A1i. Beneath the Lodge
Location: Firethorn's Tunnel
Characters: The Firethorn
When the players enter the Firethorn's Tunnel, read or paraphrase:
The air grows hotter and muggier with each step forward. Soon, the chill of the air outside is all but forgotten, replaced with a sweltering heat that wouldn’t be far afield in a greenhouse.
As the players proceed, continue:
As you round a final bend, you find the way before you blocked. A massive bush stands before you, its small, tapered, deep green leaves filling the tunnel from floor to ceiling. Dozens of small clusters of bright red berries dot its limbs, their scarlet skin seeming to glow with heat.
The leaves rustle, as if in a wind that only they can feel—and the bush unfolds itself, protruding four growths that resemble limbs. A round, shapeless head rises from its crest, bearing two small, glowing coals for eyes. Its gaze snaps forward—and, slowly, it begins to lumber toward you.
If the players attack or threaten The Firethorn, it attacks, bellowing and trumpeting in anger.
If the players continue past the Firethorn, proceed to A1j. The Saint's Judgment