Testing Tiamat

[Dork_Forge]

The purpose of this thread is to run a test of the Tiamat statblock to ascertain how weak it actually is, my personal stance is that it isn't a weak statblock at all, certainly not for the intended level.

The scenario:

To simplify this as much as possible instead of assumptions about a module no one has time to play out for this question, the following is used.

This challenge is for a party of 4 level 14 adventurers. Any content is allowed, the Optional class rules are in place from TCoE, but not the optional race rules.

Any summons of permanent duration are permitted for use from the start(FF, FS, Simulacrum etc.)

Any buffs of particularly long duration (e.g. Death Ward) may be assumed to be in use, buffs of one minute duration are to be cast in combat. 10 minute buffs may be precast.

This is a standalone scenario to test the Tiamat statblock individually, not test her efficacy in the module, as such no items or other context from the module is taken into consideration here.

Players start 60ft away from Tiamat

Tiamat starts fully summoned and under no weakening effects from the module

For simplicity we shall assume the classic featureless plane, the map is as big as needed to facilitate the encounter

The only win conditions are the death of the party or Discorporation/Banishment of Tiamat

Positioning will be tracked on a Roll20 grid.

The party may assume a +1 weapon each if desired to be representative of their level, however a hard mode is also available where no loot is assumed (as the rules of 5e do not assume loot in balancing).

Rulings clarifications:

Counterspell - Targets the creature casting not the spell itself, it must be upcast to affect Tiamat

Tenser's Transformation - The additional damage does not apply to Tiamt unless the spell is upcast, all other points work as written

Rest Tricks - defined as casting of a spell before a long rest ends in order to benefit from the spell without the resource expenditure e.g. stockpiling of Goodberries is not permitted. Regardless the RAW on this it is a DM call and there is no certaintiy the combat would happen within the spell expiration time.

Force Cage - I am using a size suggested by a 3rd party for Tiamat - 450ft x 150ft, she does not fit within Force Cage

Magic Jar - Due to the nature of the spell (in and out of character) this will be off the table as agreed with Eladriel below

Conjure spells - where the intent is for the DM to decided on the summoned creatures, the DM (in this case, myself) will choose the creatures that appear

Any needed clarification or previously discussed things that have not yet been added can be added into the post in a later date. This is in the interest in clarity and creating a true test of the stat block and is in no way intended to 'move the goalposts'


Any participating members please use your first post to fully detail each party member in a spoiler, one spoiler per party member. Roleplay things like specific deities, bonds, appearance are irrelevant for the test and so can be ignored. You may use standard array or Point Buy, please list your stats and the +1 item chosen by any characters.

Please include prepared/known spells for any casters and any choices that needed to be made in the process of character creation e.g. battle master maneuvers

Please try and record party resources (current hp, slots, portents etc.) as play progresses for easy tracking.

Once the party is detailed please roll initiative in the dice roll thread.

Dice thread.

Eladriel Attempt thread