Hirelings — Freed Prisoners and Optional Allies
| Situation | Check / availability | Terms / behavior | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human fighters | Two | Serve as the guards in area 24: one year for room and board, with armor and weapons supplied. | Distinct from the two merchant guards in area 24. |
| Optional dwarf and elves | One dwarf and two elves, only if substituted by the GM | May agree to help while the adventurers remain continuously in the Caves and fight. | Replace two kobolds and one orc; not additional prisoners. No wage stated. |
| Other freed creatures | As listed in the encounter | Fight bugbears if armed. | Desert at first opportunity; no continuing service promised. |
- Treat prisoners as AC 9 unless protection is supplied, following the source’s instruction.
- Optional allies remain templates until the GM selects the substitution.
Source: B2, caves:40, PDF page(s) 24. Original narrative retained; original Basic D&D mechanics.