u/canadarugby

Is the giant tent behind the main stage gone? I don't see a lineup for it.

My level 3 party (4 PCs, 2 NPC mercenary helpers) has skipped much of the Forge of Fury dungeon so they didn't get a chance to level up to level 4, and they're about to reach the bottom.

At the bottom is a young black dragon. It's too much for a level 3 party.

What can I replace this dragon with that would still feel like an epic bad guy. This mission was built up for several sessions for how dangerous it will be, so it can't be a few orcs at the bottom guarding all that treasure.

I was thinking they could rescue someone at their power level to help them, but a young black dragon still one shots most party members. The other option would be to let the black dragon toy with them for a bit too long until it gets in trouble.

Edit: Thanks for the good ideas.
I'll be giving the players chances to... improve their chances.

1. Can dump a ton of oil from above into the darklake and burn the dragon out
2. If help the right people in dungeon, can get potions of acid resistance
3. Find a couple of explosive arrows so they can rain down stalagtites

My level 3 party (of 5 people) is currently in the Forge of Fury dungeon. They were supposed to level up to level 4 at a certain point but skipped a lot of the dungeon, and tonight I think they'll reach the bottom.

A young black dragon is too much even for experienced players like I have. My question is, what can I challenge them with in the dark lake they'll get to? It still needs to feel epic considering they were sold as the only ones that could free the forge in this dungeon.

We're playing 5.5e