Carefully making your way through the caverns, you can't help but feel that this network is a lot more empty than you were expecting. Campfires are still smouldering, food is left uneaten... Are the goblins gathering somewhere, or has the force stationed here already moved on?\n\nYour thoughts are broken by the sound of conversation up ahead. You cup your ear with a hand to eavesdrop better and you can hear an accented voice speaking what sounds like Kritomsh, the language of the goblins. You can tell that whoever is speaking is growing increasingly exasperated.\n\nPeering around the next corner, you spot an elf locked in a metal cage of familiar design. He is dressed in official-looking robes and, by the sound of it, is attempting to sway two goblin jailors. The guards throw the occasional scoff at him but otherwise aren't being engaging conversational partners. Nearby, you can see a staff leaning against the wall.\n\nYou creep closer, trying to catch what the elf is saying. He shoots a firm glance your way and makes a sign (he rolled high on a spot check). You aren't exactly sure what he's trying to tell you, but from the robes and staff, you deduce he must be a magic-user of some kind. Perhaps he needs time to cast a spell?\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n[[Distract the goblins.|Sebastian Distract]]\n\n[[Fight the goblins!|Sebastian Fight]]

You press on into the caverns with your newfound companions. Not much further, and you will be inside the crumbling stone castle. Whatever is behind all this, you have a feeling you will find it there.\n\nYou turn to look at Sebastian and Stryker. Sebastian nods back, ready to confront whatever is ahead. The worst of Stryker's wounds have been bandaged. She will need medical attention soon, but for now, she nods. She is badly wounded, but she will not leave Sebastian's side until this is over.\n\n[[Are you ready?|Demon Meeting]]

As they eagerly pull you through the caverns, you pass by several groups of goblins. A wave of further confusion washes over you as groups of goblin patrols attempt to stop the other two from pulling you along. They say something back in full excitement and the patrols eye you with a look of...awe? Respect? Unskilled in Goblin Emotion Reading as you are, you are dragged away before pinpointing the exact feeling.\n\nYou consider asking the goblins to stop, but you //are// going deeper into the caves without having to fight for it. It doesn't seem like you're their captive, rather, it seems like they are showing you off!\n\nYou are pulled deeper and deeper into the caverns, into a small shrine made of stone, before finally you arrive at a chamber. Inside, a goblin quite unlike the others you've met so far is seated on a throne made of darkened stone. He wears customized plate armor forged from a special kind of steel. A wicked axe leans against his throne. He looks bored... until you enter.\n\nHe rises as you enter; your retinue lets go of you and rushes to his side. They seem like they are attempting to explain something to him. He eyes you quizzically, then begins to laugh.\n\n"I don't know what you've done to mess with the magic on my boys, but it's certainly taken them for a turn! They seem to think you are some sort of god of wealth! The fools. I'll have to redo the enchantment to sort this mess out.\n\nAs for you, however...I'm afraid you are little more than an unwanted guest." He begins to reach for the axe...\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n[[Fight the goblin leader!|Goblin Leader 1a]]\n\n[[Run away!|Goblin Leader 1b]]\n\n[[Try to get him to explain what's going on!|Goblin Leader 1c]]

<-Fend off the goblins.\n\nYou explain that the best way to protect Stryker is to fight back the goblins.\n\n"I wish I could argue, but right now it seems we don't have a choice. Alright, I'll back you up as best I can, but please...try not to hurt them. Remember that their actions are not of their own accord."\n\nTo fight off the goblins, roll ''Hack and Slash''. Roll 2d6+STR, then add another +1 if Sebastian is not ''Stunned''.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Stryker Fight w/ Sebastian 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Stryker Fight w/ Sebastian 3]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Stryker Fight w/ Sebastian 4]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nYou try to push forward, avoiding the gaze of the goblins, but it isn't long before you trip over an unseen crack in the floor and the guards notice you.\n\nSuddenly, a hail of arrows is being fired at you! You make a break for it, getting struck on the way. Take ''4'' damage.\n\nWhat's worse, as you run, you can feel the ground shifting underneath you. Eventually, the rock gives way.\n\nYou fall...\n\n[[Continue...|Caged 1]].

<-Create a diversion.\n\nYou've got some experience in ventriloquism from the time you odd-jobbed as a puppeteer. Paid surprisingly well, at least more reliably than adventuring. You breathe in deep, preparing to throw your voice to another part of the cavern to try to distract the group.\n\n''Defy Danger'' doesn't just have to be about dodging arrows. In fact, you can use it with any stat! In this case, we aren't trying to get the goblins to do something specifically, we just want to divert their attention, so we are going to roll ''Defy Danger'' using Charisma. Roll 2d6+CHA.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Cave Ambush Diversion 1]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Cave Ambush Diversion 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Cave Ambush Diversion 3]]

<-Sneak around the goblins.\n\nThis section of the cavern is dark, with plenty of boulders large enough to hide behind, so you think you can find a way around the goblins if you stick to the shadows.\n\nTo sneak by the goblins, we'll roll ''Defy Danger'' using DEX. Roll 2d6+DEX!\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Cave Ambush Sneak 1]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Cave Ambush Sneak 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Cave Ambush Sneak 3]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success! You run away from the goblins as they fire at you. Now, since you rolled a partial success, the GM can offer you a "worse outcome, hard bargain, or ugly choice."\n\nSo, now you must choose:\n\nYou can either get away from the goblins while taking some damage in the process...\n\nOr you can fall, leading you into a different situation, but you won't take any damage.\n\n''If you choose to take damage,'' you press on, sprinting ahead to try to break line of sight as fast as possible. In the process, however, a well-aimed arrow hits you in the side, dealing ''2'' damage. That's the only shot that manages to land, however, [[and you can now proceed.|Sebastian Meet]]\n\n''If you choose to fall,'' your mad dash has you zig-zagging and sidestepping, hoping to predict where the goblins will fire. As your dazzling display continues to elude a painful connection with an arrow, however, you plant your feet on what turns out to be unsteady ground! The rock shifts, then crumbles, [[and you plummet...|Caged 1]]

<-7-9.\n\nYou quickly move from boulder to boulder, avoiding the gaze of the archers.\n\nYou are nearly out of their line of sight when you hear a shout. You turn just to be struck by an arrow! Take ''2'' damage.\n\nHolding the wound, you run, hoping that the guards aren't able to follow.\n\n[[Continue...|Sebastian Meet]].

<-Take stock of your surroundings.\n\nYou find a place in the darkness to hole up and take a moment to watch the goblins. We'll roll ''Discern Realities'' to examine your surroundings. In Dungeon World, normally you would gain a resource called Hold which you could spend to ask questions about your current situation. We'll be modifying the move for this adventure.\n\nPick up and roll your 2d6, then add your WIS modifier. When you have your total, consult below:\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Cave Discern 2a]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Cave Discern 2b]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Cave Discern 2c]]

Command? Dungeon World

''Epilogue''\n\nWell done on your completion of this adventure! How did you do? Did you succeed in your quest? Did you find the secret ending? Feel free to play again to find a different ending or try out a new playstyle. The truly wonderful thing about //Dungeon World// is the freedom of expression you can have in your character. A Fighter doesn't have to just be a standard warrior, they can be dexterous or charming as well!\n\nWe hope you've enjoyed your time in this adventure, and it has helped you learn a bit about how //Dungeon World// is played. This introduction should hopefully prepare you for your first session as a player, but be sure you look over the class you ultimately decide to play, as they can have wildly different moves between them.\n\nThank you for playing ''Command? Dungeon World''!\n\nThe end.\n\n[[Play again?|Intro1]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nYou grip your weapon and Stryker hefts her mace. You look at each other and give a firm nod. You charge the demon, yelling your greatest battle cry yet!\n\nThe battle is furious and chaotic. As metal and brimstone fly, the air is alive with the sound of battle. Again and again you clash with the demon, just to be rebuffed. He seems to anticipate your movements and counters you perfectly. He yawns, lifting a bony finger and flicking you away as if you were a fly. You are sent soaring back into the wall. As he prepares to deliver the final strike, you suddenly hear a sickening crack.\n\nAs your vision unblurs, you see that Stryker has smashed the demon's leg with her mace. He drops to his knees, and lets out a furious roar. "Now!" she yells. Enraged, the demon slaps her away, and she goes flying across the room with a loud crash. Inspired by her sacrifice, you rush at the demon, dragging your weapon across the stone floor, creating sparks. There is only shock on his face as you drive your weapon into the demon's chest.\n\n[[Continue...|Demon Attack Finale]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nYou grip your weapon, as Stryker hefts her mace. You nod at each other, then charge the demon, yelling your greatest battle cry.\n\nThe fight is brutal, but short. The demon easily counters your clumsy strikes before driving his massive claws into your chest, rending your flesh asunder. Then, satisfied with his cruel work, he tosses you aside. Take ''15'' damage from the attack!\n\nIf you somehow survive the attack, the demon notices your groans of pain. "Still alive?" he says as a grin paints his face. "Don't worry, I will fix that soon enough." He unfurls his massive wings and rises into the air. His entire body is glowing with a terrifying, hellish fire. It is all you can do to drag yourself behind cover before a loud blast rings through the cavern. Sebastian and Stryker are not as lucky, and you hear their cries as they are destroyed by the blast.\n\nYou run. Your can't feel your legs but they manage to take you out of the castle, out of the caverns, up, up, and up, away from the demon and the goblins, and you do not stop until you are outside.\n\nYou've lost. Two people have died. The fate of the goblins is up in the air. But you are alive, if that is any consolation. At least you can tell the queen what is happening, and maybe she can send more to defeat the demonic menace once and for all. Telling yourself that feels like a lie.\n\nFor now, you go home. While you still have one.\n\n[[Continue...|Epilogue]].

<-7-9.\n\nYou grip your weapon, as Stryker hefts her mace. You nod at each other, then charge the demon, yelling your greatest battle cry.\n\nThe battle is furious and chaotic. As metal and brimstone fly, the air is alive with the sound of battle. Again and again you clash with the demon, just to be rebuffed. He seems to anticipate your movements and counters you perfectly, effortlessly. Sebastian and Stryker try to help but like swatting a pesky fly, he knocks them both away with a single blow.\n\nFinally, a strike sends you sprawling backwards, and a grin paints his face.\n\n"I've had enough of this foolish attempt at heroism. Do you have a god? I suggest praying now."\n\nHe unfurls his massive wings and rises into the air. His entire body is glowing with a terrifying, hellish fire. Both Stryker and Sebastian struggle to get to their feet. Whatever attack is coming will be devastating, and there's only one of you. You have the chance now to save one of them. So, choose:\n\n[[Save Sebastian.|Demon Attack 2Sebastian]]\n\n[[Save Stryker.|Demon Attack 2Stryker]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success! You tell a joke you picked up from a goblin traveler, but the punchline results in the guards lining up to punch you. You take ''2'' points of damage! It might have been a culturally insensitive joke told by a drunkard...\n\nYou prepare to defend yourself when the air suddenly crackles with energy. A thin aura of energy emanates outward from the elven prisoner. As the energy field brushes the goblins, their shoulders instantly seem to relax. After blinking a few times, they come back to their senses and look around, confused.\n\nIt takes some doing, but after explaining the situation, one of the goblins apologetically opens the elf's cell.\n\n"From what these goblins are saying, it sounds like they had been under the effect of some kind of enchantment," the man translates. "Now, you two, are you able to tell us how that could have happened?"\n\nOne of the goblins named Graak shakes his head sadly. "Unfortunately, no. I wish I could offer more information, but whatever it is seems to have affected our entire village!"\n\nThe man looks at you. "We need to figure out what's going on here. My name is Sebastian, a regular ambassador to the goblins. My companion, Stryker, is around here somewhere. We should look for her and then figure out what is going on." He begins to move, then stops, giving you an embarrassed smile. "Almost forgot: thank you for saving me."\n\nYou nod. Whatever is going on, you need to figure it out quickly, for the goblins and Ferrowvale both!\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Meeting w/ Sebastian]].

You press on into the caverns with your newfound companions. Not much further, and you will be inside the crumbling stone castle. Whatever is behind all this, you have a feeling you will find it there.\n\nYou turn to look at Sebastian and Stryker. Stryker nods back, ready to confront whatever is ahead. Sebastian flexes his hands, glancing at the burnt tips of his fingers. He nods weakly. Most of his magical power is spent, but he is committed to helping the goblins in whatever way he can.\n\n[[Are you ready?|Demon Meeting]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure!\n\nYou ready yourself for the goblins as they charge, but they move faster than you anticipated! You weren't ready for their Goblin Combo Attack. They both stab you with their spears, dealing ''4'' damage in total. You manage to wrench the spears out of their hands while the weapons are still piercing your body. Unarmed, they are much easier to dispatch. Your blood rage helps.\n\nAfter felling the goblins, you carefully pull the spears out of your body, then peer into the cave entrance. Nothing immediately seems suspicious, so you brace yourself and enter.\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Cave 1]]

<-7-9.\n\nYou rolled a partial success!\n\nYou ready yourself as the goblins charge you, spears lowered. Sidestepping their attack, you swing at one of them, downing it easily.\n\nThe second, however, manages to circle around you, delivering a quick swipe at your exposed flank and dealing ''2'' damage. You wince as you feel the bite of the spear in your side, then turn and swing your weapon with both hands. The strike crushes the goblin.\n\nWiping a bead of sweat from your brow, you peer into the cave entrance. Nothing immediately seems suspicious, so you brace yourself and enter.\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Cave 1]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nYou rolled a success!\n\nWith strength surging through your veins, you swing your weapon horizontally. The two goblins charge into your swing, and the strike sends both of them careening off of the cliff side.\n\nYou crane your neck over the cliff's edge to see the goblins plummet to their doom, then turn your attention to the cave entrance. Nothing immediately seems suspicious, so you brace yourself and enter.\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Cave 1]]

<-Defend Stryker.\n\nYou exclaim that you need to protect Stryker. Sebastian quickly nods in agreement. "Alright, I know some defensive spells, I'll back you up as best I can!"\n\nIt's time to roll for a new move, ''Defend''. In //Dungeon World//, when Defend is rolled you gain a resource called ''hold'', which can be spent to redirect attacks to you that were meant for others, reduce the damage of attacks, give allies bonuses to fighting an attacker, or deal some damage to someone attacking you or the target of your defense.\n\nRoll 2d6+CON. Also, if Sebastian is not ''Stunned'', add another +1.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Stryker Defend w/ Sebastian 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Stryker Defend w/ Sebastian 3]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Stryker Defend w/ Sebastian 4]]

You hand a potion over to the woman, who pops it open with a flick of her thumb and downs the red liquid in one gulp. Feeling reinvigorated, she rises to her feet. "Strawberry flavor, my favorite! Thanks," she says.\n\n"The name's Stryker. The queen sent you down here, right? Sebastian and I went on ahead to try to figure out what's going on. Oh, sorry, Sebastian is the Ferrowvale ambassador to the goblins As you might imagine, he's very close to them, so he wanted to figure out what's happening. Assumed, or maybe hoped, that the whole thing is just one big misunderstanding. Clearly that's not the case. We were attacked and got separated from each other. I only hope he's still alive..."\n\nShe points north at the path behind you. "I think he got taken that direction. I need to find him. Will you help me?"\n\nYou nod. Sticking with others means your chance of survival are much higher.\n\n[[Continue...|Sebastian Meet w/ Stryker]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nYou and Stryker let out twin battle cries, charging the two guards. You're upon them before they even realize what is going on, and the battle is over in an instant. With a mighty swing, Stryker smashes the lock on Sebastian's cage, and he steps out of it while sighing.\n\n"Thank you, Stryker...I...had hoped that the spell I was preparing would free the goblins from any mind-altering spells affecting them. I appreciate the help, but this is not what we came here to do."\n\nHe bows to you. "My name is Sebastian, an ambassador to the goblins." The two of you catch him up on the past events; he nods with his eyes closed while listening to your story. "What you say corroborates my theory. These goblins seem to have been ensorcelled by some kind of enchantment."\n\nStryker nods. "Well, if it's answers you're looking for, there's a castle at the center of the cave system. It looks important, so I bet whoever is behind this is holed up there."\n\n"I agree," Sebastian replies. "Castles within caverns isn't what I'd consider goblin architecture. We should head there now. The longer we wait, the more danger the goblins will be in!"\n\n"Ferrowvale too," Stryker adds.\n\nIf Stryker is not ''Injured'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting]].\n\nIf Stryker is ''Injured'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting w/ Stryker Injured]].

<-10 or higher.\n\nSebastian nods at you. "I believe I'm able to cast a spell to banish the demon from this plane, but you will have to buy me some time." He closes his eyes and begins to prepare the ritual.\n\nGritting your teeth, you charge the demon and prepare for the ensuing battle. \n\nThe demon immediately launches into a flurry of brutal attacks, and you defend as best you can. Your goal isn't to defeat the demon, merely to weather the storm, so you let your shield take the brunt of the blows, only striking back when you have a clear opening.\n\nDespite your valiant attempts, you grow weary of the assault. Your shield is the only thing barring you from becoming goulash, but it is bent and broken. Fearing that the demon will break through your defenses soon, you brace your body for a mighty blow, praying you'll survive.\n\nBut then suddenly, a blinding white light consumes the throne room. Sebastian has finished casting his spell! The demon howls in defeat as it overwhelms him.\n\n"So...you return me to my home. Well done, mortals; a parting gift is in order..." He makes a motion in the air, then the light is too much to bear and you shield your eyes. As the light dissipates and your vision clears, you see what the demon left behind: a glowing sigil.\n\nSebastian gasps.\n\n"That's the sign of the Emperor's archmage! To draw that sign means a contract was indeed made. What is going on?"\n\n"It means what the demon said is true," Stryker replies, dragging herself up again. "The demon came here to attack Ferrowvale so it could be blamed on the northerners and non-humans. Outrage would overtake the empire, and the war effort would be bolstered. Ferrowvale was to be sacrificed, and thousands more."\n\nAs you ponder the ramifications of what has occurred, goblins begin to gather, now free of the demon's enchantment. They cheer loudly, thankful for your help in freeing them, and offer to guide you out of the caverns.\n\nFerrowvale's relationship to the empire is on precarious grounds, and though you are not sure what the future may hold, for now, you can rest easy knowing that you have protected your home.\n\n[[Congratulations!|Epilogue]]

<-7-9.\n\nSebastian nods at you. "I believe I’m able to cast a spell to banish the demon from this plane, but you will have to buy me some time." He closes his eyes and begins to prepare the ritual.\n\nGritting your teeth, you charge the demon and prepare for the ensuing battle. \n\nThe demon immediately launches into a flurry of brutal attacks, and you defend as best you can. Your goal isn't to defeat the demon, but merely to weather the storm. The demon is much too ferocious for you to keep it distracted. You are soon brought to your knees, your shield discarded as a broken lump of metal. The demon prepares to deliver a final blow...but takes notice of your companion.\n\nWhen he sees Sebastian's spell, the demon lunges at him. In a fit of panic, the elf launches his spell early. Wild and erratic, you can see the unstable magic spiralling out of control, beginning to consume not only the demon but Sebastian himself!\n\nYou must make a choice. You can stay put. You can also push Sebastian out of the way of the spell, but to do so would put you in its path instead.\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n[[Save Sebastian.|Demon Banish 2Sebastian]]\n\n[[Do nothing.|Demon Banish 2Self]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nSebastian nods at you. "I can cast a spell to banish the demon from this plane, but you need to buy me some time." He closes his eyes and begins to prepare the ritual.\n\nGritting your teeth, you charge the demon and prepare for the ensuing battle. \n\nThe demon immediately launches into a flurry of brutal attacks, and you defend as best you can. Your goal isn't to defeat the demon, merely to weather the storm...but you soon learn the demon is simply toying with you. He catches sight of Sebastian's spellcasting, and nonchalantly knocks you aside. With a word and a sign, the demon inverts Sebastian's spell. It turns a sickly purple, and envelops Sebastian! He screams before disappearing entirely; banished to the Abyss.\n\nThe demon turns his attention back to you. As he rears back to attack, Stryker charges him, fighting him back. She turns to you.\n\n"Run! I'll hold him off for now, but you must go. Go and warn Ferrowvale about what happened here!"\n\nYou do what you are told. You run.\n\nThe clash of battle echoes through the cavern as you run, up and up, until the sound suddenly stops. You know that Stryker has lost. She died so that you could live. You don't stop running until you are outside again.\n\nYou've lost. Two people have died. The fate of the goblins is up in the air. But you are alive, if that is any consolation. At least you can tell the queen what is happening, and maybe she can send more to defeat the demonic menace once and for all. Telling yourself that feels like a lie.\n\nFor now, you go home. While you still have one.\n\n[[Continue...|Epilogue]]

It seems the adventurer shortage is more dire than you thought, or maybe you're just (fashionably) late to the party.\n\nThe queen, a picture of grace, explains the problem.\n\n"As you know, while the goblins to the south of us have been rejected by the Empire, we enjoy trade and friendship with them. Our relationship has long been a close one."\n\nA cloud covers her austere countenance as she pauses.\n\n"However, it seems something has changed. Our farmers are reporting cattle slaughtered and crops stolen, and our scouts have spotted armed goblins wandering closer and closer to our land. Our messages to the goblin leaders have gone unanswered. Now, it seems, the goblins have taken up shelter in the caves that border Ferrowvale."\n\nShe shifts slightly, considering the weight of her proposal.\n\n"Your quest is to go to these caves and find out what the goblins are doing. I ask you to go not with violence in your heart. While these acts are unprecedented by the goblins, I still cling to the hope that this is simply a misunderstanding. However, if you must, I will condone you defending yourself."\n\nHer task spoken, she nods to herself.\n\n"Do this for Ferrowvale, and you will be rewarded well."\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n[[Accept the quest.|Ferrowvale3]]\n\n[[Demand higher payment.|Ferrowvale3a]]\n\n[[Wonder aloud if you are fit for the job.|Ferrowvale3b]]

<-Accept the quest.\n\n"Excellent!" The queen proclaims. "There are a few who arrived ahead of you. They've already ventured out. It would be best if you were to follow in their footsteps and try to find them.\n\nIf the goblin threat is more dire than we originally anticipated, then your main goal is discovering what is behind the goblin's advance. However, if at all possible, we do request that you attempt to drive the goblins away. We could send our guard, but that would leave Ferrowvale proper woefully unprotected.\n\nBest of luck, adventurer," the queen concludes. "May the gods be with you."\n\nWith that, you turn on your heel and begin your quest.\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Cave Entrance 1]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nYou and Stryker let out twin battle cries, charging the two guards. The element of surprise disappears swiftly -- they know who you're here for. They turn on Sebastian, threatening him with their spears! In a panic, he releases the spell he had started, and there is an explosion of magical energy! You were a few steps ahead of Stryker, and the explosion knocks you back as well. Take ''3'' damage.\n\nWhen the smoke clears, you see that the goblins have been knocked out and Sebastian's cage has been shattered. Sebastian himself seems fairly unharmed, though his fingertips blackened with soot show how the sudden exertion of magic has affected him.\n\nHe coughs and attempts to wave the smoke away. "Agh, that's not exactly how I expected that to go, but thank you for trying to help anyway." He looks at the goblins. "I had hoped to ask them for information but that won't be possible now. I believe that the goblins are under some sort of spell that is controlling them, though to what purpose I know not."\n\nYou and Stryker explain what's happened so far as Stryker examines his injuries. "Are you okay?" she asks. He attempts to laugh it off. "I'm fine. Really! Can't use these fingers for spellcasting anytime soon, but I think it's imperative we keep moving. These goblins are clearly in danger!"\n\n"I agree," Stryker chimes in. "Both Ferrowvale and the goblins are in danger." She points forward. "Whatever is going on, I have a feeling that we'll find answers in that old castle up ahead. It seems to be at the heart of all this. We should hurry."\n\nYou nod. It's time to confront whatever is at the heart of this mess.\n\nSebastian has joined you, but note on your character sheet that he is ''Stunned''. His spellcasting is now limited, but he will still try to help out in whatever way he can.\n\nIf Stryker is not ''Injured'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting w/ Sebastian Stunned]].\n\nIf Stryker is ''Injured'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting, Everyone Hurt]].

Ferrowvale is small, the smallest of the city-states of Echreia, in fact. It's a peaceful place, where the people want for little, and their benevolent queen watches over and protects them.\n\nBut darkness is brewing, as darkness often does.\n\nFar to the north, a terrible war is being waged with a neighboring nation. Countless soldiers fight and many more civilians die for the emperor of Echreia, in a conflict that few know the cause of. In many years, this war will splinter both nations, allowing places like Ferrowvale to gain their independence.\n\nThat day is not this day. Today, an adventurer arrives at the gates of Ferrowvale, invited by the queen. It is you. The scent of adventure tickles your nostrils.\n\nYou're one of the few adventurers left in Ferrowvale who wasn't conscripted for the war effort. Some people had to stay behind to hunt the foul things that lurk in the dark corners of the nation, so that it wouldn't be consumed from within while its armies were off in foreign lands.\n\n[[You meet with the queen alone.|Ferrowvale2]]

<-Hide and wait for the goblins to pass.\n\nIt's quickly becoming clear you have no idea what you are up against. Three goblins may not seem like much, but this is their home turf, so it's best to play it safe. So, for now, you'll hide and wait for an opening.\n\nThat opportunity soon reveals itself! Two of the three goblins turn and leave, their conversation having turned into a disagreement. They stomp off, angrily descending deeper into the caverns. The third goblins remains behind, watching them leave, before shrugging their shoulders and heading in the direction of the cavern entrance. Towards you!\n\nYou quickly look for a place to hide!\n\nThis triggers the move ''Defy Danger'', so pick up your dice! You're going to use your Dexterity for this move, as it involves deftness and stealth to obtain your objective. Roll 2d6+DEX!\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Cave Hide 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Cave Hide 3]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Cave Hide 4]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nA success!\n\nYou manage to duck out of the way of the inbound axe. It embeds itself deep into the rock wall before you run out of the room. You can hear the general grunting and cursing, trying to pull the axe out.\n\n[[Continue...|Sebastian Meet]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success!\n\nYou drop to one knee, taking aim at one of the archers. As you do, she also takes aim at you, and you both loose your shot at the same time!\n\nYou can see her arrow hurtling through the air at you...and time freezes for a tutorial.\n\nSometimes as part of a partial success, the GM makes you choose between a "worse outcome, hard bargain, or ugly choice."\n\nSo, now you must choose. You can roll out of the way, but the ground you are landing on looks unsteady. Or, you can stand your ground and take the hit.\n\n''If you take the hit'', you stay where you are and feel the arrow bite into your shoulder. You take ''3'' damage. However, you also see your stone find its mark. The other goblins scatter before you are able to fire again, and you are able to proceed along the overhang.\n\n[[Continue...|Sebastian Meet]].\n\n''If you attempt to dodge the arrow'', you roll out of the way, deftly dodging the shot. However, as you land, you feel the rock underneath you shift, and then give way.\n\nYou fall...\n\n[[Continue...|Caged 1]].

You fall for what feels like eons before landing hard in dirt. You slowly rise to your knees, trying to figure out where exactly you are now. The darkness makes it hard to see, so you feel around for anything to tell you how bad the situation is. The cold sensation of your sweaty hands meeting metal tells you where you are: these are the metal bars of a prisoner’s cage! That’s pretty bad.\n\nThe cage feels like it was made from much stronger steel than what the goblins use for their weapons and armor. Was it built by the same people as the castle you saw? Was the stone above not merely brittle stone but a sophisticated trap to give way and imprison any unfortunate souls who wandered in too far?\n\nYou put your architectural musings aside for now. You need to escape!\n\nThe bars seem strong, but you are a Fighter, which gives you access to a special move called ''Bend Bars, Lift Gates.'' With this, you can attempt a feat of nigh-superhuman strength. Grasping the bars with both hands, you prepare.\n\nWhen you're ready to mount this prison break, roll 2d6+STR!\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Caged 2a]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Caged 2b]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Caged 2c]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nYou charge the goblins, ready for battle! They see your approach, brace themselves for combat, and then...realize you must be here for their prisoner! They turn and brandish their spears at the man in the cage instead!\n\nThe elf, who was in the middle of casting a spell and panics, releasing his stored magical energy! There is a sudden explosion, and when the smoke clears, you see that the goblins have been knocked out and the man's cage has been shattered. The man himself seems fairly unharmed, though his fingertips blackened with soot show how the sudden exertion of magic has affected him.\n\nHe coughs and attempts to wave the smoke away. "Agh, that's not exactly how I expected that to go, but thank you for trying to help anyway." He looks at the goblins. "I had hoped to ask them for information but that won't be possible now. I believe that the goblins are under some sort of spell that is controlling them, though to what purpose I know not."\n\nHe bows slightly. "My name is Sebastian, a regular ambassador to the goblins. My companion, Stryker, is around here somewhere. We should look for her and then figure out what is going on."\n\nYou nod. Whatever is going on, you need to figure it out quickly, for the goblins and Ferrowvale both!\n\nSebastian has joined you, but note on your character sheet that he is ''Stunned''. His spellcasting is now limited, but he will still try to help out in whatever way he can.\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Meeting w/ Sebastian]].

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success!\n\nYou charge the goblins, who meet you in kind. Your clash is short, but they are able to pierce you several times with their spears before you dispatch them. Take ''2'' damage!\n\nAfter dealing with the guards, you smash the lock on the elf's cage. He takes a step out and sighs heavily. "I...had hoped that my spell would free the goblins from any mind-altering spells effecting them. However, I appreciate the help."\n\nHe bows slightly. "My name is Sebastian, a regular ambassador to the goblins. My companion, Stryker, is around here somewhere. We should look for her and then figure out what is going on."\n\nYou nod. Whatever is going on, you need to figure it out quickly, for the goblins and Ferrowvale both!\n\n"And," he adds warily. "If possible, can we try to avoid any further bloodshed?"\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Meeting w/ Sebastian]].

<-10 or higher.\n\nSuccess!\n\nYou rush the goblins, catching them completely off guard! The fight is short as you quickly dispatch the two of them, then shatter the lock on the elf's cage with your weapon.\n\nHe takes a step out and sighs heavily. "I...had hoped that my spell would free the goblins from any mind-altering spells effecting them. However, I appreciate the help."\n\nHe bows slightly. "My name is Sebastian, a regular ambassador to the goblins. My companion, Stryker, is around here somewhere. We should look for her and then figure out what is going on."\n\nYou nod. Whatever is going on, you need to figure it out quickly, for the goblins and Ferrowvale both!\n\n"And," he adds warily. "If possible, can we try to avoid any further bloodshed?"\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Meeting w/ Sebastian]].

<-Fight the goblins.\n\nYou rush to the woman's side, weapon drawn. The goblins are perplexed when they see you, and you take that chance to charge them!\n\nIt's time to roll for ''Hack & Slash.'' Roll 2d6+STR.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Stryker Fight 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Stryker Fight 3]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Stryker Fight 4]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success!\n\nYou run in to put yourself between the goblins and the woman named Stryker. You manage to withstand the barrage of attacks from the goblins, but their assault is heavier than you were expecting. Sebastian is able to deflect the heaviest blows with his magic, but some blows manage to penetrate your defense. Take ''2'' damage. Finally realizing they won't be able to take you down that easily, they turn tail and retreat, looking for reinforcements.\n\nSebastian rushes to Stryker's side. "Good to see you again, Seb," she grunts, attempting to use her mace to stand. While wobbly, she is able to make it to her feet, but quickly falls down to one knee again.\n\n"Stryker, you're badly injured," Sebastian says. "No...I'm fine. Really. I can press on...we have to." Sebastian nods. "You're right, but..." he looks to you. "I don't know any healing magic. Stranger...do you have anything?"\n\nIf you have a spare ''healing potion'', you can give it to Stryker to mend her wounds. Otherwise, mark down on your character sheet that she is ''Injured''. She won't be able to pitch in much, but she'll help however she can.\n\nIf Sebastian is not ''Stunned'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting]]\n\nIf Sebastian is ''Stunned'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting w/ Sebastian Stunned]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nA success!\n\nYou slide into the scene, putting yourself in front of the woman called Stryker. A goblin charges you, but you deftly knock aside the attack. Other goblins step forward to try your guard, but you parry them easily. Even attacks that threaten to hit you, Sebastian manages to deflect with some rapid spellcasting. The resolve of the group is visibly faltering. Morale broken, they shuffle backwards, before turning tail and fleeing in search of reinforcements or mental counsel.\n\nSebastian rushes to Stryker's side. "Good to see you again, Seb," she grunts, attempting to use her mace to stand. While wobbly, she is able to make it to her feet, but quickly falls down to one knee again.\n\n"Stryker, you're badly injured," Sebastian says. "No...I'm fine. Really. I can press on...we have to." Sebastian nods. "You're right, but..." he looks to you. "I don't know any healing magic. Stranger...do you have anything?"\n\nIf you have a spare ''healing potion'', you can give it to Stryker to mend her wounds. Otherwise, mark down on your character sheet that she is ''Injured''. She won't be able to pitch in much, but she'll help however she can.\n\nIf Sebastian is not ''Stunned'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting]]\n\nIf Sebastian is ''Stunned'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting w/ Sebastian Stunned]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success! You groan and strain, and with a considerable amount of effort, you manage to bend the iron bars of the cage. However, you eventually come to your limit. The bars simply refuse to bend any more, and you are forced to squeeze through the hole you were able to make.\n\nThings seem to be going well as you push yourself through the gap, until you hear the sound of glass shattering in your pack. After muscling through the rest of the way, you dig through your supplies to find that one of your healing potions has broken! Unfortunately, the potion is lost; remove it from your character sheet. The thought occurs to you that you could have moved your backpack through the gap first, but you excuse the lapse in judgement with a quick glance at your Intelligence stat.\n\nWith the cage defeated, you take a quick look around. The distance you fell was quite large, and there is no clear way back up to the overhang, so it seems you have no choice but to press forward.\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Meeting]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure! You grunt and groan, tugging at the bars with all of your strength, but they refuse to budge. Panting from the effort, you decide to try one last-ditch attempt before giving up. With a mighty roar, you throw the entire of your being into trying to separate the bars. Suddenly, a sharp pain shoots through your body and you collapse to the ground. It seems you strained a bit too hard! Take 2 damage from the effort.\n\n"Need some help?" you hear as you lie on the ground. You look up to see a human woman dressed in armor standing in front of the cage. You look around at your surroundings before looking back at her and nodding. She smirks and grasps at the bars like you did. With a mighty heave, she bends the bars wide enough for you to escape.\n\n"See? Nothing to it," she says, wiping her hands and admiring her handiwork.\n\nYou open your mouth to thank her but are swiftly interrupted by the cry of goblins! A small group rushes towards the two of you. The woman takes up arms to defend herself. You rush to remove yourself from the cage, but she is already beset by goblins by the time you're out. She's struck and stumbles backwards!\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n[[Defend the woman.|Stryker Defend 1]]\n\n[[Fight the goblins.|Stryker Fight 1]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nA success! You grunt, but with enough force, you are able to start bending the bars of the cage. With enough work, you make a gap large enough for you to squeeze through.\n\nWith the mighty cage boss defeated, you light a nearby torch and take a quick look around. The drop that tumbled you into the cage was a long one, so climbing back up to the overhang is outside the realm of your feats. Should have been a Rogue...\n\nIt seems you have no choice but to press forward.\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Meeting]]

<-Use the stone.\n\nSebastian and Stryker nod, ready to face the demon, but you hold up your hand to stop them. You reach into your pack and pull out the crimson stone, wrested from the hands of the goblin general you encountered earlier.\n\nThe demon's eyes go wide. "You...where did you get that?!"\n\nYou hold the stone aloft, and it glows with a pink light, bathing the ruined throne room with its iridescence. The light fades, then after a moment you hear it: the approaching legion. It comes as the distant scrabbling of stone, then the shuffle of armor, then the sound of hundreds of feet slapping the stone floors at once. They file in, a full battalion of them, all awaiting your command.\n\n"What will you do? Order them as your servants as I and their leaders did? You merely exchanged one yoke for another." The demon sneers, but you can see it in his eyes; he is afraid.\n\nYou sneer back, and smash the stone against the floor. It shatters into bloody pieces. All at once, the goblins shake off their demonic enchantment. They are quick to understand their situation: they turn in unison to the demon. They draw their weapons, advancing slowly on him, as he shrinks back in fear.\n\n"No...please! Alright, I give! You all win! I was about to leave anyway! I'll head for the Abyss, and I shan't return!"\n\nThe goblins pause, satisfied with this result.\n\n"Before I leave, let me give you this. A final present. And as assurance you don't come after me."\n\nHe makes a motion in the air, and then fades into the darkness. As he does, a glowing sigil appears.\n\nSebastian gasps.\n\n"That's the sign of the Emperor's archmage! To draw that sign means a contract was indeed drawn. What is going on?"\n\n"It means what the demon said is true," Stryker replied. "The demon came here to attack Ferrowvale so it could be blamed on the northerners and non-humans. Outrage would overtake the empire, and the war effort would be bolstered. Ferrowvale was to be sacrificed, and thousands more."\n\nAs you ponder the ramifications of what has occurred, the goblins gather around you, true joy on their faces. They hoist you into the air, praising you as a hero!\n\nFerrowvale's relationship to the empire is on precarious grounds, and though you are not sure what the future may hold, for now, you can rest easy knowing that you have protected your home and your friends the goblins both.\n\n[[Congratulations!|Epilogue]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nA success!\n\nYour charge is so ferocious that the goblins break rank before you even reach them. They scatter in retreat and you yell a confident one-liner after them (say it out loud for fun). Once they've completely disappeared from the area, you go back to the woman to check her wounds.\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Saved]].

<-10 or higher.\n\nYou and Stryker both start yelling, creating a cartoonish cloud of dust as your faux-fight takes you all around the prison area, into full view of the goblin guards. They both turn and stare at you as you clash with Stryker. Stryker pulls off a masterful performance, softly whacking your shield with her hammer while swearing loudly. Your face turns slightly red from her vocabulary.\n\nA thin aura of energy emanates outward from Stryker. As the energy field brushes the goblins, their shoulders instantly seem to relax. After blinking a few times, they come back to their senses and look around, confused.\n\nIt takes some explanation, but after figuring out the situation one of the goblins happily opens Sebastian's cell. The two explain that they don't remember anything that has happened in the past few days. You and Stryker try to fill in the gaps as best you can -- mostly bad news. Sebastian nods along, taking notes on paper that he pulled from his robes.\n\n"From what I can tell, it sounds like the goblins here have been under the effect of some kind of enchantment," says the elf. "Do you know of any magical event that happened as of late?"\n\nOne of the goblins named Graak shakes his head sadly. "Unfortunately, no. I wish I could offer more information, but whatever it is seems to have affected our entire village!"\n\nSebastian is already moving before Stryker catches up and elbows him in the ribs. "Oomph! Right, right...I'm sorry, adventurer, I completely forgot to thank you for your assistance. Please, allow the both of us to accompany you on your journey. I wouldn't feel right just leaving now. These goblins need our help!"\n\n"I agree," Stryker chimes in. "Both Ferrowvale and the goblins are in danger." She points forward. "Whatever's going on, I have a feeling that we'll find answers in that old castle up ahead. It seems to be at the heart of all this. We should hurry."\n\nYou nod. It's time to confront whatever is at the heart of this mess.\n\nIf Stryker is not ''Injured'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting]]\n\nIf Stryker is ''Injured'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting w/ Stryker Injured]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nYou and Stryker both yell, charging into full view of the goblin guards. They both turn and stare at you as you clash with Stryker. However, it seems you two are taking a little too much care in not hurting each other. Your strikes are slow and soft, and the goblins quickly grow bored of your act.\n\nThey turn back towards Sebastian, notice him casting a spell, and move to attack! He panics, losing control of his spell. There is a sudden explosion of magical energy, and when the smoke clears, you see that the goblins have been knocked out and Sebastian's cage has been shattered. He himself seems fairly unharmed, though his fingertips blackened with soot show how the sudden exertion of magic has effected him.\n\nHe coughs and attempts to wave the smoke away. "Agh, that's not exactly how I expected that to go, but thank you for trying to help anyway." He looks at the goblins. "I had hoped to ask them for information but that won't be possible now. I believe that the goblins are under some sort of spell that is controlling them, though to what purpose I know not."\n\nYou and Stryker explain what's happened so far as Stryker examines his injuries. "Are you okay?" she asks. He attempts to laugh it off. "I'm fine. Really! My spellcasting might be affected a bit, but I think it's imperative we keep moving. These goblins are clearly in danger!"\n\n"I agree," Stryker chimes in. "Both Ferrowvale and the goblins are in danger." She points forward. "Whatever is going on, I have a feeling that we'll find answers in that old castle up ahead. It seems to be at the heart of all this. We should hurry."\n\nYou nod. It's time to confront whatever is at the heart of this mess.\n\nSebastian has joined you, but note on your character sheet that he is ''Stunned''. His spellcasting is now limited, but he will still try to help out in whatever way he can.\n\nIf Stryker is not ''Injured'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting w/ Sebastian Stunned]].\n\nIf Stryker is ''Injured'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting, Everyone Hurt]].

<-Wonder aloud if you are fit for the job.\n\nThe queen smiles slightly. "Whether or not you are an appropriate choice for this quest is up to you. If you wish to retract your application, nobody will blame you. It will be a dangerous mission."\n\nYou consider her proposal, then nod decisively. If nobody else will take up the mantle, then you must.\n\n[[Continue...|Ferrowvale3]]

<-7-9.\n\nYou and Stryker both yell, charging into full view of the goblin guards. They both turn and stare at you as you clash with Stryker. They look as the two of you duke it out, placing bets on who will win. The betting ring takes a turn when they realize the best way to influence the outcome is to join the fight! They chime in with their own yells and charge at you!\n\nYou and Stryker turn to them, trying to defend yourselves from the two goblins. "I think our distraction isn't working out!" says Stryker, blocking a strike. You turn to agree and get conked upside the head by a club, taking ''2'' damage!\n\nAs you weigh what non-violent options you have, the air suddenly crackles with energy. The goblins turn back to Sebastian and see a thin wave of energy emanating out from him. As the energy touches the goblins, they seem to relax (and disavow gambling as a pastime). After blinking a few times, they look around confused.\n\nIt takes some explanation, but after figuring out the situation one of the goblins happily opens Sebastian's cell. The two explain that they don't remember anything that has happened in the past few days. You and Stryker try to fill in the gaps as best you can -- mostly bad news. Sebastian nods along, taking notes on paper that he pulled from his robes.\n\n"From what I can tell, it sounds like the goblins here have been under the effect of some kind of enchantment," says the elf. "Do you know of any magical event that happened as of late?"\n\nOne of the goblins named Graak shakes his head sadly. "Unfortunately, no. I wish I could offer more information, but whatever it is seems to have affected our entire village!"\n\nSebastian is already moving before Stryker catches up and elbows him in the ribs. "Oomph! Right, right...I'm sorry, adventurer, I completely forgot to thank you for your assistance. Please, allow the both of us to accompany you on your journey. I wouldn't feel right just leaving now. These goblins need our help!"\n\n"I agree," Stryker chimes in. "Both Ferrowvale and the goblins are in danger." She points forward. "Whatever's going on, I have a feeling that we'll find answers in that old castle up ahead. It seems to be at the heart of all this. We should hurry."\n\nYou nod. It's time to confront whatever is at the heart of this mess.\n\nIf Stryker is not ''Injured'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting]]\n\nIf Stryker is ''Injured'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting w/ Stryker Injured]]

<-Demand higher payment.\n\nThe queen tilts her head slightly, and her voice as she speaks belies a slight annoyance. "I understand you wanting a larger reward, but the amount of gold we are offering is in line with the danger of your quest. If, however, you discover that the goblins are more numerous or well-organized than we expected, bring back proof of the heightened threat and we can see about raising your pay."\n\nYou nod, deciding not to press the issue. Insulting your own queen wouldn't reflect well on you as an adventurer, after all!\n\n[[Continue...|Ferrowvale3]]

As you press forward, it isn't long before you hear the sounds of what is surely battle. Picking up the pace, you rush ahead to see what is going on.\n\nSoon enough, you see the source of the noise: a human woman in combat with a group of goblins! She is dressed in armor and swinging a two-handed mace, sending several goblins flying with each swing. Though mighty, she is outnumbered, and she is suffering wounds. Eventually she drops to one knee, the other goblins slowly converging on her position.\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n[[Defend her.|Stryker Defend 1]]\n\n[[Fight the goblins.|Stryker Fight 1]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nYou know you have no hope fighting back, so you run ahead, hoping to find some cover and break line of sight with the goblins.\n\nYou make your decision a bit too slowly, however, and as you turn to run, you are peppered with arrows, taking ''3'' damage!\n\nYou fall over, and the ground you land on is less stable than you'd think. As you struggle to get back up, you suddenly notice the ground under you shift, then give way.\n\nYou fall...\n\n[[Continue...|Caged 1]]

''Making Moves''\n\nIn //Dungeon World,// you will often be called upon to make a roll, generally as part of a move that your character is performing. A rule of thumb for rolling is: //if an action can change the situation I'm in, I have to roll for it.// Moves each have a trigger that lets you know when the move occurs, and they also let you know which stat you would add to your dice when you roll for the move.\n\nYou as the player don't activate moves; rather, they are triggered by something your character is doing. To put it another way, you don't tell the gamemaster "I am going to hack and slash," rather you describe what your character is doing. "I swing my greatsword in a wide arc towards the goblin's head!" and the GM would respond, "Okay, that sounds like a hack and slash move. Roll for that."\n\nIn this zine, we'll tell you which moves you'll be performing as part of your decisions.\n\nWhen asked to make a move, you'll roll 2d6 and add the results together. You then add the modifier of the relevant stat--the total is the outcome of your roll. Remember: adding a negative number to something means you're actually subtracting it.\n\nRolls can have several different outcomes. A 10 or higher is a Success, a 7-9 is a Partial Success, and a 6 or lower is a Failure. Different outcomes mean different consequences, but you generally want to roll high to get what you want without any unfortunate side effects.\n\n[[Continue...|Appendix3]]

You press on into the caverns with your newfound companions. Not much further, and you will be inside the crumbling stone castle. Whatever is behind all this, you have a feeling you will find it there.\n\nYou turn to look at Sebastian and Stryker, and they both nod back in return. They are ready to confront whatever is ahead.\n\n[[Are you ready?|Demon Meeting]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure!\n\nThe axe hits its mark; you feel the metal bite into your shoulder. Take ''3'' damage!\n\nAs you reel from the attack, the goblin leader pulls a rope and you hear the sound of crashing cymbals ring through the cavern! From all around you, you can hear goblins gathering and heading in your direction. You run, speeding through caverns and hallways, trying to retrace your steps. Finally, you come to a crossroads and head up, hoping to lose the warriors hot on your heels.\n\n[[Continue...|Overhang Ambush]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success!\n\nYou dodge the axe, but like a boomerang it returns to the general's hand. The goblin bellows that there is an intruder in his midst, and raises the alarm! From all around you, you can hear goblins gathering and heading in your direction. You speed through caverns and hallways, trying to retrace your steps. Finally, you come to a crossroads and head up, hoping to lose the warriors hot on your heels.\n\n[[Continue...|Overhang Ambush]]

<-Save Sebastian.\n\nIt is all you can do to rise to your feet and sprint over to where Sebastian is struggling to do the same. You drag him behind a boulder just as a blast of energy rings through the cavern.\n\nYou hear a cry from Stryker.\n\n"No..." Sebastian says. You put a hand on his shoulder and grip it hard. It's your way of saying "we must finish this," and he understands.\n\nYou both rise. You charge out from behind the boulder and renew your clash with the demon again. The fight is on much more level ground; it appears he is drained from his last attack! A light grows and grows, until it overtakes the room. "Duck!" Sebastian yells, and you barely have time to jump to the side before an enormous blast of magical energy hits the demon square in the chest.\n\n"Do it!" he shouts. You oblige, leaping into the air and driving your weapon deep into the demon's chest.\n\nThere is a burst of light, and when your vision clears, the demon is laying on the ground, looking up at you.\n\n"You...are stronger than I thought. Very well, I shall return to my plane. But before you go, allow me to verify my claim." He makes a motion before collapsing to the ground. As his body fades into sulphur and ash, you see a glowing sigil appear in the air. Sebastian gasps.\n\n"That's the sign of the Emperor's archmage! Then...what the demon said is true?! He really did come here to attack Ferrowvale so it could be blamed on the northerners and non-humans. Outrage would overtake the empire, and the war effort would be bolstered. Ferrowvale was to be sacrificed, and thousands more."\n\nAs you ponder the ramifications of what has occurred, goblins begin to gather, now free of the demon's enchantment. They cheer loudly, thankful for your help in freeing them, and offer to guide you out of the caverns.\n\nYou and Sebastian mourn the death of Stryker, your lost friend. You respected her and wished for more between the two of you, but that future has been closed to you. Tomorrow will be uncertain, as Ferrowvale's relationship to the empire is on precarious grounds. For now, however, you rest. Soon, you will take up arms again.\n\n[[Congratulations!|Epilogue]]

You and the woman take a moment to rest. "Thanks for the help," she says, attempting to use her mace to stand. While wobbly, she is able to make it to her feet, but quickly falls down to one knee again.\n\n"I...I just need a moment. Sebastian is still out there somewhere. I need to find him."\n\nThis woman has been through hell and back, by the looks of it. Many of the dents on her armor don’t match the weapons that the goblins are using. You could stand to learn a lot from her by aiding her. On the other hand, you don’t know her motives, and you might need to save your resources. What do you do?\n\nIf you have a healing potion left, you can give it to her. If you do so, [[proceed here.|Stryker Healed]]\n\nIf you don't have a potion or don't want to give one to her, [[proceed here instead.|Stryker Injured]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure!\n\nYou adopt a low, skulking stance, balancing your weight to the ball of your feet to avoid loud footsteps. Looking at them from the corner of your eye, you realize that your sneaking wasn't as good as you'd hoped: the goblins have been staring at you this entire time. One of the goblins yells out a warning, and it isn't long before you hear alarms sounding deeper into the cavern!\n\nThe goblins attack you, and while you manage to fight them off, they land some good hits on you, dealing ''3'' damage. Once there is a pause in the fight, you back off and sprint further into the cavern.\n\nYou rush through twisting tunnels as you hear the patrol sprinting after you. Coming to a fork in the path, you quickly head upwards as you hear a patrol of goblins coming from below.\n\n[[Continue...|Overhang Ambush]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nA success, well done!\n\nYou quickly and quietly dart from shadow to shadow, avoiding the goblins' line of sight. Before you know it, you've made your way behind them. Your heartbeat slows down in relief--that was tense! Now you are able to move deeper into the caverns.\n\nAfter pushing forward, the path splits. Which way do you want to go?\n\n[[Take the path up.|Overhang Stealth]]\n\n[[Take the path down.|Stryker Meeting]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure! What should have been a drop becomes a leap, and you end up sailing right past the goblins!\n\nThe top half of your body hits the ground and you manage to grab the side of the cliff before falling to your death.\n\nThe goblins are utterly bewildered; they look down at you with pure confusion in their eyes.\n\nNow what do you do?\n\n[[Ask the goblins for help.|Goblin Entrance Ambush 4a]]\n\n[[Clamber up and confront the goblins.|Goblin Entrance Ambush 4b]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success! While preparing to dive, you slip, knocking some rocks out of place. The two goblins look up just as you dive down onto one of them. The goblin you land on is knocked out, but the other has time to yell in surprise before a punch silences them.\n\nYou curse under your breath as you wait for a moment at the entrance. Nobody seems to be coming yet, but you are sure someone inside heard the confrontation. It would be best to head in now rather than wait for the guards to come running.\n\n[[Enter the cavern...|Goblin Cave 1 Ambush]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nA success! Swiftly and silently, you glide down from the cliff onto one of the goblins, knocking them out instantly. The other goblin barely has time to register what is happening before a punch from you sends them into unconsciousness.\n\nWith the two guards taken care of, you peer into the cave itself for a moment before taking a deep breath.\n\n[[Enter the cavern...|Goblin Cave 1]]

@@color:red;Strength@@ is the measure of your pure, physical brawn. As a Fighter, you will be using this stat a lot. Strength (or Str) will dictate how much ''weight'' you can heft, and is what you roll for ''Hack and Slash''.\n\n@@color:green;Dexterity@@ is how agile you are. Being quick on your feet can mean the difference between a cunning adventurer and a dead one. Dexterity (or Dex) is what you roll for ''Volley''.\n\n@@color:purple;Constitution@@ determines how hardy and hale an adventurer is. A higher constitution means you are able to withstand more damage, and is therefore highly useful for a front line Fighter. Constitution is used to calculate your ''hit points'', and is also used when you roll ''Defend''.\n\n@@color:yellow;Intelligence@@ is the accumulation of knowledge and facts you've acquired over your life. Intelligence (Int) is used when you roll ''Spout Lore''.\n\n@@color:orange;Wisdom@@ is your common sense, how aware of your surroundings you are, and how guarded you are against being taken by surprise. Wisdom (Wis) is used when you roll ''Discern Realities''.\n\n@@color:pink;Charisma@@ is how good you are at getting what you want, whether that's through smooth talking, looks, or intimidation. Charisma (Cha) is used when you roll ''Parley''.\n\nIn addition, all of these stats can be used to ''Defy Danger'', depending on how you're doing the defying. Don't worry, we'll try to hit all of these moves in the course of the game!\n\nNext, let's figure out some equipment for you. Can't send you off to the dungeons with nothing to protect you, can we?\n\n[[Let's see what you start with...|Intro6]]

On the second page of your playbook, you'll see ''Starting Gear'' on the left-hand side. Go ahead and mark ''Chainmail'' and ''Adventuring Gear'' for your defenses, and for the choose two, mark the ''2 Healing Potions'' and the ''Shield''. Above, we can see our max load is 12+STR. Whenever you see a stat abbreviated like that, that means to use the modifier. Since our Strength modifier is +2 (if you went with the suggested stats), the total weight we can carry is 14. 14 of what, exactly? 14 Don't Worry About It.\n\nWith the chainmail, adventuring gear, potions, shield, and starting dungeon rations, we have a total of 5 weight. Plenty left!\n\nGo ahead and put together your ''Signature Weapon'' now. We won't be using the stats of the weapon for this adventure, but it can help add to the flavor at the very least!\n\nAnd that's that! You've got some blank spaces on your sheet, but that is enough to get started. I'm sure you're raring to get started, but there are just a couple more things to go over first.\n\n[[Continue...|Appendix1]]

<-Approach the goblins and try to speak to them.\n\nPerhaps another approach is in order. Instead of charging these goblins, maybe you can simply convince them to let you in? They're not hostile by heart, after all.\n\nYou approach the goblins, keeping your weapon sheathed. When they spot you, they raise their spears, though from the nervous way they shake you can tell they are ill-prepared for a fight. In fact, they seem terrified of you.\n\nIn Dungeon World, if you want to convince someone to do something, you can try to ''Parley'' with them. However, you can only roll this move if you have some kind of leverage over them. What would be interesting to a goblin? You take mental inventory; you have a handful of coins that you could use to bribe them. Or you could always threaten violence...\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n[[Bribe the goblins.|Goblin Entrance Bribery 1]]\n\n[[Threaten the goblins.|Goblin Entrance Threaten 1]]

<-Make your way down the path and charge the goblins on even ground.\n\nThe goblins clearly aren't paying attention, so you decide it would be better for your health if you take the long way around and confront them directly. Were you to make a misstep while jumping down, you could send yourself careening off the cliff!\n\nOnce on level ground with the goblins, you bravely steel your weapon and rush them. They barely have time to react before you are upon them.\n\nThe move you have triggered is called ''Hack and Slash.'' Gather two six-sided dice (2d6) and roll them, then add your STR modifier (+2). Total your result.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Entrance Attack 1]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Entrance Attack 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Entrance Attack 3]]

<-7-9.\n\nThe goblins recoil at your shout, clearly cowed by your display of bravado. You hope that they move away from the entrance, but instead they dash inside, crying out for help!\n\nCursing under your breath, you follow them in, hoping you can catch up to them before they can alert others!\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Cave 1 Ambush]]

Script by Bryce Duzan\nEditing by Ruben Ferdinand

<-Threaten the goblins.\n\nYou draw your weapon and let out a brutish battle cry, attempting to shock the goblins into submission. Scary!\n\nIt's time to roll for ''Parley''! Roll 2d6 and add your CHA modifier.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Entrance Threaten 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Entrance Threaten 4]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Entrance Threaten 3]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nThe goblins recoil at your shout, shrinking back as they drop their spears to the ground. They step away from the cave entrance, giving you a clear path to enter. They are clearly in no position to stop you. Pleased with your yell, you puff your chest with pride before heading inside.\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Cave 1]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nAlas! You've rolled a failure!\n\nYour mighty roar is stopped short by a tickle in your throat, and your bellow becomes a wheezing cough. The goblins come to believe you aren't so tough after all. They let out twin battle cries of their own and you can't help but feel a little nervous. It seems you'll need to fight them after all!\n\nThe move you have triggered is called ''Hack and Slash.'' Roll 2d6 and add your STR modifier.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Entrance Attack 1]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Entrance Attack 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Entrance Attack 3]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nYou step forward, alone. If the demon negotiated a contract with the archmage, then you can solve this issue without any further bloodshed. All you need to do is establish new terms of the demon's contract, which means you need to convince the demon that it is in his best interests to free the goblins and return to the Abyss, leaving Ferrowvale far behind.\n\nThe negotiations break down almost as soon as they are begun. The demon refutes every point you make and outwits you at every turn, and before you know it, you are up against a wall with nowhere to turn.\n\nThe contract is in front of you, and you have no choice but to sign. The demon smiles sadistically as you do.\n\n"Very good. I am happy to take my leave, but am loath to leave my servants behind. You, however...in a day, you've done what an army could not. You will make a //fine// proxy."\n\nYou try to protest, try to ask Sebastian or Stryker for help, but it is too late. Darkness surrounds you, and you can feel yourself traveling a very far distance.\n\nBefore long, you stop, and you are able to look around. You are surrounded by black rock and bright magma, a cavern wholly different from the one you were just in.\n\nYou are trapped in the Abyss, as a demon's plaything. The demon has machinations for you, plans to make you a Hell Knight, a champion of evil.\n\nYou take some grim solace in the fact that the goblins and Ferrowvale have been saved, but you now face a much more difficult challenge: survival.\n\nYou only hope that your companions are now looking for you.\n\n[[Congratulations...?|Epilogue]].

<-6 or lower.\n\nYou charge the goblins, aided by Sebastian's spells, but the goblins mount an offensive much more brutal than you were expecting. Even with Sebastian shielding you with defensive magic, you take a solid beating! Take ''4'' damage. \n\nWorse yet, while Sebastian is focusing on protecting you with his spells, you both fail to notice the goblins slipping by. Stryker is attacked again! Unable to properly defend herself, she receives a nasty gash.\n\nSebastian exerts himself to erect a magical barrier, shielding Stryker from further harm. The goblins are unable to pierce the wall, a prospect alien enough to make them retreat in search of reinforcements.\n\nSebastian rushes to Stryker's side. "Good to see you again, Seb," she says with a half-smile, which turns into a grimace as the pain kicks in. She attempts to support herself on her mace. "Not the most graceful rescue, there, but I appreciate the effort all the same." She is able to make it to her feet, but quickly drops to one knee again.\n\n"Stryker, you're injured badly," Sebastian says. "I'm fine. Really. I can press on...we have to." Sebastian reluctantly nods. "You're right, but..." he shakes his head. "These wounds are deep. No healing potion is going to fix these injuries. We can bandage them up for the time being, but once we get out we need to get you to an infirmary.\n\nStryker nods. "Then let's bind them the best we can and hury."\n\nStryker has joined your party, but she is badly hurt. Mark down on your character sheet that she is ''Injured''. She won't be able to pitch in much, but she'll help however she can.\n\nIf Sebastian is not ''Stunned'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting w/ Stryker Injured]]\n\nIf Sebastian is ''Stunned'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting, Everyone Hurt]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nYou charge the goblins, yelling your finest battle cry. Sebastian weaves an illusion spell around you, making you appear to be larger and more ferocious than your original body plan would ever suggest. The goblins shout in rambling fear before scattering.\n\nSebastian rushes to Stryker's side. "Good to see you again, Seb," she grunts, attempting to use her mace to stand. While wobbly, she is able to make it to her feet, but quickly falls down to one knee again.\n\n"Stryker, you're badly injured," Sebastian says. "No...I'm fine. Really. I can press on...we have to." Sebastian nods. "You're right, but..." he looks to you. "I don't know any healing magic. Stranger...do you have anything?"\n\nIf you have a spare ''healing potion'', you can give it to Stryker to mend her wounds. Otherwise, mark down on your character sheet that she is ''Injured''. She won't be able to pitch in much, but she'll help however she can.\n\nIf Sebastian is not ''Stunned'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting]]\n\nIf Sebastian is ''Stunned'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting w/ Sebastian Stunned]]

<-7-9.\n\nYou charge the goblins, aided with magical blasts from Sebastian. The fight is fierce and the goblins manage to get some choice strikes on you (take ''2'' damage). After a melee of attrition, the goblins realize they are fighting a losing battle and make a hasty retreat.\n\nOnce the goblins have dispersed completely, Sebastian rushes to Stryker's side. "Good to see you again, Seb," she says, attempting to use her mace to stand. While wobbly, she is able to make it to her feet, but quickly falls down to one knee again.\n\nSebastian rushes to Stryker's side. "Good to see you again, Seb," she grunts, attempting to use her mace to stand. While wobbly, she is able to make it to her feet, but quickly falls down to one knee again.\n\n"Stryker, you're badly injured," Sebastian says. "No...I'm fine. Really. I can press on...we have to." Sebastian nods. "You're right, but..." he looks to you. "I don't know any healing magic. Stranger...do you have anything?"\n\nIf you have a spare ''healing potion'', you can give it to Stryker to mend her wounds. Otherwise, mark down on your character sheet that she is ''Injured''. She won't be able to pitch in much, but she'll help however she can.\n\nIf Sebastian is not ''Stunned'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting]]\n\nIf Sebastian is ''Stunned'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting w/ Sebastian Stunned]]

[[Begin your adventure here!|Intro1]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nSuccess!\n\nSomething changes in the goblins as they hear your hurried explanation. A cloud clears from their eyes, which widen upong seeing you in peril. They quickly drag you back up onto solid ground. You ask the goblins what is happening here, but they seem both seem very confused and they aren't able to answer any questions. Before long, you decide to press on; any answers are surely waiting inside.\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Cave 1]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success!\n\nSomething changes in the goblins as they hear your hurried explanation. A cloud lifts slightly from their eyes. They move erratically, like part of them wants to help and another wants to hurt you instead. They violently jerk you up onto solid ground, but your pack jostles and an item flies off the cliff! Remove a ''Healing Potion'' from your inventory.\n\nYou try to question the goblins, but they do not respond. They simply sit on the ground and stare out at the sky. Something is definitely wrong, and the only way you are going to get answers is by pressing on.\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Cave 1]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure!\n\nThe goblins listen to your plea, then burst into uproarious laughter! After a moment, however, you see a wicked gleam replace the tears of laughter into their eyes. The two of them stomp on your hands, attempting to send you hurtling over the edge! Take ''2'' damage as you struggle to hold on. \n\nOnce the goblins realize you won't be so easy to dislodge from the ledge, they dash into the cave entrance, yelling for reinforcements!\n\nYou pull yourself up onto solid ground as quickly as you can. As you do so, however, your pack jostles and an item flies down the cliff! Remove a ''Healing Potion'' from your inventory.\n\nPausing a moment to catch your breath, you head into the cave after the two, hoping you'll have better chances inside than out here.\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Cave 1 Ambush]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nSuccess! After monitoring the goblins' movements for a few minutes, you're able to figure out a predictable pattern to their otherwise chaotic carousing. Despite the tight spacing, you manage to slip through their ranks and bypass them entirely.\n\nAfter moving forward for a bit, the path splits. Which way do you want to go?\n\n[[Take the path up.|Overhang Stealth]]\n\n[[Take the path down.|Stryker Meeting]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success!\n\nYou study the goblins for a few minutes. Although you aren't able to find a path forward, you are able to figure out their patterns, which should hopefully give you an edge on your next action.\n\nYou'll need to fight them or sneak past them, but you'll have an advantage! On your next roll, add another +1 to your result.\n\n[[Go back to the last choice and select to attack or sneak past the goblins.|Goblin Cave 1]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure, alas!\n\nYou aren't able to figure out any patterns in the goblins' patterns. As you are waiting, one of the guards seem to notice that the two posted by the entrance haven't checked in. The group gets a little nervous and start heading towards the entrance, where you are posted. Before you can figure out what to do next, the guards spot you!\n\nYou dash ahead, trying to rush past the guards, but they manage to get some side swipes in before you are able to do so. Take ''3'' damage!\n\nYou hurry on through twisting tunnels as you hear alarms sounding behind you. Coming to a fork in the path, you quickly head upwards as you hear a patrol of goblins coming from below.\n\n[[Continue...|Overhang Ambush]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nYou shout, throwing your voice to another corner of the cavern. The goblins are surprised, and the entire group dashes over to where the sound is, leaving the passage onwards (and their makeshift camp) completely unguarded! You easily slip past the confused group and head deeper into the caverns. On the way, you see an item sparkling on the ground, and greedily snatch it up. Add a ''Health Potion'' to your inventory!\n\nAfter pushing forward, the path splits. Which way do you want to go?\n\n[[Take the path up.|Overhang Stealth]]\n\n[[Take the path down.|Stryker Meeting]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nYou step forward, alone. If the demon has negotiated a contract with the archmage, then you can solve this issue without any further bloodshed. All you need to do is establish new terms of the demon's contract, which means you need to convince the demon that it is in his best interests to free the goblins and return to the Abyss, leaving Ferrowvale far behind.\n\nThe negotiations are fierce. Demons are, ultimately, contract lawyers, and arguing against one is arguing against thousands of years of Abyssal law.\n\nDespite that, you press on. For every point the demon makes, you have a counterpoint. For every demand, you make another, all to the lead the demon to the conclusion that his plans are already doomed, and therefore his contract is null and void.\n\nYour mere presence, you argue, means that the demon's plans have already been foiled. Even if you fall here, there are goblins who have been freed from his spell. Word will get back to Ferrowvale one way or another, and eventually the truth will come to light.\n\nThe demon steps back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm," he muses. "You truly are a devil's advocate, mortal. Perhaps it //is// best if I simply depart. But then, what of the archmage? He could simply resummon me, and annul this contract in turn."\n\nYou explain that your plan is to expose the archmage's plans...//if// you are able to provide evidence.\n\n"I see. Very well! Then the goblins shall be free of my enchantment to give first-hand accounts of what happened."\n\nHe snaps his fingers, and you can feel a wave of energy resounding out of the castle and into the caverns.\n\n"Finally, before I depart, I shall leave you with this. May you see this as incontrovertible evidence..."\n\n[[Continue...|Demon Parley Finale]]

<-7-9.\n\nYou step forward, alone. If the demon has negotiated a contract with the archmage, then you can solve this issue without any further bloodshed. All you need to do is establish new terms of the demon's contract, which means you need to convince the demon that it is in his best interests to free the goblins and return to the Abyss, leaving Ferrowvale far behind.\n\nThe negotiations are fierce. Demons are, ultimately, contract lawyers, and arguing against one is arguing against thousands of years of Abyssal law.\n\nDespite that, you press on. For every point the demon makes, you have a counterpoint. For every demand, you make another, all to the lead the demon to the conclusion that his plans are already doomed, and therefore his contract is null and void.\n\nYour mere presence, you argue, means that the demon's plans have already been foiled. If you fall here, word will get back to Ferrowvale, and eventually the truth will be learned.\n\nThe demon steps back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm," he muses. "You drive a hard argument, mortal. Perhaps it //is// best if I simply depart. However..."\n\n"I require collateral."\n\nHe snaps his fingers, and within mere moments, the goblin army appears in full force.\n\n"Very well, I shall depart this realm and go back to the Abyss. But the goblins...stay with me. Prove that you are able to make sure the archmage cannot come after me for violating the contract, and I will think about releasing them from my service."\n\nYou try to protest, but it is too late. Before your eyes, each goblin is swallowed up by darkness and disappears. The demon, too, begins to fade away.\n\n"Best not wait too long, however. I'd hate to grow too attached to my little friends. Ere I depart, let me leave you with this."\n\nHe makes a motion in the air, and then fades away completely. As he does, a glowing sigil appears.\n\nSebastian gasps.\n\n"That's the sign of the Emperor's archmage! To draw that sign means a contract was indeed drawn. What is going on?"\n\n"It means what the demon said is true," Stryker replied. "The demon came here to attack Ferrowvale so it could be blamed on the northerners and non-humans. Outrage would overtake the empire, and the war effort would be bolstered. Ferrowvale was to be sacrificed, and thousands more."\n\nYou breathe a small sigh of relief, thankful that you were able to escape the encounter with the demon with your life. The goblins, however, are not so lucky, and while the archmage still walks free, they are in grave peril.\n\nYou know that you will have to confront the archmage directly soon. The lives of the goblins, and of Ferrowvale, depends on it.\n\n[[Congratulations!|Epilogue]]

You slip into the cavern with your weapon at the ready. After doing so, you quickly realize the gravity of the task you’ve been given. The cavern is enormous. In fact, you think there may be a whole network of caves below the city. The goblins could be anywhere.\n\nUnfortunately for you, another group is stationed not too far ahead. They seem to be on high alert, probably as a result of your previous mishap. There seem to be too many to fight head-on, so you'll need to figure out a different way around them.\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n[[Try to sneak around them.|Goblin Cave Ambush 2a]]\n\n[[Try to create a diversion.|Goblin Cave Ambush 2b]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure!\n\nYou move yourself between the goblins and the woman called Stryker at great personal risk. The goblins mount an offensive much more brutal than you were expecting. Even with Sebastian shielding you with defensive magic, you take a solid beating! Take ''4'' damage. \n\nWorse yet, while Sebastian is focusing on protecting you with his spells, you both fail to notice the goblins slipping by. Stryker is attacked again! Unable to properly defend herself, she receives a nasty gash.\n\nSebastian exerts himself to erect a magical barrier, shielding Stryker from further harm. The goblins are unable to pierce the wall, a prospect alien enough to make them retreat in search of reinforcements.\n\nSebastian rushes to Stryker's side. "Good to see you again, Seb," she says with a half-smile, which turns into a grimace as the pain kicks in. She attempts to support herself on her mace. "Not the most graceful rescue, there, but I appreciate the effort all the same." She is able to make it to her feet, but quickly drops to one knee again.\n\n"Stryker, you're injured badly," Sebastian says. "I'm fine. Really. I can press on...we have to." Sebastian reluctantly nods. "You're right, but..." he shakes his head. "These wounds are deep. No healing potion is going to fix these injuries. We can bandage them up for the time being, but once we get out we need to get you to an infirmary.\n\nStryker nods. "Then let's bind them the best we can and hury."\n\nStryker has joined your party, but she is badly hurt. Mark down on your character sheet that she is ''Injured''. She won't be able to pitch in much, but she'll help however she can.\n\nIf Sebastian is not ''Stunned'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting w/ Stryker Injured]]\n\nIf Sebastian is ''Stunned'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting, Everyone Hurt]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nA success! Your sudden flurry of attacks is too much for the goblins, and your onslaught decimates the small group before they can properly react.\n\nAfter the dust settles, you realize that there are too many bodies to hide, and dragging them outside one by one would take too long. The only option you have is to press forward and hope nobody finds the crime scene.\n\nAfter venturing deeper into the caverns, the way forward splits into two paths. Which way do you want to go?\n\n[[Take the path up.|Overhang Stealth]]\n\n[[Take the path down.|Stryker Meeting]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success! Your barrage is fierce, but the goblins have power in numbers! They manage to get some good hits in. You take ''2'' points of damage!\n\nBefore you are able to take in the aftermath of the battle, you hear yelps emanating in the distance. It seems your battle took longer than planned, and the sounds of carnage have caught the attention of other goblins!\n\nNot willing to risk a battle against another group, you press onward, hoping to elude the approaching patrol. Indeed, you come to a fork in the road. The goblins seem to be approaching from the path leading down, so you head up instead.\n\n[[Continue...|Overhang Alert]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure! The surviving goblins steel their tiny nerves, and mount a counterattack just in time. They raise their knives, embedding the sharp tips in your flesh as you charge toward them. You take ''3'' damage from the failed assault!\n\nEven worse, you stagger backwards from the blows. Unable to stop them, the goblins turn tail and run, surely to call for help!\n\nYou try to give chase, but they are much faster than you. As you come to a fork in the path, you realize you have no idea which way they went.\n\nWhile debating which way to go next, you hear a cacophony of shouting coming from the path leading downwards. By the sound of it, a large group is approaching, and they're coming fast! Clutching your wounds, you dash up the other path, hoping the goblins won't spot you.\n\n[[Continue...|Overhang Ambush]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure! \n\nThe goblins' offensive is much more brutal than you were expecting. You are overwhelmed by their attacks and take ''4'' damage. Even worse, the woman is attacked again by the goblins! She manages to beat them back, but not before she is wounded even further by their attacks. Finally, the remaining goblins retreat to find reinforcements and you are able to catch your breath.\n\nYou rush over to the woman's side to check her wounds.\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Injured]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nYou pick up the slingshot and line up a shot, deftly pulling back the strap. You pick your target carefully and take a deep breath. Then...\n\nYou double over in pain as an arrow sinks into your side! The arrow is followed by another, and another, and you take ''5'' damage in total. Worse yet, you stumble backwards under the barrage and fall down, landing hard on the rock. The ground underneath you shifts, then gives way.\n\nYou fall...\n\n[[Continue...|Caged 1]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success!\n\nThe goblin smirks at your words. "You really have no idea what you've walked into, do you?" he sneers. "Fine, I'll enlighten you before I kill you."\n\nHe explains that the goblins are indeed here to attack Ferrowvale, but not of their own accord. The goblin generals made a dark pact with a demon for control of the populace. Now, they serve the demon, and it is he who wants to attack your hometown. Why, however, the goblin leader is not sure.\n\nAs he finishes his explanation, he turns to one of the goblins at his side. Over the course of his soliloquy, you notice his two guards have changed, as the magic that controls them wore off. Unfortunately, it seems the goblin leader has noticed this as well! The two try to grab him, but he quickly snatches the gem out of its pouch and it pulses with an awful light. The guards withdraw from the light before falling still again, the same clouded look over their eyes once more. \n\n"Nice try," he gloats, returning the gem to the pouch at his side. "Seems you're a bit too clever for your own good. Let's get him, boys!"\n\nHe stands, grabbing the axe, while the two guards ready their spears. All three of them together seem too much to handle, so you decide to retreat while you still have the chance!\n\nYou can hear the guards chasing you, but you manage to outrun them. You'll need to be quick and careful moving forward!\n\n[[Continue...|Overhang Alert]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nThe goblin leader smirks. "You really think I'm stupid, huh? I've read human books; I'm not falling for that old cliché!" He reaches over, but instead of grabbing the axe, he pulls a rope suspended from the ceiling. You hear the sound of crashing cymbals echo throughout the caverns.\n\n"In a few moments, the whole goblin army will be on your head. Think you can kill me before then?"\n\nYou think better of trying to fight the goblin leader and run! You can hear the goblin's laughter echoing in your ears as you rush out of his chamber.\n\nYou'll need to be quick and careful moving forward, as the whole cave network now knows they have an intruder in their midst!\n\n[[Continue...|Overhang Ambush]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nThe goblin smirks at your words. "You really have no idea what you've walked into, do you?" he sneers. "Fine, I'll enlighten you before I kill you."\n\nHe explains that the goblins are indeed here to attack Ferrowvale, but not of their own accord. The goblin generals made a dark pact with a demon for control of the populace. Now, they serve the demon, and it is he who wants to attack your hometown. Why, however, the goblin leader is not sure.\n\nAs he finishes his explanation, he reaches again for the axe at his side, but the two goblins spring on him! Whatever magic had ensorcelled them has seemed to fade, and they quickly bind him. One of the goblins recovers the strange, red gem and hands it to you. "We thank you," he says, "for freeing us from this curse. Please, when the time comes, use this gem to summon us. We will come in full force!"\n\nThe pair give you directions on how to bypass the goblin patrols and find another adventurer who has made his way here. You thank them and quickly press on.\n\n[[Continue...|Sebastian Meet]]

<-Bribe the goblins.\n\nYou pull out a small sack of coins, asking the goblins to step aside. Fishing through the bag, you extract a particularly shiny coin and show it to the goblins. Their eyes glitter like the selfsame color of gold when they see the money.\n\nIt's time to roll for ''Parley''! Roll 2d6 and add your CHA modifier.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Entrance Bribery 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Entrance Bribery 4]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Entrance Bribery 3]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nAlas! You've rolled a failure!\n\nThe goblins eye your coins eagerly, but then...something in their attitude changes. They look at each other with a strange gleam in their eyes. Nodding, they suddenly grab your arms and drag you into the cave!\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Leader 1]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nThe goblins nod eagerly, almost dropping their spears as they snatch the sack from you. It seem they are more interested in the alluring shininess than the commercial value the coin might hold, and it takes but a moment before they have forgotten about you entirely. They squabble over who should get the most coins. You take the opportunity to slip into the cave entrance.\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Cave 1]]

You press on into the caverns with your newfound companions. Not much further, and you will be inside the crumbling stone castle. Whatever is behind all this, you have a feeling you will find it there.\n\nYou turn to look at Sebastian and Stryker, who both have been through much today already. The worst of Stryker's wounds have been bandaged, but she will need medical attention soon. Stryker's fingertips are blackened from his earlier magical exertion. You feel like you should send them home, but they are committed to seeing this through. They will help whatever way they can.\n\nYou feel a pang of regret, as if their injuries were something you could somehow prevent.\n\n[[Here goes nothing?|Demon Meeting]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success!\n\nYou quickly and quietly dart from shadow to shadow, avoiding the goblins' line of sight. Before you know it, you are behind them. However, as you try to proceed deeper into the caverns, you step on a stray twig. Curses, wood isn't native to cave systems! What a sophisticated alarm system! The group turns around to look at you!\n\nYou blink at each other for a few breathless moments, before you break into a mad dash. The group yells and charges right after you! You sprint away, barely able to lose the group in the twisting tunnels. Coming to a fork up or down in the path, you pause for a moment. While considering, however, you hear the noise of an approaching patrol from the downward path. You quickly head up the other path.\n\n[[Continue...|Overhang Alert]]

"It's going to take more than that to put me down," she growls. Groaning, she pulls herself to her feet. While unsteady, she looks committed to moving on.\n\n"The name's Stryker. The queen sent you down here, right? Sebastian and I went on ahead to try to figure out what's going on. Oh, sorry, Sebastian is the Ferrowvale ambassador to the goblins As you might imagine, he's very close to them, so he wanted to figure out what's happening. Assumed, or maybe hoped, that the whole thing is just one big misunderstanding. Clearly that's not the case. We were attacked and got separated from each other. I only hope he's still alive..."\n\nShe points north at the path behind you. "I think he got taken that direction. I'm not sure how much use I'll be to you, but I need to find him. Will you help me?"\n\nYou nod. Sticking with others means your chance of survival are much higher. Note on your character sheet that Stryker is ''Injured''. She won't be able to pitch in much but she'll help however she can.\n\n[[Continue...|Sebastian Meet w/ Stryker]]

<-Do Nothing.\n\nYou hesitate, your mind furiously working to devise a plan to save both Sebastian and yourself. But...it is too late. You try to stand, but the spell is already absorbing the demon and Sebastian.\n\n"You are brave, mortals!" the demon laughs. "Sacrificing yourselves to send me home? I am surprised. As your reward, then, I leave you with this." He makes a motion in the air. The light becomes overwhelming and you shield your eyes. The last thing you hear before the light fades is Sebastian's whispering, "Farewell, friends."\n\nThe demon and Sebastian are gone, and you see what the demon left behind: a glowing sigil.\n\nStryker grits her teeth, sadly. "That's the sign of the Emperor's archmage. So...what the demon said is true. The demon came here to attack Ferrowvale so it could be blamed on the northerners and non-humans. Outrage would overtake the empire, and the war effort would be bolstered. Ferrowvale was to be sacrificed, and thousands more."\n\nAs you ponder the ramifications of what has occurred, goblins begin to gather, now free of the demon's enchantment. They cheer loudly, thankful for your help in freeing them, and offer to guide you out of the caverns.\n\nYou take solace in the fact that the goblins and Ferrowvale are now safe, but your mind drifts to thoughts of Sebastian. He is trapped in the Abyss, a literal hell. You make a vow that somehow, someday, you will find him and you will rescue him. It will not be easy, but it must be done.\n\n[[Congratulations!|Epilogue]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure!\n\nYou crash into the goblins' ranks with a frenzy! Your weapon swings to and fro, striking goblins all around you...but in the heat of battle, you completely forget about the person you were supposed to protect! As your eyes locate the next target, you see that the woman is once again trying to fend off some goblins, decidedly less successfully this time! Injury is added to injury before you drive off the goblins attacking her. The rest of the goblins flee, and you rush to the woman's side.\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Injured]].

A castle within a cave must hold many secrets -- but judging from the barren exterior, it's long since been abandoned. The goblins have avoided this jet-black structure. The approach is silent aside from the heavy echoing of your brave footsteps. The three of you venture inside.\n\nCreeping through its passages, it almost seems there is no need for caution at all. No goblins patrol the halls or keep watch, and no magical ambushes, if any, have triggered. For a brief moment you consider dropping your guard, but Sebastian suddenly halts dead in his tracks and whispers:\n\n"I feel a presence here. Close. Follow me."\n\nYou and Stryker follow Sebastian, arriving at grandiose doors shortly after. The two of you push them open and the throne room proper reveals itself. It, too, has mostly crumbled away; any sign of splendor is long gone. Standing expectantly in the middle of the room, however, is a tall, red creature with unfurled wings.\n\nA demon!\n\n"Ah, the mortals," the demon begins, baring his cruel, manifold teeth at you with a lipless smile. "I thought you'd never get here." Its voice is hard and deep, burrowing down into your soul.\n\n"Wh-what is a demon doing here?!" Sebastian stammers.\n\nThe demon shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly. "Why, plotting, of course. Bolstering an army of hapless goblins before we take over your dainty little village. Oh, what's it called? Furrowbrow?"\n\nStryker growls, her grip tightening on her mace. "What do you want with Ferrowvale?"\n\n"I want nothing. These are merely the terms of the contract I've been drawn into. The archmage of the emperor summoned me, bound me, and ordered me to destroy Ferrowvale. The goblins are a bonus, really. It just so happens that a cadre of goblin generals were wishing for power just as I entered into this world, and had the souls of their kin to sell. So now I have an army of goblins at my beck and call and a city to send them against."\n\nYou shake your head. The emperor's archmage is behind all this? Surely, that's a lie!\n\nThe demon sees the bewilderment on your face. "Don't believe me, voiceless one? Well, what you believe does not matter to me. Your lives, since the moment the queen contacted you, have been forfeit anyway."\n\nThe door slams shut behind you.\n\n"Any last words?" the demon laughs.\n\n[[It's time to take action.|Deal With the Demon]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success! You clash with the menacing goblin, steel against steel. The battle is fierce, and although he manages to get some good hits in, you are finally able to disarm him! Take ''3'' damage.\n\nAs the axe is knocked free from his hands, he falls to his knees. You demand he tell you what's going on.\n\n"Fine, fine! I'll tell you everything...just don't kill me!"\n\nHe explains that the goblins are indeed here to attack Ferrowvale, but not of their own accord. The goblin generals made a dark pact with a demon for control of the populace. Now, they serve the demon, and it is he who wants to attack your hometown. The demon's own whims, however, the general is unsure of.\n\nAs he speaks, you see the goblin pair by his throne stand. There is something different about them, they move less erratically and seem more sure of themselves. As he finishes his explanation, stand over him and conk him on the head with a Goblin Combo Attack. They quickly restrain him and recover the strange, red gem he was displaying earlier. They hand it over to you. "We thank you," one of the goblins says, "for freeing us from this curse. Please, when the time comes, raise this gem up high to summon the full might of the goblin army!"\n\nThe pair gives you directions on how to bypass the goblin patrols still under the control of the crystal. They also mention another adventurer who has made his way here. You thank them and quickly press on.\n\n[[Continue...|Sebastian Meet]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure! The goblin is as strong as he is menacing. As your steel meets his, you are acutely aware tell his mettle outmatches your own. You hold your ground for a while, but eventually your guard breaks. He drags his axe across your chest and kicks you to the ground! Take ''5'' damage!\n\nAs you try to stagger back to your feet, the goblin leader turns and gloats at the two by his throne, who seem to cower in fear. While his back is turned, you take the opportunity to retreat, knowing you don't have a chance against this foe! Before you leave the chamber, you catch one last glimpse of the two goblins. Their eyes seem to be pleading, though for what, you cannot tell.\n\nYou don't get far before alarms ring throughout the caverns. You'll need to be quick and careful moving forward, as the whole cave network now knows they have an intruder in their midst!\n\n[[Continue...|Overhang Ambush]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success!\n\nYour attacks are fierce, but not fierce enough to scare the goblins off immediately. They get in some choice strikes before you are able to drive them off. You yell a one-liner after them, but it doesn't sound as cool as you thought it would. Take ''2'' (moral) damage. \n\nOnce the goblins have completely disappeared from the area, you go back to the woman to check her wounds.\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Saved]].

<-10 or higher.\n\nA success! The general's attacks are strong, but slow. You are able to dodge his attacks and wait for him to wear himself out. Soon enough, one clumsy strike lets you knock the axe right out of his hands. He collapses to his knees.\n\nYou demand he tells you what's going on.\n\n"Fine, fine! I'll tell you everything...just don't kill me!"\n\nHe explains that the goblins are indeed here to attack Ferrowvale, but not of their own accord. The goblin generals made a dark pact with a demon for control of the populace. Now, they serve the demon, and it is he who wants to attack your hometown. The demon's own whims, however, the general is unsure of.\n\nAs he speaks, you see the goblin pair by his throne stand. There is something different about them, they move less erratically and seem more sure of themselves. As he finishes his explanation, stand over him and conk him on the head with a Goblin Combo Attack. They quickly restrain him and recover the strange, red gem he was displaying earlier. They hand it over to you. "We thank you," one of the goblins says, "for freeing us from this curse. Please, when the time comes, raise this gem up high to summon the full might of the goblin army!"\n\nThe pair gives you directions on how to bypass the goblin patrols still under the control of the crystal. They also mention another adventurer who has made his way here. You thank them and quickly press on.\n\n[[Continue...|Sebastian Meet]]

<-Enter the cavern.\n\nWith the sentries taken care of, you slip into the cavern with your weapon at the ready. It takes only a moment for you to realize the gravity of the task you’ve been given. These cavernous hollows run long and deep, spreading far into the depths below the city.\n\nYou have no idea where to start.\n\nLucky for you, goblins are not terribly subtle creatures. It's not long before you hear lively chatter and the scraping of steel on stone in the distance. Drawing near, you spot the source of the sounds: three goblins, each lightly armed with crude knives and tattered armor. They’re causing a ruckus, banging their weapons and being fantastically rowdy, and they don’t even notice your approach. It seems you have the initiative.\n\nThe three rabble-rousers are grouped together in a fairly tight section of the cave. It would be easy enough to gain the upper hand in a fight, but the commotion could attract more guards. Caves, after all, are known to echo. The safest bet would be hiding and waiting for the goblins to pass you by, but there aren't many places to hide.\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n[[Charge the goblins!|Goblin Cave Attack]]\n\n[[Hide and wait for the goblins to pass.|Goblin Cave Hide]]\n\n[[Take a moment to take stock of your surroundings.|Goblin Cave Discern]]

<-7-9.\n\nYou and Stryker let out twin battle cries, charging the two guards. They whirl about, prepared to defend themselves! While the battle is short, they manage to slash you before you can dispatch them. Take ''2'' damage.\n\nWith a mighty swing, Stryker smashes the lock on Sebastian's cage, and he steps out of it while sighing.\n\n"Thank you, Stryker...I...had hoped that the spell I was preparing would free the goblins from any mind-altering spells affecting them. I appreciate the help, but this is not what we came here to do."\n\nHe bows to you. "My name is Sebastian, an ambassador to the goblins." The two of you catch him up on the past events; he nods with his eyes closed while listening to your story. "What you say corroborates my theory. These goblins seem to have been ensorcelled by some kind of enchantment."\n\nStryker nods. "Well, if it's answers you're looking for, there's a castle at the center of the cave system. It looks important, so I bet whoever is behind this is holed up there."\n\n"I agree," Sebastian replies. "Castles within caverns isn't what I'd consider goblin architecture. We should head there now. The longer we wait, the more danger the goblins will be in!"\n\n"Ferrowvale too," Stryker adds.\n\nIf Stryker is not ''Injured'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting]].\n\nIf Stryker is ''Injured'', continue [[here.|Team Meeting w/ Stryker Injured]].

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure!\n\nIt seems that you're more rusty than you thought! You try to throw your voice but just shout instead, instantly drawing the goblins to your hiding place! A few of the other goblins break off and run deeper into the tunnels.\n\nThe other goblins attack you, and while you manage to fight them off, they land some good hits on you, dealing ''3'' damage. Once there is a pause in the fight, you back off and sprint further into the cavern. After not too long, you hear alarms ringing through the cave.\n\nYou rush through twisting tunnels as you hear alarms sounding behind you. Coming to a fork in the path, you quickly head upwards as you hear a horde of goblins coming from below.\n\n[[Continue...|Overhang Ambush]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nThe goblins have no idea there is a nearby trespasser, as you silently move from boulder to boulder, avoiding their gaze.\n\nBefore you know it, you are out of sight of the archers, and you can move on.\n\n[[Continue...|Sebastian Meet]]

<-Save Stryker.\n\nYou manage to get to your feet and charge Stryker as she is getting to hers. You tackle her, sending both of you behind a large boulder just as the demon releases a blast of energy.\n\nYou hear a cry from Sebastian.\n\nStryker furrows her brow and grits her teeth. She yells, "You bastard!" Charging out from the boulder, she clashes with the demon again. Her anger at Sebastian's loss has taken over, and not even a demon can withstand this much rage. It isn't long before she wears him down, and Stryker manages to send him to his knees with a fell blow of her mace.\n\n"Do it!" she shouts at you. Shouting yourself as you approach the downed demon, you leap up into the air and drive your weapon into the demon's chest.\n\nThere is a burst of light, and when your vision clears, the demon is laying on the ground, looking up at you.\n\n"You... are stronger than I thought. Very well, I shall return to my plane. But before you go, allow me to verify my claim." He makes a motion before collapsing to the ground. As his body fades into sulphur and ash, you see a glowing sigil appear in the air. Stryker nods.\n\n"That's the sign of the Emperor's archmage. So...what the demon said is true. The demon came here to attack Ferrowvale so it could be blamed on the northerners and non-humans. Outrage would overtake the empire, and the war effort would be bolstered. Ferrowvale was to be sacrificed, and thousands more."\n\nAs you ponder the ramifications of what has occurred, goblins begin to gather, now free of the demon's enchantment. They cheer loudly, thankful for your help in freeing them, and offer to guide you out of the caverns.\n\nYou and Stryker mourn the death of Sebastian, your lost friend. You both realize that tomorrow will be uncertain, as will Ferrowvale's relationship to the goblins now that the chief ambassador has passed on. The empire has a lot to answer for. For now, you rest. Soon, you will take up arms again.\n\n[[Congratulations!|Epilogue]]

The time has come. The question has been asked of you many times this day. All those actions and their consequences have brought you to this point. The choices before you are built on the path you took to get here. We ask again:\n\nWhat do you do?\n\nNo matter what you choose, your allies are here to back you up. If you make a roll, add +1 if Sebastian or Stryker are healthy, or +2 if both of them are unhurt.\n\nIf Stryker has not been ''Injured'', you believe that the two of you can summon enough courage and strength to defeat the demon in combat. If you wish to do this, roll ''Hack and Slash'' to attack the demon. Roll 2d6+STR.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or greater.|Demon Attack 1]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Demon Attack 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Demon Attack 3]]\n\nIf Sebastian has not been ''Stunned'', he can attempt to banish the demon, but you will need to withstand the demon's assault while he casts the spell to do so. To banish the demon, roll ''Defy Danger'' using your CON modifier. Roll 2d6+CON.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or greater.|Demon Banish 1]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Demon Banish 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Demon Banish 3]]\n\nDemons love contracts, but they love negotiations even more. If you can navigate the legal language of the Abyss, you could convince the demon to abandon his old contract. But remember, you have to offer up something in return...\n\nTo attempt negotiations, roll ''Parley''. Roll 2d6+CHA.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or greater.|Demon Parley 1]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Demon Parley 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Demon Parley 3]]\n\nFinally, if you have ''the red stone'' in your inventory, you can use it to call the goblin army and free all of them from the demon's influence. If you wish to do this, [[proceed here.|Demon Goblins]]

<-Continue.\n\nThe captain of the guard gives some directions to where the goblins have been sighted and you head out. It doesn't take long to reach your destination.\n\nFerrowvale is a coastal city, and along the seaside cliff is an extensive cavern system. The goblins were last seen there, so it stands to reason that they have claimed the caves as their homes.\n\nIn fact, as you come to the cliff edge and peer over, you see two goblins milling about! It seems they are guarding the entrance to one of the caves. The creatures are equipped with simple spears, sharpened rocks lashed to tree branches, and they lack armor of any kind. From your vantage point they seem nervous, glancing over their bony, little shoulders from time to time and talking in hushed whispers. Something about them seems...off, but you can't tell what.\n\nYou think it would be a simple act to bypass the two of them, but how you want to go about that is up to you!\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n[[Ambush the goblins by jumping down from the cliff.|Goblin Cave Entrance 2]]\n\n[[Make your way down the path and charge the goblins on even ground.|Goblin Cave Entrance 2a]]\n\n[[Approach the goblins and try to speak to them.|Goblin Cave Entrance 2b]]

<-Ambush the goblins.\n\nYou're not quite sure what is going on yet, but you decide that it's best if nobody knows about your presence yet. You think if you leap off the cliff onto the goblins, you can knock them out without raising suspicion from deeper within the cave.\n\nIt's time to roll! This is a ''Defy Danger'' move using DEX! Roll 2d6 and add your DEX modifier.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Entrance Ambush 1]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Entrance Ambush 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Entrance Ambush 3]]

<-7-9.\n\nYou shout, throwing your voice to another corner of the cavern. The goblins are surprised, and the entire group dashes over to where the sound is, leaving the passage onwards completely unguarded! You easily slip past the confused group, but just as you are about to leave the room, you hear a surprised cry!\n\nYou turn to see that the group had lost interest far faster than you'd imagined and spotted you!\n\nYou stare at each other for a few breathless moments, before you sprint away while the group yells and charges at you! You dash away, able to lose the group in the twisting tunnels. Coming to a fork in the path, you pause for a moment. While considering, you hear the noise of approaching guards from the upwards path. You quickly head for the other, downward path.\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Meeting]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nA success! You tell your favorite goblin joke: a human and a goblin walk into a bar. The human says ouch, the goblin walks under it. The guards begin laughing and wheezing; you can never go wrong with the classics. The air suddenly crackles with energy, though not with the charged atmosphere of stand-up comedy. A thin aura of energy emanates outward from the elven prisoner. As the energy field brushes the goblins, their shoulders instantly seem to relax. After blinking a few times, they come back to their senses and look around, confused.\n\nIt takes some doing, but after explaining the situation, one of the goblins apologetically opens the elf's cell.\n\n"From what these goblins are saying, it sounds like they had been under the effect of some kind of enchantment," the man translates. "Now, you two, are you able to tell us how that could have happened?"\n\nOne of the goblins named Graak shakes his head sadly. "Unfortunately, no. I wish I could offer more information, but whatever it is seems to have affected our entire village!"\n\nThe man looks at you. "We need to figure out what's going on here. My name is Sebastian, a regular ambassador to the goblins. My companion, Stryker, is around here somewhere. We should look for her and then figure out what is going on." He begins to move, then stops, giving you an embarrassed smile. "Almost forgot: thank you for saving me."\n\nYou nod. Whatever is going on, you need to figure it out quickly, for the goblins and Ferrowvale both!\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Meeting w/ Sebastian]]

As you walk through the caverns, Stryker explains a bit about her purpose here.\n\n"Sebastian and I were sent here to resolve the situation with the goblins. Sebastian is not only an accomplished wizard, see, he's also one of our preeminent goblin ambassadors and translators. So if anyone could act as a mediator, it was him. As for me, I'm his bodyguard. The road between Ferrowvale and the goblin villages can be fraught with bandits or sometimes even monsters, so I stick with him."\n\nStryker is interrupted by the sound of conversation up ahead. You peer around the corner, spotting an elf speaking what sounds like Kritomsh, the language of the goblins. You can tell that his voice is growing increasingly exasperated.\n\nStryker looks with you. "That's him!" she whispers. "That's Sebastian. We've got to get him out of there."\n\nYou rub your chin, trying to figure out a way to free him. "He'll probably want us to do something...you know, //not// violent. I'm sure he's got a spell up his sleeve for this situation, but he'll need time to cast it. Whatever you decide, though, I'm with you."\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n[[Distract the goblins.|Sebastian Distract w/ Stryker]]\n\n[[Fight the goblins.|Sebastian Fight w/ Stryker]]

<-Fight the goblins.\n\n"Well...I don't think Sebastian would want us to do that," Stryker says slowly, "But he's in danger, and the goblins did attack me first, so...okay, I'm in."\n\nYou nod, and the two of you get ready to attack.\n\nTo attack the goblins, we'll roll ''Hack and Slash''. Roll 2d6+STR, and add another +1 if Stryker is not ''Injured''.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Sebastian Fight w/ Stryker 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Sebastian Fight w/ Stryker 3]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Sebastian Fight w/ Stryker 4]]

<-Save Sebastian.\n\nYou clamber to your feet and rush to Sebastian, shoving him aside. The spell expands, consuming both you and the demon, enveloping you in white light. You can feel your body being pulled through a hole in spacetime, wrung out at a high velocity.\n\nWhen the sensation stops, you are able to see again. The only thing around you is obsidian rock, highlighted by bubbling crimson magma. You are in a cavern, albeit a much different one than the one you had traversed earlier today.\n\nYou make a single conclusion: you are trapped in the Abyss, home of demonkind.\n\nYou take some grim solace in the fact that the goblins and Ferrowvale have been saved, but you now face a much more difficult challenge: survival.\n\nYou only hope that your companions are looking for you, because the demon and its allies have already found you. You raise your sword again, up at the emerging demon horde. You let out one last battle cry.\n\n[[Congratulations...?|Epilogue]].

<-Distract the goblins.\n\nYou explain to Stryker that you want to cause a distraction, giving Sebastian time to cast a spell. She nods. "Maybe we can pretend to fight each other? The goblins will be so confused they won't know what to do!"\n\nFor this, we'll roll ''Defy Danger'' using CHA. Roll 2d6+CHA. In addition, Stryker is trying to help, so if she isn't ''Injured'', add another +1 to your result.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Sebastian Distract w/ Stryker 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Sebastian Distract w/ Stryker 3]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Sebastian Distract w/ Stryker 4]]

Sebastian explains his story as the two of you pick your way through the caverns.\n\n"Stryker and I were sent here by the queen to try to find out what's happening. I'm one of the few ambassadors to the goblins, and I help translate when needed. Stryker is my bodyguard. Not against the goblins, mind you. She protects me against any bandits or monsters we run into on the road. The goblins have always been friends to Ferrowvale...this enchantment does not change that."\n\nSebastian is interrupted by the sounds of what is surely battle. The two of you exchange a glance before you rush ahead to see what is going on.\n\nSoon enough, you see the source of the noise: a human woman in combat with a group of goblins! She is dressed in armor and swinging a two-handed mace, sending several goblins flying with each swing. Though mighty, she is outnumbered. Through sheer grit alone, she remains standing, despite her wounds. Reinforcements arrive, slowly converging on her position.\n\n"Oh no," yells Sebastian. "That's Stryker! What do we do?!"\n\n[[Defend Stryker.|Stryker Defend w/ Sebastian]]\n\n[[Try to fend off the goblins.|Stryker Fight w/ Sebastian]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nA success!\n\nDeftly, you pick up the slingshot and fire a stone at the group of goblins. You strike one of them, conking them in the head, and they flop over. The other three panic at the sight of their downed ally and in their confusion, you are easily able to pick off the rest of them. Lucky for you, as the slingshot's strap snaps with the last shot!\n\nYou check to make sure no other guards heard the skirmish. You place the broken weapon back where you found it--apologies to its owner!--and move on ahead.\n\n[[Continue...|Sebastian Meet]]

<-Get the goblin leader to explain what's going on.\n\nYou've seen his type before; cocky and arrogant and in love with hearing their own voice, especially if echoed back to them by acoustic cave walls. These kinds of people love explaining their latest devious plan, and this goblin (general?) can't be any different. If you play your cards right, you think you can get him to outline why exactly the goblins are here.\n\nIt's time to roll! Roll ''Defy Danger'' with CHA to try to talk to the goblin leader. We could use ''Parley'' instead, but we don't have any leverage in this instance, and we aren't exactly trying to get him to do something for us--we just want information.\n\nRoll 2d6 and add your CHA modifier.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Leader Convince 2a]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Leader Convince 2b]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Leader Convince 2c]]

<-Run away!\n\nThere is clearly something sinister going on here. The other goblins seem stuck in some sort of haze, as if entranced, but this one--some kind of general, perhaps?--seems quite sure of his surroundings.\n\nHe also looks quite strong. And while he may act like he's the one pulling the strings, it doesn't feel that way. You //might// be able to take him on in a fight, but it might be better to figure out what exactly is going on, and it'll be easier to do that without any grievous wounds. You decide to make a hasty retreat!\n\nThe goblin growls as you turn tail. "Think you can get away, huh?! Well try this!" He grabs the axe at his side and flings it at you!\n\nIt's time to roll for ''Defy Danger'' using Dexterity! To do so, roll your two six-sided dice and add your Dexterity modifier, then consult below:\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Leader Run 2a]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Leader Run 2b]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Leader Run 2c]]

<-Fight the goblin leader!\n\nThere is clearly something sinister going on here. The other goblins seem stuck in some sort of haze, as if entranced, but this one--some kind of general, perhaps?--seems quite sure of his surroundings. You draw your weapon, ready to confront this threat! Your former escorts look at you, then back at the armored goblin, then back at you, then start frantically kowtowing as they realize they made a huge mistake.\n\nThe goblin laughs again. "Really? You actually think you stand a chance against me? I'm the biggest, baddest goblin there is! Besides...I'm not alone." From a pouch at his side, he withdraws a crimson gem and holds it aloft. It shines with a horrible light.\n\n"Boys..." he intones. "Get 'em!"\n\nThere is silence. He glares at the panicky pair, kneeling by his throne. "I said get 'em!"\n\nStill nothing. He sighs before placing the gem back in its pouch. "Fine. Fine! Then I'll just deal with you myself!"\n\nHe grabs the axe and lunges at you!\n\nIt's time to roll ''Hack and Slash!'' Roll 2d6+STR!\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Leader Attack 1]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Leader Attack 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Leader Attack 3]]

As you move up the pathway, you notice the walls widening into one massive central cave. The upper path serves as a clear vantage point, from which you can see more goblins goofing off. What catches your attention, though, is an ominous structure of darkened stone. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, you realize what it is: an underground castle!\n\nAcross from your high perch, a squadron of goblin archers are taking a break. It does not seem that they're on alert, thanks to your relatively smooth entry.\n\nWhile you don't have a ranged weapon on hand, you do notice an unattended slingshot. You could use the plentiful rocks in the area to try to knock out the guards. You could also try to press forward, sneaking away from before your presence is noticed.\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n''If you wish to take up the slingshot and attack'', then it's time to roll for ''Volley''! To do so, roll 2d6+DEX!\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Overhang Ambush Combat 10+]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Overhang Ambush Combat 7-9]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Overhang Ambush Combat 6-]]\n\n''If you wish to sneak away'', then instead you'll want to roll ''Defy Danger'' using Dexterity! To do so, also roll 2d6+DEX!\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Overhang Stealth Sneak 10+]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Overhang Stealth Sneak 7-9]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Overhang Stealth Sneak 6-]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nA success!\n\nSometimes discretion is indeed the better part of valor. You dash away, the sound of arrows plinking off the rock behind you echoing in your ears. The goblins are unable to follow, as they are simply too small to jump the gap, so they have to make do with cursing you and shaking their fists behind you. Your path turns, leading you out of sight of the archers (but the words still sting).\n\n[[Continue...|Sebastian Meet]]

<-Ask the goblins for help.\n\nThinking on your dangling feet, you quickly ask the goblins for assistance, making up an excuse that you tripped and fell.\n\nIt's time to roll to see how the goblins receive your plea! This time we'll be rolling ''Defy Danger'' using CHA. Roll 2d6+CHA.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Entrance Ambush 5a]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Entrance Ambush 5b]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Entrance Ambush 5c]]

<-Climb up.\n\nYou grunt and heave, trying to pull yourself back up onto the ledge. Roll ''Defy Danger'', but this time you can choose to use STR or DEX. Roll your two six-sided dice, add your chosen modifier to the roll, then consult below:\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Entrance Climb 1a]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Entrance Climb 1b]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Entrance Climb 1c]]

''Damage''\n\nIn //Dungeon World,// damage is a joy to deliver and a despair to receive. Damage determines if a creature, a friend, or even yourself lives or dies, so it is important to keep track of this.\n\nWhen told to deal damage, you will roll your damage die. For Fighters, this is a d10 (or 10-sided die). Other classes will have other damage dice; Wizards, for instance, only have a d4, but make up for their limited damage with magic.\n\nWhen you receive damage, the GM will roll damage for the monster attacking you (or sometimes will ask one of the other players to roll). Subtract the amount of armor you have from that number, and the result is the amount of damage you have taken. Reduce your HP by that amount. For this zine, imagine that all damage dealt to you is already factoring in your armor so you don't need to constantly remember to adjust the number.\n\nTo make playing through the zine a bit easier, we won't ask you to use your damage die. We also invite you to think about what it means to use violence as your main problem-solver. Just because it’s an option doesn’t mean it has to be used! \n\n[[Continue...|Appendix4]]

''Death''\n\nIf your HP drops to 0, you are dying. So if your hit points in your adventure ever reach 0, turn to this page to see what happens next!\n\nFirst, check your inventory. If you have any health potions left, you manage to quaff one before you fall! Cross a potion off and heal 6 HP.\n\nIf you are out of potions, you have to roll for a special move: ''Last Breath.'' Roll 2d6 (in an actual game of Dungeone World this move works differently, so check the rulebook if it ever comes up in a session).\n\n''If you roll a 10 or higher,'' you survive death for now. Heal 6 HP as if you had just consumed a health potion.\n\n''If you roll a 7-9,'' you hang on, but just barely. Heal just 1 HP.\n\n''If you roll a 6 or lower,'' you come back with 1 HP, but your soul has been marked by death. Note this somewhere on your character sheet. If you need to roll Last Breath and roll a 6 or lower again, you die for good and need to start the adventure over.\n\n[[Enough tutorials, let us start our adventure!|Ferrowvale1]]

<-Charge the goblins.\n\nTo hell with subtlety, you’re going to fight! You charge the group of goblins, rudely interrupting their little party by smashing one into the ground! The other two stagger back in panic, fumbling to even draw their knives. It looks like they can’t decide whether to attack or to flee, so the move is yours to make. You advance, bearing down on them with a Fighter’s fury!\n\nYou’ve triggered the move ''Hack and Slash'', so it’s time to roll! Roll 2d6+STR.\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Goblin Cave Attack 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Goblin Cave Attack 3]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Goblin Cave Attack 4]]

The first thing you want to decide about your character is your name and your look. //Dungeon World// offers a wealth of options with which to customize your character's look, but there are also blank spaces for you to write in whatever you'd like. The point is to make the character yours. Create someone you want to have adventures with. Give them a backstory. Are they a gladiator who rose to fame? A mercenary who lives by their own code? Someone from simple upbringings who was suddenly thrust into greatness? The choice is yours.\n\nGo ahead and choose a race as well. You can be a Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, human, or something else conjured from your imagination. Don't worry about the special abilities, they won't be coming up in this game.\n\nThe next part we'll look at are our stats. Stats dictate how good you are at certain things. They have two numbers: the actual value (which can range from 8-16 during character creation) and the stat modifier (anywhere from -1 to +2). For the most part, the modifier is the more important number.\n\nIf you want a suggestion, then record your stats like this:\n\nStrength: 16 (+2)\nDexterity: 13 (+1)\nConstitution: 15 (+1)\nIntelligence: 8 (-1)\nWisdom: 12 (0)\nCharisma: 9 (0)\n\nWith this build, you'll be a standard Fighter. While you haven't spent your life accumulating knowledge, you make up for it in pure physical ability.\n\nMaybe you want to play something a little different, however? In that case, assign stats however you'd like! You want to assign one stat 16 (+2), another stat 15 (+1), 13 (+1), 12 (0), 9 (0), and finally, one stat will have a penalty with a stat of 8 (-1).\n\nIf you want to try to be a Fighter that uses their brain more than their brawn, feel free to change your stats around! You might be surprised at what you can pull off.\n\nSo what do those stats mean?\n\n[[Glad you asked...|Intro5]]

You rush up the path as quickly and quietly as you can, hoping the goblins further down don't notice you. The path quickly extends, and you take a moment to survey your surroundings. You realize that you are now on a cliff overlooking the lower level of the caves. In the distance, you see an ominous structure of darkened stone. An underground castle!\n\nYou barely have a moment to take in what you are seeing before an arrow whizzes by your face. You look at where the arrow came from to see a cackling goblin across the divide equipped with a bow. They cock another arrow as several cohorts join to form a firing squad.\n\nYou are unequipped to deal with ranged combat, but you do notice a rack nearby with a slingshot. You could try to fight back, but you could quickly be overwhelmed.\n\nThe other choice would be...to run!\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n''If you wish to take up the slingshot and fire back'', then it's time to roll for ''Volley''! To do so, roll 2d6+DEX!\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Overhang Ambush Combat 10+]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Overhang Ambush Combat 7-9]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Overhang Ambush Combat 6-]]\n\n''If you wish to run away'', hoping to dodge any incoming arrows, then instead you'll want to roll ''Defy Danger'' using Dexterity! To do so, also roll 2d6+DEX!\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Overhang Ambush Run 10+]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Overhang Ambush Run 7-9]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Overhang Ambush Run 6-]]

As you move up the pathway, you notice the walls widening into one massive central cave. The upper path serves as a clear vantage point, from which you can see more goblins goofing off. What catches your attention, though, is an ominous structure of darkened stone. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, you realize what it is: an underground castle!\n\nWhile taking in the sights, you hear a shout. Across the overlook, you spot a squadron of archer goblins pointing and yelling--at you!. It seems your entry has not been as quiet as you'd hoped. The goblins begin to draw their bows, taking aim at you!\n\nWhile you don't have a ranged weapon on hand, you do notice an unattended slingshot. You could engage the group from across the gap, taking out the four of them before they can fill you full of arrows. You could also try to run, hoping to find a curve in the path to break line of sight.\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n''If you wish to take up the slingshot and attack'', then it's time to roll for ''Volley''! To do so, roll 2d6+DEX!\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Overhang Ambush Combat 10+]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Overhang Ambush Combat 7-9]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Overhang Ambush Combat 6-]]\n\n''If you wish to run away'', then instead you'll want to roll ''Defy Danger'' using Dexterity! To do so, also roll 2d6+DEX!\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Overhang Ambush Run 10+]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Overhang Ambush Run 7-9]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Overhang Ambush Run 6-]]

So you want to be an adventurer, huh?\n\nIt's a hard life, you know. Never know where your next meal will come from, never know what stinking hole your next quest will send you to, never know if today will be the day you cross the Black Gates, Where Death Presides.\n\nBut I know, words are not enough to sway one like you. That's fine. I have to say what I have to say or people will think I'm not trying hard enough to dissuade you.\n\nIf this is what you want to do, then I'm not going to stop you. I am, however, going to train you, equip you with the knowledge you need to survive in this strange, dangerous world of ours.\n\n[[You're going to need some supplies first.|Intro2]]

//Dungeon World// is a tabletop RPG written and designed by Sage LaTorra and Adam Koebel. You won't need a copy of the rules to play this game, but you will need a couple of other things.\n\nFirst, you'll need some dice. //Dungeon World// is Powered by the Apocalypse, which means it uses and works off of a set of rules set up by a game called //Apocalypse World//, written and designed by Vincent Baker.\n\nYou will need ''two six-sided dice'', or ''2d6''. For an actual Dungeon World game, you will also need enough dice to complete a standard set, made up of a ''d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20.'' For this zine, however, 2d6 will suffice.\n\nIf you don't have dice on hand, that's fine too, you can find dice rolling apps, both on mobile devices and web browsers.\n\n[[Continue...|Intro3]]

You will also need some reference sheets, which can be found in the Play Kit at [[Dungeon World's website|https://dungeon-world.com]].\n\nIn the Play Kit, you'll need the ''Basic Moves'' sheets and the playbook for ''The Fighter.'' Print them out if you'd like, find a form-fillable PDF of the Fighter, or just make some notes and have the PDFs up as reference, it's up to you!\n\nWhy the Fighter? Well, many //Dungeon World// classes can be fairly freeform in a way that can be hard to articulate in a game that is mostly based off of set choices. The Fighter loves to, well, fight, and is a good option for someone who wants a simple class to play, at least at first.\n\nGot everything?\n\n[[Then first, you need a persona.|Intro4]]

The demon makes a motion in the air, and then fades into the darkness. As he does, a glowing sigil appears in the air.\n\nSebastian gasps.\n\n"That's the sign of the Emperor's archmage! To draw that sign means a contract was indeed made. What is going on?"\n\n"It means what the demon said is true," Stryker replies, dragging herself up again. "The demon came here to attack Ferrowvale so it could be blamed on the northerners and non-humans. Outrage would overtake the empire, and the war effort would be bolstered. Ferrowvale was to be sacrificed, and thousands more."\n\nAs you ponder the ramifications of what has occurred, goblins begin to gather, now free of the demon's enchantment. They cheer loudly, thankful for your help in freeing them, and offer to guide you out of the caverns.\n\nFerrowvale's relationship to the empire is on precarious grounds, and though you are not sure what the future may hold, for now, you can rest easy knowing that you have protected your home.\n\n[[Congratulations!|Epilogue]]

A burst of light fills the room. As everything clears, the demon is laying on the ground before you, looking up at you.\n\n"You...are stronger than I thought. Very well, I shall return to my plane. But before you go, allow me to verify my claim." He makes a motion before collapsing to the ground. As his body fades into sulphur and ash, you see a glowing sigil appear in the air. Sebastian gasps.\n\n"That's the sign of the Emperor's archmage! To draw that sign means a contract was indeed made. What is going on?"\n\n"It means what the demon said is true," Stryker replies, dragging herself up again. "The demon came here to attack Ferrowvale so it could be blamed on the northerners and non-humans. Outrage would overtake the empire, and the war effort would be bolstered. Ferrowvale was to be sacrificed, and thousands more."\n\nAs you ponder the ramifications of what has occurred, goblins begin to gather, now free of the demon's enchantment. They cheer loudly, thankful for your help in freeing them, and offer to guide you out of the caverns.\n\nFerrowvale's relationship to the empire is on precarious grounds, and though you are not sure what the future may hold, for now, you can rest easy knowing that you have protected your home.\n\n[[Congratulations!|Epilogue]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nA success!\n\nYou manage to heft yourself back onto the ledge with such vim and vigor that the goblins are taken aback! You reach for your weapon, but before you can even draw it, the goblins flee from you. Rather than heading into the entrance, they scatter into the countryside.\n\nYou shrug your shoulders and head into the cave.\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Cave 1]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure!\n\nYou struggle to climb up onto the ledge, and the goblins begin to giggle. Before long, they are laughing uproariously at your misfortune! They rush forward and begin to stomp on your hands, trying to knock you off the cliff entirely! Take ''2'' damage as you grit your teeth through the pain.\n\nYou wrench free your weapon and swing wildly at the goblins. You miss, though you manage to scare them off. They run shouting into the caves. Panting and gasping, you finally pull yourself up.\n\nYou quickly get to your feet and head inside, hoping against hope that you can catch the guards before they alert others.\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Cave 1 Ambush]].

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success!\n\nYou manage to heft yourself back up onto the ledge. You reach for your weapon, but the goblins decide to flee rather than face you head on. They dash into the cave, yelling.\n\nCursing under your breath, you follow after them!\n\n[[Continue...|Goblin Cave 1 Ambush]]

<-Defend the woman.\n\nYou rush to the woman's side and take a defensive stance. The goblins hesitate, unsure of your combat capabilities. After a wait that feels like hours, one of them charges forth with his spear raised.\n\nIt's time to roll for a new move, ''Defend''. In //Dungeon World//, when Defend is rolled you gain a resource called ''hold'', which can be spent to redirect attacks to you that were meant for others, reduce the damage of attacks, give allies bonuses to fighting an attacker, or deal some damage to someone attacking you or the target of your defense.\n\nRoll 2d6+CON!\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Stryker Defend 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Stryker Defend 3]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Stryker Defend 4]]

<-10 or higher.\n\nA success!\n\nYou knock aside the attack from the goblin. Other goblins step forward to try your guard, but you parry them easily, and you can see the resolve of the group falter. Eventually, they start shuffling backwards, before turning tail and fleeing in search of reinforcements.\n\nYou rush to the woman's side to check her wounds.\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Saved]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success! \n\nYou manage to withstand the barrage of attacks from the goblins, but they deal some decisive hits to you before they retreat. Take ''2'' damage.\n\nWith the goblins dealt with for now, you turn to the woman and examine her wounds.\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Saved]]

<-Distract the goblins.\n\nYou hope that the elf is preparing a spell to get himself out of this situation, so you call out to the goblins. The goblins turn to you, shoot a look at each other, and back to you. For now, you have their attention. Now you just have to hold it!\n\nFor this, we are going to roll ''Defy Danger'' using Charisma. To do that, roll 2d6+CHA!\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Sebastian Distract 10+]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Sebastian Distract 7-9]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Sebastian Distract 6-]]

<-Fight the goblins!\n\nWhether he's trying to cast a spell or not, that elf is clearly in danger, and the best way to get him out of that cage is to remove the guards. You get ready to rush them.\n\nTo fight the goblins, roll ''Hack and Slash''. Roll 2d6+STR!\n\n[[If you rolled 10 or higher.|Sebastian Fight 2]]\n\n[[If you rolled 7-9.|Sebastian Fight 3]]\n\n[[If you rolled 6 or lower.|Sebastian Fight 4]]

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure!\n\nYou attempt to distract the goblins with a joke, but your delivery isn't able to hold their attention for long. You're an adventurer, not a comedian. They catch wind of the elf's spellcasting attempt and start poking through the bars with their spears! He panics, losing control of the spell. There is a sudden explosion of magical energy, and when the smoke clears, you see that the goblins have been knocked out and the man's cage has been shattered. The man himself seems fairly unharmed, though his fingertips, blackened with soot, show how the sudden exertion of magic has affected him.\n\nHe coughs and sputters, waving some of the smoke away. "Agh, that's not exactly how I expected that to go, but thank you for trying to help anyway." He looks at the goblins. "I had hoped to ask them for information but that won't be possible now. I believe that the goblins are under some sort of spell that is controlling them, though to what purpose I know not."\n\nHe bows slightly. "My name is Sebastian, a regular ambassador to the goblins. My companion, Stryker, is around here somewhere. We should look for her and then figure out what is going on."\n\nYou nod. Whatever is going on, you need to figure it out quickly, for the goblins and Ferrowvale both!\n\nSebastian has joined you, but note on your character sheet that he is ''Stunned''. His spellcasting is now limited, but he will still try to help out in whatever way he can.\n\n[[Continue...|Stryker Meeting w/ Sebastian]].

<-10 or higher.\n\nYou find a crack in the wall, just big enough for you to squeeze into. You quickly sidle into the crevice, and the goblin waltzes right by you! You wait for a few moments as the sound of their footsteps quietly fade away before letting out a sigh of relief.\n\nAs for the other two, you'll have to be careful. You may run into them again!\n\nAfter pushing forward, the path splits. Which way do you want to go?\n\n[[Take the path up.|Overhang Stealth]]\n\n[[Take the path down.|Stryker Meeting]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success!\n\nYou find a crack in the wall, just big enough for you to fit in. You quickly sidle into the crevice, and the goblin waltzes right by you! You wait for a few moments as the sound of his footsteps quietly fade away before breathing a sigh of relief.\n\nHowever, as you try to extract yourself from your hiding place, you become stuck! You struggle, finally wrenching yourself free, only to pull some loose rocks along with you, which clatter to the ground loudly.\n\nThe goblin quickly returns, yelling an alarm when they spot you! They are too far away to quickly silence, so you dash further into the cave network instead, hoping to lose the others.\n\nYou come to a fork in the path, but are forced to take the upwards path as you hear a large group of guards coming from the downwards path. Whatever their disagreement was, it seems they can agree on taking you out!\n\n[[Continue...|Overhang Alert]].

<-6 or lower.\n\nA failure!\n\nYou find a crack in the wall, just big enough for you to fit in. You try to sidle in, but find yourself stuck! You try desperately to fit, but the goblin spots you and shouts a warning.\n\nYou try to ready yourself for battle, but they are already turning tail and running! By the time you are able to extract yourself from your failed hiding place, they are already long gone.\n\nCursing, you move ahead quickly, hoping to pick up on their trail. Eventually, you reach a crossroads, with one path leading upwards and another sloping down. From the downward path, however, you hear a growing din. It sounds like a patrol of goblins are heading right towards you!\n\nThinking on your feet, you take the upward path, hoping that they head past the crossroads to the entrance instead.\n\n[[Continue...|Overhang Ambush]]

<-7-9.\n\nA partial success! The goblins grow wide-eyed as they see the coins you present them. They whisper to each other and nod eagerly, then motion to you. It seems they want to personally lead you inside!\n\nYou have no idea where they will lead you, however, and you could certainly head in by yourself.\n\nWhat do you do?\n\n[[Proceed alone.|Goblin Cave 1]]\n\n[[Go with the goblins.|Goblin Leader 1]]