Little D&D: The Three Billy Goats Bluff

I have been thinking a lot lately about ways to engage the kids in my "little" RPG sessions. Something I've definitely noticed them enjoying is when I build scenarios around a subversion of their expectations. I thought it might be fun to try doing that with some of the fairy tales most North American kids are used to. Also, The Three Billy Goats Bluff just made me laugh. What can I say? I like puns. I was really happy with how this turned out! The kids had a lot of fun and the twist was well-received.

The Player Charaters (PCs) are travelling on the road near a famous river crossing when they encounter a trio of beleaguered goats. The goats identify themselves as the “Brothers Bill.” Their names are “Big Billy,” “Bob Bill” and “Little Billy.” 

While speaking with the PCs the Brothers Bill will reveal that they’re trying to cross a nearby bridge on their way to a “deliciously grassy meadow” but found their path blocked by a ferocious and tarrying troll. They’ll ask the PCs for help defeating the troll so they can cross the bridge. They’ll promise a reward of gold if the PCs can help them. 

The Bridge Conundrum

Assuming the PCs agree to help the goats, the Brothers Bill will lead them down the road to the troll-besieged bridge. When they arrive, the goats will urge them to cross the bridge and “show mercy to that ba-a-a-ad old troll.” 

When the PCs start across the bridge, a troll will, indeed, emerge around the midway point to confront them. Upon seeing the player party, however, the Troll will appear to be confused.

“I thought I heard... But... you’re not the goats!”

The goats, seeing the Troll, will urge the PCs to attack. The Troll, realizing what’s going on, will seem to slump with disappointment. The Troll will share that it has lived peacefully under the bridge for years now, but recently became the victim of a goat-driven bullying campaign.

The Brothers Bill, according to the Troll, have been stopping every day to shout insults and throw rocks. The goats will deny all of this, of course, and insist the PCs attack and destroy the Troll. 

The Troll will share that it had been trying to ignore the goats but decided it couldn’t take it anymore. It recently confronted the Brothers Bill and has been refusing to let them cross the bridge unless they stop being mean. 

Who Will the PCs Choose?

The PCs will need to make a choice! Will they continue helping the Brothers Bill and drive the Troll away? Or will they support the Troll against the goats? 

Unfortunately, a fight isn’t fully avoidable here. The Troll will defend itself if it’s attacked (it will flee if its hit points (HP) drop below 25%) and the goats, being stubborn, will refuse to back down. They will attack the PCs of the players attempt to help the Troll. Only a very high Persuasion DC will turn the tide toward a peaceful resolution. 

If the Brothers Bill do attack, they will agree to stop bullying the Troll once all three are defeated. Either the Brothers Bill or the Troll will pay the PCs a reward for their assistance – depending on whom the PCs help.