Beneath the Forge

Beneath the Forge is a dwarven forge for the Goblin's Cave. Under the flames, a door of black metal.

When the last goblin fell, the great forge continued to burn. The party rushed toward the dwarf. But instead of running for freedom, he turned back toward the fire. “We can't leave.” The dwarf's voice had changed. There was no relief in it. Only fear. He pointed toward the heart of the forge. There, beneath the flames, lay a massive piece of black metal. It was not an anvil. It was not a weapon. It was a door. Ancient runes covered its surface. The same runes the party had seen throughout the caves. The dwarf swallowed. “They didn't kidnap me to build them weapons.” He looked toward the darkness beneath the forge. “They kidnapped me because I'm the only one who can open this.” Silence filled the chamber. Then came a sound. Not from the goblins. Not from the forge. From beneath it. A slow, heavy knock . Everyone froze. Knock. The dwarf's face went pale. Knock. The fire suddenly burned blue. The dwarf whispered: “Oh, no.” Knock. A crack appeared across the ancient metal door. Something on the other side was trying to get out. The dwarf turned toward the party. “Now you understand why the goblins were building the forge.” He raised his hammer. “They weren't trying to make a weapon.” He stared into the fire. “They were trying to keep something imprisoned.” And then the great door began to open.

Let them touch the door if they want. It is warm, and it hums. Whoever touches it hears something breathing on the other side. Brrr.