Firelight ripples through the trees as Remedy returns to main camp with Chuck's notes tight in hand. Bruce sits apart on a log, staring past everyone at the dark ridge of Vervoless.
The map pages catch the flames, then the line between Bruce's route and Chuck's side cut snaps into focus. Remedy sees the omission for what it is, a delay, a trap, a way to make the group reach the wrong turn first.
Bruce's shoulders stiffen. Their calm face goes thin, measured, then unsettled as they notice Remedy holding the copied notes.
Bruce
So they found it.
Bruce
You were never meant to compare those.
Zara and Gerard freeze by the campfire. Tanner edges closer, ears high, while the mountain looms above them like it is waiting for the right mistake.
✓ Quest Accepted
Force Bruce to admit he is waiting for them to trigger the ruins' defenses
“Demand Bruce explain why he tried to lead us into a trap.”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Remedy
Why lead us into a trap, Bruce? Say it plain.
The camp goes still around Remedy’s question. Firelight trembles over Bruce’s face, and the mountain wind seems to listen.
Bruce
Because if you went in clean, you’d miss what the place does.
Bruce
I needed the first impact to wake the lower defenses, before anyone got buried in them.
Zara’s stare hardens. Gerard’s jaw sets. Chuck lowers his notes, like even he does not like hearing the answer out loud.
Bruce
I was waiting for the mountain to show its teeth, not for people to die.
Remedy
So you planned to use us as bait.
Bruce does not deny it. They look past Remedy toward the black slope, then back at the map pages, as if the truth weighs more than pride now.
Bruce
...Yes. And I was wrong to leave you guessing.
Quest Complete
Force Bruce to admit he is waiting for them to trigger the ruins' defenses