Stormonu
NeoGrognard
The most challenging encounter I remember involving a dragon was back in 3E. Party was clearing a dungeon, and found out that there was a lower level the inhabitants avoided (and gave tribute to) that contained an (ancient) green dragon. I think the party was around 12th, with 8 members. One of the “old hands” players eyes lit up with greed and convinced the party to go after the dragon. I gave them warning, I hadn’t built that section, and through the dungeon’s inhabitants tried to make it clear it was a bad idea. They were undeterred, but agreed to return to town to complete their current mission, giving me time to stat up the dragon (using the Draconomicon).
They returned next session after a shopping trip for supplies, with a battle plan. Primarily, they planned to used a Wind Wall to block the dragon’s breath, then take it out in melee. The one hitch they weren’t expecting was a river ran through the large cavern where the dragon’s lair was. No sign in the cavern of the dragon itself, or its treasure. Via some scouting and divination, they were able to determine where the dragon was - in the river (atop its hoard in an underwater cave).
The party lured the dragon out, with actions at the ready. They were expecting its first action was to breathe. Instead, it charged from the water - cue Wind Wall - through the spell and overran the entire party. Both Wizard and Sorcerer was crushed to death, the barbarian was knocked prone and stunned, the rogue barely got out of the way of the overrun to get snapped up in the dragon’s jaws and the cleric got batted across the room by a tail sweep. Rest of the party was battered by the overrun attack. It went downhill from there - swallowed rogue, barbarian pinned by dragon’s wings and then everyone stuck in a cloudkill. Animated breath and the dragon dragged the pinned and choking barbarian underwater. Successive rounds of PCs wing chased by the breath weapon as the dragon used the barbarian corpse as a baseball to knock down other PCs.
The cleric, who had been desperately trying to get back to the fight turned (after having to take time to get back up from 5 hp) turned tail and ran away after the 5th PC dropped. He was the only one who escaped. A week later, the green dragon showed up at the inn where the cleric was recuperating and trying to recruit a new group. It demanded all of the cleric’s treasure and two of his most powerful magic items as well as a pact with the nearby church the priest oversaw, demanding a 15% tithe. He gave it all up, and he and the new party went and adventured the next kingdom over.
They returned next session after a shopping trip for supplies, with a battle plan. Primarily, they planned to used a Wind Wall to block the dragon’s breath, then take it out in melee. The one hitch they weren’t expecting was a river ran through the large cavern where the dragon’s lair was. No sign in the cavern of the dragon itself, or its treasure. Via some scouting and divination, they were able to determine where the dragon was - in the river (atop its hoard in an underwater cave).
The party lured the dragon out, with actions at the ready. They were expecting its first action was to breathe. Instead, it charged from the water - cue Wind Wall - through the spell and overran the entire party. Both Wizard and Sorcerer was crushed to death, the barbarian was knocked prone and stunned, the rogue barely got out of the way of the overrun to get snapped up in the dragon’s jaws and the cleric got batted across the room by a tail sweep. Rest of the party was battered by the overrun attack. It went downhill from there - swallowed rogue, barbarian pinned by dragon’s wings and then everyone stuck in a cloudkill. Animated breath and the dragon dragged the pinned and choking barbarian underwater. Successive rounds of PCs wing chased by the breath weapon as the dragon used the barbarian corpse as a baseball to knock down other PCs.
The cleric, who had been desperately trying to get back to the fight turned (after having to take time to get back up from 5 hp) turned tail and ran away after the 5th PC dropped. He was the only one who escaped. A week later, the green dragon showed up at the inn where the cleric was recuperating and trying to recruit a new group. It demanded all of the cleric’s treasure and two of his most powerful magic items as well as a pact with the nearby church the priest oversaw, demanding a 15% tithe. He gave it all up, and he and the new party went and adventured the next kingdom over.