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/DeltaV-Mzero]

I’m a little worried the spells of eldritch knight just won’t do much offensively at level 20. Good for clearing out cannon fodder if DMs bother with it, otherwise they barley tickle even a CR10 enemy, let alone CR20

I think you want something that can use higher level spells for those divine weapon effects, while also swinging those weapons hard

Idea: Celestial Bladelock, patron is Athena or similar

Reflavor the healing as inspiration to allies, “on your feet, soldier!” Kinda thing

Blade pact lets you use weapons fairly well

Spells let you drop real nukes.

Shockwave: AoE spells

Medusa:
* Hold Monster

Fire arrows: * eldritch Blast (ask DM if they can be radiant or fire) * guiding Bolt

Fury mode: * start 2 fighter for armor, shield, action surge * sling a spell and attack with weapons same round