Can Hexblade Be Longsword? Unleashing the Shadow’s Edge
Yes, a Hexblade Warlock can absolutely use a longsword. The Hexblade’s unique abilities allow them to channel their patron’s power through specific weapons, making them formidable in melee combat. The key lies in understanding the Hex Warrior feature and the Pact of the Blade boon. The longsword becomes a conduit for your Charisma-fueled attacks, transforming you into a potent force on the battlefield, regardless of how you wield it. You can choose a weapon to be linked to your Hex Warrior or make it your Pact Weapon.
Unraveling the Hexblade and Longsword Synergy
The Hexblade Warlock is all about blending martial prowess with arcane might. Understanding how the longsword fits into this picture requires a closer look at the class’s core features.
Hex Warrior: Charisma is King
At 1st level, the Hex Warrior feature allows you to choose one weapon with which you are proficient. This weapon can be a single-handed weapon. From that point forward, you can use your Charisma modifier for attack and damage rolls with that weapon instead of Strength or Dexterity. This is HUGE. It allows Warlocks to focus on Charisma, their primary casting stat, and still be effective in melee. The longsword, a versatile martial weapon, slots perfectly into this role.
Pact of the Blade: A Bond Forged in Shadows
At 3rd level, if you choose the Pact of the Blade, you gain the ability to summon a pact weapon. This weapon can take the form of any melee weapon you are proficient with, including a longsword. Furthermore, the weapon is considered magical for the purpose of overcoming resistances and immunities to nonmagical attacks and damage. Improved Pact Weapon invocation further enhances this. If your longsword is your pact weapon, you can use your Charisma modifier for attack and damage rolls, regardless of whether you had selected the longsword as the weapon for your Hex Warrior feature or not.
How it Works in Practice: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Character Creation: Choose the Hexblade Warlock subclass.
- Level 1 (Hex Warrior): Select a longsword as your Hex Warrior weapon. This allows you to use Charisma for attack and damage rolls with it.
- Level 3 (Pact of the Blade): Choose Pact of the Blade as your pact boon. You can now summon a longsword as your pact weapon.
- Combat: Wield your longsword and unleash your Charisma-fueled attacks!
Why Choose a Longsword as a Hexblade?
- Versatility: The longsword is a versatile weapon that can be wielded in one or two hands, offering flexibility in combat.
- Damage: Its 1d8 slashing damage (or 1d10 when wielded with two hands) is respectable and consistent.
- Accessibility: Longswords are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
FAQs: Hexblades, Longswords, and Shadowy Pacts
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the synergy between Hexblades and longswords:
1. Can a Hexblade use a two-handed longsword?
Yes, absolutely! The Hex Warrior feature applies regardless of how you wield the weapon (one-handed or two-handed). If you make the weapon your Pact Weapon, you can wield it with two hands.
2. Can a Hexblade dual wield longswords?
While cool in theory, Hexblades typically focus on maximizing their Charisma modifier with a single powerful weapon. However, the Hex Warrior feature only applies to one chosen weapon. Therefore, if you are using two longswords, only one of those could use your Charisma for attack and damage rolls. In addition, you would have to use your Bonus Action in combat to attack with the second sword if you have the Dual Wielder feat or have chosen the Two-Weapon Fighting style.
3. Does the Hexblade have to use Pact of the Blade to use a longsword effectively?
Not necessarily. The Hex Warrior feature allows you to use a longsword effectively from level 1, regardless of your pact choice. However, Pact of the Blade offers additional benefits, such as summoning the weapon and making it magical.
4. Can I choose a different weapon for Hex Warrior and Pact of the Blade?
Yes, you can. You could, for example, choose a rapier for your Hex Warrior feature at level 1 and then summon a longsword as your pact weapon at level 3.
5. Can a Hexblade use a magical longsword?
Absolutely! If you find a magical longsword, you can use it as your Hex Warrior weapon or bind it as your pact weapon (which you can then summon). Binding a magic weapon as your Pact Weapon keeps the weapon’s magical properties and provides the benefits of your Pact of the Blade.
6. Can a Hexblade use a longbow?
A Hexblade can use a longbow, but there are some limitations. By RAW, the Hex Warrior feature only applies to melee weapons. An exception may be made if you make the longbow your Pact Weapon, only after bonding a magical longbow through the proper ritual. Without doing this, it requires additional invocations.
7. What happens if my Hex Warrior longsword is destroyed?
If your Hex Warrior longsword is destroyed, you can choose another weapon during a long rest.
8. Can I use the Great Weapon Master feat with a longsword as a Hexblade?
Yes, you can, if you wield the longsword with two hands. The Great Weapon Master feat works with any heavy weapon you are proficient with and wield with two hands.
9. Can Hexblade’s Curse be used with a longsword?
Yes! Hexblade’s Curse is a fantastic ability that enhances your damage output with any weapon, including a longsword.
10. Is Hexblade the best Warlock subclass for melee combat?
Hexblade is definitely a top contender for the best melee Warlock subclass. Its Charisma-based attacks and bonus proficiencies make it exceptionally well-suited for front-line combat.
11. Can a Hexblade use Shadow Blade with a longsword?
A Hexblade can use both Shadow Blade and a longsword. However, note that the Shadow Blade spell does not scale with Charisma, and the spell only states it does 2d8 psychic damage.
12. Is the Hexblade patron evil?
The Hexblade patron is generally considered to be a powerful entity connected to the Shadowfell, but its alignment can vary. Hexblades themselves are not inherently evil and can be any alignment.
13. Can a Hexblade use a shield while wielding a longsword?
Yes, a Hexblade can use a shield while wielding a longsword, provided they are wielding the longsword in one hand.
14. What are the best races for a Hexblade using a longsword?
Races with a bonus to Charisma, such as Half-Elves and Tieflings, are excellent choices for Hexblades.
15. Where can I learn more about gaming and education?
You can explore the intersection of gaming and education at the Games Learning Society website. You will learn more about video games and education at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Embrace the Shadow
The Hexblade Warlock is a compelling class that allows you to become a master of both martial combat and arcane magic. The longsword, with its versatility and accessibility, is a fantastic choice for a Hexblade’s weapon. By understanding the Hex Warrior feature and the Pact of the Blade boon, you can unleash the shadow’s edge and become a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Whether you choose a magical blade or summon one from the ethereal plane, the longsword will be your faithful companion as you carve your destiny in the world.