So, my crew is about to encounter their first dragon  (set in underdark through OoTA campaign spinoff) and I want it to be amazing (it’s called Dungeons and Dragons, after all). They’re a group of level 4-5 adventurers, still new to dnd and will possibly be taking on a young adult black dragon while infiltrating a keep of acolytes.

how have you handled dragon encounters that worked well? I could see this fight being incredibly eventful or a long hackathon depending on how it’s set up. Thanks in advance for your thoughts! 

Firstly, Dragons are intelligent.  Sure, they typically have a lot of HP too, but they are intelligent.  They are also able to fly, so if things are looking bad for the dragon, flying away is always an option.  Breath Weapons are deadly, so hopefully a group of Level 4-5 aren't too cocky and just make themselves dead.  Use the lair actions every chance you get.  If there are pools of water (and there should be) or a lake, have the dragon dive in so it can reposition and strike out where they least expect it.  The water would be vile and probably cause poison at the least (if someone were foolish enough to try and chase the dragon in the water).  

Black Dragons are vicious killers... but they do like to see people suffer.  Especially humans.  They like to pick on the weakest person first.  To add to the ability to terrify the rest of the group, target the weakest one and attack it even after they are unconscious.  Once one of them is dead, it makes the rest even more afraid which is what the Black Dragon is looking for.  That's a great time to have the Dragon try to talk to the group.  Taunt them.  Ask them what they want.  See if they want to try to make conditions... only to break them when it suits the Black Dragon best.  

Also, I'm interpreting this as a Young Black Dragon and not an Adult Black Dragon.  One is survivable, the other is not for a group at that level.

This is AMAZING!! Thank you so much. And yes, a young black dragon. Really appreciate this

I also look at Dragon Fights (especially young ones) as an opportunity for a future fight with the same dragon.  You can at least usually go from one category to another (Young to Adult) with a thirst for vengeance and some scars that were left by the party.  If you go into the fight with the thought of a future fight, your cut and run meter is a little bit more inclined to be early than later.  Also, if they stole items from the black dragon's hoard, there will be even more of a thirst for revenge.  You could do some fly-by attacks at the party when the dragon has found them again.  It could send some of it's minions (kobols or lizardfolk) to try and steal the items back.  All kinds of manner of sabotage and hope that the players bring enough water, cause everything within days of the new lair will be poisoned water (which is also a good way to keep a spell slot occupied by your clerics).

On the other hand, it may be just one vicious fight to the death... 

You might find something here:

https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/dungeons-dragons-discussion/tips-tactics/1716-advanced-dragon-tactics

Here are a few things I do:

1. Play them intelligently, they have flying (and some have swimming/burrowing),  don't just have them stationary and attacking/getting attacked.
2. Even for younger dragons include smaller versions of lair actions to add fear/tension.
3. Add some reactions (a tail swipe, an extra claw attack, a small aoe knockdown/wing buffet).
4. Have them taunt characters and make characters question things. Ie:  "I see you have found my cave.. unfortunately you did that after my minions had found you, here they come now" (whether the minions did or not.  "I can be reasonable, perhaps if you deposit a few of your items over there, we can talk and you will have a chance to live."
5. I generally add some spells (maybe just 1 for a young black dragon,  ie darkness) and more as they get older.
6. They may have traps for those entering their lairs.
7. I also tweak AC and health on occasion depending on how many characters there are

Hope that helps some.

That is such a great idea for a future bad guy!! Thank you so much!

That is such a great idea for a future bad guy!! Thank you so much!

make the dragon ******** dragons are super smart so it would be interesting if it was stupid

Quote from Koradgee >>

 

Here are a few things I do:

1. Play them intelligently, they have flying (and some have swimming/burrowing),  don't just have them stationary and attacking/getting attacked.
2. Even for younger dragons include smaller versions of lair actions to add fear/tension.
3. Add some reactions (a tail swipe, an extra claw attack, a small aoe knockdown/wing buffet).
4. Have them taunt characters and make characters question things. Ie:  "I see you have found my cave.. unfortunately you did that after my minions had found you, here they come now" (whether the minions did or not.  "I can be reasonable, perhaps if you deposit a few of your items over there, we can talk and you will have a chance to live."
5. I generally add some spells (maybe just 1 for a young black dragon,  ie darkness) and more as they get older.
6. They may have traps for those entering their lairs.
7. I also tweak AC and health on occasion depending on how many characters there are

Hope that helps some.

 Thanks! Super helpful!