By way of an example to go with the "holiday sessions" post....
Every winter, the mountain town of Varrendale celebrates the Feast of Frozen Lights — a night when the aurora is said to bless the land with warmth for the rest of winter. But this year, the aurora hasn’t appeared… and the heartstone crystal that draws it has been stolen.
Setting:
A snowbound valley town surrounded by pine forests and steep cliffs, dotted with frozen streams and illuminated by thousands of lanterns ready for the celebration.
Act 1: Snowfall and Suspicion
The players arrive on the eve of the festival, greeted by panicked townsfolk.
Mayor Elra Frostwind offers a bounty to recover the stolen heartstone.
Clues point toward three possible suspects: a reclusive ice witch, a charming traveling merchant, and a troupe of mischievous fey performers.
Act 2: The Frost-Touched Trails
Investigation leads the party into shifting blizzards and icy caverns.
Random encounters could include frostbitten wolves, enchanted snowmen, or a spirit guarding a frozen waterfall.
Players uncover that none of the suspects truly stole the gem — it was drawn away by a sorrowful elemental who was once the festival’s protector.
Act 3: The Spirit of the Season
The elemental mourns being forgotten, believing the people have abandoned their old ways.
Players must choose: destroy it, restore its faith through heartfelt persuasion, or return the heartstone and revive the original rites with a new promise of remembrance.
Successful reconciliation triggers the aurora, restoring the festival — and earning the group a lasting legend in the town.
Themes: Reconnection, memory, and the tension between old magic and modern traditions.
Tone Options:
Lighthearted if the group focuses on quirky fey and slapstick snow scenes.
Poignant if played as a story of fading faith and rekindled community.
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