Can Hexblade’s Curse Be Moved? A Deep Dive into Warlock Mechanics
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is: Yes, Hexblade’s Curse can be moved under specific conditions, but not by default. The core ability, granted by the Hexblade warlock subclass, only works on one target at a time and cannot be simply shifted from one foe to another. However, the Hexblade’s 14th-level feature, “Master of Hexes,” allows you to spread the curse after a target is slain. This crucial distinction is vital to understanding how this powerful ability works in D&D 5e.
Before diving into the nuances, it’s critical to grasp the fundamental mechanics of Hexblade’s Curse. As a Hexblade warlock, you can use a bonus action to curse one creature within 30 feet of you. This cursed creature then suffers additional damage from your attacks, and you gain a bonus to damage rolls against it. This curse typically lasts for 1 minute or until the cursed creature dies, you die, or you are incapacitated.
Understanding the Mechanics: Master of Hexes
The key to moving Hexblade’s Curse lies with the Master of Hexes feature, obtained at level 14. This feature allows you to, as a reaction, spread your curse from a recently slain creature to a new target. Here’s how it works:
- Trigger: When a creature under the effect of your Hexblade’s Curse dies, you can use your reaction to immediately transfer the curse to another creature within 30 feet of the now-deceased original target.
- New Target: You choose a new creature to be cursed, and the effects of the Hexblade’s Curse immediately apply to this new target.
- Timing: Crucially, this transfer is a reaction, meaning you can perform it outside of your normal turn. This can drastically enhance the Hexblade’s effectiveness in a fast-paced encounter.
- Duration: The new application of the curse has its full duration of 1 minute unless broken by the target’s death, your death, or your incapacitation. It does not reset from the previous application.
This is not just a simple shifting of the curse. It’s a reapplication, albeit a triggered one. Therefore, the new creature is cursed as if you had just applied the curse to it anew, within the original parameters of the ability, for a full minute duration.
The Importance of Master of Hexes
Master of Hexes significantly enhances the Hexblade’s staying power in combat, particularly against multiple enemies. Without this ability, the Hexblade’s curse would only benefit you against a single target for a short time, and require you to reapply on another target as a bonus action. However, with Master of Hexes, the Hexblade can efficiently move from target to target as enemies fall, allowing the Hexblade to maintain consistent damage output with fewer bonus action expenditures. This gives the Hexblade a strategic advantage when facing waves of weaker enemies or focusing down key threats.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion about moving the Hexblade’s Curse stems from the fact that the core ability, used at lower levels, cannot be moved and is restricted to one target at a time. This can lead to players misinterpreting the Master of Hexes ability as being the same as the original curse but moved rather than a reapplication of the curse. Without the 14th-level feature, it’s simply not possible to shift the curse. The 14th level ability makes the Hexblade’s curse very dynamic.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hexblade’s Curse
To further clarify the ins and outs of Hexblade’s Curse, here are 15 frequently asked questions, answered in detail:
1. Can Hexblade’s Curse be moved at lower levels?
No, at levels lower than 14th, Hexblade’s Curse can only affect one target at a time, and it cannot be moved or transferred to a new target before its duration ends (unless the target dies).
2. Does using Master of Hexes reset the 1 minute timer of the curse?
No. The Master of Hexes feature reapplies the curse to a new target, and the 1-minute timer starts for this new target. The timer from the previous target does not carry over. This allows the full duration on the new creature.
3. How many times can I use Hexblade’s Curse per day?
The number of times you can use Hexblade’s Curse per day increases as you level. At level 1, it’s once per day; level 5, twice per day; level 9, three times per day; level 13, four times per day; and at level 17, five times per day. You also add your Charisma modifier to this total, showing why Charisma is the most important ability score for the Hexblade Warlock.
4. Can I have Hex and Hexblade’s Curse on the same target?
Yes, you can. However, both Hex and Hexblade’s Curse require a bonus action to use. You can only use one bonus action per turn. The most common method is to have hex up from a previous turn, allowing you to cast Hexblade’s Curse in the current turn.
5. Does Hexblade’s Curse apply to all damage rolls?
Yes, Hexblade’s Curse applies to all damage rolls, not just attacks. This means spells and abilities that deal damage will benefit from the curse.
6. Does Hexblade’s Curse work on Eldritch Blast?
Yes, Hexblade’s Curse works on Eldritch Blast. The proficiency bonus from Hexblade’s Curse is applied once to the total damage roll, not to each individual ray of the Eldritch Blast. This is due to the fact that the Hexblade’s curse is a modifier to damage rolls and not an individual source of damage.
7. Can you use Hexblade’s Curse while raging as a multiclass?
Yes, you can use Hexblade’s Curse while raging, however, you only benefit from the Rage bonuses on Strength-based attacks. Therefore, the combination has diminishing returns unless you are a melee-focused Hexblade.
8. Does Hexblade’s Curse work on spells?
Yes, Hexblade’s Curse applies to any damage roll, including spells. This makes it very versatile as it is not restricted to weapon damage.
9. How long does Hexblade’s Curse last?
Hexblade’s Curse lasts for 1 minute or until the target dies, you die, or you become incapacitated. The curse ends early under those circumstances.
10. Can Dispell Magic remove Hexblade’s Curse?
No, Dispel Magic does not work on Hexblade’s Curse. You must use the Remove Curse spell to eliminate the curse effect.
11. Can a Hexblade turn a greatsword into a pact weapon?
Yes, the Pact of the Blade feature allows you to turn any weapon into your pact weapon, including two-handed weapons like a greatsword.
12. Should a Hexblade always take Eldritch Blast?
Eldritch Blast is extremely potent for any Warlock, and the Hexblade is no exception. The Agonizing Blast invocation enhances this cantrip to such an extent that it is almost a must-have.
13. Can a Hexblade cast spells with a shield?
Yes, a Hexblade can cast spells with a shield, provided they use a spellcasting focus (such as a holy symbol) and have that focus in hand. The hand holding the shield can also perform somatic spell components, and allow you to still use weapons in your other hand.
14. Can a Hexblade be charmed while raging?
No, a barbarian’s Rage feature prevents being charmed or frightened while raging. Additionally, if you are already charmed or frightened when you enter rage, the effect is suspended for the duration of the rage.
15. Does Hexblade’s Curse require concentration?
No, Hexblade’s Curse does not require concentration. This allows the Hexblade to use this ability in conjunction with concentration spells, making for very potent builds.
Conclusion
Hexblade’s Curse is a powerful and versatile feature for any Hexblade Warlock, with the ability to transfer its power with Master of Hexes at later levels. Understanding when and how this curse can be moved and the rules of its use, empowers players to maximize its effectiveness on the battlefield. Make sure that you carefully consider all of these parameters when creating your Hexblade and in using its abilities.