Does Hexblade curse apply to spells?

Does Hexblade Curse Apply to Spells? A Comprehensive Guide

Hexblade’s Curse is a fantastic feature in the Warlock class of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5th edition. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Hexblade’s Curse and answer the question of whether it applies to spells.

Direct Answer: Yes, Hexblade Curse applies to spells

Hexblade’s Curse is a Hex that deals bonus damage equal to your proficiency bonus whenever you hit a target that has been cursed. One of the most common scenarios where this curse is relevant is when using spells against enemies. So, do spells count as attacks?

Spells as Attacks

In D&D 5th edition, there are two types of actions: Attack and Cast. Spells are typically cast actions, which means they follow different rules than attacks. However, some spells allow you to make an attack roll, such as Eldritch Blast, Fireball, or Lightning Bolt.

When you cast one of these spells, it’s considered an attack and can trigger Hexblade’s Curse. The curse affects the spell’s damage calculation, adding your proficiency bonus to the damage roll. This means that if your spell deals 10 dice of damage, and the curse adds your proficiency bonus (which is typically between 2-5 points), the total damage can range from 12-15 points.

Casting Spells with Hexblade’s Curse

When considering the interaction between Hexblade’s Curse and spells, there are a few factors to keep in mind:

• Spells as attacks: As mentioned earlier, some spells allow you to make an attack roll and can trigger Hexblade’s Curse.
• Chaining curses: If multiple curses are applied to an enemy, the bonus from Hexblade’s Curse may stack. However, stacking curses can lead to high levels of damage, and it’s essential to determine the exact rules for specific situations.
• Other abilities and effects: Consult the spell’s description for any additional effects or synergies with Hexblade’s Curse.

Examples: Eldritch Blast and other Spells

Let’s analyze some examples to better illustrate how Hexblade’s Curse interacts with spells:

Eldritch Blast (Cantrip)

As a cantrip, Eldritch Blast deals 1d10 force damage. If the curse is applied, adding your proficiency bonus (1-5 points) means the total damage can be anywhere from 6 to 11 points.

Fireball (1st Level Evocation)

Fireball is a 1st level evocation spell that deals 1d6 bludgeoning damage percaster level (up to a maximum of 10d6). If the curse is applied, adding the proficiency bonus (2-5 points) means the total damage can range from 4 to 16 points.

Lightning Bolt (2nd Level Evocation)

Lightning Bolt is a 2nd level evocation spell that deals 1d8 + 2 force damage. If the curse is applied, adding the proficiency bonus (2-5 points) means the total damage can range from 3 to 10 points.

Concentration and Interruptions

Keep in mind that Hexblade’s Curse does not require concentration, which means it cannot be interrupted by other enemies or effects. However, if you are incapacitated or die, the curse ends.

Conclusion: Hexblade Curse and Spells

In conclusion, Hexblade’s Curse does apply to spells in certain situations. When cast, spells that allow for attack rolls can trigger Hexblade’s Curse, resulting in additional damage. We’ve examined some examples, including Eldritch Blast, Fireball, and Lightning Bolt, to demonstrate the effects of the curse. Remember to consult the relevant spell descriptions and the context of your game to accurately determine the interaction between spells and Hexblade’s Curse.

Additional Tips for Warlocks

• Eldritch Invocations: Consider taking Warlock Invocations that allow you to improve your attacks or enhance your spells to maximize the effectiveness of Hexblade’s Curse.
• Proper Timing: Timing can be crucial when using Hexblade’s Curse. Avoid using it when your targets are already weakened or incapacitated, as the benefits may be diminished.
• Spell Selection: Choose spells that allow attack rolls, such as evocation spells, to gain the most benefit from Hexblade’s Curse.

Stay tuned for more D&D 5th edition advice and analysis!