elcoderdude

Just to reiterate da_mayor's point, this is by design. This is a power of Mammy Graul's. Read her card closely when it is displayed at the start of the scenario.
 

Obsidian changed the way checks like this work. Previously, EVERY character had to attempt the check (a real pain in 6-character parties).
Now, you only attempt the check if you try to play a card restricted by the the check.  (The cards are wrapped in chains, but you can attempt to play them.)

You are not searching the forums very well. This has been answered on several threads.
 
To advance past Here Comes The Flood, you have to encounter the last card in the game (and you have to win, obviously). If Black Magga eats the last card, or the timer runs out, you don't advance, even if you win.
 
Alternatively, someone said by disbanding his party, then re-forming it, he was able to advance. I haven't tried that.

Closing the loop on this one -- it's just me being clueless.
 
Longshot is right -- allies were buried by the Farmhouse.  The crossbow was buried by a scenario effect I forgot about.
 
Sorry for the noise.