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Message: <blockquote data-quote="mearls" data-source="post: 4084537" data-attributes="member: 697">The dragon encounter was there as a meat grinder. Since most people don't have much of an attachment to pregens built for a demo, it was a good excuse to challenge players and see who could beat the dragon.There were a few bugs in the system: the dragon's AC and Reflex defense were both 2 points too high, but OTOH its breath weapon damage is a little messed up (it should be 2d6 + mods rather than 1d12 + mods; a single 12 sider is too random for a creature's signature ability).The groups that beat the dragon used some or all of the following tactics:1. Aid another to boost attacks.2. Flank with paladin and fighter to lock down the dragon.3. Use the paladin and fighter's abilities to focus attacks on the toughest characters.4. Spread the warlock, wizard, and ranger out as far as possible to prevent the dragon from taking on two of them at once.5. Take advantage of the implications of effects the party can throw on the dragon.6. Get a little lucky.Teamwork and the ability to come up with good tactics on the fly was huge. Groups that played like six individuals, rather than as a team, were quickly eaten.Table skill in 4e is a much bigger part of the game. It isn't enough to find the best spell or maneuver on a class's list. You also have to learn how you and your buddies can best use it.</blockquote>