How to outsmart a Dragon?

[Dash Dannigan]

Dragons are SMART! Well, most of them are, and the really old ones are smart AND powerful. So what's an adventurer to do? Most importantly I'd like to hear how folks might handle outwitting a dragon two-sizes too big for them, where wits are far more important than brawn. So for example how would a party say 5th level go about dealing with an adult dragon? Or a similar proportional party versus big-nastiness? (besides "Runaway!" *squish*)

 

[A'koss]

The first thing you have to remember is that it doesn't matter if the dragon has a 10, 20 or hell, 200 Intelligence. You don't have to be smarter than the dragon - just the guy playing the dragon!

You want to beat the dragon - first know your DM's weaknesses.


Cheers,

A'koss!

 

[Elder-Basilisk]

I think the best way is to find a dumb DM The dragon can't be any smarter than the DM running it.

Or cast Feeblemind on the dragon. Provided it works, and you can get away, it should be easy to outsmart after that.

Failing that, it would depend upon what the dragon wants and what you want to get out of the deal. (It would also depend upon what capabilities your party has--if there's a bard in the party with a +25 bluff skill or a rogue with +20 forgery, the situation is entirely different than if the most socially adept member is a half-orc barbarian who put ranks into intimidate). The classical method for dealing with such a creature is to play upon its vices--greed, vanity, arrogance, etc. However, knowing how to do so requires more specific information.

 

[demiurge1138]

Flatter them.

Most dragons love to talk, and even more so to be listened to. Have a very noticeable character engage in parley with a dragon. Only the most bestial would pass up the oppurtunity for some praise. If the character has done his research (as any well-prepared one would), he will know a little about the dragon's exploits. Just drop a few key points into the conversation, and the dragon will probably prattle on for some time about the death of so-and-so knight, or how they sacked that kingdom, or their favorite princess, or something like that. Meanwhile, the other party members, who were never in the lair where the dragon could see them, sneak up under cover of invisibility, or sabotage the cave to induce a cave-in, or something like that, to give them at least a marginal edge.

Think less St. George and more Bilbo Baggins, and you should have a good model for a good low-level dragonslayer. Just be prepared to shell out for a raise dead scroll when the dragon realizes he's been tricked...

Demiurge out.

 

[s/LaSH]

Flattery is probably the best way to go, aye. Just be patient - a dragon doesn't live on the same timescale that you do (in fact, if you wish to play on that weakness you're welcome - although how you'd use it as a weakness I don't know) and will be able to carry on for weeks before asking if you're impressed and then eating you. Bring food - if you leave halfway through to alleviate malnutrition the dragon is likely to determine you an uncultured oaf and eat you. Generally, eating is the theme of the day, you may note.

Dragons have extremely sharp senses, too. If you're going to sneak in invisibly, at least fly while you do it; that way you only risk being smelled out rather than your footsteps giving you away. Carry a large hog hanging on a long rope as you do, also invisible, so the dragon will blast that and lose you in the stink of burning meat. (Or whatever that particular dragon uses to devivify you.)

Finally, be aware that dragons are magical - they've probably enchanted their horde or ward or whatever they're guarding, so touching it isn't always a good plan. A quick evacuation plan is a must - don't be surprised if the dragon has set up a system to drop ten-foot stone slabs all around the lair to stop thieves getting out. It's what I'd do were I five hundred years old and better than you mortals.

Oh, and a dragon deprived of its intellect is simply a carnivore as big as a barn and capable of breathing fire (or whatever). Feeblemind at your peril.

 

[Nightchilde-2]

Dragons have extremely sharp senses, too. If you're going to sneak in invisibly, at least fly while you do it; that way you only risk being smelled out rather than your footsteps giving you away. Carry a large hog hanging on a long rope as you do, also invisible, so the dragon will blast that and lose you in the stink of burning meat. (Or whatever that particular dragon uses to devivify you.)

And don't forget that dragons have blindsight...better find a way to disrupt that, too. The older the dragon, the larger the blindsight area.