It ended with the Knights of Neraka both being slain on the backs of their dragons, and one of the Whites was slain. The other White Dragon flew off after the battle, pitching her unexpected riders, the Solamnic in the Maw of the Dragon, and the Rogue/Shadow Dancer having lept from his dragon onto the Whites head. One of the two Bronze Dragons was hit by the lance and nearly killed from just the loss of Con, and the wound tore a hole in the wing. When this dragon crashed it was alive with 2 HP out of 248. The other has 178 out of 248, but abandoned the battle to check on her mate. When she heard the screams of her rider (the Rouge/Shadow Dancer) and the Solamnic (he was not actually screaming, he was at -3HP), she flew to the sky and rescued them. Settling down she Polymorphed into a Kagonesti Ranger and began to examine her mate. The session ended with a troop of Knights of Neraka and Goblins entering their area from all sides. The Knights armed with Abyssal Lances.
Well, my point, the players clearly are captured, and the Knights are convinced the other Bronze escaped even though she is right in front of them. I was wondering, since the dragon is still alive, and the Solamnic PC grew very attached to the dragon, should I be mean and have a Nerakan, or even a Goblin, strike the killing blow. I almost don't want to, because the dragon is the Solamnics only link to his now dead father, and the dragons have made interesting, and fun party members. I know it would be a good part of the story, but I almost can't bring myself to do this with Nerakan Knights (Goblins, yes, Knights, not really). So I ask this question, in as much detail as you feel necessary, how would you handle the resolution of this moment? I have two weeks to find a solution to my quandry, and any help is much appreciated.
Another option is the previously unthought-of story hook. Perhaps one of the Knights of the Skull has need for such a beast. The use does not necessarily have to be disclosed to the characters, merely hint at it, then force them to watch as their companion is unceremoniously dragged off. Now from your moment of mercy for not killing the dragon, you have a minor quest for the party to go rescue their friend, once they have managed to save themselves.
Correlanthias
Originally posted by Correlanthias
I can see where this could pose to be a difficult choice. The most obvious choice is to kill the dragon and force the characters to watch the goblins have a feast of dragon's meat, then note that the food that they were given just before did seem to have an odd texture to it. Don't bother confirming whether or not they might have eaten part of their companion. Okay, but I must admit I am a bit of a sadist.
Boy, that is just evil. Never know though, I may just do that. ;)
Another option is the previously unthought-of story hook. Perhaps one of the Knights of the Skull has need for such a beast. The use does not necessarily have to be disclosed to the characters, merely hint at it, then force them to watch as their companion is unceremoniously dragged off. Now from your moment of mercy for not killing the dragon, you have a minor quest for the party to go rescue their friend, once they have managed to save themselves.
This one, however, I like more. Gives the players a chance to save the dragon and gives them a continued quest. Thanks for the suggestions.
Correlanthias [/b]
That was a major part of the plot in my campaign. The main question was what to do with the dragon. I do have an idea, but now my confusion comes with this. What could a person need a living dragon for. That is what I want to do, but I can't think of any reason for why he would want the dragon alive.
Originally posted by The Udjat
To make baby dragons - Or more accurately, eggs. Which mean Draconians.
See, I am not sure if I want to do that, especially because of the fact that I have increased the number of Female Draconians. However, I think I can come up with something along these lines. Is there anything else they would do with them? The other problem, that I forgot to mention, is that the captured dragon is a male.
1) Perhaps the wizard is trying to restore his youth. Dragons being the immortal creatures that they are would be an excellent source for materials. Say the particular recipe he has requires the life's blood - which if they dragon is dead when he extracts it, it has already lost too much of its potency.
2) Pulling off of this point, the creation of any assorted magical item that deals with dragons - Ring of Dragon Control, someone trying to recreate the Dragon Orbs, etc...
3) Perhaps someone important in their ranks has died, and they want to bring them back from the dead, but the only person capable of it is a Mystic with the Restoration Domain, but for some reason, they learned to use their abilities in a vampiric fashion.
4) The experimentation of a recently created magic item - like Bastard Sword of Dragon Slaying, unfortunately, it is not present at the moment.
5) Sheer brutality. Break the dragon's wings, lash its mouth shut, then let the boys have a little fun. Nothing like a good ole' fashion dragon beatin'. :D I'm more serious than you might think, letting the men have a little sport is great for morale, so what if it's at the expense of a dragon's life. I mean look at the wonders the gladatorial arenas had for the mood of the Roman crowds. Better yet, enslave the poor beast then force slaves and prisoners to have to fight it.
Correlanthias