The Lazy RPG Podcast - D&D and RPG News and GM Prep from Sly Flourish Eustasia Stonegaze – Dragon Empire Prep Session 40
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Oct 10, 2025 Mike dives into planning a gripping D&D campaign as the players confront Eustasia, who transforms from a medusa into a formidable dragon. He details securing the base of Four/40 Fingers and the necessity of a kobold advisor. Insights into encounter budgeting and lair actions for an adult green dragon provide tactical depth. With secrets and lore surrounding blood magic, the stakes rise as sessions intertwine thrilling combat with player choices. Plus, a young void dragon adds an exciting twist to their adventures!
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Dragon Transformation Cliffhanger
- Mike describes the party's cliffhanger: their enemy dropped medusa form then turned into an adult green dragon.
- The session opens with the characters facing a very powerful adult green dragon in full draconic form.
Use Level Budget To Tune Encounters
- Calculate party encounter budget using total levels then halve it to set max monster CRs and combined CR budget.
- Use monster lair actions and HP/damage adjustments to tune challenge for high-damage parties.
Lair Actions Shape Fight Dynamics
- Lair actions and breath traits can change resistances and battlefield control in ways that matter more than raw HP.
- Mike notes you can safely tweak lair action damage or effects to match party power without breaking balance.
