Young dragon vs trapped PCs

[Gilladian]

I have a situation I could use some tactical advice with. The PCs have gotten themselves into a sticky situation and don't seem to realize it. They're in a small dungeon that WAS inhabited by a group of 12 or so kobolds and a young red dragon. The PCs went in while the dragon was out hunting (they'd already encountered him once outside) and killed all but 2 kobolds. They don't know any of the kobolds got away.

They found a secret room neither the dragon nor the kobolds knew about and chose to hide there to recuperate (they are a 4th level wizard, 4th level druid and wolf companion, 3rd level fighter and 3rd level rogue, all half-elves). The dragon is CR 4.

The dragon knows where they are. He is furious at them, but can't open the secret door. The kobolds can, but are scared to. So the dragon intends to wait the PC's out. He's using the kobolds to watch the entrance to alert him when the PCs emerge, and then ambush them.

The kobolds are not sure whether the dragon is their friend or their doom, and are equally terrified of the PC's . All they want is to get away and find some girl kobolds, whom they haven't seen in years.

Any good advice on how to challenge the PCs without slaughtering them?

Here's a link to the whole adventure if you're interested...
http://vishteercampaign.pbwiki.com/Fiendish Dragon Lair

 

[szilard]

Some thoughts:

A dragon is generally less dangerous in a lair like that where it can't rely on flight and its breath weapon.

Give the PCs listen checks. Do any of them speak Draconic? They could overhear a heated argument between the dragon and the kobolds. This could let them know what they are up against - and give them some time to prepare.

-Stuart

 

[moritheil]

The kobolds are not sure whether the dragon is their friend or their doom, and are equally terrified of the PC's . All they want is to get away and find some girl kobolds, whom they haven't seen in years.

I couldn't help but laugh at that.

Maybe downgrade the dragon to juvenile or wyrmling?

 

[Derren]

Laugh at the players how they got themself in such a situation with their own action and see what clever plan they can come up with?

 

[Stormborn]

Have some comotion that alerts the PCs to the presence of something - and they might assume the dragon and they might not - that is outside their hiding place. Perhaps the kobolds' fear and lust overcome them and they bolt causing the dragon to attack and kill them (he doesn't really need them afterall if he is going to wait the PCs out) and the PCs can hear the screams of the dying. Or, perhaps, the dragon grows impatiant and forces the kobolds to open the door, with lots of draconic shouting ahead of time - even if the PCs don't know draconic (and what good Wizard doesnt?) at least let them make an INT check to recoginize the voices of kobolds and something else. If they have heard the dragon speak before allow them to identify it on either a good INT or Listen Check. Be prepared if the PCs decide to stay put and eat their rations if they do think a dragon is outside waiting. Decide how long the dragon will wait, and tactics if it has to wait long but does confront the PCs.

 

[00Machado]

Have one of the NPCs use or ask a wizard to use some divination spells to get helpful information before they leave their safe area?

Maybe give them enough time to run once the kobolds see them? Make part of the dungeon a tunnel they can fight in?

This is a funny situation.

 

[Quartz]

So the kobolds, not the dragon, are watching the door? So all the PCs have to do is kill the kobolds and sneak out before the dragon notices.

 

[robberbaron]

Have one of the kobolds pass a note warning the party.

Then have the dragon ambush them when they come out.

 

[TheAuldGrump]

Hmmm, CR4 dragon, level 3-4 party... let it happen as it may. If you are feeling nice allow a listen check to hear the kobolds arguing about the situation. In Draconic. Whether or not the PCs can understand Draconic.

The Auld Grump

 

[Timeboxer]

I'm with the Auld Grump -- with a roughly equivalent CR the party should be fine. One thing you may wish to keep in mind is that the dragon is young, and therefore probably overconfident. If you want to make it slightly easier, you might have the dragon spend his surprise action attempting to taunt/intimidate them before s/he eats them.