Best Front line Hex Blade! [Archive] - Wizards Community

Best Front line Hex Blade! [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Spikes01k
10-28-06, 07:06 PM Ok I want to make the best front line Hex Blade possible. Could you please give me some advice or a link on how to do this.

Edit:

Second, Is there some sort of small or tiny flying dragon type familure that I can get?

Third, I am looking to wear both Heavy Armor and using a Heavy shield

Edit2:

Here is my dreem write up on 30 level Front line Hex Blade. I am not really sure what I want to do after lvl 21 for feats though.
Please note any weeknesses, but I know that it is mostly for RP reasons for my line up. Sugestions are welcomed!

Race Human
Human: Weapon Focus Bastad Sword
Flaw: Shacky
Bonus: Ability Focus: Curse
1 Hex Blade: Bastard Sword
2 Hex Blade
3 Fighter 1: Battle Caster. Improved Shield Bash
4 Fighter 1: Two Weapon Fighting
5 Hex Blade: Shadow Hound "Actaully a tiny shadow dragon with same mechanics", +1 Cha
6 Hex Blade: Dodge
7 Hex Blade
8 Hex Blade: +1 Cha
9 Hex Blade: Mobility
10 Hex Blade
11 Hex Blade
12 Hex Blade: Spring Attack, +1 Cha
13 Hex Blade
14 Hex Blade
15 Hex Blade: Improved Two Weapon Fighting
16 Hex Blade: +1 Cha
17 Hex Blade
18 Hex Blade: Mockey Grip
19 Hex Blade
20 Hex Blade: +1 Cha
21 Hex Blade: Over Sized Weapon
22 Tempist
23 Tempist
24 Tempist: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting, +1 Cha
25 Tempist
26 Fighter 3:
27 Fighter 4: Power Attack
28 Fighter 5: Cleave +1 Cha
29 Fighter 6
30 Fighter 7: Great Cleave, Epic Cleave

Equipment goals:
#1."Large Spiked" Full Plate Mithral Armor
#2 Large Sized Bastard sword
#3 "Large Spiked" Heavy Mythral Shield With Twilight
#4 at least 1 Maual of Str
#5 Guardal +6 str
#6 Cape of Char
#7 "Large Spiked" Gauntlet

Note: I have just edited this again. I have found some mistakes
Yorath_theWolf
10-28-06, 07:16 PM second comment first, yeah the psuedo-dragon can be gotten with the Improved Familer feat, or... well I now forget it's name but it's a small dragon-critter in the Sharn book.

and build-wise, well this is RT's build and it's a mixture of both ranged and front line combat:

Race/Class/Level: Human Hexblade20

System: You name it baby

Short Description: A well balanced mix of archery, spellcasting, and devastating melee power, Croup pushes the limits of arcane might allowed normal hexblades, and can destroy foes from both near and afar.

Ability Scores:

Str: 16 (18) (+1 level, +1 manual)
Dex: 14 (15) (+1 manual)
Con: 14
Int: 10 (12) (+2 tome)
Wis: 10
Cha: 14 (28) (+4 level, +4 tome, +6 cloak)

Character Sheet:

Deity: None. Hit Points: 145. Saves: Fortitude +14, Reflex +8, Will +12. Height: 6'5". Weight: 260 lbs. Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Progression:

Code:
1 Hexblade1 Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot
2 Hexblade2 .
3 Hexblade3 Power Attack
4 Hexblade4 .
5 Hexblade5 Combat Casting
6 Hexblade6 Improved Sunder
7 Hexblade7 .
8 Hexblade8 .
9 Hexblade9 Practiced Spellcaster
10 Hexblade10 Spell Focus: Enchantment
11 Hexblade11 .
12 Hexblade12 Ranged Disarm
13 Hexblade13 .
14 Hexblade14 .
15 Hexblade15 Arcane Strike, Greater Spell Focus: Enchantment
16 Hexblade16 .
17 Hexblade17 .
18 Hexblade18 Combat Brute
19 Hexblade19 .
20 Hexblade20 Spell Penetration
Skills of note:
Bluff 10+ ranks
Concentration 13+ ranks
Diplomacy 15+ ranks
Intimidate 15+ ranks
Spells of Note:
polymorph (lvl 4)
greater magic weapon (lvl 3)
phantom threat (lvl 1)
touch of idiocy (lvl 2)
dispel magic (lvl 3)
expeditious retreat (lvl 1)
protection from arrows (lvl 2)
hound of doom (lvl 3)
greater invisibility (lvl 4)
darkness (lvl 2)
Items of Note:
+6 cloak of charisma 36000 gp
+1 manual of gainful exercise (Strength) (DMG) 27500 gp
+1 manual of quickness in action (Dexterity) (DMG) 27500 gp
+2 tome of clear thought (Intelligence) (DMG) 55000 gp
+4 tome of leadership and influence (Charisma) (DMG) 110000 gp
masterwork adamantine greatsword (DMG) 3350
50 masterwork adamantine arrows (DMG) 410 gp
mighty composite longbow +4 (PHB) 500 gp
+5 mithral breastplate (DMG) 29350 gp
rings of wizardry II, III, and IV (DMG) 40000, 70000, and 100000 for a grand total of 210000 gp
hand of glory (DMG) 8000 gp
orange ioun stone (DMG) 30000 gp
wand of dispel magic, caster level 10th (DMG) 22500 gp
This leaves well over 100000 gp left for a standard character of 20th level. Cure potions are cheap.
What books are needed for this build?
Player's Handbook (feats)
Complete Warrior (Hexblade, feats)
Dungeon Master's Guide (items)
Fiend Folio, Monster Manual 3, Expanded Psionics Handbook (for most of the suggested monster forms to take with Polymorph, listed below, not necessary though.)

ya might wanna tweak some stuff fer yer own use, but it's a nice solid build.
Spikes01k
10-28-06, 07:22 PM Well your not wearing Heavy armor, so it seems a little week to me.

Plus if you use a heavy shield then you need that new feat for Complet Mage that allows you to use your sword for simantic componets.

I guess this would ether mean putting a feat in for medium armor or getting 1 level in fighter.
Cadfan
10-28-06, 08:05 PM I wouldn't bother with the heavy armor and heavy shield.

To do that involves spending a bunch of feats, and you need those.

I'd stick with an adamantine chain shirt, and then use the Dark Companion from PHB II. It reduces enemy attack rolls by 2, which is functionally the same as increasing your AC by 2. I'd then take Intimidating Strike, as the Hexblade has the class skills and the charisma to make that feat very scary. Use the first round of combat, when you probably only get a single attack anyways, to use Intimidating Strike, leaving the target intimidated for the duration of the encounter, and inflicting another -2 on its attacks.

That's a net penalty of 4 on your enemies attacks (plus a bunch of other useful debuffs). With a chain shirt,that puts you the same place heavy armor would. Make up for the lack of a shield by means of heavy use of Mirror Image, enhanced by Practiced Spellcaster. At higher levels, move to Greater Invisibility.
Kadasbrass
10-28-06, 08:47 PM I personally say ditch the familar go for Shadow Companion from PHB2, you get shadowlike creature (can't be attacked) that automatically lowers the saves and ac of enemies next to it.
Osedox
10-28-06, 08:55 PM Heavy Armor and Heavy Shields are overrated, go high dex and mithral shirt with a spiked chain with weapon finesse and arcane strike.
syrinth
10-28-06, 09:20 PM I'd agree... heavy armor can get you killed. Oh that poor cleric, she never saw it coming...
Eyeless Blond
10-28-06, 09:22 PM The alternative to ditching the comanion is to take Practiced Spellcaster at 6th level and Improved Familiar at 9th. You get a winter wolf or a hippogriff with your BAB and HD who you can buff without having to directly touch him. However that doesn't happen until level 9 so until then you've given up your dark comapnion for basically nothing..
Particle_Man
10-28-06, 11:27 PM At high level, the reserve feat: Minor Shapeshift (found in Complete Mage) can net you your level in temp hp every round as a swift action, and you just have to know a 4th level polymorph spell and have a 4th level spell slot free. Not a bad trade off.

And since you have a high chr, you might look into a weapon with Sudden Stunning as found in the DMG II. For its price (+2000 gp) it is very, very good, and the DC to save vs. its stun scales with your level!
Jeremy Clements
10-29-06, 01:57 AM I say look in the PHB2 for some of the best suggestions.

1. Start as a Human for the bonus feat. No other race can give you anything else that really helps in the long run unless your stats suck.

2. 1st level Feat: Ability Focus (MM?) adds a base +2 to all your Hex Curse DCs. Can't beat that since its your primary ability.

3. Human Bonus Feat: Medium Armor Prof. You can't cast spells yet so this comes in quite handy!

4. 3rd level feat: Battle Caster (Allows you to cast in medium armor). I don't reccomend shields as it interferes with your spell casting hand.

5. 5th level Bonus Feat: Spell Focus (Necromany or Enchantment)

6. 6th level feat: Practiced Caster

7. 9th level feat: Improved Toughness, Combat Casting, Combat Reflexes, Improved Familiar or Additional Spell/Slot (This one's really up to you. Anthing goes!)

8. 10th level Bonus Feat: Greater Spell Focus (Necro. or Ench.)

9. 12th level feat: Armor Specialization (PHB2) gives you DR2/- while wearing a specific medium armor choice

10. 15th level Feat: Defensive Sweep (PHB2) Gives you AoO against foes who stay in one place next to you.

11. Bonus 15th: Spell Penetration

12. 18th level feat: Extra Spell/Slot

13. Bonus 20th: Greater Spell Penetration

This build makes you a pretty neat match for a fighter.:cool:
Spikes01k
10-29-06, 10:00 AM OOOh "Ability Focus (MM?)" great idea!

Didn't come to mind. Thankyou!
RobbyPants
10-29-06, 11:31 AM I'll agree with the others about the heavy armor, but if you insist on wanting it, I have two solutions for you:

Take a level dip into fighter. You'll lose one level of hexblade, but in return, you'll gain a bonus feat and armor proficiency. You will still have to spend two feats on Battle Caster to be able to cast in it.
Get medium armor proficiency (either by a feat or a class dip), and spend a single feat on Battle Caster. Get mithril fullplate (heavy armor AC, but counts as medium).

Again, either of these choices is hardly optimal, but they'll work if you really want the armor. As for the shield, I'd suggest not going for a heavy shield, as it completely ties up your off-hand, making it impossible to cast spells with somatic components while holding a weapon. A mithril buckler or light shield (both 0% ASF) will help you out a lot in this department.

Also, try posting this topic in the Character Optimization board. Be sure to list the books you have, and some other specifics. They can be a real help. :D
Spikes01k
10-29-06, 12:17 PM Yeah that does sound like a very good idea. I was thinking of the same.
DuctShuiTengu
10-29-06, 01:14 PM two words: Dragon Disciple.

Okay, long version: 4 levels of Hexblade gets you the spellcasting requirement without costing you any BAB. Throw in a single level (or 2) of Fighter for Heavy Armor and the bonus feat(s) or Barbarian for Rage, cough up the skill-points to get Knowledge Arcana and then enjoy. The Natural Armor and stat bumps are well worth the 3 points of BAB you lose IMHO. After that... pick another PrC that's worth going 4 or 5 levels into (if you like evil, going Blackguard for Charisma to saves (again) might be worthwhile).
ninjarabbit
10-29-06, 02:21 PM hexblade19/cleric1

The 1 level of cleric gives you heavy armor, 2 domains which can mean more feats or special abilites, turn/rebuke undead for feats like divine might and divine vigor since you will have a good cha, and you can use cleric wands

Sample build:

human hexblade19/cleric1, domains: luck and magic

1-hexblade1-power attack, mounted combat
2-cleric1
3-hexblade2- divine might
4-hexblade3
5-hexblade4
6-hexblade5-practiced spellcaster, combat casting
7-hexblade6
8-hexblade7
9-hexblade8-improved familar: winter wolf
10-hexblade9
11-hexblade10-spell penetration
12-hexblade11-ability focus: hexblade curse
13-hexblade12
14-hexblade13
15-hexblade14-battlecaster
16-hexblade15-greater spell penetration
17-hexblade16
18-hexblade17-open feat
19-hexblade18
20-hexblade19

You have a character who can fight effectively in melee or on the back of his mount. You can use wizard and cleric wands be sure to use spells that you can share with your winter wolf like mirror image, polymorph, and expedious retreat (an extra 60' charge for your wolf). Try to get a spell storing lance to put a spell like vampiric touch into
Mitchell
10-29-06, 10:14 PM I second dragon disciple.
It gives you important stat boosts for a primary fighter (str and con), throws in some int for skills, and even some cha for casting.
Add in natural armor to augment your light armor.
It has strong saves in will and fortitude, complimenting the mettle ability.
It gives you some bonus spells, which aren't that great, but combined with the arcane strike feat, you can just ditch spells for damage and not worry about the low caster level problem.
And a breath weapon, immunity to an energy type, and flight are just icing on the cake.
Whether you jump in as soon as possible or wait a while is really the only choice. The sooner you get into it, the sooner you begin to reap the rewards, but if you hold off until level 9 (or 8 if your charisma entitles you to bonus 2nd level spells), then you can use your bonus spells for 2nd level spells which would boost the benefit of arcane strike, not to mention giving you the option of extra 2nd level spells to cast.
To me, this is the class that dragon disciple was made for, not sorcerer or bard. :cool:

Edit: Added flight, made a text correction.
Spikes01k
10-30-06, 04:00 PM Here is my dreem write up on 30 level Front line Hex Blade. I am not really sure what I want to do after lvl 21 for feats though.
Please note any weeknesses, but I know that it is mostly for RP reasons for my line up. Sugestions are welcomed!

Race Human
Human: Weapon Focus Bastad Sword
Flaw: Shacky
Bonus: Ability Focus: Curse
1 Hex Blade: Bastard Sword
2 Hex Blade
3 Fighter 1: Battle Caster. Improved Shield Bash
4 Fighter 1: Two Weapon Fighting
5 Hex Blade: Shadow Hound "Actaully a tiny shadow dragon with same mechanics", +1 Cha
6 Hex Blade: Dodge
7 Hex Blade
8 Hex Blade: +1 Cha
9 Hex Blade: Mobility
10 Hex Blade
11 Hex Blade
12 Hex Blade: Spring Attack, +1 Cha
13 Hex Blade
14 Hex Blade
15 Hex Blade: Improved Two Weapon Fighting
16 Hex Blade: +1 Cha
17 Hex Blade
18 Hex Blade: Mockey Grip
19 Hex Blade
20 Hex Blade: +1 Cha
21 Hex Blade: Over Sized Weapon
22 Tempist
23 Tempist
24 Tempist: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting, +1 Cha
25 Tempist
26 Fighter 3:
27 Fighter 4: Power Attack
28 Fighter 5: Cleave +1 Cha
29 Fighter 6
30 Fighter 7: Great Cleave, Epic Cleave

Equipment goals:
#1."Large Spiked" Full Plate Mithral Armor
#2 Large Sized Bastard sword
#3 "Large Spiked" Heavy Mythral Shield With Twilight
#4 at least 1 Maual of Str
#5 Guardal +6 str
#6 Cape of Char
#7 "Large Spiked" Gauntlet
Jeremy Clements
10-31-06, 10:29 AM The only problem with your 30 level write-up is that your bonus Hex-Blade feats at 5th 10th 15th, and 20th level must be selected from a small range of feats: (See the Complete Warrior for more details)

Spell Focus (Enchantment, Necromancy, transmutation)
Greater Spell Focus
Spell Penetration
Greater Spell Penetration
and few more similar...

If you are planning to go with two-weapon fighting I always reccomend the Two-Weapon Rend feat another feat (can't remember the name) that allows you to use your off hand during a charge. They are both in PHB2 by the way. If you plan on using a shield (which will cause spell casting failures) use a spiked shield instead of a gauntlet.

If you want to use large weapons then you aught to try a half-giant or half-ogre. You lose your human bonus feat, but saves you two feats later (even at a +1 Level Adj).
SebastianHero
10-31-06, 02:07 PM OP asked:
"Second, Is there some sort of small or tiny flying dragon type familure that I can get?"

Yes. Dragon 318 has a tiny flying dinosaur familiar that grants a +3 bonus or something to initiative checks (always useful!) It looks cute, has a poison bite, can be taken immediately without a feat, and while not a dragon... it's awfully close!
Spikes01k
11-01-06, 01:58 PM OP asked:
"Second, Is there some sort of small or tiny flying dragon type familure that I can get?"

Yes. Dragon 318 has a tiny flying dinosaur familiar that grants a +3 bonus or something to initiative checks (always useful!) It looks cute, has a poison bite, can be taken immediately without a feat, and while not a dragon... it's awfully close!

Oh thankyou!!! I'll check it out.
Spikes01k
11-01-06, 02:10 PM The only problem with your 30 level write-up is that your bonus Hex-Blade feats at 5th 10th 15th, and 20th level must be selected from a small range of feats: (See the Complete Warrior for more details)

Spell Focus (Enchantment, Necromancy, transmutation)
Greater Spell Focus
Spell Penetration
Greater Spell Penetration
and few more similar...

If you are planning to go with two-weapon fighting I always reccomend the Two-Weapon Rend feat another feat (can't remember the name) that allows you to use your off hand during a charge. They are both in PHB2 by the way. If you plan on using a shield (which will cause spell casting failures) use a spiked shield instead of a gauntlet.

If you want to use large weapons then you aught to try a half-giant or half-ogre. You lose your human bonus feat, but saves you two feats later (even at a +1 Level Adj).

Well I really don't know what t to do about the Feats for the hex blade I may just chose Spell focus for each. Personally they should have had some meta-magic feats like Still spell. Their feat sucks.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Spikes01k 10-28-06, 07:06 PM	Ok I want to make the best front line Hex Blade possible. Could you please give me some advice or a link on how to do this. Edit: Second, Is there some sort of small or tiny flying dragon type familure that I can get? Third, I am looking to wear both Heavy Armor and using a Heavy shield Edit2: Here is my dreem write up on 30 level Front line Hex Blade. I am not really sure what I want to do after lvl 21 for feats though. Please note any weeknesses, but I know that it is mostly for RP reasons for my line up. Sugestions are welcomed! Race Human Human: Weapon Focus Bastad Sword Flaw: Shacky Bonus: Ability Focus: Curse 1 Hex Blade: Bastard Sword 2 Hex Blade 3 Fighter 1: Battle Caster. Improved Shield Bash 4 Fighter 1: Two Weapon Fighting 5 Hex Blade: Shadow Hound "Actaully a tiny shadow dragon with same mechanics", +1 Cha 6 Hex Blade: Dodge 7 Hex Blade 8 Hex Blade: +1 Cha 9 Hex Blade: Mobility 10 Hex Blade 11 Hex Blade 12 Hex Blade: Spring Attack, +1 Cha 13 Hex Blade 14 Hex Blade 15 Hex Blade: Improved Two Weapon Fighting 16 Hex Blade: +1 Cha 17 Hex Blade 18 Hex Blade: Mockey Grip 19 Hex Blade 20 Hex Blade: +1 Cha 21 Hex Blade: Over Sized Weapon 22 Tempist 23 Tempist 24 Tempist: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting, +1 Cha 25 Tempist 26 Fighter 3: 27 Fighter 4: Power Attack 28 Fighter 5: Cleave +1 Cha 29 Fighter 6 30 Fighter 7: Great Cleave, Epic Cleave Equipment goals: #1."Large Spiked" Full Plate Mithral Armor #2 Large Sized Bastard sword #3 "Large Spiked" Heavy Mythral Shield With Twilight #4 at least 1 Maual of Str #5 Guardal +6 str #6 Cape of Char #7 "Large Spiked" Gauntlet Note: I have just edited this again. I have found some mistakes
Yorath_theWolf 10-28-06, 07:16 PM	second comment first, yeah the psuedo-dragon can be gotten with the Improved Familer feat, or... well I now forget it's name but it's a small dragon-critter in the Sharn book. and build-wise, well this is RT's build and it's a mixture of both ranged and front line combat: Race/Class/Level: Human Hexblade20 System: You name it baby Short Description: A well balanced mix of archery, spellcasting, and devastating melee power, Croup pushes the limits of arcane might allowed normal hexblades, and can destroy foes from both near and afar. Ability Scores: Str: 16 (18) (+1 level, +1 manual) Dex: 14 (15) (+1 manual) Con: 14 Int: 10 (12) (+2 tome) Wis: 10 Cha: 14 (28) (+4 level, +4 tome, +6 cloak) Character Sheet: Deity: None. Hit Points: 145. Saves: Fortitude +14, Reflex +8, Will +12. Height: 6'5". Weight: 260 lbs. Alignment: Lawful Neutral Progression: Code: 1 Hexblade1 Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot 2 Hexblade2 . 3 Hexblade3 Power Attack 4 Hexblade4 . 5 Hexblade5 Combat Casting 6 Hexblade6 Improved Sunder 7 Hexblade7 . 8 Hexblade8 . 9 Hexblade9 Practiced Spellcaster 10 Hexblade10 Spell Focus: Enchantment 11 Hexblade11 . 12 Hexblade12 Ranged Disarm 13 Hexblade13 . 14 Hexblade14 . 15 Hexblade15 Arcane Strike, Greater Spell Focus: Enchantment 16 Hexblade16 . 17 Hexblade17 . 18 Hexblade18 Combat Brute 19 Hexblade19 . 20 Hexblade20 Spell Penetration Skills of note: Bluff 10+ ranks Concentration 13+ ranks Diplomacy 15+ ranks Intimidate 15+ ranks Spells of Note: polymorph (lvl 4) greater magic weapon (lvl 3) phantom threat (lvl 1) touch of idiocy (lvl 2) dispel magic (lvl 3) expeditious retreat (lvl 1) protection from arrows (lvl 2) hound of doom (lvl 3) greater invisibility (lvl 4) darkness (lvl 2) Items of Note: +6 cloak of charisma 36000 gp +1 manual of gainful exercise (Strength) (DMG) 27500 gp +1 manual of quickness in action (Dexterity) (DMG) 27500 gp +2 tome of clear thought (Intelligence) (DMG) 55000 gp +4 tome of leadership and influence (Charisma) (DMG) 110000 gp masterwork adamantine greatsword (DMG) 3350 50 masterwork adamantine arrows (DMG) 410 gp mighty composite longbow +4 (PHB) 500 gp +5 mithral breastplate (DMG) 29350 gp rings of wizardry II, III, and IV (DMG) 40000, 70000, and 100000 for a grand total of 210000 gp hand of glory (DMG) 8000 gp orange ioun stone (DMG) 30000 gp wand of dispel magic, caster level 10th (DMG) 22500 gp This leaves well over 100000 gp left for a standard character of 20th level. Cure potions are cheap. What books are needed for this build? Player's Handbook (feats) Complete Warrior (Hexblade, feats) Dungeon Master's Guide (items) Fiend Folio, Monster Manual 3, Expanded Psionics Handbook (for most of the suggested monster forms to take with Polymorph, listed below, not necessary though.) ya might wanna tweak some stuff fer yer own use, but it's a nice solid build.
Spikes01k 10-28-06, 07:22 PM	Well your not wearing Heavy armor, so it seems a little week to me. Plus if you use a heavy shield then you need that new feat for Complet Mage that allows you to use your sword for simantic componets. I guess this would ether mean putting a feat in for medium armor or getting 1 level in fighter.
Cadfan 10-28-06, 08:05 PM	I wouldn't bother with the heavy armor and heavy shield. To do that involves spending a bunch of feats, and you need those. I'd stick with an adamantine chain shirt, and then use the Dark Companion from PHB II. It reduces enemy attack rolls by 2, which is functionally the same as increasing your AC by 2. I'd then take Intimidating Strike, as the Hexblade has the class skills and the charisma to make that feat very scary. Use the first round of combat, when you probably only get a single attack anyways, to use Intimidating Strike, leaving the target intimidated for the duration of the encounter, and inflicting another -2 on its attacks. That's a net penalty of 4 on your enemies attacks (plus a bunch of other useful debuffs). With a chain shirt,that puts you the same place heavy armor would. Make up for the lack of a shield by means of heavy use of Mirror Image, enhanced by Practiced Spellcaster. At higher levels, move to Greater Invisibility.
Kadasbrass 10-28-06, 08:47 PM	I personally say ditch the familar go for Shadow Companion from PHB2, you get shadowlike creature (can't be attacked) that automatically lowers the saves and ac of enemies next to it.
Osedox 10-28-06, 08:55 PM	Heavy Armor and Heavy Shields are overrated, go high dex and mithral shirt with a spiked chain with weapon finesse and arcane strike.
syrinth 10-28-06, 09:20 PM	I'd agree... heavy armor can get you killed. Oh that poor cleric, she never saw it coming...
Eyeless Blond 10-28-06, 09:22 PM	The alternative to ditching the comanion is to take Practiced Spellcaster at 6th level and Improved Familiar at 9th. You get a winter wolf or a hippogriff with your BAB and HD who you can buff without having to directly touch him. However that doesn't happen until level 9 so until then you've given up your dark comapnion for basically nothing..
Particle_Man 10-28-06, 11:27 PM	At high level, the reserve feat: Minor Shapeshift (found in Complete Mage) can net you your level in temp hp every round as a swift action, and you just have to know a 4th level polymorph spell and have a 4th level spell slot free. Not a bad trade off. And since you have a high chr, you might look into a weapon with Sudden Stunning as found in the DMG II. For its price (+2000 gp) it is very, very good, and the DC to save vs. its stun scales with your level!
Jeremy Clements 10-29-06, 01:57 AM	I say look in the PHB2 for some of the best suggestions. 1. Start as a Human for the bonus feat. No other race can give you anything else that really helps in the long run unless your stats suck. 2. 1st level Feat: Ability Focus (MM?) adds a base +2 to all your Hex Curse DCs. Can't beat that since its your primary ability. 3. Human Bonus Feat: Medium Armor Prof. You can't cast spells yet so this comes in quite handy! 4. 3rd level feat: Battle Caster (Allows you to cast in medium armor). I don't reccomend shields as it interferes with your spell casting hand. 5. 5th level Bonus Feat: Spell Focus (Necromany or Enchantment) 6. 6th level feat: Practiced Caster 7. 9th level feat: Improved Toughness, Combat Casting, Combat Reflexes, Improved Familiar or Additional Spell/Slot (This one's really up to you. Anthing goes!) 8. 10th level Bonus Feat: Greater Spell Focus (Necro. or Ench.) 9. 12th level feat: Armor Specialization (PHB2) gives you DR2/- while wearing a specific medium armor choice 10. 15th level Feat: Defensive Sweep (PHB2) Gives you AoO against foes who stay in one place next to you. 11. Bonus 15th: Spell Penetration 12. 18th level feat: Extra Spell/Slot 13. Bonus 20th: Greater Spell Penetration This build makes you a pretty neat match for a fighter.:cool:
Spikes01k 10-29-06, 10:00 AM	OOOh "Ability Focus (MM?)" great idea! Didn't come to mind. Thankyou!
RobbyPants 10-29-06, 11:31 AM	I'll agree with the others about the heavy armor, but if you insist on wanting it, I have two solutions for you: Take a level dip into fighter. You'll lose one level of hexblade, but in return, you'll gain a bonus feat and armor proficiency. You will still have to spend two feats on Battle Caster to be able to cast in it. Get medium armor proficiency (either by a feat or a class dip), and spend a single feat on Battle Caster. Get mithril fullplate (heavy armor AC, but counts as medium). Again, either of these choices is hardly optimal, but they'll work if you really want the armor. As for the shield, I'd suggest not going for a heavy shield, as it completely ties up your off-hand, making it impossible to cast spells with somatic components while holding a weapon. A mithril buckler or light shield (both 0% ASF) will help you out a lot in this department. Also, try posting this topic in the Character Optimization board. Be sure to list the books you have, and some other specifics. They can be a real help. :D
Spikes01k 10-29-06, 12:17 PM	Yeah that does sound like a very good idea. I was thinking of the same.
DuctShuiTengu 10-29-06, 01:14 PM	two words: Dragon Disciple. Okay, long version: 4 levels of Hexblade gets you the spellcasting requirement without costing you any BAB. Throw in a single level (or 2) of Fighter for Heavy Armor and the bonus feat(s) or Barbarian for Rage, cough up the skill-points to get Knowledge Arcana and then enjoy. The Natural Armor and stat bumps are well worth the 3 points of BAB you lose IMHO. After that... pick another PrC that's worth going 4 or 5 levels into (if you like evil, going Blackguard for Charisma to saves (again) might be worthwhile).
ninjarabbit 10-29-06, 02:21 PM	hexblade19/cleric1 The 1 level of cleric gives you heavy armor, 2 domains which can mean more feats or special abilites, turn/rebuke undead for feats like divine might and divine vigor since you will have a good cha, and you can use cleric wands Sample build: human hexblade19/cleric1, domains: luck and magic 1-hexblade1-power attack, mounted combat 2-cleric1 3-hexblade2- divine might 4-hexblade3 5-hexblade4 6-hexblade5-practiced spellcaster, combat casting 7-hexblade6 8-hexblade7 9-hexblade8-improved familar: winter wolf 10-hexblade9 11-hexblade10-spell penetration 12-hexblade11-ability focus: hexblade curse 13-hexblade12 14-hexblade13 15-hexblade14-battlecaster 16-hexblade15-greater spell penetration 17-hexblade16 18-hexblade17-open feat 19-hexblade18 20-hexblade19 You have a character who can fight effectively in melee or on the back of his mount. You can use wizard and cleric wands be sure to use spells that you can share with your winter wolf like mirror image, polymorph, and expedious retreat (an extra 60' charge for your wolf). Try to get a spell storing lance to put a spell like vampiric touch into
Mitchell 10-29-06, 10:14 PM	I second dragon disciple. It gives you important stat boosts for a primary fighter (str and con), throws in some int for skills, and even some cha for casting. Add in natural armor to augment your light armor. It has strong saves in will and fortitude, complimenting the mettle ability. It gives you some bonus spells, which aren't that great, but combined with the arcane strike feat, you can just ditch spells for damage and not worry about the low caster level problem. And a breath weapon, immunity to an energy type, and flight are just icing on the cake. Whether you jump in as soon as possible or wait a while is really the only choice. The sooner you get into it, the sooner you begin to reap the rewards, but if you hold off until level 9 (or 8 if your charisma entitles you to bonus 2nd level spells), then you can use your bonus spells for 2nd level spells which would boost the benefit of arcane strike, not to mention giving you the option of extra 2nd level spells to cast. To me, this is the class that dragon disciple was made for, not sorcerer or bard. :cool: Edit: Added flight, made a text correction.
Spikes01k 10-30-06, 04:00 PM	Here is my dreem write up on 30 level Front line Hex Blade. I am not really sure what I want to do after lvl 21 for feats though. Please note any weeknesses, but I know that it is mostly for RP reasons for my line up. Sugestions are welcomed! Race Human Human: Weapon Focus Bastad Sword Flaw: Shacky Bonus: Ability Focus: Curse 1 Hex Blade: Bastard Sword 2 Hex Blade 3 Fighter 1: Battle Caster. Improved Shield Bash 4 Fighter 1: Two Weapon Fighting 5 Hex Blade: Shadow Hound "Actaully a tiny shadow dragon with same mechanics", +1 Cha 6 Hex Blade: Dodge 7 Hex Blade 8 Hex Blade: +1 Cha 9 Hex Blade: Mobility 10 Hex Blade 11 Hex Blade 12 Hex Blade: Spring Attack, +1 Cha 13 Hex Blade 14 Hex Blade 15 Hex Blade: Improved Two Weapon Fighting 16 Hex Blade: +1 Cha 17 Hex Blade 18 Hex Blade: Mockey Grip 19 Hex Blade 20 Hex Blade: +1 Cha 21 Hex Blade: Over Sized Weapon 22 Tempist 23 Tempist 24 Tempist: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting, +1 Cha 25 Tempist 26 Fighter 3: 27 Fighter 4: Power Attack 28 Fighter 5: Cleave +1 Cha 29 Fighter 6 30 Fighter 7: Great Cleave, Epic Cleave Equipment goals: #1."Large Spiked" Full Plate Mithral Armor #2 Large Sized Bastard sword #3 "Large Spiked" Heavy Mythral Shield With Twilight #4 at least 1 Maual of Str #5 Guardal +6 str #6 Cape of Char #7 "Large Spiked" Gauntlet
Jeremy Clements 10-31-06, 10:29 AM	The only problem with your 30 level write-up is that your bonus Hex-Blade feats at 5th 10th 15th, and 20th level must be selected from a small range of feats: (See the Complete Warrior for more details) Spell Focus (Enchantment, Necromancy, transmutation) Greater Spell Focus Spell Penetration Greater Spell Penetration and few more similar... If you are planning to go with two-weapon fighting I always reccomend the Two-Weapon Rend feat another feat (can't remember the name) that allows you to use your off hand during a charge. They are both in PHB2 by the way. If you plan on using a shield (which will cause spell casting failures) use a spiked shield instead of a gauntlet. If you want to use large weapons then you aught to try a half-giant or half-ogre. You lose your human bonus feat, but saves you two feats later (even at a +1 Level Adj).
SebastianHero 10-31-06, 02:07 PM	OP asked: "Second, Is there some sort of small or tiny flying dragon type familure that I can get?" Yes. Dragon 318 has a tiny flying dinosaur familiar that grants a +3 bonus or something to initiative checks (always useful!) It looks cute, has a poison bite, can be taken immediately without a feat, and while not a dragon... it's awfully close!
Spikes01k 11-01-06, 01:58 PM	OP asked: "Second, Is there some sort of small or tiny flying dragon type familure that I can get?" Yes. Dragon 318 has a tiny flying dinosaur familiar that grants a +3 bonus or something to initiative checks (always useful!) It looks cute, has a poison bite, can be taken immediately without a feat, and while not a dragon... it's awfully close! Oh thankyou!!! I'll check it out.
Spikes01k 11-01-06, 02:10 PM	The only problem with your 30 level write-up is that your bonus Hex-Blade feats at 5th 10th 15th, and 20th level must be selected from a small range of feats: (See the Complete Warrior for more details) Spell Focus (Enchantment, Necromancy, transmutation) Greater Spell Focus Spell Penetration Greater Spell Penetration and few more similar... If you are planning to go with two-weapon fighting I always reccomend the Two-Weapon Rend feat another feat (can't remember the name) that allows you to use your off hand during a charge. They are both in PHB2 by the way. If you plan on using a shield (which will cause spell casting failures) use a spiked shield instead of a gauntlet. If you want to use large weapons then you aught to try a half-giant or half-ogre. You lose your human bonus feat, but saves you two feats later (even at a +1 Level Adj). Well I really don't know what t to do about the Feats for the hex blade I may just chose Spell focus for each. Personally they should have had some meta-magic feats like Still spell. Their feat sucks.