A powerful melee combatant with high saves and strong debuff abilities.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed: male, Dark Elf Hexblade 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 1d10+2; hp 12; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +1; Grp +6; Atk Longsword +6 melee (1d8+5/19-20) or Shield Bash +6 melee (1d4+5); Full Atk Longsword +6 melee (1d8+5/19-20) or Shield Bash +6 melee (1d4+5); SA Hexblade’s Curse 1/day, Dreadful Wrath; SQ Darkvision 60 ft., Spell Resistance 11, Arcane Resistance; AL CE; SV Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +4; Str 20, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 20.
Skills and Feats:
Hide +5, Knowledge (Religion) +2; Power Attack, Cleave, Dreadful Wrath. Special Attacks and Qualities: Hexblade’s Curse 1/day (swift action, -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks, and skill checks for 1 hour), Dreadful Wrath (enemies within 20 ft. must make a Will save or be shaken for 1 minute when you charge, full attack, or cast a spell). Possessions: Longsword, Shield, best armor available.
Level 5 Brief:
High saves, strong melee, debuffs enemies.
Stat Block Level 5:
Ravenous Lord: male, Dark Elf Lolth-Touched Hexblade 6/Paladin of Slaughter 4/Blackguard 10; CR 5; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 5d10+10; hp 37; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 11, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +5; Grp +10; Atk Longsword +10 melee (1d8+5/19-20) or Shield Bash +10 melee (1d4+5); Full Atk Longsword +10 melee (1d8+5/19-20) and Shield Bash +10 melee (1d4+5); SA Hexblade’s Curse 1/day, Smite Good 1/day; SQ Arcane Resistance, Mettle, Aura of Evil, Detect Good, Divine Grace, Deadly Touch; AL CE; SV Fort +12, Ref +6, Will +8; Str 20, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 20.
Skills and Feats:
Hide +5, Knowledge (Religion) +2; Power Attack, Cleave, Dreadful Wrath, Improved Sunder, Imperious Command. Special Attacks and Qualities: Hexblade’s Curse 1/day (–2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks), Smite Good 1/day (+4 attack, +5 damage), Arcane Resistance (Cha bonus to saves vs. spells), Mettle (negate effects on successful Fort/Will save), Aura of Evil (detectable by Detect Evil), Detect Good (at will), Divine Grace (Cha bonus to saves), Deadly Touch (5 points). Possessions: Longsword, Shield, best armor available.
Level 10 Brief:
Spell resistance, debuffing, and high saves make this build a tough melee combatant. Because of its superior offensive and defensive capabilities, it is a dangerous foe for both caster and melee opponents.
Stat Block Level 10:
Ravenous Lord: male, Dark Elf Lolth-Touched Hexblade 6/Paladin of Slaughter 4; CR 10; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 10d10+20; hp 80; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 22, touch 11, flat-footed 21; Base Atk +10; Grp +15; Atk Longsword +15 melee (1d8+5/19-20) or Shield Bash +14 melee (1d4+5); Full Atk Longsword +15/+10 melee (1d8+5/19-20) and Shield Bash +14 melee (1d4+5); SA Hexblade’s Curse 1/day, Smite Good 3/day, Poison Use; SQ Arcane Resistance, Mettle, Dark Companion, Aura of Evil, Detect Good, Divine Grace, Deadly Touch, Debilitating Aura, Divine Health, Rebuke Undead, Dark Blessing, Command Undead, Aura of Despair; AL CE; SV Fort +15, Ref +8, Will +10; Str 20, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 20.
Skills and Feats:
Hide +5, Knowledge (Religion) +2; Power Attack, Cleave, Dreadful Wrath, Improved Sunder, Imperious Command, At Home in the Deep. Special Attacks and Qualities: Hexblade’s Curse 1/day (DC 20), Smite Good 3/day (+4 attack, +10 damage), Poison Use, Arcane Resistance (Cha bonus to saves vs. spells), Mettle (evasion for Fort and Will saves), Dark Companion (adjacent enemies -2 to saves and AC), Aura of Evil, Detect Good, Divine Grace (Cha bonus to all saves), Deadly Touch (10 points), Debilitating Aura (enemies within 10 ft. -1 to attacks, saves, and skill checks), Divine Health (immune to disease), Rebuke Undead, Dark Blessing (Cha bonus to saves), Command Undead, Aura of Despair (enemies within 10 ft. -2 to saves). Possessions: Longsword, Shield, best armor available.
Level 15 Brief:
This build excels in melee combat with high saves, spell resistance, and debuffing abilities.
Stat Block Level 15:
Ravenous Lord: male, Dark Elf Lolth-Touched Hexblade(Dark Companion ACF) 6/Paladin of Slaughter 4/Blackguard 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 15d10+30; hp 120; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 25, touch 11, flat-footed 24; Base Atk +15; Grp +20; Atk +20 melee (1d8+7/19-20, longsword) or +15 ranged (1d8+5, longbow); Full Atk +20/+15/+10 melee (1d8+7/19-20, longsword) or +15/+10/+5 ranged (1d8+5, longbow); SA Hexblade’s Curse 2/Day, Smite Good 4/Day, Sneak Attack +2d6, Poison Use; SQ Arcane Resistance, Mettle, Dark Companion, Aura of Evil, Detect Good, Divine Grace, Deadly Touch, Debilitating Aura, Divine Health, Rebuke Undead, Dark Blessing, Command Undead, Aura of Despair, Fiendish Servant; AL CE; SV Fort +18, Ref +10, Will +13; Str 20, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 20.
Skills and Feats:
Hide +5, Knowledge (Religion) +2; Power Attack, Cleave, Dreadful Wrath, Improved Sunder, Imperious Command, At Home in the Deep, Darkstalker, Craven. Special Attacks and Qualities: Hexblade’s Curse 2/Day, Smite Good 4/Day, Sneak Attack +2d6, Poison Use, Arcane Resistance, Mettle, Dark Companion, Aura of Evil, Detect Good, Divine Grace, Deadly Touch, Debilitating Aura, Divine Health, Rebuke Undead, Dark Blessing, Command Undead, Aura of Despair, Fiendish Servant. Possessions: Longsword, Shield, best armor available.
Level 20 Brief:
This build is a tanky melee powerhouse with high saves, spell resistance, and debuffing abilities.
Stat Block Level 20:
Ravenous Lord: male, Dark Elf Lolth-Touched Hexblade 6/Paladin of Slaughter 4/Blackguard 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 20d10+40; hp 190; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 30, touch 11, flat-footed 29; Base Atk +20; Grp +25; Atk +27 melee (1d8+7/19-20, longsword) or +21 ranged (1d8+5, longbow); Full Atk +27/+22/+17/+12 melee (1d8+7/19-20, longsword) or +21/+16/+11/+6 ranged (1d8+5, longbow); SA Hexblade’s Curse 2/day, Smite Good 5/day, Sneak Attack +3d6, Poison Use; SQ Arcane Resistance, Mettle, Dark Companion, Aura of Evil, Detect Good, Divine Grace, Deadly Touch, Debilitating Aura, Divine Health, Rebuke Undead, Dark Blessing, Command Undead, Aura of Despair, Fiendish Servant; AL CE; SV Fort +22, Ref +12, Will +15; Str 20, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 20.
Skills and Feats:
Hide +5, Knowledge (Religion) +2; Power Attack, Cleave, Dreadful Wrath, Improved Sunder, Imperious Command, At Home in the Deep, Darkstalker, Craven, Gloom Strike, Combat Casting. Special Attacks and Qualities: Hexblade’s Curse 2/day, Smite Good 5/day, Sneak Attack +3d6, Poison Use, Arcane Resistance, Mettle, Dark Companion, Aura of Evil, Detect Good, Divine Grace, Deadly Touch, Debilitating Aura, Divine Health, Rebuke Undead, Dark Blessing, Command Undead, Aura of Despair, Fiendish Servant. Possessions: Longsword, Shield, best armor available.
Critical Milestones of Level Distribution
Levels 1-6: Focusing on Hexblade for foundational curses and combat abilities
Levels 7-10: Paladin of Slaughter levels introduce smite and aura abilities
Levels 11-20: Blackguard levels bolster offensive power with sneak attacks and poison use
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Item
Details
Why
Initial Levels
Longsword
A reliable melee weapon with a +1 enhancement for accuracy and damage.
Provides solid offense for early combat.
(Levels 1-5)
Shield
Basic shield with a +1 enhancement.
Adds necessary defense, increasing AC.
Cloak of Charisma +2
Increases Charisma by +2.
Enhances spellcasting, curses, and smites effectiveness.
Mid-Game Gear
Flaming Longsword
Longsword with a +1 enhancement and flaming property, dealing an additional 1d6 fire damage.
Adds elemental damage to surprise and harm foes.
(Levels 5-10)
Mithral Breastplate
Light armor with a +5 armor bonus, reduced weight, and a 15% arcane spell failure chance.
Offers superior protection while maintaining low spell failure chance and mobility.
Ring of Protection +2
Provides a +2 deflection bonus to AC.
Enhances overall defense.
Advanced Arsenal
Vorpal Longsword
Longsword with a +3 enhancement and vorpal property, decapitating foes on a critical hit (natural 20).
Adds a powerful and potentially game-changing ability in combat.
(Levels 10-15)
Adamantine Full Plate
Heavy armor with a +8 armor bonus, damage reduction 3/-.
Offers maximum protection with additional damage reduction.
Cloak of Resistance +3
Provides a +3 resistance bonus on all saving throws.
Enhances resilience against spells and effects.
Endgame Equipment
Artifact Longsword
Longsword with a +5 enhancement and additional properties such as keen, holy avenger, or bane against specific enemy types.
Maximizes offensive capabilities and provides situational advantages.
(Levels 15-20)
Shield of Fortification +5
Shield with a +5 enhancement and a 75% chance to negate critical hits and sneak attacks.
Provides superior defense and protection against critical hits and sneak attacks.
Amulet of Health +6
Increases Constitution by +6.
Maximizes hit points and Fortitude saves.
Robe of the Archmagi
Provides spell resistance, a +5 resistance bonus on all saving throws, and a +4 armor bonus.
Offers significant protection and boosts spellcasting power.
Combat Scenarios
Mastering Dungeon Crawls
Navigate the Shadows
Utilize your Dark Companion to scout and create opportunities.
Use Hexblade’s Curse on the most formidable enemies to tip the scales in your favor.
Combine curses with powerful melee attacks to ensure swift victories.
Dominating Open Fields
Element of Surprise
Use your Hide skill to blend into the environment and wait for the perfect moment to strike.
Begin with a decisive charge using Dreadful Wrath to instill terror.
Strategic Positioning
Stay mobile and use your Dark Companion to obstruct the enemy’s line of sight.
Avoid getting surrounded by using the terrain to funnel enemies into traps.
Surviving and Winning Ambushes
Utilize Mettle
Shrug off crippling effects with your Mettle ability.
Lessen the impact of enemy spells using your arcane resistance.
Turn the Tide
Use Hexblade’s Curse to weaken attackers.
Rely on your combat skills to carve a path to safety.
Defensive Stands
Maximize Damage
Use Power Attack and Cleave to deal significant damage and take down multiple enemies.
Employ your shield for both defense and bashing to control combat flow.
Aura of Evil
Sap the strength of good-aligned foes with your aura.
Make enemies think twice before facing you head-on.
Urban Encounters
Stay Unseen
Use Darkstalker feat to remain unseen until you strike.
Utilize the urban landscape to ambush unsuspecting targets.
Control the Environment
Climb, jump, and dart through shadows to maintain the element of surprise.
Use Gloom Strike to attack even in well-lit areas.
Plan Escape Routes
Anticipate and disrupt city guards or temple paladins using your knowledge of religion.
Turn sewers and catacombs into your domain for strategic advantages.
Always have an escape route planned to vanish into the shadows after delivering devastating blows.
Party Synergy
While the Ravenous Lord[1] may seem like a lone wolf, your power is amplified when working with a group. Your ability to debuff enemies and absorb damage makes you an invaluable member of any adventuring party. Communicate with your allies to coordinate attacks and maximize the effectiveness of your hexes and curses.
Hexblade’s Curse softens up targets for your allies’ attacks
Dreadful Wrath can cause enemies to falter, giving your team the upper hand
Dark Companion can serve as a distraction, allowing allies to position themselves strategically
For your party to thrive, it’s crucial to understand each member’s strengths. As the Ravenous Lord[1], you can lead the charge or support your team with debuffs and control abilities. Your versatility on the battlefield allows you to adapt to any role your group needs in the heat of battle.
Effective Combat Role Assignments
Assign combat roles based on the situation and the composition of your party. If you have a sturdy frontline, take on the role of disruptor, using your abilities to control the battlefield. If your party lacks a tank, step up to absorb damage and protect your allies.
Ensure that your party knows to capitalize on the openings you create. When you use your Hexblade’s Curse, signal your allies to focus their attacks on the cursed enemy. Communication is key—let your allies know your plans so they can prepare their spells and abilities accordingly.
Strategic Positioning in Party Formations
Positioning can make or break a battle. As the Ravenous Lord[1], you should be near the front lines, but not so far ahead that you can’t retreat to safety if needed. Keep your casters and ranged allies behind you, using your presence to shield them from harm.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Weakness
Counter
Susceptibility to Holy Damage
– Seek items or spells that grant resistance to holy damage, such as an Amulet of Proof against Detection and Location or Cloak of Resistance. – Use spells like Protection from Good for temporary relief.
Limited Ranged Options
– Coordinate with ranged party members to cover this weakness. – Carry a few ranged weapons like a Composite Longbow or Throwing Daggers for versatility.
Vulnerability to Crowd Control
– Increase your saves with gear like a Cloak of Resistance +3. – Be ready to use spells or items that grant freedom of movement, such as a Ring of Freedom of Movement or the Freedom of Movement spell.
Reliance on Charisma for Abilities
– Invest in items that boost Charisma, such as a Headband of Charisma +6. – Protect against ability drain with items like an Amulet of Health or Periapt of Proof against Poison.
Can Be Overwhelmed by Numbers
– Use terrain to your advantage by positioning in chokepoints or higher ground. – Employ your Dark Companion to debuff enemies and control the flow of combat.
Roleplaying Themes
The Hexblade Ravenous Lord is not just a collection of stats and abilities—it’s a character with a rich backstory and personal motivations. Embrace the dark themes and let them influence your interactions and decisions in-game.
Themes & RP Opportunities
Embrace the dark elf heritage and the favor of Lolth in your roleplay
Use your intimidating presence to influence NPCs and shape the story
Explore the conflict between your character’s ambitions and the party’s goals
Incorporating Backstory into Gameplay
Perhaps she was once a noble in the Drow hierarchy, cast out and seeking revenge. Or maybe they are a devout follower of Lolth, executing her will with every curse and strike. Use these stories to inform how you interact with the world and your party members.
the Ravenous Lord[1] is renowned for its ability to debilitate foes with curses and strike fear into their hearts. This build is a master of psychological warfare, using Dreadful Wrath to shake enemies before engaging them with enhanced melee prowess. Their combat style is aggressive and calculated, making each move count.
The Ravenous Lord[1] frequently assumes the lead in talks and negotiations regarding strategy, making him a formidable presence. Although they are capable of manipulation and mistrust, they also understand the importance of allies. Though they can develop close relationships with those who show themselves worthy, their interactions are frequently tinged with the Drow’s icy pragmatism.
the Ravenous Lord[1]’s strength and decisiveness can be an advantage to any party, even though they might not be the most diplomatic, particularly in circumstances that call for a firm hand or an intimidating front.
Can the Ravenous Lord[1] be effective in a campaign that is not Drow or Underdark themed?
The skills and strategies of the Ravenous Lord[1] are adaptable enough to flourish in any environment. This build’s special combination of dark magic and martial skill will always come in handy, whether you’re fighting monsters in a high-fantasy setting or navigating the political intrigue of a city.
It’s important to modify the character’s past and goals to align with the campaign’s theme, making sure that the Ravenous Lord[1]’s sinister ancestry speaks to their interactions and actions in a way that enhances the narrative.
What are some creative strategies for using the Ravenous Lord[1] build’s unique abilities?
Creativity in combat is one of the Ravenous Lord[1]’s strengths. Use the environment to your advantage, employing shadows and structures to set up ambushes. Combine your Hexblade’s Curse with area-of-effect spells from allies to devastate groups of enemies. And don’t forget to use your Dreadful Wrath to control the battlefield, making foes hesitate and falter at critical moments.
Outside of combat, leverage your dark presence for more than just intimidation. You can also use it to protect allies or as a distraction, allowing the party to execute complex plans with you as the focal point.
How can a new player get started with creating a the Ravenous Lord[1] character?
Starting with the Ravenous Lord[1] build can seem daunting, but it’s all about understanding the basics. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the Hexblade class features, then delve into the additional abilities granted by Paladin of Slaughter and Blackguard levels. Choose feats and gear that complement your combat style, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from more experienced players or online communities.
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Share experiences and strategies
Participate in discussions and events
Now that you’re armed with knowledge about the Ravenous Lord[1] build, why not take the next step and join a community of like-minded players? You’ll find camaraderie, support, and a wealth of shared wisdom to help you bring your Hexblade to life.
Benefits of Joining the Stellar Dragons Discord
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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 they left the man’s house, they noticed the fire burning at the edge of town.
There was a tide of people fleeing in a complete panic. The group made their way towards the flames and it became clear there was more going on. Breaking through the crowd, they saw a dark elf in yet darker armor slaughtering the townguard.
“Already?” Said the elder brother as he prepared one of his most potent spells. With a swift motion, he launched it at the drow – the Finger of Death …only to have no effect whatsoever.
“What now?” Asked their friend, as the younger brother pulled his rapier.
“We fight, that’s what.“
Race
Dark Elf
Class
Lolth-Touched Hexblade(Dark Companion ACF) 6/Paladin of Slaughter 4/Blackguard 10 (3 LA Buyback)
Ability Scores
Str 20/Dex 12/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 14/Cha 20
Skills
Hide 5, Knowledge(Religion) 2
Equipment
Longsword, Shield and the best armor you can afford.
Flaws
Shaky, Inattentive
Goal
Your saves are so high you might as well be immune to magic. Add to that your Spell Resistance, your high HP, your lower stratosphere AC, and your ability to throw darkness around. Not to mention your ability to debuff enemies in melee with your Aura of Despair, Dark Companion and more.
Ultimately, not even the best melee builds really want to fight you head on, and casters can’t do much against you either.
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