Aubrey's Rise of the Runelords campaign
Game Master Aubrey the Malformed

I'm down for Illes' plan.

Let's go.

One revision-
Take Vethran's fly spell and put it on Camlo. Otherwise he's going to have a hard time contributing in any meaningful way since he isn't really a ranged guy. It would suck to be sidelined through the fight and vethran has much better ranges options Veth takes his wand back.

Because it seems no one is able to finalize this, I've done it here by compiling things people have already said with things that seem like a good idea to me.

Whoa! Thanks for all that. Let's roll!

Cool - we're ready to rumble. By the way, there's a necklace if fireballs (or two) knocking about from the recent treasure haul too, though possibly it hasn't been allocated yet.

Ithers suggested Camlo take that earlier, I'm not sure if I confirmed, but I will now, Camlo will definitely snag that.

Map.

Hopefully, based on the description above, that should be fairly obvious. So, we are running with Illes' sparkly spell list, Dimension Door-ing in and smacking the poor dragon? OK, where are you landing?

Might as well land right on his treasure hoard island.
Vethran @ N11
Elisile @ L12
Illes @ N10
Everyone else needs to appear in a square adjacent to the one who d'doored them.

Wo-hooo! I'll run Hudak for this encounter, as Heathy's off on vacation.
Hudak's in NO 12-13.
Alwyn's in LM 13-14.

Preparations made, the two spells of Vethran and Elisile rip two holes in the fabric of the universe, and thrust the adventurers through. This is Camlo's cue to speed down the tunnel, buoyed up by another of Vethran's spells. The party arrive in the cave - but there is no initial sign of the dragon.

Map updated.

The immortal words - roll initiative. Also, roll Perception checks. Also, bear in mind you can take no actions this round after DD'ing in, per the spell description. Camlo is not so hampered. Nor is the dragon.

Illes 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9, Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Elisile 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11, Perception 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
Vethran 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22, Perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Camlo pulls up short, just inside the cave mouth, remembering the Dragon's penchant for hiding under the water, he has a good look around for a snot poking up...

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
Init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Alwyn: Initiative 10+1=11, Perception 14+13=27.
Hudak: Initiative 12+2=14, Perception 9+0=9.

I have a sudden fear that it is going to leap out of the water snatch someone up and dive back into the water on the other side of the island and begin munching/drowning them.

1) That's a pretty good fear that would fit the MO of a water based dragon.

2) Well, if it wasn't beofre, it damned well is now!

Thanks Ithers :D

In the words of John McClane, "Thanks for the advice!"

Dragon's initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23. Dragon's Stealth check 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28

Initiative:
Dragon 23
Vethran 22 (protection from energy acid (108 damage), false life (+6 temp hp), protection from evil (+1 saves), fox's cunning (+2 to save DCs), shield (+4 AC), Blessing of Fervor, extended haste, Inspire Courage (Illes +4 att/dam, +4 charm/fear)
Hudak 14 Stoneskin (DR 10, 90 damage), protection from energy (acid, 120 damage), fly, protection from evil (+1 saves), bull's strength, Blessing of Fervor, extended haste, Sonic Weapon (+1d6 sonic damage), Inspire Courage (+4 att/dam, +4 charm/fear), Enlarged (10 rounds only)
Elisile 11+ (Cat's Grace (net +2 bonus), Shield (+4 AC), protection vs evil (+1 to saves), mirror image (4 images), False Life (10 temp hps), Blessing of Fervor, extended haste, Inspire Courage (+4 att/dam, +4 charm/fear)
Alwyn 11- (protection from energy acid (108 damage), Fly, Extended Divine Power, Blessing of Fervor, Righteous Might, extended haste, Sonic Weapon (+1d6 sonic damage), Heroism (+2 morale on all saves, attacks, and skill checks. The attack bonus will stack with inspire courage because one is morale, the other competence. Save bonuses do NOT stack with Inspire Courage), Inspire Courage (+4 att/dam, +4 charm/fear)
Illes 9 mirror image (6 images}, sonic weapon (+1d6 sonic), eagle's splendor (+2 spell DCs), extended haste, Inspire Courage (Illes +4 att/dam, +4 charm/fear), Blessing of Fervor)
Camlo 6 extended haste, Inspire Courage (Illes +4 att/dam, +4 charm/fear), blessing of fervor, wand of magic missile (CL 3, 33 charges), fly

OK, you all failed the Perception check. So, I'm going to run it this way: Round 1, the dragon get's a single action, as per a normal surprise round; no one else can act. Round 2, we are back to normal, but since the dragon also heads the top of the initiative, he'll then get a full round action at the top of the action he got the previous round. Nasty when a dragon gets the drop on you.

The black, horned reptilian head lifts sinuously from the water and blasts a gout of acid.

OK, I reckon that I can draw a line connection Veth, Elisile and Hudak, so they are hit: 12d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 3, 4, 6, 1, 3, 6, 6, 4, 2, 5) = 44 acid damage, DC 22 reflex for half damage. Also, you must all make DC 19 Will saves vs his Frightrful Presence or be shaken (-2 to attacks, skill checks, ability checks and saves) - this is a mind-affecting fear effect.

Suddenly, the dim light in the cave plunges into darkness. From his vantage at the tunnel entrance, Camlo can see the island vanish into an impenetrable black shadow.

OK, in the area of darkness you cannot see unless you have darkvision.

Dragon stealth check 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25 - that result is the Perception DC you need to beat to detect the dragon while blind, and unless it is very close it will only give you the direction.

Map updated.

Vethran.

Everyone remember +4 vs fear from inspire courage and any other effects that might increase your save like protection from evil.

Illes Will 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 4 = 22
Vethran Will 1d20 + 8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 4 + 1 = 30
Elisile Will 1d20 + 8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 4 + 1 = 30

Also haste gives a +1 dodge reflex save, or you can take +2 if you want to use blessing of fervor for that this round.

Vethran Reflex 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 + 2 = 17
Elisile Reflex 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 22

Reflex save:
1d20 ⇒ 15

76 hp left on my protection from energy.

Still Vethran's go. Though a fair few of us are away this weekend and I'm off for most of next week after today, so we can park this until we get back if you prefer.

Hudak's reflex should be the 15 he rolled, the +5 mod he has on reflex saves, +2 protection from evil (no conflicting resistance bonus), and +1 haste assuming he is using lesson of fervor for something else since they don't stack. Then a -1 size penalty for being large.
So 15+5+2+1-1=22.
22 damage removed from protection from energy leaves 98 of 120.

Reflex save:

1d20

76 hp left on my protection from energy.

98 left on my energy......

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Damn. Our plan had two serious flaws and both of them are going to be an issue. Between us we have no way of dealing with darkness or underwater combat.

I guess Veth could dispel magic?
Waiting to roll, in case somebody has a brillianter idea?....

Cursing the darkness, Vethran immediately enacts a spell to dispel the effects.

Casting dispel magic. Caster check vs. darkness: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22.

Sorry about the lax posting, I've been settling in at work and they've changed my shifts on me (plus no time/access from work computer). I should be coming around more often now.

No worries, relieved you are OK and getting back in the saddle.

Vethran flicks away the darkness with a flick of his wrist. The dragon looms close to Hudak.

Whose go, coincidentally, it is.

Map updated.

You can all see now.

welcome back!!!

called in to work; I'll be around in 5 hours...with the Hudak attack.....

Hotdamn! Don't even have to lunge!!!!

Stoneskin (DR 10, 90 damage), protection from energy (acid, 120 damage), fly, protection from evil (+1 saves), bull's strength, Blessing of Fervor, extended haste, Sonic Weapon (+1d6 sonic damage), Inspire Courage (+4 att/dam, +4 charm/fear), Enlarged (10 rounds only)

bulls str: +2 h +2 dmg
bless of fervor:

haste: a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves
insp courage +4h +4 dmg
enlarge: bastard sword damage 2d8; +2 size bonus to Strength, a -2 size penalty to Dexterity (to a minimum of 1), and a -1 penalty on attack rolls and AC due to its increased size. +1 dmg; -2 ac.

Attacking two handed with bastard sword; power attack;

attack haste 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (8) + 26 = 34 damage2d8 + 35 ⇒ (6, 3) + 35 = 44

attack 1 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (1) + 26 = 27 damage 2d8 + 35 ⇒ (8, 3) + 35 = 46

attack 2 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36 damage 2d8 + 35 ⇒ (4, 4) + 35 = 43

I must hit a little there.

There's a roar that's the draconic equivalent of "F&#! that hurt!" as the ogre-sized Hudak lands two heavy blows on the dragon.

Elisile.

As Mothers is away...

Elisile steps away from the scrum before casting a spell. At first, nothing happens. Then, soft music sounds and several motes of light begin to solidify in the gloom of the cave...

5' step to K11 before casting Summon monster IV. She's summoning 1d3=3 lantern archons; they appear next round.

Alwyn steps up to the dragon, sword arcing through the air. "Taste the steel of Gorum, worm!"

5' step to MN 14-15. I can fly, so I'm standing on the surface of the water. The effect of the Blessing of fervour is +2 ATK and REFLEX.
Attack 1: 13+10(normal attack bonus)+13(misc bonuses)-2(Power Attack)=AC 34, damage 3d6+1(enchantment)+8(enhanced STR)+6(Power Attack)+9(misc bonuses)+1d6 sonic=36+5 sonic.
Attack 2: 8+5(normal attack bonus)+13(misc bonuses)-2(Power Attack)=AC 24, damage 3d6+1(enchantment)+8(enhanced STR)+6(Power Attack)+9(misc bonuses)+1d6 sonic=30+2 sonic.
Attack 3 (from haste): 14+10(normal attack bonus)+13(misc bonuses)-2(Power Attack)=AC 35, damage 3d6+1(enchantment)+8(enhanced STR)+6(Power Attack)+9(misc bonuses)+1d6 sonic=35+4 sonic.

My new AC is 26; I also have DR 5/evil.

Illes.

The dragon flops into the water, vanquished.

Yep, that was it, guys. 2,166xp each.

Illes watches the dragon splash down in disbelief until a wide grin spreads across his face. As a mock aside he whispers to Vethran, "I'm glad these guys are on our side. Remind me never to piss off baldy or the beard."

Then in a louder voice while looking around at the dragon's hoarde, "Boys... We are rich. Now to get it out of here without having to kill the whole damn goblin tribe over it. I'm going to have to burn this set of clothes as it is. The stench never really comes out. "

"Which way to the gold?" Hudak says, nonchalantly, trying to act like he's done this before.

Then, he flops down in the mud; he's amped hardcore. He sits there, laughing in disbelief. Then starts a coughing fit.

OK, I'll get you the loot list in a moment.

"Ha! The... Ah... Um, and stay down. Yeah!" Alwyn swallows his battle cry and abruptly sits down, grinning uncontrollably. "Very nice. Illes makes a good point - how do we deal with the goblins on our way out? Cut our way through them, or try to intimidate them with the dragon's head?"

I, ahh, if I may be so bold. I expect the goblins will probably be glad to see the back of the Dragon. The Hobgoblin certainly will be, he will now have undisputed rule over the tribe. Also, we have proved our worth to him, our friendship should be some incentive for him to want to be nice to us. I would suggest considering the hobgoblin as a member of our group for this horde, and splitting it equally. He gets a small share of the treasure, and will keep the goblins in line. We get a little less than we otherwise would, but less trouble on the way out. I think we've proven that we can defeat the goblins if absolutely necessary?

Knowledge (Arcana) check, DC 19:

Know (Arcana) 6+5=11.

"A bold proposal indeed. Personally, I'd rather eat broken glass, washed down with hagfish water, than give a goblin a single piece of copper, much less a share of a dragon hoard. Anyway, if we're quick about it, Hudak and I can fly us all out of here."

For Mothers:

Know (Arcana) 11+16=27.

"No need to drink more of that hagfish water, Alwyn." Elisile's face wrinkles in disgust. "The goblin chief is still under the effect of our charm spell. We should have no problems whatsoever in convincing the goblins to let us out without any further fighting."

Camlo looks at the others incredulously, trying to put together the thought that the ex-theif has more moral fibre than these upstanding citizens he thought he'd fallen in with. "Oh, well, I won't force anyone to give up any of the treasure." he says, looking a little dejected.

The dragon-slayers pick over their fallen foe's hoard.

You find the following:

A wand (Spellcraft DC 22):

A dusty-looking black cloak (DC 21):

A potion (DC 16):

A scroll (DC 23):

A dart (DC 23):

A mummified hand of a leather cord (DC 20):

8,500gp in various denominations, a bit acid-pitted but otherwise fine.

"OK. Now, what have we here..." Alwyn shrinks down to his regular height and bulk as he pokes through the dragon's belongings. "I'll take the head; it'll make for a grand gift once we get to the Shoanti lands. Now, this reminds me of something I've seen before..."

Spellcraft checks:
12+13=25
10+13=23
4+13=17
9+13=22
9+13=22
12+13=25

"Can't read the scroll, dunno what's in the bottle. No idea what the dart does, if anything. The cloak and the hand are nifty items, though, and the wand is quite powerful. A good haul, I'd say."

spellcraft for Elisile;

1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31 scroll
1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20 potion
1d20 + 19 ⇒ (11) + 19 = 30 dart

"That's okay, Alwyn; I got the others sussed," says Elisile.

"wow. That was fairly bloodless for us. In fact, completely....."

OK - now what?

Let's head back.

Chop the head off; it'll look good back at the fort, and let everybody know what badasses we are.

We need a taxidermist.

"Yeah. If the goblins make any trouble, it'll be their funeral." Alwyn chucks the dragon's head to Hudak. "You carry this - I need both hands for this sword."

Some of our spells are still active - Protection from evil, Heroism, Bull's STR, that sort of thing. We'll tell the bugbear that the dragon didn't like our tribute offer and we had to kill it in self-defence. If he asks, of course.