Ominous things found in an abandoned (?) dragon's lair

[TarionzCousin]

3) And finally, what I need help with: Some undeniably draconic elements, enough to challenge a level 5-6 party, but not be a complete TPK, although if it got them to say "well, we don't have the resources to keep fooling around in here; grab the scale and go," so much the better.

Green dragons can breathe water, so it would make sense if some of the areas were only accessible under water--maybe extremely far underwater / further than someone could swim while holding his/her breath.

If Gax didn't allow kobold servitors to live in the caves, does she have other residents that could double as guardians? Undead seem like the obvious choice, or perhaps a construct she stole and re-programmed.

Finally, if you haven't checked out WotC's 3E Draconomicon, I think you should. It has all kinds of interesting stuff about dragons, including lair wards, running a draconic encounter, draconic spells, etc.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

I vote for the skeleton and tanned hide of a Balor, mounted as a trophy to one wall. On the opposite wall, skulls of humans, Predators, and xenomorphs are mounted.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

A chamber is filled with many crystalline statues. Some have clearly been bitten, and some appear to have been worn down.

The statues are made of halite (rock salt). Green dragons consume large quantities of salt, extracting the chloride to power their breath weapon.

Gax had the kobolds make statues of people she finds interesting or doesn't like, and depending on her mood would either chomp or lick them to ruins.

And

If Gax didn't allow kobold servitors to live in the caves, does she have other residents that could double as guardians? Undead seem like the obvious choice, or perhaps a construct she stole and re-programmed.

Instead of Kobolds, how about a mutant medusa- maybe templated with some kind of aquatic creature- who changes flesh not into just any kind of rock, but halite in particular.

Those aren't salt statues!

 

[Thunderfoot]

What about a partially buried Statue of Liberty or a gleaming metal missile...

<Charlton Heston> YOU BASTARDS FINALLY DID IT DIDN'T YOU?!!! DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!! </Charlton Heston>

 

[buddhafrog]

Gary Busey-headed monsters always freak out players

 

[Scott DeWar]

-TROLLS!!!

-Nope, just Gary Busey.

-even worse!!!

 

[TarionzCousin]

This note:

Dear Gax,

I apologize. I am sorry. I never intended to come within 1000 miles of your territory. Please forgive me.

Sincerely,
The Tarrasque