ENCOUNTERS
by Gali Sanchez
The Setting
Grifton swallows hard. He has been
patrolling this area for two weeks, and
nothing has ever happened -- until
today. The monotony of fourteen days
of uneventful patrols now work<s> against
him. The dragon appeared so suddenly
that it caught Grifton by surprise.
Grifton watches the dragon below as
it disappears into the thick clouds,
catching only glimpses of the reptile as
it lazily drifts from cloud to cloud.
Although the clouds block his view, he
realizes that these same clouds keep his
mount and himself from detection.
The Characters
Grifton Dunsaway
Race: Human, 7th level Fighter
AC: 2 (Chain & Shield), hp 31
S: 18/27 (+1 to hit, +3 dmg. adj.)
I: 14
W: 12
D: 16 (+1 reaction attacking, -2 def.
adj.)
C: 7
Ch: 9
Grifton carries a throwing dagger
and a +2 lance. He has been paid to
destroy Forzahn, the red dragon.
Orrex
Race: Pegasus
AC: 6, MV: 24"/48"
Hit dice: 4, hp: 15
Number of Attacks: 3
Damage: 1-8/1-8/1-3
Magic Resistance: Standard
Alignment: Lawful
Orrex is Grifton's mount. As with
any pegasus, Orrex is fiercely loyal and
will follow his master's every
command.
Forszahn
Race: Young adult red dragon
AC: -1, MV: 9"/24"
Hit dice: 9, hp 36
Number of Attacks: 3
Damage: 1-8/1-8/3-30
Forszahn has just moved to the area
from the Shield Lands. He has destroyed
farms and other dwellings
within a 50 mile radius to establish his
reign. The dragon has no magic spells.
DM's Section
Grifton's choices are standard conflct
or no engagement. If he attacks,
the +2 to hit and damage will be a big
help, along with the +3 adjustment to
damage and +1 to hit due to Grifton's
strength. The biggest bonus is the double
damage that results from charging
with the lance. Beginning with the
damage adjustment, the normal damage
would be 2-12, plus 2 points for the
magic lance, plus 3 points due to
strength. If this is doubled because of
the charge, the damage becomes 7-17
doubled, or 14-34 points of damage.
Of course, Grifton must first hit the
dragon. His best chance is through
surprise; if he approaches from above,
hidden in the clouds, he can lower the
reptile's armor class by 4. If the player
states intent to hide in the clouds, Grifton
will have only a 10% chance of
being discovered before attacking; if
not, roll standard surprise reaction.
With the advantage of surprise, Grifton's
player needs to roll an 8 or better
on a d20 in order to strike the dragon.
Without surprise, a 12 or higher is
required for a successful hit.
All of the rules for aerial combat
from the DMG apply. Therefore, if
Orrex sustains 12 points of damage, he
will be forced to the ground. 15 points
of damage will kill the pegasus.
If Forszahn sustains more than 18
points of damage, he will be forced to
land. If the dragon takes more than 27
points of damage, he will fall and die
upon impact with the ground. Grifton
cannot inflict enough damage to kill
the dragon on the first attack.
If Grifton's initial aerial attack is not
successful, Forszahn will use his breath
weapon on Grifton and Orrex. If the
dragon sustains any damage at all, he
will seek the safety of the ground and
maintain a defensize posture. Forszahn
will not use his breath weapon while
grounded unless the fighter directly
melees him.
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