I'll make just one more point about this situation. If you aren't familiar with Red Hand of Doom, this combat with the dragon takes place near the end of the adventure, after a long period in which the party has been a major thorn in the side of the army to which the dragon is attached. The identities of the PCs have become well-known to the bad guys by this point, and it was known that the dwarf cleric was their leader. So he made a very inviting and tempting target. The dragon could easily assume that taking out the dwarf would deal a major blow to the town's resistance and possibly win the battle. If you think a dragon of reasonable, but not super-genius intelligence (16-17 per Bestiary) would never take such a gamble then you merely disagree with my DM and I. Welcome to do that, in your game, and we'll keep playing our way.
Letter from Mia to Wyrmlord Kharn
"The Thorns [Yes, that's what they call you] are in Tamaryzk (Brindol)! They are at the South Gate and have just slain one of the Kulkor Zhul escorting Skather! He was unseen as best I can tell. Send Abithrax quickly, the time is NOW!!
Mia "
Abithrax's Rampage, pg90 Red Hand of Doom
"...He starts combat by breathing fire on the PCs then swoops down to land near any spellcasters (Especially Clerics displaying Holy Symbols of Good deities) or other characters who have a good chance at affecting him at range."
"...Once his Blood is up, Abithrax refuses to back down. His stubborn nature and refusal to admit defeat is one of the traits that won him an honored position with the horde, and he doesn't retreat, instead dedicating his fate to Tiamat. (Zilibrangst in my campaign)
Am I a bad DM for following the Plot Line of the Adventure? Hmmm, I don't think so. If the conditions were never met to bring him to the ground, he would have remained aloft and *POOF* end of fight. The Dwarf Cleric both met the conditions of the Plot Line AND did something heroic and selfless to bring the beast down so the TEAM could win the day.
His stats, well, they were the worst of the group. He knows he's not the sharpest sword in the scabbard and admits that often.
As to all this stat mumbo jumbo.... in a team, you cover each other. Fight together and fill in for weaknesses others might have. The group in my game does it well.
If you like Rolling for that chance at great stats I'm with ya. If you like point buys to build what you want and get okay stats, more power to ya.
Now, pipe down, play the game, have fun and for the love of Pete remember: If you're not having fun, do something else. The only gimped character is the person who thinks they are.
" Life's splendor forever lies in wait about each one of us in all its fullness, but veiled from view, deep down, invisible, far off. It is there though, not hostile, not reluctant, not deaf. If you summon it by the right word, by it's right name, it will come."
- Frank Kafka, Diaries