Far-reaching Impact

Even a simple expedition to slay a monster can send tremors through the world. For example, consider the aftereffects when the PCs search out a venerable red dragon’s lair, slay the beast, and return with heaps of treasure.

First, the dragon is a fearsome creature, probably the most powerful monster within several hundred miles of its lair. The dragon’s death most likely produces a local power vacuum. Many types of evil creatures, from ambitious giants to upstart younger dragons, could become embroiled in a struggle to occupy the dragon’s former position in the power structure (not to mention fighting over possession of the abandoned lair). Perhaps one or more fairly powerful groups of lesser creatures become free to expand now that the dragon is no longer around to keep them in check. Anything from a community of mountain dwarves to a horde of trolls might take over the area after a few years.

Second, the PCs can set all kinds of things in motion just by enjoying the spoils of victory. A treasure as large as a dragon’s hoard is bound to attract attention, perhaps even before the PCs begin spending it. If they carry it off by normal means, thieves and brigands are bound to take notice. Once the PCs begin to spend their money, the local economy might boom from the influx of cash—especially if the PCs spend it on things like castles, land, or businesses. The local economy might suffer ruinous inflation. Eventually, thieves and other adventurers learn about all the neat gems and magical items the PCs have recovered, and they may plot to steal some of it for themselves. If the characters distribute magic to their henchmen, their enemies suddenly have a problem—the competition just got a lot tougher. If the PCs don’t share their spoils, they’re going to have unhappy henchmen.

All of the foregoing assumes that the DM hasn’t put any special effort into the dragon’s lair. Some of the items from the lair might be significant to the campaign. For example, what do the people in the neighboring kingdom do if they learn that a legendary sword lost in antiquity shows up in a PC’s hands. The character might be in for a wild ride; the holder of the sword might inherit anything from a claim to a throne to an ancient blood feud. Now consider what might happen if a deity or dragon ruler starts wondering who it was that slew the mighty dragon? Remember also that dragons have offspring and long memories.

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