Combining the dynamic powers of martial prowess and arcane might, the hexblade presents a deadly challenge to opponents unused to such a foe. The hexblade balances talents in combat and arcane spellcasting.
Though a capable melee combatant, the hexblade relies on opportunistic use of his spells and special abilities to augment this role in the group. A hexblade with the proper skill selection can make a fine leader for a group comfortable with his style.
Hexblade spellcasting is based on Charisma.
This is a base class. It will be unable to qualify for prestige classes that expect a certain arcane level or caster level. It will qualify for Dragon Disciple.
Alignment: Any nongood.
Class Features
HD: d10
BAB: High
High Saves: Fort, Will
Weapon proficiency: Simple and Martial.
Armor proficiency: Light (no shields).
Class Skills: Bluff, Concentration, Craft Armor, Craft Weapon, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Lore, Tumble, and Spellcraft.
Skill points: 2 + Int modifier
Class Abilities
Level 1: Hexblade's Curse 1/day, Armored Caster (Light Armor)
Level 2: Arcane Resistance
Level 3: Mettle
Level 4: Dark Companion
Level 5: Bonus Feat, Hexblade's Curse 2/day
Level 6:
Level 7: Greater Hexblade's Curse
Level 8:
Level 9: Hexblade's Curse 3/day
Level 10: Bonus Feat
Level 11:
Level 12: Aura of Unluck 1/day
Level 13: Hexblade's Curse 4/day
Level 14:
Level 15: Bonus Feat
Level 16: Aura of Unluck 2/day
Level 17: Hexblade's Curse 5/day
Level 18:
Level 19: Dire Hexblade's Curse
Level 20: Aura of Unluck 3/day, Bonus Feat
Level 21: Hexblade's Curse 6/day
Level 22:
Level 23: Bonus Epic Feat
Level 24: Aura of Unluck 4/day
Level 25: Hexblade's Curse 7/day, Bonus Feat
Level 26: Bonus Epic Feat
Level 27:
Level 28: Aura of Unluck 5/day
Level 29: Hexblade's Curse 8/day, Bonus Epic Feat
Level 30: Bonus Feat
Hexblades gain a bonus epic feat at 23rd, 26th, and 29th level.
Spells per Day (Charisma based for bonus spells)
1st Level: 0 at 4th, 1 at 6th, 2 at 14th, 3 at 18th
2nd Level: 0 at 8th, 1 at 10th, 2 at 16th, 3 at 19th
3rd Level: 0 at 11th, 1 at 12th, 2 at 17th, 3 at 19th
4th Level: 0 at 14th, 1 at 15th, 2 at 19th, 3 at 20th
5 Spells are known at each level and are spontaneously cast.
Level 1 spells: Expeditious Retreat, Identify, Mage Burr, Protection from Evil, Sleep
Level 2 spells: Magical Backlash, Eagle's Splendor, Glitterdust, Invisibility, Mirror Image
Level 3 spells: Greater Magic Weapon, Hound of Doom, Protection from Energy, Slow, Vampiric Touch
Level 4 spells: Assay Spell Resistance, Enervation, Greater Invisibility, Spell Theft, Shadow Form
Hexblade's Curse: Once per day, a hexblade can unleash a curse upon a foe. The target of a hexblade's curse takes a -2 penalty on attacks, saves, skill checks, and armor class rolls for 1 hour. A successful Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 hexblade's class level + hexblade's Cha modifier) negates the effect.
At every four levels beyond 1st (5th, 9th, 13th, 17th, 21st, 25th, and 29th) a hexblade gains the ability to use his curse one additional time per day. Multiple hexblade's curses do not stack and is removed with a Remove Curse spell.
Arcane Resistance: At 2nd level, a hexblade gains a bonus equal to his base Charisma bonus (minimum +1) on saving throws against spells.
Mettle: At 3rd level and higher, a hexblade can resist magical and unusual attacks with great willpower and gains a +4 bonus on Fort and Will saving throws.
Dark Companion: In combat, a dark companion functions like a floating hex that you place upon your foes. By weakening the defenses of enemies, your dark companion makes your spells and attacks (and those of your allies) more powerful.
Any enemy adjacent to you takes a -2 penalty on its saves and to its AC. This penalty stacks with the hexblades curse abilities.
Bonus Feats: At 5th level, and every five levels (10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, and 30th), a hexblade gains a bonus feat, which must be selected from the following list: Combat Casting, Epic Spell Focus (enchantment, necromancy, or transmutation), Epic Spell Penetration, Greater Spell Focus (enchantment, necromancy, or transmutation), Greater Spell Penetration, Spell Focus (enchantment, necromancy, or transmutation), and Spell Penetration.
Greater Hexblade's Curse: When a hexblade attains 7th level, the penalty on attacks, saves, skill checks, and armor class rolls incurred by a target of the hexblade's curse becomes -4 instead of -2.
Aura of Unluck: Once per day, a hexblade of 12th level or higher can create a baleful aura of misfortune. Any melee or ranged attack made against the hexblade while this aura of unluck is active has a 20% miss chance (similar to the effect of concealment). The aura lasts for a number of rounds equal to 4 + the hexblade's Charisma bonus (if any).
At 16th level and every four levels after that (20th, 24th, and 28th) the hexblade gains an additional use of the aura.
Dire Hexblade's Curse: When a hexblade attains 19th level, the penalty on attacks, saves, skill checks, and armor class rolls incurred by a target of the hexblade's curse becomes -6 instead of -4.
New feats for the class:
Ability Focus (Hexblade's Curse)
Extra Hexblade Curse (+2 uses/day)
Extra Aura of Unluck (+2 uses/day)
Practiced Caster (Hexblade)
