this is place to post my storyjournals as I attempt to recreate a shinto style shrine in Dwarf Fortress, inspired by my recent trip to the Izumo shrine near Matsue.
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day 1 vod heregoal: shrine to a god
important concepts:
the god is attracted to and may live within the shrine
the shrine is a place for people to visit with the god
a certain object may attract the god, such as a large tree or rock formation, or the god may choose to reside in a constructed altar
otherwise it is an exercise in reproduction of aesthetics since a lot of the above cannot be simulated in DF
A group of dwarves embarks for a forested valley north of Takenhowls, the elven settlement. The valley is known as 'The Prairie of Grooves' and is surrounded by 'The Jungle of Dunes.'
The land is untamed wilds and all civilizations have access.
The group Nņmčrith, 'The Godly Labor', is led by Mūthkat Eshtānkobel, 'Smithsummits'
-- a dwarf who greatly values decorum, dignity and proper behavior and does not care about fairness.
The group symbol is known as 'The Windy Whispers', an image of a circle and a cloud. The circle is devouring the cloud.
Joining Mūthkat are
Ral Isakbomrek, 'Spatterwhip'
Ducim Kadolmūthkat, 'Hatchetmansion'
Kadol ļngizgim, 'Ceilingtwists'
Urist Oslannebél,
'Windadmired'
Goden Nåzodeduk,
'Dreamymanors'
and
Catten Medtobiseth,
'Blockadequests'
Unfortunately, most of the supplies were lost en route to the shrine's location. Only a single barrel of 60 plump helmets remained, along with some basic tools, the pack animals, and three cats.
The place would be later become known as Okun Kudar, 'The Shrine of Immortals'.
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On the 15th of Granite, 83, the seven dwarves arrived at Okun Kudar, 'The Shrine of Immortals'.
A giant snapping turtle was spotted in the northern stream.
The dwarves picked this spot since they had seen a gigantic tree halfway up the southern hillside. A towering highwood, as wide as three horses in a line, and taller than the rest of the forest. This highwood would be preserved..
The shrine complex would be located further down the hillside on a particularly flat piece of land that stretched out towards the stream. There, the forest was thin. A large oak tree stood out from the rest and would become the focal point from which the shrine is constructed.
The local forests provided the following lumbers:
Oak
Highwood
Alder
Birch
Willow
Maple
The following fruit trees were also present:
Apricot
Pecan
Cherry
Peach
Almond
Persimmon
A small downward staircase was created, intended as a temporary home and food cellar for the dwarves. Limestone and rock salt were discovered underneath the soil.
A swarm of giant flies was spotted above the forest canopy.
Mūthkat has become greatly annoyed by the rain and demanded the construction of a small hut to protect the staircase. The dwarves conferred, and oak will be the majority construction material, as long as supply allows.
Early in Summer, the cherry tree blossoms fell to the forest floor.
Later on that season, eight dwarves arrived.
A carpenter and a large number of weaponsmiths including Ber Grizzlesyrup the legendary, and Sarvesh Stakescar and her child Inod.
A series of limestone statues of triumphant foxes were constructed to adorn the rooftops.
Rock salt roof tiles were also installed.
In Late Summer, an administrative building was commissioned by Mūthkat. A shale pathway was laid in front of the two structures.
Further statues, this time of contemplative wolves, were ordered from the masonry.
Traders from the mountainhome arrived, however, the dwarves had not yet constructed any trade goods or even a depot.
That autumn, the wildlife struck back. Giant agitated chipmunks descended upon the woodcutter Solon, ripping off his hand and drowning him in the stream.
Luckily, the traders had brought competent mercenaries, and they fought valiantly against the wild animals.
However, the chipmunks were hyper-agile and very comfortable in the dense forests. They also attacked and killed Iton the weaponsmith and Doren the glassmaker.
Kunil the pump operator fell down the open well shaft as it was under construction, and died.
Early in winter, a cavern was discovered.
Giant insects attacked us again - mantises and cockroaches.
A regular militia would be needed.
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Topic: Okun Kudar, 'The Shrine of Immortals' (Read 106 times)