When the tide of war turned against the Dau, they faced attack in their stronghold in the city of Elkonis (renamed Ziben by the animals). The animals were well entrenched, however, and ready to mount a vigorous defense.
Shas'O Zhu, the Dau military leader, made his headquarters in a mighty citadel in the city's center, forcing attackers to wend their way through the tight city streets, exposed to sniper fire and ambushes. Outlying bases in different quarters of the city supported his strategy, with Gryphon warriors and powerful armored units harassing attackers even further.
The Dau's only strategic vulnerability was Unity Plaza, the city's main public space. A sophisticated communications tower there could potentially be used by an attacker to expose the stealth units positioned across the city.
O'Zhu knew, however, that his attackers' ultimate objective would be assassination, not conquest. Zhi'zhe Xi'ong Lu, a member of the mysterious Ethereal Caste, led the Dau forces from the citadel in Ziben. Were he to die, Dau forces would crumble.
But as long as the Ethereal lived, the Dau would defend Ziben against all comers.