A1d. The Questions of the Beast
Location: Dining Room and Hearth
Characters: The Beast of the Woods
Upon greeting the players, The Beast informs them that it “has questions for you,” and gently warns them that they “have little time.”
The Beast will not cross the threshold into the lodge, even if invited. (“I cannot act within the Saint's hall,” it says, with sincere regret. “My presence would offend him more deeply than your arrival.”)
If permitted, the Beast attempts to confirm the players’ identities and whether they have offended the Scarlet Saint, asking one or more of the following questions:
“How was it that you came to this place?”
“What did you dream this night?” (The Beast knows that the players have dreamt of the Saint, and will not accept lies or evasion. “I beg of you—do not attempt to conceal the truth,” it insists kindly. “Your very life may depend upon it.”)
“What gift did you bring to honor the hearth?” (If the players reply that they brought no gift, the Beast’s nose flares in alarm. “Not even a token?” it says softly. “This bodes terrible ill.”)
“Did Agnes leave you no instructions? No words by which to follow the winter rites?”
“Do your hearts ache with your breath? Was your place of rest stained with soot?”
When The Beast of the Woods has asked and answered questions to its satisfaction, it pauses and tilts its head, as though listening to the howl of the wind. Its ember flares sharply, and its eyes widen. “He listens,” it murmurs. It then bows deeply and adds, “Go. Earn your mercy.” It then steps backward into the storm, the snow closing around it without touching it, as its ember-light slowly fades into the darkness.
After The Beast departs, the "Saint’s People" return to the lodge:
Peppermint, Abenezer, and the remnants of the fey feast manifest in the Kitchen. (Players elsewhere in the lodge can hear the sound of clinking dishes and silverware from beyond the Kitchen’s door.)
Holly and Juniper manifest in the Loft. (Players elsewhere in the lodge can hear the sound of tinkling glass and high-pitched giggling from up the stairs, followed—a few moments later—by the sound of something ceramic smashing against the floor.)
Mistletoe manifests in the Suite. (Players elsewhere in the lodge can hear the sound of heavy, stomping footfalls from the bedrooms.)
If the players investigate the Kitchen, proceed to A1e. The Guest in the Kitchen
If the players investigate the Loft, proceed to A1g. The Guests in the Loft
If the players investigate the Suite, proceed to A1h. The Guest in the Suite