The Cervid Conflict

This flow traces the widening conflict between Deepmarsh, the Trenten Flats, and the mercenaries who target Amaryllis.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Historical Invasion

The Historical Invasion A War Remembered Gunther explains that the Trenten Flats once invaded Deepmarsh with a larger army. Swamps, disease, insects, and poor leadership weakened the invasion more than direct resistance. History as Justification The old war still shapes present suspicion. Every Cervid crossing the border can be interpreted as the beginning of another expansion, even when the immediate motive is more specific.

The Bridge Ambush

The Bridge Ambush A Coordinated Attack Six Cervid operatives surround Broccoli and Amaryllis at a bridge. Their coded names, uniforms, and division of roles identify them as trained agents rather than opportunistic robbers. A Personal Target The attackers focus on Amaryllis and ignore valuable equipment. Their mission is abduction, which transforms a regional border conflict into a direct threat against one individual.

The Mercenary Pursuit

The Mercenary Pursuit A Desperate Escape Broccoli races back to the fort after using potions and recovering enough strength to move. She chooses pursuit despite knowing the mercenaries are stronger and better organized. The Rescue Coalition Gunther provides undead soldiers and Throat Ripper. The conflict shifts from two vulnerable explorers against six captors to a confrontation involving a necromancer’s private army.

The Deaths of Titan and Rex

The Deaths of Titan and Rex Unintended Killing Throat Ripper kills Titan and Rex while protecting Broccoli. The system grants Broccoli reduced experience because she is not the primary combatant, but the reward only deepens her distress. Moral Recoil Broccoli mourns the men even though they participated in kidnapping and violence. Her reaction refuses the easy division between innocent heroes and disposable enemies.

The Retreat

The Retreat Threatened by Numbers The surviving mercenaries refuse to continue once Throat Ripper and the skeletons reveal their strength. They deploy smoke and retreat rather than risk a losing battle. An Unresolved War The retreat saves Amaryllis but does not identify the client or expose the broader conspiracy. The immediate conflict ends tactically while remaining politically open.

during Gunther’s explanation at Fort Frogger

during the return from Fort Frogger

shortly after the bridge attack

during the rescue pursuit

immediately after Amaryllis is recovered