Dollar Dangers are Pay What You Want quests & encounters you find yourself doing in between adventures. They can be obtained from bounty boards, tavern patrons, local law, etc. Each Dollar Danger is broken down into digestible information:

• The Overview - What is this task or encounter about? Mostly information the Game Master needs to run it.
• Setting - Where does it take place?
• Objectives - These are the requirements to complete the encounter.
• Enemies - How many enemies are there and what are they?
• Encounter Start - Sometimes this is a hook, other times just a drop into the action.
• Traps/Puzzles - Are there any traps or puzzles? If so, here they are.
• Tactics - Suggestions for how the adversaries should behave.
• Aftermath - Tells you how things may go based on the party actions.
• Treasure - What do they get?
• Conclusion - Now that it's over, what's next?

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Goblin Ambush

A gang of goblins sets traps along the road and waits to ambush travelers. Will the party discover the traps and hold their own against them?

A 1-Hour Mini-Adventure for 1st-4th Level Characters

Introduction

Encounter Overview

The adventurers are traveling through a dense forest known for its goblin inhabitants. As they make their way along a narrow path, they stumble upon a cleverly set ambush designed to catch unsuspecting travelers off guard. This encounter tests their awareness, combat skills, and ability to handle traps.

Setting

The dense forest is filled with tall trees, thick underbrush, and narrow trails. The path the adventurers follow is flanked by bushes and trees, perfect for an ambush.

Objectives

• Discover and disarm traps.

• Survive the ambush.

• Defeat the goblin patrol.

• Optional: Capture a goblin for interrogation to find out more about the local goblin activity.

Enemies

• 6 goblins

Encounter Start

As the adventurers travel along the forest path, have them make a DC 15 Perception check. On a success, they notice the signs of a potential ambush (rustling bushes, hushed whispers, etc.). If they fail, the goblins gain surprise and attack first.

Traps

• Snare Trap: A simple rope snare is hidden along the path. Any adventurer who steps on it must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or be hoisted into the air, restrained by the snare.

• Pit Trap: A 10-foot-deep pit covered with leaves and branches is concealed along the trail. An adventurer who steps on it must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or fall into the pit, taking 1d6 bludgeoning damage and becoming prone.

• Difficulty Level: How well the traps are hidden is up to you. If the players are not actively searching for traps, use their Passive Perception (DC 10 = easy to see, DC 20 = hard to see).

Tactics

• Initial Ambush: The goblins are hidden in the underbrush on either side of the path. If the adventurers failed the Perception check, the goblins attack with shortbows, focusing fire on one or two targets to quickly incapacitate them.

• Hit-and-Run: After the initial volley, the goblins use their Nimble Escape ability to hide and reposition, setting up for another attack.

• Focus Fire: Goblins are opportunistic and will target the characters that look the weakest first, gaining confidence if the battle starts going their way.

Aftermath

• If the adventurers defeat the goblins, they can search the bodies and find a crude map indicating the location of a larger goblin camp deeper in the forest.

• If they capture and interrogate a goblin, they learn about their boss’ plans and the defenses of the main camp.

• The adventurers also find some loot on the goblins, including 3d4 gold pieces, two Potions of Healing, and a  Ring of Protection.

Conclusion

This encounter serves as a prelude to a larger quest to clear out the goblin threat in the area. The adventurers can choose to follow the map to the main camp for a more significant challenge or return to the nearest town to report their findings and prepare for a larger expedition.