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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ExploderWizard" data-source="post: 4672528" data-attributes="member: 66434">I think you are right on the money here. The situation goes way beyond gear or its loss.The problem is a result of player expectations. Because of the balanced encounter syndrome that has affected play for a long time, there have been more and more tales of unfair DMs who had the nerve to include unwinnable encounters in the campaign. A popular belief seems to be that if a party is rested, and at full strength and topped off on resources that there shouldn't be any potential combat situations that cannot be overcome if the PC's choose to nova through it.  That's complete crap. Part of being a skilled player used to include knowing when to fight, and when to back off, do your homework, and perhaps return when conditions were more favorable. These days, having to make decisions like this are labeled as unfun. Players have come to expect all encounters to be tailored just for them to win, and why shouldn't they when this philosophy is interwoven into the game design.  This doesn't mean that the DM can do no wrong and there are no cheesy situations that are simply bad decisions.  Lets look at the situation the OP had set up:1) The dragon was a foe the party had faced before. The PC's knew that this dragon was a tough, close encounter for a full prepared party. 2) There were 2 PC's alone. The dragon was encountered in a way that would have permitted them to withdraw, possibly find thier companions, and engage on more favorable terms. 3) Despite points 1 and 2, the PC's decided to engage in combat. 4) Once realizing that the fight could only end one way, the PC's were given a choice that could save thier lives. Was it humiliating? Yes. Were they in this humiliating situation by choice? Yes. Now comes the real question. Should the dragon have been encountered by 2 PC's as it was? If not, should the dragon's stats have been altered to allow 2PC's to defeat it, if they chose to fight?  My answer is yes to the first question. It was an encounter that was consistent with campaign events. There were valid choices to be made and consequences of those choices.  Anyone else feel differently? Why?</blockquote>

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