Death By Dragon

Memorable Endings Part 7

There can be no more noble an encounter in fantasy than with a Dragon. Hence there can be no more of a spectacular ending than that performed by a Dragon. These creatures are ancient, indolent and infinitely evil and so rather intolerant. As a spectacle it is unsurpassed, there are so many ways an antagonist can expire. The standard ways start with the flame breath using such techniques as braised a la Knight, flambé Knight and Grilled Knight portions. They then move on to blunt instruments such as a good bludgeoning from a fast-moving tail. In some breeds the tail is spiked so impaling will finish you if the blunt force trauma doesn't. Further to this, If the luckless antagonist gets to close the Dragon may have recourse to swipe with one of its four limbs. These limbs end in oversized talon with raptor like claws that can disembowel, halve, quarter as well as decapitate with ease. The expression, "getting your pound of flesh" is Dragonese in origination. These are just the fundamental ways to go as these intelligent beasts can be quite inventive in using combinations of the afore mentioned attacks. Don't forget they can fly as well, the sight of a large tonnage beast dropping on a luckless antagonist is like watching a toothpaste tube being trodden on. So, all up antagonizing a dragon unless you are committed to using nuclear weapons (say something in the 100-kiloton range) is nothing short of suicide. 

I have a set of rules developed for a skirmish game where just this sort of thing is enacted. It is called Dragon Baiting. Written as a comedic farce it has provided many hours of entertainment. A medieval hunting party attempts to awaken a Dragon in order that their hereditarily insane lord can try to kill it.  Cowardice mercifully plays a large part in the game. It is presented as the only sensible choice for the lords' retainers to claim a win. There have been many memorable endings. No dragons have been harmed in the using of these rules. Lots of humans have though. 

Usual outcome of a Dragon baiting.

Run away. Wins awarded and Insurance is paid out to any escapee making it to the next kingdom.

A creature best viewed from behind something solid. 

Another recent favorite, The Board Game Drako another twist on Dragon Baiting.