Rescuing the Khajiit Tribes

Early the next morning, Zoren stood beside the massive Dreadhorn, carefully feeding the giant creature. The Dreadhorn snorted and pawed at the ground, still resisting his commands despite Zoren's efforts. Its higher level made taming it a slow, steady process, but Zoren was determined. He knew that earning the Dreadhorn's trust would be vital to their future success.

As Zoren focused on the task, Nyx approached him, her usually composed demeanor replaced with visible desperation. "Please, Master, help me rescue the other Khajiit," she pleaded, her voice trembling with urgency. Her glowing blue eyes bore into his, reflecting the fear and anguish she felt for her captured kin.

Zoren paused, considering her request. "Tell me what you know about them," he said, his tone firm yet understanding.

Nyx took a deep breath before she began. "Their leader is Grid, a ruthless tyrant who commands with an iron fist. He has three commanders under him, each cruel in their own way, but the most terrifying of all is a human who wields powerful magic. Their forces number in the hundreds, nearly a thousand strong..."

Zoren's mind raced as he absorbed the information. "It seems impossible," he thought, calculating the odds. The numbers and power were heavily stacked against them. But the thought of leaving innocent lives in the clutches of such cruelty was something he couldn't ignore. His strategic mind quickly began to formulate a plan—one that didn't involve direct confrontation. He would focus on the rescue, not the fight.

To carry out this plan, Zoren realized that the first step was to gather intelligence. He needed to know the lay of the land, the enemy's movements, and any possible weaknesses they could exploit. "We need a Scout Tower," he declared, his voice filled with purpose. "Gather the materials; we need it up and running as soon as possible."

"Infrastructure gives us bonuses, and we'll need every advantage we can get," he added, emphasizing the urgency.

The group immediately set to work, scouring the area for resources. Zoren directed the construction of the tower just outside the territory near the gate, using the available wood and vines to form a sturdy structure. They worked tirelessly, and as the last piece was put into place, a system notification appeared.

[SCOUT TOWER]

[Requirement: 1 Personage]

Zoren scanned the group of Khajiit, his eyes searching for the right candidate. "I need someone fast to act as our scout," he announced.

One of the male Khajiit, a lean and agile figure, stepped forward. "I can do it, Master Zoren. My name is Raksha, and I am the fastest among our tribe."

Zoren nodded, recognizing the dedication in Rashka's voice. "Good. We need accurate information. Can you start immediately?"

Rashka gave a determined nod. "Yes, I'll begin right away."

Zoren nodded, impressed by Raksha's confidence. "Alright, Raksha, the job is yours."

[Requirement Fulfilled]

[Scout Bonus: +10% Marching Speed, +10% Stealth]

Rashka set off, Zoren watched him disappear into the distance, the weight of the task ahead pressing on him. With the intelligence they gathered, he would formulate a plan to rescue the Khajiit without directly engaging in a battle they couldn't win.

Turning back to his camp, Zoren's eyes fell on Nyx, who was busy checking her equipment. The bow slung across her back caught his attention. "Nyx, I see you carry a bow. Are you an archer?" he asked, curiosity lacing his tone.

Nyx glanced up, her eyes meeting his. "Yes," she replied confidently. "I am. And there are five more archers besides me in our group."

Zoren nodded thoughtfully, a plan already forming in his mind. "Good. We'll need skilled archers for what's coming next. I'm going to build an Archery Range. It will not only provide us with building bonuses but also allow us to train more archers for the battles ahead."

The determination in his voice was clear. Nyx simply nodded, her expression serious. She knew that every step they took now was critical.

Later that night, as the moon hung high in the sky, Rashka returned, breathless but triumphant. His fur was matted with sweat, but his eyes gleamed with the success of his mission. "Master," he panted, "I've scouted Grid's territory. I found a secret passage at the back of their camp. That's where they're holding our kin as slaves."

Zoren's eyes narrowed as he processed this information. "A secret passage… That's invaluable. Anything else?

Rashka's voice tightened with emotion. "The Hog Folk are having a feast right now. Many of them are drunk. This is the perfect time to strike."

Zoren felt a surge of urgency. Rashka was right; this was their best chance to rescue the Khajiit without engaging in a full-scale battle. "We move now," he decided, his voice firm. He quickly assembled his team, including Nyx and Rashka, for the rescue mission. "Kael, Corvus, I need you both here to guard the territory while we're gone."

The two nodded in agreement, their expressions reflecting their understanding of the importance of their role.

They moved quickly and silently through the night, led by Raksha. The Hog Folk's territory wasn't far, and soon they reached the secret passage Raksha had discovered. "Here it is," Raksha whispered, pointing to a narrow gap hidden behind thick undergrowth. "This passage leads directly to the cells where the captives are being held."

Zoren nodded. "Good work. Let's move."

As they slipped through the passage and entered the Hog Folk's camp, they found many of the Hog Folk passed out from their drunken revelry. The air was thick with the stench of alcohol and sweat. Moving cautiously, they reached the cells.

Nyx silently drew her dagger and slashed the locks open. The Khajiit prisoners, gaunt and exhausted, looked up in shock. "We're here to free you," Nyx whispered urgently. "Stay quiet and follow us."

As they guided the Khajiit out of the cells, Zoren noticed another group of prisoners. Among them were three blue-skinned orcs, their powerful frames marred by chains and bruises. One of the blue orcs stepped forward, his eyes filled with a desperate plea. "Save us," he begged. "If you do, we'll follow you. We'll fight for you! Just get us out of here."

Zoren narrowed his eyes. "What guarantee do I have that you won't turn against me?"

The blue orc shook his head vehemently. "I'd rather die than serve those filthy pigs. We'll fight by your side if you free us."

Zoren considered this for a moment before slashing the lock. "Do whatever you want, but betray me, and you'll regret it." As they were about to leave, something caught Zoren's eye. In the last cell, a young woman lay unconscious.

For a moment, his heart skipped a beat. It was the first time he'd seen another human since arriving in this world. Without hesitation, he unlocked her cell and carefully lifted her into his arms. "We're taking her too," he said softly, his mind racing with questions about who she was and how she had ended up here.

With their group now expanded, they began their escape from Grid's territory, moving as quickly and quietly as possible.

[Rescue Summary: 30 Khajiit, 3 Blue Orcs: all male, 1 Human Woman]

Just as they were leaving the Hog Folk's territory, one of the guards stirred from his drunken slumber. As he staggered outside to relieve himself, he noticed the empty cells. Panic set in as he realized what had happened. He ran to Grid's tent, his face pale with fear. "Master Grid!" the guard stammered. "The prisoners—they're gone!"

Grid's eyes flared with rage. "You useless bastard!" he roared. In a fit of fury, he grabbed the guard by the throat and snapped his neck with a single twist. Turning to the commander of the Hog Riders, Grid snarled, "Gurd, take your riders and chase them down. They can't be far, not with children and wounded in their group."

Gurd grinned, his tusks gleaming in the dim light. "Can I kill them?" he asked, a manic gleam in his eye.

"Yes," Grid hissed, "but bring me the leader and the human girl alive!"

Gurd's laugh echoed through the camp as he mounted his massive boar. "Muahahahaha… squeak! I'll enjoy this."

Meanwhile, Zoren and his group were making their way back to their territory as fast as they could. But they could sense the danger closing in on them. "We need to move faster," Zoren urged. "They might wake up any moment now."

Suddenly, Raksha, who was keeping an eye on their rear, dashed forward. "They're here!" he yelled. "We need to run faster!"

"Go! Carry the wounded and the children!" Zoren shouted, his voice filled with urgency. "We have to outrun them!"

The sound of hooves pounding the ground grew louder as Gurd and his hundred Hog Riders closed in. Gurd's maniacal laughter echoed through the night, "Muahahahaha… squeak! I will eat you all!"

Back at the territory, Corvus stood perched on the Scout Tower like a sentinel, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. He first spotted Zoren's group in the distance and then noticed the group of Hog Riders chasing them. He let out a sharp call, "Incoming! Prepare for battle!"

Kael quickly rallied the Beetlefolk infantry. "Take your weapons! Protect our Master!" he shouted with fierce determination. The Beetlefolk rushed to the gate, forming a defensive formation, their spears and shields at the ready.

The battle was about to begin.

[Troops Summary]

Zoren's Troops: Corvus, Kael, Nyx, Raksha, 3 Blue Orcs, 30 Beetlefolk infantry, 5 Khajiit Archers

Grid's Troops: Gurd 3rd Commander, Tainthog (Mount of Gurd, Big Boar with many tusks and spikes), 100 Hog Riders, Abnormal Boar (Mount of Hog Riders, slightly larger than a normal boar)