The Shivering Frozen Lake

• A2 × White Dragon Wyrmling (CR 2, 450 XP each)
• B2 × Silver Dragon Wyrmling (CR 2, 450 XP each)

XP

1,800 of a 2,000 XP high budget

Party

4 characters of level 4

Footprints lead into a snowdrift and do not come out. The cold burns the nose and throat with every breath.

Setup. Two white dragon wyrmlings and two silver dragon wyrmlings are circling overhead, drawn by the smell of the party's rations.

Terrain

• Hanging icicles: a thunderous noise or a hit on the ridge (AC 12) drops icicles on a 10-foot square: DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or take 2d6 Piercing damage.
• Snow wall: packed snow banks give half cover and can be dug through as Difficult Terrain.

Tactics. Vain and proud: dragons pause to boast, and can be talked into a bargain if flattered.

Twist. One creature carries a letter addressed to one of the player characters.

Adjust on the fly

• Easier: Remove one white dragon wyrmling (−450 XP).
• Harder: Add one more white dragon wyrmling (2,250 XP total, beyond the High budget: dangerous for a tired party).

Treasure. 450 gp in mixed coins and four gemstones worth 45 gp each; Potion of Animal Friendship; A letter of credit from a bank that closed a century ago.