Keep the ward active long enough to rescue her missing brother and the scouts, even if the ritual corrupts her.

The party can offer proof of crusader victories, threaten to expose Mara's blood ritual, or promise to rescue the trapped scouts.

• The ward key is visible at Mara's belt.
• A torn crusader banner proves the party has reached the camp from the east.
• The watchtower records contain names of missing soldiers.
• The red water carries a faint bell sound from below.

• Ask Mara what she saw beneath the ditch.
• Offer to take responsibility for opening the tower.
• Challenge her blood ritual without condemning her.
• Promise a specific rescue plan for the missing scouts.
• Point out that the coming demon patrol will kill everyone if the ward fails.

• A respectful military answer earns Mara a short nod and one free follow-up question.
• A threat makes her hand tighten around the ward key and advances the failure clock.
• Mentioning her brother stops the conversation; she cannot hide her fear.
• Offering to share the corruption earns the party immediate hostility.
• A concrete rescue plan gives the next check a +2 circumstance bonus.