**Theme:** _Christmas is good because it makes people better—when they’re honest._ **Where:** Grand atrium with a towering Christmas tree… dead and grey. **What they see:** The tree is covered in dull ornaments shaped like eyes. Beneath it are **five empty baubles** and a note: **“Hang what’s real. Let it be seen. Let it be forgiven.”** A door behind the tree is sealed by icy vines. **How it works:** To revive the tree, the party must fill **five baubles** with “truths.” Each truth must be **short, real, and vulnerable**, such as: - “I acted brave, but I was terrified.” - “I miss my family.” - “I’m angry because I feel powerless.” - “I judged you unfairly.” - “I’m scared I’ll fail you.” Each time a truth is spoken, a bauble lights up and an ornament-eye closes. When all five are hung, the tree blooms with colour and the icy vines melt. **Checks (optional):** - **Insight (DC 12):** realise it requires vulnerability, not trivia - **Religion (DC 13):** recognise it as a rite of confession/forgiveness - **Arcana (DC 13):** confirm it’s bound to emotional honesty **Hint if stuck:** The tree slightly brightens when anyone speaks plainly, even if it’s messy. **Fail state:** If someone lies, the eyes all open and the room grows oppressive (Wis save DC 13 or frightened for 1 minute). **Grump reaction:** (quiet) “That… took courage.” ---