diff --git a/core/content/barrow.json b/core/content/barrow.json
index ce36ac7..9a1d821 100644
--- a/core/content/barrow.json
+++ b/core/content/barrow.json
@@ -2110,7 +2110,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons ONLY",
-      "avoid": "it will take an appeasement over a fight every time"
+      "avoid": "it will take an appeasement over a fight every time",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith, 1 Ghoul and 4 Skeletons",
@@ -2156,4 +2157,4 @@
   },
   "_globalPoolsNote": "decisions/temptations/features below are FALLBACKS ONLY. Real content is motif-scoped under motifs.<id>.",
   "placeNameStyle": "claimant"
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/castle.json b/core/content/castle.json
index c3281d5..98f1554 100644
--- a/core/content/castle.json
+++ b/core/content/castle.json
@@ -381,7 +381,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1171,4 +1172,4 @@
     }
   },
   "placeNameStyle": "claimant"
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/cave.json b/core/content/cave.json
index a15f9da..08c9507 100644
--- a/core/content/cave.json
+++ b/core/content/cave.json
@@ -346,8 +346,9 @@
           "note": "douses open flames on a hit"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it — say so before initiative, and note the swarm is putting your fires out",
-      "avoid": "it will not leave the water; stay off the streamway and it stays in"
+      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it, and note the swarm is putting your fires out",
+      "avoid": "it will not leave the water; stay off the streamway and it stays in",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Troll, 1 Ogre and 3 Ghouls of the Kept",
@@ -1170,4 +1171,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/church.json b/core/content/church.json
index 889bd29..b68d193 100644
--- a/core/content/church.json
+++ b/core/content/church.json
@@ -382,7 +382,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "it will not strike anyone kneeling — say so before initiative"
+      "avoid": "it will not strike anyone kneeling",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1171,4 +1172,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/city.json b/core/content/city.json
index 653caa4..eb9d6ef 100644
--- a/core/content/city.json
+++ b/core/content/city.json
@@ -396,7 +396,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1185,4 +1186,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/forest.json b/core/content/forest.json
index 6c37bbb..fbd2312 100644
--- a/core/content/forest.json
+++ b/core/content/forest.json
@@ -383,7 +383,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; fire for the Troll; anything for the wolves",
-      "avoid": "the Hunt passes over anyone standing perfectly still — say so before initiative"
+      "avoid": "the Hunt passes over anyone standing perfectly still",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1173,4 +1174,4 @@
     }
   },
   "placeNameStyle": "claimant"
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/lake.json b/core/content/lake.json
index a79a915..b15f3f3 100644
--- a/core/content/lake.json
+++ b/core/content/lake.json
@@ -337,8 +337,9 @@
           "note": "free Called Shot to freeze on a hit"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it, and everything here is wet — say so before initiative",
-      "avoid": "it will not go into deep water; the boat is safe from it and the shore is not"
+      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it, and everything here is wet",
+      "avoid": "it will not go into deep water; the boat is safe from it and the shore is not",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith standing on the water, 1 Troll and 4 Ghouls",
@@ -372,7 +373,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest, fire for the Troll and it is wet",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1161,4 +1163,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/market.json b/core/content/market.json
index 7fd5eff..5f65513 100644
--- a/core/content/market.json
+++ b/core/content/market.json
@@ -397,7 +397,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1186,4 +1187,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/mountain.json b/core/content/mountain.json
index 452c2e7..6174740 100644
--- a/core/content/mountain.json
+++ b/core/content/mountain.json
@@ -338,8 +338,9 @@
           "note": "hold the top of the gully"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it — say so before initiative, and there is no fuel above the snowline",
-      "avoid": "it will not leave the gully; the buttress is longer and it is climbable"
+      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it, and there is no fuel above the snowline",
+      "avoid": "it will not leave the gully; the buttress is longer and it is climbable",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith above the snowline, 1 Troll and 3 Dire Wolves",
@@ -373,7 +374,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest, fire for the Troll",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open and shelter within a Turn"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open and shelter within a Turn",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1162,4 +1164,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/palace.json b/core/content/palace.json
index 4b703ae..fc396cb 100644
--- a/core/content/palace.json
+++ b/core/content/palace.json
@@ -347,8 +347,9 @@
           "note": "fearless"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the Skeletons — say so before initiative",
-      "avoid": "it would far rather be flattered than fight, and will pause to be"
+      "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the Skeletons",
+      "avoid": "it would far rather be flattered than fight, and will pause to be",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith, 1 Ogre in the under-stair and 4 Skeletons",
@@ -382,7 +383,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1171,4 +1173,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/port.json b/core/content/port.json
index db46a07..4cc79b2 100644
--- a/core/content/port.json
+++ b/core/content/port.json
@@ -360,8 +360,9 @@
           "note": "fearless; still working the ship they died on"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the Skeletons — say so before initiative",
-      "avoid": "it wants the crew accounted for; name one of the drowned and it stops to enter them"
+      "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the Skeletons",
+      "avoid": "it wants the crew accounted for; name one of the drowned and it stops to enter them",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith, 1 Ogre out of the mud berth and 5 Skeletons",
@@ -395,7 +396,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1184,4 +1186,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/river.json b/core/content/river.json
index 5a43158..7a08ed3 100644
--- a/core/content/river.json
+++ b/core/content/river.json
@@ -337,8 +337,9 @@
           "note": "free Called Shot to freeze on a hit"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it, and everything here is wet — say so before initiative",
-      "avoid": "it holds the bridge and takes a toll; pay it and it lets you over"
+      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it, and everything here is wet",
+      "avoid": "it holds the bridge and takes a toll; pay it and it lets you over",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith at the ford, 1 Troll and 4 Ghouls",
@@ -372,7 +373,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest, fire for the Troll and it is wet",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1161,4 +1163,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/temple.json b/core/content/temple.json
index 5504fd4..e515a4d 100644
--- a/core/content/temple.json
+++ b/core/content/temple.json
@@ -382,7 +382,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "it does not strike anyone who has said nothing — say so before initiative"
+      "avoid": "it does not strike anyone who has said nothing",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1171,4 +1172,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/town.json b/core/content/town.json
index 01923f9..dd409fe 100644
--- a/core/content/town.json
+++ b/core/content/town.json
@@ -397,7 +397,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1187,4 +1188,4 @@
     }
   },
   "placeNameStyle": "own"
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/valley.json b/core/content/valley.json
index f037e1a..275d11b 100644
--- a/core/content/valley.json
+++ b/core/content/valley.json
@@ -337,8 +337,9 @@
           "note": "hold the ground below it"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it — say so before initiative; there is wood in the hanging wood",
-      "avoid": "it holds the head wall and nothing else; the col is a longer climb and it is clear"
+      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it; there is wood in the hanging wood",
+      "avoid": "it holds the head wall and nothing else; the col is a longer climb and it is clear",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith on the col, 1 Troll, 1 Ogre and 2 Dire Wolves",
@@ -381,7 +382,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest, fire for the Troll",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1170,4 +1172,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/content/village.json b/core/content/village.json
index 76f1dc7..6e0696b 100644
--- a/core/content/village.json
+++ b/core/content/village.json
@@ -362,8 +362,9 @@
           "note": "fearless"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the Skeletons — say so before initiative",
-      "avoid": "it wants the count right; give it a name off the register and it stops to check"
+      "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the Skeletons",
+      "avoid": "it wants the count right; give it a name off the register and it stops to check",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith, 1 Ogre off the common and 5 Skeletons",
@@ -397,7 +398,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1186,4 +1188,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/core/render.mjs b/core/render.mjs
index 566848b..a39d6bb 100644
--- a/core/render.mjs
+++ b/core/render.mjs
@@ -104,9 +104,8 @@ export function renderMarkdown(d) {
     L.push('');
 
     if (R) {
-      // No appended "say so before initiative" — the packs that need it already say it, and three
-      // battle rosters carry the phrase verbatim, so the addendum printed it twice.
-      L.push(`**${cap(a.encounter.heat)} — ${R.line}.** Harmed by ${R.harmedBy}. *${R.avoid}.*`);
+      L.push(`**${cap(a.encounter.heat)} — ${R.line}.** Harmed by ${R.harmedBy}.`
+             + `${R.beforeInitiative ? ` **${R.beforeInitiative}**` : ''} *${R.avoid}.*`);
       L.push('');
       L.push('| Foe | atk | def | Grit | Nerve | |');
       L.push('|---|---|---|---|---|---|');
diff --git a/core/test.mjs b/core/test.mjs
index 2d2bf7f..3b6e57f 100644
--- a/core/test.mjs
+++ b/core/test.mjs
@@ -244,5 +244,17 @@ import { renderWorksheet, renderPlay } from './render-authoring.mjs';
     wrong.length ? `wrong: ${wrong.join(', ')}` : `${ids.length} packs`);
 }
 
+// Every shipped pack must satisfy the structural rules. validate-pack.mjs was a tool you had to
+// remember to run; a pack regression should fail the suite. The initiative warning went missing
+// from twelve rosters without anything noticing.
+{
+  const { validatePack } = await import('./validate-pack.mjs');
+  const bad = readdirSync(dir).filter(f => f.endsWith('.json') && f !== 'index.json')
+    .map(f => validatePack(JSON.parse(readFileSync(join(dir, f), 'utf8')), f.replace('.json', '')))
+    .filter(r => r.errs.length);
+  t('every shipped pack validates', bad.length === 0,
+    bad.length ? bad.map(b => `${b.name}: ${b.errs[0]}`).join('; ') : '16 packs');
+}
+
 console.log(`\n${pass} passed, ${fail} failed`);
 process.exit(fail ? 1 : 0);
diff --git a/core/validate-pack.mjs b/core/validate-pack.mjs
index 3634041..6ee7c7f 100644
--- a/core/validate-pack.mjs
+++ b/core/validate-pack.mjs
@@ -102,6 +102,18 @@ export function validatePack(pack, name = pack?.id ?? '?') {
     if (!r.line || !r.foes?.length) E(`rosters.${h}: needs a line and foes`);
     if (!r.harmedBy) E(`rosters.${h}: must say what harms them — a party discovering an immunity by failing is how playtest 1 died`);
     if (!r.avoid) W(`rosters.${h}: no avoidance note`);
+
+    /**
+     * A restriction the party cannot discover safely must be told to them before initiative, and
+     * it must be said exactly once. This lived as a renderer heuristic — synthesise the warning
+     * whenever `harmedBy` contained the word ONLY — which printed twice on the rosters that
+     * already said it in prose, and vanished from twelve rosters when the heuristic was removed.
+     * It is authored data now, and this is the check that keeps it that way.
+     */
+    if (/say so before initiative/i.test(`${r.harmedBy} ${r.avoid ?? ''}`))
+      E(`rosters.${h}: put the initiative warning in beforeInitiative, not in the prose — it renders twice otherwise`);
+    if (r.harmedBy.includes('ONLY') && !r.beforeInitiative)
+      E(`rosters.${h}: harmedBy restricts what works, so it needs beforeInitiative — the party cannot discover this safely`);
     for (const f of r.foes ?? [])
       for (const k of ['n', 'name', 'atk', 'def', 'grit', 'nerve'])
         if (f[k] === undefined) E(`rosters.${h}: foe ${f.name ?? '?'} missing ${k}`);
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/barrow.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/barrow.json
index ce36ac7..9a1d821 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/barrow.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/barrow.json
@@ -2110,7 +2110,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons ONLY",
-      "avoid": "it will take an appeasement over a fight every time"
+      "avoid": "it will take an appeasement over a fight every time",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith, 1 Ghoul and 4 Skeletons",
@@ -2156,4 +2157,4 @@
   },
   "_globalPoolsNote": "decisions/temptations/features below are FALLBACKS ONLY. Real content is motif-scoped under motifs.<id>.",
   "placeNameStyle": "claimant"
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/castle.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/castle.json
index c3281d5..98f1554 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/castle.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/castle.json
@@ -381,7 +381,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1171,4 +1172,4 @@
     }
   },
   "placeNameStyle": "claimant"
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/cave.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/cave.json
index a15f9da..08c9507 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/cave.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/cave.json
@@ -346,8 +346,9 @@
           "note": "douses open flames on a hit"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it — say so before initiative, and note the swarm is putting your fires out",
-      "avoid": "it will not leave the water; stay off the streamway and it stays in"
+      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it, and note the swarm is putting your fires out",
+      "avoid": "it will not leave the water; stay off the streamway and it stays in",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Troll, 1 Ogre and 3 Ghouls of the Kept",
@@ -1170,4 +1171,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/church.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/church.json
index 889bd29..b68d193 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/church.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/church.json
@@ -382,7 +382,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "it will not strike anyone kneeling — say so before initiative"
+      "avoid": "it will not strike anyone kneeling",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1171,4 +1172,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/city.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/city.json
index 653caa4..eb9d6ef 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/city.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/city.json
@@ -396,7 +396,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1185,4 +1186,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/forest.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/forest.json
index 6c37bbb..fbd2312 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/forest.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/forest.json
@@ -383,7 +383,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; fire for the Troll; anything for the wolves",
-      "avoid": "the Hunt passes over anyone standing perfectly still — say so before initiative"
+      "avoid": "the Hunt passes over anyone standing perfectly still",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1173,4 +1174,4 @@
     }
   },
   "placeNameStyle": "claimant"
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/lake.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/lake.json
index a79a915..b15f3f3 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/lake.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/lake.json
@@ -337,8 +337,9 @@
           "note": "free Called Shot to freeze on a hit"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it, and everything here is wet — say so before initiative",
-      "avoid": "it will not go into deep water; the boat is safe from it and the shore is not"
+      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it, and everything here is wet",
+      "avoid": "it will not go into deep water; the boat is safe from it and the shore is not",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith standing on the water, 1 Troll and 4 Ghouls",
@@ -372,7 +373,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest, fire for the Troll and it is wet",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1161,4 +1163,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/market.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/market.json
index 7fd5eff..5f65513 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/market.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/market.json
@@ -397,7 +397,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1186,4 +1187,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/mountain.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/mountain.json
index 452c2e7..6174740 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/mountain.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/mountain.json
@@ -338,8 +338,9 @@
           "note": "hold the top of the gully"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it — say so before initiative, and there is no fuel above the snowline",
-      "avoid": "it will not leave the gully; the buttress is longer and it is climbable"
+      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it, and there is no fuel above the snowline",
+      "avoid": "it will not leave the gully; the buttress is longer and it is climbable",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith above the snowline, 1 Troll and 3 Dire Wolves",
@@ -373,7 +374,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest, fire for the Troll",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open and shelter within a Turn"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open and shelter within a Turn",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1162,4 +1164,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/palace.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/palace.json
index 4b703ae..fc396cb 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/palace.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/palace.json
@@ -347,8 +347,9 @@
           "note": "fearless"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the Skeletons — say so before initiative",
-      "avoid": "it would far rather be flattered than fight, and will pause to be"
+      "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the Skeletons",
+      "avoid": "it would far rather be flattered than fight, and will pause to be",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith, 1 Ogre in the under-stair and 4 Skeletons",
@@ -382,7 +383,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1171,4 +1173,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/port.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/port.json
index db46a07..4cc79b2 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/port.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/port.json
@@ -360,8 +360,9 @@
           "note": "fearless; still working the ship they died on"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the Skeletons — say so before initiative",
-      "avoid": "it wants the crew accounted for; name one of the drowned and it stops to enter them"
+      "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the Skeletons",
+      "avoid": "it wants the crew accounted for; name one of the drowned and it stops to enter them",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith, 1 Ogre out of the mud berth and 5 Skeletons",
@@ -395,7 +396,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1184,4 +1186,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/river.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/river.json
index 5a43158..7a08ed3 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/river.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/river.json
@@ -337,8 +337,9 @@
           "note": "free Called Shot to freeze on a hit"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it, and everything here is wet — say so before initiative",
-      "avoid": "it holds the bridge and takes a toll; pay it and it lets you over"
+      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it, and everything here is wet",
+      "avoid": "it holds the bridge and takes a toll; pay it and it lets you over",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith at the ford, 1 Troll and 4 Ghouls",
@@ -372,7 +373,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest, fire for the Troll and it is wet",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1161,4 +1163,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/temple.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/temple.json
index 5504fd4..e515a4d 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/temple.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/temple.json
@@ -382,7 +382,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "it does not strike anyone who has said nothing — say so before initiative"
+      "avoid": "it does not strike anyone who has said nothing",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1171,4 +1172,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/town.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/town.json
index 01923f9..dd409fe 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/town.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/town.json
@@ -397,7 +397,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1187,4 +1188,4 @@
     }
   },
   "placeNameStyle": "own"
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/valley.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/valley.json
index f037e1a..275d11b 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/valley.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/valley.json
@@ -337,8 +337,9 @@
           "note": "hold the ground below it"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it — say so before initiative; there is wood in the hanging wood",
-      "avoid": "it holds the head wall and nothing else; the col is a longer climb and it is clear"
+      "harmedBy": "anything, but the Troll only stays down if fire touches it; there is wood in the hanging wood",
+      "avoid": "it holds the head wall and nothing else; the col is a longer climb and it is clear",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith on the col, 1 Troll, 1 Ogre and 2 Dire Wolves",
@@ -381,7 +382,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest, fire for the Troll",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1170,4 +1172,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/content/village.json b/foundry-module/module/core/content/village.json
index 76f1dc7..6e0696b 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/content/village.json
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/content/village.json
@@ -362,8 +362,9 @@
           "note": "fearless"
         }
       ],
-      "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the Skeletons — say so before initiative",
-      "avoid": "it wants the count right; give it a name off the register and it stops to check"
+      "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the Skeletons",
+      "avoid": "it wants the count right; give it a name off the register and it stops to check",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     },
     "nightmare": {
       "line": "1 Wraith, 1 Ogre off the common and 5 Skeletons",
@@ -397,7 +398,8 @@
         }
       ],
       "harmedBy": "blessed, silvered or magical weapons for the Wraith ONLY; anything for the rest",
-      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open"
+      "avoid": "do not run this without an appeasement route open",
+      "beforeInitiative": "Say so before initiative."
     }
   },
   "motifs": {
@@ -1186,4 +1188,4 @@
       ]
     }
   }
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/core/render.mjs b/foundry-module/module/core/render.mjs
index 566848b..a39d6bb 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/core/render.mjs
+++ b/foundry-module/module/core/render.mjs
@@ -104,9 +104,8 @@ export function renderMarkdown(d) {
     L.push('');
 
     if (R) {
-      // No appended "say so before initiative" — the packs that need it already say it, and three
-      // battle rosters carry the phrase verbatim, so the addendum printed it twice.
-      L.push(`**${cap(a.encounter.heat)} — ${R.line}.** Harmed by ${R.harmedBy}. *${R.avoid}.*`);
+      L.push(`**${cap(a.encounter.heat)} — ${R.line}.** Harmed by ${R.harmedBy}.`
+             + `${R.beforeInitiative ? ` **${R.beforeInitiative}**` : ''} *${R.avoid}.*`);
       L.push('');
       L.push('| Foe | atk | def | Grit | Nerve | |');
       L.push('|---|---|---|---|---|---|');
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/forge-app.mjs b/foundry-module/module/forge-app.mjs
index 4cf190a..5dd7bd4 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/forge-app.mjs
+++ b/foundry-module/module/forge-app.mjs
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ function foeSection(c) {
   if (c.kind === 'planned') return `
     <p><b>${esc(cap(c.heat))} — not cast.</b> Nothing was forged for this area, so the plan is the encounter. Cast it by hand:</p>
     ${table(c.roster.foes.map(f => `<tr><td>${f.n}× ${esc(f.name)}</td><td>${f.atk}</td><td>${f.def}</td><td>${f.grit}</td><td>${f.nerve}</td><td><i>${esc(f.note)}</i></td></tr>`).join(''))}
-    <p>Harmed by ${esc(c.roster.harmedBy)}. <i>${esc(c.roster.avoid)}.</i></p>`;
+    <p>Harmed by ${esc(c.roster.harmedBy)}.${c.roster.beforeInitiative ? ` <b>${esc(c.roster.beforeInitiative)}</b>` : ''} <i>${esc(c.roster.avoid)}.</i></p>`;
   if (c.kind === 'unavailable') return `
     <p><b>${esc(cap(c.heat))} — nothing to run.</b> No actors were created and this theme has no roster at this heat. Improvise the fight or skip it; the area's decision and fallback still stand.</p>`;
   return '';
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/stage.mjs b/foundry-module/module/stage.mjs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..556b055
--- /dev/null
+++ b/foundry-module/module/stage.mjs
@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+/**
+ * Raising one area, as a sequence of decisions rather than a sequence of Foundry calls.
+ *
+ * Every effect arrives as an injected function, so the whole thing runs under plain node and its
+ * failure paths can be tested. That is the point: three releases in a row shipped a bug on a path
+ * that only runs when the Forge misbehaves, and reasoning about those paths turned out not to be
+ * evidence.
+ *
+ * The contract, which the tests hold:
+ *
+ *   The scene is the commit point. If it fails, nothing was entered — no cards, no advance, and a
+ *   retry is safe. Once it exists the area IS entered, so the turn advances immediately and
+ *   everything after it degrades loudly rather than rolling back. A retry after a later failure
+ *   must not raise the same scene twice.
+ *
+ * Every degradation says what the GM has lost. Silence is what made the old hoard failure
+ * invisible and the old population failure lie about a roster that did not exist.
+ */
+import { foeStats, foeLine, classifyFoes } from './foes.mjs';
+
+const cap = s => (s ? s[0].toUpperCase() + s.slice(1) : s);
+const list = items => `<ul>${items.filter(Boolean).map(i => `<li>${i}</li>`).join('')}</ul>`;
+
+/**
+ * Run one injected effect, surviving both a rejected promise and a synchronous throw.
+ * `Promise.resolve(fn())` is not enough: a synchronous throw escapes before there is a promise to
+ * attach a catch to, which is how the first version of this file crashed the whole of enter().
+ */
+const attempt = async (fx, fn) => {
+  try { return { ok: true, value: await fn() }; }
+  catch (e) { fx.log?.(e); return { ok: false, value: null }; }
+};
+
+/** The foe section of the GM card. Mirrors forge-app's foeSection; both switch on the same kind. */
+export function foeBlock(c) {
+  if (c.kind === 'forged') return `<p><b>${cap(c.heat)} — in the world:</b></p>${list(c.foes.map(foeLine))}${
+    c.planned ? `<p><i>DELVE planned ${c.planned.line}; the Forge rolled its own, so the plan's tactics do not describe these.</i></p>` : ''}`;
+  if (c.kind === 'planned') return `<p><b>${cap(c.heat)} — not cast.</b> Nothing was forged; run the plan by hand:</p>${
+      list(c.roster.foes.map(f => `${f.n}× <b>${f.name}</b> — ${f.atk}/${f.def}/${f.grit}, Nerve ${f.nerve}. <i>${f.note}</i>`))
+    }<p><b>Harmed by ${c.roster.harmedBy}.</b>${c.roster.beforeInitiative ? ` <b>${c.roster.beforeInitiative}</b>` : ''} ${c.roster.avoid}.</p>`;
+  if (c.kind === 'unavailable') return `<p><b>${cap(c.heat)} — nothing to run.</b> No actors, and no roster at this heat. Improvise or skip; the decision and fallback still stand.</p>`;
+  return '';
+}
+
+/** The two cards an area posts: the players' read-aloud, and the GM's card. */
+export function areaCards({ area, name, authored = {}, classification }) {
+  const rv = area.decision?.resolve ?? {};
+  return {
+    readAloud: authored.readAloud ?? `<i>(unwritten)</i> ${area.cueFragments.join('. ')}.`,
+    gm: {
+      label: `⛏ ${area.index} · ${name}`,
+      sub: `${area.role} · ${area.facet}`,
+      body: `${area.situation ? `<p><b>Here:</b> ${cap(area.situation.occupant)}, ${area.situation.doing} — ${area.situation.onArrival}.<br>
+        <b>They can:</b> ${area.situation.offer}. <i>${cap(area.situation.because)}.</i></p>` : ''}
+     <p><b>${cap(area.decision.cue)}</b>${rv.roll ? ` — [${rv.roll}] ${rv.success}` : ''}${rv.failure ? `<br><b>Miss:</b> ${rv.failure}` : ''}${rv.orElse ? `<br><b>Or:</b> ${rv.orElse}` : ''}</p>
+     ${foeBlock(classification)}
+     ${area.temptation ? `<p><b>${cap(area.temptation.id)}:</b> ${area.temptation.benefit}. <i>Use: ${area.temptation.useCost?.bane ? `+${area.temptation.useCost.bane} Bane` : '—'}. ${area.temptation.standingDrawback}.</i></p>` : ''}
+     ${authored.notes ? `<p><b>Your note:</b> ${authored.notes}</p>` : ''}
+     <p><code>${area.trigger}${area.baneBeat ? ` · ${area.baneBeat}` : ''} · fallback: ${area.fallback.route}</code></p>`,
+    },
+  };
+}
+
+/**
+ * @param {object} fx   injected effects: stage, encounter, hoard, commit, readAloud, gm, warn, error
+ * @param {object} ctx  { area, name, authored }
+ * @returns {{entered: boolean, failed?: string, kind?: string}}
+ */
+export async function stageArea(fx, { area, name, authored = {} }) {
+  const scene = await attempt(fx, () => fx.stage(name));
+  if (!scene.ok || !scene.value) {
+    fx.error(`DELVE: the Forge could not raise ${name}. Nothing staged; try again.`);
+    return { entered: false, failed: 'stage' };
+  }
+
+  // The scene exists, so this area has been entered. Commit before anything that may fail, or a
+  // retry restages it.
+  await fx.commit();
+
+  let forged = [];
+  if (area.encounter) {
+    const enc = await attempt(fx, () => fx.encounter(area.encounter.heat));
+    if (enc.ok && enc.value) forged = (enc.value.actors ?? []).map(foeStats);
+    else fx.warn(area.encounter.roster
+      ? `DELVE: could not populate ${name} — the planned roster stands in.`
+      : `DELVE: could not populate ${name}, and this theme has no roster at ${area.encounter.heat}. Improvise the fight or skip it.`);
+  }
+
+  if (area.hoard) {
+    const h = await attempt(fx, () => fx.hoard(area.hoard));
+    if (!h.ok || !h.value) fx.warn(`DELVE: could not lay the ${area.hoard} hoard in ${name} — improvise it or skip it.`);
+  }
+
+  const classification = classifyFoes(area, forged);
+  const cards = areaCards({ area, name, authored, classification });
+
+  // Players first — the scene is up and this is what they came for.
+  const said = (await attempt(fx, () => fx.readAloud(name, cards.readAloud))).ok;
+  const told = (await attempt(fx, () => fx.gm(cards.gm.label, cards.gm.sub, cards.gm.body))).ok;
+  if (!said || !told) fx.warn(`DELVE: ${name} is staged but its ${!said && !told ? 'cards' : !said ? 'read-aloud' : 'GM card'} did not post. The turn has advanced; read from the worksheet.`);
+
+  return { entered: true, kind: classification.kind };
+}
diff --git a/foundry-module/module/vanity-delve.mjs b/foundry-module/module/vanity-delve.mjs
index 4945ee4..0a80c79 100644
--- a/foundry-module/module/vanity-delve.mjs
+++ b/foundry-module/module/vanity-delve.mjs
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 import { coinSeed, Rng } from './core/rng.mjs';
 import { newWorkingFile, outstanding, readyToPlay } from './core/authoring.mjs';
 import { DelveForgeApp, raiseDungeon, listDungeons, removeDungeon, removeDungeonDialog, setThemes } from './forge-app.mjs';
-import { foeStats, foeLine, classifyFoes } from './foes.mjs';
+import { stageArea } from './stage.mjs';
 
 const MOD = 'vanity-delve';
 const FLAG = 'state';
@@ -61,9 +61,6 @@ async function packFor(d) {
   if (!p) ui.notifications.error(`DELVE: could not load the ${id} theme — refusing to stage, it would use the wrong geometry.`);
   return p;
 }
-const cap = s => (s ? s[0].toUpperCase() + s.slice(1) : s);
-const list = items => `<ul>${items.filter(Boolean).map(i => `<li>${i}</li>`).join('')}</ul>`;
-
 /** GM-only: truth, numbers, leverage. Never read aloud. */
 const gmCard = (label, sub, body) => ChatMessage.create({
   speaker: { alias: 'DELVE' },
@@ -131,55 +128,25 @@ async function enter() {
   if (!pack) return;
   ui.notifications.info(`DELVE: raising ${name}…`);
 
-  // A Forge failure must not leave the area half-raised. If the scene itself fails there is
-  // nothing to run, so stop before the turn advances and let the GM try again. If the population
-  // fails the scene is up and the delve is still playable — the planned roster stands in.
+  // The decisions live in stage.mjs so their failure paths can be tested; this is only the wiring.
   const quiet = seamsPresent ? { post: false, folderId: st.folderId } : {};
-  const stage = await game.vanity.forge.stage({
-    type: pack.forgeStageType, size: 'medium', name, populate: false, activate: true, ...quiet,
-  }).catch(e => { console.error('DELVE | stage failed', e); return null; });
-  if (!stage) return ui.notifications.error(`DELVE: the Forge could not raise ${name}. Nothing staged; try again.`);
-
-  const enc = area.encounter ? await game.vanity.forge.encounter({
-    heat: area.encounter.heat, forStage: name,
-    ...(seamsPresent ? { hoard: false, post: false, folderId: st.folderId } : {}),
-  }).catch(e => {
-    console.error('DELVE | encounter failed', e);
-    ui.notifications.warn(`DELVE: could not populate ${name} — the planned roster stands in.`);
-    return null;
-  }) : null;
-  if (area.hoard) await game.vanity.forge.hoard({ size: area.hoard, ...(seamsPresent ? { post: false } : {}) })
-    .catch(e => { console.error('DELVE | hoard failed', e); return null; });
-
-  // Players first — the scene is up and this is what they came for.
-  await readAloudCard(name, w.readAloud ?? `<i>(unwritten)</i> ${area.cueFragments.join('. ')}.`);
-
-  // Then the GM, quietly.
-  const rv = area.decision?.resolve ?? {};
-  const c = classifyFoes(area, (enc?.actors ?? []).map(foeStats));
-  const foeBlock =
-    c.kind === 'forged'
-      ? `<p><b>${cap(c.heat)} — in the world:</b></p>${list(c.foes.map(foeLine))}${
-          c.planned ? `<p><i>DELVE planned ${c.planned.line}; the Forge rolled its own, so the plan's tactics do not describe these.</i></p>` : ''}`
-    : c.kind === 'planned'
-      ? `<p><b>${cap(c.heat)} — not cast.</b> Nothing was forged; run the plan by hand:</p>${
-          list(c.roster.foes.map(f => `${f.n}× <b>${f.name}</b> — ${f.atk}/${f.def}/${f.grit}, Nerve ${f.nerve}. <i>${f.note}</i>`))
-        }<p><b>Harmed by ${c.roster.harmedBy}.</b> ${c.roster.avoid}.</p>`
-    : c.kind === 'unavailable'
-      ? `<p><b>${cap(c.heat)} — nothing to run.</b> No actors, and no roster at this heat. Improvise or skip; the decision and fallback still stand.</p>`
-    : '';
-  await gmCard(`⛏ ${area.index} · ${name}`, `${area.role} · ${area.facet}`,
-    `${area.situation ? `<p><b>Here:</b> ${cap(area.situation.occupant)}, ${area.situation.doing} — ${area.situation.onArrival}.<br>
-        <b>They can:</b> ${area.situation.offer}. <i>${cap(area.situation.because)}.</i></p>` : ''}
-     <p><b>${cap(area.decision.cue)}</b>${rv.roll ? ` — [${rv.roll}] ${rv.success}` : ''}${rv.failure ? `<br><b>Miss:</b> ${rv.failure}` : ''}${rv.orElse ? `<br><b>Or:</b> ${rv.orElse}` : ''}</p>
-     ${foeBlock}
-     ${area.temptation ? `<p><b>${cap(area.temptation.id)}:</b> ${area.temptation.benefit}. <i>Use: ${area.temptation.useCost?.bane ? `+${area.temptation.useCost.bane} Bane` : '—'}. ${area.temptation.standingDrawback}.</i></p>` : ''}
-     ${w.notes ? `<p><b>Your note:</b> ${w.notes}</p>` : ''}
-     <p><code>${area.trigger}${area.baneBeat ? ` · ${area.baneBeat}` : ''} · fallback: ${area.fallback.route}</code></p>`);
-
-  st.at += 1; st.turn += 1;
-  await setState(st);
-  return { stage, area };
+  const fx = {
+    stage: n => game.vanity.forge.stage({
+      type: pack.forgeStageType, size: 'medium', name: n, populate: false, activate: true, ...quiet,
+    }),
+    encounter: heat => game.vanity.forge.encounter({
+      heat, forStage: name,
+      ...(seamsPresent ? { hoard: false, post: false, folderId: st.folderId } : {}),
+    }),
+    hoard: size => game.vanity.forge.hoard({ size, ...(seamsPresent ? { post: false } : {}) }),
+    commit: async () => { st.at += 1; st.turn += 1; await setState(st); },
+    readAloud: readAloudCard,
+    gm: gmCard,
+    warn: m => ui.notifications.warn(m),
+    error: m => ui.notifications.error(m),
+    log: e => console.error('DELVE | staging', e),
+  };
+  return stageArea(fx, { area, name, authored: w });
 }
 
 async function ending() {
@@ -232,7 +199,9 @@ Hooks.once('ready', async () => {
                  load, loadFile, draft, enter, ending, bane, clock, state: getState,
                  outstanding: () => outstanding(getState()?.delve ?? { areas: [] }),
                  ready: () => readyToPlay(getState()?.delve ?? { areas: [] }),
-                 loadPack: id => loadPack(id),
+                 // the validating resolver, not the raw fetcher — raiseDungeon stages from this,
+                 // so a pack with no forgeStageType must never reach forge.stage({type: undefined})
+                 loadPack: id => packById(id),
                  get pack() { return PACK; } };
   console.log(`DELVE | ready. Forge seams ${seamsPresent ? 'present' : 'ABSENT'}.`);
   if (!seamsPresent) ui.notifications.warn('DELVE: Forge seams not installed — see the delve-seams branch.');
diff --git a/foundry-module/test.mjs b/foundry-module/test.mjs
index c39d0ab..30e5e6c 100644
--- a/foundry-module/test.mjs
+++ b/foundry-module/test.mjs
@@ -1,14 +1,14 @@
 /**
- * Adapter tests. No Foundry, no shim — foes.mjs is pure on purpose.
+ * Adapter tests. No Foundry, no shim — foes.mjs and stage.mjs are pure on purpose.
  *
- * These exist because the same decision broke twice in two releases. 0.6.2 showed the forged
- * actors and silently dropped the planned roster when nothing had been forged; 0.6.3 fixed that
- * but the choice still lived in two hand-written ternaries, one per surface. Every case below is
- * a bug that shipped or nearly shipped.
+ * These exist because the same area of code broke in three consecutive releases, every time on a
+ * path that only runs when something misbehaves, and every time I convinced myself by reading it.
+ * Each case below is a bug that shipped or nearly shipped.
  *
  * Run: node foundry-module/test.mjs
  */
 import { foeStats, foeLine, classifyFoes } from './module/foes.mjs';
+import { stageArea, areaCards, foeBlock } from './module/stage.mjs';
 
 let pass = 0, fail = 0;
 const t = (name, cond, detail = '') => { cond ? pass++ : fail++; console.log(`${cond ? ' ok ' : 'FAIL'}  ${name}${detail ? '  — ' + detail : ''}`); };
@@ -20,42 +20,140 @@ const actor = {
 const roster = {
   line: '1 Ghoul and 2 Skeletons',
   foes: [{ n: 1, name: 'Ghoul', atk: 4, def: 3, grit: 4, nerve: 5, note: 'freezes' }],
-  harmedBy: 'blessed, silvered or magical weapons ONLY — say so before initiative',
-  avoid: 'the Ghoul goes for court dress first',
+  harmedBy: 'blessed, silvered or magical weapons ONLY',
+  beforeInitiative: 'Say so before initiative.',
+  avoid: 'send someone plain',
 };
-const withEnc = (extra = {}) => ({ encounter: { heat: 'fight', roster, ...extra } });
+const area = (extra = {}) => ({
+  index: 2, role: 'complication', facet: 'ritual', name: 'The Sail Loft',
+  cueFragments: ['a tide glass turned by the watch'],
+  decision: { cue: 'a bell rope still swinging', resolve: { roll: 'Poise 2', success: 'it comes to order', failure: 'the harbour turns early', orElse: 'leave it' } },
+  trigger: 'seenTwice', fallback: { route: 'the dead will receive a guest' },
+  ...extra,
+});
+const withEnc = (r = roster) => area({ encounter: { heat: 'fight', roster: r } });
 
-// --- reading a forged actor -------------------------------------------------
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------- reading actors
 const f = foeStats(actor);
-t('foeStats reads the stats off the document', f.atk === 4 && f.def === 3 && f.grit === 5 && f.nerve === 6);
+t('foeStats reads stats off the document', f.atk === 4 && f.def === 3 && f.grit === 5 && f.nerve === 6);
 t('foeStats keeps the uuid so the GM can open it', f.uuid === 'Actor.abc');
 const bare = foeStats({ name: 'X', uuid: 'Actor.z', system: {} });
 t('a missing stat degrades rather than throwing', bare.atk === null && foeLine(bare).includes('?/?/?'));
 t('foeLine links the actor', foeLine(f).includes('@UUID[Actor.abc]{Morthollow-born}'));
-t('foeLine omits an empty trick', !foeLine(bare).includes('<i>'));
 
-// --- the four cases ---------------------------------------------------------
-t('no encounter → none', classifyFoes({}, []).kind === 'none');
-t('no encounter → none, even with stray actors', classifyFoes({}, [f]).kind === 'none');
-
-const forged = classifyFoes(withEnc(), [f]);
-t('actors forged → forged', forged.kind === 'forged' && forged.foes.length === 1);
-t('forged keeps the plan, so it can be named as not-these', forged.planned === roster);
-
-const planned = classifyFoes(withEnc(), []);
-t('nothing forged but a roster → planned', planned.kind === 'planned' && planned.roster === roster,
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------- the four kinds
+t('no encounter → none', classifyFoes(area(), []).kind === 'none');
+t('actors forged → forged', classifyFoes(withEnc(), [f]).kind === 'forged');
+t('nothing forged but a roster → planned', classifyFoes(withEnc(), []).kind === 'planned',
   'the 0.6.2 regression: population off left no numbers at all');
+t('heat but neither → unavailable', classifyFoes(area({ encounter: { heat: 'fight' } }), []).kind === 'unavailable');
+t('a forged classification exposes no roster to render from', classifyFoes(withEnc(), [f]).roster === undefined);
 
-const nothing = classifyFoes({ encounter: { heat: 'fight' } }, []);
-t('heat but neither actors nor roster → unavailable', nothing.kind === 'unavailable',
-  'must not render silence for an area labelled with combat');
-t('unavailable still reports the heat', nothing.heat === 'fight');
-
-// --- the invariant the two surfaces kept breaking ---------------------------
-t('the plan is never the encounter while actors exist', forged.kind !== 'planned',
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------- what reaches the card
+const forgedBlock = foeBlock(classifyFoes(withEnc(), [f]));
+t('forged block runs off the actors', forgedBlock.includes('Morthollow-born') && forgedBlock.includes('in the world'));
+t('forged block never asserts the plan\'s tactics', !forgedBlock.includes('blessed, silvered'),
   'roster guidance names monsters the Forge did not create');
-t('a forged classification carries no roster field to render from',
-  forged.roster === undefined, 'so a surface cannot accidentally run the plan');
+t('forged block still names the plan', forgedBlock.includes('1 Ghoul and 2 Skeletons'));
+
+const plannedBlock = foeBlock(classifyFoes(withEnc(), []));
+t('planned block is runnable', plannedBlock.includes('Ghoul') && plannedBlock.includes('4/3/4'));
+t('planned block carries the immunity', plannedBlock.includes('blessed, silvered'));
+t('planned block warns before initiative', plannedBlock.includes('Say so before initiative.'),
+  'the 0.6.4 regression: deleting the ONLY gate stripped this from 12 rosters');
+t('the warning is said exactly once',
+  (plannedBlock.match(/say so before initiative/gi) ?? []).length === 1);
+t('unavailable says so rather than rendering nothing',
+  foeBlock(classifyFoes(area({ encounter: { heat: 'fight' } }), [])).includes('nothing to run'));
+
+const cards = areaCards({ area: withEnc(), name: 'The Sail Loft', authored: {}, classification: classifyFoes(withEnc(), [f]) });
+t('an unwritten read-aloud is marked as such', cards.readAloud.includes('(unwritten)'));
+t('written prose outranks the fragments',
+  areaCards({ area: withEnc(), name: 'x', authored: { readAloud: 'They have been waiting.' }, classification: classifyFoes(withEnc(), [f]) })
+    .readAloud === 'They have been waiting.');
+t('the GM card carries the decision and its miss', cards.gm.body.includes('Poise 2') && cards.gm.body.includes('Miss:'));
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------- the failure matrix
+const spy = (over = {}) => {
+  const log = { calls: [], warns: [], errors: [], committed: 0, cards: 0 };
+  const fx = {
+    stage: n => { log.calls.push('stage'); return { id: 'scn1', name: n }; },
+    encounter: () => { log.calls.push('encounter'); return { actors: [actor] }; },
+    hoard: () => { log.calls.push('hoard'); return { size: 'cache' }; },
+    commit: async () => { log.committed++; },
+    readAloud: () => { log.cards++; },
+    gm: () => { log.cards++; },
+    warn: m => log.warns.push(m),
+    error: m => log.errors.push(m),
+    ...over,
+  };
+  return { fx, log };
+};
+const boom = () => { throw new Error('forge exploded'); };
+const ctx = (a = withEnc()) => ({ area: { ...a, hoard: 'cache' }, name: 'The Sail Loft', authored: {} });
+
+{
+  const { fx, log } = spy();
+  const r = await stageArea(fx, ctx());
+  t('happy path enters, commits once and posts both cards',
+    r.entered && log.committed === 1 && log.cards === 2 && !log.warns.length && !log.errors.length);
+  t('happy path reports the kind it rendered', r.kind === 'forged');
+}
+{
+  const { fx, log } = spy({ stage: boom });
+  const r = await stageArea(fx, ctx());
+  t('a failed scene enters nothing', !r.entered && r.failed === 'stage');
+  t('a failed scene does not commit — a retry is safe', log.committed === 0,
+    'the v0.6.3 bug: scene left behind, index unchanged, retry duplicated it');
+  t('a failed scene posts no cards and says why', log.cards === 0 && log.errors.length === 1);
+  t('a failed scene never calls the Forge again', !log.calls.includes('encounter'));
+}
+{
+  const { fx, log } = spy({ encounter: boom });
+  const r = await stageArea(fx, ctx());
+  t('a failed population still enters — the scene is up', r.entered && log.committed === 1);
+  t('a failed population falls back to the plan', r.kind === 'planned');
+  t('a failed population says the roster stands in', log.warns.some(w => /planned roster stands in/.test(w)));
+  t('a failed population still posts both cards', log.cards === 2);
+}
+{
+  const { fx, log } = spy({ encounter: boom });
+  const r = await stageArea(fx, ctx(area({ encounter: { heat: 'fight' } })));
+  t('a failed population with no roster does not claim one', !log.warns.some(w => /roster stands in/.test(w)),
+    'the 0.6.4 regression: it promised a roster that did not exist');
+  t('a failed population with no roster says what is actually lost',
+    log.warns.some(w => /no roster at fight/.test(w)) && r.kind === 'unavailable');
+}
+{
+  const { fx, log } = spy({ hoard: boom });
+  const r = await stageArea(fx, ctx());
+  t('a failed hoard still enters', r.entered && log.committed === 1);
+  t('a failed hoard is visible to the GM', log.warns.some(w => /hoard/.test(w)),
+    'the 0.6.4 regression: swallowed to console while the turn advanced');
+}
+{
+  const { fx, log } = spy({ gm: boom });
+  const r = await stageArea(fx, ctx());
+  t('a failed GM card does not roll back the turn', r.entered && log.committed === 1);
+  t('a failed GM card tells the GM to read from the worksheet',
+    log.warns.some(w => /GM card did not post/.test(w)));
+}
+{
+  const { fx, log } = spy({ readAloud: boom, gm: boom });
+  await stageArea(fx, ctx());
+  t('both cards failing reports once, not twice', log.warns.filter(w => /did not post/.test(w)).length === 1);
+}
+{
+  // async rejections, not just throws — the Forge returns promises
+  const { fx, log } = spy({ encounter: () => Promise.reject(new Error('async')) });
+  const r = await stageArea(fx, ctx());
+  t('a rejected promise is handled like a throw', r.entered && r.kind === 'planned' && log.warns.length === 1);
+}
+{
+  const { fx, log } = spy({ stage: () => null });
+  const r = await stageArea(fx, ctx());
+  t('a Forge that returns nothing counts as a failed scene', !r.entered && log.committed === 0);
+}
 
 console.log(`\n${pass} passed, ${fail} failed`);
 process.exit(fail ? 1 : 0);