During the three months that saw the birth of the first Hobgoblin children, Tatsuo didn't neglect the military potential of his new citizens. He understood the strategic value of the Hobgoblin Brigade and dedicated resources to their training and equipping.
He began by focusing on the Heavy Infantry Battalion, recognizing their raw strength and resilience. He commissioned the creation of specialized armor and weapons, crafted to accommodate the Hobgoblins' unique physique. The armor was thick and sturdy, designed to withstand heavy blows, while the weapons were equally robust, massive axes and hammers capable of shattering bone and steel.
Next, he turned his attention to the Scouts and Hunter Battalion. He recognized the Hobgoblins' natural agility and their keen senses, perfect for reconnaissance and tracking. He trained them in stealth and survival, equipping them with light armor and bows, transforming them into a formidable scouting force.
For Tramurx and his Horned Hobgoblins, he formed the Berserker Hobgoblin Battalion. Their innate aggression and Tramurx's flame magic made them a terrifying force on the battlefield. Tatsuo equipped them with dual axes and minimal armor, encouraging their ferocity.
Finally, Tatsuo addressed Jiasraal's battalion. Recognizing the Hobgoblins' size and strength, he decided to form a cavalry unit. He ordered the procurement of large, powerful warhorses, bred for size and stamina, capable of carrying the Hobgoblins' considerable weight. The horses were trained to respond to the Hobgoblins' commands, forming a cohesive and devastating cavalry force.
The training was rigorous, pushing the Hobgoblins to their limits. They were naturally adept at combat, their instincts honed by their previous lives as raiders and warriors. However, Tatsuo instilled in them discipline and strategy, transforming them from a chaotic horde into a disciplined fighting force.
The Heavy Infantry learned to form impenetrable shield walls, their axes and hammers crashing through enemy lines. The Scouts and Hunters honed their skills in stealth and archery, becoming masters of ambush and reconnaissance. The Berserkers, under Tramurx's command, unleashed their fury, their flame magic and dual axes turning the battlefield into a fiery inferno. And the Hobgoblin Cavalry, led by Jiasraal, thundered across the training grounds, their lances and swords carving through enemy formations.
Tatsuo observed their progress with satisfaction. The Hobgoblin Brigade was shaping up to be a formidable force, a unique and powerful asset to his army. He knew that they would play a crucial role in the battles to come, a testament to his bold experiment and his unwavering determination to protect his domain.
He also had them practice with the human soldiers so that they can learn to fight together. He wanted to make sure that the Hobgoblins would be able to fight alongside the human soldiers. He knew that unity would be key to victory. He also had them practice with the other battalions, so that they could learn to fight together. He also had them practice with the Elven archers, and the Dwarven heavy infantry. He wanted to make sure that they could fight with any force that he had.
Tatsuo sat in his office, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows across the stacks of reports and maps spread across his desk. He was deeply engrossed, his mind sifting through the details of trade routes, troop deployments, and the ever-present political undercurrents that swirled around his domain. Suddenly, the familiar chime of the System echoed through the room, cutting through the silence.
Ding! New Quest Available!
A blue screen materialized before him, its glowing text illuminating the darkened room.
New Quest: Investigate reports of Hobgoblin sightings in the far western forests.
Reward: A female Hobgoblin.
Tatsuo's eyebrows rose in surprise. Hobgoblin sightings in the far western forests? That was unexpected. The western forests were a vast and largely unexplored region, known for its dense vegetation and dangerous creatures. And the reward... a female Hobgoblin? That was even more intriguing.
He leaned back in his chair, considering the implications of this new quest. The System's emphasis on a female Hobgoblin suggested that they were a rare and valuable commodity. Were they different from the male Hobgoblins? Did they possess unique abilities?
He also considered the potential dangers of the western forests. The region was known for its hostile environment and the presence of unknown creatures. He would need to assemble a capable team, one that could handle both the terrain and any potential threats.
He also remembered that the Hobgoblins that they have are from the east, and they are running away from the black goblins. So he wonders what kind of Hobgoblins are in the west.
He decided to accept the quest. The potential rewards, both in terms of knowledge and resources, were too significant to ignore. He also saw this as an opportunity to expand his influence and explore a region that had remained largely untouched.
He summoned Reeldos Umbra. "Reeldos," he commanded, "I need you to gather information about the far western forests. I want to know everything: the terrain, the creatures, the potential dangers."
"Also," he continued, "prepare a scouting party. I want a team capable of navigating the forest and gathering information. Include members of the Scout and Hunter Hobgoblin Battalion."
He also sends word to Jiasraal, to send his fastest sons to help them with scouting. He also sends word to the Blackrose archers, and gunners, to prepare for a long range attack. He also sends word to Rota to prepare his cavalry.
He knew that this mission was not just about finding a female Hobgoblin. It was about exploring the unknown, expanding his knowledge, and securing his domain. He was ready to face whatever challenges the western forests held.
Reeldos Umbra, accompanied by a select group of scouts and hunters, ventured into the dense and uncharted western forests. Days turned into nights as they navigated the treacherous terrain, following the faint trails and whispers of Hobgoblin sightings. Finally, they stumbled upon a hidden settlement, nestled deep within a secluded valley.
The sight that greeted them was astonishing. A thriving community of over 5,000 female-only Hobgoblins. Their appearance was strikingly different from the bulky, powerful male Hobgoblins that Tatsuo had integrated into his army. These females possessed a lean, almost athletic build, their height comparable to that of human males. Their facial features were surprisingly human-like, albeit with a distinct green hue.
Reeldos and his team observed the settlement from a safe distance, documenting their findings. The female Hobgoblins were highly organized and disciplined, their movements precise and coordinated. They were warriors, skilled in combat and survival, their society structured around a strict hierarchy.
Upon returning to Dragonsden City, Reeldos delivered his report to Tatsuo, his voice filled with awe and intrigue. Tatsuo, upon receiving the report, was immediately notified by the system.
Ding! Quest: Complete
New Quest: Investigate reports of Hobgoblin sightings in the far western forests.
Reward: A female Hobgoblin.
Complete Information on Hobgoblin settlement:
Population: 5,000 Female Hobgoblins Appearance: Lean build, human male height, human-like facial features, green skin. Society: Highly organized, disciplined, warrior-focused. Special Goblins: Matriarch Goblin (1) Leaders: Matriarch Moifsai: The elder leader, possessing wisdom and strategic acumen. Commander Lish: The military leader, a skilled warrior and tactician. Seer Shiozza: Priestess of Zedes: God of Death and Fear, possessing a connection to the natural world.
Tatsuo studied the information, his mind racing. The female Hobgoblin society was a fascinating anomaly, a stark contrast to the male-dominated tribes he had encountered. The presence of a Matriarch and a Seer, a priestess of Zedes, added layers of complexity to their culture.
As he pondered his next move, the System chimed once more.
Ding! New Quest
Quest: Conquer the Hobgoblin settlement as soon as possible.
Reward: You will have the Hobgoblin settlement.
Failure: The whole Hobgoblin settlement will be eaten by Demons.
Tatsuo's eyes widened. The threat of demonic consumption was a chilling prospect, a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked in the shadows. He understood that he had to act quickly, but he couldn't reveal the System's warning to his commanders.
He needed a plausible alibi, a reason to justify a military expedition against the female Hobgoblin settlement. He settled on a narrative that would appeal to his Hobgoblin warriors.
"We must conquer the female Hobgoblin settlement," he announced to his commanders, his voice firm and resolute. "It is in the best interest of our Hobgoblin males. They desire female companions, and this settlement offers a solution to their needs."
He knew that this explanation would resonate with Jiasraal and his sons, appealing to their primal instincts and their desire to establish a thriving community. He also knew that he had to act swiftly, before the demonic threat materialized. He ordered preparations for a full scale assault, bringing his entire army. He would not take any chances.