Unlocking the Synergies: Hex and Eldritch Cannon in D&D 5E
The short answer is a resounding yes. Hex absolutely works with the Eldritch Cannon in D&D 5E, specifically with the Force Ballista option. When the Force Ballista hits a creature cursed by Hex, the extra necrotic damage from Hex is applied. This potent combination makes for a surprisingly effective damage-dealing tactic, especially for characters dipping into Warlock or those leveraging multiple damage riders. Let’s delve into why this works, explore the nuances, and answer some frequently asked questions surrounding this fascinating synergy.
Understanding the Mechanics: Hex and Eldritch Cannon
To fully grasp how Hex and Eldritch Cannon interact, it’s essential to understand the specific wording of each ability.
Hex: A Warlock’s Curse
The Hex spell states that you deal an extra 1d6 necrotic damage “whenever you hit the cursed creature with an attack.” The crucial phrase here is “hit… with an attack.” This triggers the additional damage. Hex does not require you to be the one making the attack, only that the cursed target is hit by one.
Eldritch Cannon: Artificer’s Turret
The Eldritch Cannon, an Artificer class feature, allows you to create a magical turret. One of the cannon’s functions is the Force Ballista. This option states that you can use a bonus action to make a “ranged spell attack” with the cannon. The cannon makes an attack roll using your spellcasting ability modifier (Intelligence for Artificers).
The Synergy: Bringing it all Together
The Force Ballista is a ranged spell attack. When this attack hits a creature cursed by Hex, you are effectively hitting the cursed creature with an attack. Therefore, the extra 1d6 necrotic damage from Hex is applied to the damage dealt by the Force Ballista. It’s a straightforward application of the rules as written.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the relationship between Hex and Eldritch Cannon, here are 15 frequently asked questions with detailed answers:
1. Can I use Hex and Eldritch Blast on the same turn?
You can cast Hex and then use your action to command the Eldritch Cannon. However, you cannot cast Hex and Quicken Spell Eldritch Blast on the same turn. This is due to the restriction on casting more than one spell per turn, unless one of them is a cantrip with a casting time of one action and the other is cast as a bonus action. Since Hex is not a cantrip, this combination is invalid.
2. Does Arcane Firearm work with Eldritch Cannon?
No, the Arcane Firearm feature is not directly compatible with the Eldritch Cannon. You can use your Arcane Firearm as a spellcasting focus for your artificer spells. However, the Eldritch Cannon description does not state that it is a usable focus. While you can hold the cannon, it doesn’t inherently qualify as your focus for the purpose of features like Arcane Firearm.
3. Does Hex work with multiple attacks from the Eldritch Cannon per round?
The Eldritch Cannon itself only allows for one attack per round, since it requires your bonus action each turn to activate the Force Ballista. So, there are no multiple attacks to consider. However, if there were to be a way to grant the cannon multiple attacks, Hex would apply to each hit.
4. What are the key rules for Eldritch Cannons that impact this interaction?
- You can only have one Eldritch Cannon active at a time.
- Creating a new cannon requires a long rest or expending a spell slot.
- A Small cannon occupies its space; a Tiny one can be held.
- The cannon’s AC is 18, and its HP is five times your Artificer level.
5. Can I use Sharpshooter with the Eldritch Cannon?
No, you cannot use Sharpshooter with the Eldritch Cannon. Sharpshooter requires the use of a ranged weapon. The Force Ballista is a ranged spell attack, not a ranged weapon attack.
6. Can I infuse my Eldritch Cannon?
No, an Eldritch Cannon is not an eligible target for infusions. Infusions require specific types of items, like weapons or armor, and the Eldritch Cannon doesn’t fall into any of those categories.
7. Does Hex apply to each beam of Eldritch Blast if I also command the Eldritch Cannon on the same turn?
No, Hex only applies to each beam of Eldritch Blast. It can also apply to Eldritch Cannon if that hit the target.
8. Does Hex trigger twice if both Eldritch Blast and Eldritch Cannon hit the target?
Yes, Hex triggers separately for each attack that hits. So, if Eldritch Blast (with multiple beams) and the Eldritch Cannon’s Force Ballista both hit the hexed target in the same turn, each successful hit triggers the additional 1d6 necrotic damage.
9. Does Hex cause disadvantage on attack rolls with the Eldritch Cannon?
No. Hex imposes disadvantage on ability checks related to one ability score. Attack rolls and saving throws are unaffected.
10. Does using the Eldritch Cannon break invisibility?
Using the Eldritch Cannon’s Force Ballista can break invisibility. If you are invisible and you use the cannon to make an attack, you lose your invisibility, as attacking breaks invisibility. Whether you carry the Cannon and become invisible with it, or command it as a separate entity, attacking with it will break your invisibility.
11. Can you catapult an Eldritch Cannon?
Yes, theoretically, you can Catapult an Eldritch Cannon if it is Tiny and held in one hand. This is because Tiny Eldritch Cannons are light enough to be the target of the Catapult spell. It could create some interesting tactical options if you’re feeling creative.
12. Does Elemental Adept work with the Eldritch Cannon?
No, Elemental Adept does not work with the Eldritch Cannon. Elemental Adept specifically enhances spells you cast that deal certain types of elemental damage. The Force Ballista deals force damage, not an element affected by Elemental Adept. Moreover, Eldritch Cannon itself isn’t a spell that deals elemental damage.
13. Does Hex stack with Hexblade’s Curse when using the Eldritch Cannon?
Yes, Hex and Hexblade’s Curse can stack. Hexblade’s Curse grants a bonus to damage rolls against the cursed target, regardless of the source of the damage, and it doesn’t require concentration. Therefore, both Hex and Hexblade’s Curse can simultaneously add extra damage to attacks made by the Eldritch Cannon.
14. Does Hex add damage to Magic Missile?
No. Magic Missile is not an attack roll. The missiles automatically hit and deal force damage. Since Hex only applies when you hit with an attack, it does not synergize with Magic Missile.
15. Can Enhanced Arcane Focus work with Eldritch Cannon?
Yes, Enhanced Arcane Focus does work with Eldritch Cannon, specifically with the Force Ballista attack. While you hold it, the enhanced arcane focus adds +1 to your spell attack rolls, and the attack ignores half cover. This will add +1 to hit, and in turn make the Force Ballista more effective.
Maximizing the Synergy: Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips to help you effectively combine Hex and Eldritch Cannon:
- Strategic Positioning: Position your Eldritch Cannon strategically to maximize its line of sight and keep it safe from enemy attacks.
- Multiclassing: Consider a one or two-level dip into Warlock to gain access to Hex and Eldritch Blast. This provides both a damage boost for the cannon and a solid ranged attack option.
- Action Economy: Remember that using the Force Ballista consumes your bonus action. Plan your turns carefully to ensure you can effectively manage both Hex and the cannon.
- Teamwork: Coordinate with your party members to focus fire on hexed targets, maximizing the damage output of the Eldritch Cannon and any other attacks that benefit from Hex.
Conclusion: A Potent Combination
The combination of Hex and Eldritch Cannon, particularly the Force Ballista, is a powerful and versatile strategy in D&D 5E. It allows for consistent damage output and provides tactical flexibility in combat. By understanding the mechanics and limitations of each ability, you can effectively utilize this synergy to enhance your character’s combat prowess. For more insights on game mechanics and strategic gameplay, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.