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The Dragon’s LairEncounter Level 22 (20,750 XP)SetupInfernus (I)The lair is the most likely place to encounter Infernus.Unless the PCs have done something to draw hisattention, such as shoving the doomsday device intothe magma, the red dragon is here, finishing a mealof a whale he snatched from the sea earlier in the day.The players should place their miniatures at theedge of the tactical map, where the ledge drops awayto the magma below. Wait until the PCs spot thedragon to place his miniature.When the PCs reach this ledge, read:The ledge forms a lip above the sea of fire far below. Aheadlies a huge cave, easily 100 feet wide and twice as deep.Stalactites hang from the ceiling 30 feet above, and afew massive stalagmites rise from the floor. In spite of theambient light from the magma, gloom shrouds the cave’sdepths.Perception CheckDC 27 + 2 per square of distance between thePCs and the dragon: The PCs see Infernus.When the PCs see the dragon, read:A hulking horror unfolds from the floor at the rear of thecave. Although the creature is covered in soot and ash, youcan clearly see red scales, white horns ending in black tips,and baleful eyes filled with yellow fire. It chuckles deeply.“Yes, come forward, so I can see you.”InfernusLevel 22 Solo SoldierElder red dragonHuge natural magical beast (dragon) XP 20,750Initiative +19 Senses Perception +19; darkvisionHP 1,050; Bloodied 525; see also bloodied breathAC 40; Fortitude 40, Reflex 37, Will 34Resist 25 fireSaving Throws +5Speed 8, fly 10 (hover), overland flight 15Action Points 2m Bite (standard; at-will) ✦ FireReach 3; +29 vs. AC; 2d10 + 9 plus 4d6 fire damage.m Claw (standard; at-will)Reach 3; +29 vs. AC; 2d10 + 9 damage.M Double Attack (standard; at-will)The dragon makes two claw attacks.M Tail Strike (immediate reaction, when an enemy moves to aposition where it flanks the red dragon; at-will)The dragon attacks the enemy with its tail: reach 3; +27 vs.Reflex; 3d10 + 9 damage, and the target is pushed 2 squares.R Immolate Foe (standard; recharge ⚄⚅) ✦ FireRanged 20; +27 vs. Reflex; 3d10 + 8 fire damage, and ongoing10 fire damage (save ends).C Breath Weapon (standard; recharge ⚄ ⚅) ✦ FireClose blast 5; +27 vs. Reflex; 3d12 + 8 fire damage. Miss: Halfdamage.C Bloodied Breath (free, when first bloodied; encounter) ✦ FireThe dragon’s breath weapon recharges, and the dragon uses itimmediately.C Frightful Presence (standard; encounter) ✦ FearClose burst 10; targets enemies; +25 vs. Will; the target isstunned until the end of the dragon’s next turn. Aftereffect: Thetarget takes a –2 penalty to attack rolls (save ends).Alignment Evil Languages Common, Draconic, GiantSkills Bluff +18, History +17, Insight +19, Intimidate +23Str 28 (+20) Dex 22 (+17) Wis 17 (+14)Con 26 (+19) Int 15 (+13) Cha 15 (+13)Buying TimeInfernus does not intend to negotiate with the PCs,but he tries to buy time to creep closer and bringthem in range of his frightful presence. He waxes onabout how impressed he is that the PCs found himand comments on their courage for descending intohis lair. He questions them about why they came,chuckling again if they mention their intent to slayhim. All the while, Infernus creeps forward 1 squareat a time until the PCs are within range. After combatbegins, he rewards obnoxious or arrogant characterswith his most vicious attacks.140CHAPTER 3 | Dragon LairsJASON A. ENGLE