GM in need of ideas: The Gold Dragon Tournament

[Prof. Löwenzahn]

Hello folks,

I start GMing a group of 8th level characters in a group I played in until now, changing the seats with my former GM, who wants to be a player for a while.

My chapter of the campaign is going to lead them into a Duchy, whose people live isolated between a creepy swamp and an even creepier forest. They worship an ancient golden dragon, who was supposed to be the founder of this Duchy, yet was never seen for a century or two.

When my players arrive, a golden dragon will appear in the sky, which the superstitious people of course see as a sign for an upcoming Kindom of Heaven or something like this. Following their tradition, a Festival is Held, which includes a tournament, called the "Dragon Run".

The players may participate in this run. What I need is some tasks that fit thematically to dragons, especially the golden ones.

- There will of Course be some parkour that requires a combination of physical skills (Climb, Acrobatics, Swim...)
- since golden Dragons are immune to fire, I thought of some kind of Walking across glowing coals or dodging fire related traps
- there should be some fights, because that's what Pathfinder does best, I thought of some constructs/plants that only grapple or try to impede movement by other means. Any suggestions?
- something with Draconic language...maybe a riddle?

The Group consists of a Strix Airborne Ambusher, a Bard, a Synergist Witch, a ranged Warpriest and a Divine Marksman Ranger.

How would you run such a run?

[Sangerine]

Have the PCs do a CTF style combat where the protect a "dragon hoard". A pile of shiny baubles or something similar.

Feats of strength, gold dragons are both the largest and strongest (in terms of raw STR score) among the metallic dragons. Only silver and bronze match them in size IIRC, and golds clock in at 31 str, with silver and bronze at 27.

Remember that size affects carrying capacity, so smaller races may have some trouble showing off.

Keep track of allies and enemies the PCs make as they play through these games, and have the front runners at the end of the festival compete for the crown in a compressed game of Xorvintaal.

Friends/allies pledge allegiance to whoever they believe should be the overall victor and group up to help their chosen champion complete <final task here> while simultaneously trying to prevent other competitors and their supporters from succeeding.

[cavernshark]

Quote:

Detect Gems (Sp)

A young or older gold dragon can detect gems three times per day. This functions as locate object, but can only be used to locate gemstones

Maybe incorporate a gem hunt into it? Run to a place, find a gem, bring it back? Your party is almost certainly going to be able to avoid a lot of environmental traps with things like flight, so forcing them to the ground to deal with them to look for something could be useful.

[QLMMaster]

gold dragons are always lawful good, so perhaps a test of valour and benevolence?

building on sangerines capture the flag style challenge, you could have a battlefield of traps and hazzards that the party has to navigate through in order to capture the opposing horde

[voideternal]

Sounds like a Chase.
All the physical skills would make good obstacles.
Dodging fire traps can be a Reflex save based obstacle.
CMB / Attack rolls can also be obstacles. Or just throw in a normal combat encounter mid-chase.