A versatile Hexblade with a focus on debuffs and melee combat.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed Character: male, human Hexblade 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d10+2; hp 12; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +0; Grp -1; Atk rapier +2 (1d6-1/18-20) or longbow +2 (1d8/x3); Full Atk rapier +2 (1d6-1/18-20) or longbow +2 (1d8/x3); SA Hexblade’s Curse 1/day; SQ Arcane Resistance; AL CN; SV Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 17.
Skills and Feats:
Bluff +5, Disguise +5, Gather Information +5, Intimidate +5, Ride +5; Weapon Finesse, Dreadful Wrath. Special Attacks and Qualities: Hexblade’s Curse (1/day, -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks, and skill checks for 1 hour), Arcane Resistance (add Charisma bonus to saves against spells and spell-like effects). Possessions: longbow, chain shirt, rapier.
Unnamed: male, human Hexblade 3/Human Paragon 2; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 3d10+2d8+10; hp 35; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +4; Grp +3; Atk rapier +6 melee (1d6+1/18-20) or longbow +6 ranged (1d8/x3); Full Atk rapier +6 melee (1d6+1/18-20) or longbow +6 ranged (1d8/x3); SA Hexblade’s Curse 1/day; SQ Arcane Resistance, Adaptive Learning; AL CN; SV Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +4; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 17.
This build excels in both ranged and melee combat, with strong debuffing and stealth capabilities. The character can rapidly down enemies with Ambush and has high saves.
Stat Block Level 10:
Unnamed: male, human Hexblade 5/Outlaw of the Crimson Road 5; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d10+5d6+20; hp 65; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +8; Grp +7; Atk rapier +10 melee (1d6+1/18-20) or longbow +10 ranged (1d8/x3); Full Atk rapier +10/+5 melee (1d6+1/18-20) or longbow +10/+5 ranged (1d8/x3); SA Hexblade’s Curse 1/day, Ambush +3d6; SQ Arcane Resistance, Evasion, Fugitive’s Luck +1/+2; AL CN; SV Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +7; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Bluff +5, Disguise +5, Gather Information +5, Intimidate +5, Ride +5; Weapon Finesse, Dreadful Wrath, Combat Expertise, Improved Initiative, Imperious Command, Improved Trip, Leadership, Point-Blank Shot, Improved Disarm. Special Attacks and Qualities: Hexblade’s Curse 1/day (swift action, -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls for 1 hour), Ambush +3d6 (extra damage on flat-footed or flanked targets), Arcane Resistance (add Cha bonus to saves vs. spells and spell-like effects), Evasion (no damage on successful Reflex save), Fugitive’s Luck +1/+2 (bonus to AC and saves while moving). Possessions: Longbow, chain shirt, rapier.
Level 15 Brief:
A versatile combatant with strong ranged and melee capabilities, excellent saves, and powerful debuffs.
Stat Block Level 15:
Highwayman[1]: male, human Hexblade 7/Outlaw of the Crimson Road 10/Human Paragon 3; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d6+30; hp 82; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +12; Grp +11; Atk +14 melee (1d6+1/18-20, rapier) or +14 ranged (1d8/×3, longbow); Full Atk +14/+9 melee (1d6+1/18-20, rapier) or +14/+9 ranged (1d8/×3, longbow); SA Hexblade’s Curse 1/day, Ambush +5d6; SQ Arcane Resistance, Evasion, Improved Evasion, Fugitive’s Luck +3/+6, Cheat Death, Mettle, Dark Companion; AL CN; SV Fort +10, Ref +12, Will +10; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 20.
This Hexblade Highwayman[1] excels in both melee and ranged combat, with strong debuffs and stealth capabilities.
Stat Block Level 20:
Highwayman[1]: male, human Hexblade 7/Outlaw of the Crimson Road 10/Human Paragon 3; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 7d10+10d6+3d8+40; hp 150; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +15; Grp +14; Atk rapier +20 melee (1d6+1/18-20) or longbow +18 ranged (1d8+2/x3); Full Atk rapier +20/+15/+10 melee (1d6+1/18-20) or longbow +18/+13/+8 ranged (1d8+2/x3); SA Hexblade’s Curse 2/day, Ambush +5d6, Cheat Death; SQ Arcane Resistance, Mettle, Dark Companion, Evasion, Improved Evasion, Fugitive’s Luck +3/+6, Legend; AL CN; SV Fort +12, Ref +14, Will +11; Str 8, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 21.
Levels 1-7 as a Hexblade: You start honing your combat and curse abilities.
Levels 8-17 as an Outlaw of the Crimson Road: Your focus shifts to stealth and ambush tactics.
Levels 18-20 as a Human Paragon: You refine your leadership skills and charisma.
Optimizing Ability Score Advances at Key Levels
Your ability scores are the backbone of your Hexblade Highwayman’s prowess. Charisma powers your hexblade’s curses, making it a top priority. Dexterity is essential for your combat maneuvers, and Constitution keeps you standing through the toughest fights. At key levels, you should prioritize these ability scores to ensure that your curses land and your strikes hit hard.
Charisma for stronger curses and social interactions.
Dexterity for improved attack rolls and AC.
Constitution for a larger hit point pool to survive longer in combat.
Equipment Progression for the HexBlade Highwayman
Level Range
Item
Details
Why
Levels 1-5
Rapier
A finesse weapon with a +1 enhancement.
Utilizes Dexterity for attack and damage rolls, fitting the Hexblade’s low Strength.
Early Game
Chain Shirt
Light armor with a +4 armor bonus and a 20% arcane spell failure chance.
Provides good protection while maintaining mobility and minimizing arcane spell failure.
Cloak of Elvenkind
Grants a +5 competence bonus on Hide checks.
Enhances stealth capabilities.
Levels 5-10
+1 Rapier
A rapier with a +1 enhancement bonus.
Improves attack and damage rolls.
Mid Game
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 and mobility.
Bracers of Armor +2
Provides a +2 armor bonus.
Adds extra defense, especially useful if not wearing heavier armor.
Levels 10-15
+2 Rapier of Speed
A rapier with a +2 enhancement bonus and the Speed property (grants an extra attack).
Increases the number of attacks per round, enhancing combat effectiveness.
Mid-Late Game
Ring of Evasion
Grants the effects of the Evasion ability.
Allows you to avoid damage from area-of-effect spells on successful Reflex saves.
Amulet of Health +4
Increases Constitution by +4.
Boosts hit points and Fortitude saves.
Levels 15-20
+3 Rapier of Wounding
A rapier with a +3 enhancement bonus and the Wounding property (deals 1 point of Constitution damage on a hit).
Inflicts ongoing damage, weakening enemies over time.
End Game
Greater Mithral Chain Shirt
Light armor with a +5 armor bonus, reduced weight, and a 0% arcane spell failure chance.
Maximizes protection while eliminating arcane spell failure chance.
Amulet of Health +6
Increases Constitution by +6.
Maximizes hit points and Fortitude saves.
Gloves of Dexterity +6
Increases Dexterity by +6.
Maximizes attack rolls, AC, and Reflex saves.
Combat Scenarios & Strategies for the HexBlade Highwayman
Your Hexblade Highwayman[1] really comes alive during combat. You are a dangerous foe in any battle because of your combination of martial skill, cunning, and curses. Let’s look at some situations and techniques that will highlight your advantages.
Combat Scenarios
Ambush in the forest: Use your stealth to set up a surprise attack.
City chase: Leverage your agility to navigate urban environments.
Dungeon crawl: Combine curses and combat to take down monsters.
Protect the caravan: Use your leadership to coordinate the defense.
Wizard’s duel: Outsmart spellcasters with your hexblade’s curses.
Adapting Strategies to Different Enemy Types
Each enemy requires a different approach. Against armored knights, use your curses to weaken their defenses before going in for precise strikes. When facing spellcasters, close the distance quickly and disrupt their casting with well-timed attacks. And for hordes of weaker foes, use your area-of-effect abilities to take out multiple targets at once.
Combining Hexblade Curses with Ambush Attacks
Your curses are not just a prelude to combat; they’re part of your attack sequence. Cast a hex to sap your enemy’s strength, then strike from the shadows while they’re reeling. This one-two punch is often enough to end a fight before it truly begins.
Party Synergy for HexBlade Highwayman
A Hexblade Highwayman doesn’t just excel in solo combat; you’re also a valuable team player. Your abilities can complement your allies’ strengths and cover their weaknesses. Here’s how you can synergize with different party members:
Work with spellcasters to combine your curses with their spells for devastating effects.
Coordinate with tanks to flank enemies and deliver deadly sneak attacks.
Assist healers by using your mobility to protect them from harm.
Complementary Roles for Effective Group Dynamics
Your role in the party is to be the wildcard. You can adapt to any situation, whether that means taking point on an assault or hanging back to protect your allies. By understanding the strengths of your party members, you can fill in the gaps and ensure victory for all.
How to Coordinate with Spellcasters in Your Group
Spellcasters are your best friends. Coordinate with them to stack debuffs on a powerful enemy, or have them cast buffs on you to enhance your combat abilities. With a little planning, you and your arcane allies can become an unstoppable force.
Strengths & Weaknesses of the HexBlade Highwayman[1]
Weakness
Counter
Low Strength Score
– Focus on finesse weapons like a +1 Rapier to utilize Dexterity for attack and damage rolls. – Avoid brute force tactics, rely on agility and precision in combat.
Vulnerability to Area-of-Effect Spells
– Use Evasion to avoid damage from area-of-effect spells. – Maintain mobility and keep moving during combat to dodge these threats. – Equip items like Boots of Striding and Springing.
Limited Healing Abilities
– Carry Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds for personal healing. – Coordinate with party healers to receive support during combat. – Use Wand of Cure Light Wounds for additional healing.
Dependency on Surprise
– Use Stealth and Disguise skills to set up ambush opportunities. – Utilize spells like Invisibility or items like a Ring of Invisibility to enhance surprise attacks.
Charisma-Dependent
– Invest in items that boost Charisma, such as a Headband of Charisma +6. – Use spells like Eagle’s Splendor to temporarily enhance Charisma. – Protect against ability drain with Amulet of Health.
Roleplaying Themes for HexBlade Highwayman
There are plenty of roleplaying opportunities in a Hexblade Highwayman[1]’s life. You are a complicated person with a deep past and aspirations that guide every move you take; you are more than just a thief or a warrior. To make a character that is genuinely memorable, embrace these components.
Themes & RP Opportunities
The quest for revenge against a corrupt noble who wronged you.
A personal code of honor that dictates who you rob and why.
A mysterious patron who grants you your hexblade powers, for a price.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
Your character is a product of their environment. The traditions of the Hexblade Highwayman might include a specific way of speaking, a signature calling card left at the scene of a heist, or a particular style of dress that becomes synonymous with your legend.
Backstory Ideas to Connect with Hexblade Archetype
Perhaps you were once a noble yourself, cast out and seeking vengeance. Or maybe you’re a former soldier who found a new kind of power in the hexblade’s path. Whatever your backstory, let it inform your actions and decisions in the game.
Integrating Personal Goals into Campaign Narratives
Your personal goals are the heartbeat of your character. Work with your Dungeon Master to weave these goals into the campaign narrative, creating a story that’s as engaging for you as it is for the rest of your party.
FAQ for HexBlade Highwayman
What is the Role of a Hexblade Highwayman in a Party?
Being the group’s Swiss Army knife is your job. Whether you’re using your skills to overcome obstacles or controlling the battlefield with curses, you can adjust to any situation.
How Does the Hexblade’s Curse Affect Combat Dynamics?
The Hexblade’s Curse is revolutionary. It can provide you the advantage you need to defeat a foe who has been causing problems for your group, or it can make a formidable opponent more manageable.
What Are the Best Strategies Against Specific Enemy Types With This Build?
For armored foes, focus on finesse and debuffs. For casters, close the distance and disrupt their spells. And for swarms of enemies, use your area-of-effect abilities to thin the ranks.
Can You Provide Examples of Equipment Synergies for this Build?
Of course! A rapier of speed pairs well with your swift strikes, while boots of elvenkind complement your stealthy approach. Don’t forget a cloak of charisma to bolster your curses.
Rapier of Speed: Increases attack rate for quicker combat resolution.
Boots of Elvenkind: Enhances stealth for superior positioning.
Cloak of Charisma: Boosts your most crucial ability score, Charisma.
What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing a Hexblade Highwayman?
Don’t rush into combat without a plan, and don’t forget to use your curses—they’re one of your biggest advantages. Also, be mindful of your position; you’re not a tank, so don’t act like one.
Join the Adventure
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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?
As the two young noblemen made their way through the woods, they were discussing how best to approach the situation.
“I do have a friend there who could help us…” the older brother mused.
“Why do you have friends everywhere?“
“Well, I do a lot of charity work.”
“… Yeah, I bet you do…”
An arrow barely missed the younger brother’s head and hit a tree behind him with a thunk. As he unsheathed his rapier, they faced a dozen armed men, lead by an archer who was smiling at them with confidence.
“What will it be gentlemen, the purse or your lives?” He asked in an nearly noble manner.
“I thought the dwarf told us the road was safe?” Muttered the younger brother.
“Yeah, he did”, the older brother shrugged as he prepared a spell.
“I thought he owed you for that shadow dragon?“
“Yeah…” the older brother trailed off for a moment, “he also owed me for throwing him at said dragon first…“
Race
Human
Class
Hexblade(Dark Companion ACF) 7/Outlaw of the Crimson Road 10/Human Paragon 3
Mixing ranged combat, melee combat, debuffs, and stealth, you are a jack of all trades. With such a wide myriad of capabilities at your hand, you’re able to handle many situations without much effort.
If you manage to get a surprise round, you can down an enemy rapidly with your Ambush ability. Additionally, your saves are almost untouchable.
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