Scaling the Forge of Fury.... [my players stay out]

[diaglo]

You're missing something, namely that by the time they encounter NightScale, the party is supposed to be 5th level, and have either a cleric or mage with them, capable of casting either Water Walk or Water-breathing at least once. If that spellcaster is a wizard, then he can make scrolls, so that multiple party members can be so enchanted.

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not to mention the items you find in the dungeon prior to meeting the dragon. potions come to mind

 

[Gizzard]

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You're missing something, namely that by the time they encounter NightScale, the party is supposed to be 5th level, and have either a cleric or mage with them, capable of casting either Water Walk or Water-breathing at least once.

But the Dragon can still fly, so Buffing for water is only half the job. I mentioned "mobility enhancers" in my analysis, but I still think that if the DM plays the Dragon very tactically a 5th level party is going to have a hard time engaging enough to do real damage. Having one or two mobile characters engage isnt enough it seems; the Dragon's a very good hand-to-hand fighter and if you cant surround it with the whole party, it will just shred whoever dares to face it.

Especially if you bump it to the next age catagory it becomes nearly impossible as the Dragon gains abilities like Fear and SR.

not to mention the items you find in the dungeon prior to meeting the dragon

This is very helpful, and a well prepared party should probably Buff themselves similarly even if they dont find the object.