Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 enigmaX Nov 02, 2014 14:46:07	I'm a new DM running the 5e starter campaign (Lost Mines) and I have a situation I don't know how to deal with.   So the party split and half met the Young Green Dragon. They have allied themselves with the dragon as servants/playthings. They also suggested to the dragon that he move to Cragmaw Castle (which they have not cleared yet. From the dragon's perspective, this was a good idea, and on top of that, they crit their persuation roll.   My question is: How do I deal with this while still making Cragmaw castle a challenge for them (not making it trivial)? Having the dragon wipe out the castle is no fun for the players, but they should get some benefit from their creative thinking. Thanks for any help
#2 pukunui Nov 02, 2014 15:35:15	The dragon could easily clear out the castle himself but why should he bother? It's much easier to get these new playthings of his to do it for him. They can take all the risks, and he can reap all the rewards. Sounds like a win-win scenario for a dragon. The incentive for them to acquiesce is not getting eaten.
#3 MechaPilot Nov 02, 2014 18:44:00	pukunui wrote:
#4 BRJN Nov 03, 2014 7:43:35	Egg the PCs into clearing the castle themselves.  The dragon hangs back, watching.  He only interferes if the PCs look like they will get thi-i-i-i-is-s-s clo-o-o-o-s-se but fail.  (Flyby attack with Frightful Presence, say.)  When they are done, he swoops in to claim his prize and rewards them with some odds and ends - items that will help them be more effective underlings - limiting them to booty taken off the persons of those who they defeated, say.  (So they can get a +1 longsword but not 100GP + a gem worth 500GP.)
#5 iserith Nov 03, 2014 8:05:25	enigmaX wrote:
#6 Touc Nov 03, 2014 12:06:05	I'm used to green dragons being infinitely treacherous. Mortals are playthings and anyone foolish to make deals with green dragons are likely to end up on its dinner plate. There's no reward for the dragon to attack a fortified position when it already controls a wizard's tower. But if mortals want to please it, they can bring it treasure. A dragon master is the worst sort of party member. It will take all the good loot for no effort and turn on the party when it appears advantageous.   It's the same type of "reward" I'd give to players cutting a deal with demons. Bad results.