I've been looking forward to creating a lair for the most fearsome dragon of D&D. Red Dragons like to lair in high up places where they can watch over the land below. They prefer areas of volcanic activity, and consider themselves kings and rulers, believing themselves to be the greatest lifeforms in existence. I think this lair captures this characterization very well.
This red dragon has made his lair out of an abandoned castle on the edge of a volcanic mountain. There's lots of room here for the dragon to fly around, as well as many places for the dragon to hide it's horde, eggs, and minions. I'll go through each area marked on the map.
Area 1 is the entrance to the castle portion of the dragon's lair. It contains two "falling net" traps, as described in the DMG. "When the trap is triggered, the net is released, covering a 10-foot-square area. Those in the area are trapped under the net and Restrained, and those that fail a DC 10 Strength saving throw are also knocked prone. A creature can use its action to make a DC 10 Strength check, freeing itself or another creature within its reach on a success. The net has AC 10 and 20 Hit Points. Dealing 5 slashing damage to the net (AC 10) destroys a 5-foot-square section of it, freeing any creature trapped in that section." These net traps aren't activated by trip wires, but rather by levers in areas 2 and 3 that need to be pulled manually. In order for the dragon to use these traps effectively, it will need minions stationed in areas 2 and 3, keeping watch for intruders. That makes areas 2 and 3 some of the best areas to put the sleeping quarters for the dragon's minions. I imagine kobolds could serve the dragon quite faithfully here.
(see above)
(see above)
Here we have a statue of the dragon itself, erected as a monument to the red dragon's greatness, carefully crafted by the dragon's minions. There is another such monument across the way on the other side of the dragon's lair as well, providing symmetry to the castle portion of the lair.
This room contains a switch on the wall. This switch opens the portcullis in area 6. As such, it's another good area for the dragon to keep some minions.
Area 6 is normally closed off by a gigantic portcullis. On the inside is a pool of lava that won't be much of a burden to the red dragon itself, thanks to it's fire immunity, but could spell certain doom for unlucky adventurers or thieves trying to invade the dragon's lair. The lava pool and the portcullis make area 6 the most defended area in the lair, and by extension, one of the best areas for the dragon to keep it's treasure horde. There is another switch across the lava pool that can open the portcullis from the inside if need be.
With the natural and deliberate defenses provided by this lair, the red dragon has a huge advantage when fighting against any would-be dragon-slayers that come knocking on it's door. Every area is wide enough for even an ancient red dragon to fly through, and an extra exit around the back of the lair can give the dragon the option of circling around and attacking the adventurers from behind Any adventurer seeking to steal the dragon's horde will be in for a tough battle.
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