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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Wandering Star" data-source="post: 4050016" data-attributes="member: 58936">I think dragons seem to be designed to be slightly more powerful then their challenge ratings would suggest. I cant back that up, but as far as I've seen, dragons, even at even challenge ratings to PCs often present a very difficult challenge. This would make sense, as dragons are iconic, and often the highlight and awe inspiring climax of any game.I seriously think that you should expect to run a high risk of losing at least a couple of the PCs, and there is likely also a substantial risk of a TPK. Of course, this depends largely on your style of play. Ive been in situations before where I have been over enthusiastic with a creature I really wanted to be impressive, and therefore made it several CR ranks too high... and have had to discreetly fudge out of guilt as the characters stare a TPK in the eye. I personally hate doing this, and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. If you are comfortable with fudging things to keep the story running, it may be a totally different story.I've found that since I started 'assessing' battles with a critical eye, I make far less mistakes on picking creatures too hard for PCs. I would certainly recommend it. Simply have a look at the attack bonuses of the characters, and compare it with the Dragon's AC, and see how likely they are to hit. Do the same with saves, and then look at it from the other side, see how likely the dragon is to hit, and how much damage the dragon will do, MAX and AVERAGE. Keep in mind that this will only give you a rough idea, as you know, the dice will do anything but what you hoped on the night.I would also suggest maybe running an optional side quest for the characters, they learn how hard the dragon is going to be, and find that there are certain vulnerabilities this dragon has, and then the PCs can set off on a sub quest to discover items that will help them greatly.Considering that you were hoping to use this battle as an opener for your second run, however, it might also be a good idea to have the characters become involved with a fly-by or skirmish with the dragon for some reason or another, where the dragon sprays them with his/her breath, attacks for a few rounds out of sheer mockery, and the characters need to escape - still an exciting battle, and I can assure you in a strictly rules - oriented match, a very deadly challenge still. They should then quickly learn for themselves how necessary it will be to stock up on anti - blue supplies.</blockquote>

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