Commander Suthran thinks that we're reacting to whatever the Mau do, and that's a recipe for weakness.

He's ordered us to seize the initiative--to attack them at their strongest point and force them to react to us for a change.

Player: "Our strength against theirs?"

Ideally we'd pit our strength against their weakness, Player--that's been our military doctrine, straight from Azphel himself, since the Cataclysm.

But in this case a surprise attack should render their strength irrelevant.

Their sentries will spot a mass attack long before it arrives. But a small group--or even a single Daeva--could catch them off guard.

Player: "I see where this is going."

Don't get ahead of yourself. Here's your mission: Approach the Black Claw Outpost and meet with Jolk nearby.

He's our eyes and ears, and he'll know when the time is right for a surprise attack.

And pay attention: Jolk has forgotten more about small-unit tactics than most Daevas will ever learn.

Player: "Blood for blood!"

Approach quietly, Daeva--the Mau have keen ears.

Dellalont said he would send a [%userclass] capable of a sneak attack on the Mau. I'm guessing that's you.

If you're cautious and focused, you should be able to pick off the Mau one or two at a time. But get overeager or careless, and they'll overwhelm you.

Player: "I'll remember that."

Blood for blood, indeed.

We're going to attempt a decapitating strike against the Black Claws. But first, a low-intensity probe should teach you about the local terrain and the opposition.

Call it a field trip: test yourself by attacking the Brutal Black Claw Stalkers. As I said, caution and focus...they aren't run-of-the-mill Mau.

Player: "On my way!"

You defeated the Brutal Black Claw Stalkers so fast! Dellalont chose wisely when he ordered you to take this on.

Got a sense of the topography and the enemy's movements, yet? You'll need to know the Black Claw Outpost like the back of your hand for the next mission...

...the real mission.

Player: "I am ready."

Go back to the Black Claw Outpost and take out High Spellshifter Abija. She is a shaman so powerful she essentially multiplies the Mau we face on the battlefield.

If her spirit is too tough to break, then there is another way, my kin. She has a successor, Shaman Gabacha. One day he'll be as strong...or perhaps stronger than Abija, but for now his powers are still being nurtured. Kill him, and you'll do us all a great favor.

I'm not asking you to kill both, Player. Pick one, take your allies and bury them, then return to me with one of their staves. Blood for blood.

Player: "They're as good as dead."

Back so soon?

I had my doubts that we'd actually succeed, but I figured a credible attempt would be disruptive to the Mau and thus advantageous for us, even if High Spellshifter Abija escaped.

Give me the Shaman's Staff. I look forward to sending it back to Brigade General Suthran with my report.

Player: "Here."

In order to seize the initiative from the Mau, we need to attack their leadership and decapitate it.

Not that you need a reason to follow orders, but that's why your mission is to take out High Spellshifter Abija or Shaman Gabacha and bring the Shaman's Staff as evidence.

Go and kill them. Now.

Player: "On my way."

On behalf of Dellalont, I congratulate you on your success. You showed Asmodae's strength today--you were bold, clever, and tenacious on the field of battle.

This reward should help you complete further missions with the same tenacity you showed today.