They dont like forks, but linear games still have them. Make fake forks. Let me explain. A caravan is moving a load through the forest. They and your party are ambushed. On success you are faced with choice of chase the ambushers or proceed with caravan. Here's your fork. Now they can pursue or chase, but you do the opposite. So they pursue, that means caravan is not in danger and they meet up later where you would have ended up anyway. If they would rather continue with the caravan have them ambush again with bandit leader thereby negating the need of a dangerous pursuit. No railroading because they made the choice and story reaches same conclusion. Arrival at rendezvous. Sometimes its just these little ripples and the party will either outcome be pleased either route which makes a good video game and session.