The Witch and the Willow
Bracklands Gully
Cracked Sorrybranch, a mean willow tree has
captured Maybeth Pickleberry, a kind witch, and
is keeping her in a magic sleep. Before she was
caught Maybeth cast a spell to make fairy lights
that would bring help, but she didn’t finish it in
time. Now the spell is leading lots of small animals
into Bracklands Gully.
Clarissa’s Request
The heroes are approached by Clarissa Longears,
an energetic talking hare. She explains that
rabbits, hares and other woodland creatures are
going missing. Can the heroes find them?
Investigating the disappearances will reveal that
1. Boris, the sleepy hedgehog saw a pretty
glowing light and tried to follow it, but he was
too slow. It went toward the creek.
2. Bram Redtail, an opportunistic fox, hunts
by the creek. Last night he saw a parade of
squirrels and rabbits cross it, walking as if
hypnotised. It made feeding his family a lot
easier. (Note that talking animals never hunt
other talking animals)
3. Arabella Stargazer, a self-important fairy
is annoyed. She has been trying to watch the
stars, but someone is making magical lights
which make it hard to see them. The lights drift
off toward Bracklands Gully.
Following the clues leads to Bracklands Gully, a
scary part of the Deep Dark Wood where few go.
Bracklands Gully is dark and misty, full of moss
covered trees and carpeted in dead leaves. The sun
barely breaks through the canopy, and rustling
and creeping sounds come from all sides. Things
the heroes might meet include...
• Old Yelloweye, a haughty owl. If the hero is
polite he will be helpful. If they are not he will
send them the wrong way.
• Thick mist, can the heroes avoid getting lost?
• Greytail, a ferocious wolf. He’ll try to eat the
heroes up. Will they run, hide or fight?
• Strong, sticky spider webs. They are almost
invisible in the dark, will the heroes be caught?
• Hypnotic floating fairy lights, can the heroes
resist their power?
Cracked Sorrybranch
In the heart of Bracklands Gully is a pond, and by
the pond lives Cracked Sorrybranch a mean willow
tree who likes nothing more than to sing people to
sleep with his magic and give them nightmares.
Maybeth is lying in front of Cracked Sorrybranch,
covered in willow catkins, and surrounded by
rabbits, hares and squirrels, all hypnotised by her
failed spell. Cracked will fight anyone who tries to
interfere with Maybeth. He might
• Sing a magical lullaby - can the heroes stay
awake?
• Wrap you up in his long branches - can the
heroes escape them?
• Send evil crows to attack you - can the heroes
fight them off?
As a magical tree Cracked can move his branches
and has a wooden face in his trunk. He speaks with
a deep, melodic voice. The easiest way to defeat
Cracked is to pull Maybeth away from him, or wake
her. But he has other weaknesses, he fears fire, and
doesn’t like it if his branches lose leaves.
Once the heroes have defeated Cracked Maybeth
and the animals will awaken. Maybeth will be very
grateful to the heroes for saving her, making them
friends for life.
Suggested Hero: Knut Fastflyer
Knut is a fast flying fairy who loves exploring the
Deep Dark Wood, and often travels into places
other fairies are afraid of.
Acrobatic flying (d12), Shooting his bow (d10),
Being brave (d8), Making friends (d6)