Post-Mortem: Dragon Slaying Engagement #4471 v1
Post-Mortem: Dragon Slaying Engagement #4471
Outcome
Partial success. Dragon neutralized. Toll bridge not recovered.
Summary
The selected party (The Crimson Axes, 5 members) engaged the dragon on Day 12 of the contract. The engagement lasted approximately 4 hours. The dragon was defeated. However, during the battle, the dragon fell onto the toll bridge, destroying it completely.
The client has filed a complaint noting that the bridge was the primary asset to be protected. The Crimson Axes have responded that "the bridge was already on fire when we got there," which contradicts the evidence.
Timeline
- Day 1-3: Party traveled to Ashfall Mountains
- Day 4-11: Party scouted dragon's lair, argued about approach, scouted again
- Day 12: Engagement. Party wizard cast a spell that was "supposed to put the dragon to sleep." It did not put the dragon to sleep. It made the dragon angry.
- Day 12 (continued): Revised approach: direct assault
- Day 12 (hour 3): Dragon took flight. Party ranger shot it down. Dragon fell on bridge.
- Day 12 (hour 4): Dragon confirmed neutralized. Bridge confirmed destroyed.
- Day 13: Party submitted invoice for full payment plus bonus
Financial Summary
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Contract price | 10,000 gold |
| Deduction: bridge destruction | -8,000 gold |
| Deduction: unauthorized fire damage to forest | -1,500 gold |
| Hoard recovery (70% to party) | +4,200 gold |
| Net payment to party | 4,700 gold |
The Crimson Axes have filed a dispute. Their position is that gravity killed the bridge, not them. This is under review.
Lessons Learned
- Sleep spells should be tested on the target species before field deployment
- "Shoot it down" should include a discussion of where "down" is
- Bridge protection clauses need to be more specific about what constitutes "protection"