Building a Better Warlock

[Newsman77]

Hi Guys and Gals,

You've been so helpful before for my druid, that I thought I'd ask one more time, about a new character I'm playing. My DM challenged me to play a Warlock. I've never played one before so here goes.

**Quick Question: After level 4, would it be advisable to take a 2 level dip for Incarnate before continuing on to Hellfire Warlock. We have a binder in the group and I'm trying not to step on his toes class-wise. My DM ruled the Strongheart Vestige can be used to help negate the 1 Con damage from Hellfire Warlock. Incarnate 2 seems like it nets some strong rewards for my character while only losing 1d6 of Eldritch Blast.**

Level 3 Warforged Warlock
Stats: 17/15/18/18/12/11
Skills:
    Concentration 6
    Intimidate 3
    Knowledge Planes 6
    Knowledge Local (for RP purposes) 6
    Sense Motive 3
    Spellcraft 6 
    Use Magical Device 6
Feats:
    1: Mithril Body
    3: Eldritch Claws
No Magical Items

Notes: We likely won't hit levels 15-20. Our stopping point for the campaign seems to be around 12-13.

[Jackinthegreen]

You might want to look at http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265455.

You can get Strongheart Vest with only two feats, so what specifically about incarnate besides that soulmeld appeals to you?

[Newsman77]

The things about Incarnate I like is that a) it frees up my feats for Beast Strike or Flyby Attack. or even Leadership (for RP purposes I will take this at some point. b) You get access to 3 vestiges at level 2. So that would be the Crystal Helm chakra bind for +2 to Will saves and bonus to AC or Enigma Helm for immunity to charms. You also get the Strongheart Vest to help negate Hellfire Warlock Con damage. Plus there's 1 floating variable vestige for things like Impluse Boots or Skill bonuses for challenges.

[awaken_D_M_golem]

Hopefully your party has a Scout, or some sort of
a divination Caster, so you have the chance to take
advantage of the versatility Incarnate has to offer.
Yes?

[Newsman77]

Oh yes... we have a Divine caster. I like where the warlock is going and he seems cool. I mean, it's a flying robot that shoots lasers! Awesome!

I was thinking, I have the Eldritch Claws so I can hang in melee combat and use the Eldritch Blast that way or in a level or two, I can fly and shoot a beam at the bad guy. Eldritch blast seems like my main weapon, but giving up +1d6 doesn't sound bad... to have a little more flexibility and a lot of fun options. Of course... I could be wrong. Which is why I'm asking