First dragon encounter

[voxpop]

I'm trying to get my head around the lethality of a Young Red Dragon -vs- 4th level party. I've got six adventurers in the party about to run smack dab into a dragon's lair. I'm thinking that a Young dragon should be about right for the party, but looking at the 8d10 breath attack makes me think otherwise. I want a challenge for them, not an outright barbeque. Is is me or are the C&C dragons more lethal than 1e and 3e?

The party is a good mix, fighter with a 21ac, knight with a 21ac, barbarian with a 19ac, and some squishy types in the rear.

TIA

[serleran]

Dragons are dangerous. 4th level is probably too low to encounter the majority of dragons, especially a red one. Maybe an age 1-2 dragon.
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Serl's Corner

[gideon_thorne]

voxpop wrote:
Is is me or are the C&C dragons more lethal than 1e and 3e?

Yes, they are. But there's no reason not to use the one described for your party. Not every encounter has to be won with a fight. Sneaking, evasion, and in worst cases running away are always good options.
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Peter Bradley