Farmer Maggot has asked you to help him investigate the strange sounds he's been hearing from the Old Forest near his farm. He's worried about his livestock, and the way his hounds watch the treeline fearfully every night. You agree to head into the forest to take a look around.

Setup: Set Grey Lady Poplar aside, out of play. Add The Living Woods to the staging area. Each player adds a different non-unique location to the staging area. Shuffle the encounter deck.

At first, nothing seems amiss as you cross the tunnel–gate in the eastern side of the Hedge. But after a few hours of walking and talking, you realize that the mood of the forest has shifted. The trees press in against you, sending roots across your path to trip you. You come to the slow realization that the forest is very angry – and you are not welcome.

The players must travel to a location during the travel phase, if able.

When a non-unique active location is explored, attach it to the set-aside Grey Lady Poplar. If there are at least 2 attachments on Grey Lady Poplar, advance to stage 2A.