate curses to substitute for Bestow Curse in the BoVD.
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My preferred hexblade build uses Intimidating Strike from PHBII, along with the Dark Companion alternate ability from the same source. Intimidating Strike lets you turn your attack into a debuff as well as damage delivery, which you can then use to set up a hex more effectively. If you can get your dark companion into play as well, so much the better!