Running a Black Dragon Lair in my next session. Need some help figured out his lair.
So far i Have:
-Underwater tunnels to help him get around the lair (escape and ambush as needed)
-Kobolds that are high off the swamp gas
-Swamp gas that gets you high
-Acid geysers
-Half Dragon Crocodiles that are in the marsh guarding the entrance.
What else could I add to make it fun and memorable for my players. Not really looking for things about the dragon I guess, I got that figured out, just want to make the lair interesting also. That is where I'm looking for more ideas, but dragon tactic advice is welcome too.
Clouds of explosive swamp gas!
Have you already introduced the actual area? I used a Yellowstone-like corner of a great swamp, popped in mildly acidic mists, the thundering mountain and other features of Yellowstone to get the players jumpy. The loud noise forced them to pass notes of what they were saying (I translated). Nausea, no sleep (for spells), poor air quality (All Elves got sick, none had good Fort rolls), muck to walk in, roots to catch feet, crowded undergrowth, horrible smells, etc. The party went bonkers over a flippin' raccoon!
Good times!
I love the high kobolds! I have a black dragon later and I love that idea and I will be using it. As to suggestions since it is a swamp there is great potential for some underwater combat. R.O.U.S.'s (rodents of unusual size) come to mind.
One the way there they could happen upon some fun critters like the willow o' wisp or some hags.
The dragon knows the area very well and would dispute his size be able to get away from the party. Dragon would have escape routes which could lead to some chasing.
Make sure to have plenty of the dragon's favorite food sitting around. Plenty of rotting and pickled bodies might freak some adventurers out.
Awesome advice guys, ty
I love the high kobolds! I have a black dragon later and I love that idea and I will be using it. As to suggestions since it is a swamp there is great potential for some underwater combat. R.O.U.S.'s (rodents of unusual size) come to mind.
One the way there they could happen upon some fun critters like the willow o' wisp or some hags.
The dragon knows the area very well and would dispute his size be able to get away from the party. Dragon would have escape routes which could lead to some chasing.
The Princess Bride came to my mind as well. The three terrors of the fire swamp...1) the flame spurt (of swamp gas), 2) the lightning sand (quicksand, sinkholes, etc.), and 3) the ROUSs (rodents of unusual size).
I had a nasty black dragon encounter planned in my game that never came about, but it was intended to be an underwater fight. Depending on PC level that may not be much of a disadvantage, but don't overlook it. Good luck!
