So, after playing both of these classes here is some feedback I might offer in terms of how to better suit their kits.
Voodan Spells:
6th circle
- Flesh to Stone
I think it's straightforward as a spell, seeing as how Voodans get the massive AoE Flesh to Stone spell at level 17. Flesh to Stone is already used mostly as a flavor spell, but I felt like it was an oversight not to include it when Stone to Flesh was included. I think thematically it fits perfectly into the Voodan spell list.
Hexblade Spells:
1st Circle
- Shield
- Blade Weave (possible 2nd circle)
2nd or 3rd Circle
- Flame Weapon
- Sonic Weapon/Darkfire/Frost Weapon/(or new 1d6 elemental type)
- Cat's Grace
4th Circle
- Shadow Shield OR Greater Mage Armor
- Mind Fog
When playing a Hexblade, I felt that a lot of spells in their spell list had some use but there were a handful that just were lackluster and could easily be expanded on while keeping the class the same.
Shield is pretty classic as an arcane spellcaster ability. As there exists a helmet in game that gives spell slots, it would negate the need for Hexblades to swap out enchanted helmet for the deflection modifier, it would increase Hexblade AC baseline (which is a major class problem currently), and it would give a use to a 1st level spell slot.
Blade Weave is a spell that sits thematically well for a Hexblade and is under-utilized by Wizards/Sorcs. It would give another option for a good first level spell to take as a Hexblade considering after a point you no longer need a regular Magic Weapon. Treacherous weapon lasts for too little of a duration and its effects can better be achieved by the baseline Hexblade's Curse with a free action.
A second or third circle way to enhance your weapon with elemental damage would be a godsend for a Hexblade. The thing about these spells is that while they are convenient, they are balanced in that varnishes replace the need for them. Being unable to "hex" your blade, as it were, as a Hexblade, seems like a bit of an oversight.
Lastly, on the topic of AC: a Hexblade's largest problem, from what I can see, is the lack of AC. You either have to dump strength and go dex-based build or take a heavy armor feat, then cast your spells outside of your heavy armor before fighting. I think that if heavy armor isn't changed as not to induce spell failure, the other way forward is to offer Hexblades ways they can buff their AC themselves. While Greater Mage Armor steps on the toes of Wizards/Sorcerers, Hexblades are described as being arcane casters in the likes of Sorcerers. If not Greater Mage Armor, then surely Shadow Shield would be another viable option. Shadow Shield spell fits the aesthetic of the Hexblade much more than Shadow Form (as a caveat, Shadow Form fits Bards more than it does Hexblades). I would simply replace Shadow Form at 4th circle for something that would benefit their AC, leaning towards Shadow Shield. Shadow Form is largely useless unless somehow a Hexblade can cross class stealth. You cannot achieve 4th circle casting with multiclassing unless its an odd, niche build like Pale Master/Hexblade.
On Mind Fog: It's a cool spell. It's not used a lot, and I think it'd be neat having it as a Hexblade aesthetically. It'd fit some of their abilities as well, such as Feeblemind, and it'd have really cool synergy with Blade Weave if it's given.
I am open to discussion over this and critique, as well as addition of any other spells that people might think are beneficial to the class identity.
Edit: Added cat's grace considering dex builds seem to be what's utilized the most given their status with light armor.
