[S&W White Box] Killin' Dragons: Level 10 - Zu

Zu (ancient Red Dragon)
Desolation: Mordale
Lair: Hursef's Cavern*

Zu is mere legend to many, he's so old. And rarely, if ever, does he leave is lair. Old and fat, they say, with a treasure even the gods envy. But not so old, and not so fat, as one would believe.

When he was last spotted in the night sky, the Temple of Heresy was being built, nearly 2000 years ago. Oh, yes, he's not moved much in the last few millenia, but he's not a push-over. Still sharp as ever, still able to rend and claw.

He sleeps a lot, yes, he does, but becomes instantly awake when someone steps within his lair. But to get to Hursef's Cavern is a trial in itself. The thousand miles of tunnels beneath Mordale are thick with trolls, chimera, and hell hounds, while the surface of Mordale is inhabited by giants of all kinds. Through them first and then great treasure, but only after defeating Zu. Have fun storming the dragon lair, suckers!

History of the name: Zu is a dragon from Sumerian mythology who stole the Tablets of Destiny and hid them on a mountain. Whoever possesses the tablets rules the universe, so Marduk slays Zu to recover them.

Zu, ancient Red Dragon, Age: ~4500, Desolation: Mordale, Lair: Hursef's Cavern, Armor Class: 2 [17], Hit Dice: 10, Hit Points: 80, Attacks: claw/claw/bite (1d6/1d6/1d6), Special: Breathes fire (80 damage, cone 90ft by 30ft), Move: 12 (24 when flying), Spells (4/3/3/2): Detect Magic, Hold Portal, Protection from Law, Sleep, Detect Thoughts, Levitate, Phantasmal Force, Alter Time, Fireball, Protection from Normal Missiles, Hallucinatory Terrain, Massmorph.

Giants dwell within Mordale while trolls, chimera, and hellhounds wander the myriad of tunnels beneath.

* My final theft of an excellent map by Dyson.

[S&W White Box] Killin' Dragons: Level 9 - Jormungandr

Jormungandr (aged Blue Dragon)
Desolation: The Coast of Prylyn
Lair: Esterlea Island, Temple of Heresy*

Jormungandr is a great Blue Dragon that resides as the Grand Master of the Temple of Heresy, a post he has held for nearly two thousand years. Esterlea Island two millenia ago was an evil place and the populace worshiped the dragon, building him a temple and feeding his vanity (and his belly) with many sacrifices gained through piracy and mainland raids. In time, however, their evil overtook them and their pirate fleet was destroyed by the combined navies of several countries on the Coast of Prylyn.

When the survivors returned to Esterlea Island and begged the great dragon for aid in their battle, he laughed at them and feasted upon them. In the ensuing centuries, more and more evil folk have traveled to the island in order to serve the dragon as corsairs and, without fail, they have fallen prey to his depredations after failing in some military action against neighboring navies. So far, there have been five great pirate empires that have built themselves up on the island only to be defeated in battle and then ultimately slain by Jormungandr.

Currently, the pirates of Easterlea Island are few in number but are more than a minor inconvenience for even the heartiest of adventurers. In order to slay the dragon, guile and trickery may be in order. Often, the island is depopulated when the fleets sail, as the evil corsairs trust to the dragon to protect their homes. Perhaps then is a good time to strike ....

History of the name: Jormunganr, also known as the Midgard Serpent, is from Norse mythology. It is a child of the trickster god Loki and an enemy of Thor. It circles the earth, biting its own tail. During Ragnarök, Jormunganr rises from the sea and poisons the sky with its venom. Thor defeats the monster then takes 9 steps before falling to the beasts poison.

Jurmungandr, aged Blue Dragon, Age: ~2500, Desolation: The Coast of Prylyn, Lair: Temple of Heresy, Esterlea Island, Armor Class: 2 [17], Hit Dice: 9, Hit Points: 63, Attacks: claw/claw/bite (1d6/1d6/1d6), Special: Spits lightning (63 damage, line 100ft by 5ft, save for half damage), Move: 12 (24 when flying), Spells (4/3/2/1): Read Languages, Sleep, Protection from Law, Detect Magic, Phantasmal Force, Detect Law, Invisibility, Fireball, Alter Time, Confusion.

Piratical minions uncounted, but probably numbering in the hundreds or thousands.

* Dyson draws some fantastic maps, doesn't he?

[S&W White Box] Killin' Dragons: Level 8 - Vermithrax Pejorative

Vermithrax Pejorative (very old Green Dragon)
Desolation: Dorholt Forest
Lair: The Ocean Below*

Vermithrax Pejorative is a very old dragon who has dominated the Dorholt Forest for nearly 1000 years. Many generations of adventurers have sought the dragon in the leafy trees, only to be killed by the dragon herself or the various dangers that inhabit that evil wood.

Recently, Vermithrax gained the forced servitude of a Djinn named Osedael (who isn't really enjoying the job very much). Should a puissant band of adventurers come to the Dorholt Forest, Osedael may be convinced to subtly aid them in order to spell the doom of his mistress. But he's got a fine line to walk and can be forced to attack to kill the party should he be directly ordered to by the dragon (currently, he's got a bit of latitude in interpreting his standard "orders").

History of the name: Vermithrax Pejorative was the dragon in the movie Dragonslayer (1981). Her name means "The Wyrm of Thrace who makes things worse." The king of Urland sacrifices 2 virgins to the dragon each year, chosen by lottery. The hero of the piece, Galen, wounds the dragon with an enchanted spear called Sicarius Dracorum ("Dragonslayer"). The dragon is eventually slain by the wizard Ulrich of Craggenmoor at the cost of his own life.

Vermithrax Pejoritive, very old Green Dragon, Age: ~1000, Desolation: Dorholt Forest, Lair: The Ocean Below, Armor Class: 2 [17], Hit Dice: 8, Hit Points: 48, Attacks: claw/claw/bite (1d6/1d6/1d6), Special: Breathes poisonous gas (48 damage, cloud area 50ft diameter, save for half damage), Move: 12 (24 when flying), Spells (4/2/2): Charm Person, Sleep, Hold Portal, Read Languages, Invisibility, Detect Invisibility, Lightning Bolt, Hold Person.

Osedael the Djinn, Armor Class: 5 [14], Hit Dice: 7+1, Hit Points: 36, Attacks: fist (2d6) or flaming great sword (2d6+2d6), Special: create food/water, create wooden, cloth or metal objects, illusions, gaseous form, invisibility at will, whirlwind, Move: 9 (24 when flying), Spells (4/2/1): Charm Person, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Phantasmal Force, Web, Alter Time.



* Another fabulous map from Lapsus Calumni

[S&W White Box] Killin' Dragons: Level 7 - Ancalagon the Black

Ancalagon the Black (old Black Dragon)
Desolation: Bymarsh
Lair: on the shores of Bypond Lake, Ruins of Corvel on the Mount*

Ancalagon the Black is an old dragon, set in his ways. He's lived in his lair for a long time, in fact, he was responsible for it being a ruin. Over 500 years ago, he flew in from the west and slew the men and elves of Corvel on the Mount in a devastating early morning attack. None survived and he immediately moved in and started gathering his hoard.

A few years ago, a clutch of basilisks moved into the ruins and Ancalagon was surprised that he could speak with them and wasn't affected by their gaze. The basilisks have a free rein in the ruins and make excellent watch-dogs (and rather final security systems).

History of the name: Ancalagon is a dragon bred by Morgoth during the First Age to be the mightiest, from the Middle Earth books by J. R. R. Tolkien. He was slain by Eärendil, who destroyed the dragon by casting him onto the triple-peaked towers of Thangorodrim.

Ancalagon the Black, old Black Dragon, Age: ~800, Desolation: Bymarsh, Lair: Ruins of Corvel on the Mount, Armor Class: 2 [17], Hit Dice: 7, Hit Points: 35, Attacks: claw/claw/bite (1d6/1d6/1d6), Special: Spits acid (35 damage, area 60ft by 5ft), Move: 12 (24 when flying), Spells (3/2/1): Sleep, Shield


3 Basilisks, Armor Class: 4 [15], Hit Dice: 6, Hit Points: 20, 17, 15, Attacks: bite (1d6), Special: Petrifying gaze, Move: 6


* Still another great map from Dyson.

[S&W White Box] Killin' Dragons: Level 6: Abraxas

Abraxas (adult White Dragon)
Desolation: Vertkeep Downs
Lair: in the Medusa Chasm*

Abraxas descended on the Vertkeep Downs within the last decade. No one knows where he came from but sages have speculated that he's actually one of the 13 unnamed dragons of antiquity that were sealed within a magical cave by the great wizard Zhedratia the Wise, to sleep until the end of the world. Somehow he's escaped this fate but noone has really knows if this is true. He took a dungeon in the Medusa Chasm as his lair and has a werewolf as his chief bootlicker (and a pack of wolves as his shock troops).

History of the name: Abraxas, also spelled Abrasax or Anbraxas, is a Persian dragon. He is a symbol of Gnosticism.

Abraxas, adult White Dragon, age: ~600, Desolation: Vertkeep Downs, Lair: Medusa Chasm, Armor Class: 2 [17], Hit Dice: 7, Hit Points: 28, Attacks: claw/claw/bite (1d6/1d6/1d6), Special: Breathes cold (28 damage, cone 70ft by 30ft), Move: 12 (24 when flying), Spells (4/2/1): Charm Person, Sleep, Protection from Law, Detect Magic, Invisibility, Detect Invisibility, Fireball.

Bloodrage the Werewolf, Armor Class: 5 [14], Hit Dice: 3, Hit Points: 17, Attacks: weapon (1d6), Special: Lycanthropy, control wolves, only affected by silver or magical weapons, Move: 12.

6 Wolves, Armor Class: 6 [13], Hit Dice: 2, Hit Points: 10, 9, 8, 8, 7, 5, Attacks: bite (1d6), Move: 18.

* Yet another excellent map from Dyson

[S&W White Box] Killin' Dragons: Level 5 - Glaurung the Deceiver

Glaurung the Deceiver (immature Red Dragon)
Desolation: Fallshore
Lair: The Lost Temple of Mumbar*

Glaurung has ravaged Fallshore for centuries and killed many knights and warriors that have tried to slay him. Glaurung resides in a ruined temple up in the hills and a trio of chaotic Centaurs form the bulk of his minions.

History of the name: Glaurung is another dragon from Middle Earth, considered the Father of Dragons. J.R.R.Tolkein wrote him as a wingless fire-breathing dragon who was slain by Túrin Turambar. His nickname was "The Deceiver" due to his ability to enslave men.

Glaurung the Deceiver, immature Red Dragon, Age: ~400, Desolation: Fallshore, Lair: The Lost Temple of Mumbar, Armor Class: 2 [17], Hit Dice: 10, Hit Points: 30, Attacks: claw/claw/bite (1d6/1d6/1d6), Special: Breathes fire (30 damage, cone 90ft by 30ft), Move: 12 (24 when flying), Spells (4/2): Charm Person, Hold Portal, Read Languages, Light, Levitate, Detect Thoughts (ESP).

3 Centaurs, Armor Class: 5 [14], Hit Dice: 4, Hit Points: 18, 15, 12, Attacks: kick (1d6) or two-handed warclub (1d6+1), Special: None, Move: 18.

* Thanks to Lapsus Calumni for another excellent map.

[S&W White Box] Killin' Dragons: Level 4 - Uwibami the Swift

Uwibami the Swift (immature Blue Dragon)
Desolation: Ironvale
Lair: northern cliff wall in the Waterfall Caves*

Uwibami the Swift is a blue dragon who's desolation is over the whole of the Ironvale. He has successfully kept other predators, both non-dragon and dragon, away from his lands. His lair is in the Waterfall Caves and more than one band of would-be dragonslayers have met their end there - usually by being electrocuted by Uwibami's breath weapon striking the water they were standing in. A clutch of spiders lives in the woods right outside Uwibami's lair and he spends many hours watching them and feeding them captured enemies.

History of the name: Uwibami is a dragon from Japanese folklore. He had a habit of attacking horsemen, grabbing the riders from their mounts and eating them.

Uwibami the Swift, immature Blue Dragon, Age: ~400, Desolation: Ironvale, Lair: Waterfall Caves, Armor Class: 2 [17], Hit Dice: 9, Hit Points: 27, Attacks: claw/claw/bite (1d6/1d6/1d6), Special: Spits lightning (27 damage, line 100ft by 5ft, save for half damage), Move: 12 (24 when flying), Spells (4/2): Detect Magic, Light, Protection from Law, Sleep, Web, Invisibility.

5 Giant Spiders, Armor Class: 6 [13], Hit Dice: 2+2, Hit Points: 12, 12, 12, 10, 9, Attacks: bite (1d6+poison), Special: surprise opponents (on 1–5), save to avoid becoming stuck in the web, +1 to save vs. poison, Move: 18.

* Thanks for yet another great map from Dyson.

[S&W White Box] Killin' Dragons: Level 3 - Kalseru the Wicked

Kalseru the Wicked (young Green Dragon)
Desolation: Norden Woods
Lair: Raven's Ruins* near Westron Barrow

Kalseru the Wicked, also known as Kalseru the Green, makes her desolation in the deep forests of Norden Woods. Her lair is near the Westron Barrow, in an old dungeon called Raven's Ruins. A small mixed band of humanoids, including a Bugbear captain, serve as her personal guard.

History of the name: Kalseru is a goddess in Australian aboriginal mythology. She appears as a rainbow serpent and is associated with weather, rain, rebirth and fertility.

Kalseru the Wicked, young Green Dragon, Age: ~200, Desolation: Norden, Lair: Raven's Ruins, Armor Class: 2 [17], Hit Dice: 8, Hit Points: 16, Attacks: claw/claw/bite (1d6/1d6/1d6), Special: Breathes poisonous gas (16 damage, cloud area 50ft diameter, save for half damage), Move: 12 (24 when flying), Spells (3/1): Charm Person, Protection from Law, Detect Magic, Detect Thoughts (ESP).

Crash, Bugbear captain, Armor Class: 5 [14], Hit Dice: 3+1, Hit Points: 14, Attacks: halberd (1d6+1) or bite (1d6), Special: Surprise opponents (on 1–3), Move: 9.

3 Bugbears, Armor Class: 5 [14], Hit Dice: 3+1, Hit Points: 13, 13, 12, Attacks: halberd (1d6+1) or bite (1d6), Special: Surprise opponents (on 1–3), Move: 9.

3 Goblins, Armor Class: 7 [12], Hit Dice: 1-1, Hit Points: 3, 3, 2, Attacks: spear (1d6) or short bow (1d6-1, 50ft), Special: -1 “to-hit” in sunlight, Move: 9.

2 Kobolds, Armor Class: 6 [13], Hit Dice: 1/2, Hit Points: 2, 1, Attacks: short sword (1d6-1) or sling (1d6, 30ft), Special: -1 “to-hit” in sunlight, Move: 6.

4 Orcs, Armor Class: 6 [13], Hit Dice: 1, Hit Points: 6, 4, 4, 3, Attacks: weapon (1d6), Special: -1 “to-hit” in sunlight, Move: 12.

* Thanks to Dyson for this excellent map.

[S&W White Box] Killin' Dragons: Level 2 - Scatha the Worm

Scatha the Worm (very young Black Dragon)
Desolation: Shadowmarsh
Lair: Dorian's Cave*

Scatha the Worm is a clever Black Dragon, prone to tricks and traps rather than a stand-up fight. She has managed to cow nearby monster tribes through guile and intimidation in the swamp where she dwells. Her lair is a subterranean cave guarded by undead skeletons under the dragon's control.

History of the name: Scatha the Worm is from J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle Earth and dwelled in the Grey Mountains. Scatha is described as a "long-worm" and was defeated by an ancestor of Eorl the Young named Fram, son of Frumgar. The recovery of Scatha's hoard lead to a conflict with dwarves and Fram died in the feud. Fram's descendents include Éowyn. Merry Brandybuck received a horn from Scatha's hoard as a gift from Éowyn.

Scatha the Worm, very young Black Dragon, Age: ~100, Desolation: Shadowmarsh, Lair: Dorian's Cave, Armor Class: 2 [17], Hit Dice: 8, Hit Points: 8, Attacks: claw/claw/bite (1d6/1d6/1d6), Special: Spits acid (8 damage, area 60ft by 5ft), Move: 12 (24 when flying), Spells (2): Sleep, Hold Portal.

10 Skeletons, Armor Class: 7 [12] with shield, Hit Dice: 1, Hit Points: 6, 5, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 2, 2, 1, Attacks: sword (1d6), Move: 12.

* Thanks to Dyson for this excellent map.

[S&W White Box] Killin' Dragons: Level 1 - Chrysophylax Dives

Chrysophylax Dives (very young White Dragon)
Desolation: Hedgewall Mountains
Lair: Eldor's Cave* on Mount Dorwick

Chrysophylax Dives, also known as Chrysophylax the White and sometimes Frostburn, is a very young dragon, only about a hundred years old. The dragon has recently set up a desolation (a sages term for a dragon's territory or desmesne) and has bullied a goblinoid band in the area to serve as his minions. His lair is located in a cave on Mount Dorwick, which he co-habitates with a Shadow (the Shadow lives in one of the side caves).

History of the name: Chrysophylax Dives is the name of the dragon in J. R. R. Tolkien's Farmer Giles of Ham. He is arrogant, pompous and vain, but can only be bullied so far. Farmer Giles defeats him with the help of a magic dragon-slaying sword called Caudimordax.

Chrysophylax Dives, very young White Dragon, age: ~100, Desolation: Hedgewall Mountains, Lair: Eldor's Cave on Mount Dorwick, Armor Class: 2 [17], Hit Dice: 7, Hit Points: 7, Attacks: claw/claw/bite (1d6/1d6/1d6), Special: Breathes cold (7 damage, cone 70ft by 30ft), Move: 12 (24 when flying), Spells (2): Charm Person, Sleep.

6 Goblins, Armor Class: 7 [12], Hit Dice: 1-1, Hit Points: 4, 3, 3, 2, 2, 1, Attacks: short sword (1d6-1) or spear (1d6, 20ft), Special: -1 “to-hit” in sunlight, Move: 9.

Goreghast the Shadow, Armor Class: 7 [12], Hit Dice: 3+3, Hit Points: 15, Attacks: touch (1d6+strength drain), Special: drains one point of strength with each hit, Move: 12.

* Thanks to Lapsus Calumni for such an excellent map.

[S&W White Box] Killin' Dragons: An Introduction

Sadly, Dungeons and Dragons, in nearly all of it's various incarnations and derivatives, has a surfeit of dungeons but a definitive lack of dragons. Since it's both "dungeons" and "dragons," there should be an equal amount of both, or a better ratio.

So with that in mind, I've decided to increase the number of dragons out there for brave and cunning adventurers to kill. And, under the assumption that each dragon will lead to enough XP to raise the PCs in question to the next higher level, I've set up the dragons by level, from 1st to 10th, statted out in Swords and Wizardry White Box format.

I've also decided to steal some historical and fantasy dragon names for each of these dragons, match up the dragon with a lair (using a map from one of the other RPG bloggers out there) and a desolation, and a list of the minions the dragon lords over. Treasure, as always, is up to the GM, but should be appropriate for a adventure series where the focus is killing dragons.

I hope you enjoy the following dragons and good luck on killing them!

[The Hire] Season 2, Episode 3: Beat the Devil

The final episode of The Hire guest stars Gary Oldman and James Brown and was directed by Tony Scott. This episode has subtitles, but not so the audience can understand The Driver, but so they can understand what the Godfather of Soul and the Devil say. A flashback to 1954 shows a young boy getting into a car and stepping out with a verve and dance moves and a contract.

Modern day, The Driver brings the Godfather of Soul to see the Devil to renegotiate the contract. They make a wager, drag race at dawn, through Las Vegas, with The Driver's soul on the dock. The two cars are neck and neck, with the Devil keeping up or getting ahead. Flying through the Nevada desert, first a semi and then a train thwart the Devil's plan. 

The episode ends with the Godfather of Soul with a new contract, The Driver ordering him out of the car, and a frightening neighbor of the Devil comes to complain about the noise.

Microlite20 Modern:

How do I stat the Devil or his demonic driver?

[The Hire] Season 2, Episode 2: Ticker

Episode two of the Second Season of The Hire begins with The Driver avoiding gunfire spraying at him from an overhead helicopter. A man, played by Don Cheadle, sits in the passenger seat and holds a mysterious case. A series of flashback scenes show that someone wants the case at any cost. As The Driver demands an explanation about the contents of the case, the Passenger notices blood, not his, coming from the case

When the helicopter comes back, the Passenger begs The Driver to drive! A countdown on the case, which has now been breached by a single bullet, shows the necessity of moving quickly. The Driver uses dust to bring down the chopper then demands to know the contents of the case. 

The Driver races to a city and arrives at a checkpoint at an airport. U.S. security, played by Ray Liotta and Dennis Heysbert, escort The Driver to the drop-off location. In a flashback, The Passenger explains that the country is in peril and the contents of the case will save a great man who will maintain the peace. He then handcuffs the case to The Driver. 

Microlite20 Modern:

The Driver
STR 14 (+2), DEX 19 (+4), MIND 14 (+2)
Cunning Hero, Level 8, HP 50, AC 14, Action Points 56
Criminal background
Melee: +10, Missile: +11
Physical +9*, Subterfuge +12*, Knowledge +9*, Communication +9*
* includes human bonus (+1 to all skill rolls)

Equipment: comfortable yet stylish clothes, BMW


Helicopter gunmen
(Terrorist) HP 12 AC 14
Melee: +3, Missile: +3
Physical +4, Subterfuge +4, Knowledge +3, Communication +2

Equipment: Fatigues, M60 (2d10, ROF A, shots: 100 linked)

[The Hire] Season 2, Episode 1: Hostage

Season two episode 1 of The Hire was directed by John Woo. The scene begins in California, with a man loading a gun with a single bullet and talking about a "grand gesture." The Driver arrives outside a house and makes a call. The man inside invites him in, demands that The Driver show him the money and confirm the right amount by writing it on his hand.

The gunman makes a call with to the hostage and then instructs The Driver to burn the money on a nearby charcoal grill. When the FBI action team bursts through the door, the gunman plays Russian Roulette, empty on the first chamber, then says "Better hurry. Time and tide wait for no man!" The second chamber is not empty.

Rushing to the cell phone that dialed the hostage, he realizes that the number he wrote down is the phone number. Calling the number, The Driver is told by the hostage that she's in a car's trunk, sinking into water at high tide. He races to San Pedro and is soon pursued by police thinking him a crazed driver. He races through the freeway, coming to a stop on the edge of a draw bridge as the car slips beneath the water.

Spotting a antenna ball slightly above the surface of the water, the hostage is saved and later, at the hospital, she confronts her kidnapper in the ICU.

Microlite20 Modern:

The Kidnapper
(Madman) HP 10 AC 11
Melee: +1, Missile: +1
Physical +1, Subterfuge +1, Knowledge +4, Communication +2

Equipment: Rumpled business suit, Colt Python (2d6, ROF S, shots: 6 cyl)