From the introduction: In a hole in the ground lived a tribe of goblins. Not a mischievous race of lovable sneak thieves, these. The goblins of this tribe are evil incarnate, sprung forth whole from a pit of foul ichor located deep underground. Now the cruelty of the goblin tribe plagues the land, and the good people lock their doors and pray out the long nights for heroes that might deliver them surcease from their sorrows. Repeating the rumors of the pool of pestilence that calls the goblins forth, the local rulers have at last found said heroes and enticed them with visions of gold and glory. Standing now on the threshold of the long dark lair of the goblins, the heroes begin their descent into darkness, and their journey to greatness...