PCs ticked off the Dragon

[sammy]

I have a major plot device of a Green dragon in my world. This dragon has been playing and tormenting the players through many incarnations of their PCs for a while now. I have gotten them to a good level (10th for my games is up there), and the Dragon from heck is a CR 13. The Warlock (who fas been in all the games I run) taunted the dragon repeatedly, and I, feeling Mr. Dragon would eventually tire of the bashing from a piddley Grey Elf, gave a 50-50 chance that he would attack the party.

I rolled that he would.

Luckily, it was the end of the session anyways, so now I have a conundrum.

I would like to keep the game going as they are trying to do a world changing event that the Elves need.

Yet, I would like to keep said plot device as well.

I have 1 or 2 ideas, I just thought that the brilliant readers of this site might help me with a few ideas of their own.

Thanks in advance to all that reply.

Sammy

 

[Shayuri]

Hmm...not sure I see the problem. If he's been tormenting the PC's, combat was probably inevitable eventually.

Just make sure the dragon flees before they kill it. Speaking from some experience, it's REALLY hard to kill a dragon unless said dragon has some reason to fight to the death. They tend to have overwhelming mobility advantages for getaways.

 

[FreeXenon]

Perhaps he can convince another dragon (or a twin brother/sister) to attack them and let them know that this is from their secret green admirer....

...or perhaps the dragon has someone that has cast a Simulacrum or Clone on to be used on the PC's.

... maybe the dragon has a neat little relic that allows for creating duplicates. That in and of itself would be and interesting plot arc.

... maybe he has a way of casting Project image via scroll with the support of other spells.

.... or perhaps the attack occurs in a dreamscape - that way you can kill them off and have it be ok while instilling fear and reverence for it. This may open the campaign to dream based allies such as the Quori from Eberron, such that he is apart of a greater invasion or other plan that ties into your elf plot arc (he is possessed by a dream creature of sorts)

This is all assuming that you want to keep the dragon as a nemisis (by meaning keeping the game going)

If not then they would have to be very, very prepared to kill a dragon +3 Cr higher. Perhaps you can have his minions or other mechanations bother them for a few levels while acting as a harbinger for the battle to come at about Level 12/13.

 

[Evilhalfling]

Im for the fight - my group runs afoul dragons all thie time and they have only managed to kill about half of them. The most common occurance is the dragon to fly away - 1 round flying upward (as withdrawl) then a flying run (200x4=800') and combat is over. occasionally you will get someone D. Dooring above it for a last flying assult, a charge from a summoned flying critter, or a final fireball, 800' range from lvl 10 caster. If this actually works - you get a great cheer from the group, high fives, dancing etc, and you may have to rewrite some plot. It has failed far more than not for my group.

Make sure the dragon is not defending its layer or trapped underground, and its good to go.
deciding that it takes 4 rounds for its breath to recharge, means PCs can feel the burn, but have time to get defenses up. (or scatter).

If the dragon is winning, assume that it is satisfied with the death or KO of the elf and departs. dont pull a punch, just refrain from finishing him if he goes down. If one pc does die, a raise dead/ reincarnation should be possible, if painful for you 10th lvl party to obtain.