A ranged combatant with debuffing and buffing capabilities.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed: male, human hexblade 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d10+2; hp 12; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +1; Grp +0; Atk longbow +3 (1d8/x3) or melee +0; Full Atk longbow +3 (1d8/x3) or melee +0; SA Hexblade’s Curse 1/day; SQ Arcane Resistance; AL CN; SV Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +2; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Concentration +4, Craft (weaving) +6, Jump +4, Knowledge (arcana) +6, Spellcraft +5, Tumble +4; Iron Will, Point-Blank Shot, Able Learner, Precise Shot. Special Attacks and Qualities: Hexblade’s Curse 1/day, Arcane Resistance. Possessions: Longbow, chain shirt.
Hexblade Blademage: male, human Hexblade 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d10+10; hp 37; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +5; Grp +4; Atk Longbow +7 (1d8/x3) or Longbow Rapid Shot +5/+5 (1d8/x3); Full Atk Longbow +7 (1d8/x3) or Longbow Rapid Shot +5/+5 (1d8/x3); SA Hexblade’s Curse 2/day; SQ Arcane Resistance, Mettle, Dark Companion; AL CN; SV Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +7; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Concentration +6, Craft (weaving) +6, Jump +4, Knowledge (Arcana) +6, Spellcraft +5, Tumble +4; Iron Will, Point-Blank Shot, Able Learner, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Combat Casting. Special Attacks and Qualities: Hexblade’s Curse 2/day (DC 16), Arcane Resistance (Cha bonus to saves), Mettle (negate effects on successful Will/Fort save), Dark Companion (debuff aura). Possessions: Longbow, Chain Shirt.
Level 10 Brief:
This build excels in ranged combat and buffing the party. It uses Hexblade curses and Dark Companion to debuff enemies.
Stat Block Level 10:
Blademage Mercenary[1]: male, human Hexblade 6/Suel Arcanamach 4; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 6d10+4d8+20; hp 70; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +8; Grp +7; Atk Longbow +10 (1d8/x3) or Longbow Rapid Shot +8/+8 (1d8/x3); Full Atk Longbow +10 (1d8/x3) or Longbow Rapid Shot +8/+8 (1d8/x3); SA Hexblade’s Curse 2/day, Dark Companion; SQ Arcane Resistance, Mettle, Ignore Arcane Failure Chance 5%, Tenacious Spells, Dispelling Strike 1/day; AL CN; SV Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +9; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Concentration +4, Craft (weaving) +6, Jump +4, Knowledge (Arcana) +6, Spellcraft +5, Tumble +4; Iron Will, Point-Blank Shot, Able Learner, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Combat Casting, Obtain Familiar, Enlarge Spell. Special Attacks and Qualities: Hexblade’s Curse 2/day – Debuffs target’s rolls by -2; Dark Companion – Adjacent enemies take -2 penalty on saves and AC; Arcane Resistance – Add Cha bonus to saves vs spells; Mettle – Negate effects on successful Fort/Will save; Ignore Arcane Failure Chance 5% – Reduce spell failure chance by 5%; Tenacious Spells – Spells are harder to dispel; Dispelling Strike 1/day – Dispel magic on hit. Possessions: Longbow, Chain Shirt.
Level 1-6 as Hexblade: Establishing the foundation with Hexblade’s Curse and Arcane Resistance.
Level 7-10 as Suel Arcanamach: Gaining spellcasting prowess and reducing arcane spell failure.
Level 11-15 with the addition of War Weaver: Enhancing group support through Eldritch Tapestry.
Level 16-20 as Abjurant Champion: Maximizing combat potential and spellcasting abilities.
Equipment Progression for HexBlade Blademage
Level Range
Item
Details
Why
Starting Gear
Longbow
Basic ranged weapon with a +1 enhancement for accuracy.
Provides reliable ranged attack capabilities to complement spellcasting.
(Levels 1-5)
Chain Shirt
Light armor with a +4 armor bonus and a 20% arcane spell failure chance.
Offers good protection while minimizing arcane spell failure.
Wand of Cure Light Wounds
50 charges of Cure Light Wounds.
Essential for healing in early levels.
Cloak of Charisma +2
Increases Charisma by +2.
Enhances spellcasting and curse effectiveness.
Mid-Level Upgrades
Mithral Chain Shirt
Light armor with a +4 armor bonus, reduced weight, and a 10% arcane spell failure chance.
Offers superior protection while maintaining low spell failure chance.
(Levels 6-15)
Amulet of Health +4
Increases Constitution by +4.
Boosts hit points and Fortitude saves.
Ring of Protection +2
Provides a +2 deflection bonus to AC.
Enhances overall defense.
Cloak of Resistance +2
Provides a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws.
Improves resilience against spells and effects.
End-Game Arsenal
+5 Mithral Full Plate of Spell Resistance
+13 armor bonus, reduced weight, +3 maximum Dexterity bonus, includes spell resistance (SR 21).
Maximum protection while maintaining mobility and granting resistance against spells.
(Levels 16-20)
Legendary Longbow
+5 longbow with enhancements such as Flaming Burst (additional 1d6 fire damage on hit, 1d10 on critical) or Frost (additional 1d6 cold damage).
Provides high damage output with elemental effects.
Headband of Charisma +6
Increases Charisma by +6.
Maximizes spellcasting and curse effectiveness.
Staff of Power
Grants a variety of powerful spells and a +2 enhancement bonus to AC and saving throws.
Provides both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Robe of the Archmagi
Provides spell resistance, +5 resistance bonus on all saving throws, and +2 armor bonus to AC.
Offers significant protection and boosts spellcasting power.
Party Synergy
Every member of a party has their role, but a Blademage-Mercenary is a versatile ally, capable of filling gaps and bolstering the group’s overall effectiveness. Whether it’s providing cover fire, frontline defense, or tactical support, you’re an indispensable asset to your comrades.
Enhance the party’s resilience by sharing protective spells through War Weaver’s Eldritch Tapestry.
Use Dark Companion to weaken foes, making them easier targets for your allies’ attacks.
Employ strategic curses to disrupt enemy casters, giving your party the upper hand in magical duels.
As a Blademage Mercenary[1], you’re not just a fighter or a mage—you’re a hybrid force. You can adapt to the needs of your party, whether that means taking point in an assault or hanging back to unleash devastating spells and curses from a distance.
Formation Tactics to Enhance Group Effectiveness
Remember, positioning is everything. In formation, place yourself where you can best utilize your unique skill set. Near the front, you can intercept threats. At the flanks, you can control the battlefield. Communication with your party is key to executing flawless formation tactics.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Weakness
Counter
Susceptibility to Anti-Magic Fields
– Maintain distance from anti-magic fields whenever possible. – Use mundane weaponry, such as a masterwork or enchanted longbow, to stay effective without relying on magic.
Limited Spell Slots
– Choose spells wisely, focusing on versatility and utility. – Use magic items like a Rod of Absorption or Pearl of Power to supplement your spell slots and recall spent spells.
Lower Hit Points Compared to Pure Fighters
– Cast defensive spells like Shield to increase your AC and mitigate incoming damage. – Wear items like an Amulet of Health +4 to boost Constitution and increase hit points.
Arcane Spell Failure in Armor
– Invest in armors with reduced spell failure chance, such as a Mithral Chain Shirt. – Use enchantments like Twilight or Glamered to further reduce or negate spell failure chance.
Over-Reliance on Charisma
– Balance attribute points across key areas to avoid over-reliance on Charisma. – Equip items like a Headband of Charisma +6 to maintain high Charisma while diversifying abilities.
Roleplaying Themes
Roleplaying a Hexblade Blademage isn’t just about combat efficiency; it’s about creating a memorable character with depth and backstory. Your choices should reflect the complex nature of someone who walks the line between might and mysticism.
Incorporating Backstory into Character Progression
Your character’s progression should echo their personal journey. As you gain levels and power, reflect on how your character’s backstory and experiences shape their choices. It’s not just about gaining strength—it’s about evolving as a person and as a hero.
“Every spell learned, every curse cast, every enemy felled—it’s all part of your character’s story. Make it a tale worth telling.”
Societal Perception of Hexblade Blademages
In the world of D&D, the societal perception of Hexblade Blademages can be quite varied. To some, they are enigmatic warriors who blend the arcane with the martial in ways that can seem almost supernatural. To others, they might be viewed with suspicion or fear, due to their ability to curse and manipulate the battlefield in ways that few can understand or counter.
The ideal party for a Hexblade Blademage is one that complements their abilities without overshadowing them. You’ll want a sturdy frontline—like a Fighter or Barbarian—to handle the brunt of physical combat, a dedicated healer such as a Cleric or Druid, and perhaps a rogue for stealth and traps. Your role is to fill the gaps, providing both offensive magic and secondary frontline support as needed.
How does the Hexblade’s curse interact with other spells and abilities?
The curse of the Hexblade is a potent debuff that combines nicely with other spells and skills. For instance, your curse will make it more difficult for the enemy to resist a spell effect if a party member casts a spell that calls for a saving throw after you have cursed them. It involves assembling groups against your opponents to defeat them more quickly.
What are the best counter strategies for this build’s weaknesses?
Every build has its Achilles’ heel, and the Hexblade Blademage is no exception. To counteract your weaknesses, teamwork is essential. Rely on your allies to cover you when you’re vulnerable, and make sure to have a backup plan if your magic is nullified. Sometimes, a simple sword swing is more reliable than the most potent spell.
Absolutely. Your charisma isn’t just for casting curses—it can also make you a persuasive speaker. Use your charm to negotiate, intimidate, or deceive as the situation demands. Moreover, your arcane knowledge can be invaluable in deciphering magical texts or identifying mystical artifacts.
As your campaign unfolds, your role might shift. Early on, you may lean more on your martial abilities, but as you gain levels, your magical prowess will grow. Stay flexible and communicate with your party to ensure that your evolving role continues to serve the group’s needs and your own character development.
Reasons to join the Stellar Dragons Discord
It’s time to step up your game now that we’ve delved into the Hexblade Blademage build’s depths. Getting involved in a group of like-minded people can improve your D&D experience significantly. For this reason, I strongly advise you to become a member of the Stellar Dragons Discord channel, where magic and melee collide through conversations and joint ventures.
Benefits of Joining the Stellar Dragons Discord Community
You can access a wealth of information and resources by signing up for the Stellar Dragons Discord channel. Here’s what to anticipate:
Connect with fellow gamers who are just as passionate about D&D as you are.
Exchange tips, strategies, and stories with experienced players and Dungeon Masters.
Find answers to your most pressing questions and help others on their journey.
Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
“…And because of all that I’d like you to help us with the cult,” finished the Arcane Trickster, as the younger brother bandaged the speaker’s arrow wounds. Those bandits weren’t too tough, but they did put up a fight.
The man he was trying to convince was looking at him like he was crazy.
“Each time you come to me you’ve got crazier requests, you know that right?“
“Is that a yes?” The young man enthusiastically intoned.
“You know I like crazy, but I have a condition. No killing the cult leader.”
The older brother raised an eyebrow, “Why?“
“She’s my wife that’s why,” he replied as the two brothers stared at him with shock.
He continued, “What? She offered me whatever I wanted for a service once. Might as well try…“
You operate at ranged combat, and you can debuff with your Curse and your Dark Companion. But your main ability is being one of the best buffers in the darned game.
You can Weave buff spells to affect your entire party simultaneously, cast debuffs against enemies with high efficiency. Let’s not forget that your buffs are put on steroids for extra duration on yourself.
Your familiar is on absolute crack and is ridiculously strong.
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Hexblade
12
Iron Will, Point-Blank Shot, Able Learner, Precise Shot
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