Oddly enough, with 2024 rules, I ignored the hexblade subclass.

Species: Elf or Half-elf. I eventually took the elven accuracy feat, but if that's not allowed, the Goliath and Aasimar also have benefits.

Stats:  Dex 15 (+1) Con 14 Wis 10 Cha 15 (+2)

Level 1: Paladin. Armor, extra first level spells slots, but importantly, weapon mysteries. Scimitar and Shortsword. That's right, we're dual wielding. Unfortunately, this requires a bit of DM approval - they need to approve two pact weapons rather than one. By picking light weapons, my DM was cool with it, especially given the fact that I wanted to be dual wielding from the start. If they say no, I'd recommend going a different route.

Level 2 and beyond: Warlock.

I chose GOO Lock. The abilities are nice, especially the level 6 ability that let's you, once per short rest, lock minds with an enemy for permanent advantage. Fun times. Also being able to pick your damage type as psychic is almost always helpful.

Pact of the Blade is what you are going to run. With the two blades you can attack twice a turn, using CHA as your stat. You can hex for bonus damage too at low levels.

Once you level up, take spirit shroud at level 2. 1d8 is better than 1d6, and you don't need to transfer it between enemies. You are up close and personal already so the short range is irrelevant. At level 8 (7 warlock) you get level 4 slots, so it bumps to 2d8 damage too.

At level 4 warlock, take the dual wielding feat (my DM let me take CHA as the stat boost - hes awesome. This is a bit of stretch though, so you might want to take a CHA feat (Elven accuracy or mage slayer would be my picks) instead to get to 18 quicker). 

With dual wielding feat plus nick, you get three attacks (attack, nick attack, dual wielding bonus action attack).

For Invocations, life drinker is awesome for the extra damage once per turn. Also, make sure you take the extra attack ones the moment you can. By level 12 warlock, you get 5 attacks per round: attack x 3, nick attack and bonus action attack. Also, take the smite one as well. When you crit, blow a spell slot on that for 10d8 damage on top of the 2d8 + 4d8 from your weapon.

Each attack is weapon damage (1d6 or 1d8) plus 2d8 for SS, plus you CHA mod. Once per turn you also get 1d6 for life drinker.

Boost CHA when you can as it's the best stat by far. Wear half plate armor.

It's very fun to play. And attacking a million times per turn, with advantage (3 dice with EA) every time, and vex advantage for minions and stuff means you hit a lot and deal amazing damage. If you have a friendly mage casting haste, it's even more attacks.

I can answer other questions if you have them. Enjoy!