"That's okay, you can recall this later, or we can find another way of reconstructing the scene you're trying to remember," Cathy says. "And you don't have to thank me since it's important to me too. You see, I can't continue my studies until my teachers are brought back to life. We don't have any other teachers in our town, so this case is not just about your grandma but also about my teachers and my future as a student at the magical academy."

By the way, she has to admit that the glade where they're eating is pretty strange. "Firstly, there's a strange feeling in the air; it's as if some shadows of magic are hiding between the trees," says the girl. "Secondly, my dad has walked through this forest many times in his life, but I can't recall him talking about this place: the glade and the stream, even though he loves talking about this forest since he's a zoologist. And finally, Marius also feels something unusual in the air, and he's really sensitive to magic—"

"Meow!" says the cat, seemingly approving her words.

"To summarize," Cathy concludes, "if we're done with dinner, I'd like to cast a spell of Detecting Magic to see if there's any magic around. But it could be dangerous if I fail, so please, Eiden, grab Marius, hide in a safe place, and cover my back if something goes wrong, if you don't mind."

Cathy takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and focuses her magical senses to detect any magical presence in the area. She feels a tingle at the tip of her fingers and a slight pressure on her temples as she concentrates on the spell.

GM, please roll for me 2d6+2 for Detecting Magic and tell what Cathy feels.

Eiden thinks for a moment and then says, "Since we need to find the forest sorcerers who could help us with our investigation, and since we only know that they live somewhere in this forest, it makes sense to start looking for them from this glade. Perhaps if we listen to the ancient magic, it may guide us to the sorcerers we're searching for."

He puts out the fire to indicate that dinner is over and then continues, "You mentioned the stories of people who ventured into the forest in search of the sorcerers, but none of them ever returned. Unlike them, we will return. I promise I'll protect you and Marius."

He pets the cat, still holding him, and the cat doesn't mind. Eiden finishes with, "Also, remember that you said there is a clearing in the forest where people sometimes leave offerings to the sorcerers, hoping for their favor or protection. Maybe this glade is a good place for us to leave an offering? What do you think?" and looks at Cathy, waiting for her decision.

Cathy, the result of the roll is 8.

Cathy spends some time perusing through her book, looking for information on offerings to forest sorcerers. After a few minutes, she finds a section discussing the subject. She reads aloud, "It is customary to leave gifts of food, drink, or items of personal significance to the forest spirits as offerings. The spirits are said to appreciate gifts that are meaningful to the giver, as it shows respect and reverence for the natural world."

According to the book, it is common practice to leave an offering of something natural, such as flowers or fruit, to the sorcerers in hopes of gaining their favor. The book also suggests that building an altar isn't necessary, but it is important to make sure the offering is presented respectfully and in a way that shows reverence to the sorcerers.

Cathy closes the book and looks up at Eiden. "Okay, so according to my book, we should leave an offering of something natural, like flowers or fruit, as a sign of respect to the sorcerers. We don't necessarily need to build an altar, but we should present it in a way that shows reverence. What do you think, Eiden? Do we have any flowers or fruit with us, or do we need to gather some?"

What are you going to do?

Cathy exclaimed excitedly, "I know, I know what we could have picked for our offering! The wild roses that I had seen blooming near here. I was exhausted but I still noticed them on our way here to this glade. I can show you the place where they were."

But Eiden wanted to pick some more goodies, so he offered to split up and gather some berries or mushrooms additionally.

"Okay then, but isn't it dangerous to split up here in the woods?" asked Cathy, but Eiden had already set off to look for offerings, leaving Cathy alone with her cat.

"All right, Marius, let's find those rose bushes! Do you remember where they were? Lead me to them."

Marius, who had just finished licking his paws after a tasty meal, sniffed the air, pricked up his ears, and then walked across the glade to the tiny path that led to the bushes.

Once on the path, Cathy started to scan the surroundings by kneeling down and looking under the trees and hummocks, searching for flowers, nuts, berries, and mushrooms.

GM, please roll 2d6+1 for Discern Realities. On a 10+, answer 3 questions from the list below. On a 7–9, answer 1.
• What here is useful or valuable to me?
• Who’s really in control here?
• What here is not what it appears to be?

Cathy suspects that something is hiding in the bush and decides to investigate further. Cathy slowly approaches the bushes, trying not to startle whatever is hiding inside. As she draws closer, she notices that the leaves are rustling more than they should be from the wind alone. She stops and watches intently, ready to take action if necessary.

GM, please roll 2d6 for Defy Danger with Dexterity. On a 10+, she avoids danger and gains an advantage. On a 7–9, she avoids danger but suffers a setback. On a 6 or less, something bad happens.

At that time, Eiden goes past the glade and up the stream, then he bends down and rummages through the grass, looking under the bushes and stumps for any forest gifts that would make good offerings.

Please roll 2d6+1 for Discern Realities for Eiden.

Eiden asks, "What here is the greatest danger to us?"