**Theme:** _Warmth comes from giving, not taking._ **Where:** Grand fireplace room. Stockings hang limp. The room is cold. **What they see:** A massive hearth packed with unlit logs. Above it, a stone plaque reads: **“A fire fed for one freezes all. A fire fed for all warms the house.”** There are **six ornate logs** on a rack, each labelled: _Comfort, Time, Coin, Praise, Food, Forgiveness._ **How it works:** Each log “costs” the party something **in roleplay** (not gold unless you want it). When a character places a log in the hearth, they must sincerely offer the named thing to **another person** (PC or NPC) _without demanding anything back_. - **Comfort:** reassure someone (or admit fear and accept support) X - **Time:** volunteer to help later / take a burden now - **Coin:** donate meaningful coin or item (or promise it) X - **Praise:** genuine compliment, credit someone else’s effort X - **Food:** give up rations/treat to someone who needs it X - **Forgiveness:** forgive a slight / apologise for one X When **4 different logs** are offered sincerely, the hearth ignites with golden flame. **Checks (only if they struggle):** - **Insight (DC 12):** figure out it’s sincerity-based, not “correct order” - **Persuasion (DC 12):** help someone accept the gift/forgiveness - **Religion or Arcana (DC 13):** confirm it’s reacting to intent **Hint if stuck:** The cold _eases_ after any genuine act (even small). **Fail state:** If someone tries to fake it, the log blackens and vanishes; the room gets colder (1 level exhaustion after 3 fakes). **Grump reaction:** “Hmph. Warm… but suspicious.” ---