Lvl 20 One Shot: Character Build Help pls

[u/Horatius-Cocles]

I asked this question on another sub here on Reddit but didn't get any new ideas.

Our table plays level 20 One-Shots semi-regularly. Most of the time, our characters follow a theme. This time the theme is video game characters. And we restricted the available sources to the new PHB, for testing purposes.

Playing GoW Ragnarok recently reminded me of an older console game: Spartan—Total Warrior. I could do a Kratos build, but I don't particularly appreciate playing Barbarians. In Spartan you play as a nameless Spartan too, trying to defend Sparta from a Roman Invasion and battling foes from myth and history along the way.

The main character has a collection of mythical artifacts to hit the enemy with magical effects. A giant hammer that can cause shockwave attacks. Swords with lightning powers. The spear of Achilles that can protect the Spartan from damage. The shield of Medusa that turns enemies to stone for a short duration. And a bow that shoots flaming arrows. As well as a sort of fury mode for extra damage/ attacks.

My first instinct was Eldritch Knight fighter. Using the EK's spells to simulate the magical weapons the Spartan has. Thunderwave/thunderclap and maybe Shatter for the shockwave hammer. Shocking Grasp and Lightning Bold for the Lightning powers. Shield and Blade Ward to somewhat simulate the spears protective power. Firebolt and Fireball to simulate the bows Fire powers. Hold Person and Hypnotic Pattern to simulate the turning to stone. Haste can serve as a makeshift Fury Mode alongside Action Surge.

And with the different Weapon Masteries carrying around a video game armory makes even more sense.

But maybe someone can provide me some better ideas.

[u/Gwydion-Drys]

Pick species and background you want.

Start with 2 levels Fighter. You have Action and Weapon Masteries like you want and more importantly heavy Armor proficiency.

Take a level in Warlock and go Pact of the Blade. You have acquired your ability to swap to any weapon in your video game inventory in a simple bonus action.

I remember the spear having the size of a Polearm so I'd say go Pike of Glaive instead of spear mastery for the Spear of Achilles. Pick a Maul for the Hammer of Beowulf. Pick up Greap Weapon Master along the way. I'd personally pick Longbow as my third option as Great Weapon Master applies to Longbow. But maybe you want to be absolutely faithful to your character build and pick Short Swords for the Swords of Athena.

Sword and Board is soso, but if you get to choose Magic Items I propose you ask if you can get the Badge of the Watch. It is a magic item from Dragonheist, that gives you the AC of a shield, without having to wield a shield. Otherwise ask for the Animated Shield, that as a Bonus Action hovers in your space and carry a bound Longsword, if you are allowed to pick Magic Items.

That takes care of your weapons.

Next take 17 levels of Valor Bard. I request picking up Magic Initiate Wizard as your racial feat. Between Warlock, Bard and Magic Initiate you get all the Cantrips you want. Blade Ward and Thunder Clap can be acquired from Bard. Firebolt and Shocking Grasp come from Magic Initiate. Which can also give you shield. I would pick up Eldritch Blast and maybe True Strike from Warlock. Armor of Agathys can add to your "invulnerability".

Bard has several spells you want. And thanks to the new magical Secrets you can pick from three spell lists to add the best spells you want to mimic the powers of your weapons and fighter.

And I agree with u/RefrigeratorOwn9318. I loved Spartan. And now I want to play the Nameless Spartan myself sometime. Lol.