So I finally managed to get a win in coffeebreak mode after my failed warrior with this paladin
http://angband.oook.cz/ladder-show.php?id=22522
(the dump from after retiring wouldn't upload, said invalid variant or something)
Was very fun.
I want to try with a magical character, but I'm not sure if any are viable.
In between melee builds I tried mindcrafters, which I got to CL50 but found with only 300/turn damage from powers that won't work on later dungeon levels let alone the final boss.
I was thinking maybe armageddon/life or armageddon/nature mage, or armageddon high mage? I haven't found the fourth spellbook for armageddon yet but I'm assuming it contains some high damage spells? Like if I can't dish out at least 700 damage/turn then I think the serpent is unkillable.
Or maybe device master? If there are multipliers for device damage then the damage output there could be okay too.