How to Beat First... Sludge?

The fight itself is a controlled introduction: hostile zombies, readable attacks, and a weapon you already own. Enemies telegraph — the wind-up before a swing is the dodge cue, and the recovery after it is the punish window. The quest is tuned so the lesson lands even if you take hits. Learn the rhythm here, because the Districts Purge battles assume it later.

The town quest board is the story's spine for the whole chapter — combat postings, restoration work, and errands all flow through it. First... Sludge? sits at the front of the queue on purpose: it certifies you for the battle series before the series certifies the town. Check back after every story beat. The board refreshes as districts reopen.

• Carry food — energy spent dodging and swinging has to come back somehow.
• Upgrade your weapon if the forge allows it; the +1 to +6 tool track starts early.
• Fight the first hostile alone, not in a crowd — pull singles until you trust the timing.
• Dodge on the wind-up, punish on the recovery; two clean counters beat ten panicked swings.

First Blood is the receipt, and the battle series is the prize: the Districts Purge line and the special battles open as the chapter advances. Barracks-built Zombie Fighters — four to a squad, armored, spears or bows — become the right answer to everything that follows. Start planning the squad the day this quest ends. The board will not stay polite.