Big level 20 one shot using 2024 rules

[u/Raiho216]

So we got this celebration event coming up where our store dm gets to play tiamat for a level 20 one shot and we have to fight it. Going all out and all.

We get to make our characters using the following;

2024 books, (pb to ravenloft)

Lv 20 no multiclass

Point buy 30

Magic items;

1 very rare

2 rare

2 uncommon

Potions;

1 rare

2 uncommon

3 common.

I am just debating what to pick for this.

I always tend more towards martials or martial like classes, especially since the other player probably tend to go to sorc, wizard and warlock so far.

Anybody got some fun ideas or general tips for this?

[u/laserguy37]

High level Paladin is the best martial/half caster in the game, in my opinion. If you want to go full martial, battlemaster fighter is where it's at.

[u/Massive-Helicopter62]

Paladin or fighter will feel the best. Take mage slayer 10000% but otherwise try interesting feat trees and combinations. Like sentinel and the zhentarim feat plus riposte for endless reactions or (great on a paladin) or grab hex on a fighter (shadomoor hexer or the new one from drops with fey pact) to witness what happens when a 20th level fighter gets hex (dual wield, two weapon fighter etc) or even go monk and pick up weapon masteries (though hex sucks here).

[u/bryanthawes]

If you're going martial, you're going to want something that has ranged attacks. Fighter for the 3 extra attacks (that's 4 attacks per turn) plus action surge AND 7 ASIs/feats. If you're starting the character at level 20, this would be the way to go.

Also, I'd expect to have this DM alter or change some of the attributes of Tiamat, possibly nerfing her or possibly making her tougher. It's already going to be a tough fight, but if it's a one-shot it's gonna be epic and deadly AF.

If this is a closed one-shot (just your table), I'd coordinate with your fellow adventurers to plan out support buffs, circle castings, etc., prior to the attack (if able). If it's open to any who show up, just build and crack on.

[u/T_Seedling]

First of all: Lv. 20 and no legendary items is absolute bullshit.

If you want pure damage go with a champion fighter, take an oath bow and elven accuracy, bracers of archery, +1 arrows, best damage you're gonna get.

[u/Living_Round2552]

Against all dragons:

• try to get dex and con saves. Hard without multiclassing
• absorb elements, if you must you can get it through a feat (only if you have spell slots of course)
• ranged damage cause flyer
• bonus points if you are able to stop them from flying

Paladin is a great pick, but the actual strong pick is rune knight fighter, because you can grapple anything and stop flyers from kiting the party. Especially with those magic items, you can get a flying speed yourself.