TheCrunchyLlama wrote:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't wands have a limited number of uses in 1e? Why would a wand of cure light wounds be better than the ability to spontaneously cast cure spells in the long run? I understand that hexes are valuable, but I doubt I'll get to play a long enough campaign to notice their absence really.
Also, I'm unfamiliar with the crafting rules, what exactly does crafting a wand at level 1 entail?
Essentially, you get to a wealth level (fairly quickly) where a wand with 50 Cure Light Wounds at 750gp, or 375gp if you craft it, is a wildly efficient use of resources. If your bond item is a wand then crafting it to CLW makes a lot of sense. Note that once the 50 charges have been expended, you can re-craft it to the same or another spell.
In terms of losing hexes to the Hedge Witch's: spontaneous healing (replaces 4th level hex), and empathic healing (8th level), that's actually not terrible. That means you get hexes at 1st & 2nd level. Since hexes are the defining feature of a witch you don't want to lose them without a great reason. If you're playing levels 1-5 then this isn't a huge hit. If you play 1-10 it'll be more noticeable.
Hexes of particular note are:
Slumber -- This is frankly so overpowered that if you take it you should use it somewhat judiciously. On the other hand, in an undead campaign it's a terrible choice.
Flight -- At 5th level, when you get actual flight, this is so good you need a good reason not to take it.
Gift of Consumption and Greater Gift of Consumption -- These two all but eliminate your fortitude save, which is your weak save. And occasionally it's brilliant.
Misfortune & Cackle -- This all but guarantees your opponent will fail saves, not all saves but far more. It also works against the mindless opponents that Slumber misses (constructs, oozes, undead,etc). The more casters your party has, the better this is. If you're the only caster then it's mostly of use against bosses, where you really want a spell to land so it's worth investing a round.
Protective Luck, Cackle & Soothsayer -- You can pre-buff every party member (except yourself) for every encounter. This is so over-powered that you should discuss it with your GM.
And beyond those there are several more that are pretty attractive: healing, prehensile hair, etc.
The first 3-5 are usually one that you're anxiously waiting to get access to. So trading them off for an archetype is a significant cost/benefit decision.
Hope that helps. :)
