Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 28, 2016, 07:21:27 pm
17 Sandstone 74
I think I’m still in shock. It…It’s…
…
…
Maybe I should start at the beginning. That sounds like a good idea, right? Of course, right.
Yesterday, King Dodok summoned me as he was practicing his spear-throwing. His aim was as bad as ever, though he always blames the poor quality of his spears. That =bismuth bronze spear= seemed OK to me. But then again, maybe he has to. I mean, he lost three competitions in three years.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2u8vsxs.jpg)
But I digress.
The gist of the conversation was that I, a lowly hauler with absolutely nothing to recommend me, the lowest of peasants, in fact, had been chosen to lead an expedition to found a new outpost. And not just any outpost. One in the middle of nowhere, as far from dwarven-kind, as it is possible to get.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/14sd1fr.png)
Supposedly there is another outpost, Whippedesteem (what kind of name is that?), even further away, and we are to act as a supply post for them.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/30vm8gk.png)
Supply what, you ask. Good question! They apparently settled in an area full of badlands, taiga, and tundra (not to mention a good dwarven mountain), and are finding it difficult to get enough supplies. But I’m still not clear on what, exactly, we’re supposed to send them. King Dodok insisted that they would let us know what they needed and “pray Armok be merciful if you fail, because I won’t!”
He then proceeded to inform me that I and my companions would depart today, giving us all only a night to pack our things. Fortunately our wagon was packed for us, so we only needed to worry about our personal supplies. I am writing this as we wait with our wagon and animals for permission to depart Theaterknowledge (our mountainhome) on the great dwarven road towards Singedclasped. From there, the rest of the journey will be overland, and the scholars have given me the following map:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/m7q0j.png)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/29gncya.png) (http://i66.tinypic.com/34snic8.png)
Hills? Well, hills are very tiny mountains. That shouldn't be too bad.
I haven't yet had a chance to inventory everything, though there seem to be more animals running around than I would expect.
I hope the journey will go well.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OOC: This is the story of Atolasob ("Finderboards"), an outpost established exclusively to serve as a supply base for the far-flung Whippedesteem, whose sole responsibility is to make the perfect spear for King Dodok to finally win the spear-throwing competition.
The current rules:
1) We must fulfill every export agreement.
2) We cannot go above 25,000☼ of imported goods.
2.a) Since we are now above, we can only import one thing (or three metal bars) until we are back under.
3) We must have breeding populations of every possible animal.
4) At least one child (preferably the first-born) of each couple MUST join the military.
5) Every dwarf MUST marry (assuming that they aren't asexual or otherwise uninterested).
Edited to add the rules, for new readers.
Post by: MoonyTheHuman on June 28, 2016, 08:29:31 pm
Dwarf me
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 28, 2016, 09:23:20 pm
1 Timber 74
I've finally finished inventorying the wagon's contents. Who in Armok's good name thought we would need that much rock!? Dragging that stuff's going to slow us down by a lot.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2vuln2v.png)
And why do we have so little food and drink?? On the plus side, two of our number are trained in weaponry, and their equipment was provided by the mountainhome (serendipity, as neither one could have afforded much on their own), but it's rather hit-and-miss. Mostly yak leather with, oddly, a pair of copper gauntlets each.
I've claimed the pick for myself, since no one else seems interested.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The entries for the next several months detail the minutiae of the journey, with many complaints about the steadily increasing heat and an occasional mention of a pack animal's birth or death (and on one occasion, both as the camel involved died in the birth).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14 Granite 75
After a long and arduous journey that took all winter, we are almost there, and should reach our new home either tomorrow or the day after. I shudder to think what traveling through the scorching tropics during summer would be like. We lost many of the replacement pack animals to the heat and lack of water, but somehow the babies managed to survive.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/jug1ud.jpg)
During the journey, I've gotten to know my fellow travelers. Here's a brief summary of each.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/t9upef.png)
Kadol seems nice enough, though a little put out at being sent so far.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/r79h4w.png)
Urist is also a "Proficient Diagnostician" (to hear her tell it). So why did she get
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2evxonp.png)
Olin. Olin is a loner, a do-it-yourself type. I can't complain, she usually finishes what she starts. Usually.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2lwr791.png)
Ushrir. Nothing much to say about her, except that she is ridiculously terrified of purring maggots. The entire trip from Theaterknowledge to Singedclasped (on the dwarven road through the caverns), she spent crouched in the very center of the wagon (on top of that massive pile of rock someone decided to
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2nb53b8.png)
Apparently Likot volunteered for this trip. He wants some peace and quiet. Well, it sounds like he's going to get that.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/wu1oxe.png)
Kogsak seems to have drawn the short straw when the military was required to provide our second escort. But we could have had worse. At least he was a member of one of the surface squads, not the fortress guard. And he seems to be a reasonable sort of fellow.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/21b7o5x.png)
And that's me! My mother named me Ast for my grandfather, but I prefer Lotu instead. I'm the leader of this expedition (though personally I think either Kogsak or Likot would have been a better choice). Well, I'll just have to do the best I can and learn as I go.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15 Granite 75
According to everything we were given, this is the place. Climbing down from the wagon, we look for the hill we were promised.
To the east...flat grassland with shrubs and some trees.
To the north...a mix of grassland and forest. Also flat.
To the west...the dense trees of of a tropical dry broadleaf forest. The understory is full of shrubs, and you can hear the scitter-scatter rustling of small animals. Still flat.
To the south...the forest thins out into more of that shrubland. Not a hill in sight.
We made a mad dash to pull out the maps, and sure enough, we were in the Lessened Hills. Well, on the edge, anyway. Apparently "lessened" means "missing". There were no hills, not a hillock, not so much as a molehill, anywhere as far as the eye could see. I did step on an anthill, but they don't count.
That pile of useless rock is suddenly not looking so bad.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"All right." Lotu said, folding up the map. "Looks like we're here, so let's start--"
"Taking a break!" The others chorused. "Let's celebrate with a good drink!"
"That's a fine idea, but let's get the animals pastured first, so that they don't run off like the last time."
The reference to the nastiness that inhabited the Mire of Slaughter, a very aptly named tropical swamp, quickly sobered the group. Looking around, Kogsak, Likot and Ushrir soon set out a pasture just outside the forest boundary, and the herd quickly settled to feeding, apparently as relieved as the dwarves to have finally finished moving.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/214n52.png)
"Where're the mugs?" Olin asked, digging through the camping supplies. "Urist, didn't you pack them?"
"No, I din't. Blame someone else."
"You had them last. I saw you!" Kogsak insisted. "You tripped on a log and the stuff you were carrying went flying along the riverbank!" He groaned. "They went into the river, din't they?"
"We. Have. No. Mugs?" Olin was ticked. "I have to drink my rum straight out of the barrel!? How could you be so klutzy? You--" And things went downhill from there, as the others quickly chose sides in the escalating shouting match.
Lotu dropped his head into his hands. Dwarven tempers being what they were, things were rapidly spiraling into fighting territory and he really didn't want to deal with that today.
"Hey guys, guys!" When that didn't have any effect, he stuck his fingers in his mouth and blew. TWWWEEEEET Blessed silence fell. "Now that we're here, we can make more mugs. All we need is a craftdwarf's shop and some wood. And someone to make them."
They seemed to be listening, so he continued while he had the chance. "Kogsak, grab your axe and chop down a tree or two. Or twenty. Ushrir, take one of these rocks and build a craftdwarf's. Then you can get some wood from Kogsak and make some mugs."
"Why do I have to work? No one else is." Ushrir grumbled.
"Because I'm not done. I'm going to grab a pick and see about hollowing out some rooms underground to get us out of the rain. Likot, patrol the area, and see if you can try to find anything that looks edible. Getting some more food and drink is a priority."
Silently Likot nodded, grabbed his bolts and crossbow, and headed off, looking relieved to get away from the short fuses still gathered near the wagon.
Spotting a group of badgers to the south, Lotu pointed to Kadol. "Why don't you build a masonry and start turning some of those rocks into blocks. We need to keep the wildlife out."
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2nkuxed.png)
Lotu turned to Urist and Ushrir.
"Don' lookit me," grumbled Urist. "I'ma doctor, I need to study."
"Fine, go...find a place to build a library or something. Olin, build a carpentry. We'll need more barrels, and some beds to make ourselves comfortable."
Lotu watched for a minute as his dwarves scattered to their various tasks, good humor more or less restored. Then he hefted his pick and, whistling something that a creature from a far distant world might have recognized as "Heigh ho, heigh ho", walked off to do some digging.
OOC: Edited for name spelling.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 28, 2016, 09:25:41 pm
Intresting, a save share every year would make it better.
Dwarf me
Who would you like? Lotu is (obviously) off-limits, but the other six are up for grabs.
Any nickname that is mal/fem##, a pure number, or a pure letter is shorthand to myself to keep things straight, but I'm happy to add a custom nickname to them.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: MoonyTheHuman on June 28, 2016, 10:36:57 pm
Male... Likot
Post by: Imic on June 29, 2016, 01:05:50 am
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 29, 2016, 05:53:32 am
Dwarf me
Custom nickname please (=Done and...
Male... Likot
I'll take Kogsak, pluz.Done.
They'll be called Mooney and Imic, unless you want something different.
Also, anything in in-character posts is fair game to include in the story. You don't have to, but if you want to, feel free.
Another update should go up tonight, once I get off from work.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on June 29, 2016, 06:41:25 am
You're missing 4 wheats, Sorghum, Fonio, Teff and Artichokes from full theoretical compendum of 78 spirits. Checked how many you have with region-pops? Though, on the flip side you got wolf packs, for instance...Probably something else as well, wiki biome articles are rather incomplete on what is present.
One idea that came to me for making every one of the present boozes was to use workflow plugion/43.03 job manager system so that every distillation causes the brewing of next plant in cycle.
Setting up those dozens of orders would probably best done with spreadsheet, though actually implementing that dynamically would be something of a challenge :p (FYI workflow saves into historical figures).
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 29, 2016, 07:34:36 am
I don't normally use workflow, keeping DFHack only for site-choosing (I need my sand!), and things like autobutcher, cleaning, and bug fixes (there is no creature there!). (Note: My personal preference, not meant as a comment on any other play-style.)
You should have seen some of the other maps I generated before settling on this one ("ugly" is one word, "psychedelic" is another).
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on June 29, 2016, 08:29:15 am
Caper....Either Desert or Grassland. Embarking on the boundary between plains and forests, my bet is on the latter one, with actual grassland in a different region tile.
I ditto U on workflow; there's lot of things I have not tried yet. Regarding sand, have you tried incrementing mineral scarcity values if you find perfect site, only lacking in fire clay and sand? Have not tested it with soil, but it should reset the ores (and maybe change history a bit)
And yeah, heh. Wide open areas and landscapes are not conductive to practicality, sadly, whether painting the world or painting the fort.
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on June 29, 2016, 08:40:13 am
And would you allow RPing
Post by: Fleeting Frames on June 29, 2016, 09:01:59 am
*Fleeting Frames doesn't really understand the practice.*
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on June 29, 2016, 10:34:26 am
Isn't the whole point of dorfing RPing?
*Fleeting Frames doesn't really understand the practice.*
I'm a veteran of Doomforests, and there, we RP way, WAY more than usual, like we have interdimensional cults that are constantly at war with each other, a few mad gods here and there, religions based upon soap, secret portals to Middle Earth and Narnia, Flying furry Snails that haunt our collective nightmares, and a Goblin emperor who is trying to obtain Godhood...
That is my definition of RPing
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 29, 2016, 02:44:33 pm
Anyway, Whip Vines require savage (you have wilderness), though no idea on importing them.I do have wilderness, but whip vines aren't listed in the region-pops, which is why I'm calling them questionable. And with "dry" wetland for bloated tuber, I never understood that one either. I've actually modded my raws so that they do appear in "wet" wetlands, anything else just doesn't make sense to me.
Can I be dorfed as Ryukan?Yes. The four girls are still available (Architect (Kadol) who is doubling as a mason, Doctor (Urist), two peasants who are currently doing craftsdwarf (Ushrir) and carpenter (Olin)), would you like a specific one or the first one I hit?
And would you allow RPing
Also, anything in in-character posts is fair game to include in the story. You don't have to, but if you want to, feel free.FYI, this means RPing is encouraged.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 29, 2016, 05:58:46 pm
16 Granite 75
This morning, watching the sun rise over the short, scrubby bushes to the east, for the first time I think I felt just how far from home we really are. I mean, we’ve been traveling day-in, day-out for months. But now, every time I wake up early enough, I get to see that sight. It was…disturbing. No nice, thick stone walls between me and nature, just me and nature.
Apparently I wasn’t the only one to feel uneasy. At dinner, we were discussing our various adventures (Olin and Kadol were very excited about the fact that they haven’t seen a single spider since leaving the river behind yesterday morning, while Ushrir was sure she had seen a sand pear tree), when Kogsak said “I have an announcement to make.”
Well, it turns out that now he wants to be called Imic. Apparently, a new home and a new life means a new name, and he’d been thinking about it for most of the journey. I thought we were all friends, so why am I only hearing about this now?
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2m7glz5.png) (http://i68.tinypic.com/jtqr90.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2j28dqt.png) (http://i68.tinypic.com/2qnuwys.png)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2r3blhf.png) (http://i65.tinypic.com/annho9.png)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/148j0ba.png)
20 Granite 75
Today I finally feel up to doing something again, even if it’s only to write in this journal. The last few days I was sure that the slightest movement would cause any bite of food or (horrors!) booze to come straight back up. I told Likot that those berries looked a little too green but he insisted that they would make perfectly good booze, and our liquid supplies are getting worrisomely low.
I think he let them ferment too long.
I don’t know who started calling him “Mooney”, but it looks like the name is going to stick, especially after this episode. He tends to fall silent and gaze into space at the oddest times. It’s a good thing we don’t need someone on actual watch, nothing happens here other than the occasional badger clan (or maybe it’s the same one, they all look the same) or various birds wandering around, because I'm sure that anything serious would come during one of his "episodes".
It’s bad enough that he’s somehow taken over the hunt to find brewable (and edible) food, and the preparation thereof.
______________________________________________________________________________
22 Granite 75
Everything is going quite well, Lotu thought as he swung his pick yet again at the stubborn clay wall in front of him.
Ushrir is figuring out how to make goblets, Olin is (hopefully) going to get us some beds soon, and Kadol has already finished a few blocks so we can start building some proper dwarven walls to keep out those pesky badgers.
Now if I could only figure out how to dig more than a few handfuls of dirt with every swing… This time when the pick swung, it didn’t result in a sharp szing and a spray of dirt. Instead, there was more of a “thuck” and a sickly slurping as the pick slid through the wall.
That’s odd, Lotu swung his pick again.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2hncjlt.png)
…
“Fuck.”
Swiftly running up the ramp, spurred on by the quickly rising water, he made a beeline for his bedroll and the papers the scholars had given them.
Sure enough:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2rnyhsm.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/nqcpk4.png)
At the very bottom of the page one of the scholars had written, in barely legible scrawl: “Be warned that all the evidence indicates a multi-level aquifer at this site. Make sure to bring plenty of supplies in order to breach it.”
That pile of useless stone is suddenly looking a damned sight more attractive.
“What’s goin’ on?” Kogsak paused on his way to chop down his fifth tree.
“We need to have a meeting, with everybody.”
Fortunately, everyone was near enough to hear Kogsak’s drill-sergeant-worthy yell, and soon gathered in the food tent, taking advantage of the break to grab a snack.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2ezh2kz.png)
Training recruits really pays off.
“So, what’s up?” Likot’s question put an end to the side conversations taking place.
“We have a problem.” Lotu put the page on the center barrel as the others crowded around.
“How accurate’s this?” Urist asked.
“I punctured it half an hour ago. It starts in the clay, the fourth level down.”
Kadol pursed her lips. “How many levels would you say it is?”
“I have no idea. I’m still figuring out this mining thing.” Not to mention trying to mine with blisters forming on blisters. But Lotu didn’t mention those.
“OK, different question. How quickly can you dig through, say, a five-by-five area?”
“Not fast enough.”
Kadol took a deep breath, and closed her eyes, clearly thinking hard. Then flipping the paper over, she grabbed a piece of charcoal from the remains of last night’s fire and began to sketch furiously.
Five minutes later she tossed the charcoal aside and started talking, pointing to each picture in turn.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2l8u241.png)
“Lotu, if we put eight pumps around the outside, and one or two in the center, you should be able to dig something this size out.”
“Seventeen by seventeen bots? Are you nuts? I just told you I can’t even mine out a five-by-five!”
Kadol waved that away. “All you need is some training. By the time all of the pumps are built, I’m sure you’ll be able to.”
Without giving Lotu time to sputter another protest, Kadol turned to the others. “I can make the pump blocks, no problem. Olin, can you make the corkscrews and tubes in the carpentry?”
Staring intently at the diagram, Olin nodded. “Yes, but no guarantees on the quality. They’ll probably break the first time they’re used.”
Again, Kadol dismissed the objection impatiently. “You do better work than that.”
“That’s all well and good, but getting the water out is only part of the issue. We need to block it off—“
“Yes, yes. I’ve considered that. We’ve got plenty of cobaltite, it’ll make very nice blue blocks that we can use. And it will be a permanent reminder to not dig anything else there.”
“Well, it sounds like you’ve got this all planned out, Kadol. I hereby put you in charge of the pumps and draining the aquifer. I’m going to go dig out some more permanent quarters. It looks like we’re going to need them.”
“Wait! We might as well get a rough plan of what we want the surface settlement to look like! Otherwise, who knows what kind of mess we would end up with.” Urist finally spoke up.
She just wants to make sure she gets that library she’s been lobbying for every day since we got here.
But she has a point.
“Alright. Let’s take the rest of the day off work and figure out these plans.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
23 Granite 75
It took most of the day, and quite late into the night (we had to stock the fire twice) before we were all satisfied with the final design.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/14142nd.png)
Urist will have her library, though she will have to be content with a rough, temporary one as I dig out our initial quarters. She will also have a hospital (circled on the bottom level, where we can dig a well), though she seems rather…ambivalent about that.
Our actual quarters will be on the level above.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/35b9phw.png)
There will be a general, all-purpose room on the top-most level, just below the surface.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/24yx0sl.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/2r6pt2h.png)
It'll take years to dig it all out, but time is something we have plenty of, and I'll get lots of training.
While I’m digging, Kadol will make enough blocks (out of phyllite) to floor the ground above that tower, so that trees don’t punch holes through our ceiling when they attack. Once that’s done, she’ll turn her full attention to making blocks for the pumps (she's agreed to make them out of the petrified wood in return for Olin making the rest of the stuff) and walling off the aquifer.
Apparently whoever packed that wagon did know what they were doing, except for the food situation. I've asked Urist to build us a few fields, so that we can plant the seeds from our remaining berries.
I really hope Likot will find something edible soon.
Well, there’s work to be done, and it’s time I was about it.
Post by: Gwolfski on June 29, 2016, 06:42:09 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 29, 2016, 07:09:47 pm
May I be dorfed as Urist? name Dr. Urist, Title Wannabe Engineer, please.
You have her. I can't guarantee the custom title will stay (I use custom titles so I can find the dwarves i want quickly), but I'll try it and see.
Edit: That leaves Olin, Ushrir and Kadol free.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on June 29, 2016, 07:18:53 pm
Journal of Airith
Well that was fun. I was told that our lovely leader sad he struck the aquifer that we didn't know existed. I was angry at first, but he showed me th eplans of our new home and I must say DUH-AMN!!!
I'm starting to not hate this place.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 29, 2016, 07:22:31 pm
I'll take Kadol the architect. Dorf me as Airith.
Done.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on June 29, 2016, 08:41:29 pm
I do have wilderness, but whip vines aren't listed in the region-pops, which is why I'm calling them questionable.When I say "Savage", I mean "Untamed Wilds", much like how glumprong requires at least 66 evil (evil regions).
Easy way to check what is growable is with farm plots, though tiny biomes can give surprises there.
And wow.....digging out the whole embark. If you had only a single layer of soil to work with, would pretty much have to use pumps in that climate. At least the rooms are easily resealable for FPS, but I sense that they seem to have a purpose.
When you have more, note that while it is much safer to dig down stairs then up stairs, those up stairs in aquifers will block cave ins and can't be removed while it is 7/7. However, at this digging scale I think concentric cave-ins may be able to punch through even the highest - 17-layer aquifer - that I've heard about, at the cost of likely messing up surface vegetation. (Need open space above and below a cave-in, after all. )
Not that you ever need to go deeper, with that much room. Rather, I get the impression you don't intend to. Even so, it looks like you intend to hit pop cap on dozen species of wildlife.
However, doing quick two-level pokes is still useful with single-layer aquifer to ensure clean well water. Beware of different biomes having different aquifer depths, though, if you do this.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 29, 2016, 09:03:38 pm
Easy way to check what is growable is with farm plots, though tiny biomes can give surprises there.Already did that. There are a few, unexpected surprises. I'll see if they pan out into feasibility.
And wow.....digging out the whole embark.
It's actually not the whole embark. I just did a screen-capture with the useful part (to keep the posted picture size reasonable). There's more space off-screen.
Not that you ever need to go deeper, with that much room.
Blasphemy! ;)
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 29, 2016, 10:07:30 pm
Lotu had decided to start digging from the future central staircase, since that was the most convenient route when he had a hankering for a snack or a drink. The going was slow, only a few bots a day, but he thought that maybe the great miners back home might deign to consider him at least a novice now.
All of a sudden he froze. Was that…water? A LOT of water?
Leaving the wall half dug, he raced up the ramps, fearing the worse. At first glance, everything on the surface seemed fine, but some of the others (Olin and Ushrir among them) were looking around in confusion.
“It came from over there.” Ushrir pointed to the northwest of the main area, toward a grouping of small ponds, and they headed in that direction.
As they drew closer, Imic came into view, walking around a tree and studying it closely. Then he hefted his axe, and landed a mighty blow. Pieces of bark flew off, and a shallow scratch appeared on the trunk.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/64qkjm.png)
Lotu looked around at the cleared area in approval, then licked his lips in thought.
“Nice job, Imic.” He started slowly. “It looks like you’re chopping plenty of trees, but—“
“Where’s the wood!” Olin jumped in, coming straight to the point that Lotu had been planning to make a little more gently.
Imic motioned toward the piles of logs already beginning to litter the ground. “There. That should be plenty, right?”
“What about there!” Olin pointed emphatically. “I see five big stumps, and very few logs. Where’s. The. Rest?”
“Oh, those? Uh…they’re...around. Somewhere over there.” He made a vague gesture toward the pools.
Lotu’s stomach dropped. He didn’t.
He walked over to the nearest pool, then the next. He did.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2qjye88.png)
That’s going to be bitch.
“Imic, who do you think is going to have to fish them out of there?”
“They’re where!?” Lotu could almost see Olin vibrating with anger. “Ooohh! How do you expect me to build furniture or anything else if you drop all my wood at the bottom of a lake?”
Imic shrugged. “It was convenient. Anyhow, that’s where part of the defenses are goin’, right? You’ll have to drain ‘em anyway, we can fetch them then.”
Sweeping his arm toward the center of the work area, he indicated all of the other trees that had been marked for removel.
“It’s not like we need them now. There’s lots of other wood around.”
Thikut Luk give me patience. “Imic, the point is, we don’t know that we don’t need them now. We didn’t know we needed that mountain of rock until I hit water underground. What happens if all of a sudden we need more wood and you’ve sent it to the bottom of a pool?”
“Simple. I’ll chop more trees.”
Lotu took a deep breath, and blew it sharply out through his nose. “Just…try not to do it again. We have too many other things to do. And remember what King Dodok said. Whatever Whippedesteem orders, they get. We need to have plenty of wood available to make what they want, and still make what we want.”
Imic heaved a deep breath, not quite a sigh. “Fine. Fine.”
He walked toward a tree several bots away from the nearest pool, and was conspicuously careful to stand between it and the pool before he started hacking away once more.
Lotu turned to Olin, who was speechless with rage. “Don’t worry, Olin. I’ll get that wood out, but it’ll have to wait until you and Kadol make those pumps. Meanwhile, there’s still some rum left, and I need a drink. Join me?”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
27 Granite 75
All of that tangled greenery with the odd rustling noises to the west and the wide-open spaces to the east must have started playing with my friends’ minds. At dinner Kadol insisted that, since she would be in charge of building the greatest aquifer-breaching system the world has ever seen, she deserved to get a new name. A dwarf in Theaterknowledge would have asked for a new title. But, since Imic and Mooney both have new names, and we’ve started addressing Urist as “Dr. Urist” (it’s a mark of respect, especially given that she’s our only doctor, though she's started occasionally building things out of the leftover scraps...do I want to know?) I guess it’s fair that Kadol have a new name too.
She insists on “Airith”.
I have to admit, it sounds nice.
More practically, I’ve assigned Ushrir to help Airith make stone blocks. Those will be more useful than anything else she could make in the crafter’s, now that we each have our very cup. No more drinking straight out of barrels!!
______________________________________________________________________________
1 Slate 75
Things had been relatively quiet since the logs-in-pond episode. Lotu had started digging out the northeast tower, tired of sleeping in the dirt and eating in the rain. Who cares if it’s a longer walk for booze. I want a bed!
Imic chopped trees here and there, Mooney continued to “patrol”, occasionally bringing back things that he claimed were edible, but that everyone else knew to be noxious weeds. Ever since the “poison brew”, no one was willing to try anything Mooney provided.
And at the rate he’s finding real food, we’ll all starve to death long before any caravans can reach us. Maybe I should have someone else help him.
Mentally debating the pros and cons, Lotu headed up to find Airith and ask her opinion. Heading for the masonry, it took him a few minutes to realize that there was an unaccustomed sound.
Merriment? During working hours?
And it wasn’t coming from the workshops.
Lotu quickly tracked the source down at the food tent.
“What’s going on here?”
Several faces turned to him, and absently he noted that only Airith seemed to be missing.
“Lotu! Come in and join us!”
“Why? What’s going on? Don’t you all have work to do?” I know you do because I assigned most of it.
“Come on, Lotu! This is the anniversary of our arrival. Two weeks ago today!” Cheers threatened to lift the tent off its moorings, as five wooden cups clinked together.
Well…that actually sounds like a good idea.
“Airith!” Lotu stuck his head out of the tent and called across to the other side of the ramps. “Leave those blocks and come have a drink. The stone will still be there in an hour.”
(http://i64.tinypic.com/jheczd.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
14 Slate 75
Things have been tense lately. I don’t know what happened, but Mooney and Olin aren’t talking to each other. At all. Mooney seems absolutely furious, and is going out of his way to avoid her, while she just pretends that he doesn’t exist.
I don’t think I want to know.
On the plus side, I’ve finished digging out our long-term temporary quarters. And we’ve installed Olin’s beds.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/28rp2yf.png) (http://i63.tinypic.com/f3wf82.png)
Finally, we’ll be able to sleep safely underground, out of the rain. It never seems to stop and was starting to drive me bonkers. And everyone is getting short-tempered, not just Mooney and Olin.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/29yjeq9.png)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2eecsd1.png)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/3448d34.png)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/16itkhw.png)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/14mx6w.png)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/ek3q7q.png)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2s9c0w0.png)
We celebrated the move with another party, and I try not to think about our ever-dwindling booze supply. Mooney has finally started bringing in plants that look like they have some promise, but he still needs to figure out how to brew them. Preferably without killing us.
15 Slate 75
I think we partied too long yesterday, my head is killing me. I haven’t had a hangover this bad since before we left home. But even so, I finally started digging out a stockpile room. Soon we’ll be able to get our supplies underground, and not have to depend on the flimsy tent anymore.
It’s starting to look rather tattered around the edges.
23 Slate 75
I came above today and noticed something.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2lkfmgm.png)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/ipqicz.png)
This is promising. The dogs can now be trained and we can get meat out of the rest if we’re desperate. Now, who should be the trainer…and what to train them for? I need to dig. I do some of my best thinking while digging, though for now I’m keeping all of that to myself.
1 Felsite 75
Imic summoned us all to the food tent (the stockpile room is almost done). It turns out, he and Ushrir have decided to get engaged.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2468egi.png)
That explains all of the breaks they take, and why they keep disappearing together. I guess…it makes sense. We’re stuck here for the rest of our lives, far from our families and loved ones, so they’ve decided to start their own family. Maybe…
Maybe I should consider doing the same…
…
Nah.
5 Felsite 75
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2luxks3.png)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/vqr4nc.png)
Ever since Imic announced his engagement, he and Ushrir have been all over each other. In public.
GET A ROOM!
I’m glad I’m underground so much. At least I’m spared the majority of those tasteless displays, but my poor comrades..
Still…it must be nice to be in love, there’s that smile of Ushrir’s when she looks at Imic...
Stop it! Enough daydreaming, I need to check that the stockpile room is done, then start working on the rest of the aquifer-breaching system.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 30, 2016, 08:08:52 am
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on June 30, 2016, 08:27:16 am
Come to think of it, you didn't specify what starting skill setup you did use - From the names, I'd guess Mason/Building Designer for Kadǒl, all doctory labours for Urist, but no idea about the peasants or expedition leader. Olin definitely didn't start out as carpenter, for instance.
Post by: NCommander on June 30, 2016, 08:40:59 am
OOC: Due to recent events, the story requires an animal trainer. Does anyone want to volunteer their dwarf, or shall I draft someone? I'll hold off on playing further until 4ish forum time (5ish U.S. Eastern).
-Dame de la Licorne
I'm volunteering! I always love getting a ranger dwarf.
(are you going to do a breeding project here, or you letting migrants on the map?)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 30, 2016, 08:53:13 am
Come to think of it, you didn't specify what starting skill setup you did use - From the names, I'd guess Mason/Building Designer for Kadǒl, all doctory labours for Urist, but no idea about the peasants or expedition leader. Olin definitely didn't start out as carpenter, for instance.
That's because only Kadol (Airith), Dr. Urist, and the two militia-dwarves (Imic & Mooney) got skills. I thought it'd be interesting to have only peasants round out the other three (the Mountainhome views them as disposable, but none of them know that...maybe?). Most of the necessary skills are easily trained, though some (like animal training, and worse, doctors) are not. Plus, I needed enough points to bring all that "worthless" stone (yes, I know I can change that in the advanced parameters, but this way it'll be a little more
I'm volunteering! I always love getting a ranger dwarf.
(are you going to do a breeding project here, or you letting migrants on the map?)
Probably both, depending on how the story goes. Right now both Olin (who is acting as our carpenter) and Ushrir (who is helping with masonry) are undorfed. No migrants yet, but it's early summer still. Would you like one of those two, or would you prefer to wait for a migrant (assuming they arrive)?
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: NCommander on June 30, 2016, 08:59:20 am
On doctors; I scienced it fairly heavily back in DF2012. Their skills relate to speed, not actual success (this appears to have changed in DF2010). That being said, the one time I got a Legendary+5 across the board doctor, he operated at caffeine bullet time speeds. If you want to use DFhack, you can use dwarfvet to train them on animals, I have a plugin that makes animal caretakers work, but it uses the doctors skills vs. AC.
EDIT: For training animal trainers, you might want to see if you can trap vermin and then dispose (which can be irritating to do). No good way to grind up that skill.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 30, 2016, 09:10:07 am
I'll take one of the peasants. If possible, can you also train them to dabble in Armorsmithing? With luck, a mood will strike and I can become one of the most useful dwarfs in the place.
I'm giving you Ushrir (do you want a custom nickname?). Also, I do this as a matter of course with any dwarf possessing either unmoodable or otherwise unwanted (read, easily trained) skills. But right now it'll need to wait for metal availability.
If you want to use DFhack, you can use dwarfvet to train them on animals, I have a plugin that makes animal caretakers work, but it uses the doctors skills vs. AC.
I'll have to look into this.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: NCommander on June 30, 2016, 09:15:41 am
I feel like our playstyles are way too similar >.>;. I'm curious if you burned down Atolasob with a dragon yet though.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 30, 2016, 09:22:15 am
I'm curious if you burned down Atolasob with a dragon yet though.
Who said anything about dragons!? *Suspicious glare*
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: NCommander on June 30, 2016, 09:39:01 am
Who said anything about dragons!? *Suspicious glare*
-Dame de la Licorne
Because I already did that joke in Breadbowl. http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=152568.0 - look at the main index to see what happened *last* time I messed with a dragon.
If you actually caught a dragon, PM me the save. You can DFHack out the enemy tags which cause dragons to remain hostile to your civ even after capturing and taming. Making dragon breeding actually VIABLE.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 30, 2016, 10:00:50 am
Because I already did that joke in Breadbowl. http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=152568.0 - look at the main index to see what happened *last* time I messed with a dragon.
I've been following that thread...that was you? *Goes to re-read relevant post.*
If you actually caught a dragon, PM me the save. You can DFHack out the enemy tags which cause dragons to remain hostile to your civ even after capturing and taming. Making dragon breeding actually VIABLE.
I've never managed to successfully capture a dragon (then again only one has ever arrived, I haven't even seen a cave dragon). I've had better luck with hydras and such. If you can actually breed dragons, finding a way to lure a couple to a fort and cage them just became
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: NCommander on June 30, 2016, 10:14:47 am
Hydras would also be a viable breeding project. DOn't know of anyone who's done THAT.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 30, 2016, 10:23:59 am
Hydras would also be a viable breeding project. DOn't know of anyone who's done THAT.
I tried once. I
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on June 30, 2016, 10:44:19 am
They're attractive for pillboxing, though come 43.03 I think only slade bridges can withstand dragonfire. Otherwise, I guess the dog-sized pet dragons can bite a fire demon. Still, in many ways doing cave dragons like ArchCrystal does have booze safety benefits.
Hydras are probably best farmable megabest - breed wild, require no nest boxes and easily giving multiple pieces of very valuable leather when finally torn asunder.
Though they don't match the mod value of rocs and dragons. There, rocs seem to win given how they're tameable and grow faster, though as superweapon wild flying-capable aviary does seem somewhat attractive.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 30, 2016, 11:04:37 am
You probably know, but vjek has a world with female and male dragon lair on embark, if that interests you.
They're attractive for pillboxing, though come 43.03 I think only slade bridges can withstand dragonfire. Otherwise, I guess the dog-sized pet dragons can bite a fire demon. Still, in many ways doing cave dragons like ArchCrystal does have booze safety benefits.
Hydras are probably best farmable megabest - breed wild, require no nest boxes and easily giving multiple pieces of very valuable leather when finally torn asunder.
Though they don't match the mod value of rocs and dragons. There, rocs seem to win given how they're tameable and grow faster, though as superweapon wild flying-capable aviary does seem somewhat attractive.
So many ideas...
Looking through the historical figures of this world...even more ideas. Will they pan out? Only time will tell.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 30, 2016, 05:53:13 pm
Lotu had taken a break from digging, and was flooring the surface of the living tower with Imic.
A sudden bellow from the aurochs cow split the peaceful afternoon.
“What has her upset?” Imic wondered.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/efy2v.png)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2hgs9jb.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/33mtp9g.png)
Dr. Urist came tottering up, arriving out of breath.
“Lotu! We need to protect the ho-hahaha-hoa-hohoho hao hihihi hoar –“
“Whahahahahahahaha!”
The three doubled over in laughter.
Several minutes later, Lotu finally caught his breath enough to chortle, “Hoard? That pile of rock? I shudder to think what that poor creature is used to, if it thinks this is a ‘hoard’!“ His gesture encompassed the flatness that, other than the steadily decreasing number of trees, as yet showed little sign of dwarven occupancy.
Imic sobered. “I’ll get Mooney and we’ll chase it off. Wouldn’t want it runnin’ off with the anvil. That’s the only valuable thing we’ve got.” Hefting his axe, he grabbed the helm he had removed earlier that hot, humid day, and headed south.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/153qy3d.png)
He didn’t return until after sunset. “Mooney, you sorry bastard! Where are you? I’ve spent the entire day gettin’ so hot ‘n’ sweaty my armor’s stickin’ to me through my clothes chasin’ that little blighter! YOU WERE S’PPOSED TO HELP!”
Mooney looked around vaguely. “Huh? That was urgent? I was enjoying a nice cup of ale.” In fact, the cup was still in his hand, half full. Mooney had had another episode, staring into space for hours, contemplating only-Armok-knew-what.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/27y49d2.png)
“You’re hopeless.” Imic grumbled, pouring himself a generous serving, dwindling supplies not-withstanding.
3 Hematite 75
A startled squeak sounded from the eastern end of the pasture, and a pair of large pointy ears suddenly popped above the shrubbery.
“Another one!”
(http://i64.tinypic.com/s4vsep.png)
Imic was on the western side, but gamely headed toward the distant interloper. Mooney, however, was seemingly determined to make up for his inattention the day before. Wielding his crossbow like a hammer, he charged toward the hapless kobold.
That one, seeing the irate dwarf bearing down on him, turned so quickly that he tripped over his own two feet. In a haphazard scrambling, crawling run, he dashed eastward, crying the entire time, “Tayldis sorry! Tayldis apologize! Tayldis not mean it! Tayldis sorry! Tayldis going! See? Tayldis leaving! Tayldis goooonnee!”
(http://i66.tinypic.com/14wao7n.png)
Mooney chased him until they were almost out of sight of the tower, before finally stopping and shaking his fist after the departing wannabe thief. The watching dwarves had no difficulty in interpreting the gesture.
“And don’t come back!”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
3 Hematite 75
Having two thieves try their luck with us made us re-evaluate our security measures.
They were non-existent.
We were lucky. Both that the animals were vigilant in our place, and that the thieves tried to approach through the pasture.
Even though we have nothing of value, just heavy stone, who would believe that? We are dwarves, after all, renowned for our craftsdwarfship. We must take proper measures.
Imic and Mooney will now officially split their time between actual military duty (namely, guarding our workshops and living quarters), training (they’ve asked Olin for some relevant furniture, which means putting the pump components on hold for a few days), and their civilian duties of woodcutting and plant/brewing-related stuff.
I’ve already had the dogs moved from the pasture to our rock pile. The two puppies are having the time of their life playing in and around the massive boulders we somehow dragged here from home. The two adults (both females) seem to miss the nice, cool shade of the shrubbery lining the pasture. I don’t blame them, the summer days here are hot.
They’ll be a good warning system and should be able to defend our vulnerable supplies until I finish the stockpile room below.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2w2rh1y.png)
Ushrir also insisted that we build a forge, because “we really need to nail down that anvil.” Apparently she likes anvils. I saw no problem with it, so we now have a shiny new forge, though no metal to inaugurate it with.
10 Hematite 75
At lunchtime, Airith and Ushrir reported that they’ve made not only enough blocks to finish flooring the tower’s surface level, but also the stockpile room that I’ve just about finished digging (only two bots to go, it’ll be done tomorrow).
By unanimous vote, we’ve decided to floor the room before moving our supplies in. The idea of worms and other vermin from the soil getting into the food is…nauseating. Not to mention, sand gets everywhere. And I do mean everywhere. Digging it, I’ve noticed that.
All other jobs have been temporarily suspended while we get that floor laid down, then we’ll be able to sleep at night with all of our stuff safely under a ceiling of dirt. Stone would be better, but this will do for now.
______________________________________________________________________________
11 Hematite 75
“Bilberries again! We had bilberries last night!”
“And the night before that!”
The dwarves groaned at the unimaginative fare. The food supplies were almost gone, having gotten them through the spring. Soon, they would have to hunt, which would mean any other chores would fall by the wayside.
The grumbling and complaining drowned out the whistling approaching outside, but even so hardly anyone looked up when Mooney threw back the tent flap.
“Look at this!”
Mooney tossed his load down on the barrel serving as a table, garnering everyone’s attention at once.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2q1vvb6.png)
“Prickle berries!” They chorused. Finally, something that was actually edible.
“Is that…lettuce?” Olin breathed. "Oh, I could kiss you! But I won't."
“What’s that stuff?” Dr. Urist pointed to several weeds that Mooney had included.
“Some of it’s longland grass, we can brew that. This stuff over here, that looks like it might some kind of bitter melon. And then that other stuff, I think that’s rice, which should also make a halfway decent booze.”
“You think?” Imic responded. “The last time you ‘thought’ you’d found something brewable, we all ended up at death’s door for three days!”
“Yeah, yeah!” No one had yet forgotten that experience, and none wished to repeat it.
“Calm down, Imic! I’ll keep collecting the plants we know are edible until we’ve built up our stocks, and I’ll experiment on my own time.”
“Just don’t expect us to taste-test.” Dr. Urist growled. “One poisoning was plenty, thank you.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
12 Hematite 75
Well, things have gotten a bit more dissturbing since the beginning of summer. Throughout the spring, all we saw were some badgers and the occasional bird. So far this summer, in addition to the birds and now, an armadillo, Olin has reported sighting a monitor lizard. It seems to watch us from the deepest undergrowth of the south-west portion of forest. This is not reassuring.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/35bxb7o.png)
There is also the occasional moose, and Mooney supposedly saw some sort of bird-person (person-bird? birdon? persird?). But, given his “episodes”, none of us believe him.
But…better be safe.
Ushrir volunteered to train our adult dogs for war. She’s really turning into our dwarf-of-all-trades, always willing to lend a hand. Nothing seems to faze her self-confidence.
14 Hematite 75
The frequent rains from the spring have developed into almost constant rain now. I’m very glad we moved underground when we did, sleeping in this would be the worst punishment imaginable, save a hammering.
With the rain and humidity, the bugs have come out with a vengeance. We’ve found so many worms and other creepy crawlies in our meals (today was a record twenty-four) that I went and pulled the kitten away from his bush shelter and locked him into the tent. Everyone has orders not to let him out, on pain of catching the vermin themselves, so hopefully he will take care of the bug problem for us.
That tent is really getting tattered, with rain leaking in at some of the seams so it’s a good that that we’ve finished flooring the stockpile room, and we’re ready to start moving supplies tomorrow.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/n3uibb.png)
With well over 300 heavy boulders…
This will take us the rest of the summer.
While prioritizing our supplies for the move (food first, rocks last), I noticed something. Olin has been working furiously in the carpentry, but we have no bins. No barrels! (Other than those we brought along with us, that is.)
When I went to speak to Olin about this glaring oversight, I noticed:
(http://i67.tinypic.com/98r2ag.png)
Who ordered a bookcase?!
Dr. Urist, of course. She really wants that library, so I’ve designated a corner of the common area for her use.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/fjdeae.png)
Once Olin has made some more bins and barrels, and the armor stand and weapon rack the militia requires, we’ll see about getting some other furniture and making it a bit more like home. I’m tired of eating standing up or squatting on the floor, with only barrels as makeshift tables.
15 Hematite 75
Good news! Mooney’s finally figured out what plants are edible, and our food stocks are increasing every day.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/axhcsk.png)
He’s also made a borderline acceptable rice beer. Of course, we all insisted that he drink it, and only tried it when it was clear that he wasn’t going to keel over. I was a little queasy after, but it has promise. I’ve ordered him to brew several of the inedible plants as an experiment, because I don’t know if anyone else realizes that our drink stocks are almost gone, and I really don’t want to field those complaints.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/rlgy9i.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/o0xw1k.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
20 Hematite 75
Imic was chopping the next-to-last tree to the southeast of the Hole, when something odd caught his attention. Freezing, he squinted, trying to make out the distant movement. Slowly it drew closer, until he realized:
(http://i68.tinypic.com/s12b8w.png)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/xf708w.png)
Greeting the fivesome, he led them back to the Hole, where Lotu was debating the merits of Mooney’s latest brewing attempt. The others soon also gathered around, drawn by the sound of new voices. These were the first dwarves they had seen since departing Singedclasped the previous fall, and all were eager for news of home.
Chief among them was Sodel's announcement. “King Dodok instructed me to inform you to expect the first caravan sometime during Limestone. They are to stop here on their way to Whippedesteem.”
This was greeted with silence. In the busyness of creating the start of a new home, and finding solutions to the food situation, they had managed to forget the reason they found themselves in the middle of nowhere in the first place.
“Did he give you any information as to what Whippedesteem might want?” Olin asked.
She, Ushrir, and Airith, would be the ones to make most of it, so naturally she was concerned.
“No. I’m sorry.”
The jubilant attitude present just that morning, due to the successful booze brewing, was noticeably absent as six of the starting seven returned to work. It might well have been a completely different group.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
20 Hematite 75
We received five migrants today.
Sodel, a clothier by trade, is married to Erib, a gelder.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2je6vqb.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2q8ugp4.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/20hswn9.png) (http://i66.tinypic.com/jfkuar.png)
I’m not sure how much use we have for either, though Erib may be useful when we get around to butchering things. Anyway, Sodel apparently managed to lead them all the way here from Singedclasped, so he’s probably going to prove useful.
Vutok, a bone specialist, and the hammerdwarf Lokum, who happens to be Erib’s nephew, have one child, Udil.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/sggv1y.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2lw91fs.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/1418j6v.png)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2iuqnn7.png) (http://i66.tinypic.com/s4wgmr.png)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/dbt72o.png)
For full accuracy, I should write that Lokum claims to be a hammerdwarf. He arrived with no hammer, no armor, no weapon of any kind. Supposedly they were all lost when they crossed the Mire of Slaughter (a particularly nasty swamp, I remember). Still, why wasn’t he wearing the armor, at the very least?
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2f06tyq.png)
I’ll arrange for Lokum to train with Imic. After all, if he lost his hammer, he can’t complain that he gets an axe instead.
Vutok owns a cavy boar, and they brought along a fat female piglet, because Vutok apparently likes pig cheese. Well, if she likes it so much, I know what her job is going to be.
Udil is barely eleven, so next year we’ll be able to put him to work.
Anyway, both animals have been pastured with the rest of the herd, and I stopped by Airith’s masonry to ask her to design a trade depot for us. It sounds like we’re going to need it.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/n3xi84.png)
We're going to need more beds, too.
______________________________________________________________________________
OOC: Here is the current dwarf list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Post by: NCommander on June 30, 2016, 06:12:31 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 30, 2016, 06:24:33 pm
Oooh, kobolds. I haven't seen them in 0.42.xx at all! Your fort must beblessedcursed.
FTFY. The only way I avoid kobolds is by turning invaders off. Otherwise, every fort I ever played has always had to deal with a kobold infestation.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: NCommander on June 30, 2016, 06:59:51 pm
Anyway, this fort just needs a k ambush. "An ambush! Sulking filth!", and remember you don't have flying webber death coming.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 30, 2016, 07:20:17 pm
You need more DF2010. There was a very long period where kobolds would be killed off in worldgen to the point they got near mythical. Then they went the other way and could successfully raid vaults ...I always do short world gens (habit from when the megabeasts would die during world gen), so I must not have encountered that bug.
Anyway, this fort just needs a k ambush. "An ambush! Sulking filth!", and remember you don't have flying webber death coming.
Kobolds are simple (other than bolts/arrows targeting unprotected civilians). I have tougher problems right now.
(http://icons.iconarchive.com/icons/femfoyou/angry-birds/icons-390.jpg)
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: NCommander on June 30, 2016, 07:24:01 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 30, 2016, 09:03:27 pm
3 Malachite 75
Mooney and Olin have had so many arguments since we arrived, I was starting to think they really didn’t like each other, even though they both claim to be friends. But it seems that Imic and Ushrir are not the only ones who have decided to settle here, rough though our new home is.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/29cs08l.png)
Maybe now things will settle down and we can go quietly about our tasks?
11 Malachite 75
With Airith having some training in building design and machines, I have spent many hours consulting with her. Granted, not all of them were truly necessary, but during that time I have come to realize just what a fine dwarf she really is. Today I am truly a lucky dwarf, for she has agreed to be my wife. We have yet to set a wedding date, with all the work to be done, but for now, it is enough simply to hold my beloved close and dream of the future we will have, here in Finderboards (Atolasob).
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2r2anwy.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
1 Galena 75
With a thundering of hooves, the herd went from grazing peacefully to scattering in a panic.
“Wha-?”
“Huh?”
“Hey!”
(http://i64.tinypic.com/wcelnt.png)
The puzzled dwarves ran after the stampeding animals, slowly managing to round them up. But, every time they approached the pasture, the animals would become terrified again.
“There’s nothing there. What’s gotten into them?” Olin cried out in exasperation.
Vubok finally had the bright idea to look up. And pointed.
“Look, up there! Do you see them?”
Everyone looked up. Six bots above, circled almost a dozen keas.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/w8x25k.png)
“Oh. They’re just birds.”
Still, it took the rest of the day for the eleven adult dwarves to coax the almost twenty herd animals back into the pasture.
7 Galena 75
“Lotu!” Dr. Urist had managed to track Lotu down, where he was digging out a section of the aquifer-breaching system. “I just wanted to tell you, I really appreciate my little library.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” But what do you want now?
“But I’m afraid I can’t give Imic any water because we don’t have any buckets.”
(http://i68.tinypic.com/29futsg.png)
Wait, what?
“Why does Imic need water?”
Dr. Urist shrugged.
“OK, OK. I'll tell Olin to build, how many would you say we need?”
“One, definitely, two would be better, three would be great.”
“Alright, I’ll tell her.”
Dr. Urist nodded and walked off.
Yet another thing that fell by the wayside when we started in on Airith’s sweeping breaching plans. I need to start making to-do lists.
But why does Imic need water?
Abandoning the excavation, Lotu made a beeline for a still, where he found Mooney tightening the last peg on his first official keg of rice beer.
“What happened to the rest of our drinks?”
“Sodel’s group guzzled it all. The only booze we have now is what I make.”
(http://i65.tinypic.com/166f4hz.png)
“Oh, right. There’s twelve of us now. Well, do your best Mooney, but if you need an extra pair of hands, I’ll grab one of the newcomers. They drank our last reserves, they can do the work to make more.”
I hope that's not a sign of things to come.
“Ah, no, no. I can handle it. I’m pretty sure I’ve got it down now. Taste this.” So saying, Mooney grabbed a nearby cup and poured a generous mouthful from the keg.
Lotu took a cautious sip, then a larger one. “Hey, this is quite good! Keep it up, Mooney.” Slapping the other dwarf on the back, Lotu headed over to the carpentry, savoring the last of the beer.
Sticking his head into the carpentry, he spied Olin hard at work. “Hey Olin, could you add three buckets to the list?”
“First beds, corkscrews and pipes, then barrels and bins now please! Then tables and chairs, but I really can’t complain about those, and now buckets? Yes master, right away slavedriver! I’ll get to them faster if you go. Shoo!”
(http://i63.tinypic.com/rcol5z.png)
Lotu smiled, shaking his head. Raising the cup he held in her direction, he headed back to his own task, draining the final dregs of his beer. She doesn’t mean it. Not really.
And that’s some damn good beer.
8 Galena 75
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2zduf4h.png)
“What! How did they get underground?”
Lotu raced down to the stockpile room, but everything seemed fine. No terrified dwarves, and the kitten seemed perfectly happy with his new stalking grounds. Not a kea in sight. Puzzled, Lotu retraced his steps, emerging from the Hole in time to see another kea dart into the carpentry and fly away, triumphantly holding another corkscrew in its sharp talons.
“The effrontery!” Olin snarled, hands on her hips. “Every time I leave to fetch another log, they come diving in. Do something!”
Lotu licked his lips, thinking hard.
We could try traps, but in the time it would take to build anything those dratted birds would make off with half of Olin’s hard work. No traps, but shelve that thought for later.
Scanning around for ideas, he remembered the war dogs stationed on the slowly shrinking rock pile.
“Wait here, I’ll be right back.”
He quickly trotted over to Ushrir’s masonry, and explained what he wanted. Ushrir readily agreed, and they returned with one of the dogs. Kneeling down to murmur something to the dog, Ushrir then said “Guard” and headed back to her task.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/vfi51g.png)
The dog gazed after her soulfully for a moment, then made a thorough sniffing circuit of the carpentry, before sitting down with her ears pricked, clearly on alert.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/709dac.png)
“That should do it. She should scare the birds away.”
Olin nodded, and went back to work.
12 Galena 75
Things had been peaceful for several days, as the keas saw the duty dog and veered away.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/1zlfbih.png)
“That’s the fastest I’ve ever seen a cavy move.” Olin remarked to Mooney, but not really paying attention to what she was saying. She was enjoying this quiet time together far too much.
A sudden spate of barking inexorably drew her attention, however, just in time to see a veritable horde of keas descending on the carpentry.
“Oh no!”
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2va18jn.png)
“Don’t worry love, I’ll protect it, and you.” He gave her a quick kiss and grabbed his crossbow and bolts.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/zjdu0p.png)
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
15 Galena 75
With Mooney actually doing his job, we haven’t had any more problems with the keas. Granted, half of his bolts miss (those stupid birds are very good at dodging), and we’ll have a devil of a time finding them all in the jungle, but we saved most of the corkscrews.
We’ve also been able to focus on making our common area a little more welcoming. We have to take turns, but soon there will be no more sitting in the dirt and eating on barrels. Ever.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2ag5blt.png)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 30, 2016, 09:51:29 pm
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 01, 2016, 01:37:44 am
.....Not sure if animals will jump down from overhangs, tbh, since by the time I considered that instead last and first time I already had killed off keas AND discovered the caverns for in-door pastures. But they can jump over 1-tile gaps easily.
Anyway, first kobolds, now keas.....How about putting bait items visible somewhere with only way of approach being through a bouncing minecart grinder?
Unless you want to save the kobolds for something. Tricky, given their trapavoid nature, but here minecarts can help too - put one on a pressure plate, and when they steal it off the plate sends off signal, closing their way out.
NCommander: Could have titans, though not yet with that pop.
Post by: Gwolfski on July 01, 2016, 03:32:44 am
Scattered notes of Dr. Urist
Oh, the supplies came. I know most of them ain't for us but... maybe we can get a bit of paper from them? Then, if I get a table and chair in the dining-library, I could write some stuff!
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 01, 2016, 10:29:41 am
2 Limestone 75
The Unending Kea Panic of 75 has taught me one thing. We need walls, or we'll be spending all our time chasing animals. Looking around, I realized that Imic had been rather efficient at chopping wood, and we have plenty of the stuff. Personally, I would rather it be stone, but we need to keep that for aquifer-breaching purposes. The wood will do for now.
While I was out walking the perimeter, planting stakes avery few bots to mark where the walls should go, I startled yet another kobold straight into one of the muskoxen.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/34gr2bp.png)
The Great Kobold Chase ensued, as the militia interrupted their training to run the oversize vermin off.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/35i7g28.png) (http://i65.tinypic.com/5u3i8l.png)
Those things always seem to work in groups.
Once Imic, Mooney and Lokum were satisfied that the would-be thieves were well on the run, they returned to their makeshift training area.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/n1qb68.png) (http://i65.tinypic.com/33bhd8z.png)
12 Limestone 75
(http://i63.tinypic.com/zo74w5.png)
We have spotted the caravan in the distance. Finally! We will be able to send messages home, and learn the latest news. I look forward to seeing new faces for the next few days.
But, looking over our supplies, I realize we have very little to trade. Damn those keas.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2qsv3o9.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/sbotjo.png)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/141k1du.png)
Imic also came to me, displaying his leather leggings, which are now looking very worn. He wants a new pair and, barring that, some leather to make new ones. I told him to take the worn ones to the depot, as the traders might take them, and I'll do my best to get him some new ones too.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/dorpdd.png)
I have started a list of things we need:
1) One complete set of armor for Lokum.
2) A replacement set of leggings for Imic.
3) A quiver for Mooney (somehow the mountainhome neglected to pack one for him).
4) Metal to make an axe for Lokum.
5) Extra metal for various projects.
Dr. Urist just popped her head in. She wants
6) Paper.
I'm sure more will be added as the others realize things they must have.
__________________________________________________________________________________
13 Limestone 75
(http://i64.tinypic.com/n3tf9h.png)
"Ah, there you are!"
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2ym65ww.png)
Lotu turned around and beheld
(http://i63.tinypic.com/25qeoub.png)
"Oh, hullo. Whom do I have the pleasure...?" His voice trailed off expectantly.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2hqcoqb.png)
Lotu felt his stomach drop. This was their contact with Whippedesteem. Well, maybe he's a reasonable sort of fellow?
"Would you like a drink?" He gestured toward the nearby barrel of rice beer.
"That would be wonderful. I'm paaarched!"
Once both dwarves had a cup of beer, Lotu led Logem over to the dining area.
Logem proceeded to relate the latest news.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/23r7p1t.png)
"Wait wait wait. Wait."
Lotu grabbed his map and spread it on the table, pulling out his pen at the same time. "Could you please repeat that?"
(http://i64.tinypic.com/xkoz9g.png)
Once Lotu had jotted down his notes, Logem continued. "Let's discuss what you need, and what Swordgangs requires."
"Swordgangs? No, we're supposed to be supplying Whippedesteem!"
Lotu was astonished to learn that King Dodok had confused his outposts. Isn't a King supposed to, you know, know where everything is?
He updated the maps.
To the south of the mountain range The Walls of Stilling:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/20zqidv.png)
To the north of the mountain range The Walls of Stilling:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/15qclxd.png)
"There are fifty dwarves in Swordgangs, all dependent on you to meet their needs. King Dodok is confident that you will be up to the task."
Wonderful. And there are
"Now what do you need?"
As Lotu started to go down the list, Logem suddenly held up a finger.
"Oh, I almost forgot. King Dodok instructed me to inform you that, due to the vast and dangerous distance between Finderboards and the Mountainhomes, he strongly encourages you to produce everything yourselves. To that end, he has decreed that you cannot keep more than 25,000 coin-equivalents in imported material in stock."
"And...if we do?"
"One of my duties will be to examine your settlement from top to bottom, and report any infringement."
In an apparent non-sequitor, he asked, "Do you remember Urist Addlepated?"
Lotu nodded slowly. He hadn't known the dwarf personally, but he knew of him.
"Do you know why he suffered that particular fate?"
Lotu shook his head, reluctantly. I'm not going to like this.
"King Dodok wanted a spear made of sand pear wood, and Urist brought him one made of pear wood."
I knew I wasn't going to like this.
Logem continued, "I'm sure you can imagine what his reaction would be if an entire settlement disobeyed his orders."
"Point made. If you'll excuse me, I need to double-check something before we nail down the details."
Lotu got out of there as fast as was polite.
Double-check something, right. More like gather everyone together and figure out a plan. What does King Dodok have against us, anyway? Screwing with us like this? Does he want us to fail?
No.
Not on my watch. Not to my friends. No way. No frigging hell. We. Will. NOT. Fail!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
OOC: For the outpost name (Whippedesteem->Swordgangs), I read my notes wrong and just realized it. I also thought the maps might be useful, so I'll be posting an updated one each time the liaison comes. It's interesting to note that on the north region map, only the two marked sites belong to our civ. The others belong to "The Fleshy Silver" who are currently duking it out with elves. Note on the south region map, Singedclasped and Theaterknowledge have white symbols because both of those sites share an embark region tile with an abandoned outpost. The actual mountainhomes are very much lived-in (according to legends and the exported text files).
Also, in case it hasn't been made clear, the rules of this fort (so far) are as follows:
1) Export everything in the export agreement with the dwarven caravan each year. (The first caravan is a "pass" since we don't have an export agreement yet.)
2) Use it or lose it. Everything we import must either be used in some way (so it isn't included in the import figure of the 'z' screen, and we will only decorate things we produce, so that exploit won't be used), or traded on to one of the caravans.
3) The punishment for breaking #2 has not yet been set (I have several ideas), but I'm open to suggestions (which is why the reference in-character is cryptic).
Post by: Gwolfski on July 01, 2016, 10:39:12 am
Or paper sitting in the library (in small amounts)
Post by: NCommander on July 01, 2016, 10:46:36 am
In that case, you need to be careful NOT to become a mountain home else the liaison will go away. Unless you turned on merchant nobility.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 01, 2016, 10:55:26 am
As for the punishment, one thing that I have only seen in OPs so far is going off to found a new site. With migrants from previous forts coming to next ones, this should be possible to use repeatedly. This would also make the maps more useful, especially if you're besieged.
As for decorations, haha. I almost never decorate anything myself...Poor jewelers :p
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 01, 2016, 11:00:02 am
What about, like a stack of gypsum plaster sitting in the hospital, waiting for emergencies?
Or paper sitting in the library (in small amounts)
We can make gypsum powder (The Figure of Diving has access to gypsum rock, which is cheaper than bags of the powder), and bought sheets can easily be turned into quires, which can also be stored in the library and used for writing.
But cases like that are why I made the limit 25,000, and I'm also limiting migrant waves, only allowing them in when the story demands it. My experience doing this in test forts is that the first two migrant waves won't bring enough to throw the imported amount over that limit (unless we get an unusually big wave). And if we are over the limit, we have until the caravan leaves each year to get back under. The clothing immigrants wear is the biggest potential issue, but as long as I keep the waves small and have made-on-site clothes for them to change into as soon as their clothes start showing wear (and don't give them cabinets until they don't own any imported clothes anymore), I should be able to
It's actually one of the reasons I really like this world. Swordgangs was generated where it is (I didn't embark/retire there), and the massive distance between it and the rest of civilization gave me the initial idea for this fort.
Oooh, an export challenge. Are you going to try and make everything they want or just export what you have?
We have to make everything (otherwise it's not really a challenge). And yes, that means keeping some metal/rock on hand until we can breach the aquifer.
In that case, you need to be careful NOT to become a mountain home else the liaison will go away.
That's actually pretty easy, as long as I don't offer anything to the caravans (and I never do until/unless I decide I want to deal with the monarch). I just need to hope that none of my dwarves inherit the position.
You haven't been cooking those gathered plants, I take it?
No, but that's part of the plan. At least one of the migrants will end up spending their entire life in the kitchen/brewery.
As for the punishment, one thing that I have only seen in OPs so far is going off to found a new site. With migrants from previous forts coming to next ones, this should be possible to use repeatedly. This would also make the maps more useful, especially if you're besieged.
And this is being held in reserve as the most severe punishment possible, if we continuously exceed the import cap, or do so by a lot (e.g. we fail to protect a caravan and/or fail to dispose of the evidence in a timely manner).
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 01, 2016, 11:20:55 am
It'd be thematically appropriate to import the materials the dozen dwarves like, however.
Did you set migrant cap at 19 dwarves, or are you planning on atomsmashing some attackers' (clothes)?
If you're truly planning on actually doing much beneath the aquifer, the sooner you pierce it the less you have to relocate and replan. Wider holes for living spaces can be more easily made after the pierce as well.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 01, 2016, 11:36:26 am
Rocks are cheaper than powder, yes, but they weight more. Granted, I have no idea if they will bring bigger wagons for that or just less stuff.
My experience is that they bring more wagons, but they may be responding to me "overpaying" instead.
It'd be thematically appropriate to import the materials the dozen dwarves like, however.
I'm not sure how much I could get given the cap, but story-wise that would add flavor, and I have a spreadsheet of everything they like for later reference.
Did you set migrant cap at 19 dwarves, or are you planning onNo, and FTFY.atomsmashingtrading some attackers' (clothes)?
If you're truly planning on actually doing much beneath the aquifer, the sooner you pierce it the less you have to relocate and replan. Wider holes for living spaces can be more easily made after the pierce as well.
The aquifer is the priority. Why do you think I keep referencing Lotu digging out this or that part of the "aquifer-breaching system"? Besides, everything I'm digging out right now has an immediate purpose and long-term purpose. That's how I've done things ever since I figured out how to breach my second aquifer (cuts down on OCD-related rage-quitting).
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 01, 2016, 11:44:59 am
Hm. What are you doing with migrant cap then, rolling cap with that dfhack plugin? What's it set at :3 ?
Didn't really connect Lotu digging to breaching the aquifer thanks to that huuuugeee digging areas you screenshotted earlier and due shallow aquifers being very quick to breach :P
I take it is deep aquifer, then?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 01, 2016, 12:21:38 pm
Hm. What are you doing with migrant cap then, rolling cap with that dfhack plugin? What's it set at :3 ?
Right now it's set at 50, in the init file. When I decide that enough migrants have arrived, I'll change it to something different (usually ~10), to simulate "no one wants to come."
I take it is deep aquifer, then?
There's one level of clay aquifer and several levels of stone aquifer underneath (I modded mudstone to be aquifer-bearing because I like aquifers, though the deep ones are a bit time-consuming to breach). It's why I brought a crap-load of color-coded rocks (the color-coding is for me and, other than Olin liking petrified wood (a happy accident), doesn't have any in-story meaning). :P
Didn't really connect Lotu digging to breaching the aquifer thanks to that huuuugeee digging areas you screenshotted earlier and due shallow aquifers being very quick to breach :P
Keep in mind, I showed you the plan of the lowest aquifer-free level. You've since seen smaller snapshots of a part of it, and sections above, but what is happening in the parts you haven't seen...? Dum-dum-duuuuumm.
You might be surprised where Lotu is digging.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: NCommander on July 01, 2016, 12:31:07 pm
I don't hate aquifers, but I dislike the backlog of migrants you get if it takes awhile to get through. Autounsuspend from DFHack makes it much more bareable.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 01, 2016, 12:36:01 pm
This means that the fort will get full with first 4 migrant waves or so, I suppose. Still, 50 names takes a while to learn u.u
As for mudstone aquifer, I guess you'll get dabbling engraving for moods as side effect then.
Though I recently relearned that aquifers spew water downwards when I started digging out workshops. Oops :P
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 01, 2016, 02:48:31 pm
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: NCommander on July 01, 2016, 05:08:56 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 02, 2016, 07:05:31 am
14 Limestone 75
Well, it took a few days, but Logem and I were able to hash out the import agreement. I requested leather so that we can make some more armor and a quiver for Mooney. I also asked for thread, cloth, and some cheap metal, because it’s always useful to have that on hand. I’ve also asked for some gypsum, so that we can make our own gypsum powder.
Take that, King Dodok! We’ll make the things we need.
The export agreement is below.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/axzd4z.png)
They’re crazy.
As Logem was leaving, he happened to mention that the elves had seemed interested in visiting when the dwarven caravan stopped in their inn overnight. And he was most particular about the fact that elves, apparently, won’t take anything dead. So no wood or animal products. As I accompanied him to the edge of the map (in the name of hospitality), I couldn’t help but notice all the piles of logs lying around, and thinking of all the wooden things we’ve made so far.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2zqt1s1.png)
Maybe, but I doubt it. I do know one thing.
The elves are going to hate us.
______________________________________________________________________________
14 Limestone 75 (that evening)
The dwarves had gathered around the dining table to discuss the plan. All except Udil, who was playing…somewhere, no one seemed to know where, or really cared.
Lotu started to take charge, as always, when Sodel burst out with, “Who died and left you in charge?”
Lotu fired back, “I didn’t pick this job, I was put in it. If you think you can do it better, then be my guest. Take it up with the king and I’ll gladly give this to you!” He waved the sheaf of papers Logem had left.
Leaning his palms on the table he leaned forward. “But right now, I’m in charge. You got a problem with that?”
A minute passed, then another as the two dwarves locked stares, neither one blinking.
Finally, Sodel leaned backward. “Fine. Ye’re in charge.” Too quietly for the other to hear, he murmured, “Fer now.”
Lotu nodded and glanced down at his notes. “OK, some of this is going to be really easy. They want rings and ammo. Ushrir, can you take care of that?”
Ushrir nodded. She was more than ready for a change from masonry, and happily accepted the list Lotu handed her.
“They also want blocks. We need our stone for the aquifer, but there’s tons of wood lying around. Olin, can you make them some?”
Olin rolled her eyes at yet another task, but nodded and accepted her portion of the list fairly cheerfully, for her.
Lotu checked his master list and moved on. “Sodel, I’m assigning you to weaving-“
“I cain’t weave. I’m a clothier.”
“How much cloth have you got right now?”
Sodel frowned but reluctantly admitted “None.”
“If you don’t weave, you won’t have any cloth to work with.”
Sodel snorted irritably. “Give me that list.”
(http://i66.tinypic.com/30x9ysn.png)
Scanning it he yelped, “I have to make how many cloth bracelets??”
“There are fifty dwarves there, so fifty, according to Logem.”
“We don’t have that much cloth!”
Lotu responded, “I know. I’m going to be speaking to the traders tomorrow, I’m pretty sure I saw some cloth bins as they were unloading. How many bracelets can you make from one piece of cloth?”
“Hum.” Sodel thought for a moment. “Anywhere from one to three, depends on the cloth.”
“Dr. Urist, you’re the ma-“
Urist didn’t let him finish. “He’ll need 17 units of cloth to make 51 bracelets, assuming he can get three bracelets per cloth piece.”
Lotu made a note. “I’ll try to get a minimum of 17 units of cloth then. That’s about two bins worth. And we’ll need 50 units of leather to make quivers.”
Sodel had continued to scan the list. “And 150 pieces of actual cloth? We can’t produce that much! Not without silk!”
Lotu nodded in agreement. “But we can try. I’ll get as much thread as I can from the traders, that’ll give us a start. Then, if they have any cave thistle seeds, I’ll take a day away from the drainage system and carve out an underground farm plot, so we can start to grow that.”
Sodel wasn’t finished. “But we won’t have any cave thistle to process until almost winter, if we’re lucky, and someone will need to process it before I can do anything with it. We’re never going to satisfy this.”
“If we don’t, it won’t be because we didn’t try.” Lotu responded, then moved on before Sodel could muster another argument. “The next item is bars. We can fill that by making ash and charcoal, since we have no metal and they failed to specify what they wanted, so we need someone to become a wood burner for a little while.” He made another note.
“What about the cut gems?” Erib asked.
“We’ve got all that stone, maybe someone can practice gem cutting.” Airith suggested.
Heads nodded around the table so Lotu made another note.
“Which brings me to the last items. Meat & fish. One of us will have to learn to fish, and hunt-“
“No.” Mooney interrupted. “Wooden bolts are useless for hunting, and I need every metal one to defend against the depredations of those pesky birds!”
“Then-“
“No hunting.” Imic corroborated. “Not until this one,” he jabbed his thumb towards Lokum, “learns that axes have blades!”
“Couldn’t he-“
“No! Either I train him, or he’s a danger to life and limb to everybody,” a finger jabbed in emphasis with each word, “sitting in this room!”
“Fine, no hunting. How do you suggest we get meat then? Butchering our animals would mean no meat later.”
Olin spoke up. “Couldn’t we, you know, cage the wildlife or something? I know we need mechanisms to power Airith’s pumps, but surely we could use some to make traps? I know I can make cages, no problem.”
“Oooh, yes! And I can tame them, and then we breed them and we get meat!” Ushrir clearly liked that suggestion.
“That will take more than a year.” Erib said crushingly.
“Not if we capture two or more males and females of each. We butcher the excess, and keep breeding pairs for future use.” Ushrir seemed to have the answer.
Lotu was nodding in consideration. “That sounds like something we can try. And if worse comes to worse, we can butcher some of our animals next summer. By then they should have produced a crop of babies that we can keep around.”
One by one the other dwarves agreed.
“Now, who’s going to do what?” Lotu consulted his list. “We need a wood burner, a gem cutter, a leatherworker, and a fisher. And who was assigned as a mechanic?”
“Someone was assigned as a mechanic?” Several dwarves chorused at once.
“Yes. We needed someone to make the mechanisms for the gears and such to power Airith’s pumps, remember?”
Dr. Urist shook her head. “You never assigned anybody to that. But I volunteer.”
Lotu shut his eyes a moment, then shook his head. That would explain why no one had made any mechanisms all summer. He had just thought they were too busy. “You have the job. For the rest, let’s get a drink and some sleep, we can figure out who takes on what extra jobs tomorrow.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
16 Limestone 75
The traders brought a lot of things we could have used, including cages (some occupied by animals), but with our few acceptable trade goods, I had to focus only on the list we had compiled.
I was able to barter for 30 units of cloth and 12 units of various types of thread, so Sodel hopefully will be happy, and 20 units of leather. I also bought some metal and a few cheap gems, because it’s always good to have some of that lying around in case a project requires it, and Dr. Urist now has her paper. In return, they took all of our empty barrels and pump components, which means we have to start over from scratch.
I’ve been thinking about that, and the elves, and the cut gems we have to make, and I think we could support a dedicated glassmaker. I used our last corkscrew to barter for five bags of sand. That should be enough to get one started.
They didn’t have any cave thistle seeds, but maybe Mooney can find a surface plant we can make cloth from.
On a more positive note, the import restriction won’t be a problem for a while.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2wlzr7c.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/2eeg4dy.png)
20 Limestone 75
Work proceeds apace. We now have a new pasture, almost completely enclosed by walls (only a few more need to be built), so the animals can no longer run around the whole map whenever an imagined threat startles them.
Work efficiency has risen noticeably as a result.
With that project complete, work will begin on the super-structure Airith has deemed necessary to complete the aquifer-breaching system.
Mooney has managed to find some rope reeds, so I will designate
13 Sandstone 75
I designated a new temple zone a few days ago, and now the gods are clearly pleased.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2uj2hrt.png)
Thank you Thikut Luk, thank you Armok! Some of the migrants traveling with the caravan have decided to stay! We desperately need the extra pairs of hands if we’re to make our first quota. Our new comrades are:
Minkot Bannerthrone, a farmer specializing in honey
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2uz2elu.png)
Her husband Mebzuth Cudgelleaves, a glassmaker
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2l93487.png)
Logem Laborgirders, a gem cutter
(http://i66.tinypic.com/s60xvm.png)
Her husband Olon Worshipglazed, a leatherworker (Erib will be pleased)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2ihuirk.png)
Their daughter Ustuth Shieldfences, a child
(http://i68.tinypic.com/66gtbb.png)
Uvash Toolsport, a bookbinder
(http://i63.tinypic.com/28v8zv5.png)
His wife Mestthos Stafftown, a fishery worker
(http://i63.tinypic.com/25jvxc8.png)
And Lorbam Clawdike, a craftsdwarf
(http://i63.tinypic.com/mltikx.png)
Looking over the list, only Minkot, Uvash and Lorbam will need to be assigned new tasks. And it just so happens that we need a wood burner, a planter, and a thresher. Erib can focus on butchering (that’s like gelding, right?), once we actually manage to catch something in the traps we’re building. Minkot will take over the fields, while Vutok burns wood (she likes ash glaze, so this should be right up her alley). Uvash will take over threshing (since he’s a bookbinder), and Lorbam…I’ll assign him the managerial and bookkeeping duties. We need someone to keep an eye on quota filling.
There are now 20 of us (of which 2 are children).
We’ll need more furniture.
______________________________________________________________________________
3 Timber 75
“The keas are back!”
The shout came from Olin, who dropped the partially-finished corkscrew she had been working on.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/9aw9di.png)
This time the dwarves were ready for them. Mooney armed himself with all of the bolts he could carry (courtesy of Ushrir) and sallied forth to do battle. Imic and Lokum trailed behind, their axes at the ready.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/m7c8wn.png)
The keas didn’t have their own way. While the two axedwarves looked on helplessly, Mooney started firing at anything that moved above.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/25zh4jm.png)
"Hyah!" The bolt struck a wing, bringing the injured kea down to strike the earth with a sickening thud.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/j10zl1.png)
Another kea, bent on avenging it's brethren's fate, swooped down on the marksdwarf.
"Hahaha! I laugh in the face of death!" He let loose another bolt, which the kea dodged.
"This requires an answer!" Mooney's second bolt struck the attacking kea in the head. "Bull's eye!" He crowed as the corpse fell like a stone.
He continued firing a steady stream of bolts, racing from one side of the pasture to another, as the keas dodged desperately.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/14kce46.png)
Inevitably, the keas realized that this was a fight they couldn't win.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/rkdfmt.png)
With the keas scattering in disarray, Mooney bragged, "Did you see? Did you see? I've gotten better at shooting!"
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2qcph09.png)
Picking those up is going to be a pain. Lotu thought, looking around at the scattered bolts from the top of the pasture wall. But, that's a better problem to have.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/e6aedz.png)
Amid all the ruckus from fighting, no one realized that Olin had announced Finderboards’ first masterpiece.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/5vvg4l.png)
Thanks to Mooney, there were now some corpses to butcher.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/apbva1.png) (http://i65.tinypic.com/ppv7q.png)
Unfortunately, when Erib tried to butcher one, she realized that it was much too small to give any decent meat, calling it “guts, feathers and bone, and not much of that, either.” She flatly refused to butcher any more.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
22 Timber 75
I knew I could count on Lorbam.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/aypvut.png)
28 Timber 75
Winter is just around the corner but we have already made progress toward meeting quota during the last month and a half.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2j1rd35.png)
The meat and fish are my biggest concern, as we have none of them, and Mestthos is having no luck with fishing. Is she even a fisherdwarf? Hopefully we'll be able to manage. Please, Armok. Please?
______________________________________________________________________________
OOC:
...blowgun training...Duly noted.
Also: Currently-dwarfed list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Edit: Forgot the dorfed list.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 02, 2016, 08:11:54 am
I'd be quite surprised if you had no hemp, cotton, ramie or kenaf as far as plant cloth goes, though.
For fish, though...Might need to go see if you can catch aquifer turtles, or cave fishes.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 02, 2016, 09:50:47 am
So, Sodul and Lotu have a grudge against each other?
Not yet, but they're not showing up on each other's relationship screen at all, so I'm going with it.
I'd be quite surprised if you had no hemp, cotton, ramie or kenaf as far as plant cloth goes, though.
I'm supposed to have them (according to DFHack's region-pops), but Mooney hasn't found any yet...
For fish, though...Might need to go see if you can catch aquifer turtles, or cave fishes.
The fish has me worried. So far Mestthos (the fisherdwarf) keeps saying "there is nothing to catch..." And one of the first things I did after the export agreement was to dig out a pool in the eastern aquifer. I'm digging another one in the western aquifer (different biome), so we shall see.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 02, 2016, 10:11:26 am
0 of fiber plants on prospect either? Will have to wait, then. Though caverns might have preexistent pig tails to gather with herbalist.
Did you enforce zone-only fishing? I see there's also a murky pool on the surface.
Post by: MoonyTheHuman on July 02, 2016, 10:43:03 am
i've been thinking about how we can defend this place...
:===><
: is a roller that rolls west
= is a ew track
> Is a downwards track that points west
< Is a downwards track that points east
Use this neverending minecart ossilater to defend any 2 wide entrance
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 02, 2016, 11:18:01 am
For heavy surrounding-destroying assault such as clown car, you should prefer a percussion corridor or watergun - both are unjammable.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 02, 2016, 05:44:28 pm
“Thief! Protect the
(http://i63.tinypic.com/e0fjh1.png)
But before the militia could be summoned, the kobold had already taken to her heels, racing south.
“We need more walls.” Airith decided, inspecting the location. “Imic, when you have a moment, could you cut down that tree that’s in the way?”
“I’ll do it after I finish my cabbage!” Imic called over his shoulder, not slowing his pace.
“There’s another one!” Ushrir cried from her position in the crafting workshop.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/dophro.png)
“Tayldis sorry! Tayldis sorry! Tayldis leaving! Tayldis gone!”
“That name sounds familiar…” Airith murmured. “Wasn’t he here last summer?”
Ushrir nodded in agreement. “That sounds about right. Not a very successful thief, is he?”
12 Moonstone 75
As it turned out, Lokum ended up cutting down the offending tree, since Imic decided some martial practice was more important than dealing with a random tree.
As Airith inspected the construction, occasionally knocking or kicking the framework to check for weaknesses, she came across the last weak point in the wall.
The access to the trading depot.
Tilting her head from side to side, she circled the opening, inspecting it from all sides.
A drawbridge would work, but with all the stuff we have to do… ”Ushrir!”
She headed for the crafters, where Ushrir was slowly making rings and more bolts. The latter looked up from her work. “What?”
“Can you set the dogs to guard the entrance? That should be enough to discourage any more thieves until I can get around to designing a proper drawbridge.”
“Sure. Give me a minute.”
(http://i68.tinypic.com/33mpjwj.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
25 Moonstone 75
The glassmaker, Mebzuth, has been complaining that he has no bags for sand. Further investigation revealed that all of the sand bags had been used to store various seeds, pits, and plantable fruit.
Which begs the question, why do we need to save peach pits? They’re useless! I’ll be getting rid of them at the first opportunity, but for now I’ve ordered them dumped with the kea corpses.
Sodel has also been complaining that he has no work, because we have no plant cloth to make bracelets. A look at the stockpile showed both silk and wool, so I asked him to make more bags out of that.
I wouldn’t say he was happy about it, but having some practical work to do did seem to appease him.
2 Opal 75
Two of the dogs gave birth to puppies today. I ordered the puppies moved to the pasture, where they can play in safety. As I write this, I can see them romping fearlessly around among the other animals.
______________________________________________________________________________
3 Obsidian 75
A distant cry attracted the leatherworker Olon’s attention. Cocking his head, he listened intently.
“Help! Help! I’m stuck!”
Following the cries, Olon headed south, past the skeletal framework of the southern drainage system. Eventually realizing that the cries were coming from a bitter orange tree, he looked up to see the glassmaker Mebzuth high above.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/j8f9dw.png)
“Whatch’er doin’ up thar?”
“I saw another kobold and climbed up here to get away, but now I don’t know how to get down. And I desperately need a drink.”
“Hol’ on. I’ll be righ’ back.” Shaking his head, Olon quickly fetched three units of logs and built a staircase upward. Then again, this is mild compared to some of things he did on the journey north.
“Oh, thank you, thank you! I owe you a drink!”
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2gwddv7.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
6 Obsidian 75
The last camel calf finished growing today, giving us three male two-humped camels, so Erib slaughtered the oldest one. It gave us 28 units of meat, which should have moved us significantly toward meeting that quota.
But Sodel, Lokum and Minkot promptly ate three units. I came upon them in the dining room, traces of evidence still in front of them.
I have no doubt Sodel put the others up to it. Always the rebel, that one.
As a result, I have forbidden everyone from eating the remaining 25 units.
On the positive side, I now know we can meet the meat quota, even if we have to slaughter our other camels.
But I hope Olin’s cage traps work.
16 Obsidian 75
Uvash has been behaving very…secretively.
He apparently kicked Olin out of her carpentry and has since been roaming everywhere, looking for stuff. He bumped into me in the hallway, and didn’t even apologize, muttering all the while about “wood” and “stone”.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2crr0ax.png)
18 Obsidian 75
Uvash has now barricaded himself in the carpentry.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2r4086e.png)
I wonder what he’s doing?
25 Obsidian 75
Well, Uvash has emerged, holding his project up high to be admired.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/ic5y54.png)
A cage. Well, at least it’s useful. I took a closer look.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2jd4z1x.png)
Wait a minute. “The Lessened Hills.” That’s here.
…
Fuck.
At least, now I know what to do with that cage.
And getting through the aquifer to some real stone just got crucial. I need to go talk to Airith about finishing the pumps. I think we almost have enough components, assuming Mebzuth hasn't disappeared up a tree again.
28 Obsidian 75
Spring comes tomorrow, not that we can tell the difference here. It’s still hot, and rains regardless of the season. The only difference appears to be bearable versus scorching heat.
Anyway, here is our progress toward meeting quota.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2lu82oj.png)
It is reassuring to see that we are making progress.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OOC: Fortunately winter was pretty quiet, so I was able to play through to spring today. At the beginning of spring, both of the aquifer ponds I've dug out are displaying fishable tiles. I'm hoping Mestthos will be able to fish from those (I have zone-only fishing). I've never had an issue getting fish before, so I don't know what it is with this fort. :-\
Currently-dwarfed list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Post by: NCommander on July 02, 2016, 11:36:12 pm
Though I do feel like you should stick the sucker in your jail, you'll get happy thoughts from it.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 03, 2016, 02:00:07 am
I'd consider it somewhat unlucky - cages, chains and animal traps are the only moodable furniture a Building Destroyer can't target.
Though I suppose NCommander is right, it is a beautiful cage. Hey, if you're already having dogsplosion....Or Tayldis. Sticking him in a cage without harming him is going to require a bit of planning.
For the rest of the cages, a wild animal who sits in a cage doesn't count against pop limits, so you can slowly skill up animal trainer on them by letting them constantly revert. Or you could pit them into a room to stop wildlife coming from map, with leather benefits upon slicing apart.
Regarding seeds, annoyingly minecarts won't pick them up unless in bags (rather defeats the point).
If you want to QSP them, you'll have to use older methods such as water pushing them then falling down the stairs stockpile was laid out, cancelling the pathway to them or just the old d-b-d.
...And then have dwarves come and put them back in now free bags anyway, even with bins and barrels both set to 0 T.T
Though they may vroom 300 (embark-sized bag) of (same seeds?) in a single tile up in a single bag, not the piddly 10 or 20 they end up with otherwise.
Last but first, I see you're nearly finished with the walls. Are you going to build or dig overhangs, or roof it over for shade from the heat?
Speaking of which, maybe see if you can make the trading depot sealable from outside while it has access to the inside of fort. Over month-long window for attackers is not really safe, however you could link a retracting bridge to the same lever you'll link the raising bridge.
Post by: MinerMan60101 on July 03, 2016, 11:07:19 am
Can we see more of your progress underground? You have only hinted at it going well.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 03, 2016, 12:09:11 pm
Can we see more of your progress underground? You have only hinted at it going well.
Unfortunately, it isn't. I haven't even started on the aquifer yet (though all necessary underground sections have been dug and appropriately walled-off), because I need all hands building/manning anti-kea defenses above ground and working towards quota. Those birds are a menace. Not that they're dangerous, but the constant "Urist McDwarf cancels [very important job]: Interrupted by kea" has brought production to a crawl (because of course all jobs right now are dependent on either wood or above-ground plants). And they keep suspending construction on the very things that are going to protect them. ::) As a side-note, Mooney has racked up eight fort kills so far (his militia-mates don't have any).
Plus, this map apparently has absolutely 0 fish (two fisherdwarves aren't finding any, and turtles aren't listed in DFHack's region-pops at all), so I'm going to have to get creative on that part of the quota (and maybe on the cloth part too, I still haven't found any cloth-producing plants other than rope reeds, and the humans didn't bring any useful seeds). Although, I've discovered some interesting little details in the various relationships screens, that hopefully will make my solution work story-wise. Still, it's the first time (that I remember) that I haven't had any fish available in the aquifer pools.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 03, 2016, 01:41:32 pm
Kadǒl cancels build kea genocide chamber: Interrupted by a Kea
Bit amusing happenstance.
Post by: MinerMan60101 on July 03, 2016, 01:48:35 pm
This does make the story more interesting/challenging though
Post by: MoonyTheHuman on July 03, 2016, 02:03:07 pm
Kobolds Kobolds and more Kobolds.. Eck
Im thinking about making something intresting now.
Sketches of a trap are seen below, some of them are quite intresting
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 03, 2016, 03:02:39 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 03, 2016, 03:54:45 pm
Oh yeah. Regarding fishing situation, are there any cave fishes in region-pops?
Yes, whole bunches, but for those I need to get past the aquifer (unless the first cavern overlaps it, which was the case in my previous fort).
You may want to simply burrow your miner permanently underground (until you can mine stone) and make the only entrance underground be through a non pet passable door.
I need every dwarf who is not actually making quota-related items or in the military building defensive super-structure. Burrowing one is not an option. Not to mention, he's my most fighting-effective civilian, and the only one who isn't running in a panic from 1 kg birds (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kea#Description).
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 03, 2016, 04:17:57 pm
6 Granite 76
I’m worried about quota progress. Minkot is working in the farm plot, planting rope reed seeds from sun-up to sun-down and, until those plants mature, there’s nothing more to be done.
The cut gems, though. Mebzuth is having trouble providing enough raw glass for Logem to cut. But, I realized something this morning. We’re sitting on top of tons of clay loam, and that can be cut, too! I’ve ordered a kiln built so that we can start collecting clay. With any luck, Logem will be able to churn out the remaining 140 cut gems we need over the next six months.
______________________________________________________________________________
11 Granite 76
Well, the liaison Logem Echoworked was right. While Imic was on patrol in the southeast section, he noticed two pack animals heading toward the fortress with a pair of elves.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/5p0pya.png)
As the group drew closer to the depot, the gathered dwarves were puzzled to notice that, oddly enough, the animals didn’t seem have any lead ropes, or even halters, but were following along docilely as if they knew exactly what was expected of them.
Remembering what the liaison said, Lotu ordered all of their glass items brought to the depot. The result was pitiful:
• 1 figurine
• 1 crown
• 1 corkscrew
• 1 bracelet
(http://i66.tinypic.com/wrhyk5.png)
“And we call ourselves dwarves!” He muttered. But he headed into the depot to sell them as dearly as he could.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/dftv2g.png)
Examining the elven goods closely, he zeroed in on the tree fruit. That looks interesting.
“Mooney!” He called. Mooney, patrolling to the west some fifty bots distant, waved. Lotu placed his hands around his mouth and bellowed, “MOONEY! GET OVER HERE!”
Mooney turned and broke into a rapid trot. “What’s up?” Need somethin’ killed?
“Are these brewable?” Lotu pointed at the fruit he had separated out from the rest.
Mooney hemmed and hawed, squeezing some, smelling others. Finally, he nodded. “Yeah, I can make somethin’ outta these.”
“Thanks. Oh, one more thing,” Lotu turned to the elves. “Would one of you mind walking around with Mooney and explaining what all of the trees and plants are before you leave?”
The elves looked at each other, while Mooney hissed to Lotu, “I was doin’ fine on me own!”
Lotu whispered back, “We need fiber-producing plants. You don’t happen to have found any more of those, have you?”
Mooney had to admit that he hadn’t, and reluctantly agreed to walk with the trader Oda, who had granted Lotu’s request.
Meanwhile, Lotu continued to examine the traders’ packs.
Two cages of green tree frogs!? Who would want a green tree frog? And a caged…kea. No, thank you, we have more than enough of those. That water buffalo, however, could prove useful as a source of both meat and leather.
He only had the figurine and the corkscrew left, so he picked up the figurine to begin haggling, then froze.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/9bfxcj.png)
Crap.
Things just keep getting better.
As it turned out, the figurine wasn’t valuable enough to net the water buffalo, so Lotu was forced to trade away the corkscrew.
We’re never going to finish those pumps at this rate!
On the plus side, we’re still under the import limit.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2kizhg.png) (http://i65.tinypic.com/2eatpjr.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
19 Granite 76
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2e6c94y.png)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2nhn4o6.png)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2lc1is6.png)
Two more mouths to feed. And not only are they not going to work, but they’re also distracting their mothers from their jobs. Still, I suppose Sodel and Erib, Vutok and Lokum should be congratulated.
22 Granite 76
I found Mebzuth in the temple area today. She hasn’t caught a single fish since her arrival, so I asked her what she was doing.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/t02ix3.png)
Apparently she needs some insight as to where the fish are hiding.
I hope she got an answer.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/1z5ubdu.png)
10 Slate 76
The elves finally left. I thought I heard one of them muttering about “butchers”, but it could just as easily have been something about wearing out their welcome.
They told Mooney to look for cotton, hemp, ramie, jute and kenaf plants, as all of these apparently provide fiber. They even drew him pictures so that he can recognize them. He's out there now, looking.
______________________________________________________________________________
24 Slate 76
Wandering far from the palisade wall, Mooney was the first to spot the rather bedraggled looking group. Moving closer to investigate, he noticed their worn, ragged clothing, and their rather tiny packs. In fact, this group looked almost like…refugees.
“Howdy!”
Some of the newcomers nodded, but otherwise silence ruled.
“Ya’ll look like ya need a drink. Come on, we’ve got plenty.”
That roused some appearance of enthusiasm, and the group headed toward the wooden wall, barely visible through the tangled jungle greenery.
As they walked, Mooney struck up a conversation with them. They explained that they had come from Swordgangs, fleeing from the onslaught of “thousands and thousands of goblins!”
(http://i64.tinypic.com/bheyiq.png)
Several locals had overhead the last, as the refugees were just then passing through the gate.
“Swordgangs! Has that outpost fallen then?”
“No! No, not yet.” Catten rushed to add, “But the Book of Insight sent me a dream. In that dream She told me that Swordgangs will fall to the goblins. It is inevitable. So, we decided to leave and raise our children elsewhere.”
The more religious among the dwarves nodded in agreement with the refugees’ decision, while the others remained skeptical.
Catten continued, “She directed us to go southeast, that we would find safety in this direction. And because our leader, Bomrek, was adamant that we stay, we forced to sneak away in the night.”
During Catten’s explanation, Lotu had been thinking hard. They needed more hands, and here were
“You’re welcome to stay. Our walls may be wooden, but they’re solid. And we’ve got plenty of food and drink.”
The refugees accepted the offer with relief. The journey had been long enough that they dreaded enduring another.
During the ensuing welcome party, Lotu pulled Catten aside and showed her the export agreement. “Can you tell me why we need to provide that many rings, bracelets and gems?”
Catten glanced at it. “Well, Bomrek, Swordgangs’ leader, really likes pig tails and bracelets, while his wife always wears at least one ring on each hand. I’m not sure about the gems, but everything in Swordgangs gets decorated, so probably for that.”
Great. We’re at the mercy of capricious demands from nobles thousands of bots away!
Taking inventory of the new arrivals’ paltry possessions, Lotu directed them to put the duckling in the pasture. The aurochs bull, however, was promptly slaughtered for 32 meat. After all, we don’t need three bulls, and we do need the leather.
The newcomers were:
Zutthan Paddledact (an animal caretaker)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2w6baiv.png)
His wife Catten Fencedlearned (a carpenter)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/rivnl0.png)
Their son Nil Goldenname (a child)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/jtth8m.png)
And daughter Medtob Boatsmessiah (also a child)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/16c0v95.png)
Edzul Lanternnotched (a fishery worker)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/ly99z.png)
Besmar Minepink (a marksdwarf who didn’t seem to have any equipment)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/15xx448.png)
And his wife Ral Scalemerchant (animal dissector)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/b6d301.png)
Lotu made quick work of spreading jobs around. He had no jobs for animal caretakers and dissectors, so Zutthan became Uvash’s assistant thresher, while Ral was assigned to Mooney to learn brewing.
Besmar was also assigned to Mooney, but for marksdwarf training, since he claimed to know the front end of a crossbow from the back.
Edzul was instructed to help Mestthos find fish, and Catten was sent to the carpentries.
Watching the dwarves scatter to their respective tasks with satisfaction, he hefted his pick and walked off to build some more walls.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
28 Slate 76
With all the work to be done to get finish our walls and in getting Catten’s group settled, I have only just now realized:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/1icyv9.png)
Looking through Lorbam’s recordings, Uvash has apparently been churning out masterworks whenever he takes a break from threshing, and many of them are now in use in the stockpiles.
It would seem making that cage taught him something about woodworking.
13 Felsite 76
(http://i67.tinypic.com/10f3x4h.png)
I hope he and Olin will have many good years together.
28 Felsite 76
We have completed three requirements.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/99fogl.png)
Seven to go…
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OOC: If anyone is interested in claiming a character...
Current (un)dwarfed list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 04, 2016, 01:10:43 am
Incidentally, multiple trades may be your only way to fulfil the quota if mountainhome really wants, say, gypsum statues or something else made from mineral you don't have.
If you're short on hands, consider removing temple and library areas. Their purple tasks are not interrupted by "do it now" or zones, while tavern's Socialize is.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 04, 2016, 06:08:46 am
You could have produced more in a month to trade with elves. I take it they didn't have anything more worthwhile?
I got everything I wanted from them. If I'd wanted more I could have traded some of the gems Logem is cutting, but I'd rather save them for quota purposes, he's slow at it.
If you're short on hands, consider removing temple and library areas. Their purple tasks are not interrupted by "do it now" or zones, while tavern's Socialize is.
I don't have a tavern and, while Dr. Urist is assigned to the library as a scholar, she seems more interested in making mechanisms and helping out (no purple tasks from her yet, amazingly enough, and yes, the library is "active" and is assigned to the correct location). The problem is that dwarves keep stealing sand bags for seeds, it slowed production down until I got Sodel splitting his time between making the cloth bracelets and making more bags than necessary (to ensure free bags). Of course, since Toady made it so they no longer do "one seed one bag", it is possible to stay ahead of them with enough cloth.
I wish we could reserve bags the way we can barrels and bins...off to search suggestions.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 04, 2016, 07:00:17 am
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 04, 2016, 08:05:44 am
Incidentally, what does your current aquifer pierce look like?
I have a few fort maps planned as part of the autumn update. I'm writing the summer one now.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 04, 2016, 10:05:26 am
Lotu called a meeting of all adult dwarves. After everyone had assembled in the common area, he threw the current quota list onto the table.
“This is a problem.” He told them. “We only have three of ten items completed and, at this rate, we’ll only be able to finish one more. The meat.”
The room erupted, as dwarves protested and tried to talk over each other. Sodel’s voice rang out loudest.
“If ya’ll didn’t keep stealin’ Mebzuth’s bags, I wouldn’t have to keep makin’ him more! It’s your all’s fault if I don’t make enough bracelets!”
“Stealing bags?” Lotu frowned. “What’d we need them for?”
“Where do you expect me to put all the seeds?” Minkot piped up. “I need them bags.”
“What about, I dunno, barrels?” Mebzuth pointed out. “They work just as well, and we’ve got a fair number of those lying around.”
“52 total, of which 34 are currently empty, at my last count.” Lorbam put in, checking his records in his office corner.
“But bags work better.” Minkot insisted stubbornly. “That way all the seeds can be organized by type, and I only need to grab the bag I want. If they’re all tossed higgledy-piggledy into a barrel, I’ll dig around forever before finding the ones I need.”
Sodel interjected, “I can’t do both. It’s bags or bracelets.”
Lotu pressed his thumb and forefinger to his forehead.
“I can help you out, Sodel.” Lorbam offered. “I have some training in clothesmaking and keeping records isn’t taking much of my time at the moment. Though my poor attempts won’t match your skill.”
Lotu jumped on the offer. “That’s sorted then. Now, what’s the deal with the quivers? Production has gone…down?”
“I can’t make quivers without leather.” Olon pointed out pragmatically. “As I’ve been telling everybody for months.”
“And we don’t want to slaughter the herd.” Erib added. “Not until we have a new crop of calves.”
Lotu sighed. “And the cage traps haven’t caught anything.”
“Don’t look at me!” Dr. Urist cried. “It’s not my fault all we’ve seen this spring are birds. I haven’t seen hide nor hair of a badger, have any of you? And do you have any idea how hard it is to build a cage trap, let alone put one in a tree?”
“No one’s blaming you, Dr. Urist. It was an idea, we had to try it, and so far it’s failed. Mooney, Besmar. I’m going to have to ask that you go hunting.”
“An’ don’t bring any birds back, either.” Erib added. “They’re too small to give meat, and the skins are much too fragile to make any decent leather.”
Mooney opened his mouth, but Lorbam spoke quickly, apologetically. “And you’re going to have to use wooden bolts, because that’s pretty much all we’ve got.”
“But they’re the next best thing to worthless!”
“That’s what we’ve got. Do your best Mooney, you’re our best marksman. If anyone can manage, you can.”
His scowl lightening a little, Mooney settled back into his chair.
“Now, the cloth –“
Minkot interrupted him. “I’ve been growing up the seeds, and I think I’ve gained enough skill that I can harvest more rope reeds per plant. I don’t know that I’ll be able to grow enough to make up the difference, though.”
“All you can do is try.” Lotu replied. “Alright, last thing. Logem, are you going to be able to get the gems done?"
Logem wrinkled her nose. "Doubt it. Though cutting clay has made a difference."
Lotu nodded. "I was afraid of that. OK, I'll build a second jeweler's and help you. It's not like the aquifer is going anywhere." Looking around, he checked, "Any other business? No? Then let’s be about it.”
3 Hematite 76
A movement in the bushes drew Mebzuth’s attention, as he collected firewood.
“Thief!” He screamed.
The movement materialized into a kobold, who took off crying a swiftly-becoming-familiar mantra. “Tayldis sorry! Tayldis leaving! Tayldis gone!”
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2e0lkw1.png)
Another kobold popped out of a bush nearby and took off after him. “Wait! Wait for Chludubaylin! Waaaaiiiittt!”
Mebzuth returned to stockade, carrying his heavy load of wood. Huh. Somehow, I was almost expecting him.
He headed for the glassworks, passing Mestthos and Edzul. Still trying to find fish. Don’t they ever give up?
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2pslgde.png)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2ql7rix.png)
13 Hematite 76
“Strangers! Strangers to the southeast!” Imic raised the cry.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2z9mdue.png)
Lotu ran to the wall and saw two wagons, with a pair of pack animals. His stomach sank. They’re three months early! There’s no way we could have met quota!
As the caravan approached, however. He revised his opinion. Those are humans! Wait… I may have an idea…
Quickly, he gave his instructions. “Bring all non-quota trade goods to the depot. That includes unused bins and barrels, and any pump components we have. Move!”
Responding to the urgency in Lotu’s voice, all of the dwarves except the patrolling militia dropped what they were doing and scurried to obey.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/waofwp.png)
Looking through the human merchants’ goods, Lotu was pleased to see several bins of leather and cloth. That will ease things quite a bit. He bought all of it, a total of 90 bolts of cloth and 10 pieces of leather, and all of the thread that seemed to have been stuffed in as an afterthought.
And…Maybe…?
(http://i63.tinypic.com/ngo740.png)
He glanced around, but everyone nearby seemed focused on extending the defensive wall, and no one was paying attention to the depot. He bought fifty units, and promptly hid it.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/31682dt.png)
An insurance policy.
He also bought the six caged animals, we need the leather, and some quivers, which were added to the other hidden items.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/30k67ud.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/b560id.png)
Uh-oh. But 500 coin equivalents should be easy to use up.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
15 Hematite 76
I’ve decided to slaughter the seven animals I traded for (the water buffalo from the elves, the others from the humans). We desperately need the leather.
Mooney, Catten and Mestthos were upset. Apparently they like blue peafowl (Mooney), goats (Catten) and water buffaloes (Mestthos). Minkot also put in her two bits, but didn’t seem as upset as the others.
That might be because even after slaughtering the traded two-humped camel, we still have
Still, I’ve had to promise to import breeding pairs of each of the others to keep them happy. Mooney especially. Despite his episodes, he’s worked hard, both to feed us and defend us. It’s the least I can do.
17 Hematite 76
I just realized I had to trade away most of our corkscrews to buy the humans’ cloth. Back to square one…
That aquifer is taunting me…
24 Hematite 76
Somehow I missed Udil’s name-day.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/331m2q8.png)
I only realized because Ustuth’s name-day is today.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/bjdfvd.png)
I threw a party in celebration, and promptly assigned them to jobs in the age-old dwarven tradition.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/xljskm.png)
5 Malachite 76
The dogs have produced more puppies. Hmm, I can use them…
9 Malachite 76
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2j4dp55.png)
It was about time!
14 Malachite 76
Two dwarves breathed their first today. Both Minkot (the planter) and Mebzuth (the glassmaker), and Logem (the gem cutter) and Olon (the leatherworker) have welcomed sons into their growing families.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/dh7qqp.png)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2cxgsqf.png)
There goes the month’s productivity. Why do I even bother?
15 Malachite 76
The traders came to say their farewells today, they plan to get an early start tomorrow.
They thanked us for extending the palisade to include the depot, claiming that they felt much safer behind walls, so close to the forest.
Apparently they don’t get along with the elves.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2lnzg2a.png)
Just don’t drag us into the middle, that’s all I ask.
16 Malachite 76
The minute the traders left, the keas returned.
I’ve ordered Ustuth and Udil into the military. Udil was assigned to Imic’s Pale Roads and given a training axe, while Ustuth was assigned to Mooney’s Pillars of Ink.
Mooney promptly demanded a crossbow for her. Since we have no bowyer, I’ve taken Catten off carpentry and told her to make crossbows instead.
She seemed satisfied at getting her “very own workshop!”
20 Malachite 76
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2lxts0l.png)
The Menace From The Sky! That’s what I’m calling them. With six militia on duty guarding the stockade, those keas still manage to bring work to a screeching, crashing halt.
“I can’t eat, there’s a kea!”
“I can’t drink, there’s a kea!”
“I can’t make [fill in the job of the moment], there’s a kea!”
The best summary is: “I can’t move, there’s a kea!”
We need a roof. We need traps.
Fortunately we have Mooney.
I’m glad he volunteered, even if I still think he’s a little insane. He’s the only one who seems to be able to kill the Keas From Hell. Both Besmar and Ustuth keep missing.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/fvz3at.png)
Erib discovered that the fattest of them can be butchered. It only gave two meals worth of meat, but I felt a certain satisfaction upon eating it. No leather, unfortunately.
25 Malachite 76
I realized today that we have so much meat from the animals I ordered butchered, I’ve raised the restriction. Half the settlement promptly threw themselves on the meat. You’d think they hadn’t had a square meal in months.
8 Galena 76
I…I’m…I don’t know what to say. I’m so happy!
(http://i68.tinypic.com/i1fp81.png)
The sun is shining (for once), the future looks bright! The birds are singing…wait, what? No, no, it’s fine. They’re just tiny little songbirds. For once.
20 Galena 76
My darling Airith told me Ushrir has been behaving oddly.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2nicy02.png)
She raced out of her masonry today, and kicked Sodel out of the crafter’s shop.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/sdcknb.png)
She then ran out again and grabbed some logs.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/10ppwe1.png)
Apparently marriage got to her?
26 Galena 76
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2m0dqs.png)
A ring. OK. Appropriate, I suppose. What new dangerous creatures have you decided to remind us of?
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2vwvd4o.png)
What, no hydras? No titans of any kind? Not even a goblin? I am…underwhelmed.
Still, I complimented her on it, and suggested she let Sodel back into the crafter’s now. He still has bracelets to make.
As she left, she said to call her 'NCommander' now. Okaaay, then.
28 Galena 76
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2lt0wvq.png)
Time to cut some more gems.
I hope my idea works...
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OOC: Fort maps will be included with the next update, the keas slowed work down considerably this season.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Edited for typos.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 04, 2016, 11:58:36 am
Cloth seems the worst off - maybe use large plot from which all harvest off.
Next year should be easier, the migrants should make providing for fifty fairer.
Pressingly, you're two short - there's nothing to catch in ponds to the south.
The kobolds after successful hunts will bring a large team for dwarven hunt.
A married woman creates an appropriate ring. Yet, danger is all on overseer's mind.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 04, 2016, 04:46:41 pm
1 Limestone 76
We are seven quivers short (ten if my idea fails). So I’ve made the tough choice to thin the herd down to the bare bones. Close consultation with Erib (who is in charge of the herd) has revealed three that don’t appear interested in mating. These three (a one-humped camel bull, two-humped camel cow, and muskox cow) will be slaughtered to make three more quivers.
Minkot will just have to deal.
16 Limestone 76
(http://i67.tinypic.com/bhnbjs.png)
Stodir was nearly born in the water, like those non-existent fish that Mestthos still can’t find.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2vun8dt.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
17 Limestone 76
(http://i64.tinypic.com/byd1x.png)
“The caravan is here!” Udil dashed into the jeweler’s shop, panting for breath from his break-neck run.
By the time his chisel settled back onto the table, Lotu was halfway up to the ramparts. Sure enough…
(http://i65.tinypic.com/ej5tnm.png)
Watching fate trundling inevitably closer, he felt his stomach sink into his silk shoes.
We’re screwed. Unless… Please Armok. Please let this work.
Walking heavily back down the stairs, he ordered the quota moved into the depot.
“But Sodel and Logem! You’re exempt, because we need to finish quota. I’ll get some of the leather I ordered, and they'd better have brought, and Olon, you’ll grab that to finish up the last few quivers.”
“Wha’ about the fish?”
“Leave the fish to me. The cloth, too. I have an idea, maybe we aren’t screwed. Just…make what you can, as quickly as you can. Now!”
As he turned away, he saw Logem Echoworked enter the main secure area. Surprised, he watched as Logem darted out of her jeweler’s workshop and embraced him with rather more familiarity than Lotu would have expected, then proudly showed him her baby, Solon.
That’s…interesting.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/i5rgcm.png)
A few minutes later, Uvash did the same.
Logem Echoworked appeared to be cooing over the two babies.
That’s really interesting.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2iw61eb.png)
Almost an hour later, Logem Echoworked finally made his way into the common room.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2dhxves.png)
Lotu nodded in agreement. “We do need to talk.”
They sat down at the dining room table and Lotu pulled out the previous year’s export agreement. “We don’t have any fish here. We can’t find them anywhere on the surface, Mestthos thinks it’s because it’s too hot. And making everything Swordgangs asked for, we’re nowhere near ready to tackle the aquifer and get to the caverns, which will have fish.
But, I have a suggestion.
I bought fifty units of fish and some cloth off of the humans, I’d like to send that to Swordgangs as part of the quota. Otherwise we’ll come up woefully short.”
Logem Echoworked shook his head. “King Dodok insisted that you make everything. Everyone knows human-made is shoddy work, shoddy work indeed.”
“We don’t have the supplies to make them." Lotu protested. "And we can’t produce fish out of thin air. Your granddaughter and your grandson have settled here, their children will grow up here. Do you want them punished for something we literally cannot do? Look around if you don’t believe me! We aren’t even anywhere near tackling the aquifer, for Armok’s sake!”
Logem Echoworked was silent for a moment. “Clearly, you must have had a very tiring day. Get a drink, and some rest. We’ll take this up tomorrow.”
Leaving Lotu sputtering, he headed back out.
However, less than an hour later, Lotu saw him wandering the sublevel. His grandson Uvash was with him, apparently pointing out the sights.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2q8zh9g.png)
After lunch, Logem Echoworked looked around every cranny of the surface stockade.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2n89dv5.png)
He even followed his granddaughter Logem up to the ramparts.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/9abpqr.png)
The next day he tracked Lotu down again. “You have a point. However, I cannot lie to King Dodok. The best I will do is not volunteer information. If I am asked a direct question, I will answer truthfully.”
While not quite what Lotu had hoped for, it was better than nothing. Sticking his head above ground, he yelled to Minkot, tending the garden nearby.
“Come here a moment!”
Minkot approached, warily. Lotu was quick to reassure her. “I’ve found a solution to our fish problem. Go to the stockpile section reserved for meat. There’s a barrel of fish I got from the humans hiding in there, take it to the depot. There should be three human-made quivers near it, take them too. Furthermore, tell the others to take all of the human-made silk and wool cloth to the depot also. We’ll need them to make quota.”
Minkot nodded and trotted off, grabbing Ustuth as she went.
Lotu descended the ramp, to finish his meeting. “Sorry about that, you were saying?”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
18 Limestone 76
Apparently the latest news is that:
(http://i67.tinypic.com/6nz2gx.png)
(OOC: The "Sin of Wraiths" is the goblin civilization all the way to the south. The one all the way to the north is the "Long Evils" (visible on the north region map a few pages ago).)
The updated southern map:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2lw6qz4.png)
What do I care what happens on the other side of the world? Still, I suppose it’s better give all the news to all the outposts, than risk one not getting a vital update.
I ordered more leather, cloth and thread. I also ordered a bag each of cave thistle and pig tail seeds. We need cloth! I debated ordering some shearable animals, too, but we don’t have enough dwarves to do the jobs we have. I just hope I won’t regret that decision…
The new export agreement…I can’t even think about it yet. That dude Bomrek’s insane.
______________________________________________________________________________
The caravan arrived, moving more slowly than Logem Echoworked, due to their heavily-packed wagons and the rough terrain.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/vpazck.png)
Throughout the rest of the month, and well into Sandstone, Finderboards was a roiling mass of activity, as the dwarves worked day and night to deliver the quota to the depot, barely stopping for food and fitful rest.
Lorbam oversaw the activity with the trader Rakust, each checking off their master lists, making sure every item was accounted for.
Only Sodel, Logem (the gem cutter), and Olon were exempted from duty, as they worked frantically to complete the cut gems, bracelets and quivers.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/149v5l5.png)
18 Sandstone 76
By the time the traders were ready to pack up, Lorbam had checked off: 100 units of meat, 150 wood blocks, the 50 units of fish from the humans, thank Thikut Luk for the humans!, 100 wooden bolts, 100 bolts of cloth, again, thank you humans!, 50 charcoal bars, 50 rings and 50 quivers. But, there were only 128 cut gems and 44 cloth bracelets.
“What!” Lotu cried. “But I was sure we had made 50 bracelets! What hap—“ As he gestured, his eyes fell on his right wrist.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2qjyt86.png)
“Oh.” He said, rather sheepishly.
He grabbed the small pile of 5 large gems from Logem’s jeweler’s workshop, and went to speak with Rakust. The latter, after much discussion, finally agreed to take the large gems in place of the missing 22 cut gems. He also took a copy of Lorbam’s records, showing that the dwarves of Finderboards had indeed produced 50 bracelets, even though only 44 had made their way into the quota pile.
As the traders packed up the quota, Sodel came running up, displaying one last bracelet. The work was shoddy, and it had clearly been finished in a hurry, but both Lorbam and Rakust dutifully adjusted their numbers to 45 cloth bracelets.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/29x6btv.png)
Lorbam’s tally of the final exported quota looked something like this:
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2111nvk.png)
22 Sandstone 76
Watching the caravan depart on the last leg of their journey to Swordgangs, Lotu worried. They hadn’t fulfilled the quota. Granted, they were only short 5 bracelets and 22 cut gems, nothing major, but…
King Dodok’s temper is mercurial, at best. I hope he’s in a good mood when he gets the news.
He turned back to the depot. The few pitiful things he had been able to get from the traders looked lost in the vast space. In all, he had managed to haggle for various kinds of thread, some of the cheapest leather and cloth, some copper bars because the axedwarves need some proper weapons that aren’t training axes, a couple more sand bags, and two gypsum rocks, to make gypsum powder.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2q9m612.png) (http://i68.tinypic.com/21mgpr6.png)
That import restriction is going to be a bitch.
23 Sandstone 76
Lotu called another general meeting. “We were five bracelets short! We can’t just take quota ornaments! Now, I’m as guilty as any one of you,” He displayed the bracelet adorning his wrist. “But it’s not just the bracelets. We were really fortunate that Lorbam took some of his time and helped
I have to remember that she asked to be called a different name. Lotu reminded himself.
Lorbam suggested, “Why don’t we build in an extra ten percent for any production orders on adornments? That would leave some for us, and we could have easily made double the rings in the past year.”
Sodel added, “And I could have made more bracelets if someone,” he glared around the room, “hadn’t kept movin’ my cloth!”
Mebzuth nodded in agreement. "And I could have made more stuff, too, if Minkot didn't keep stealing my bags."
Since the craftsdwarves seemed in agreement with the increased work load, none of the others were willing to argue. Besides, wearing a lovely bracelet, or a nice ring or two, made them feel so much more focused.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
2 Timber 76
I really need to write down the quota for next fall’s export agreement.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/14u9sua.png)
Noooooooooooooooo!
5 Timber 76
OK, I have to face this. I have to make a plan.
Most of it should be easy, and I’ve already started NCommander on making the scepters, goblets and earrings. Olin and Uvash will be making the crutches, with a few extra thrown in for our use (and maybe some splints, too?). We have so many bolts…not going to worry about those. We have enough leather this year that Olon should be able to make enough backpacks, hopefully also with some extras for the militia, Imic keeps complaining about that…and maybe he can squeeze out a few waterskins, too? That would make the militia happy.
The pearlash will be the most time consuming. Since we have no fish, I’ve assigned Edzul to make potash once Vutok churns out enough ash, and Mestthos will make pearlash at the kiln. She’ll also turn the gypsum rocks into powder, as soon as Sodel makes another couple of bags.
We also need to cut down some more trees.
I hope the humans bring enough fish…
28 Timber 76
Progress already! This is reassuring.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2ekp5li.png)
Maybe I’ll get some time to work on the aquifer this year…?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OOC: The rain cancelled 4th of July plans, so I was able to finish the autumn write-up. Fortunately the neighbor kids had their fireworks yesterday...
I really hope I can finish the pumps this winter, especially since it's the craftdwarves and farming-related dwarves who are getting the brunt of this quota. It should leave the carpenters and Mebzuth free to focus on the last few corkscrews and the windmills, and Dr. Urist will be stealing mechanisms from the so-far useless cage traps that I scattered around the map last winter (I need to reposition them anyway, once the anti-kea roof is finished).
That aquifer is taunting me!
Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Edited to add the two relationship screencaps.
Post by: NCommander on July 04, 2016, 04:49:36 pm
(I need to play Scorchedgravels now)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 04, 2016, 04:57:22 pm
That pearlash one is going to be brutal due to the three step production chain.
I agree. I need to average 23 bars a month from Moonstone to Galena, and I may be pulling dwarves from other duties later on, but I really want to get a start on that aquifer.
Fortunately, Vutok (the wood burner) is at "Talented" and skilling up fast.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 05, 2016, 03:38:24 am
And half as grand is that aquifer pierce - that's a huge pumping/power project. You know, it'll go easier drainage-wise if you punch a small initial hole with map edge/cavern drain, then dig out the necessary areas afterwards.
The third hugest would be stockpiles. Yikes. With the water and pumps, I'd probably consolidate them into one corner, then install minecart on track stop set to dump on top of them and feeder pile to take from.
Then again, the very existence of them suggests you're the type to prefer all stuff visible to the eye :P
Moving to trading, that's interesting handling of the situation. The outpost liason's family, huh? I think we know who will eventually take over as leader once the quota is thoroughly violated. He can just suggest it to rulership. Of course, they were the only ones who didn't make off with requested bracelets, making Tayldis sorry to be worse thief than dwarves.
(I didn't know bracelets did anything :v)
Especially as 200 fish takes a bit to fetch, what's with who-knows-how-far-away caverns and 1-4 fish per catch in my experience of low-skill fisherdwarves + another job to clean them (+ stockpiling jobs). Worse still, I'm not too sure fishing can be parallel job. I guess somebodies will be getting beds and tables away from the fortress.
At least wood's easy to get, just cart it straight into ash burner's workshop - or even build those workshop right next to where you cut down the trees (the keas tho). Albeit you're going to need more than just 200, what's with stuff like earrings, crutches and scepters. Are you going to make mugs as well, or strike the earth?
Leaving me to wonder what you destroyed to get under import restriction....
Now looking at that map, only Singedesteem and Whippedclasped are not in the range of main dark fortress goblin conquering. And unlike goblin dark fortresses, every dwarven settlement has the population of 100-500 typically - with plenty of plains for building hillocks there. If you're going to stay for a while I bet you'll see most settlements fall to goblins.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 05, 2016, 06:35:13 am
Roofing ground over? That's a rather huge project to do when struggling with exports and keas. Surprising, I definitely wouldn't do that in my first year even with neither of those problems, and for all of that it has gone with barely a whiff of mention.
This is the second year, and I have plans for the roof/floor...maybe? Still thinking about that.
(I didn't know bracelets did anything :v)
They don't do anything, dwarves just like to wear them (and also earrings and rings).
Leaving me to wonder what you destroyed to get under import restriction....
I didn't destroy anything, I traded away the expensive cloth (mostly dyed cloth), and metal cages mainly. The difficulty was in not buying more than the import limit (and I wasn't able to get all of the cloth/leather I wanted). Fortunately thread/yarn is relatively cheap. Most of what I buy will be used to make other stuff, but I need cloth to replace their imported clothes (that's the biggest import limiter right now, ~20,000* worth of clothes).
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Spriggans on July 05, 2016, 09:27:49 am
I'd like the place of Vutok Pleatsteels (wood burner).
Name him Spriggans
custom profession : !!NatureWillBurn!!
Keep it up ! ;)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 05, 2016, 10:49:59 am
Minkot and NCommander were out gathering wood when, just barely a few bots away, came a squeak and Tayldis fell out of a nearby sapling.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/eqdwt1.png)
“Hey! What Tayldis doing? Tayldis hide!” A high, thin voice yelped, and another head popped out of the sapling.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/xndc2a.png)
“Dwarf see Tayldis! Tayldis run! Chludubaylin run!” So saying, he took to his heels. Protesting all the way, the other kobold followed.
“Did you see that?” NCommander pointed to the departing Tayldis. “I wonder what happened to him? None of us ever got close enough to do that, Imic would have told me.”
(http://i66.tinypic.com/5m0awn.png)
“He is thief.” Minkot replied. “Someone else almost certainly took exception to that.”
Later that day, somewhere in the Lessened Hills…
“Why Tayldis run?” Chludubaylin asked, having finally caught up to her companion. “Dwarves not see Tayldis. Tayldis hide good.”
Tayldis rubbed a hand along his scarred hip. “Dwarves see Tayldis. Dwarves shoot at Tayldis. Tayldis run first.”
Chludubaylin snorted. “Tayldis punished again, if no bring shinies.”
[OOC: He used to be a very successful thief, apparently. He’s stolen something (usually figurines) every year for the last ten, each time from a different place. Then he started casing Finderboards…]
17 Moonstone 76
“No. No!” Dr. Urist stomped up to Lotu as the latter was eating lunch. “Enough is enough! How many times do I have to tell you, moving those traps yet again is not going to make them work!”
Lotu swallowed his bite. “But up there they might –“
“No!” Dr. Urist threw her hands up in the air. “That’s all I hear from you and Airith! ‘Dr. Urist, could you please build a couple more gears? Dr. Urist, could you move those traps? Dr. Urist, that bridge needs to be linked up. Dr. Urist, we need more gears in the power system. Dr. Urist, those traps need to be moved again. Dr. Urist, do this, Dr. Urist do that!’ “
She jabbed an index finger into Lotu’s chest. “Well I’ve had it! I’m taking a break, in my library. I am NOT TO BE DISTURBED!”
So saying she stalked off, and pointedly sat down with her back to the rest of the room.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2vbkbyv.png)
“What’s up with her?” Uvash had come down from working on the windmills, in time to catch the last.
Lotu shrugged. “She was ranting about traps and gears. Maybe she wants to do something different with them?” He took another bite of his candied yams. After swallowing, he added, “One thing’s for sure. Until those last two gears are in place, I can’t tackle the aquifer this winter. How are the windmills going?”
Uvash set his steamed cabbage down on the other side of the table. “Slowly. Olin and I are doing the best we can, but it seems like we barely start on one before it’s time to eat, or time to break for a drink, or time to sleep. And then there are those crutches that we need to make. But it’ll all get done, don’t you fret.”
“Well, make the windmills the priority. The crutches can wait.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
19 Moonstone 76
No one’s seen Catten for a while. Which is odd, when there are only thirty-two of us (of which five are only babies).
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2zj0400.png)
I finally tracked her down today.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/rky109.png)
She was surrounded by wood and several of clay cabochons, working hard.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2e2lesg.png)
Logem was still making cabochons?
I went to talk to her and impressed on her the importance of working on our anti-kea roof. When she left the jeweler’s, I noticed that there were almost two dozen more cut gems, mostly clay, lying around.
I’ll have to remember them if the elves come back.
______________________________________________________________________________
22 Moonstone 76
“Airith!”
She turned from hammering in the pegs that would hold this section of the floor together. “What is it, dear?”
“What’re you doing building floors?” Lotu reached down to help her up. “You shouldn’t be doing that kind of work in your condition!” He chided. “Let some of the others, or even me, worry about this. You should finish designing the last few pumps. That’s less taxing!”
Airith sighed, and nodded indulgently. She very carefully did not tell him that designing machinery was rather more taxing than building a simple floor, what with having to carry all the materials to the site, since no one else could be trusted to use the right pieces.
And he did have a point. Anyone could build a floor. But who else was trained to design proper machinery? Especially with Dr. Urist closeted in her library.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
27 Moonstone 76
Work on the pumping system progress. I’ve even asked Airith to give me pointers so that I can help her build them.
I wonder what Catten is working on?
______________________________________________________________________________
3 Opal 76
Catten emerged from her bowyer’s workshop, looking exceedingly proud of herself.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/ftfxpc.png)
The other dwarves crowded around to admire it.
After a considering look, Mooney asked, “Who do you expect to use it, a human? No dwarf knows how to shoot that thing. Why, it’s almost as tall as me!”
Lotu examined it more closely.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2nbvbid.png)
“Hmm. Another image of the hydra Aztong Dutyblossoms. Nicely-done.”
“What’s this book you’ve drawn a picture about?” Dr. Urist probed from behind Lotu. “It sounds interesting.”
Lotu jumped. “Dr. Urist! I didn’t know you’d left the library!”
“Obviously. I wanted to find out what all the fuss was about.” She turned back to Catten. “And you haven’t answered my question.”
Catten made a helpless gesture. “I don’t know. Robek, deity of nightmares, showed it to me in a dream, and told me to include it. That’s all I know.”
Several of the more superstitious dwarves backed away at that, unwilling even to touch something Robek was warning them about.
However, before scattering, they all agreed that making a foreign weapon meant that Catten was certainly deserving of recognition.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/29p8484.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
17 Opal 76
Mooney has been pestering me for an archery range to further train the Pillars of Ink (otherwise known as Besmar and Ustuth).
Airith finished it this morning.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/ffa4ux.png)
As I write this now, I can hear the steady “thwack, thwack, thwack” as the marksdwarves train. It’s a pleasant sound.
21 Opal 76
The herd grows, slowly but steadily.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2e18tft.png)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/1tmu7k.png)
Elsewhere, work continues. But with half of the adults needed to work on quota-related jobs (the pearlash alone has claimed Vutok, Edzul and Mestthos), and the militia now training more than ever, construction of the roof is slow.
Oh, that reminds me. With all the time Vutok’s been spending burning wood, she’s asked for a new title.
“!!NatureWillBurn!!”
Appropriate enough, I suppose. I assume “Spriggans” refers to burning every little sprig of a tree…but I didn’t ask.
24 Opal 76
Clearly not content with making Bonescradled the Hail of Traps, the bow, at the beginning of the month, Catten has now also given birth.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/t8kynd.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/23w5laf.png)
Another mouth to feed...
7 Obsidian 76
The Pale Roads have finally gotten around to chopping down the offending trees, which means work can proceed on the roof unfettered.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/33y3lzd.png)
But it did make me wonder.
Does Imic’s squad really need to train for months at a time?
I mean, Mooney’s squad spends a fair amount of time gathering plants to feed us, since Minkot’s sole focus has to be cloth-producing plants. And they seem to think the occasional day at the archery targets or practicing wrestling is enough.
On another note, Dr. Urist is back to working on the gears. Apparently two months in the library, scribbling I don’t know what, was enough to draw her out of her funk. Which means that, once Airith has designed the last two windmills, and Olin and Uvash have finished building them…
Aquifer, here I come!
28 Obsidian 76
Our quota status:
(http://i66.tinypic.com/24292kh.png)
Please let the humans have fish…
______________________________________________________________________________
OOC: Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Also:
Spoiler: Named Dwarf Current Status (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 05, 2016, 11:22:28 am
I didn't know bowyers could create foreign weapons. Well, you can put it on display in the dining or sleeping room, I guess.
For now, grand aboveground spire continues I guess. How many keas remaining in region-pops?
Though regarding marksdwarves, shouldn't off-duty civilians carrying crossbows in their uniforms shoot at any keas that appear?
Btw, the greedy birds can also be stopped dead by locked doors (unlike Tayldis).
Post by: NCommander on July 05, 2016, 11:46:26 am
Unless you asked for fish, I doubt humans will have 200 of it :P
I didn't know bowyers could create foreign weapons. Well, you can put it on display in the dining or sleeping room, I guess.
For now, grand aboveground spire continues I guess. How many keas remaining in region-pops?
Though regarding marksdwarves, shouldn't off-duty civilians carrying crossbows in their uniforms shoot at any keas that appear?
Btw, the greedy birds can also be stopped dead by locked doors (unlike Tayldis).
Bowyer workshops are built in, and can make crossbows, or bows; the later is foreign because its not an allowed reaction for the dwarven civ. If you get a moody bowyer, you'll always get a crossbow or a bow. Unless you trade for arrows though, bows tend to be useless :
Loving the abovegroundness. I feel like you're putting scorchedgravel to shame though :/
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 05, 2016, 03:02:54 pm
Unless you asked for fish, I doubt humans will have 200 of it :PHumans aren't sending diplomats yet, so no way to ask for anything. They will have some, the question is "how much".
I didn't know bowyers could create foreign weapons.
Bowyer workshops are built in, and can make crossbows, or bows;
I had a bowyer create an artifact blowgun back in the 0.31.xx series (I think, it might have been as late as 0.34.xx). Haven't seen one of those since, though.
For now, grand aboveground spire continues I guess. How many keas remaining in region-pops?
219
Though regarding marksdwarves, shouldn't off-duty civilians carrying crossbows in their uniforms shoot at any keas that appear?
Which is part of the reason Mooney has so many kills.
Loving the abovegroundness. I feel like you're putting scorchedgravel to shame though :/
I did allow three migrant waves in, before turning the pop cap down. Having 25 adults (as opposed to 7) helps quite dramatically.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 05, 2016, 08:27:54 pm
14 Granite 77
The elves came back today, and only brought two pack animals. I’m pretty sure they’re the same two that visited last year, but it’s so hard to tell them apart.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/n2d474.png)
I was surprised to realize that we are almost halfway through Granite. Spring has been very quiet so far, with no unwanted visitors. Most of our time is taken up with producing this year’s quota.
I wonder where Tayldis is?
15 Granite 77
(http://i66.tinypic.com/30kr1o8.png)
I’ll deal with them later, once all of Logem’s remaining gems have been delivered to the depot.
18 Granite 77
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2m4u0as.png)
Congratulations, Mooney!
They are the first of our original group to become parents.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/xdfksh.png)
But why was Olin making a crossbow? I had to go tell her, gently but firmly, that we really needed crutches instead.
19 Granite 77
It’s Id’s and Tobul’s name-day today. They’ve been crawling every chance they get, and now they will no longer be supervised. While I’m glad that their mothers (Spriggans especially) are going to be working full-time once more, we’re going to have to deal with two more children underfoot.
They do tend to spend so much time in the most inconvenient places.
3 Slate 77
I finally got around to trading with the elves. They brought some more fruit, which I bought, because you can never have too much booze. Plus, sometimes a dwarf wants a little variety, though nothing will match Mooney’s rice beer.
They also had a water buffalo bull, so I bought that too.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/106g5xu.png) (http://i64.tinypic.com/10op3mb.png)
Then I had to endure Mestthos’s griping about the water buffalo cow I ordered slaughtered last summer.
She didn’t calm down until I gave her my “solemn, dwarven promise not to butcher this bull.”
Why can’t she yell at someone else, for a change?
Oh, right. I’m the “expedition leader.”
7 Slate 77
(http://i68.tinypic.com/29anp5.png)
And the second of our original group! Congratulations, my friend!
(http://i64.tinypic.com/vfcll2.png)
I wonder what Airith and I will have…
15 Slate 77
The elves left…sometime. I was busy working in the Hole and only just noticed that the depot was empty of their useless wooden stuff.
______________________________________________________________________________
18 Slate 77
“Airith, Airith!” Lotu dashed up the Hole’s ramps to the surface. “Airith?”
Noticing the position of the sun, he realized it was past lunchtime, and headed for the dining room. He found his wife just finishing up her lunch, rather more slowly than usual.
“Airith! Wonderful news! The pumps are working! I’ve dug out enough bots that we can start walling off that aquifer! Airith? Did you hear what I said? Airith?”
(http://i64.tinypic.com/x1y5og.png)
Lotu slipped an arm around her shoulders. “I’m pretty sure there’s some cassava beer left, you should have some. And I’m sure NCommander will appreciate a hand in making some of those crafts for quota. Take a break from building things and just, relax. Take a week to yourself. You need a vacation.”
“But…so many jobs…”
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure they get done.” That aquifer will just have to wait. Again. “Go.” He gave her a gentle push toward the nearest ramp upward.
22 Slate 77
Lotu found Airith hard at work, back on the roof.
“How are you feeling?”
“Much better! I had some of that cassava beer, it really hit the spot. And NCommander let me make a scepter, it was so satisfying.”
(http://i66.tinypic.com/9beudj.png)
“I’m glad to hear it.” And he went to work next to her. Maybe now I can get back to that aquifer.
26 Slate 77
Airith called a general meeting, to discuss the various construction projects currently under way.
“So, to conclude, the highest priority projects are the roof and the first level of aquifer walls, but we can’t be in two places at once, given the quota work load this year. Ideas?”
NCommander piped up. “We should focus on the roof first. Mooney did a good job of keeping the keas at bay last summer, but they still got much too close for comfort.” She shuddered at the memory and protectively cuddled baby Thikut closer to her chest.
Mestthos disagreed. “We should focus on walling off the aquifer. Until we can get below it, there’s no access to fish, and no way to meet that quota without relying on humans, and they’ve proven what a bad idea that is before.”
One by one, the other adults weighed in, some on the roof side, some on the aquifer side. Eventually, as the arguments grew more heated, Lotu stood.
“Alright, it sounds like we’ve all had a say, why don’t we put it to a vote? Majority rules.”
That was fair.
“All for walling off the aquifer, raise your finger.” Looking around the room, he counted. Airith, the two ex-fisherdwarves, Dr. Urist, Sodel, Logem, and he himself.
He sighed. “The roof it is.”
Why are so many dwarves scared shitless of something smaller than a cat? Can’t they see how important breaching the aquifer is?
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
28 Felsite 77
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2ekuihu.png)
That pearlash is going to be a Armok's own bitch to complete. Who can I spare to work on it...?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OOC: Spring was very quiet. About the only thing of note was that I finally was able to start on the aquifer.
Tomorrow's going to be a fairly long day at work, so I may or may not get an update in.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 06, 2016, 05:27:13 am
It might be sensible to have one dwarf for each thing....Higher skill does it faster.
I'm surprised at Kadǒl receiving attention. What did she do that it left her away from people, uncreative, unoccupied, unable to improve and lacking abstract thoughts despite the presence of library?
Imported wealth slowly going down...Imported bulls slowly going up.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 06, 2016, 02:45:06 pm
How many dwarves do you have producing ash/potash/pearlash on repeat?
It might be sensible to have one dwarf for each thing....Higher skill does it faster.
1 on each. Spriggans is the highest level (she's Talented, if she hasn't gained another while I wasn't looking). And with the need for farmers (cloth/replacement clothes so I can import more stuff), craftsdwarves and carpenters, I can't spare another three to set up a new chain.
I'm surprised at Kadǒl receiving attention. What did she do that it left her away from people, uncreative, unoccupied, unable to improve and lacking abstract thoughts despite the presence of library?
I'm not entirely sure... I only noticed her because she was blinking the yellow distracted arrow. Airith is the Architect/Mason/second mechanic (after Dr. Urist took the winter off), and has been working flat out to make the windmills/pumps and initial stone blocks to wall off the aquifer (she only seems to stop to eat/sleep/drink, I hadn't noticed her taking a break to do anything green/purple at that point)). She also has been doing construction work (more so recently as her other jobs get finished) and hauling things around. I forced her to take a woodcrafting vacation, and she's doing well now.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Lyra on July 06, 2016, 05:40:35 pm
Also, are you using any mods? I'm sure I've never seen "cave thistle" before.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 06, 2016, 06:50:23 pm
1 Hematite 77
No matter how I look at it, I think I’m going to have to accept that the pearlash is a write-off. We just don’t have enough dwarves.
Spriggans is managing to keep Edzul and Mestthos supplied with ash, even with having to occasionally go out and get her own wood.
NCommander and Lorbam need help to make the crafts. If I have to choose between completing one quota item and completing three, I have to go for three. So I’m assigning myself and Logem to help them.
Now that the critical windmills are complete, I’m going to tell Uvash and Olin to focus purely on crutches for the next month or so. We have enough power that I can sneak in some work on the aquifer when I need a break, so the remaining windmills can wait.
Minkot, Erib, Zutthan and Sodel are doing well with the cloth, and should be able to make enough extra that we can finally start replacing our clothes. A true dwarf wears only silk, but anything would be better than these things, which are starting to get very thread-bare in places.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/xbxxj5.png)
The Pillars of Ink are the only ones keeping us supplied with food, and Ral must continue brewing. I can only imagine the mutiny if I took her off that job. The water is...'disgusting' doesn't go far enough. And I think the booze is the only thing keeping us sane.
Likewise, the Pale Roads are needed to get wood for Spriggans’s crew, and protect those of us who need to leave the stockade to fetch it.
That leaves Olon, Dr. Urist, Airith, Mebzul and Catten. Olon still has backpacks to finish, and we need the others (when Dr. Urist deigns to leave her library) to bring wood to everyone else, especially Spriggans, so she can keep feeding her voracious fire.
Adding another pearlash production chain would require three dwarves.
I don’t have three dwarves.
______________________________________________________________________________
2 Hematite 77
Axe over his shoulder, Lokum moved toward another tree in his assigned chopping zone.
Spriggans is really zooming through that wood. We might actually make the whole quota this year, he thought cheerfully, swinging his axe in a nicely controlled arc. And I'm getting better at this chopping thing, too. Imic should be pleased.
A yelp sounded from above, followed by crashing in the branches. Lokum looked up to see a yellow-eyed kobold frantically grasping at various small branches, as its body proceeded to take the straightest path down.
Lokum jumped backwards in surprise as it landed in a heap almost at his feet.
“Hey!” Lokum shook his axe threateningly. “Whatcha think yer doing?”
A rustling came from a nearby tree, and Tayldis, easily recognizable now with his massive scars, scrambled down the trunk as the first kobold backed away.
“G’wan! Git! Git!” Lokum chased after them, brandishing his axe.
A third kobold popped out of concealment near the stockade wall and glared for a moment.
If looks could kill…
But then it, too, decided discretion was the better part of valor and took off after the others.
“Bringin’ friends, now are ye? We’ll see what Lotu has t’say ‘bout that.”
3 Hematite 77
“Tayldis was back?” Lotu didn’t seem concerned. “Well, he can wait. We need to make quota. Go back to chopping.”
Wha –?
Looks like I’m the only to see the problems here. Well, he won’t get by me.
Lokum shouldered his axe, and headed back out determinedly.
“Kobolds, look out!”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
11 Hematite 77
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2146uiw.png)
The humans are here! I hope they brought fish. I’ve ordered all the excess barrels, bins, splints and crossbows moved to the depot.
Naturally, we’ll keep the best for ourselves. What’s a home without masterworks scattered about everywhere?
20 Hematite 77
I took time to trade today. I can ill-afford it, but we need the fish.
Looking through their packages, I was disappointed to see that they only had one hundred fish. Still, 100 is better than nothing, so I bought them. I also bought all of their thread and cloth, so that Sodel can start working on clothes as soon as the quota cloth is done.
I almost overlooked one bag, hiding in the pile. I probably paid way too much for it, but I really didn’t want to risk not getting it.
We now have – I can almost hear the drumroll – kenaf seeds!
Unfortunately, they don’t seem to grow in the shrubland where we have our current plot, so Minkot is going to have to build a new one in the jungle.
I haven’t even told her yet, but I think I can already hear her complaining about the extra work.
I also bought an alpaca, very cheaply, for 220 coin-equivalents. Zutthan claims that he can handle the extra work, and has already sheared the animal. I guess spinning must not be that different from threshing.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i68.tinypic.com/otp91i.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/2dkal4p.png)
25 Hematite 77
Work continues on the quota. Working alongside NCommander, Lorbam and Logem is pretty satisfying, with good-natured insults and jokes winging back and forth.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/ae84qx.jpg)
[OOC: Logem is on the left, NCommander is in the middle, Lotu is on the right. Lorbam is currently eating, but will claim the first crafter’s to be vacated next, so all three are almost always in use.]
6 Malachite 77
NCommander pointed out that several of last year’s puppies are now old enough to train, but she doesn’t have time because of the crafts we have to make.
I told her to make the time, that Lorbam can take over her crafter’s full-time for a while. War dogs are an easy deterrent for thieves.
She seemed rather excited at the change of pace.
I envy her.
______________________________________________________________________________
7 Malachite 77
(http://i64.tinypic.com/24pw0on.png)
Lotu sat back from his workbench and arched his back, rolling his shoulders, stretching the kinks out of his neck.
I need a break from this.
Getting up, he started for the food stockpile, then changed his mind.
The humans won’t be here much longer, and I really need to talk to them.
A quick walk later, he entered the humans’ camp, near the depot.
“Yes? Here to trade some more?”
“No, but I have a request.”
Atthem motioned for him to continue.
“That lungfish, any chance you could bring more next year?”
Atthem looked puzzled. “More? But, you’ve got plenty of fish. I mean, dwarves are masters of the caverns, and I’ve heard stories of their bounty.”
Lotu shook his head, not bothering to explain. “But we don’t have your kind of fish, and that’s the kind we
“200 units?” There was a quiver in his voice that might have been suppressed laughter. Or amazement. Or shock. Lotu wasn’t sure, but other than the insult to his dignity, it wasn’t important, and he let it pass.
“Yes. 200 units. At least.”
The trader shrugged. “Can’t say. Can’t promise. It depends on what I can get at my coastal stops.”
“But –“
“The best I can say is, ‘maybe’.”
And no matter how Lotu tried, Atthem wouldn’t budge.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
11 Malachite 77
(http://i64.tinypic.com/23t4g2o.png)
I hope they bring more fish…
14 Malachite 77
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2v9f192.png)
And now we have six children running around and getting underfoot.
27 Malachite 77
NCommander has finished training the puppies, so we now have a total of nine war dogs. I’ve ordered our militia to take one each, with the remaining three guarding the entrance. That should take care of any kobolds that Lokum seems worried might be wandering around unseen.
Thankfully, NCommander’s back to crafting now.
10 Galena 77
Something’s been bugging me for the last week. I finally realized what it was.
I haven’t seen nor heard any hint of a kea. No one else has, either, but the consensus seems to be that they’re planning something. I’m not sure I believe that, but I’m glad work on the roof is slowly progressing, as the four haulers work on it when they can.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/141mbmh.png)
It’s only wood, not stone, but it is a major improvement. All of the workshops are finally under shelter, so we only need to go out into the soaking rain when we need to grab wood.
I’ve almost gotten used to the steady drumming above my head.
I’ve noticed some ravens hanging around, but they just watch us with those beady little eyes.
19 Galena 77
Olin has spent too much time freeing wood from the tangled jungle vines. That jungle’s finally gotten to her. She walked in for dinner, struck a pose and sang, “My name is Lyra now.”
Mooney got the strangest look on his face, I had to struggle not to laugh.
It’s official. We’re all slowly going crazy in this hill-less place.
28 Galena 77
(http://i65.tinypic.com/290vrwx.png)
This is going to be worse than last year.
Crap.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OOC: Nothing much got done this summer, other than quota work. So far this has been brutal.
@Lyra: Dwarfed (current status in the spoiler below). I am using a personal mod, which has aurochsen added (a [PET] that can act as a pack animal and can be milked, because I think they're cool), some vermin spiders (none of which have shown up in this embark) and some more cavern plants (cave thistles for extra fiber, and some others that are edible and/or millable) because I like variety. I also removed some of the giant insects (ticks and lice just bother me).
Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Also:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 06, 2016, 07:31:56 pm
I hope that ginormous roof and 960 power is worth whatever that brings.
As for clothing, considered walking around in leather armor and bone greaves and high boots? It's light and durable, and with a flask/rumskin can carry booze with you to everywhere.
* For Temperate broadleaf forests, I find brown recluses pretty common. Otherwise, I suppose you'd need at least bit evil area for spider webs aboveground in other biomes.
@Lyra: Yeah, can see it in inventories as well with forest spider silk*. Dame seems also be using an alternate tileset.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 06, 2016, 07:55:57 pm
You have bit of overproduction...Overproduction is necessary, I learned in the first export attempt (second year), because dwarves keep stealing some of the useful items (like backpacks and wearables). The cloth I can use for bags and other stuff, so I'm not worried about that overproduction or the food. The extra crutches...they were on repeat. I'm not perfect. *shrugs*
I have considered the bone greaves, but I couldn't spare any of the woodcrafters this year. I thought I could get all of the crafts done, at the very least. :-\
that ginormous roofStopping the kea-related cancellation spam is worth anything.
Dame seems also be using an alternate tileset.
I'm using straight ASCII (the square 16x16 version included in the vanilla game). Every other tileset just makes my eyes hurt. I'm running it on a Mac, maybe that's the difference you're noticing?
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 07, 2016, 12:45:48 am
The crutches...Eh, some are nice to have, but are you not using manager or workflow to fulfil quotas?
As for the kea-related spam, I generally instead locate fort 1 level lower than build a roof. You need very little on surface level - aboveground plants can be grown on exposed soil and grass will grow inside/aboveground for wagon grazers, though they're typicallly better off slaughtered. Windmills can provide power without hole if built first, and even if not using that 24 holes is much easier to cover up with them than several hundred. Though yes, this does kill some of the point of embarking on dry tropical broadleaf + grassland.
For the keas that remain, I take the "deadly bait near map edge" plan didn't pan out?
Yes, you have 1 layer less to work with, but that's an annoyance that has to be dealt with. And what keas come through wagon entrances can be dealt with by diagonal weapon traps followed by cage traps or dogs a bit behind for the ones who are fast enough to run past them.
Additionally, if you sticked wild grazers or whatnot from cages into inescapable hole (pit through retracting bridge over an empty room) without taming them first, they would breed without needing to graze while preventing further keas from coming in from that biome till they live.
As for the tileset, I noticed that your dwarves have beards.
However, checking the curses 800x600 (I'm using 640x300 myself - mostly, it has less whitespace in images, though on-screen the differences are pretty unnoticeable) does show them having them. Surprising to me, I thought that was added by players!
Post by: Iamblichos on July 07, 2016, 08:40:09 am
I had a bowyer create an artifact blowgun back in the 0.31.xx series (I think, it might have been as late as 0.34.xx). Haven't seen one of those since, though.
Just got a blowgun with the latest .43.05 version, so I think it's fixed (though it may also be appropriately rare).
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 07, 2016, 02:47:20 pm
1 Limestone 77
Olon has completed all of the backpacks for quota, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Now he’s working on some sets of armor for the Pale Roads and better quality quivers for the Pillars of Ink.
2 Limestone 77
Ustuth has gained some skill in marksmanship, though she still misses the practice targets more than she hits them.
3 Limestone 77
We chased off another three kobold thieves today. They aren’t getting past us, so when will they give up?
______________________________________________________________________________
9 Limestone 77
“Caravan sighted!”
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2hhqiva.png)
The call echoed through the massive room, and the frantically laboring dwarves froze. Time was up, and here came the accounting.
As they started to move the various bins and barrels to the depot, Lotu went to meet Logem Echoworked.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/10emsqx.png)
Echoworked started off with the latest news.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2cx6ov4.png)
What do I care who is in charge of a tiny little hamlet half a world away? Why couldn’t it have been that crazy-ass Bomrek in Swordgangs who got replaced?
(http://i65.tinypic.com/15yj1xf.png)
As before, Lotu ordered leather, cloth, and thread. And we also need weapons-grade metal. Imic’s squad can’t depend on capper battle axes forever.
Then the moment came.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2nqdw2d.png)
With trepidation, Lotu accepted the list Echoworked held out. Scanning it, he burst out, “Really? No funnin’?”
Echoworked nodded. “That’s what Bomrek told me Swordgangs needed.”
Lotu almost couldn’t breathe from relief. This one actually might be doable!
(http://i65.tinypic.com/t03v2u.png)
“Oh, there is one, or rather, two more things.” Echoworked suddenly remembered.
Aaaanndd, here’s the catch.
“Swordgangs has lost five dwarves since the last census, so the next quota needs to accommodate only 45 dwarves.”
That’s not so bad. “And, the other thing?” Lotu was afraid to ask.
“I have a letter for you from King Dodok Charmedmirrors.” Echoworked handed it over.
That's bad.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/1zgc3k7.png)
Lotu barely acknowledged the farewell, all of his attention centered on the folded vellum sheet in his hand.
Everything is better after a drink.
Slipping the unopened letter into his pile of Lorbam’s monthly reports, he headed off to get thoroughly hammered.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
12 Sandstone 77
For the last month, every adult dwarf in Finderboards has spent every waking moment to bring what we have to the depot, where the merchants and Lorbam tallied it up.
We now have nothing more to send. Lorbam gave me the following summary.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/fkv2v9.png)
King Dodok won’t be pleased.
And we need more bins.
14 Sandstone 77
The caravan left, taking our hard-made goods with them. In exchange they left us with a bag each of pig tail and cave thistle seeds, some thread, and as much leather as the import restriction allowed. We’re going to need it.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i68.tinypic.com/51rkfq.png) (http://i68.tinypic.com/qqr49x.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
15 Sandstone 77
Lotu settled at the table, a cup of sand pear cider near his left hand. He sat without moving for several minutes then, with a sigh, pulled a sealed letter from the pile to his right.
This is a well-crafted sheet of vellum. It is decorated with hanging rings of andesite and tower-cap wood. It is embossed with a masterfully-crafted image of a dwarf and dwarves in wax. The dwarves are raising the dwarf. The image relates to the ascension of Dodok Charmedmirrors to the position of King of the Figure of Diving in the year 1. This image is the personal seal of the king.
Sliding his thumbnail beneath the lump of wax, he pried it off and unfolded the single sheet.
Attention: Lotu Sizzlediron
Last year’s failure to meet the requirements of the settlement Swordgangs is unacceptable. Because they were missing bracelets, the five primary spear-making dwarves were unable to focus and produced particularly shoddy spears. The lack of gems to decorate said spears rendered them unbalanced, making it impossible to hit a target. I expect better results in the future.
Signed: His Majesty by the Grace of Armok, King Dodok Charmedmirrors, Cheesemaker
Leaning his elbows on the table, he dropped his head into his hands.
He stayed that way for a long time.
20 Sandstone 77
The dwarves had gathered for what was quickly becoming their yearly Quota Meeting. Lotu handed around copies of the new export request.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/e8oeuu.png)
“I think, with a little shuffling of duties, we can do this.” He started.
“That’s what you said two years ago.” Sodel pointed out.
“Yeah, but look at it. We don’t need to make anything complicated, like the pearlash this last time, and we don’t have to worry about something we can’t provide, like the fish.”
“But we can’t make that much leather.” Erib protested. “We don’t have anywhere near that many animals.”
Lotu nodded. “That’s why I’ve already asked Olon to reserve the required leather. What’s left will cover the armor and the backpacks, with some left over for our use.”
“Yeah. We need armor.” Imic insisted. “I can’t expect my guys to keep going out in nothing but the clothes on their backs.”
Mooney nodded in agreement. The Pillars of Ink had the same problem.
Olon said, “I can make the backpacks, no problem. But I’m going to need help to make the armor, too.”
Mestthos jumped at the opportunity. “I’ll help! I can work with muskox leather, right?”
“We don’t need you at the kiln, so that would be great. Now, Spriggans and Edzul, we’re going to need you to help Erib and Minkot in the fields. With the new types of seeds, I’m going to need to dig out two underground farms, so we’ll need more planters.”
Spriggans frowned. “But there’re still trees to burn.”
“The trees’ll still be there when we need you back at the furnace. Right now, we need cloth production more, to make clothing. Ours is starting to wear out, so we need to replace it too.”
“That’s what’m afraid of.” Spriggans muttered.
“All right. Any ideas for powder?”
Mebzuth volunteered, “We’re swimming in sand down on the bottom level. If I have enough bags, we can send that.”
“I can make you some more.” Sodel offered. “Especially if Lorbam keeps splitting his time between the cafters’ and the loom.”
“What about the spears? We don’t have any metal to make them with.” Airith asked.
But Lotu seemed to have an answer for everything. “Training spears. We can make them out of wood, and they’re still spears.”
“What about us?” Airith indicated herself, Catten and Dr. Urist.
“We need wood haulers from where Imic, Lokum and Udil have been busy chopping and, unless you all have a strong preference for something else, that’ll be your job.”
By the time the dwarves left the common area, their earlier depression had been replaced by, not hope exactly, but a more positive outlook.
28 Sandstone 77
"The keas are back!”
The cry came from Catten, as she abandoned the log she was carrying in favor of taking refuge inside the stockade.
Mooney’s reaction was immediate.
“Ustuth! Besmar! Get some bolts and get on the roof, now! Move it, move yer lazy arses up there!”
(http://i68.tinypic.com/ih2q1v.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
28 Timber 77
With the Pillars of Ink standing watch above and discouraging the Kea Menace from close approaches, the month of Timber has passed uneventfully, as we got to work on the quota.
Lorbam’s meticulous records show progress on all fronts.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2nanz4i.png)
While I don’t know how many items of clothing are actually owned, if we can double these numbers, at the least, by next Limestone, we should be able to make the full quota, for the first time.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OOC: Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Spriggans on July 07, 2016, 03:05:28 pm
Hard to keep up, but the content is of ☼Quality☼ !
How long does it usually take you to write on post ? :P
For the next year : this new quota should be defenitely easier than the 200 clear glass ! :)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 07, 2016, 04:59:56 pm
How long does it usually take you to write on post ? :PIt depends on what happens each season, but I make detailed notes as I play, and then sit down to write the season as a whole (and I don't always include everything directly). It usually takes about an hour or two (part of that is uploading the pictures). The first few story posts, so much was happening (and I had to lay so much groundwork) that I broke up the first three seasons even further, but now seasonal updates seem to work well.
Fortunately, DF is an awesome story generator, and I only have to fill in the gaps. The hardest part is trying to do so in a way that's actually interesting, when everyone who's played more than a couple of forts knows more-or-less what to expect, generally, and otherwise poking fun at obviously buggy or sometimes unexpected behavior.
If there's any RPing or specific dwarf-related requests between posts, I also try to take that into account, and use it to make the story richer/more interesting.
For the next year : this new quota should be defenitely easier than the 200 clear glass ! :)It wasn't, quite, clear glass. It was pearlash, so two steps short. If it had been clear glass (with the need to make charcoal, because I don't have access to magma and DFHacking it in feels like an exploit, and needing to include the glassmaker's shop in the production chain), I wouldn't even have tried.
Thanks for reading!
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 07, 2016, 05:30:04 pm
Swordsgangs is going to need more food, now. I guess Bomrek assumed fish was no problem last time....Unless starvation hits and the settlement falls. Then Swordgangs will need no food. I wonder what king will say to that?
Wood hauling: I can't help but plug: Have you considered minecarts?
Though to be honest, I don't usually bother myself either :p
The grand roof is almost complete. Magnificent, the whole thing reminds me of some human farming outpost - especially with the windmills. One possible use of it that springs to mind is lining the inner areas with backed seats (cancellation spam) outlooking windows, then carving fortifications there to safely look over the "lessened" hills and see anything that approaches.
Btw, word of warning: I believe the windmills side tiles are passable (lime green Xs), which means keas can fly in through them. Not sure if your power train is secure.
On new mandate:
Leather: Without caravan-bought leather, the timing could be bit tight, but a decent poultsplosion could take care of it.
Of course, I'm not sure how much you have on hand in addition to the earmarked 180 - leather armor and backpacks require another 180.
For once, the storyline is nice for training spears are quite fitting to send. Guess they too have problems with king's mandate?
Footwear, legwear: If you're using dfhack, go into stocks - (e)nchanced view and do a search for owned.
Alternatively, if using DT, check if anybody is going without pants/shoes/socks and then multiply together for how much you have.
Alternatively × 2, make two stockpile for footwear and legwear underneath the trade depot that are the right size to contain all that you need. When it is full, so is your need for now.
Powder: That's about 5 bags, right? Let the hunt for bags begin!
It wasn't, quite, clear glass. It was pearlash, so two steps short. If it had been clear glass (with the need to make charcoal, because I don't have access to magma and DFHacking it in feels like an exploit, and needing to include the glassmaker's shop in the production chain), I wouldn't even have tried.Looking at wiki's exploit article, the word means more "vanilla game things that are unintuitive to our human minds/too good compared to what my culture suggests should be best/trivialize a difficult thing". Painting magma in is a different - however, I believe you gener....Ahquifer, oh right.
Still, I guess 200 jobs x3 with lot of handling is about thrice as much to handle for 3 dwarves in a year. This sort of intuitive sense is useful...Comes out to little more than 5 days per pearlash with 3 dwarves working on it. Hm, with 1 dwarf....<2 pearlash per month?
That sure feels like a low amount. Surprising.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 07, 2016, 06:01:23 pm
Daggers are useless, but see if any of them wears a whip to make lasher military from?Not yet, though I've been checking each one.
Swordsgangs is going to need more food, now. I guess Bomrek assumed fish was no problem last time....Unless starvation hits and the settlement falls. Then Swordgangs will need no food. I wonder what king will say to that?I'm not sure if he's going to be more upset with Bomrek, or with Lotu, TBH. Story-wise, that's still up in the air. Or, something might happen that distracts him. There is that goblin group in the south that has attacked the southernmost-outpost...
Not sure if your power train is secure.Yes, because the side tiles are the tops of wall tiles. Thieves won't steal built things, and the openings go straight through the war dogs.
Of course, I'm not sure how much you have on hand in addition to the earmarked 180 - leather armor and backpacks require another 180.After the earmarked 180, I have almost 300 leather left, which should be plenty to make the armor, backpacks, and still leave enough for other things I like to use leather for.
Powder: That's about 5 bags, right? Let the hunt for bags begin!Normally that's right...until you consider that one bag of sand holds one unit of sand (unlike milled powders). That's 45 bags total.
This sort of intuitive sense is useful...Comes out to little more than 5 days per pearlash with 3 dwarves working on it. Hm, with 1 dwarf....<2 pearlash per month?One of the things I'm really getting a feel for (which I didn't have before, despite almost a decade of playing) is how much game time does each job really take the average dwarf. Most players probably pay more attention to RT equivalents (I know I did), because paying attention to export agreements isn't necessary in any way (yet), so the only real time limits are pretty much player-determined (since "Too Deeping" a fort was removed with the 3D introduction). And yes, those numbers are about right, when you factor in drinking/eating/sleeping/break time, for low-level workers.
The first set of exports was more of an "oh, I'm not being efficient enough, and there's way too much cancellation spam, that's easy to fix."
The pearlash was a rude wake-up call. I wasn't expecting to complete it, but I did think I would make more than 68 bars.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Lyra on July 07, 2016, 10:42:04 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 08, 2016, 07:30:16 am
or is everyone just that busy trying to make quota?This.
It might be better in the long run to make them take breaks, since dwarves seem to work better when they're focused.When I notice a yellow distracted arrow, I make that dwarf take a busman's holiday, and some of the assignment changes I mention from time to time are also due to trying to mitigate the "unfocused" thoughts. But doing that for every dwarf is very micromanage-y, even with only 25 adults. It wouldn't be possible in larger forts, and this one will grow (I hope).
Though at the moment, it's in the middle of nowhere, with only one civ settlement in the same general area, it's struggling to make quota, and there is no good story reason to get another migrant wave (I lucked out that the third one had Catten's family which, according to the legends, came from Swordgangs, I'd actually forgotten to turn the pop cap down to prevent that one).
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 08, 2016, 09:21:59 am
Bomrek had gone through the quota from Finderboards. "What!? This is ridiculous! 40% of it incomplete, and where's the fish? Extra meat isn't good enough, I want my fish!"
Meng scrambled to keep up with Bomrek's much longer strides as he stormed down the hall.
"Bomrek –"
"And that amount of pearlash will only get us so much clear glass! We need the clear glass furniture! It's so pretty." Without seeming to draw breath he continued, "And with so few scepters and earrings, what are we supposed to trade to the elves and humans next year?"
Turning into his office, he tossed the accounting onto his desk and flopped into his chair. "Bring me my pen and some paper, I need to light a fire under that so-called 'expedition leader' at Finderboards, he clearly doesn't know how to do his job."
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
3 Moonstone 77
Mooney and Besmar reported a "Tayldis sighting" today. Apparently he was trying to hide in a pile of leaves with two friends.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2lsfgag.png) (OOC: Tayldis is in the middle.)
Neither had a chance to fire a single shot, as the threesome promptly took to their heels and headed south.
15 Moonstone 77
Minkot has finally finished the new farm plots.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2rg04tx.png)
Next step, planting the cave thistle seeds, as she has informed me that pig tails don’t grow in winter. I tried to convince her that, as they grow underground, it doesn’t matter, but she wouldn’t budge.
Well, at least the kenaf and rope reed plots are producing well enough that even with the season’s delay in pig tails, we should be able to start stockpiling extra cloth.
At least no one seems to mind that we won’t have any dwarven ale for a while.
24 Moonstone 77
Mestthos gave birth beneath the dining room table today. I’m just glad it didn’t happen on the table.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/1zezfvp.png)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/97r9jp.png)
5 Opal 77
We are tripping over puppies everywhere.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2n1cizk.png)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/25kod94.png)
Soon the dogs will outnumber the dwarves.
11 Opal 77
NCommander hasn’t been in her crafters’ for a while. It turns out, she was training the oldest puppies into some more war dogs.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2rx7hc8.png)
They’re going to help guard the depot for now. I’ll probably find another use for them at some point.
24 Opal 77
This is Endok’s name-day, so we have yet another unsupervised child running around.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/verwr8.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
5 Obsidian 77
Lotu had gone out to get some more wood for carving. Suddenly, as he passed beneath a tree, he heard a screech, and something struck his shoulder.
Dodging away, Lotu turned.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/307vv60.png)
Having fallen to the ground, the little creature shot back up and charged at Lotu, screeching all the while.
Lotu grabbed at it, and managed to catch one toe. Throwing it through the air, he punched followed through with a punch, which landed on the capuchin’s leg when the capuchin rolled away from the blow.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2e3s97a.png) (OOC: The ! are more capuchins, overcome by terror.)
The capuchin rolled back to her feet and attacked Lotu, scratching his arm through his worn cloak. Lotu swung his fist wildly, but the capuchin dodged it easily.
Charging after the creature, Lotu abruptly tripped over something. Landing on his hands and knees, he looked over his shoulder to see two of the war dogs tearing the capuchin apart. By the time they finished, the body had been mangled almost beyond recognition.
I’m sorry, little one. I just wanted you to leave me alone.
Getting to his feet, he looked around at another distant shout, and saw Logem fighting off another of the creatures. The war dogs took off toward their new prey, tongues lolling out, seeming to grin in eagerness at the prospect of a new victim.
9 Obsidian 77
A few days later, Ral noticed some more capuchins loitering near the bridge entrance as she was heading out for some more brewables. They were crawling around, looking lost.
As Ral passed, a couple of puppies charge up, eager for some new playmates.
But apparently the capuchins don’t agree.
One puppy’s playing terrified the poor creature so much, it went scrambling back across the bridge, leaving a trail of blood behind.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/bj8mt0.png)
When she brought the incident up later, Erib got a gleam in her eye.
“Capuchins might be useful, I know where we should put those traps!”
Dr. Urist moaned. “No! Not those ever-to-be-cursed traps again!” And she promptly closeted herself in her library.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2vbkbyv.png)
11 Obsidian 77
Spriggans was tending the kenaf farm when she heard the oddest sound. Walking out onto the bridge, she spied her son Udil and her husband Lokum, both members of Imic’s Pale Roads, doing the oddest kind of back-and-forth dance.
“What’s going on?” Spriggans called.
Neither said a word, but Udil raised a finger and shakingly pointed at the ground in front of them.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2aaem2e.png)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/xodqif.png)
Spriggans huffed out an exasperated breath. Men! Out loud, she responded, “You HAVE axes! Use them!”
“They’re for chopping!” Lokum responded.
“They've blades, don’t they?”
A moment later, Lokum raised his axe high, and brought it down on the capuchin.
I would swear he had his eyes closed when he did that.
Shaking her head, Spriggans returned to the field.
14 Obsidian 77
“Erib, why haven’t you butchered those capuchins that have been killed over the last couple of weeks?”
“The ones th’dogs got’re too mangled for anythin’, the ones the Pale Roads got are in pieces that are too small t’do anythin’ with, and the ones the Pillars of Ink got are too far away t’be worth m’time.”
Lotu pinched the bridge of his nose. “OK. I’ll find someone to bring the useable corpses in for you. Where do you want that stockpile?”
16 Obsidian 77
“Capuchin in the Hole!”
Capuchin in the…what? Catten dropped the log she was carrying and went to investigate. Sure enough…
(http://i68.tinypic.com/6znhb6.png)
“What’s it doing there?” Catten wondered aloud, not expecting an answer. It was crawling around, clearly injured, and looking very disoriented.
But it would have to be disoriented, to find itself here.
In the distance, she could hear Imic summoning his squad. But, struck by the pitiful state of the little creature, Catten reached down and took a firm grip. With one quick, sharp twist, she ended the animal’s misery.
There. She won’t have to endure any more torture, poor thing.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
20 Obsidian 77
Besmar killed the last capuchin today. At least, I’m pretty sure it was the last one since we haven’t seen any others. This one had also entered the depot accessway.
I’d like to get some of the dismantled traps back up to cover that, but every time I mention it to Dr. Urist, she starts muttering about poisons. I’m letting it drop for now.
Erib says six of the corpses are useable, and has started butchering them. The fresh meat makes for a nice change, but it’s the leather that will really come in handy.
I wonder if we could breed them for leather?
Well, no use pondering that until and unless we manage to cage-trap some.
28 Obsidian 77
Progress on the quota continues, but slower than I’d like.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/313hlzd.png)
It turns out that Sodel apparently felt so distracted, he took a month off to get his head back together without informing me. How am I supposed to make sure progress continues at a good pace if I’m not aware of things like that? It’s not as if I would have said ‘no’, but I could at least have gotten Lorbam to cover the clothiers’, temporarily.
OOC: Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 08, 2016, 02:26:26 pm
They should be easy to capture. More tricky to keep away with sealed doors, for you need wood.
Of course, with dogs producing puppies at max output to be eaten and tanned by their masters, they have lessened value.
2 weeks to build 2 16 square farm plots, hm? I don't myself use farm plots that size.
Meanwhile, quota work continues at about equal pace. At this rate, the wooden bracelets will take the longest I guess, even with leather armor rotting.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 08, 2016, 03:13:20 pm
even with leather armor rotting.Yeah, I realized that was happening just after the spring seasonal save. Almost done playing through spring now, and the armor stocks now look more reasonable.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Imic on July 08, 2016, 03:15:43 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 08, 2016, 03:23:51 pm
Could you mention imic saying something along the lines of rebellion, revolution, terrible ruler, bomrek is a big fat oaf, and the king is terrible at his job in the next few updates?I'm sure I can manage something.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 08, 2016, 03:31:48 pm
Though speaking of rebellion/revolution, there is the possibility of killing king and swordgangs outpost in adventure mode, though by the time he would be violently expressing his dislike on fellow dwarves it is likely large fraction of fortress would be insane due that ability to handle stress.
(of course, one doesn't have to be held to preexisting characterization when narrating - this is just looking at the dwarf itself)
Dame de la Licorne: How did that happen, anyway?
Post by: Imic on July 08, 2016, 03:45:41 pm
*explode*
Lotu is nice. He wants to keep us alive. The king just wants a spear, and couldn't care less about these stupid peasants.
Dastard...
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 08, 2016, 06:30:11 pm
Dame de la Licorne: How did that happen, anyway?What do you mean?
I was specifically talking about the king and bomrek. Incompetent selfish-Uh, isn't this every DF noble we've ever had? And .23a and the early 3D versions were so much worse because we couldn't even pick someone halfway reasonable...
*explode*
Dastard...
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 08, 2016, 10:48:41 pm
And indeed.
Post by: Imic on July 09, 2016, 02:39:31 am
You... Have a point. At least my old world's queen was a trader,cthough, and therefore actually useful...Dame de la Licorne: How did that happen, anyway?What do you mean?I was specifically talking about the king and bomrek. Incompetent selfish-Uh, isn't this every DF noble we've ever had? And .23a and the early 3D versions were so much worse because we couldn't even pick someone halfway reasonable...
*explode*
Dastard...
-Dame de la Licorne
If the king...
Can't he just join the miliatary as a speardwarf?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 09, 2016, 06:24:29 am
@Imic: According to legends, he's lost every spear-throwing competition he's ever entered. Although a player fort's bootcamp might make a difference, and given that he's a cheesemaker by trade, I have no problems with that. It'll be good for RPing, if we ever get to that point (and I don't want the king coming until it makes story-sense).
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 09, 2016, 08:07:30 am
“Where’s my emerald silk cloth?” Sodel hunted through the selves in his clothiers. “An’ why is the sheep wool over here!? I walk away for one month…”
“Oh, I reorganized for you. Now everything is so much easier to find.” Walking by, Lorbam had overheard the mutterings and now lounged in the door.
“No it ain’t! It’ll take me forever to find stuff, and all my clothes will have completely rotted away by then.” Sodel grumbled. “D’you really want to see a bunch of naked dwarves running around? The children’re bad enough.” He shuddered at the thought, and Lorbam blanched.
“You have a point. I could—“
“No! You’ve done enough, now leave me be to figure out this mess!” Angrily waving the other dwarf away, Sodel went back to contemplating the shelves and muttering.
3 Granite 78
What is it about underground crops that makes them so finicky? The above crops –
“LOTU!” Imic’s roar could have been heard in Swordgangs. Rapid footsteps approached, and Imic burst into the crafters’ where Lotu had been working, brandishing what appeared to be a suit of armor.
Warily, Lotu looked up at his friend. “What?”
“Do you know what those idiots are doing?!” The armor was shoved beneath Lotu’s nose. The latter recoiled at the stink rising from it.
“I assume you’re about to tell me.” He said mildly.
“They’ve been putting the armor, Olon’s brand-new armor, into the refuse pile!”
Lotu stared. “What?”
“This!” Imic shook the armor hard. “This’s brand-new last month! And now, lookit it! All tattered from the rats that’ve been chewin’ on’t!”
Lotu rose. “I’ll take care of it.” And that does explain why Olon’s reported progress doesn’t match Lorbam’s numbers.
Imic followed. “An’ ‘nother thing.”
“Yes?” He asked even more warily than the first time.
“Why’re we givin’ our armor, that my boys need, t’tha’ incompetent prick Bomreck!”
“Because King Dodok—“
“An’ tha’s ano—“
Lotu’s hand shot up to cover Imic’s mouth. With a quick look around, he pulled the other dwarf into a corner of the pasture, away from the workshops and other dwarves.
“Don’t!”
Imic glared.
“Listen!” Lotu urged, almost in a whisper. “We have how many fighting-capable dwarves? Six. How many dwarves are in King Dodok’s army in Theaterknowledge alone?”
Imic admitted reluctantly, “Quite a bit more’n that.”
“How well equipped would you say they are?” But that was clearly a rhetorical question as Lotu continued, inexorably hammering his points home. “And our best weapon is a poorly-crafted iron axe. The Pillars of Ink don’t even have proper bolts. Mooney’s been bitchin’ about havin’ to use wooden ones for months, but where I we going to get metal right now?”
Imic shrugged, silent.
“And what do you think will happen to us if King Dodok decides to send his steel-armored, steel-armed soldiers here?”
Imic scowled.
“We can’t, literally cannot afford to make anyone that mad. Not while we can’t even work our way through the aquifer, let alone build and arm a proper defensive force.”
Imic crossed his arms, and his scowl intensified.
“You think I don’t get it? You really think I’m happy trying to juggle Bomrek’s demands with everything else there is to do ‘round here?” Lotu gestured helplessly. “You think I want to spend my time making useless scepters and crowns, when I should be digging?”
Imic grumbled something softly enough that Lotu chose not hear it, at least in an official capacity.
“Listen. I’ll check with Lorbam, but Olon should have enough leather left over, even with that stockpile snafu, to make enough extra armor that your boys can get some. Naturally, we’ll keep the best for ourselves. Go, sit down with Mooney, and make a list. Everythin’ you want, and what you really need. Prioritize. I’ll see what I can get you.”
Imic snorted out a breath, and clapped Lotu on the shoulder, making the other dwarf’s knees bend, just a little. “Yer righ’, fer now. Bu’ someday…”
Lotu watched him walk away. You’re absolutely right. Our king is a feckless incompetent, at everything, including those spears he likes so much. Bomrek is a narcissistic self-centered selfish bastard. And someday…we’ll be ready.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
8 Granite 78
I told Erib to thin the aurochs and two-humped camel herds today, so Olon now has two more pieces of leather to work with.
I need to increase leather production. Erib says turkeys work for that, I’ll need to order some in the fall.
10 Granite 78
The elves have returned, and they apparently think we’re wealthy. There’s four of them heading for the depot, instead of the previous years’ two.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2qc48lf.png)
With all of the quota work, I realized we have very little to trade. Only the last few glass items Mebzuth made last autumn before I shifted his duties. It looks like Mebzuth will be excused from quota production, as soon as he finishes collecting sand.
16 Granite 78
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2liwz8n.png)
The elves haven’t received the message. The extra two pack animals were carrying tons of more useless wooden crap, and another of those benighted keas. We don’t want keas!
I did buy all of their brewable fruit, as sand pears make surprisingly good cider. I also bought a lion and a leopard, which NCommander assures me are trainable. She’s working with them now. And I bought a hippo and some large birds, an emu and an eagle. Maybe Ral can try cooking at some point? I miss the occasional poached egg I used to have back home.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2r2w30j.png) (http://i66.tinypic.com/161j9zr.png)
18 Granite 78
Babies keep growing.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2a00xsw.png)
And I have to wait another eleven years for her to get large enough to be useful.
25 Granite 78
Mooney’s been having more and more of his episodes lately. I noticed because Besmar and Ustuth have been shadowing him more closely than usual.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/16m2hpz.png)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/16c8ikw.png)
I’ve ordered a fourth crafters’ built, so he can take some time off and still feel useful.
7 Slate 78
And another.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2ywztrd.png)
I suppose there are worse things.
10 Slate 78
After making a few crafts, Mooney insists that he’s feeling better.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/j5cak5.png)
I still insisted that he take the rest of the month off. Some praying and socializing, free from bird-related stress, is exactly what he needs.
And maybe he’ll finally sit down with Imic and get Lorbam that list?
______________________________________________________________________________
7 Felsite 78
“Waaaaahhhh!” The sobs could be heard throughout the cramped settlement.
Spriggans looked up from the kenaf plot she was tending, and cocked her head. “Yup, that’s Udil.”
Abandoning her task, the weeds would still be there later, she went to find her adult son.
Wrapping her arms around him, she pulled him to her, as she had throughout his childhood whenever he had skinned a kneed or banged into furniture.
“There, there. There, there. Tell Mum all about it.”
Udil burrowed his head into her shoulder. “Atir –hic– Likotath –hic– ser is –hic– is dead!” He sobbed.
Spriggans pursed her lips. The dog had been gravely injured fighting with the capuchins in Obsidian, but after so long she had really thought he would pull through.
Hugging him a little more tightly, she rubbed gentle circles on his back. Eventually the sobs eased, and she leaned back, rubbing thumb gently beneath his eyes.
“The only thing we can do for him now, is make sure he has a decent burial.” Udil sniffed, but nodded. “And,” Spriggans continued, “I’m sure Atir wouldn’t want you to be alone, so why don’t you go ask NCommander to assign you another one?”
“No other dog can take Atir’s place!” Tears welled up in Udil’s eyes and Spriggans quickly backtracked.
“I’m not saying that. But another dog can give you comfort, and help you with Atir’s loss.”
Udil looked at his mother for several minutes, before finally nodded. Getting, somewhat awkwardly, to his feet, he walked away, still sniffling.
Spriggans looked after him for a moment. He’ll be fine. It’s better to learn such things early.
21 Felsite 78
Lotu was having lunch with Airith, NCommander, Dr. Urist and Lorbam, discussing the current status of various projects around the fort, when their attention was diverted by a sudden outburst from the training corner.
“It’s mine!” Imic cried, snatching back the shield Udil had just wrestled away from him, and hugging it to his chest. “Mine!”
Udil stood there, confused. “I wasn’t really taking it…we were sparring, commander.”
Imic seemed to relax a little. “Just’s long’s you know, it’s mine. That Bomrek’s not takin’ this.”
(http://i65.tinypic.com/30ljtqo.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
28 Felsite 78
Another season done and, even with that armor issue at the beginning of spring, Olon has almost finished that part of the quota.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/24nqomg.png)
The clothing…we need to ramp that up.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Imic on July 09, 2016, 02:07:54 pm
Ho! Have you come to live in our fine fort, friend.
No. I have come here to say that you need better work, friend. Get some metal armor. And that shield is rubbish.
Imic clutched at his shield defensively.
Anyway, could I see your master?
Ye- wait, why?
I have a letter to give to him.
Oh no...
Sent, *he opened the letter* from Bomrek, lord of the north.
Oh, no...
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 10, 2016, 06:25:32 am
And that shield is rubbish.Imic has good taste, the shield is a masterwork.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/w9ffo9.png)
-Dame de la Licorne
Edited to include the image.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 10, 2016, 09:17:05 am
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 10, 2016, 11:18:07 am
1 Hematite 78
I’ve ordered Catten to build and use a second clothiers workshop. We need the extra production since our own clothes are starting to show signs of wear. And I want to wear something new!
______________________________________________________________________________
2 Hematite 78
Mooney was jolted out of his contemplation of a particularly lovely kenaf shrub by a sudden movement.
Another of those dratted kobolds!
Raising his crossbow, he fired a bolt at it. But, because the kobold had started running as soon as Mooney started to raise it, the bolt thunked harmlessly to the ground where the kobold had been standing. It broke on impact.
Humph. Useless wood. When will Lotu get us some real bolts? I think I need to remind him.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
14 Hematite 78
(http://i64.tinypic.com/av0uas.png)
I’ve ordered that the extra low-quality furniture and elvish cages be moved to the depot.
19 Hematite 78
(http://i64.tinypic.com/qz21ox.png)
The traders did uphold the bargain. I bought all 205 units of preserved fish that they had brought, and promptly forbade anyone from eating it. We’ll be ready for Bomrek’s fish obsession.
(OOC: I actually ordered some from the dwarves, in case that would affect what the humans brought.)
I also got some silver bars, because Money’s been moaning about wooden bolts breaking in combat, and all of the thread and leather they brought. Olon will be able to fully equip the Pale Roads with it, and the Pillars of Ink will get boots and helms, in addition to their armor.
We now have a llama for wool production, a turkey hen, though she’s useless for leather production without a gobbler (note: order one from the dwarves in the fall), and a water buffalo cow, so Mestthos is walking around with a wide smile on her face with the presence of a breeding pair. I wish everyone were as easy to please.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2r77hog.png) (http://i64.tinypic.com/dzz1jc.png)
22 Hematite 78
Olon reports that the armor quota is now complete. That’s one less worry on my mind. I sent him back to his leatherworks to start making armor, high boots and helms for the militia. Imic’s squad, as the melee group, will have first choice.
2 Malachite 78
More and more puppies are growing up, and more are being born. I’ve told Erib to slaughter any dogs NCommander doesn’t train. The leather will come in handy, and the meat provides variety.
8 Malachite 78
Lorbam is complaining that it is impossible to tell how many trousers and socks we have to trade, given that so many lying scattered around are still owned. I’m going to be spending the next week scouring the place from top to bottom, and confiscating every abandoned piece of clothing I find.
17 Malachite 78
Production on the crafts continues, more slowly than I’d like. I’ve told Olon to join us in the crafters’ workshops once he finishes the armor orders.
24 Malachite 78
I’ve finally finished my clothes-scouring, and we have enough clothing to fulfill both of those quota requirements.
Geez…the mess.
On the plus side, the common areas now look much neater.
28 Malachite 78
Only the crowns and bracelets remain, the rest of the quota is ready. I’ve ordered all non-essential personnel, including Ral because we have over 2500 drinks, to focus on hauling wood to the stockpile near the crafters’ workshops. Those of us crafting will be working day and night to finish in time to make up for the few who keep claiming crafts.
______________________________________________________________________________
13 Galena 78
Imic grabbed Lotu by the elbow, pulling him down to the bottom of the Hole, glancing around frantically, not stopping until they were hidden behind one of the pumps. Only then did he speak.
“Isn’t this a little extreme? Everyone else is focusing on finishing quota, we could have met anywhere without notice.”
“We got problems.” He handed Lotu an opened letter.
“You opened it?” Lotu exclaimed on seeing that it was addressed to him.
“Read it!”
Stepping out from concealment long enough to grab a nearby torch, he leaned back against the wall. As he read, his eyebrows inched up. “That @#$*&, @#@*#&$%*, of a @#*$&^#$ Bomrek!”
“Tha’s my reaction.”
Lotu breathed in sharply, thinking hard. “How many others saw you get this?”
“None. I’s out in th’forest, gettin’ wood from the furthes’ section.”
“Where is the messenger now?”
“Gettin’ a drink. An’ like’s not ‘e’ll report back to the feckin’ SOB tha' we have good drinks, an’ we’ll ‘ave to lose them too!”
Lotu nodded, consideringly. Then, very deliberately, he held the sheet of paper above the torch’s flame. A thin stream of smoke curled upward. Lotu waited until the flame had almost reached his fingers, then dropped the missive to the sandy floor, where the final fragments quickly turned to ash.
He met and held Imic’s eyes. “It would be unfortunate, if our visitor failed to return to Swordgangs.” He spoke conversationally. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
Imic folded his arms across his chest, and cocked his head. “Tha’t would.”
“I think it would be a good idea for you to escort him on the first part of his journey back. Personally. And you alone, as we can’t spare anyone else.”
Imic grinned, showing his teeth. “Gladly.”
“And, Imic?”
Imic turned back.
“These wilds are a dangerous place, I’m pretty sure I saw a tiger roaming around the other day. I’d like you to keep an eye out for any…stranger alone who might…need some help.”
Imic’s expression could only be described as feral.
Lotu added, almost as an afterthought. “We never had this conversation.”
“Why, Lotu, I haven’t seen you down here much. Are you finally getting down to the aquifer?” Imic asked innocently, as he walked purposely toward the central ramps.
And there goes a dwarf on a mission. But all I’ve done is buy us some time. Eventually Bomrek will realize… And he’ll tell the king… And while King Dodok is incompetent, one of his advisors will decide to send the army here.
Please, Armok. Please give us time.
______________________________________________________________________________
28 Galena 78
Production progresses.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2nbvqqh.png)
And I’m about to tear my hair out with all of the bracelets that “magically” find an owner on the way to the stockpile. I’m now having to lock each one up myself, as they get finished, or we’ll never make quota.
OOC: Anyone know if it's possible to use DFHack's "cleanowned" script to confiscate only crafts? At this rate of claiming I'm going to be swimming in owned bracelets with nothing practical to show for it.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 10, 2016, 12:26:21 pm
Bracelet list a page long...Multiple places of residence...Mysterious deaths of people left alone...Thousands of booze sitting undisturbed in barrels....Individual bedrooms which are situated out of the way from the usual plant and wood work...
To the less discerning eyes, it appears as if your entire fortress is vampires.
I guess there is a reason why outpost liasons like to stand over the beds of expedition leader, but oh dear. Drowning everyone would just kill normal dwarves while leaving vampires unharmed - definitely not what a ruler of the realm would want. In such a situation, what is a king who is losing the war to do?
Why, pit the vampires against the goblins!
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 14, 2016, 09:57:27 am
Chastulmer watched the entrance of the dwarven settlement from beneath his conveniently-placed bush. He had been there for days already, his companions just as carefully hidden, but there was as yet no break in the constant flow of dwarves entering and leaving.
Many wood shinies. Want shinies.
But the only way in was that heavily-traveled entrance, and not even a master thief could pass undetected. Frustrated, he signaled to his companions and they trudged away, yet again empty-handed.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
12 Limestone 78
Imic has sighted the caravan, slowly advancing upon this place. It is time for our yearly accounting, and I’ve ordered the quota delivered.
______________________________________________________________________________
14 Limestone 78
(http://i67.tinypic.com/23m3oux.png)
Echoworked followed to Lotu to his “office” at one end of the dining table.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/15oe3ad.png)
“Bomrek’s been replaced?” Lotu was relieved. Hopefully this Iden would be more reasonable.
But Echoworked promptly dashed his hopes. “No. Bomrek leads the Brave Gates. The Bronze Gate controls…”
Lotu tuned him out. Yet something else I don’t care about.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2gwrrqp.png)
Lotu came back to the conversation with a jerk, and pulled out the list he had made.
“We need more leather, cloth and thread. We also need weapon-grade metals, preferably steel, but iron will do, and turkeys. Lots of turkeys.”
That should make the soldiers happier. At least, it will when it arrives next fall. And producing our own leather will make us that much more independent.
Echoworked made some notes. “All right, this is what Bomrek wants.”
(http://i67.tinypic.com/23mko78.png)
Lotu felt his stomach sink below his boots. Rock mugs. How am I going to manage rock mugs? I haven’t had any time to work on the aquifer!
Echoworked added, “Also, 47 dwarves now call Swordgangs home.”
Two additional dwarves. Like that makes anything any better.
---
Several hours later, Lotu looked down at his final calculations.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/hrfpz7.png)
We can manage the rest but…rock mugs. What are we going to do?
13 Sandstone 78
Lotu entered the depot, only for his way to be blocked by Dastot, the head merchant.
“Yer missin’ 18 pieces o’armor.”
“What? We made it all.”
Just then, belabored panting caused the two dwarves to turn around to see Sodel carrying a bin. The bin was so heavy that he was almost collapsing with every step.
“Here. Here’s th’armor.” And he dropped the bin just inside the depot, collapsing to the ground next to it.
Dastot rummaged through the bin, and finally admitted, “Tha’s the last of’t.”
Lotu frowned. That was said so grudgingly…is he a friend of Bomrek’s?
Pushing the thought aside for future consideration, he focused on trading.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2iazxpc.png)
He automatically selected all of the thread, then paused a moment.
I don’t know how long it takes to make paper, so maybe I should grab all nine of those sheets.
He added them to the pile, as well as the weapon-grade metal. That will give us a start, at least, though now I have to figure out who to take charge of smithing.
Glancing at the pile of quota items, he started pulling a selection of the cheapest, undyed cloth and leather, until the total pile was equal in value. Longingly, he looked at the rest of the traders’ items, but he had already pulled everything they could afford.
And I’m not giving up anything we’ve made for ourselves. Uh-uh.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2005tuq.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/2z7hobb.png)
(OOC: I think the reason it didn’t change much is because of all the leather I bought the previous year that ended up being used to fill the quota. It counterbalanced what I bought, especially since pre-ordered items are more expensive.)
18 Sandstone 78
(http://i68.tinypic.com/110vey0.png)
The residents of Finderboards watched the wagons jerk into motion, rolling slowly out of the stockade toward Swordgangs.
The feeling was one of celebration, as the dwarves watched the first fully-filled quota leave.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/api3xj.png)
Lotu was quiet, still struggling to find a solution to the impossible demand that had landed in his lap.
Let them have their moment. I’ll be destroying it soon enough.
19 Sandstone 78
Assembled in the common area for the Quota Meeting, the dwarves were still celebrating, raising their cups high, slapping each other’s backs, and generally cheerful.
“Settle down.” Lotu spoke loudly. “We have work to discuss.”
The dwarves found their places, some claiming chairs, some on the floor, a few leaning against the walls. Lotu passed out the work list.
“Mugs!” The shocked cry rose from several throats.
Lotu nodded. “Obviously, we won’t be able to fill that one exactly. Instead, we’re going to make more cups. They want drinking tools, we’ll give it to ‘em. But they have to take what we can make.”
“But –“
“I’ll send letters explaining things to both Bomrek and the king. If King Dodok really wants us to fill rock-based ordered, he’s either going to have to send more workers here, or start shipping rock from the Mountainhomes. And the traders won’t want to do that.”
---
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
It took some persuading, but they finally agreed that this is our only option. We eventually agreed that Mestthos, Lorbam and Dr. Urist would be responsible for paper-making, even though none of them know how to do it. I’m sure Dr. Urist can figure it out, and I’ve promised her she can have any extra paper they make. Airith volunteered to make a millstone out of one of the few boulders I’ve been hoarding and Dr. Urist can then hook it and the screw press up to the screwpumps, since we already have their power trains set up.
Logem, NCommander, Ral and I will focus on most of the crafts, while Catten makes crossbows and Mebzuth makes the windows. I’ve also asked Mebzuth to make some glass trade goods to use with the elves in the spring, in case they bring anything interesting.
Spriggans was overjoyed at returning to the wood furnace, since Mebzuth needs lots of charcoal.
Lyra and Uvash will split their time between making splints and making more bins. We never seem to have enough of the latter.
Erib, Minkot, and Edzul will continue to grow plants, this time destined for milling rather than threshing.
Sodel and Olon will use the cloth and leather I bought to make us some replacement clothing. Finally something just for us.
The six militia will be hauling in wood, and keeping an eye out for…kobolds. We’re in such an out-of-the-way place, literally just a hole in the ground, that I don’t expect any other visitors.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
3 Timber 78
I tracked down Dr. Urist today, to find out why she still hadn’t built the millstone and the screw press. It turns out she was in her library, testing poisons.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/jb04yd.png)
While I have no issues with her trying to find a way to remove the Bomrek problem, I told her that she wouldn’t have any peace and quiet until that machinery was built.
I swear that dwarf actually flounced away.
18 Timber 78
They kids are overjoyed with the toys we’ve been making. Once we’re done with quota, I’ll get some extras made for them.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2i24jo0.png)
(OOC: The kid with “Store Item in Bin” is actually putting a toy axe away. I didn’t know they did that. I thought they just left them lying around for someone else to trip over.)
24 Timber 78
The puppies keep following their mothers. I’ve gotten tired of seeing a dwarf stop whatever it’s doing to go after a puppy and bring it back to the pasture.
I’ve ordered them all caged. Their whimpering is pitiful, but we need to work.
28 Timber 78
Production is well in hand.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2133ndg.png)
Apparently Catten had already made a whole bunch of crossbows earlier, before I reassigned her for the last quota. That’s going to help.
OOC: I've been too busy to play this week, but finally got the last of the pictures uploaded for fall. I'll get back to playing this weekend.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 14, 2016, 09:32:01 pm
Toys, splints, and crowns should be easy. Windows will be moderately difficult ( 3 jobs per window). Paper...Growing, mashing and pressing, 3 jobs per paper. I wonder how long that will take?
Rock mugs should be easy too...provided aquifer is penetrated. Floored over entrance, so no keas, and chained dogs to ensure no kobolds....
Perhaps 6 dwarves on papermaking and windowmaking, so 19 remaining...9 after subtracting the kids.....
Is the aquifer truly too fat to pierce in a year with 9 dwarves? Terrifying, I haven't encountered one fatter than 3 layers yet myself.
Post by: Gwolfski on July 15, 2016, 07:06:05 am
ill check
edit:
Dr Urist:
Hmmm.... Glass is similar to rocks. What if we make glass goblets in the shape of mugs? Obsidian is a rock. It is also glass, so it should work, right?
Make green glass goblets. If obsidian is glass and a rock, why not make green glass a rock? Ha!
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 15, 2016, 09:11:15 am
could you make clay mugs?Already looked at that. If it's possible, I don't see how to do it, all I see is "make clay crafts", which AFAIK don't make goblets/mugs. The green glass...hadn't thought of that justification.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Spriggans on July 15, 2016, 11:30:28 am
Is there going to be a grand reveal when you do ? ;)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 15, 2016, 11:34:33 am
Humm... Why don't you pierce that aquifer yet ?
Because low-level dwarves work so slowly, I've only gotten about halfway through the first layer (and according to reveal, it's 6 layers deep). Now that I'm starting to get high-level craftsdwarves, Lotu & Airith will probably get a chance to actually work on it during this next year.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 15, 2016, 06:46:57 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 15, 2016, 07:47:56 pm
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 17, 2016, 10:26:34 am
The cloaked and hooded figure entered the little-used room in which Dastot waited.
“And?”
“Finderboards met the entire quota this fall.”
The newcomer hissed. “What?”
Dastot shrugged. There really was nothing else to say.
The other paced back and forth several times, before turning back to Dastot with a swirl of the cape around the feet.
“This next quota, is it possible?”
Dastot slowly shook his head, a smug little smirk playing around his lips. “Bomrek’s asked for rock mugs.”
The other made an impatient gesture. “Any settlement of seven can make rock mugs!”
Dastot kept shaking his head. “Finderboards has an aquifer. A deep one, apparently, from the geology. They haven’t even finished getting through the soil layer. They won’t be able to get enough rock before we return in the fall. This quota will once again be incomplete.”
“Indeed.” Satisfaction oozed from the word. “Very well. Dismisssed.”
Dastot lost no time checking that the corridor was empty, before slipping away, relieved. That one…gives me the creepiest feeling.
______________________________________________________________________________
1 Moonstone 78
“Mebzuth!” Dr. Urist entered the glassworks.
“One moment.” Mebzuth spoke absently, focused on the glass he was carefully melting. Several minutes later, he finally removed the sheet of glass and slid it into the nearby tub of water to cool.
Only then did he glance up to register Dr. Urist’s impatient shifting from foot to foot. “What?”
“I’ve found a solution to the rock mug problem. But, before I tell Lotu, I wanted to make sure you could make 141 glass goblets, in addition to the 188 windows.”
“Glass goblets? For rock?”
“Yes! Obsidian is rock, right? Well, it’s also a kind of glass! So, if obsidian is actually glass, then glass is a kind of rock. See?”
“Seems to me you’re reaching,”
“Maybe, but it’s closer to rock than wood. Can you manage?”
Mebzuth looked around thoughtfully. He had already completed nineteen windows, and some corkscrews to trade with the elves.
Let’s see. One bag of sand per window, that’s 169 jobs. I can probably make three goblets per sand bag, that’s another…forty-seven jobs. So a total of 216 jobs. I have six months, so I need to do thirty-six jobs a month. And I still need to make those corkscrews Lotu wants on hand to trade to the elves.
“It’ll be tight.” He said. “I can do it, if I get an extra pair of hands and other people to collect the sand. And Spriggans will probably need an assistant for the charcoal.”
Dr. Urist nodded. “All right. That’s what I’ll tell him.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
2 Moonstone 78
It wouldn’t be a new season without another kobold showing up. They never get close, so we’ve learned to ignore them.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2mhsu80.png)
I’ve asked Airith to build an extra glassworks and another wood furnace, in accordance with Dr. Urist’s suggestion. If we really can make enough glass, then that’s one less woodcrafter that we need, and I can turn my attention to other priorities.
Now to figure out who to juggle once Airith has finished those buildings.
______________________________________________________________________________
5 Moonstone 78
“Ah, Lotu.”
Lotu was surprised to see the liaison still around, and said as much.
“Oh, I wanted to spend some quality time with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At any rate, I was packing up to head back to Theaterknowledge, and realized I never gave you this.” Echoworked held out a letter, sealed with the royal insignia.
Uh-oh.
Automatically wishing Echoworked a good journey, Lotu headed for the pumps on the sublevel. He needed privacy to deal with what he was sure was bad news.
Sliding his thumbnail beneath the wax, he opened the letter.
Attention: Lotu Sizzlediron
It has come to my attention that Finderboards has failed in its duty to fill a second supply shipment. Not only that, but over 40% of the required goods were lacking. This caused a severe loss of focus and distraction which resulted in the production of substandard spears. Should this happen again, I will have no option but to replace you as the expedition leader of Finderboards in favor of a more capable administrator. You have been warned.
Signed: His Majesty by the Grace of Armok, King Dodok Charmedmirror, Cheesemaker
Lotu leaned his head back against the sand wall. At least this year’s quota was complete.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
17 Moonstone 78
The second wood furnace is finished, and Edzul has been reassigned from the fields to charcoal duty, under Spriggans’s supervision. Mebzuth will soon have more charcoal than he can use.
26 Moonstone 78
The second glassworks is done.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/nxj337.png)
Since everyone already has a job, I’ve ordered that it only be used to collect sand. Hopefully that will free up enough time for Mebzuth to complete the goblets and windows.
Thank goodness Sodel is making more bags than we can use, though our cloth reserves are dropping. At least the paper production seems to be working well.
______________________________________________________________________________
20 Opal 78
Lorbam and Lotu sat in Lorbam’s office, going over Finderboards’ monthly status.
“One last thing.” Lorbam said, checking his list. “We have all the paper we need to fulfill quota.”
“Already?” Lotu was amazed, having expected the paper to take longer.
“Hmm-mmm.”
“That means Zutthan and Mestthos can be assigned to other things!” Like glassmaking!
Checking that they had finished discussing all the items on Lorbam’s list, Lotu headed off to inform them of their new assignments.
27 Opal 78
“I’m outta’ sand!” Mebzuth called down to Lotu’s current digging spot.
“What?” Lotu pulled himself up to sit on the top of the ramp. “There’s sand all around, how can you be out?” As he spoke he waved at the yellow sand surrounding them.
“No bags t’collect it.”
“I thought Sodel had made plenty.”
“He’s been makin’ clothes, not bags. And nice ‘uns, too.” Sodel fingered the sleeve of his new dress, which Lotu had to admit was very well-made, indeed.
With a sigh, he got to his feet and headed off to deal with the latest crisis.
Arriving at the clothiers’, he found Sodel putting the finishing touches on a pair of mittens. “What’s up with the bag situation?”
“No cloth. All of the plant fiber is going to paper-making, and several others were complaining about wearing tattered rags that barely even fit the description of ‘clothing’. I decided to do something about it, and used up all of the traded cloth.”
Lotu took a deep breath, and let it out slowly through his nose. “And you couldn’t tell Zutthan that you needed him to make some thread?”
“You put him on glassmaking duty and forbade him from threshing.” Sodel pointed out acidly.
“Fine. He’ll go back to the farmer’s workshop. Just make more bags.”
Lotu walked out, oblivious to the glare Sodel shot at his back.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
12 Obsidian 78
Glassmaking continues, more slowly than I’d like, since Mestthos and Mebzuth have to keep interrupting their work to wait for others to collect more sand. As a result, I’ve ordered a third glassworks built. Mestthos and Mebzuth will each have their own, and the third will be used exclusively for sand collection.
18 Obsidian 78
The final walls for the aquifer attack are in place.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/30bd3yf.png)
All that remains is to remove the wall into the pumping tower, so the water has someplace to go. Once that’s done, I’ll get some volunteers to man the extra pump while I dig out enough of the deepest soil level to actually work from when tackling the stone aquifer.
Progress may be slow, but it is happening. And it’s happening without anyone beyond these walls being aware.
28 Obsidian 78
Winter is at its end, and we are doing well.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2s1vj4l.png)
I’ve ordered Mebzuth to stop making any glass items other than those required for the quota, as we have enough corkscrews and used silk clothing to trade for anything we want from the elves.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Spriggans on July 17, 2016, 11:54:09 am
Is that some kind of double-slit method ?
When you actually breach it. Please make lots of screenshots for lazy dwarves like me to understand :-*
With all the wood you're using (coal, splints, toys, ...), do you still have enough ? Are trees growing at a good pace that allows wood to be virtually infinite ?
I've never made a entirely wood centered fort yet. I Probably should :P
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 17, 2016, 12:29:45 pm
The descriptions of running out of clothes...Are you using some kind of manager orders to make new cloth when there's worn clothing?
100 paper in what, 4 months or so? How many did you have working on that again?
(So fast, compared to the pearlash)
Looking at your pierce plans, it might be useful to remember that you can dig upstairs from downstairs above, though these upstairs will block cave-ins.
And yeah, like Spriggans I'm having trouble imagining what's 9 pumps needed for - never seen a pierce strategy that used more than 2 per level.
Btw, Spriggans, I think Dame would have gotten over thousand logs (maybe near two thousand? Don't remember how forested the shrubland was) clearcutting the map back in 74, and since currently it is 78 and trees take at most 3 years to grow, he's probably had another harvest mature by now.
Post by: Imic on July 17, 2016, 02:02:37 pm
'We'll have you back in no time, sir.'
'I'd better be back soon, the king will be wanting my report.
too bad he won't get said report. Imic's own thoughts shocked him. But, it was rime that he did it. He drew his weap-
A herd of deer jumped out from the bushes, chased by a lion, who bumped into the postman, before they were both flattened under a falling tree. A herd of birds proceeded to poo all over said tree.
Imic, on the other hand, stood there, speechless. As he was about to walk back to the fort, he spotted a list in the hand of the postman. He picked up the list, which had a list of things that the fortress had, along with some comments for Bomrek, and some others marked 'to be forwarded to the king'
Imic walked away, clutching the list in his hampnd. Behind him, the grave of the postman was struck by lighning.
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on July 17, 2016, 02:20:26 pm
I DID NOT CONSENT OT THIS!!!
I WAS CATCHING UP ON THIS FORT, WHEN I READ I GOT HITCHED!!!
Cool.
Never had a dorfed version of meself get married before... I wonder what Order Protocol is on Marriage...?
(Still on page 5 guys, give me a minute)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 17, 2016, 02:57:40 pm
I'm still habing a hard time visualing how you'll go through the aquifer.That's where it started, then it evolved into my current method, which has a large enough aquifer shaft by the end of digging to actually get a mine cart system that goes from the surface fort all the way down to magma (ultimately) with various offshoots where practical. And it doesn't require piercing the aquifer in more than one place.
Is that some kind of double-slit method ?
When you actually breach it. Please make lots of screenshots for lazy dwarves like me to understand :-*That is part of the plan. But working with only 1.5 dwarves makes it slow (I may have to break my small fort rule eventually...as I usually focus on the aquifer first and only have 4-5 dwarves to keep everyone else fed/protected). This is basically a complete reversal of my normal aquifer-piercing process, which is making it more of a challenge (piercing the aquifer had gotten rather ho-hum). But with the economy update getting closer, I want to see if it's really possible to fulfill quotas (or what fraction of them can be filled), given some of the more stringent constraints that players can impose (small population, presence of aquifer, etc.).
With all the wood you're using (coal, splints, toys, ...), do you still have enough ? Are trees growing at a good pace that allows wood to be virtually infinite?
Btw, Spriggans, I think Dame would have gotten over thousand logs (maybe near two thousand? Don't remember how forested the shrubland was) clearcutting the map back in 74, and since currently it is 78 and trees take at most 3 years to grow, he's probably had another harvest mature by now.I actually haven't managed to clearcut the map yet. So yes, wood is essentially infinite, which is why I keep making things out of it.
The descriptions of running out of clothes...Are you using some kind of manager orders to make new cloth when there's worn clothing?I hadn't, but then I'm not completely comfortable with the conditional orders yet. I'm still figuring out how quickly specific jobs take, given that that's such an integral part of this challenge and not one that I'd paid much (if any) attention to in the past. The paper was a case in point.
100 paper in what, 4 months or so? How many did you have working on that again?I had 2, one milling the paper slurry, one pressing the slurry into paper (not counting the 3 planters). Apparently one plant slurry will make ~3 sheets of paper (I just checked by running one "press pig tail slurry" job, which gave me another three sheets). It's not hard-and-fast though, as I've now made 95 sheets of paper, which isn't divisible by three, so some of the slurries made less or more (and I'll have to check much more closely the next time I need to make paper to see which is most efficient, unless that number is governed by the dwarf's skill, which can't be excluded yet). So that went much faster than I had anticipated.
(So fast, compared to the pearlash)
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on July 17, 2016, 03:41:14 pm
Journal of Airith
I've been busy. All of those screws that I make intended for the aquifer device, and my fiancee keeps trading them, though who can blame him. The King is an ass, and that Bomrek... well lets just say I hope that the Doc's study into toxicology proves fruitful.
That one Kobold though, what's his name... ah Tayldis I think it was, he's been a recurring thing here. He's a little banged up, I must say. He has some serious injuries that only appear on the more experienced of his kind, better watch out for him.
On another note, my recent inquiries to the other outposts and fortresses have had mixed results. They all are of the opinion that the King is an incompetent ass who should be disposed, but a few are still loyal to the Crown, regardless of who wears it. I think I will bring my soon-to-be Hubby in the ring soon, because even if I am successful, I don't want that responsibility.
If the plan works, the King will come here and will come down with a "sickness" and will leave this mortal coil. And then my Allies in the other forts will launch a campaign against the loyalists, and when all is calm and the smoke clears, I will humbly present my Hubby the Crown and I will become Queen.
Not bad huh, still MANY loose ends though, the Doc's work in Toxicology is still rudimentary at best, and my allies are too few. Even here, I'm just a shadow behind Lotu (though I am NOT complaining, the spotlight always did scare me). I think I can count Imic among my potential allies though, I may formally invite him to join...
Anywho, I need to get back to work, those pumps ain't gonna finish themselves.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 17, 2016, 09:43:42 pm
I've never seen dwarves, goblins or elves go to war with each other in world gen....No, this behaviour is all too human.
(Keep having fun, you dramatic human =)
I actually haven't managed to clearcut the map yet. So yes, wood is essentially infinite, which is why I keep making things out of it.Ah, one of the first orders I take (with dfhack) is cutting down all the non-fruit trees with getplants, or at least all the willows (lighter).
Enough room for both workshops and minecart tracks in a single pierce...Grand!
Given the existence of papermaking labour and sheets being qualitiless, I wouldn't be surprised if they did use skill for output. (Then again, might be just speed, like with tanning.)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 17, 2016, 10:48:41 pm
Given the existence of papermaking labour and sheets being qualitiless, I wouldn't be surprised if they did use skill for output. (Then again, might be just speed, like with tanning.)Actually, plant-based paper does have quality levels:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I don't make parchment (leather is generally more useful elsewhere), but that may also. Great, something else to add to my testing list. :P
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 17, 2016, 11:17:55 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 23, 2016, 07:27:57 am
2 Granite 79
With the spring, come the kobolds. Nothing to worry about, though. They never come very close.
15 Granite 79
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2h367af.png)
Looking through our supplies, I’ve ordered all of our tattered silk clothes moved to the depot, in addition to the extra green glass corkscrews and a spare glass pipe that was lying in the stockpile.
20 Granite 79
The elves brought more useless junk, but I bought all of their brewable fruit, at it makes some fairly decent drinks. The elves did bring a selection of animals, so we now are the proud owners of: a giant porcupine, a black bear, a sloth, a gray langur, and a giant coati. I’ve also acquired a giant dingo and a tiger to be war-trained, assuming NCommander can manage it, and a giant sparrow for the eggs. I’ll once more be able to enjoy my poached egg in the morning, at least occasionally. Ravens are supposedly intelligent, according to the ancient legends, so we now have one of those roaming the place, and I absolutely refused the kea.
But that does beg an important consideration. Are the elves in league with the keas? They always have at least one in their shipments.
We’ll have to keep a close eye on them.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i67.tinypic.com/al5aw7.png) (http://i65.tinypic.com/mnf5l.png)
On the plus side, as we replace our clothes and use up supplies, we’re able to import more and more, despite the king’s import restriction.
______________________________________________________________________________
22 Granite 79
Lotu stopped by the glassworks on his way back to the crafters’ workshops. “Mebzuth?” He glanced around the seemingly-empty building. “You here?”
Mebzuth stepped around the chimney, hanging the poker on its dedicated hook. “Yeah?”
“Don’t worry about making anything other than the windows and goblets for the rest of spring and summer. I got everything potentially useful that the elves brought, so we can make do with the wooden stuff for the humans.”
“Hmpph.” Mebzuth snorted, but nodded. Maybe now I’ll actually be able to finish that quota. With Mestthos’s help. “ ‘N Mestthos?”
“She’s not in her glassworks, so I’m going to try to track her down. If you see her first, though, can you pass on the message?”
Mebzuth grunted, already starting to process the bag of sand that was sitting next to the work-bench.
Taking that as a yes, Lotu headed for the common area, hoping to find Mestthos enjoying a break.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
27 Granite 79
NCommander has managed to train the tiger, so we now have a war tiger roaming around. Unfortunately, she claims that dingoes can’t be trained, even though they look like dogs. Something to do with them being marsupials, is her best guess. Pity.
28 Slate 79
A single kea made its way almost all the way to the depot.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/33n9qno.png)
I knew pasturing the extra war animals there would be worth the constant aggravation of them trying to follow NCommander every time they saw her. The other dwarves have certainly stopped complaining about the extra work.
The body was too mangled to use for anything, so the pieces have been dumped, out of the way. At least, the bits the animals didn’t eat.
Of course, now there’s blood everywhere.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2ujrq5d.png)
For once, I welcome the rain that started up again a little while ago. It will wash that gore away without our having to lift a finger.
02 Felsite 79
That first kea was clearly just an advance scout. The entire flock is back, terrorizing honest, hard-working dwarves who never did them a single disservice.
Well, we’re prepared to deal with them now.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2z8udd0.png)
Our archers are starting to have very good aim.
______________________________________________________________________________
17 Felsite 79
Lotu opened his eyes, feeling at peace after praying to the Book of Insight. As he made to leave the temple area, he glance over to the library.
Huh, that’s odd. I don’t think I’ve seen Dr. Urist scribbling quite that ferociously before. Has she found a solution to the Bomrek problem?
(http://i64.tinypic.com/ogi691.png)
19 Felsite 79
Dr. Urist came charging out of the library waving a quire. A quire covered in scribbles, Imic noted.
“I’ve done it!” Pride emanated almost tangibly from her body.
“Let’s see it.” Airith held her hand out.
Dr. Urist passed it over.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/10pn1qw.png)
That’s it? Imic thought. Nothin’ remotely useful.
Disgusted, he hefted his axe and headed out to cut some more trees, while keeping an eye on the environs for anything out of place.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
28 Felsite 79
Production continues apace, but only if I keep up with the wood-working.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/t9tsfc.png)
There is hope.
OOC: Sorry about the posting delays. Work, a wedding gift, and some medical stuff got in the way this week.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 23, 2016, 08:41:18 am
Hahaha, I certainly didn't expect that! Though how good are the archers, now?
Hm, a porcupine...could be annoying with dumping leftovers, as the needles are unusuable. Best you might be able to do is stick them into a minecart and trade that away.
And, well. A complete roof, now. So many years.
Splints, windows, crowns, toys...Surprised that you elected to do glass mugs first, however.
Post by: Spriggans on July 24, 2016, 05:18:13 am
OOC: Sorry about the posting delays. Work, a wedding gift, and some medical stuff got in the way this week.
No problems ;)
As long as this thread doesn't stop, I'll be happy :)
I wonder how the story will go :
- when (if) the King astablishs to Atolasob
- when mighty beasts come to attack the fort (exept keas, there were no real threats to the fort yet, right ?)
- when you'll breach that fat aquifer
- when Tayldis will be captured and questionned
- many other things !
Just keep an update from time to time and it'll be ok :P
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 24, 2016, 08:24:37 am
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 24, 2016, 01:37:46 pm
1 Hematite 79
Apparently Dr. Urist is back to thinking about possible poisons.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2q3as5u.png)
I’ll have to keep an eye and ear out for things that could help her. Maybe some nice vials, once Mebzuth has finished the windows? I wonder if she would prefer green or clear glass…
15 Hematite 79
(http://i63.tinypic.com/25aj3nk.png)
Their arrival has made me realize something. No kobolds have come with the season change. Where are they hiding? And this had better not be a bad omen.
In any case, we will be able to get rid of all of the tattered cloth and leather clothing that is cluttering up the hallways and stockpiles. I’ve ordered all of it moved to the depot. And, just in case that isn’t enough, I’ve ordered some of the low quality empty barrels moved as well. At least we have plenty of barrels, it’s the bins we keep falling short on.
24 Hematite 79
The traders brought fish. Lots of fish.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2h7ea8h.png)
We’re not Bomrek. We don’t want insane amounts of fish. None of us even particularly like fish. I hope not buying it won’t come back to haunt us.
They also brought a number of books, scrolls and quire copies, which I thought at first might be useful. But they’re all travelogues of human hamlets and historical accounts of random apprenticeships. Nothing remotely interesting.
I ended up trading for very little. Just some more copper bars, which are better than no metal at all, a llama and an alpaca, since Zutthan seems to be able to handle both shearing, spinning and threshing, at least so far, and all of the thread the humans brought. You can never have too much ready-made thread, even if the quality isn’t as good as something dwarven-made.
I also got a selection of seeds, maybe one of the farm plots can be used to grow real food, instead of for fiber production. Or maybe we can make a new farm for that purpose. I think we’re all starting to get a little tired of the same old, same old diet all the time.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/1p9tao.png) (http://i64.tinypic.com/2vsp6j9.png)
12 Malachite 79
The human caravan left. I only noticed because the lead wagon almost ran over the war lion. That was not a happy animal, and the incensed roar sped the caravan on its way. Good riddance.
19 Malachite 79
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2jf0nio.png)
Another mouth to feed.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/scdemd.png)
25 Malachite 79
Erib has decided that we have plenty of dogs, and started to butcher some of the untrained ones. NCommander put up quite a fuss.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/302tl6u.png)
They are now not talking to each other which, in such a small community, is making things rather tense.
Since we now have 22 war dogs, plus the war lion, war leopard and war tiger, not to mention another 29 puppies, with more appearing all the time and needing to be caged, I rather agree with Erib.
15 Felsite 79
Besmar came to me today, requesting a new, temporary, assignment to one of the crafters’ workshops. It seems that the need to do some carving is distracting him from the rest of his duties.
I agreed to his request, I admit with some alacrity.
I get to DIG! Well, build the last retaining walls so I can dig without too much swimming.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/95omrb.png)
23 Felsite 79
Well, the retaining walls are coming along. Slowly, but progress is being made. Besmar, surprisingly enough, is proving to be quite a help, though I’ve insisted that he spend more time crafting.
Even with the pumps, though, the water is slowing things down.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/315e4p5.png)
But, soon Airith will be able to rotate the pumps and the real fun will begin.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/33acwbb.png)
28 Felsite 79
The end of summer is here, and the dwarven caravan will arrive before we know it, to snatch all of our hard work and impose a new set of Bomrek’s unreasonable demands. But, each year, we get a little better. A little more efficient. A little more prepared. And one day… Yes, one day.
Meanwhile, only the windows remain.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/212ixrc.png)
I also ordered an extra twelve toys made, so our children can enjoy the best fruits of our labors. I’ve already gone through with NCommander and the other crafters, and we chose the 12 best toys produced this year to keep. Bomrek will have to make do with the low-quality stuff.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Imic on July 24, 2016, 01:47:02 pm
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 24, 2016, 06:38:16 pm
Hey, can you import venom from caravans? With a bit of water to store the ammo in, you could do like Beastdiamond and copy the animal people of the underground for some of the deadliest weapons....Lets just hope the enemies aren't large and capable of wrestling away the crossbows to shoot back.
And if not arrows, perhaps a high velocity weapon.
Tayldis missing...It is probably nothing, given he has stolen nothing, but you could check legends mode.
Though Murdermachines did have the succession fort fall to kobold attack.
....You didn't buy the fish?!
That seems unwise, given it has been requested twice. No idea if requests are random, but if they're not...
Well, lets hope you don't regret it come autumn. What did you request, this time?
About the war dogs: Beware of them pathing to their animal trainer or owner. The target constantly changes, and path has to be recalculated due overlaps with dogs, so it might cause some lag.
I think I see what you're doing with the aquifer better now. Huge! Well, once the walls are up digging out the inside should go quick...but then repeating a level lower.
Speaking of which, have you compared using doors instead of walls? One advantage I've found is that you can use the space to build stairs with tiny pierces (which otherwise don't have the room to stand adjacant to for building it).
Bomrek's role in this story is a little odd, to be honest. Hasn't he been failing king's demands and producing lower-quality stuff, too?
Perhaps exporting some masterwork wooden spears is just what the dude needs. Your carpenter is free, and you're not running out of logs.
And of course the report would distract the king from using glass rather than stone mugs. Not that the war isn't doing that well enough already, heh.
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on July 24, 2016, 09:52:36 pm
Or, even better, pm the save file so I can look me self?
... And I just realized, Dr. Urist has a strange obsession. You might want to keep an eye on him...
Post by: Gwolfski on July 25, 2016, 03:29:44 am
If you have a moment, could you give us a history lesson via Legends Viewer?
Or, even better, pm the save file so I can look me self?
... And I just realized, Dr. Urist has a strange obsession. You might want to keep an eye on him...
Her.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 30, 2016, 10:38:09 am
3 Limestone 79
Summer was very quiet. No kobolds, no keas, nothing to interrupt the flow of work. But today…
(http://i67.tinypic.com/298ndl.png)
“Protect the quota” would be more accurate.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/4ilzlh.png)
Can kobolds swim? Well, she ran away, so that's something to find out later.
10 Limestone 79
Another litter of puppies have matured. Erib slaughtered half of them, while NCommander trained the third. Those two seem to have finally arrived at an uneasy truce. Or maybe they’ve simply agreed to some sort of competition. I don’t care to know the details, as long as they don’t bother anyone else.
16 Limestone 79
(http://i63.tinypic.com/14vs21g.png)
And they’re back, to pillage our year’s work. I’ve ordered the official quota moved. But some things, the best quality in every case, will be kept back, for our own use and enjoyment.
At least, during the last half-month, we were able to spend more time focusing on the aquifer. Only three bots of walls left, and then I can resume digging and channeling.
______________________________________________________________________________
20 Limestone 79
(http://i68.tinypic.com/jrttgi.png)
“Greetings, Logem Echoworked.” Lotu responded.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2iivbt5.png)
So Bomrek’s still in control. Lovely.
“And this year’s requests will be based on 48 dwarves, as Swordgangs has welcomed a new baby.”
Lotu nodded. Better and better.
“But let us begin with your needs.”
Lotu pulled out the list. “We need weapons-grade metal, leather, cloth and thread, and turkeys.”
Echoworked looked taken aback. “You ordered turkeys last year.”
“Can’t have too many turkeys. We want more.” We need more, even if we only use them for ourselves. We have to be independent.
Echoworked hesitated, but with a shrug, made a note of the request. “And here is Bomrek’s list.”
(http://i63.tinypic.com/28vc4fr.png)
Lotu barely bit back a cry of dismay. Anvils?!? And metal bars! The guy clearly has it in for us!
Before he could marshal his wits enough to say anything, however, Echoworked handed over another piece of parchment. “A letter from the King.”
His stomach tying itself into knots, Lotu took it with a shaking hand.
With a commiserating nod, Echoworked took his leave. Lotu automatically raised a hand in farewell, his attention focused on the letter in his hand.
This is an exceptionally-crafted sheet of horse parchment. It is decorated with spikes of fungiwood and pig tail cloth. It is embossed with a masterfully-crafted image of a dwarf and dwarves in wax. The dwarves are raising the dwarf. The image relates to the ascension of Dodok Charmedmirrors to the position of King of the Figure of Diving in the year 1. This image is the personal seal of the king.
Lotu broke the seal and unfolded the single sheet.
Attention: Lotu Sizzlediron
I am pleased with Finderboards’s success in completing the shipment to Swordgangs in 78, especially given your previous failures. Make sure that this success continues.
Signed: His Majesty by the Grace of Armok, King Dodok Charmedmirrors, Cheesemaker
“I would love to make sure that it does, but someone needs to convince Bomrek to be reasonable.” Lotu muttered at the letter. Anvils? Dream on.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
15 Sandstone 79
In exchange for Bomrek’s goods, and keeping in mind his ridiculous requests, I’ve bought all thirty-one of the metal bars the caravan brought, and all seven anvils. I’m going to need to get creative for the rest.
I also bought all 8 turkeys, and promptly ordered two of the gobblers slaughtered. Full speed ahead on leather production!
I managed to get all of the thread and yarn, and about 500 pieces of leather, before the import restriction started to bite. Anvils are expensive, and so is the steel that we now won’t get to use. Imic is not going to be happy.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i63.tinypic.com/35ksoav.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/2mnn509.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
17 Sandstone 79
The dwarves gathered in the common room for the Quota Meeting. Once everyone had assembled, Lotu passed out the job lists he and Lorbam had compiled.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/afdir6.png)
“Alright, most of this is going to be easy, we’ve figured out how to get them done. The two trouble spots are anvils and metal bars. Our metal hoard comprises 31 bars, and I bought another 31 from the traders, but that leaves 34.”
“We can’t send away our metal! We need good armor!” Imic burst out. “I say we ignore that part. We’ve done it before!”
Sodel argued back. “We can’t ignore it if we have a hope of filling it! King Dodok’s happy with us now, let’s keep it that way!”
Other voices rose, some supporting Imic, some supporting Sodel. As the argument grew more heated, NCommander let loose with a piercing whistle.
“Dwarves! The solution is simple. Buy as much metal stuff from the humans as we can, and I’ll melt it down into bars. We keep our steel, and Bomrek gets low-grade stuff. Win-win.”
“Will three months give you enough time, though?”
NCommander shrugged. “It’s worth a try, and won’t preclude Imic’s or Sodel’s solutions if we need them.”
“OK. What about anvils?”
NCommander had a solution to that too. “Mini-forges.”
Registering the puzzlement on several faces, she elaborated. “Mini-forges are toy anvils. We make those, we fill both the anvil requirement and part of the toy requirement. Bomrek didn’t specify that he wanted useable anvils, after all.”
No one dissented, so Lotu quickly reassigned a few jobs. “Mestthos, you’re back to papermaking. Mebzuth can handle the elvish trade goods on his own. And Mebzuth, once you’ve done that, you can help with the crafts and toys. Now, tools. I think it would be best if Lyra & Uvash make bookcases. That’ll be one less burden on the crafters. Though we do need a handful of nest boxes, but we can knock those out of the way pretty quickly. As for Cooking…”
Edzul broke in. “I’ll take that. Spriggans can handle making charcoal for one glassworks, and there doesn’t seem to be much call for potash this next year.”
“All right. Anything else…? Then meeting adjourned.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
19 Sandstone 79
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2e5ljrl.png)
I watched until the last pack animal was out of sight. All those months of hard work, gone. And Bomrek is certainly not the type to appreciate it.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/302ngo8.png)
Dr. Urist also sent along a letter addressed to the Swordgangs scholar, to explain the glass goblets. I can only hope that scholar can persuade Bomrek. Well, what’s done is done. And it isn’t as if we had any hope of making anything out of rock.
21 Sandstone 79
Edzul built the kitchen.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/bfs2t4.png)
He seems to be happy about doing something new. I’m pretty sure I heard him whistling as he walked past a few minutes ago.
He’s certainly taking his new job seriously.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/30wmc2c.png)
We won’t need the prepared meals for a while, so I’m going to tell him to focus on rendering fat first. The tallow will come in handy later.
01 Timber 79
The keas have returned. I’m starting to think that the appearance of a kobold at the beginning of the season is an indication of what will come later. Or I may just be superstitious.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/15etg1e.png)
In any case, I ordered the Pillars of Ink to stop training and chase the evil birds away.
9 Timber 79
The nest boxes are complete and have been built. One of the turkeys, the duck and the giant sparrow have each claimed one and have laid eggs. Those eggs will be useful when Edzul starts making meals. I've ordered a cage built to house the poults once they hatch.
28 Timber 79
With the archers above, and the axedwarves chopping down more trees outside, the rest of us passed a fairly quiet month.
I look forward to the day when I no longer have to keep track of this.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/v4w5te.png)
If you have a moment, could you give us a history lesson via Legends Viewer?I've uploaded the seasonal save I used for the fall legends check here: Atolasob Fall 79 (http://dffd.bay12games.com/file.php?id=12314).
Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 30, 2016, 09:23:30 pm
NCommander VS Erib:
"I can produce
"I'll kill all the puppies!"
Hm...It seems the goblin takeovers stopped, though. Did they strike a peace?
And heh, that export agreement. Bomrek clearly specified metal bars after getting a load of ash last time he asked for bars. Kinda
Bomrek: "Ha ha, very cute. Now bring me some real bars, and not this useless burned wood."
I expect the same sentiment about anvils >;D (can't request real anvils, after all, but I think I've seen requests for toy anvils before)
About your impending poultsplosion in a season, note that cages only accept 1 poult at time for caging - you can query all of the chicks up, but next one won't be put in until last one is put in, in the same way you can mass-mark all of them for butchering but only 1 can be killed in butcher's workshop at time due it taking a job.
This can, naturally, take a while. I suggest when the time approaches you pre-mitigate the FPS penalty.
Post by: Paaaad on July 30, 2016, 11:28:14 pm
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 31, 2016, 12:35:40 am
That said, my own experience when playing with that, using dabbling dwarves (for moods :) ) doesn't suggest it to be quick enough to produce 150 without tooling the fort for that/building up infrastructure first. Lets see, stocks on that fort says...22 steel bars, with 2 smelters, starting from 1 bar (lot of cancellations till I started using automelt)...Not sure over how much time, but at least a season I think?
I think it is faster to smelt ore than gear, though I have not rigorously measured it; smelting some galena for decorative screwpumps didn't take that long, I believe.
It'd help, but it'd still fall short I think.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 31, 2016, 09:30:20 am
“Glass! I wanted rock! Preferably microcline.” Bomrek stormed into the library, his ever-present shadow Meng scurrying at his heels.
The scholar, Id, was hunched over a table, examining a lump of blue rock carefully with a magnifying glass.
“Humph-huh?” He snorted at the disturbance.
“Write a letter to this ‘Dr. Urist’ explaining why her argument is wrong!”
Id shook his head. “Can’t do that. I’ve already written letters to both Finderboards and the Council of Scholars at Theaterknowledge, supporting her.”
“What!”
Id shrugged. “Her reasoning makes perfect sense. Obsidian is volcanic glass. Well, magma is an underground volcano, so any glass made with it is also volcanic glass, and therefore a rock. And, since there is no perceivable difference between glass made with magma and glass made with coke…” He trailed off with a shrug and turned back to the rock. Microcline. Again. Where is the adamantine?
“Arrrgggh! Armok save me from dithering idiots!” Bomrek stomped out. I bloody well hope my latest demands really will be unfulfillable. Otherwise, I’m in trouble.
Early Winter, Theaterknowledge
Dastot waited in the dim room. Trying to project an outer impression of calm confidence, even though inwardly, he was shaking in his boots. The figure entered silently, cloaked and hooded as always.
“You swore they wouldn’t be able fulfill that quota!”
Dastot swallowed hard. “They shouldn’t have been able to. They have no rock. It only passed the King’s approval because of a technicality their scholar posited.”
A wave of an arm and Dastot shut up, sweat beading on his bald head.
“That’s two quotas in a row that Finderboards has fulfilled. Two! And the Advisors are reluctant to upset the wagon when the King is actually listening to them on occasion.” The figure grumbled in irritation.
A few moments passed in a silence Dastot dared not break.
“What did Bomrek ask for this time?”
“Anvils and metal bars.” Wisely, Dastot chose not to mention any difficulty Finderboards might have to work around either of those.
“How many anvils?”
“48.”
The other scoffed, but a little less strongly, Dastot thought.
“Well. That’s better than nothing.” Without decent defenses, they’ll be easy prey when the time comes.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
2 Moonstone 79
Rain, rain and more rain. It never stops, and it only gets worse in the winter. I don’t think I’ll ever completely get used to it drumming on the wooden ceiling. Some days, it’s soothing. Other days, like today, it’s annoying.
5 Moonstone 79
I feel like I could carve rings and toys in my sleep, I’ve made so many.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2612a2w.png)
15 Moonstone 79
Yes! The last of the walls has been built. Now, as soon as Airith turns those pumps around, the real digging can begin.
20 Moonstone 79
Life continues. The turkeys lay eggs, the puppies grow up, the war dogs have more puppies. I’ve told NCommander to lay off training for a while, as we have more than enough war dogs. Erib can slaughter the untrained dogs.
I’m pretty sure NCommander is now sulking. At any rate, she’s disappeared somewhere and no one seems to know where. I’m amazed given how small our home is.
Well, she’ll show up eventually.
______________________________________________________________________________
10 Opal 79
A muscled arm twined around Lotu’s neck, startling him from his carving. Looking up, he met Airith’s silver-eyed gaze. “Hey, sweetheart.”
“Hi, dear.” He replied. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“I have something to show you.” She led him down to the bottom of the Hole, then spread her arms wide. “Take a look.”
Puzzled, Lotu did as he was told. Within moments, comprehension dawned. “You finished flipping the pumps!”
“Yep! The world, or in this case, aquifer, is yours to do with as you please.”
Lotu grabbed his wife around the waist, and danced her along the hall, laughing. “Soon!” He kept repeating. “Soon!”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
11 Opal 79
Since the crafting seems to be moving along quickly, I’ve officially removed myself from the workshop roster. My full attention, at least for the rest of winter, will be focused on digging. We have to get through that aquifer. I’ve already struck limonite, but we can’t get to it until the top level has been dealt with.
18 Obsidian 79
Water, water, everywhere. Pushing, shoving, roiling. I’ve almost forgotten what it’s like to be really dry, and I’ve started to learn swimming, out of necessity. But, I’ve finally finished the drainage channels.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2mdfjf6.png)
That will make the rest a little easier.
28 Obsidian 79
Production is already more than half complete, and it’s time to have Edzul start making meals. I’m going to have him make roasts, since they give the most meals in a stack.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/6itwlf.png)
I’m debating whether to have the anvils melted down. That will give us some extra metal, and seven extra mini-forges won’t be too difficult to make. I think I’ve already made the decision. Time for NCommander to wear yet another hat.
OOC: Winter was extremely quiet, with just wood hauling and crafting jobs. So I actually got more done on the aquifer than I thought I would. With the crafters now at high level, I think I can spare Lotu for permanent aquifer duty for the foreseeable future. The main slow-down at this point is hauling the logs back to the stockpiles near the workshops. A third of the adults (including the military) are on permanent log-hauling duty (with Imic's squad chopping, as they're the only ones with axes).
Current character list:
Spoiler: Starting Seven: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: First Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Second Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Third Migrant Wave: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Births: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 31, 2016, 11:18:12 am
Also explains why Bomrek would ask for useless stuff from regular player perspective, like toys....Wait, no it doesn't, those are easy to produce (how much does the greater skill speed it along?).
You mentioned a child born in Swordgangs last update, who were the parents?
Well now, those channels in aquifers look like the water emerging from the walls would easily wash a dwarf into head-deep water. The swimming skill gain is unsurprising.
Limonite....Maybe you'll have a chance, maybe you won't. Good a reason to not melt down the anvils, incidentally. Given how much of the quota you've met before the year even passed, future looks cloudy.
Third of the adults hauling logs...Not using minecarts for that, I take it? (Have we had this convo before...feels familiar)
I've personally recently tried using cart + then wheelbarrow to move it (as opposed to digging down into stone to engrave or pushing towards the destination (potentially onto valid ramp for speed boost) then guiding the rest of the way). Safe and faster in dwarf time, perhaps, but bit tedious micromanagement-wise.
I guess even just guiding could still give a boost while being automated? Eh...*shrugs*
...*checks weights* It seems like a single log is 46% heavier than the cart of same wood. Weird, I expected carts to be heavier given the accidents I have.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 31, 2016, 12:22:01 pm
Also explains why Bomrek would ask for useless stuff from regular player perspective, like toys....Wait, no it doesn't, those are easy to produce (how much does the greater skill speed it along?).The crafters are averaging almost 25 jobs a month, the carpenters are similar.
You mentioned a child born in Swordgangs last update, who were the parents?I have no idea, it isn't listed in the historical figures. I noticed because the Sword gangs population went from 47 to 48 (I check on it every fall for quota calculations), so I'm assuming it's due to a birth.
Well now, those channels in aquifers look like the water emerging from the walls would easily wash a dwarf into head-deep water. The swimming skill gain is unsurprising.Normally, by the time the aquifer is fully breached, the miners will be at least Adept swimmers, though I've had one reach Great in a previous fort, somehow.
Limonite....Maybe you'll have a chance, maybe you won't. Good a reason to not melt down the anvils, incidentally. Given how much of the quota you've met before the year even passed, future looks cloudy.I doubt I'll get to the limonite before summer, absolute minimum (given I only have one miner working on it right now, and would need to smelt a second pick for a second miner, assuming I could spare somebody else). Melting down the extra anvils would give me...wait, they only give ~1 bar back each. Crud. Forget that idea (good thing I haven't started on spring yet).
Third of the adults hauling logs...Not using minecarts for that, I take it? (Have we had this convo before...feels familiar)Yes, you've mentioned it, and no, I'm not. Partly because building the tracks would provide a new access into the "safe zone", and partly because the wood collection area shifts often and it's too micro-manage-y at the moment to get minecarts into the mix. It's actually easier (from the micro perspective) to have the dwarves hauling the logs in individually. I've got some wheelbarrows in the pipeline (since Bomrek wants tools), which should help with the hauling bottleneck.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 31, 2016, 12:44:17 pm
Shame about the pop check. Hm, I wonder if you check out the sites with nonhistorial figures with just embark, do you get different names every time?
Nevertheless, wouldn't answer your question. You might get Bomrek's preferences like that though, maybe? (Only time I've ever embarked on worldgen fort it had no dwarves, and as Cacame can tell you elves got no prefs.)
And that's pretty substantial swimming gain. Breach team probably makes fine candidates for military with weapon skill and stats already present (might also dot the map with pools for them to fight near to drown enemies in).
Surprised you only have 1 miner, especially after that huge digging designation. Don't think I've ever embarked with less than 2 picks, barring smelting them on site (single pick challenge might be fun way to waste a hour or few someday.)
Albeit you need all the bars, with four sides it seems like having additional miner might be slightly useful (low skill, though).
The rest: Fort vs real time, both. Don't wheelbarrows only haul one log at time? (haven't tested)
Post by: Spriggans on August 01, 2016, 01:16:55 pm
Limonite is a good start :)
I'm curious to know who the mysterious figure at theaterknowledge is. He seems to be pulling the strings.
Could he somehow be Tayldis ? I would like that :P
Post by: Gwolfski on August 01, 2016, 04:31:54 pm
Ha! It worked!
We need metal bars. Seriuosly? HAVE IT THEN! Science shall murder the unknowing! Or something.
Anyway, When I lived back in the mountain halls, there was an old library. There was a legend there. It goes sorta like follows: When Armok created the world, he was bored. So he played with physics or something. This is why aquifers contains limitless waters. And why you can take sand from the same place forever. And no matter how much water you start with, when it freezes and is thawed, you always get seven bots. Well, it also works with metals. But, one time, a dwarf was greedy. He melted metal to get more metal. So Armok made it so you got less. But the holy pick, the neccessary greaves and powerfull large axe blade still has that property.
I think I'll mention it nxt dinner.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 06, 2016, 09:32:05 am
“Lotu.” NCommander called into the Hole. “You down there?”
An undecipherable reply rose from the depths. A few moments later Lotu scrambled up the ramp. Puddles quickly formed beneath his feet as water ran in rivulets.
“What happened? You nearly drown?”
“Haha, very funny. See? I’m rolling on the floor laughing.” He replied dryly. “What do you need, and can it wait? I’m almost through this bot.”
NCommander shook her head. “Melting the anvils won’t help us any. They only give us one bar back, instead of the three used to make them.”
Lotu was taken aback. “But, they’re solid metal. It should be a simple case of refashioning it –“
NCommander kept shaking her head. “This is the price Armok dictates for His Gift. Anvils are the worst things we can possibly melt down.”
Lotu flipped his pick, and folded his hands on the upturned handle. “Well, what else can we do?”
“Either make or buy the items that will give us the most efficient return.”
“Make a list. And figure out who can be spared from their duties for either smithing or melting. One dwarf can’t do both jobs.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
5 Granite 80
NCommander has brought me that list, after spending several days conferring with Dr. Urist. Apparently giant axes blades, corkscrews, spikes, and leggings all give a bar and a half each, while only taking one bar to make. More of the magic of Armok.
NCommander really wants the metalsmithing job. I’ll have to find someone else to do the melting.
9 Granite 80
I’ve given Edzul permission to start making roasts. Having spent the winter rendering fat, he should be able to make a few decent meals.
17 Granite 80
The elves arrived today and, as I was sorting through our non-quota goods, I realized we have a small number of imported cages. The ones the animals came in. Even though they only give one bar per cage, every little bit will help.
And wood is plentiful enough, we can easily make more cages.
Since we have all the paper we need, at the moment, I’ve told Mestthos to get over to the smelter and start melting things down. She’s the only one with any smelter experience, after the pearlash debacle.
I ordered Mebzuth’s glass trade goods, mostly expensive corkscrews, moved.
19 Granite 80
The elves brought lots of more wooden stuff. I cleaned them out of the fruit, as that makes some okay alcohol, and some of the seeds can be cooked. I would love to see Bomrek’s face when he realizes that all of the roasts Edzul is making to send consist of a mixture of tallow and cooked seeds.
That thought makes me smile.
I also bought a number of animals. We now have, among others, a breeding pair of hippos, which will provide much meat, a breeding pair of kakapos, which add to our steady supply of eggs for cooking, and a leopard that will be trained.
I didn’t see any caged keas, but I’m sure I heard one cry. Traitorous elves.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i63.tinypic.com/20h0sqq.png) (http://i68.tinypic.com/35d21kp.png)
2 Slate 80
I’ve dug as far as I can with just the pump towers. So, as soon as I finish off the last bot of temporary wall, the Pale Roads are going to start operating the ninth pump. The axedwarves can use the change in their training regimen.
Breaching the aquifer progresses.
And my swimming is improving proportionately.
17 Slate 80
NCommander hasn’t done any smithing yet, churning out wooden crafts and toys instead. It’s all anyone else can do to haul enough wood to keep her supplied. The wheelbarrows that Olin and Uvash made help a little, but I’ve asked Airith to try and design a mine cart system. The trick will be to install it without providing a new access into the palisade. And building the rails will take dwarves away from other tasks.
Always another project.
______________________________________________________________________________
2 Felsite 80
Lotu entered the common area and stopped, surprised at seeing the other dwarves massed together.
“What’s going on?” He asked warily.
“We want a break.” Sodel said.
“Yeah! We’ve been working way too hard!”
“No time with our families!”
“No time to pray!”
“Barely any time to sleep and eat!”
The complaints came thick and furious.
I was afraid this was coming. Lotu took a breath.
“I hear you. Lorbam, where are we on quota?”
“Just the metal stuff, figurines, toys, and meals left.”
Lotu nodded. “OK.” He licked his lips as he thought for a minute. “Okay, how about we split into three shifts. Each shift will get a month of free time, while the others take up the slack. We'll start with Hematite, and if that works well through the end of the summer, we can try doing it permanently.”
“And who decides which dwarves get what shift?” Sodel questioned suspiciously.
“You all will. Any families should naturally get the same downtime shift, and there are 25 adults. The military already have downtime scheduled, so that leaves 19. So three families can have time off each shift.”
The dwarves grumbled in agreement.
“Lorbam, put together a chart. Each family will pick a shift, on a first-come, first-served basis. Call it…Vacation Time.”
Lorbam scurried to his chair and pulled a blank sheet from the pile under it.
Lotu looked at the others. “Anything else?”
Heads shook. “Then let’s get back to work. The more we finish this month, the more we can enjoy our downtime later.”
7 Felsite 80
Lotu stopped to study the finalized Vacation Time sheet pinned to Dr. Urist’s bookshelf.
On break – 1st month: On break – 2nd month: On break - 3rd month:
Catten Sodel NCommander
Zutthan Erib Ral
Lyra Lotu Uvash
Lorbam Airith Mestthos
Mebzuth Olon Edzul
Minkot Logem Spriggans
All of the dwarves were eager to spend time with their spouses and get away from the constant work-work-work. But, in the end, figuring out who took what shift hadn’t been terribly difficult. Those with military spouses had signed up first. After that, there had been a bit of bartering, but amazingly, given the dwarven temperament, no fights nor threats of any kind.
And I’ll get to know that Sodel a bit better. Maybe I’ll figure out what his problem is.
Dr. Urist’s name was the only one missing, and Lotu looked over his shoulder. She was madly scribbling notes at her desk, occasionally sorting through older notes.
How she can find anything in that mess…
Lotu shook his head and decided against saying anything. Dr. Urist only worked when she felt like it anyway, having her sign up for a break month wouldn’t change anything.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
26 Felsite 80
Spring is almost over, but I am pleased with my progress. An extra pick would be handy, but there are already too many jobs and not enough hands. In any case, a new miner would need to be trained, and would never be able to dig at my speed. Constantly fishing one out of the water would probably end up slowing me down rather than speeding things up.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/zmcmti.png)
Maybe by autumn I’ll be done with this level? Well, probably not if I’m going to be taking an entire month off. Not that I’m going to complain about spending some quality time with my darling Airith. It’s long over-due.
28 Felsite 80
The quota is almost done, and tomorrow we’ll be down by a third as people start taking their vacation time.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/25089b5.png)
I'm curious to know who the mysterious figure at theaterknowledge is. He seems to be pulling the strings.No, it isn't Tayldis.
Could he somehow be Tayldis?
Current character list (I've changed it to a more appropriate grouping):
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on August 06, 2016, 10:00:19 am
Yikes on the "pearlash debacle." Wait, does that actually give any furnace operating experience? I thought it'd be ash burner or pottery?
Tallow and cooked seeds...Hey, you're sending Bomrek popcorn! Awesome XD The thought indeed makes one smile.
Good luck with the hippos. They take a while to mature, I guess, so are you going to just butcher the young?
I take it dwarves got distracted again? Bit of a saint, but given that I don't even remember Airith....Well, ow.
Well, it could be worse. It could be because of early dementia.
That aquier screenshot is complicated and not at all how I imagined it. I see you're adding more central and corner drainage - and giong to move some screw pumps bit closer to the center, I guess, but I expected you to simply just dig away all the soil from above.
Projects, projects...Hm. Can you take a screenshot of the whole map? Your ceiling is grand, but I'm wondering as well about how the cutting and such progresses.
How many dwarves do you have working on metal bars?
75*0,1<21...Ow.
Post by: Imic on August 12, 2016, 12:00:31 pm
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on August 12, 2016, 12:09:06 pm
Is this dead?
nay, it's just slow
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 13, 2016, 07:47:18 am
Is this dead?At the moment, I'm only getting a chance to play on weekends. The next update (I hope) will be up sometime today...
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Imic on August 13, 2016, 01:48:47 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 13, 2016, 05:24:52 pm
1 Hematite 80
The first group has put away their tools for the next month. Their singing and shouts of relief are enough to make even me look forward to my turn next month. Minkot has taken advantage of her vacation to set up camp in one of the crafters’ shops, working on a toy. I’m certainly not going to complain if she wants to work on quota. But the yells that sometimes come out of there…it sounds like Dr. Urist is going to be busy patching up various cuts for the next month.
The carving knives are supposed to be sharp, dagnabbit!
______________________________________________________________________________
2 Hematite 80
Imic grabbed Lotu’s elbow. “Ye’ve gotta do somethin’!”
“What’s the problem?” This time?
“They’ve taken over! That Lyra almost beheaded Udil with somethin’ she called a ‘punch’. Didn’ look like any punch I’ve ever seen.” Imic grumbled. “Ye’d think Mooney would’ve taught her the basics, at least.”
Lotu was confused. “Back up. Who’s taken over what?”
“The training area! The first shift. Those hopeless dwarves’ve taken over the training room.” As he spoke, Imic pulled Lotu along the hall and up the final ramp into the common area. “Look! See?”
Following the jabbing finger, Lotu spied several of the first vacation shift dwarves performing training drills. And even he could tell there was quite a bit more enthusiasm than ability or technique.
“The military is your domain. Whaddaya expect me to do?”
“Find them somewhere’s else!” Imic said, amazed that it wasn’t obvious. “They’re a threat to themselves and everyone ‘round them. D’you really want to find out what’ll happen if we’re attacked while the military are all hospitalized because of some untrained civilians?”
He has a point. Lotu thought unhappily. “I’ll find a place to put them. Meanwhile, maybe you and Mooney can show them a few things?”
“I’ve got enough on my plate, keepin’ up the patrols.” He shot Lotu a speaking look.
Lotu sighed. “Then have your boys get some live training for the summer. I’ll have found a useful place to put these folks by then.”
Imic threw his hands up. “Why do I even try?” He walked away, grumbling. We’re never going to win our freedom at this rate.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
3 Hematite 80
(http://i67.tinypic.com/6f7769.png)
A trio of kobold have shown up. Two of them were spotted through the glorified window.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2gxg32g.png)
A third actually had the balls to venture all the way into the entrance.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2dkzfhw.png)
According to Besmar, who was on watch, a kobold has never taken to its heels quite so quickly. The entire pack of war animals was hot on its heels, and they chased it almost halfway to our borders, before finally loping home, looking very smug.
I don’t know what those thieves keep hoping to get, it isn’t as if there’s much of value in this place. We don’t even have rock walls, for Armok’s sake!
The military will need to be on alert. The presence of kobolds seems to correlate to annoying nuisances later in the season.
10 Hematite 80
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2ivij49.png)
I hope they brought metal stuff.
Just in case, I’ve ordered the wooden elven cages and the lowest-quality empty barrels moved to the depot, in addition to the worn clothing that has been abandoned all over the place.
12 Hematite 80
As it turned out, a lot of the designated trade goods were already stacked in the depot, ready for the next caravan. Now I just have to wait for the last of the pack animals to arrive, and we’ll be able to finish the metal requirements.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/zmh3wk.png)
17 Hematite 80
Given our need for metal bars, I made trading this season a priority. I even hung out around the depot for several days until the traders were ready.
I bought all of their thread. Even though our cloth production seems to be outpacing our current needs, some variety in the form of yarn and silk can’t be a bad thing.
And I hit the jackpot. They brought 18 metal bars, which I immediately took off their hands. Lacking only three bars, I chose 6 spikes and corkscrews for melting, all iron and bronze. Given Armok’s Gift, they should provide a total of 9 bars, which will allow us to keep at least some of the steel.
The Pale Roads need better axes, not to mention some sort of armor. And NCommander has been badgering me about finding her some smithing work to do.
It’s nice being able to fulfill some requests, given everything working against us.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i67.tinypic.com/29yl8qe.png) (http://i64.tinypic.com/2l9odih.png)
We did go over the limit, for the first time since we founded Finderboards. But once Mestthos starts melting the trap components, we should quickly fall back under before the humans even leave.
Corkscrews are expensive. Two of them were 1320☼ each! Thank the gods the other trap components were all under 600☼.
22 Hematite 80
Every time I sit down for a meal at the dining table, or stop to talk to Dr. Urist in the library, or simply pass through the common area, I see at least a few of the first group of vacationers practicing their fighting skills.
I haven’t seen much, or rather any, improvement, though they all seem quite happy.
Imic has a very valid point. Now, where to put them?
______________________________________________________________________________
1 Malachite 80
Lotu was dealing with a particularly stubborn section of the aquifer when Hematite slipped into Malachite. A momentary distraction, as he turned away from the partially dug channel, was rewarded with a particularly strong wave that knocked him off his feet.
By the time he had swum back to the surface and gotten to his feet on the ramp, “Oh, crud.”
He scanned the ground, wading through the sometimes thigh-high water. “Oh, #*@^$!”
It was lying at the bottom of the channel into which the water had swept him. “All of that time, no problem. I’ve gotten quite proficient at swimming, and never lost you. And now see where y’are.” He actually shook his fist. “Y’know I won’t be able to grab you unless I finish digging this out, right? ‘N’ that’s gonna take a while?”
“Are you talking to yourself, dear?”
Lotu’s ears went red. “Bad habit.”
“What happened?”
Lotu pointed.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/jpwrok.png)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2yo3acx.png)
Airith looped a comforting arm around her husband’s shoulders. “At least you know it’s not lost. And you still have the pick.” She gently turned him toward the ramp. “Now come on. Let’s enjoy this month!”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
2 Malachite 80
I really do plant to enjoy this month. Especially since Mestthos’s melting diligence has finished off the last of the quota.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/30uwfa8.png)
That’s a load off my mind! I’m off to meditate a bit. Fortresses, yes. That’s a good topic.
6 Malachite 80
First Shift spent most of their time on martial arts, but Second Shift seems to be of a more social nature.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2hwfmlz.png)
We all seem to prefer either the temple or the library. I’ve started to get to know Sodel. He seems like an OK guy, even though he tends to lead any complaint that’s going. Maybe I can find a way to persuade him to work with me, instead of against me?
8 Malachite 80
The merchants have begun their preparations for their departure, and Mestthos has dropped us back below the import cap.
New status:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/hx8c48.png)
That’s not something I want to make a habit of.
12 Malachite 80
The humans have embarked on their journey. The Pale Roads escorted them as far as our borders. The guards didn’t think it necessary, but Imic takes his patrol duties seriously. After he explained at length about the monitor lizards, giant cats, and other possibly dangerous wildlife that stalks the jungle, the caravan guards did see sense.
______________________________________________________________________________
19 Malachite 80
Lotu leaned back in his chair, a mug of Mooney’s Special Reserve rice beer in one hand. This is the way things are supposed to be. He thought contentedly, watching the celebration.
Children played make believe, or with various toys, as the adults whooped it up with such games as dice, wrestling, and other stereotypically dwarven pastimes.
Olon and Logem were predictably boisterous, given that the festivities had been put on to celebrate their daughter Rovod’s Walking Day. They had taken advantage of their vacation to make sure it was done right.
Rovod was dressed in her parents’ cast-offs, which were way too big for her but managed to preserve her modesty just the same. Rovod had grabbed one of the mini-forges destined for Bomrek and was slamming it on the ground. Repeatedly.
Lotu smiled at the sight. Looks like Bomrek’s shipment is going to be just a little the worse for wear. Good thing dwarven-made things don’t break easily.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
24 Malachite 80
I’m enjoying the time off. This was an excellent idea, that I wish I had thought of sooner. Now, if only we can keep it up when dealing with full-out quota…
Well, there’s always hope.
27 Malachite 80
Airith and I have been working on some long-rage plans this month. Once I’ve gotten to the stone layers of the aquifer, I’ll take some time to dig out some more living quarters. The children are growing up fast, and we’ll need the extra space eventually.
Also, the grazing animals will eventually eat their way through the current pasture, especially if they reproduce. So we’ve decided where to put a second pasture. I would love to make the exterior walls out of stone, but I’ll have to content myself with wood for now. Anything more would imply a prosperity that I would prefer to not to advertise.
Not that we are prosperous, far from it. But anything to bolster our case to Bomrek and King Dodok each year of how much we struggle to make quota.
Even if some years it isn’t difficult. Better to mislead than to brag.
______________________________________________________________________________
1 Galena 80
Lotu hoisted his pick and headed back to the aquifer, feeling particularly refreshed after a month of “lolly-gagging”, as his mother used to say. This really does need to be a thing.
He whistled as jaunty tune as descended into the Hole.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
2 Galena 80
Second Shift has resumed work while Third Shift has started their vacation. Sodel is churning out yarn and cloth clothing, while Olon is making leather shoes and cloaks. It may be my imagination, but they seem to be working more efficiently after their time off.
And I’m hearing a lot fewer mumblings from various people.
10 Galena 80
As expected, a flock of keas was sighted to the southeast. The Pillars of Ink have been waiting for this, and have charged up to the battlements to watch and defend.
26 Galena 80
During the last two weeks, the marksdwarves have foiled countless kea attacks, permanently ending the depradations of six of them.
One corpse even now rests in the western drainage system.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/5l9n4y.png)
27 Galena 80
The turkeys have started to hatch, and I’ve ordered the poults caged until they grow into skin-able adults. Soon out leather production will start catching up to the cloth industry.
28 Galena 80
Summer is over, fall is around the corner. With all of that time off, progress in the aquifer is slower than I would have liked.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/21d0ndi.png)
However, I have high hopes that soon I’ll break through the western interior wall, at which point things should start to really speed up.
While we’re still living in a glorified hole in the ground, it won’t last much longer. And in any case, it’s home.
Spoiler: Battlements (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ground Level (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: 1st Soil Level (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: 2nd Soil Level (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Warehouse Level (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Aquifer Soil Level (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: 1st Aquifer Stone Level (click to show/hide)
Once the new grazer pasture is finished, I’ll dig out the southeast tower for more living space. Hopefully by then I’ll be finished with the first aquifer level.
Unless if Bomrek's next set of requirements proves to be another backbreaking slog. Talk about a downer.
OOC:
what timezone are you in?US Eastern, why?
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Dorsidwarf on August 14, 2016, 02:18:13 pm
Post by: Fleeting Frames on August 14, 2016, 04:27:40 pm
And a tavern was my first thought when I read about Lyra's lovely lovetaps.
A vacation spent wrestling....Odd. They shouldn't have that much skill. You gave them barracks, I take it?
. . .
Kobolds love figurines and bracelets. If you leave some out near map edge for Tayldis, I think you might eventually get ambushed by them. Might be useful to be invaded.
Assuming keas don't steal those first, of course.
. . .
Ooh, I forgot about human caravan. 18 bars + spikes and corkcscrews? Nice. That's....Unexpectedly fulfilled. What did you request from them that you gave them an escort?
Weapons versus armor....Hm. Superior or equal armor utterly trounces meh edged weapons, though it does little versus blunt attacks (that requires pure size or cloak layering to overcome).
I'd say make mail shirts, then weapons.
. . .
I didn't know you could lose carried items into water. Yikes.
The central X is a curious system. Expanding from inside out is unexpected. Though speaking of that interior wall, I see some 5s and 4s there, despite the long trench to the west. Surprising and discouraging.
I hope that kea blood won't be drinked.
In any case, your above-ground constructions are grand.
Looking at underground dig marks, though...Am I right to predict that you'll migrate to the tower through aquifer once that is complete?
...Also, is that aquifer-bearing stone? Perhaps you'd break sooner through the limestone cluster, as that won't generate water on its own.
Post by: Imic on August 15, 2016, 01:40:35 am
Post by: Spriggans on August 15, 2016, 04:38:27 am
I was wondering about it, since in my timezone the weekend was almost over. *laughs* ah well, no hard feelings.In my country, today (monday) is a work-free day ! :P
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 15, 2016, 02:54:20 pm
Great to hear - I must say, that Aquifer breach is the most impressive I've ever seen. How exactly is it working?More slowly than I anticipated, given that I can typically only spare one dwarf to work on it. In my typical forts (when I was developing this breaching system), I usually have 4-5 miners until the first aquifer level is breached. That would be one argument for running larger forts, once the export agreements start affecting gameplay (if they ever do).
How do you do the labour management to disable/enable for breaks? ...You gave them barracks, I take it?I'm currently doing it by hand, which is possible with only 20 adult civilians. But the game needs some kind of need streamlining for any forts that have much larger populations.
Yes, I did give them barracks, because so many of them have the "practice a martial art" need. I figured wrestling isn't completely useless.
What did you request from them that you gave them an escort?That was for story purposes.
I didn't know you could lose carried items into water. Yikes.Yeah, it happens if the dwarf has really bad luck. And in this case, it was a worn item, not a carried one.
The central X is a curious system. Expanding from inside out is unexpected. Though speaking of that interior wall, I see some 5s and 4s there, despite the long trench to the west. Surprising and discouraging.The central X is necessary, if you're trying to keep an intact ceiling (which my OCD requires). Otherwise, the miners can't mine out the final two-tile thick wall between the interior and the exterior rings. The 4s and 5s aren't as bad as they look, since once one wall tile is fully removed, the rest tend to vanish increasingly quickly. This is easily the slowest stage of the aquifer breach, because the miner is frequently getting washed around (and why I only allow Legendary miners to tackle the first level, as they dig the fastest).
Looking at underground dig marks, though...Am I right to predict that you'll migrate to the tower through aquifer once that is complete?Some of those dig marks are notes to myself (visual reminders are much easier than sorting through the note system).
...Also, is that aquifer-bearing stone? Perhaps you'd break sooner through the limestone cluster, as that won't generate water on its own.It is. The problem with the bauxite cluster, is that there isn't another non-aquifer cluster immediately underneath (I used reveal to check). No worries, after the first level, the later ones are much faster (no more than two seasons per level with a single miner, assuming the miner doesn't get reassigned).
I won't be able to play next weekend, so I'm going to try to get at least one update posted this week.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on August 15, 2016, 03:05:23 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 15, 2016, 04:57:13 pm
Given the difficulty of a larger breach, what made you decide to use a larger than smallest possible aquifer breach?
I didn't want to have to breach more than once.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 18, 2016, 06:35:38 am
Though anyone who wants to RP, or claim a dwarf, this gives you time to develop your dwarf's story a bit more. :)
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Imic on August 25, 2016, 02:28:00 am
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 27, 2016, 11:16:05 am
1 Limestone 80
The only way to know that autumn has arrived is to look at the calendar. The rain continues ceaselessly, and the tangled green of the jungle encroaches daily. It’s a full-time battle simply to rip the vines away from the palisade before they can tear holes in our defenses. What I wouldn’t give for some solid stone walls…
Well, that’s a pipe dream as long as the aquifer is in the way. And with the quota finished, I’ve managed to make some steady progress. Having vacation shifts seems to have raised everyone’s spirits rather dramatically, I hope I’ll be able to keep that going once winter hits. And I have to admit, taking a month off to spend with my darling Airith and our friends was very nice.
Alright, enough rambling. Time to get to work.
10 Limestone 80
(http://i64.tinypic.com/m7vqix.png)
And they’re back. Once again, we’ll be forced to load up all of our hard-won goods for shipment to that worthless (the next few words have been scribbled over and are impossible to make out) Bomrek.
If only I could see the way… But the Book of Insight counsels patience, and I cannot forget that we are trapped between trees and water. And there’s nothing more I can do this month with all hands needed to haul Bomrek’s ‘requests’.
11 Limestone 80
As we set to work, the dogs also decide to contribute. Every time I turn around, there is a new litter that appears. Caging all of those puppies will be a pain, but no one can be spared at the moment.
Even all of the first shift dwarves have pitched in.
______________________________________________________________________________
15 Limestone 80
Lotu headed for the common room, dreading the upcoming meeting.
He greeted Echoworked, and they sat.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/1ovq5f.png)
Echoworked added, “Ineth was the militia commander of Arrowtowers before becoming mayor.”
Lotu shrugged. “So?”
“The goblins are approaching from the south. While they haven’t yet attacked any more of our outposts, Ineth is one of the scouts reporting that their settlements are getting ever closer. Arrowtowers will clearly be ready when the time comes.”
I still don’t care.
Apparently Echoworked picked up on it. “If the goblins get serious about attacking us, the king’s requests may change.”
What, like it can get worse than dancing to Bomrek’s every whim?
“Look here.” Echoworked pulled out a map of the southern region. “According to the latest reports, the goblins have advanced to here…” As he spoke, he drew a quick line marking the boundary. (OOC: the line is red on the map below.)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/rtnuo5.png)
Lotu pulled in a sharp breath. That line is awfully close to some of our dwarves. Not that it matters, those goblins won’t be within striking distance of us for generations, if ever.
Aloud he said, “You have a point. But as they most likely won’t be attacking tomorrow, let’s get down to business. We need…”
And they began haggling, as dwarves do best.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
16 Limestone 80
In the end, I ordered silk cloth, more steel (thank you sooo much, Bomrek, for taking almost all of ours), a replacement supply of fish, and thread. With the number poults that have been caged, we’ll soon have a supply of leather to meet our needs.
What does Bomrek want? My pick embedded in his head! He can take his fifty dwarves and shove ’em!
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2ykidyh.png)
I need to hit something.
17 Limestone 80
That letter Bomrek sent with Echoworked? It’s contributing to the kitchen fire. I do not need that prick berating me about “rock means rock” and insulting my family tree clear back to the times before time.
I’m going to pummel someone.
20 Limestone 80
I’ve finally calmed down…I think. At any rate, on my way to the depot to negotiate the removal of the quota, I happened to notice Edem staggering beneath a pile of clothing, toys and other finished goods.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2v1u2wk.png)
A few hours later, Thikut was doing the same thing. Who knew children could be useful?
23 Limestone 80
I’ve decided that the dining area should be called “The Candies of Bursting”, since it’s basically our local tavern. The off-duty dwarves have been gathering there to tell stories and socialize, so I’ve simply made it official.
Now the important decision, where to store the booze?
24 Limestone 80
Everything has been moved to the depot, so I went over to negotiate.
A few hours later, and we are the proud owners of some steel (since we have to replace what Bomrek’s stolen), more thread and silk cloth, some more fish (given that Bomrek is back to demanding it), and a ram for yarn production.
I also went ahead and bought 8 of the cheapest instruments.
Before trading: After trading:
(http://i68.tinypic.com/r0e7fq.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/14iphzn.png)
25 Limestone 80
Lorbam dragged me out of bed before dawn this morning, in a panic because he miscounted the figurines. We’re short 5, apparently. Shouldn’t he know better by now?
I sent him and NCommander to finish the last ones, and I’m going back to bed.
1 Sandstone 80
The first shift has gone back to work, and the second shift is relaxing.
The final five figurines are complete, and I’ve handed them over to Dastot. Now it’s time to party!
15 Sandstone 80
The merchants have gone, and will certainly not be missed. They took:
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2lvhdad.png)
The thought of Bomrek having to wear our tattered clothing makes me smile.
______________________________________________________________________________
16 Sandstone 80
All shifts gathered in the tavern, to get their work assignments for the next several months. As Lotu handed out the list, there were several shocked outcries.
“Swords! We can’t even arm ourselves!”
“Meat, fish and plants! Are we supposed to starve?!”
“Windows, instruments, tools, crutches! Why doesn’t he just tell us to die and be done with it?”
“Is he waging a one-man war or something? Nothing less justifies this!”
It took a while for things to calm down.
Eventually, Lotu started handing out assignments. “Uvash and Lyra, you’ll make the crutches, and training swords will fulfill the short sword requirement. We have plenty of ammo, but those of you crafting may want to make some more bolts when you finish the figurines. The last thing we want is for the Pillars of Ink to run out.”
Mutterings in the affirmative accompanied that remark. They had all learned to hate keas.
“Mebzuth, you’ll have to make all the windows.” That dwarf nodded.
“We have plenty of fish and plants, so those are already finished also, and we should get plenty of meat when we start butchering the turkeys.”
More grumbling broke out, but Lotu plowed on.
“Sodel, we’re going to need more trousers, and Zutthan, he’s going to need more thread.”
Sodel looked irritated, but Zutthan liked turning plants into thread and nodded eagerly.
“That leaves the instruments and tools. The only instruments we can make are the glass fenok and the wooden ust, so Mebzuth, you and the crafters will need to split them up, but focus on the windows first, since no one else can really help you with that.”
The crafters glanced at each other.
“For tools, we’ll make nest boxes.” He held up a hand to stall the complaints he could feel hovering in the room. “I realize that’s a lot of work for the crafters, but there are more of you than any other job, and once Mebzuth, Uvash and Lyra finish their lists, they’ll be able to help with some extra tools if we still need them then.”
“Why don’ we jus’ tell Bomrek t’ go jump off a 10z cliff?” Imic butted in.
Again. Lotu took a deep breath, but Minkot jumped in first.
“Because the king is temperamental, even for a dwarf. If he thinks someone is defying him, things won’t go well. Even though we’re in the middle of nowhere, the king would find a way to make us pay, and pay dearly. I should know. I grew up with some of his children. And he was even harder on them than on a regular dwarf.”
No one noticed Sodel’s quick glance toward Ral, and Lotu quickly adjourned the meeting before Imic could muster another argument.
Catching up to him in the hallway, Lotu hissed. “A word. In the Hole. In twenty minutes.”
Eighteen minutes later, Lotu arrived to find that Imic was already manning the pump. Standing on the tile immediately below, he let loose.
“What the *&%&* do you think you were doing? I’m doing my best to get us the supplies and equipment we all need, while keeping anyone else from suspecting what we've already done, and this is the thanks I get? What happens if you succeed in whipping up a frenzy, and then have to face an army that outnumbers us 10-to-1?”
Imic ground out, “He’s a stupid ass, a worthless king, and more infantile than a child. He doesn’t deserve to sit on the throne.”
“That may be, but we still have to survive. The stronger our position, the better our chances. You have to recognize that.”
Imic growled, and pumped even more ferociously than before.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
25 Sandstone 80
Imic has been taking out his frustration on the pumps, and I don’t blame him. I wish I could just let him loose, but the rest of us just aren’t ready. He’s actually pumped so much that his strongest civilian skill is now pump operating. He was showing off his muscles to his wife and kids earlier, and NCommander certainly seemed to be appreciative.
1 Timber 80
The last month of the season has arrived, and it’s time to go back to digging. Just one last channel, and I’ll be able to start breaking through the walls.
18 Timber 80
Endok has been feeding the cat, and has taken to calling it Avuz Othlimul. Great, our first adoption. I don’t understand why some dwarves like the rodent hunters. Sure, they’re great for protecting food stockpiles, but they wander everywhere begging for scraps from whoever is handy, and leave vermin corpses lying in the middle of doorways for an unsuspecting dwarf to trip over, causing even more clean-up jobs.
Well, at least we only have one of them. I’ll just need to be careful not to trade for any more.
28 Timber 80
Winter is just around the corner, and work on the aquifer has finally begun to progress more quickly.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2r762h3.png)
With each bot I clear now, the next one seems to go a little more easily. If it hadn’t been for trading and break, I might even have been able to start on another side. Oh well.
We have also started stockpiling the quota goods.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/156wgph.png)
I hope winter will be quiet. We have work to do.
OOC: Sorry about the delay in posting this. I got back from my trip just in time for the new semester to start, and I've been running around all week like a headless chicken trying to herd cats.
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on August 27, 2016, 02:39:27 pm
That Bomrek is something else. And as for our King, my plans are going nice. I've been in correspondence with several members of the court who share a similar view of the King as we do here. They have begun quietly suggesting small things here and there, manipulating his thought. Small tidbits like
"Man, have you heard? Atolasob is THE place to live."
or
"Hey, I hear that they have nice lodgings there, I even hear they are fit for a KING!"
Slowly turning his mind to moving the throne here. Or at least coming to visit. I just hope Dr. Urist has finished his research by the.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on August 27, 2016, 03:54:38 pm
Interesting war situation with the goblins. With your position and being player fortress, you'll be the last to fall - or maybe even get attacked. Odd that the other goblin civilization to the east does nothing.
...200 musical instruments?
Hahahaha, oh ouch damn if you can only assemble? If you can only make from rock? Sounds like you can make one in one go from wood, though.
Sounds like Bomrek didn't accept "rock" :P
...
I think 3-year olds haul when they deal with own clothes?
...
Sounds like you're missing merchants :P
...
Love the meeting. Work with the tools you're given? That's quite the ≡<update>≡.
...
Hm, surprised that you left a central pillar on aquifer breakthrough.
...
Don't worry about delays - all we do is read and reply :v
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 27, 2016, 04:28:08 pm
Interesting war situation with the goblins. With your position and being player fortress, you'll be the last to fall - or maybe even get attacked. Odd that the other goblin civilization to the east does nothing.
That dark fortress to the east has 5 goblins. Apparently the elves and humans did a number on them in the 60's and they haven't recovered.
There is another goblin civ on the north map, for which I haven't posted an updated map because they haven't attacked anybody relevant, and their nearest outposts are 25 region tiles away as the crow flies. They're gradually creeping closer, but not a threat yet by any stretch of the imagination.
...200 musical instruments?
Hahahaha, oh ouch damn if you can only assemble? If you can only make from rock? Sounds like you can make one in one go from wood, though.
I'm not planning on making instrument pieces (too complicated). I can make one glass instrument and one wood instrument, so those are what the focus will be on.
Sounds like Bomrek didn't accept "rock" :P
But the king (or rather, his council and scholars) did, and that's what matters.
I think 3-year olds haul when they deal with own clothes?
In this case, I think they were both intending to put away just their current toy, and somehow the AI gave them the complete hauling job for the related bins. What the big shock is: they're putting away their toys?!?
Love the meeting. Work with the tools you're given? That's quite the ≡<update>≡.
Thank you. The game gives me the pieces, I just write it.
Hm, surprised that you left a central pillar on aquifer breakthrough.
That's a necessary access-way down into the central section. The stand-alone pillars are the last things to go.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on August 27, 2016, 09:58:41 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 28, 2016, 10:25:17 am
Meng supervised as the traders unloaded the Quota. Armor? Check. Rings? Check. Anvils?
“Wait!” Only seven anvils had been unloaded. “We’d asked for 48.”
Dastot pointed at one of the bins. “The rest’re in there.”
Meng frowned, puzzled, and gestured for the traders to pull it down and open it up. Upon seeing the contents, the world spun wildly and he swiftly sank down against the wall.
Mini-forges! Oh, Bomrek’s going to be furious! Gods, how am I going to present this? Don’t those idiots at Finderboards realize that every time they pull this sort of prank they’re putting my life on the line?
Ok, ok. Breathe. In. Out. In. Out. Now think. Make sure Bomrek’s nice and drunk, then…oh, gods. I. Am. So. Screwed.
Still, it had to be done. Mustering every last scrap of the little courage he had, Meng went to find his leader.
The resulting interview went about as expected, with a lot of yelling and throwing things.
Finally, “Into the pit with you! See if 50 days don’t make you rethink your participation in this conspiracy!”
Meng went, relieved at the leniency. At least it’s only imprisonment. I was expecting a hammering.
As he dropped into the prison pit, he heard a distant roar. Uh, oh.
“Meng! Meng Baldarrow! You scum! You miserable excuse for a dwarf!” Bomrek’s roar got steadily louder, until he burst out into the space, waving some rags above his head.
Meng wisely remained silent, waiting for the other axe to fall.
“You think this is acceptable?” Bomrek shook the rags under Meng’s nose.
Wait a minute. Those look like…trousers? Finderboards had the gall to send tattered trousers in their shipment?!
Bomrek continued ranting and raving, stalking around the prison floor. Almost an hour later, he finally started to calm down, and seemed to realize where he was. Jabbing his finger in Meng’s direction, he bellowed, “And another 60 days for daring to offend my dignity!”
You do that all by yourself, without any help from me.
______________________________________________________________________________
Early winter, Theaterknowledge
Dastot waited in the familiar antechamber, wishing he was anywhere else. This was not going to be pleasant.
A seeming eternity later, though in reality it was only minutes, the other entered, cloaked and hooded as before.
Before Dastot could blink, he found himself suspended above the floor, a gnarled hand tight around his throat.
“You failed.” The hiss was even more frightening for its emotionless delivery.
“I tried!” Dastot struggled to get the words out. “But my hands are tied!”
An endless breath passed before the hand opened and Dastot dropped unceremoniously to the floor. Gasping for breath, he awaited his fate. A quick gesture from his interlocutor demanded more information.
Taking a deep breath, Dastot willed himself to speak calmly. “I don’t know how they do it, but the Trampled Rampart dwarves manage to find a way to interpret each of Bomrek’s demands in a way that allows them to be fulfilled. First, with the spears turning into training spears, More recently, with finding a justification for glass to work for rock. When Bomrek asked for anvils, they sent mini-forges, because ‘those are also anvils, and Bomrek didn’t specify’. While his latest demands include really high quantities, I’m sure the Trampled Rampart will find a way to complete even that!”
“Then you should find a way.”
“How? Once the quota is loaded on our wagons, I’m responsible to the king. If an accident happens, if we lose some or all of it, I’m the one that’s going to be punished, not Finderboards!”
A snort greeted the words, but there was no immediate comeback. Instead, a few moments later the gnarled hand twitched, and Dastot immediately took advantage of the dismissal. Scuttling from the room, he lost no time in escaping down the corridor, thanking Robek, the god of Nightmares, for releasing him so easily.
Behind him, the other paced around the room, with eerily silent movements except for the cloak swish-swishing at each turn.
How difficult can it be to destroy a single, poorly-run, poorly-staffed outpost? I don’t have a hope of claiming my rightful place until all of the king’s heirs are dead, and arranging unfortunate, unsuspected accidents is difficult even when the victim lives in the same settlement.
And yet, I’ve managed to kill off six of his sixteen children and more of his under-age grandchildren. Children are so easy to dispose of.
But why did some of his adult children and grandchildren have to decide to settle there of all places? The one place where I don’t have any supporters. And they’re almost certainly breeding like cats, which means that with every year there are more that get added to the List.
How to arrange accidents from a distance….
I have a headache.
Edit:Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on August 28, 2016, 11:36:41 am
Interesting that anybody would put the screws on somebody who doesn't participate in production.
More legends viewing to see the imprisonment, I take it? I must say, I generally stick into one mode on account of how big of a pain switching is.
And Dastot...I've forgotten his role. Better check NPCs, I guess. *checks* Not there, hm.
A gnarled hand...Old hand, or goblin hand?
Well, some tension. Will you actually go offing around the civilization in adventure mode?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 28, 2016, 12:16:19 pm
Meng was the outpost liaison, right?
Meng is one of Bomrek's administrators. The outpost liaison is Logem Echoworked (I call him Echoworked to differentiate from the fort's resident Logem).
And Dastot...I've forgotten his role. Better check NPCs, I guess. *checks* Not there, hm.
He's a dwarven trader. For the purposes of story-telling, I've made him the leader of every dwarven caravan, even though in reality each one seems to have a different set of merchants.
And I've made note to add some new (and old) folks to the "current character list" for the next update. Somehow Dastot slipped through the cracks, sorry.
A gnarled hand...Old hand, or goblin hand?
Well, some tension. Will you actually go offing around the civilization in adventure mode?
Not telling, you'll just have to keep reading. Though so far the off-fort sections are built mostly on legends mode, I haven't gone adventuring at all in this world...yet.
I actually have seasonal backups set, and I make a copy of each one (so I have one useable backup, and one Legends copy for the beginning of each season) so that I can look through Legends mode at my leisure. I usually have Legends mode running while I'm working on each write-up.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on August 28, 2016, 02:32:35 pm
Anyway, atm when I tell the story, I reach for DF in fort mode to get relationships and Dwarf Therapist to get the personalities. But I can't get trader's and visitors' personalities through that. I wonder if there's any way to check those dwarves?
(other than Legend Viewer, couldn't get that to run in linux and don't want to boot into windows for write-ups :P)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 28, 2016, 03:38:33 pm
Wait, if Meng never leaves Swordgangs...Why is he being blamed?
Why does a weaponsmith who never leaves the magma forges get blamed for export violations? :P I never claimed Bomrek was rational.
-Dame d la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on August 28, 2016, 04:14:09 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 28, 2016, 04:31:30 pm
That level of irrationality tends to result in "accidents" though, now doesn't it?
Only in player forts.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Spriggans on August 29, 2016, 02:31:09 am
Could Lotu be hired by the adventurer and travel with him to Swordgangs ?
There, she could meet Bomrek irl and... idk... sneakily put some ☼smelly fishs☼ in his inventory, as he seems to like these so much.
Or are you just going to adventure there to check things out OOC ?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 29, 2016, 06:16:18 am
If you ever go adventuring in this world, will you do it in a roleplay way, with logs and such ?
Could Lotu be hired by the adventurer and travel with him to Swordgangs ?
There, she could meet Bomrek irl and... idk... sneakily put some ☼smelly fishs☼ in his inventory, as he seems to like these so much.
Or are you just going to adventure there to check things out OOC ?
If I decide to adventure (TBH it's my last favorite mode of the three), I'd do it with a roleplay, assuming the story is still going.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on September 07, 2016, 11:33:48 am
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on September 07, 2016, 06:58:51 pm
knock knock, anyone home?
I haven't forgotten this, but I haven't had a chance to finish winter yet (I'm about halfway through Opal).
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on September 07, 2016, 09:14:54 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on September 24, 2016, 11:06:47 am
1 Moonstone 80
With a new season comes a shift change. The Pale Roads have been sent to chop more trees, to feed Spriggans’ voracious fires. By the time Mebzuth comes back from his break, there should be plenty of charcoal to make those infernal windows.
______________________________________________________________________________
2 Moonstone 80
NCommander, Edzul and Erib were out fetching more wood to fill the stockpiles, when a nearby bush suddenly started shaking madly. Moments later, a kobold fell out, and promptly took to his heels.
Uvash voiced what they all thought. “It’ll be a dangerous winter.”
(http://i65.tinypic.com/demb7n.png)
Later that day, “Shinies?”
Lorbam stood up from the nest box he had been harvesting, and encountered a pair of bright, inquisitive eyes on the other side of the small lake in the eastern wall.
“Sorrysorrysorry! No shinies, no! Tayldis not want shinies! Tayldis goooone!”
(http://i68.tinypic.com/1zeh0f6.png)
“Yep. We’ll need to watch out this winter.”
Up on the ramparts, Imic nudged Mooney hard, pulling him out of his introspection. “Keep yer eyes peeled, m’friend. We’ll have work t’do.”
Mooney grunted, stroking his crossbow. “I’ve got more kills’n you. Yer th’one should pay attention.”
Imic scowled. If only he knew…
Mooney clapped him on the back. “Mebbe y’should train wi’ a bow? Yer axe don’t seem t’be much good.”
Imic dropped the head of his axe to the wooden floor, crossing his arms on the shaft. He stared out toward the ever-encroaching jungle, brooding.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2vi5n4p.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2gx468h.png)
7 Moonstone 80
“Lotu!” Mebzuth sat down next to him at the dining table, setting out his dinner of dog roast. Glancing around to make sure no one seemed to be listening, he slipped a pouch across the table.
Lotu opening the drawstring, and three lovely clear glass vials rolled out, tinkling gently. He grinned at Mebzuth, swiftly slipping the vials back and drawing the string tight. “Thanks. How’re the windows going?”
The pleased expression vanished. “Tha’ Bomrek’s certifiable! If I get my hands on ‘im…!”
Not well then. This is going to be a long production year. Lotu bent to his dinner of persimmons.
8 Moonstone 80
When Dr. Urist returned to her library early that morning, she found the pouch partially hidden under a pile of illegible notes. “Huh?”
A moment later, she pulled out a page covered in scribbles, and started muttering to herself. “Let’s see, kobold bulbs? Valley herbs? Sliver barbs? Venom from…”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
14 Moonstone 80
Logem and Olon have welcomed a second son to their growing family.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2ihbe9u.png)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2v3g3ep.png)
While Airith seems unconcerned at our continued childlessness, every new birth only makes me more jealous. Why do Logem and Olon get four children, and I have none?
(http://i67.tinypic.com/14e2wzl.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/5o9tdx.png)
15 Moonstone 80
So far, things have been quiet. But after the kobold warning, I ordered the chopping and hauling of wood prioritized. Only those involved in producing the wood-based quota are exempt.
And those on break. Pretty sure I’d have a mutiny if I cancelled the shift breaks now.
And me. I get to dig. It’s nice being able to assign myself to a job I like. Those years spent hauling in Theaterknowledge seem almost a dream these days.
23 Moonstone 80
Confound it! The meat tally has been falling, because some of us have been eating it! Not me, of course. No, of course not.
Fortunately, that’s something that’s easy to trade for.
1 Opal 80
The second month of the season is my turn to take a break. I wish I could keep digging, as I finally feel that I’m making progress on that aquifer, but Airith might actually kill me if I do. We see each other so rarely. I’m usually down with the aquifer, but she seems to spend all her time planning, or rushing about working on I-don’t-know how many projects, or conferring with Dr. Urist on heaven knows what.
Then again, maybe I could sneak down occasionally...
Speaking of, Dr. Urist certainly seems to be enjoying those vials Mebzuth made for her. At least, she’s been making a lot of mixtures, not all of them pleasant. I need to keep an eye on her…
9 Opal 80
A litter of dogs have matured enough to provide a decent amount of meat and other supplies. They were butchered without NCommander noticing. That dwarf is always busy as our jack-of-all-trades.
20 Opal 80
Apparently Opal should be renamed “Dog” month. So many dogs are maturing, that NCommander insisted she be allowed to train some more. When I told her “no”, because we have plenty of war animals, the fallout was not pretty. Such language! I can see that Imic has been teaching his wife some of his choicer phrases. She ended up stalking off and I later saw her in the training area, punching a training dummy so hard the head flew off.
I decided Ral’s latest offering needed a taste test, pronto, and hied myself off to the brewery.
22 Opal 80
During the last few days there has been the most godawful screeching coming from the jungle to the west. No one dares venture beyond the wall, save the Pale Roads. But they have axes, which most of us don’t. Yet.
The kobolds’ warnings have been heeded, now we wait for whatever horrible monster lurks.
25 Opal 80
Well. That was an anticlimax. The screeching? Another band of nuisance capuchins. The creatures are only a problem if they can mob a single dwarf. The war animals made quick work of this band, and Imic has finally gotten his first official kill.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/f4ftop.png)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/wcg6te.png)
Mooney still claims bragging rights, however.
27 Opal 80
I’ve just seen Lorbam’s projected numbers for the winter’s partial quota. I don’t like ‘em. I don’t like ‘em at all.
1 Obsidian 80
Finally I can get back to that pesky, taunting aquifer. But first, I’ve got to make a few adjustments to jobs. I’ve sent Mestthos to help Mebzuth in the glassworks. Substandard windows are good enough to send.
I’ve also ordered all glassmakers and carpenters to work straight through, with no breaks. As expected, they weren’t happy.
______________________________________________________________________________
“Whaddaya mean, no breaks!” The cry went up from both the affected dwarves and their families. “We do our best work after a break!”
“Bomrek doesn’t need or deserve our ‘best’ work.” Lotu argued back. “Crappy work is too good for him, and we won’t get the numbers we need if you don’t sacrifice your breaks.”
More protests merged together into unintelligible noise.
Lotu raised his hands, palms outward. “Look, I understand where you’re coming from. And, as long as some dwarves can’t get their monthly breaks, I won’t take mine. But our alternative is to have the king tighten things even further! Who wants the situation to get worse?”
“Worse? How could it get worse!?” Mestthos protested. “We’re already working like slaves as it is!”
“King Dodok could send some of his overseers.” Though Lyra spoke quietly, her words rang in the suddenly quiet room as the dwarves looked at each other.
“No break. Got it. Back t’work, then.” Mebzuth shuffled out, followed quickly by Spriggans.
Within minutes, Lotu was looking at a completely empty common room. Grabbing his pick from the corner where he had stashed it, he headed down to his nemesis.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
28 Obsidian 80
With the capuchins dealt with, Obsidian has passed quietly. Good. We needed the quietude.
There have been occasional grumblings from the working dwarves, but we have all heard tales, or had personal encounters, with the king’s overseers. None of us want one to come here.
But I really don’t like these numbers.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/95vind.png)
On a more positive note, I continue to make progress with the aquifer.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/207uk8x.png)
OOC: Being stuck at home with a raging cold has its advantages.
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on September 24, 2016, 11:25:15 am
But artifact windows? *checks wiki* Wiki says yes you can.
Heh. Bolts are so great at catching things. But why choose between axe and crossbow? Why not both?
Venom! Sadly it does nothing.
Huh, Lotu prefer digging?
Well, I guess he does find nature somewhat disturbing.
Oh right. You have but the single miner.
NCommander can train and then they can be meat? Not sure there's the labour for it, though.
Maybe leave the best ones for breeding stock.
Capuchins.
I wonder - will they go through 6/7 water? If you have no visitors, might make for a fine trap to toss a minecart in. They have no almost no meat, after all.
Though given the threat of Bomrek, perhaps it is better to get some practice.
No breaks? Yikes.
Hm...I expected that quota to be easier. But with 656 jobs + that many hauling ones...Interesting that you can already tell, though. Impressive.
Post by: Imic on September 24, 2016, 12:48:41 pm
I really like this fort. Once it gets to, say, page... 25, I think that it will have qualified for The Hall Of Legends.
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on September 24, 2016, 01:50:34 pm
The Dreaded Overseers of the Mountain King. Why would someone suggest such a thing. Though, if needed be, I still have my Certificate from M.U. if ever needed.
On a completely unrelated note, Dr. Urist has made several breakthroughs in his research. I am pleased.
My Lotu is very displeased with me for some reason. I think a vacation would suit him well. Me, him, alone in a room... AH such fantasies. I am busy with my lovely rocks and he is still breaching the aquifer. I only wish we could spend more time together.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on October 09, 2016, 09:56:01 am
01 Granite 81
After spending an entire month digging, Lokum was thirsty.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/sdlbac.png)
In his single-mindedness, he left me to drown! That I didn't is purely thanks to my swimming expertise. I decided I needed one too.
05 Granite 81
While savoring my mug of wine and hanging out in the dining room (after all, we can’t be working all the time), Lokum came in. He was completely entranced with his ☼pecan wood shield☼, and as soon as he saw me, he came over and started a monologue on the workmanship, merits and wonders of it.
It was almost half a nal before I was able to get away. Note to self, avoid Lokum for a week until he’s settled into his new relationship.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/k3olmv.png)
07 Granite 81?
Erib has been cleaning up some of the capuchin corpses from the winter. They don’t give a lot of meat, but it does provide a bit of variety in our diets.
As I was inspecting the clean-up progress, I realized something. No Tayldis. Good, we’re going to have a quiet spring and can focus on the quota and aquifer.
09 Granite 81
Mooney called down from the ramparts to say that the elves are coming. Apparently four of them have decided to grace us with their presence.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2iuxs9e.png)
Since they don’t bring much of use, I’ve ordered all of our threadbare and tattered clothing, except the legwear, moved to the depot. The legwear is staying in our quota stockpile, we need that for Bomrek.
Mebzuth also drew my attention to the pile of glass corkscrews sitting in a corner. Apparently, he made a lot of them a few years ago, before Bomrek’s glass obsession. I ordered them moved too.
11 Granite 81
(http://i68.tinypic.com/20serus.png)
Sigh. Now to deal with them.
14 Granite 81
The elves brought…clay? That’s one thing we certainly don’t need to import!
They also brought plenty of clothing and toys, but it’s all low-quality and we have everything we need there, so I ignored it. I did consider the barrels, but decided against them since Uvash and Lyra can make high-quality ones pretty quickly.
I ended up trading for all of the instruments for Bomrek. At least, I think they were all instruments, sometimes it’s rather difficult to tell. Anyway, he never specified dwarven ones, did he? Since the carpenters are slammed with having to make crutches and swords, I bought out all six crutches and the single short sword, as well as a couple of figurines. While only a drop in the bucket, every little bit will help.
The animal consignment was interesting, to say the least. The giant two-humped camel caught my attention first, and I snapped it up. Full of meat, that creature, especially if the elves can bring a second one for breeding. Of course, in typical trader fashion, they refused to give a straight commitment.
I watched the otter’s antics for a long time, and finally bought it for the laughs. We could use some cheering up with the lack of down time for the rest of spring and summer.
Before Trading: After Trading:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/29lxopy.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/2igetkk.png)
17 Granite 81
That otter was a good investment. She’s taken to the pond like a…well, like an otter to water, and her antics are just as amusing as I’d hoped. It seems like every dwarf is finding a reason to pass through the courtyard, and there’s always someone taking a time-out of work to stand and watch for a few minutes.
22 Granite 81
Work on the aquifer has progressed far enough that it’s time to start removing the access ramp pillars. I’ll need to build some temporary ones first, which means taking some time off the actual digging.
Why does the to-do list never get shorter?
______________________________________________________________________________
07 Slate 81
Lotu hefted his pick as he carefully waded toward the target wall. Swinging it high, he froze at an unfamiliar sound, his sudden inattention nearly knocking him off his feet. Bracing himself against the wall, he listened hard.
There it went again.
“Glug-glug-glasp!”
Easing himself through the swirling water, he made his way to the northern slit.
“What’er you doin’ down there?”
The question was directed to NCommander, as Lotu reached down to grab her hand.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2z4ahjt.png)
NCommander grabbed hold thankfully, and took hold of the ledge with the other, managing to scramble in an undignified heap into the relative safety of the main aquifer level.
“What-hu do you-hu think?” She gasped, trying to catch her breath. “I’m trying to learn to swim. Obviously!”
Lotu just stared.
NCommander jabbed her thumb over her shoulder. "If you're going to make us build walls in the middle of water next to a trench, whaddaya expect?"
Lotu frowned. "You're not supposed to be building that wall yet. I suspended it."
NCommander got a stubborn look on her face. "With what? A big sign saying 'Suspended Construction: Do Not Touch'?"
Uh, yeah, actually.
"Well, I hate to break it to you, but the sign's disappeared."
Lotu groaned. "Well, until further notice, no one is building walls down here."
NCommander shrugged. “Fine. I need time to get better at swimming first, anyway. Who knows? It might come in handy, given how long this breach is taking.”
I can take a hint. And this isn’t annoying anyone nearly as much as me. I’m the one who has to keep chipping at it!
Aloud he just said, “Do what you like. But could you at least finish the quota first, before you drown?”
And I’ll ‘liberate’ some metal so you can make a spare pick and join me, if you have that much time on your hands.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
21 Slate 81
Sodel and Erib have taken a week off of work to welcome their second child, a daughter, whom they have named Litast.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/29vlbf6.png)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/jilsmr.png)
So now we have two Litasts, the other one being Mebzuth’s son. We’ll have to find some way of keeping them straight.
02 Felsite 81
And today Spriggans joined the “new mother” group, having just given to a boy, named Avuz.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/acwba.png)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2pq807t.png)
We can ill-afford the time she'll take off from charcoal burning, but I certainly won't argue with her.
14 Felsite 81
Apparently, Spriggans must have been working overtime before her maternity leave. She built up enough charcoal stocks that Mebzuth and Mestthos haven't had to stop churning out items just because our main source of fuel is not available.
21 Felsite 81
I didn’t know we had a breeding pair of giant porcupines. I thought both of them were males. I found out when the female gave birth to a pup today. Huh. Good to know. NCommander was bewailing the fact that they can’t be war-trained. I have to admit, I would love to see that, given how dangerous the quills of a porcupine can be.
28 Felsite 81
With the end of another season, a new look at production is necessary.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/293c5yp.png)
The numbers have picked up a bit, but not enough. Half of this quota will be incomplete. Now, what possible justification can I use…?
On a positive note, the aquifer breach has picked up some speed. Just a little, granted. But every little bit helps.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/n1q6gz.png)
Thank the gods and goddesses we had a very quiet spring.
OOC: That "suspended construction disappearing" was because I was using the auto-unsuspend function of DFHack, and somehow missed NCommander when I removed the "Build Construction" labor from the quota dwarves.
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Spriggans on October 09, 2016, 12:41:58 pm
Btw, what does the custom professions, such as '11', '12' mean for you ?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on October 09, 2016, 03:08:30 pm
Btw, what does the custom professions, such as '11', '12' mean for you ?
Using Lotu as an example: (http://i64.tinypic.com/dc57rk.png)
The "3" is his family lineage (he was the third founding male to marry), the "2" refers to the month that he should be spending "on break" and focusing on activities like crafting-related and military-related needs.
For other couples, any double digits are families in migrant waves, the first digit refers to the migrant wave, the second digit to the order of arrival (so Sodel's family "11" was the first family in the first migrant wave). However, Lorbam and Edzul have nicknames in the form #_stuff because neither of them are married or children of existing couples, and they arrived in a migrant wave. The '_' is a placeholder for when/if they do get married.
With the kids and unmarried dwarves, using Id as an example: (http://i66.tinypic.com/15eda1z.png)
In the nickname, the "12" refers to their family lineage, the "fem" or "mal" to their sex, and the "76" is the year of their birth. In the profession name, "19 Granite 76" refers to their date of birth, "->88" is the year they'll turn 12, "->******" is the possible best-fit (or in some cases worst-fit) profession, assuming there aren't any more pressing needs at the time. Haulers typically become hauler/engravers, since engraving is usually not a full-time all-the-time job.
Once they mature, the long custom profession will disappear, to be replaced with whatever job they've been assigned (unless otherwise requested as part of a dorfing). The nickname will remain as-is until/unless they marry or are claimed, at which point it will be changed to reflect that (this provides a quick way of finding ages without going through pages of preferences screens).
At the moment lineages are fairly simple, once (if) I start getting second-generation marriages the system will change a bit.
It sounds a bit complicated, but I haven't found a version of Therapist that plays nice with my Mac, so this helps save me some in-depth managing.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on October 09, 2016, 05:57:14 pm
Heh, new relationship.
Elves bringing clay is mostly useful for weight, I guess. They have to build things out of something after all.
Giant camel, huh. Okay
Yikes, Drowning.
Litasts probably have different second names.
Still, breach is processing. only a few pockets of 4+ water on that level.
Figureines and instruments seem worst off, I guess.
However, I figure you're already doing the most you can.
No therapist, so you use dwarf manipulator (dfhack script) I take it?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on October 09, 2016, 06:19:57 pm
No therapist, so you use dwarf manipulator (dfhack script) I take it?
DFHack has a script for it? :o I've been doing it all by hand... :-\
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on October 09, 2016, 07:13:49 pm
Of course, I think both of those are only based on skill (but I have not used them yet personally).
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on October 09, 2016, 09:04:55 pm
Multiple scripts :v manipulator is DT-substitute, while autolabor is even more transparent skill manager.
I'll have to investigate those. That might allow me to actually run a large population fort without banging my head against the wall with the labors. Thanks!
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Imic on October 10, 2016, 01:48:22 am
Post by: Spriggans on November 21, 2016, 02:57:41 am
We still don't know what the master plan of the Evil hooded creature at Theaterknowledge is.
Will we one day ? :-\
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 16, 2016, 10:04:44 am
Sorry about the long hiatus. I just finished calculating and submitting grades for the semester, and am about to devote some more time to updating this story during winter break. Next update to come tomorrow, I hope (assuming the framerate stays steady and I don't torpedo anything). :P
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on December 16, 2016, 01:38:29 pm
All,
Sorry about the long hiatus. I just finished calculating and submitting grades for the semester, and am about to devote some more time to updating this story during winter break. Next update to come tomorrow, I hope (assuming the framerate stays steady and I don't torpedo anything). :P
- Dame de la Licorne
IT LIVES
*rushes in office to find Roleplaying notes on Atolasob*
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 16, 2016, 05:49:45 pm
01 Hematite 81
Once again, Lokum stopped pumping to get a drink as soon as summer wandered around. I’m starting to expect things like that out of him.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2hhhjxx.png)
Fortunately for my sanity, he isn’t the only pump operator
(http://i65.tinypic.com/29zpimb.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
03 Hematite 81
Imic headed out on one of his unofficial patrols. Turning east, he kept a keen eye out for any impromptu visitors. Even so, he rounded the corner and…
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2m6mopd.jpg)
The two opponents froze for an endless moment, staring at each other. Then, Imic raised his axe with a bellow, the kobold’s barely visible head twitched, and he took to his heels.
Imic declined to follow. Every dwarf at Atolasob had soon learned that kobolds, especially fleeing kobolds, ran much more quickly than even the quickest dwarf.
Bes' jes’ to let ‘em run. As long as they stay outta the stockade.
Shrugging, Imic continued on his patrol. He had more important vermin to catch.
______________________________________________________________________________
Later that afternoon, Mooney was bringing a load of wood to the front gate when he noticed a sapling shaking. In a very familiar way. Sure enough, a moment later Tayldis tumbled gracelessly out, yet somehow managed to land with his feet already running.
“Sorry! No want shinies! No! No! Tayldis gone!”
Mooney shook his head. “Bad things comin’.” He muttered to himself, and dropping the wood for someone else to finish hauling, he headed down to the aquifer to report to Lotu.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
Wonderful. That’s all we need with this quota. So what is it going to be this time? Another episode of Killer Keas? Thieving Capuchins? Or, dare I say it, a—no, I won’t tempt fate. But the production is screwed…I wonder, could we get a pass this year by faking temporary insanity? Surely that wouldn’t be a surprise given that dwarves aren’t supposed to live above ground?!? It wouldn’t even require much faking, given Mooney already spends most of his free time somewhere on the ramparts “admiring nature”. Hmm, this has possibilities.
05 Hematite 81
Wandering into the dining room for my evening meal of capuchin intestines, I found NCommander wandering around. She’s been there every time I grab a meal, or a drink, or a snack, or a combination, and has been talking to everyone.
Apparently, no one told her we’re under a deadline, so she’s been ignoring the crafter’s in favor of socializing! Gah! Well, that does explain the lower figurine numbers, now that I think about it. I told her in no uncertain terms to get her butt back over there. She hrrmphed at me, but stalked off in that direction.
With her on the job, we should be able to finish off the figurines, but the others… Especially if we can’t chop and collect wood this summer…
Why am I the leader of this unmotivated group? I just want to mine…
10 Hematite 81
If I want something done, I have to do it myself.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/zxs400.png)
I should give up on the quota this year, but something just won’t let me.
11 Hematite 81
(http://i65.tinypic.com/33wwn74.png)
Ustuth was on duty on the ramparts, and sent word along. After meeting with Logem and going over our stocks, I’ve ordered all of our worn clothing except the legwear marked for trading. We can at least get some of the permanent mess cleaned up a little. I also marked the elven cages and some of the poor quality toys. Judging from the number the kids keep leaving underfoot, we can well afford to part with a few.
______________________________________________________________________________
12 Hematite 81
Lotu stretched, arching his back until has spine cracked, then studied the clay well in satisfaction. Work was progressing nicely, and his pace was very slowly picking up. Deciding he had earned a break he rested his pick on his shoulder and headed up to the common area, whistling cheerfully.
He found Logem holding up the wall dejectedly in the otherwise empty room. On seeing Lotu enter, she cheered up noticeably. “Hey, Lotu!”
“Yeah?”
“You on a break?”
Lotu shrugged, then nodded. “I’ve got a new poem that I put together while digging, want to hear it?”
Logem swallowed. “Sure.”
Logem paused a moment to gather his thoughts, then began.
“Swiftly rushing,
always churning,
never slowing,
steadily speeding.
Oh lovely clay,
I hear you say,
beneath the water,
we all get hotter.
Oh firm rock wall,
standing so tall,
I hear you sing,
when I down-swing.
Beneath the earth,
With her great girth,
Lies great treasure,
For my pleasure.”
“That’s…nice.” Logem tried to stay impassive.
Imic was less diplomatic. “Horr’ble.” A poet, he ain’t. Why’s he keep tryin’? For once thankful for his hauling duties, he backed quickly out of the room.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/6xyw51.png)
Some people have no sense of refinement. Lotu thought.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
14 Hematite 81
While I was fine-tuning my latest poetic masterpiece, merchants arrived and started unloading.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2qkmmie.png)
I really don’t want to deal with them right now. I’m going back to the aquifer.
27 Hematite 81
I’ve finished the artificial pillar I was working on, and decided it was time for a break before tackling that southeast corner.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/r9nck6.png)
Time to grab a drink and trade.
______________________________________________________________________________
28 Hematite 81
Lotu examined the humans’ offerings meticulously, carefully setting aside everything that looked useful.
Word’s gotten around. There must be almost four hundred meals-worth of fish this time! Pity we won’t be able to enjoy much of it.
Studying the resulting pile grimly, he glanced at his own tradeable goods.
I hate this. I really, really hate to do this.
Slowly, reluctantly, he removed the weapons-grade metal bars, the leather, the thread, and half of the lungfish. Biting his lip, he did some mental calculations.
That should work. Barely.
Longingly, he studied the metal bars then, straightening his shoulders, he fell to haggling.
In the end, the 13 crutches, 2 figurines, 6 short swords and 23 instruments and parts just squeaked past the import limit.
Before trade: After trade:
(http://i68.tinypic.com/29bgcgy.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/ehek2g.png)
Maybe that’s Bomrek’s real goal, to keep us from importing anything useful. But his day is coming. Oh, yes.
______________________________________________________________________________
10 Malachite 81
Mestthos has abandoned her glassworks in favor of meditation.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2mgtkso.png)
Why now? Does she know something the rest of us don’t?
16 Malachite 81
I didn’t notice for a while that the merchants had left. I had other things on my mind.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/10da8vd.png)
22 Malachite 81
As summer progresses, everyone is getting tenser. When will the foreseen danger arrive?
I ordered the central pump stopped, since the drain slits can handle the water level on their own now. The milita can focus their energies far more usefully by keeping a sharp eye out for any pesky monkeys, angry birds, or other, as yet unknown, dangers.
1 Galena 81
Mestthos did know something we didn’t.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2q3q5i9.png)
She’s named her daughter “Lokum”. But I think I’ll call her Tangledattics, at least in this journal, just to keep things straight.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/sp9a1h.png)
This is going to play merry hell with the window production.
5 Galena 81
Logem reports that the figurines are done. Only four more categories to go. The numbers for short swords, crutches and instruments look much better than I was afraid they might back in spring. The windows, though. What in Armok’s name does Bomrek need two hundred windows for?!?
11 Galena 81
Where is it? Where is it!? Did they, they couldn’t have, could they? Those lying, thieving, inquisitive nuisance pests! They did! They lied!
Kangaroos aren’t dangerous!
13 Galena 81
They are very skittish.
Which dwarf was it who said “laughter is good for the soul”? I’m no scholar, but maybe Dr. Urist would know.
14 Galena 81
Spriggans is lobbying for some kangaroo cheese to feed to Avuz. Apparently he likes it. But trapping kangaroos…not a priority.
28 Galena 81
Well, that ended up being an anti-climax. Lying kobolds. Not that I’m complaining, since the quota is almost done as a result.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2w7obvp.png)
And, more importantly, the top level of the aquifer is almost finished.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2h7l7h4.png)
I can see light at the end of the tunnel!
Well, that season went much more smoothly (and quickly) than I had expected. So here's the update, a bit earlier than I anticipated.
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Imic on December 16, 2016, 06:08:34 pm
Also, PTW. Dunno why I haven't before now.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 16, 2016, 06:33:39 pm
And, hm, yeah, dwarves are unagile.
And very much not cave adapted. Usually, a boon. Here, maybe a boon?
Though it sounds like you need all the stuff brought ...oh wait. Import cap. I forgot, welp.
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on December 16, 2016, 10:42:00 pm
Journal of Airith
Well, this past season just seemed to take FOREVER to pass, IDK why, but it seemed like time just didn't want to move forward. Oh well, it's probably just me.
Anywho, other than my cuddlebuns reciting some excellent poetry to me in bed last night (I actually have no idea what poetry even is but it sounded nice to me) nothing of note has transpired of late.That Tayldis dropped by again and promptly ran off. I actually feel sorry for that little bugger, for some reason, seeing him every-so-often gives me some assurance that the world is still spinning. Most of the other dwarves give me weird looks for expressing that opinion, but I couldn't care any less.
You know... I haven't asked my sweety-poo for a wedding gift yet... I wonder if I could get away with asking him to capture Tayldis and give him to me as a pet... I'll have to ask him, with all of these quotas it'll be an unnecessary strain on our workforce but I think I can get away with it.
... I also have a secret to share with you journal. I am an opportunist to the core, I'm always ready to pounce on anyone to further my own goals. But when I met Lotu, I realized that I would do anything to help him, and I would support him fully.
That brings me to this, that Bomrek better be ready, the stress he's been putting on my Lotu, and his plots to dispose of us will be repaid. Blood will be spilled, and heads will roll.
Also would I look good in white?
[OOC: This is perhaps my favorite character to RP. I've never done a married woman before. As a guy IRL, it has its difficulties, but its fun. I like to think of Airith as a sociopathic yandere. Lotu is her only connection to reality and civility...
...
God help anyone who messes with Lotu]
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 16, 2016, 11:05:09 pm
oHow many are pump operators, anyway? Can't afford to ditch much with the poulation.
Just the three axedwarves/woodcutters. I decided the cross-training might be appropriate. And only one of those is pumping at a time, because all the other pumps are powered by machinery. It's only the central pump that requires tight control at times.
oHm. Lots of items brought to depot. Grinds the fort to halt. Maybe smaller number of more valuable items would help save that labor? "Bring item to depot" is also a production job of sorts.
The stuff I trade to non-dwarven caravans is all either lying around in the depot, or within twelve tiles of the depot, so the slowdown isn't that noticeable. I do take advantage of each caravan to slooowwly move the quota over, so that there's less during the frantic weeks.
Though it sounds like you need all the stuff brought ...oh wait. Import cap. I forgot, welp.
Yeah. 25,000☼ It's not as high as you might think, at this point.
oAnd to think, there's another level below.
Actually, all of the in-between levels are easy, and very quick compared to this one. It's the bottom-most one that's going to be the other challenge, typically (and even it isn't bad).
oWhy the fear of danger, now? Maybe I should reread last chapter...Mm.
Story-wise, the dwarves have come to associate a kobold appearance at the beginning of the season with a threat appearing in the second/third month. But that correlation didn't work this season. :P
oUgh. Why is window production so slow? Is it the break? Is it the praying? At 5 days per window, that'd have taken only a heap over half a year, and the glassmaker ain't dabbling anymore.
Two reasons:
a) Either Spriggans or the glassmakers always seem to be eating/sleeping/drinking/praying/socializing/etc. (and not by design), and Mestthos (the back up glassmaker) has skilled up only to "Professional".
b) Charcoal production is slow, because of the wood hauling getting canceled every time a dwarf see a harmless badger or other "terrifying" wildlife within twenty tiles, and the stockpiled wood gets stolen by carpenters and crafters trying to fulfill their own quotas.
[OOC: God help anyone who messes with Lotu]
Ever hear of "still waters"?
On another note, any new requests for trades? Fall has the liaison meeting...
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 16, 2016, 11:27:30 pm
But pumping needs to be done, nevertheless.
It does force you to choose and leave things in interesting way. Why, solitary divine material instruments would be more expensive by themselves.
But what sort of personality should Airith have, in dwarf description terms?
Though kinda tough sell, no dwarves have even gotten into a fight with one another yet, I think. (It'd probably be most convient for Dame de la Licorne if you wrote that into a script to erase/rewrite current Airith).
Post by: Spriggans on December 17, 2016, 11:33:38 am
Either Spriggans or the glassmakers always seem to be eating/sleeping/drinking/praying/socializing/etc."Yep ! I'm lazy by nature ! ;)
I don't get it. Why would they be easier than the first one ?Actually, all of the in-between levels are easy, and very quick compared to this one. It's the bottom-most one that's going to be the other challenge, typically (and even it isn't bad).oAnd to think, there's another level below.
The last one being trickier I can understand, but the middle ones... Never pierced aquifers with a 11x11+ area before.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 17, 2016, 12:29:26 pm
I don't get it. Why would they be easier than the first one ?
The last one being trickier I can understand, but the middle ones... Never pierced aquifers with a 11x11+ area before.
I'll post pictures. Part of the first one being so long is that my OCD nature refuses to let me channel out the floor above.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 17, 2016, 04:42:47 pm
If you hypothetically were to channel or downstair it out, could restore it by obsidian casting and digging away the obsidian - this reverts the floor to layer material on that square.
Of course, accurately flooding the central stairway with magma and then water might be even larger undertaking.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 17, 2016, 04:54:00 pm
Of course, accurately flooding the central stairway with magma and then water might be even larger undertaking.
Nooooooo! Getting magma that far up and then back down, that would give me nightmares. And I'm sure I would end up taking a page out of NCommander's playbook by accidentally flooding the fort with magma and killing everyone except a kid or two.
Not gonna happen.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 17, 2016, 05:19:08 pm
01 Limestone 81
Those turkeys were a good investment, 24 just matured enough to harvest for leather. That should keep Olon happy for a while.
02 Limestone 81
Since the aquifer is now draining faster than it is filling, I’ve ordered the upper pump and its drainage system dismantled.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2itlp21.png)
07 Limestone 81
Olon is insisting that we hold a Turkey Slaughter Festival. He’s been displaying his new cloak design to anyone who’ll stop for five seconds. I have to admit, it’s one of his best works yet.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/117bq7c.png)
10 Limestone 81
On the tenth day of Limestone, Armok gave to me, 10 adult turkeys…. That gives me an idea for a poem…
13 Limestone 81
(http://i63.tinypic.com/1jrtw6.png)
The quota collectors have been spotted in the distance, and we’re short 25 windows. This is going to be bad. I ordered the balance of the quota moved, and went to talk to Spriggans, Mebzuth and Mestthos.
______________________________________________________________________________
Spriggans was Lotu’s first stop, and he found her in the common area, easily enough. “Spriggans, I know you’re a relatively new mother and all, but the caravan’s been spotted and we don’t have enough windows.”
She glared. “Yer ‘spectin’ me ter give up mah time wif mah baby jes’ so tha’ prick can have windows?” She spit out the last word viciously.
Lotu winced. “Yes.”
“Fuck off.”
I hate conflict. I really hate conflict. “Look, I haven’t been pushing you, have I? You’ve been taking...how much? At least 1 day every four for yourself. All I’m asking –“ at her look he corrected, “all right, telling, you to do is work for a couple of weeks so the glassmakers have a chance to finish.”
Spriggans stubbornly continued to feed baby Lokum.
“If it doesn’t get done, what do you want to bet somebody is going to ask for someone else’s head on a platter?”
A fulminating glare later, Spriggans gathered up baby, food and beer and stalked out of the room.
Lotu sighed. Why can’t they just get the jobs done before I have to get on their asses?
He found the two glassmakers hanging out in the brewery, carefully evaluating Ral’s latest brew. “Lotu.” The dwarves nodded in greeting.
“Listen guys, I’ve been lenient all year, but the traders are coming and we’re short windows. You need to get back to work. Now!”
Unperturbed, Mebzuth shrugged. “There’s no charcoal.”
“That’s why Spriggans was my first stop. She’s making some for you as we speak.”
“Have you tried Ral’s –“ Mebzuth started.
“You can take it with you. But if you’re not back in your respective glassworks by the time I’ve had my taste, I swear I’m going to have Imic chain you to them!”
Mebzuth and Mestthos looked at each other, then Lotu, then back at each other. Picking up their half-empty mugs, they scurried out the door.
Lotu lowered his head to his hands. Why me?
Well out of earshot, Mestthos murmured, “What gotten into him? He’s usually so easy-going and reasonable?”
Mebzuth shrugged. “Mebbe we need a new leader. The stress is clearly too much for poor Lotu.”
“Any ideas for who?”
Mebzuth shrugged. “Let’s think on’t.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
15 Limestone 81
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2ak0i6u.png)
That means it’s time for…
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2jc6ezb.png)
Maybe Bomrek’s been replaced? No, of course not. That would be too easy.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2urujqq.png)
And all of those groups are well south of us, so who cares. I’ve updated our map of the southern region:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2vb7vpc.png)
OOC: The four labeled in black are the forts/outposts controlled by the four groups mentioned. Olin Fatheroils is the mayor of Bodicewheels.
Olin Fatheroils…the name didn’t ring a bell. And Echoworked didn’t have any details.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/67v6nl.png)
Moving on.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2h38m8l.png)
I requested mine carts, since we don’t have time to build them, and both Airith and Dr. Urist have been making noises about “highly inefficient hauling practices”. Apparently, mine carts are necessary for efficiency, at least according to Dr. Urist.
Dr. Urist also gave me a list. Unfortunately, it was written in such apparent excitement (or at the last minute) that I found it impossible to decipher other than something that looked like “venchor”. Venom? Ichor? From what? I ordered a little bit of all of the extracts, just in case. Except milk. I don’t think she would have any use for milk. OOC: Yes, I know none of the above can actually be used in-game at the moment.
I debated ordering leather, but the turkeys and dogs are producing well, so I added thread to the list and called it good.
And, the moment I had been dreading had arrived.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2aj9tae.png)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/8xrfoh.png)
And Swordgangs has three new additions, so we need to provide for 53 dwarves now. Lovely.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/mjl283.png)
Huh. Except for the maces, this actually looks doable without too much effort. Now…how to get 53 maces? I suppose NCommander could be assigned to smith them, but I hate using our steel for that.
I need some inspiration.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2hf8cgp.png)
02 Sandstone 81
The Barricade of Fortresses was no help. I still don't know what to do about the maces. But there's a letter from the Royal Cheesemaker sitting on my desk. I guess I'd better see what King Dodok has to say.
This is an exceptionally-crafted sheet of vellum. It is decorated with spikes of draltha bone and pig leather. It is embossed with a masterfully-crafted image of a dwarf and dwarves in wax. The dwarves are raising the dwarf. The image relates to the ascension of Dodok Charmedmirrors to the position of King of the Figure of Diving in the year 1. This image is the personal seal of the king.
Attention: Lotu Sizzlediron
I am pleased with Finderboards’s success in completing the shipment to Swordgangs in 81, especially given your previous failures. I knew that pointing out your previous dereliction would have results. I anticipate seeing you continue in this vein.
Signed: His Majesty by the Grace of Armok, King Dodok Charmedmirrors, Cheesemaker
Great.
10 Sandstone 81
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2d1llxs.png)
I guess it’s time to go over the quota, and make sure it’s all there.
In return, the traders left 8 bars of weapons-grade metal, all of their thread, 2 -maces- and some random cloth.
Before trade: After trade:
(http://i66.tinypic.com/qx9fti.png) (http://i65.tinypic.com/242c23c.png)
15 Sandstone 81
By the time the merchants left, we were 15 windows short
(http://i68.tinypic.com/121ykbo.png)
I tried to explain to Echoworked about the false summer alarm, and how difficult it is to produce charcoal. He just looked at me disbelievingly. “If you’d gotten to magma, there would have been no problem.” He said. I showed him the aquifer, but he just kept in that vein. “Real dwarves can pierce an aquifer in a season.” I got the message. He thinks we’re slackers. I hope his grandchildren will be able to knock some sense into his thick skull before he leaves.
16 Sandstone 81
The plan of for the new quota is fairly straightforward.
I ordered all the thread for next year’s quota set aside and forbade anyone, especially Sodel, from touching it. I did the same with the necessary leather. Olon wasn’t happy, but the turkeys should make up the difference and keep him happy.
I forbade the meat barrel in the food stockpile, and getting the last few meals-worth will be easy. We’ll be living on fish for a while.
The plants are already done, as are the seeds. Lorbam is overjoyed at finding a use for the peach pits, pecans, cashews and various other tree seeds that have been accumulating over the last several years.
Lorbam reports only 539 pairs of shoes and socks. Somehow, I think that may be enough. Yeah. I need to go thank Olon and Sodel for cranking them out in their spare time.
We have all the toys we need, but I’m going to order some more made anyway. The last thing anyone wants is a tantruming child who’s lost their favorite toy.
Past experience tells me that we need to make at least triple the crowns and rings we need, since the nicest ones tend to stay here. Hmmm, could I put in a special request…?
The maces are the problem. We have 16 weapons-grade bars, which would bring the total up to 18. Imic’s going to scream at having his armor being put off yet again. I’ll have NCommander start with the non-steel bars. Maybe I’ll come up with something before she has to use up our hard-come-by steel?
______________________________________________________________________________
18 Sandstone 81
An indistinct yell pinged on Lotu’s ear as he struggled with the clay for the wall. Gradually the shriek resolved into a single word, as the dwarf raced down the levels. “Lotu!”
Lotu cursed as the clay boulder barely missed his toe, thudding into the water next to where it was supposed to go. “What!”
NCommander splashed into the shallow water. “How dare you!”
What did I do? Having learned some self-preservation after his marriage, he wisely refrained from voicing the question, and instead waiting expectantly.
NCommander splashed up to him and jabbed her finger into his sternum. “You ordered the new dogs killed! How dare you? You know I’m supposed to train them!”
Oh. That.
“Well, you haven’t had time to train them, and we’re starting to get overrun with them. You have, what 20? No, 24 war animals following you right now, do you really need more?”
“Yes! I won’t be satisfied until every dwarf has at least one war animal.”
Lotu studied the milling pack. “Then start by assigning these, before adding more to the problem.”
“Gah!” NCommander clenched her fists. “Don’t. Butcher. The. Dogs!”
Lotu crossed his arms across his chest, and tried for a conciliatory tone. “Look, I’m not stopping you from training any that you want. But any that don’t get trained will get sent to the butcher’s. One way or another, they’ll be useful.”
Clearly, Lotu wasn’t going to countermand his orders. With one last wordless shriek of outrage, NCommander spun around and stalked away in a huff. You can’t stop me from training them anyway, Lotu! And you can bet someone else would be more respectful of my requests. Especially when this isn’t the first time I’ve brought it up!
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
21 Sandstone 81
Lorbam and I decided that 500 crowns and 1000 rings should be enough to cover both our wants and Bomrek’s needs. We probably won’t be able to make all of them this year, but it should give us enough unclaimed to ship with the quota next year. And I’ve put in a special request with Mebzuth, after promising not to hound him about work this year. That’ll be an easy promise to keep, given that the only glass we need is for our own purposes. No deadlines!
Edzul was really happy about returning to the ashery. Apparently, potash making is his highest skill, and he was feeling dejected after not using it since Bomrek’s clear glass obsession. I’m glad I made somebody happy, that’s rare these days.
I moved Mestthos over to help Spriggans, since we need to burn a lot of wood to make ash for Edzul and charcoal for Mebzuth. For Mestthos, she seems doomed to always be an apprentice. I’ll have to see what I can shift her to as a permanent job.
Airith has ensconced herself back in her masonry. She’s supposed to be finalizing the plans for the next level of the aquifer, but she’s been mentioning other “projects”. I suppose she’ll tell me when she’s ready.
I’ve declared a short vacation period until the end of the month for the 1st and 2nd shifts, as a reward for all of our hard work during the past year. The first two rounds of drinks were on me, we deserve them. It’s amazing how much happier people got when that announcement made the rounds.
26 Sandstone 81
Apparently Fatheroils has a very widespread reputation. Echoworked made a point of informing his children, and they rapidly spread the news to everyone else. The mood of the fort is vengeful, to say the least. Only Airith, Edzul and Udil seem to be exempt. For Edzul and Udil, barely out of childhood, I suppose that is understandable. But what is Airith focusing on, that she doesn’t seem aware of the main source of conversation these days?
The stories others have told, of children dumped in magma, nobles used as titan bait, civilians forced to train against fully armed goblins…somehow each tale is more horrifying than the last.
But as long as they’re focusing on him, my friends aren’t worrying about our incomplete quota. 15 windows. How important are 15 windows, really? And then I remember Urist Addlepated, with his spear made of pear wood instead of sand pear wood.
We. Are. So. Screwed.
01 Timber 81
3rd shift is celebrating their first true vacation in a year. May they enjoy it, I have a couple of bots of wall left to dig.
______________________________________________________________________________
02 Timber 81
Imic wandered northeast. This is boring. Where are Bomrek’s spies? Dodok’s informers? And Lotu keeps pushing off my armor. It’s more important than some maces, dagnabbit!
A sudden rustling in the bushes jerked him from his thoughts, just in time to hear a howling shriek as a monitor lizard came trundling down toward him.
Imic dodged left, hacking with his battle axe as he went. The sharp blade struck the lizard’s right rear leg with a spurt of blood. Swinging the axe around in an arc, he struck the belly. Pulling back, he realized the axe had gotten stuck.
Screaming in pain, the lizard struck out, but missed the twisting dwarf. Punching the lizard’s snout, Imic wrestled the axe blade out of the deep gash.
As the lizard twisted in renewed fury, Imic swung the axe again, and this time the blade bit deep into the tail, only to get stuck a second time as the lizard writhed. A second vicious punch to the head freed the axe once again.
Ducking and dodging the lizard’s increasingly erratic attacks, Imic proceeded to methodically remove each of the four legs with some well-placed strikes, then chopped off the tongue, causing it to fly off into the distance in an arc. With the monitor lizard finally incapacitated, the dwarf aimed a neat, precise strike to the neck, ending the battle.
Imic didn’t have so much as a bruise.
Hah, take that, Mooney! Who has the most impressive kill list now, huh?
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
11 Timber 81
I knocked down that last wall today. This aquifer level is done! Only another god-knows-how-many to go. But it looks like Airith’s plans for the next ones will go much more quickly, with much less drowning.
Well, I might as well get set up, starting with the rest of the retaining walls.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/25p61d1.png)
18 Timber 81
Now to start channeling.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2hxugw.png)
23 Timber 81
Time to set up the first pumps.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/sc8dps.png)
25 Timber 81
It’s going to take Airith a while to build the pumps, so I’m going to go work on my poetry.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/14t34ma.png)
NCommander really shows promise as a poet. Everyone in the common room listened with interest and seemed to enjoy it. I can learn something from her.
28 Timber 81
Winter is around the corner, and our production numbers look good.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/15x7ddj.png)
Except for the maces. Does Bomrek always have to choose one thing that’s virtually impossible to produce?
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Edits: Gah, typos!
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 17, 2016, 05:39:52 pm
Meng went over the quota numbers a second time, then a third. Yep. Finderboards are definitely short 15 windows. But given that they sent everything else… Still, that argument won’t work with Bomrek. Those poor suckers.
Picking up his writing tablet, he paced toward Bomrek’s office. Office? More like throne room. As he walked, he passed the occasional + on the walls. There were two hundred of those + in total, each one marking where Bomrek wanted a window looking into the caverns, or looking out over the valley, or allowing viewing points into the major meeting areas, temples and dining rooms. Meng shook his head as he passed yet another one. No, Bomrek won’t be happy at all. And the fulfillment of the rest won’t be worth a damn.
Arriving at his destination, he paused to take a deep breath, squared his shoulders, then pushed open the door.
______________________________________________________________________________
Much later, after Bomrek had calmed down, he called for paper and ink and set about writing two letters to send home with the caravan. The one to the king, as one might expect, consisted of complaints and accusations. The other, well. If it happened to fall into the wrong hands, someone familiar with Bomrek’s public attitude would have been very surprised at its apologetic, one might almost say, whiny, tone. Oddly enough, it carried no salutation, nor addressee. Yet even so, when the caravan left, it rode securely within the traders' mailbag.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 17, 2016, 08:07:13 pm
⛭ Hmm. Turkeys. And you say they shoud carry Ral's brew.
So much to do, so little time!
⛭ 25 windows...and 25 dwarves...Hm. Logicistics and supply would still matter, ...And you ended producing 10 with 2+1 in a month or so. That's 6 days per window, even after telling people to stop slacking.
Unfortunate.
⛭ Four new mayors? Isn't that where goblins are. I think I know what happened to old ones....Or not, if there were no battles. Odd.
Heh. "We can't afford to save money." said Edge's boss. I don't really recall how much minecart experience you had before, but they're bit pricey - 50*quality*base a pop, and you probably will get metal ones. -steel minecart- will go 3000, *2 for fast tracking and *1,5 for trader profit margin, for total of 9k.
⛭ Well. You could get some maces from visitors, maybe? It's a thought.
As far that idea goes, the imported wealth sure dropped, and I'm not sure how visitors affect it.
Otherwise, it is what...1 bar per mace, right? 2 melting, 2 smithing and 5 charcoal-making jobs to get the material for 1 mace, with total of 530 jobs.
I think you'll need more than 1 forger.
Potash might just slightly task, given the multi-step long-distane hauling process, but overall should be thrice as easy as the windows.
Overall, it seems like Bomrek is quite hungry. Seeds, plants, meat, potash....Doesn't he know it'll arrive to late?
Unless it is to help a marching army, I suppose. Footwear and Maces would make sense in that case
⛭ Can dwarves wear multiple crowns? Where's the previous ones? It seems odd....
⛭ Oh yeah. Has Lotu ever trained anything other than a dog? Will they? It's shame if that skilling up was for naught...
⛭ Ugh. That many pumps?
I suggest mass-enabling labours to build them - I've had building 10 pumps take several months, before, for some reason.
Still, seems your plan is "divide the (red) sea". I suppose the ground is red.
⛭ Hm. Interesting situation.
One thing that springs to mind is that with this trade agreements, the others do serve their side faithfully, procuring whatever asked - though obviously they can't be asked impossible things - and they're willing to pay on top for goods.
There's much grumbling, but on the face of it the trade agreement is much fair - if you don't consider the import cap nor the crazy demands.
There's some room here for arguing from Tradition. Such a nice both ugly and beautiful wor(l)d.
Post by: Imic on December 18, 2016, 06:40:32 am
I swear, once this reaches 20 pages I am nominating it for the hall if legends.
Actually, I'm going to do it now.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 18, 2016, 10:31:55 am
01 Moonstone 81
With winter we are back on our normal break schedule. While 1st shift gathered in the common area, I went down to study Airith’s progress on the pumps. That wife of mine is quite the architect.
______________________________________________________________________________
04 Moonstone 81
Dr. Urist walked down the central spiral, heading for the main stockpile, muttering to herself as she often did. Wandering across the hallway, the clatter of dry-pumping pumps was fairly well buffered by the thick sand walls. Still, something tickled at the back of her brain and, on a hunch, she veered into the nearest pump-room. Everything seemed fine. Turning she started to leave, then froze, staring at the floor. The pecan wood log floor. Where there should have been a hole to connect the power train to the lower level.
“Fuck.”
A quick round of the pumping rooms later, Lotu’s not going to like this. He really wants that aquifer pierced.
Pulling out her pen, she started scribbling on the back of her ingredient list. Though while I’m at it, I can make some other adjustments.
Studying the quick sketch and back-of-the-envelope calculations she had just completed, she nodded to herself. That should do it. Now to convince Lotu.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
05 Moonstone 81
Well, at least Dr. Urist figured it out early enough that we won’t waste a great deal of time fixing the problem. But Airith is our only mason, and my darling has her hands full designing and building the new pumps. I went and looked at the problem ones, and I think I see how to take the pieces apart. I have nothing else to do right now, so I’ll try it and see. Even if I do it wrong, I know how to get my sweetie back into a good mood. In fact, Mebzuth should be done soon, and that will go a long way.
14 Moonstone 81
Goden’s name-day has arrived, and his parents, both on 2nd shift, took the day off to celebrate. It’s a pity that it’ll be another 11 years before he can be put to work. We need a permanent smelter on duty, it’s the only way we’ll get enough metal to make anything useful.
______________________________________________________________________________
21 Moonstone 81
A plaintive cry drifted from the western jungle, rising to a shriek, then dying off, only to be answered by another. High on the battlements, Besmar was on watch duty. Listening to the succession of cries, he walked over to the stairs and called down, “Heads up below! There are capuchins about!”
“Pesky nuisances.” Muttered Spriggans as she passed by with a log for her ever-hungry furnace.
“Thievin’ animals.” Responded Lyra, who was heading out for more wood.
“Eh, they’re harmless.” Imic scoffed, hefting his woodcutting axe.
26 Moonstone 81
Lokum was on patrol, while Imic and Udil chopped some more trees. The real enemy here’s the forest, not the animals. Imic thought, in irritation. A proper axedwarf, reduced to this.
A rustling in some nearby bushes nearly passed unnoticed, but then he saw the round little head, and beady little eyes. “Oh no, you don’t!” He started forward, then froze. “Shit! I need my battle axe, not the tree-cutting one!”
He started toward the fort, but jumped back when a white-furred paw swiped out, claws extended. The axe swung wildly, forcing the capuchin to back off temporarily. He headed toward the fort again, only to dodge the capuchin once more.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/ogj6eg.png)
As the capuchin charged again, Imic wound up and let fly with his left fist, bopping the capuchin on the nose. It went flying, head over heels and, woodcutting axe or no, Imic charged after it and neatly chopped it in half.
Drawn by the sounds of combat, Lokum came racing around the corner to see that Udil was having problems of his own.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/30usqdh.png)
A moment later, Lokum had decapitated the nearest one, and two more died in swift bloody succession.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2vnewsn.png)
Well, that was exciting. Imic thought. Not.
27 Moonstone 81
By the time the Pale Roads returned from their tribulations, most of the fort had already heard the tale. The axedwarves entered the common room in time to hear,
Oh, what to do, what to do?
Even though my blade is true,
This axe only knows tall trees,
And all else is its disease.
Although Imic’s arm is strong,
And Udil’s heart goes along,
Without a good battleaxe,
You cannot escape the facts.
Only a battleaxe kills,
Especially in the foothills.
A cap’chin fears that alone,
And all else can only groan.
Lotu finished the last verse, grinning. “Well, what do you think?”
Udil’s and Imic’s faces went ruddy in embarrassment. Then, Imic roared, raised his axe high and shook it in Lotu’s direction. “I shoul’ get y’ fer tha’! Like ye’d do any be’er!”
Lotu raised his hands, palms out. “I admit it. I’d take to my heels. But you have to admit it was funny, and we can do with a laugh.”
Imic wasn’t appeased, and the other dwarves quickly made themselves scarce until he calmed down again.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2il10dg.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
01 Opal 81
Airith has been spending quite a bit of time in the temple zone. What is she planning?
(http://i63.tinypic.com/wldg15.png)
15 Opal 81
Well, the capuchin fiasco last month seems to have motivated the Pale Roads to increase their training.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/jfl0jn.png)
19 Opal 81
We’ve finally finished fixing the pumps on the main level. And now all eight of them can transfer power down, if necessary. Dr. Urist also connected all of the pump stacks, so we can shuttle power around wherever we need it.
Now that the aquifer pumps are in working order, I’ve started channeling and building the east retaining wall.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/8xsn6d.png)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/v3ofmq.png)
22 Opal 81
And time to move the pumps to the west side.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2e2pir9.png)
09 Obsidian 81
Is it me, or is this winter unusually quiet?
15 Obsidian 81
While waiting for Airith to finish designing the last of the pumps, I went ahead and dug out some of the dry bauxite. Might as well, right?
20 Obsidian 81
With the pumps built, it’s time to channel and build the anchoring end walls.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/70vmo1.png)
25 Obsidian 81
And time to finish the west retaining wall.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/fu5bw0.png)
27 Obsidian 81
And now Airith and I get to shift the pumps to the north side. I’d forgotten how well my darling and I work together.
28 Obsidian 81
Well, with winter on its way out, it’s time to check the quota.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2ce0l90.png)
Those maces. NCommander is going to have to start using our steel.
OOC: Winter was very quiet, and my framerate has gone up quite dramatically. :D
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 18, 2016, 10:55:12 am
The dwarf waited patiently in the ante-chamber. It had been awhile since the last summons, and he had started to hope that his master would no longer need his services. Clearly, that hope had been in vain.
The inner door opened abruptly. Obeying the silent command, the dwarf rose and entered the inner sanctum, with no visible sign of whatever emotion he might be feeling.
The one he had come to see, concealed as always in an all-encompassing cloak and hood, waited next to the sole piece of furniture, an altar that took up almost a quarter of the 5x5 room.
The dwarf knew better than to speak, and waited calmly in silence.
Finally, still facing the altar, the Master spoke, using the sibilant barely-above-a-whisper that was always used. “The king is displeased with Finderboards. They failed the quota by 15 windows.”
The dwarf barely blinked. The rumor mill was alive and well, and it had, of course, exaggerated the short-fall quite dramatically.
The Master continued, “King Dodok is sending a group containing his personal representative with the next caravan. He is also sending some extra hands to ensure that the quotas will be met from here on out.”
The figure turned to face the dwarf, though the hood successfully hid the Master’s face. In any case, the dwarf had no wish to see it, given the very quiet rumors surrounding this particular person.
“You will volunteer.”
Somehow, the dwarf wasn’t surprised. “And my task?”
The sibilant hiss was bloodthirsty. “You will remove obstacles, as you have in the past.”
The dwarf nodded. “And the quota?”
“Doesn’t matter. The obstacles are the only things that concern you. Do so quietly, as before, through accidents.”
The dwarf nodded again. “It will appear less suspicious if I arrive with my family.”
The Master turned back to the altar. The dwarf was loyal, and had proven it throughout the years. A gnarled hand snaked out from between the folds of the cloak, and waved in both approval and dismissal.
With a bow, the dwarf backed out of the room. No sign of his turbulent inner thoughts touched his expression.
Post by: Imic on December 18, 2016, 11:25:53 am
Post by: Spriggans on December 18, 2016, 01:11:02 pm
s**t's gonna happen :o
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 18, 2016, 03:24:36 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 19, 2016, 09:24:13 am
Hm. I've got the feeling I'm missing something. Goblin nobles?
It is a mystery, so feel free to speculate. It might end up giving me ideas... :P
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 19, 2016, 10:56:40 am
03 Granite 82
While Airith designs the new pump set up, the rest of us are building some more walls and floors.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2ibgl6w.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
09 Granite 82
Finally finished. Airith stood up and stretched, then looked around. Wow, it’s quiet. Where is everybody?
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2vxogti.png)
As far as she could tell, Dr. Urist hadn’t even started installing the new gear, and Lotu had left a wall half demolished. Frowning, she headed for Dr. Urist’s library. Why am I the only one working, that’s not fair!
But the library was empty. I bet they’re enjoying a drink, or ten. Frowning even more fiercely, and determined to give both of the slackers a piece of her mind, sweetie or not, she stalked up the ramp to the surface.
The star-spangled sky stretched above her head as she started across the courtyard. Coming to a sudden halt, she stared upwards. I know where they are!
Sure enough.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/9jkmk2.png)
I didn’t realize it was that late.
She prodded Lotu awake. “Move over. You should’ve told me!”
Half-asleep, Lotu rolled over as he muttered, “You’s workin’ be-eu’fully. Din’ wanna….”
Airith looked at him, shaking her head. “Oh, sweetie pie.” Climbing in, she curled up against him. Just before she dropped off, she heard a faint, “Love you.”
“I love you too, dear.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
11 Granite 82
With spring come the tree lovers.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2a8miic.png)
Looking through Lorban’s lists, I ordered moved several cheap, useless things including worn silk clothing and several bins of random stuff. As an after-thought, I also selected the lowest-quality glass tubes and corkscrews that Mebzuth has been making. Who knows, those nature freaks might have war-trainable animals.
Now, that would make NCommander happy.
14 Granite 82
While moving random stuff to the depot, Echoworked passed by.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/14ihguv.png)
Good, he’s finally leaving. Though according to his family, he’s spent the entire winter stubbornly refusing to accept our “excuses”.
I guess Dodok chose his liaison well. They definitely have the same attitude toward anything so low-class as reason!
20 Granite 82
Well, it’s almost time to deal with those…people. Maybe it’ll be easier if I’m drunk as a skunk?
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2nthdfn.png)
Where does that saying come from, anyway? Has anyone ever seen a drunk skunk? Hey, that rhymes!
The rest of the entry consists of increasingly illegible scribbles, that the generous might have called a poem.
24 Granite 82
All right, I spent the morning over in the depot, getting those creatures off our backs. The only remotely interesting things they had were animals, including an infernally damned kea. I swear they’re in league with the Great Kea Pests. However, we are now the proud owners of a giant cougar and a dingo, which NCommander has informed me, with a certain superciliousness, are definitely not war trainable. The moose and giant coati might prove useful, even if only for meat. I bought another giant porcupine, too. Even if they can’t be trained, they do look cool wandering around the courtyard. And I’ve come to appreciate variety in my eggs, so I added the hornbill to the list too.
Apparently, this group had talked to the previous group of traders, because not only had they brought the every present clay and nuts, but these pack animals were also loaded down with a whole selection of instruments. Most of the time was spent convincing them that no, we didn’t need any more music-makers!
In return, I did manage to get rid of most of our worn undyed silk clothing (what do they have against dyes, anyway?), a few cheap glass tubes, and some instruments that had gotten buried at the bottom of the random bins. One of those had been imported from the humans last year, and was worth quite a sum. OOC: It had a really weird name, “ngumrash”, and as it’s impossible to search the list for “instrument”, I had to go by hand, counting as I went to make sure I had the necessary numbers. That one somehow managed to fall through the cracks.
I think that was what finally convinced those elves that we really didn’t want the instruments they had brought.
Before Trade After Trade:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/25su91e.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/2jii6h.png)
02 Slate 82
The new animals are now ensconced in the courtyard. We need more nest boxes. Fortunately, we have another half dozen masterpieces that I saved from Bomrek. The woodcrafters will probably enjoy seeing their masterworks whenever they leave or go to work.
05 Slate 82
Dr. Urist finally finished hooking up the new pumps to the power train, so once the stone has been moved, I can get back to building the retaining walls.
09 Slate 82
The elven caravan departed at dawn. Good riddance.
______________________________________________________________________________
17 Slate 82
Lugging his third heavy boulder out of the trench, Lotu looked around at the empty room. Why am I the only one dumping stone?
Panting, he heaved and shoved his ton of stone up the ramps to the dumping zone next to Airith’s masonry. Massaging his sore muscles, he headed off on his new mission.
Reaching the group in the common room, he called out, “Why aren’t any of you helping me move those tons of rocks?”
“We’re on vacation! No hauling duties!” 2nd shift chorused.
Click-clack. Clang! The Pale Roads were in full training mode.
Lotu groaned. Maybe someone else…
“I’m hauling wood.”
“I’m burning wood.”
“Do you know how far behind I am with the potash quota?”
“Do you want more pumps or not?”
“I’m hungry.”
“Not drunk yet.”
“Rrroooonnn—psshhhhh….Rrrooo–“
“A child does as it pleases!”
Why am I the only one dumping stone? Apparently I’m the only one with nothing better to do.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
20 Slate 82
I’ve finally finished the north retaining wall, which means Airith has to move the pumps again. On the plus side, we can finish the new accessway now.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2ez49ap.png)
21 Slate 82
Yet another useless baby has turned into a messy child.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/15ycj8o.png)
01 Felsite 82
Oh, so now they decide to start helping. Now that the wet work is temporarily finished. I see.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2my7pex.png)(Lyra is standing on the stairs next to the yellow wall, Mebzuth is the upper blue one, NCommander is the lower blue one)
02 Felsite 82
Avuz had his name day today. He received a rather interesting gift.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/10xy5wg.png)
He doesn’t seem to have a clue what to do with it.
______________________________________________________________________________
11 Felsite 82
Airith hammered the last joint into place, connecting the entire pumping bank to the power train. About to leave, she jumped at a sudden yell. Turning, she saw Lotu struggling to keep his footing near the final pump.
“What! Why is that pump pumping from the north!”
With a mighty swing of her hammer, she knocked the joint she had just completed loose. The pumps stopped almost immediately.
“Come back in a couple of hours, Lotu. I need to turn that one around.”
Dripping, Lotu nodded in agreement. “Do that, love. Meanwhile, I’m going to find a towel.” Shaking one hand, a waterfall of droplets splattered at his feet.
OOC: Occasionally, user error happens…
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
24 Felsite 82
With the retaining walls finally complete, I can focus on the corners. Time to move the pumps around again.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/21bm234.png)
28 Felsite 82
Spring is ending, which means I’ve spent the day with Lorbam, going over the quota numbers and dealing with other managerial things.
The quota is on track. Mostly.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2nsuvmb.png)
And while going through our stocks, Lorbam has unearthed a set of copper bars, so we’ll be able to add another mace. But it still looks like we’ll fail this year’s too. I hate this import cap! Without it, we could have imported everything we’ve ever needed!
On another note, our status looks really good. We had gotten down to less than a hundred drinks after having Ral dedicated to wood hauling for the last quota. But now, after two full seasons of brewing, he has our drinks back to comfortable levels for 41 dwarves.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/wu4580.png)
And he’s managed some very nice variety, too.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/vnmkpv.png)
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Edits: Typos and picture sizes.
Edit 2: Posted wrong quota picture.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 19, 2016, 04:57:25 pm
Still, stone is hopeful, even if is stone aquifer with - oooh, a bauxite cluster. That's easy to punch through.
On other hand, not sure how well you can continue the plan, since it looks like the NE corner will not accept water
But it sure looks like it can be faster now.
And, heh. Figured you had a macro for the layout. Guess not.
And maybe get another wood burner and potash maker?
Meanwhile, at 16 drinks a year(8 with burrowing out of drink pile), that should last 25 dwarves over 6 years - enough to grow very rusty. And lovely variety, that's nearly third drinks covered.
PS: Oh yeah, pictures are quite large non-downscaled. Zoomed-in curses, right? Hm...No. That wouldn't affect the spreadsheet.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 19, 2016, 07:40:47 pm
↑Blue on dark red is contrasting mix, but it can deliver an impact. Perhaps could use a third neutral color in there somewhere though, maybe some dark gray.
The blue is deliberate, because it reminds me that there's AQUIFER there. As far as a neutral color, that is very low on the priority list right now. But I'll think about it with respect to the final aesthetics.
↑Heh. Synchronized sleeping! Can be troublesome to manage.
It was completely accidental. I just happened to notice and thought to take a screenshot.
↑That's pretty cute insult. "Would you like some more keas?"
And they always seem to bring one... ::)
↑You are using at least wheelbarrows for the stone, I hope?
Yes, I do have a couple of those that get moved depending on the most important stockpile.
Still, stone is hopeful, even if is stone aquifer with - oooh, a bauxite cluster. That's easy to punch through.
Except there's aquifer above, which leads to
On other hand, not sure how well you can continue the plan, since it looks like the NE corner will not accept water.
That doesn't actually matter, until I find the bottommost aquifer level. For now it's going to be more of an expanded version of the double-slit method, coupled with brute-force channeling for all of the intermediate layers. What's going to slow me down is how long it takes to build the corner walls on each level. Once I hit my stride with getting all the pumps built (I'm still short on a few components, hence Mebzuth focusing on those since he can), I average roughly one level every two or so seasons. Compare that to...the five? years it took me to finish the first level... Yeah, I'm never embarking with less than two permanent and a temporary miner again. It just takes too long.
And, heh. Figured you had a macro for the layout. Guess not.
I didn't have enough pump components to run the macro (stupid quotas).
↑Well, it might be good time to get that hematite vein in bauxite, at least, for the maces.
Actually...the maces don't appear to be the problem anymore.
And maybe get another wood burner and potash maker?
Already done, but neither potash maker is particularly skilled, so it's taking a while. Surprisingly, NCommander can churn out 3 maces every 5 days. When she gets going, she gets going! What's slowing her down is how quickly Catten can melt down items, and the only reason Catten is barely managing to stay ahead is because I had her smelting our handful of hematite and limonite boulders first.
PS: Oh yeah, pictures are quite large non-downscaled. Zoomed-in curses, right? Hm...No. That wouldn't affect the spreadsheet.
What I do is adjust the picture widths using the following code: [I MG width=###]pic url[/IMG], where ### is in pixels (and IMG should all be one word, if you want it to do anything). I adjust each size so that it's comfortable for me but if you (as readers) have any sizing advice/preferences (too big/too small/etc.), let me know.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 19, 2016, 08:15:52 pm
And ugh, thanks for reminding the time it took ^^;
It's comfortable for me as well, though you might want to code your screenshot software to auto-insert width that decreases image size by same % every time.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 20, 2016, 01:19:43 pm
The dwarf looked at his fellow companions dourly. The majority had been
He shrugged the thought away. It wasn't his problem. In. Do the job. Out. No one the wiser.
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
02 Hematite 82
Rain. Wet. Building walls. Wet. Digging. Wet. Building walls. Wet. More rain. I’m TIRED of being wet!
08 Hematite 82
Apparently the pumps aren’t keeping Airith busy enough anymore. She seems to be working on a new project.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/xd7doy.png)
I suppose she’ll tell me when she’s ready.
09 Hematite 82
(http://i67.tinypic.com/29usklt.png)
Maybe they’ll have brought some metal stuff that we can turn into maces?
Just in case, I’ve sent all worn clothing, all of the bins full of random stuff, the elven cages and the wooden pump components to the dept. Mebzuth can replace the lost screws and pipes easily enough, especially with the rest of the summer to do it, and those are among the most expensive of our non-quota goods. We should be able to buy at least some metal stuff.
11 Hematite 82
All of the turkey eggs are hatching at once. Poults are running around everywhere. At least we have that cage we can put them in. It shouldn’t take too long.
.
.
.
I spoke too soon. The river of puppies is going to slow things down.
17 Hematite 82
Now, unlike elves, humans are actually useful trade partners. Not only did they bring three maces and four weapons-grade bars (and made me pay through the nose for them), but they had almost two full wagon-loads of metal stuff. I brought NCommander in, as our resident metalworker, and she advised me on which things can be melted down for the most reclaimable metal. As a result, we have obtained several more picks and battle axes, an armful of trap components, and a small mountain of armor, all of which I promptly marked for melting.
It’s a good thing I remembered not to add my pick to the melting pile. That would have been…unfortunate.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i66.tinypic.com/a0b408.png) (http://i66.tinypic.com/140er0n.png)
And as expected, we are over the import cap, but not by as much as I had feared. The prices for poorly-decorated items really gets inflated. At any rate, by the time Echoworked returns in the fall, we should have melted down enough stuff to bring us back under by a comfortable margin.
Now the most important question. Who to assign to melting?
18 Hematite 82
Catten, our bowyer, has been doing nothing but hauling for the last several years, since Bomrek hasn’t demanded any more crossbows for a while. Remembering my own hauling days, I suggested she try her hand at smelting. Unsurprisingly, she jumped at the chance. Working with metal is, of course, one of the most respected fields of work. Who in their right mind would refuse?
Meanwhile, NCommander has started turning the new bars into more maces.
26 Hematite 82
Should I be worried? Then again, Dr. Urist has always been…different.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2d8n8zs.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
02 Malachite 82
It was very late, and Uvash was in the common room savoring a final mug of peach cider before seeking his bed. Not bad, not bad at all. It’s almost a decent substitute for raspberry wine.
A movement on the northeast ramp drew him from his musings. Edzul shuffled in, clutching a meal of lungfish in one hand, and a cup of bayberry wine in the other. Slumping onto the chair opposite Uvash, Edzul stared morosely into his cup, mechanically chomping bites, without seeming to notice what he ate.
“Edzul? Edzul, are you OK?”
“Mmph?” Edzul looked up, then blinked twice. “Ye say sumpfun’?
“I asked if you’re OK?”
“Hmm. Tarred.”
“What?”
“Ah’m tairred.”
Tarred? Tairred? Tired? Oh, that makes more sense.
“You have been running around lately. Anything I can help with?”
Edzul shook his head. “Jes’ th’ pot’sh.” He went to take another bite, only to latch onto his empty fingers. “Waaaahhhhh!” He jerked up, and stuck the offended digits into his mouth, trying to ease the sting.
“Edzul, my friend. You need some help.”
“They’re barely bleedin’! See? I don’ need Dr. Urist.”
“Not that kind of help. I was thinking more along the lines of helping with the potash.”
“No one else knows how.”
“So? You do, you can teach me. And even just having an extra pair of hands around the ashery should be a big help, right?”
Edzul stared, a spark of hope kindling in his brass-colored eyes. “You…you want to ‘elp me? For reals?”
“Yes, I do. Really.”
“Bu’ the carpen’ry…”
“Listen, not much is happening in the carpentry these days, and at the moment Lyra should be able to handle everything on her own. You need help.” Uvash reached an open hand across the table. “Whaddaya say? Get some sleep, and tomorrow you can start showing me the ropes.”
Edzul grabbed the offered hand, like a drowning man would a lifeline. Sniffing, he nodded quickly several times. “You’s a friend, ya know? A real friend.”
“Sure. Now, go get some sleep.” Uvash urged gently.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
05 Malachite 82
I’d been working on shoring up the corner walls for a while, and finally decided it was a good time to take a break and socialize. Arriving at the common room, I found Dr. Urist and Airith already there. Dr. Urist was telling a story.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/32zo19z.png)
The odd thing was, there were no children around.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/14domd3.png)
Aren’t children supposed to love stories? I listened for a bit. Ah, nope, not surprised there are no kids. I’m going back to building my walls. I’m not interested in demons and darkness and curses from beyond the grave and murder and….
I got out of there. Fast.
12 Malachite 82
Apparently, Airith and Dr. Urist have kindled a new friendship. They’re really getting along.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2n8n3mh.png)
I almost feel left out. And Airith’s poetry sounds pretty good, though I don’t understand it. Something about pruning back diseased trees so that the young and healthy ones can grow? Huh?
15 Malachite 82
(http://i65.tinypic.com/5ppveg.png)
Watching the wagons start moving was quite a sight, and well worth the time off from work.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/6iwmz6.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
17 Malachite 82
Walking through the courtyard, Lotu was struck by the sight of Spriggans playing with the resident otter. “Uh, Spriggans?”
“What?” She responded, chuckling at the otter’s antics.
“Shouldn’t someone be keeping an eye on your furnace?”
“Eh? Oh, no. Only when it’s burning.”
“Well, why isn’t it burning? Edzul and Uvash need ash.”
“Can’t make ash without wood.”
“What do you mean we’re out of wood?!? There are all those trees I desi—“ Lotu reached the top of the ramparts, “—gnated.”
Oh.
Grabbing the nearest axedwarf, who happened to be Udil, Lotu indicated the new trees to chop. “And any others you see that are less than thirty bots from the walls.”
“Yessir!” Udil saluted and trotted off to fetch his woodcutting axe.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
24 Malachite 82
Spriggans jumped on the first of the new logs, and her fire is burning voraciously once again, churning out ash as quickly as the haulers can bring her fresh wood.
05 Galena 82
Now that Uvash has finished the second ashery, potash production has really started to pick up, though it’s still too soon to tell if it’ll be enough.
Mace production continues apace, with Catten barely managing to melt the imported items quickly enough to stay ahead of NCommander. The latter is averaging two or three maces every five days, and is certainly making up for the time lost earlier.
Can I afford to assign a dwarf permanently to the smelter? It would certainly end up making Imic, not to mention the rest of the militia, happy. I suppose it’ll depend on the next quota.
We need more dwarves. But according to the yearly caravan, word has spread wide, and no one wants to come live in a hole in the ground in the middle of the jungle, with not even a molehill in sight. Not to mention the whole “King Dodok’s Personal Slaves” thing.
I can’t say I blame them.
______________________________________________________________________________
18 Galena 82
Dr. Urist was pacing down the hallway when a sharp cry broke into her throughs. She looked up in time to see a child slide to its, no her, knees.
“Oh, you poor thing! Come here, I’ll make it all better.” Gathering the child into her arms, she started toward the hospital bed.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2vmhnyw.png)
“Put down, put down! Me not hurt! Put me down” Lokum Tangledattics squirmed and wriggled frantically.
Reaching the bed, Dr. Urist lowered the child, who promptly shot off the other side. “See? Me fine! Me play now!”
Without waiting for a response, she took to her heels, only wanting to get far away from the odd not-doctor-but-Wannabe-Engineer.
Dr. Urist looked after her, frowning. But I need a
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
28 Galena 82
Fall approaches, and with it the yearly threat. But this year we’re in pretty good shape.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/11955e0.png)
We’re definitely going to be able to manage the maces, so only potash is still questionable. I think we can count on at least eleven more bars by the end of limestone, which leaves a possible shortfall of nine. Well, we’ll have to see.
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 20, 2016, 03:51:14 pm
On that note, I've recently double-checked two things:
1) Dwarves that are in tavern zone will likely stay on tavern, despite their mediative needs being in red and empty temple being available - even as they pause Socializing sleep, eat and drink in it. Waited two seasons once and only dogs tried to pray. Another time, with an area outside tavern to go sometimes in, took a month for two yellow needs to wander in.
2) Casual and dubious worshippers don't have praying needs. Ardent (and maybe faithful) level of worship is required to make it possible for prayer need to go into red in years.
Based on Moonhome, I'm also willing to claim that those with high need for abstract thinking make for good scholars. Don't know a way to figure this one out before it is in the red or yellow, though.
That you only need to do suitable job once to bring the need from red to light green further supports brief zones - no need to pray for a season, when praying for a week will do. Though with tavern, there is more than 1 need to satisfy, and not every activity satisfied all of them.
ᐝᐜᐝ Yay puppies :P
ᐝᐜᐝ Yeah, not sure why some children keep playing, while others tell stories and dance.
ᐝᐜᐝ I'm not sure you can even melt the picks of miners, tbh.
What are the red As leading human wagons, btw?
Ouch on wood. That's going to cut into quota. And really, with potash it's hard to use being on aquifer as a defence - aquifer doesn't prevent tree cutting, now does it?
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on December 20, 2016, 03:56:56 pm
In A Secluded Section of the Forest
Airith was busy writing on a sheet of parchment (admittedly she had to 'persuade' the human merchants to let her have a sheet off record) with a fervor. Once she was satisfied with the contents of the paper, she placed it in an "envelope" and sent it with a messenger falcon.
She waited by that spot for about an hour (she hoped no one would notice she was gone for this long).
As she started to get fidgety with the time, a falcon appeared and dropped a letter and it landed on the ground. She picked it up and ran to her room and hid it under her mattress (hopefully Lotu didn't get any thoughts of spring cleaning) and went to exchange "poetry" with her friend Dr. Urist (in reality just a clever way to pass information in a manner that didn't raw attention to themselves).
Under her mattress, the envelope she hid, and was gonna read later, was sitting there. Upon the front was a symbol.
A Winged Arrow
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on December 20, 2016, 04:00:23 pm
soooo
!NARWHALS! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX9IRXIF5Ak)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 20, 2016, 04:13:12 pm
All I know is that they're the names of some enemies in lolmod, having a story of rivalry and eye for an eye with some office supplies in lolmod/Necrothreat. Never heard them mentioned outside of that context.
And in that context, there is the issue of why they don't have any sites and haven't been doing anything in current century. One things that springs to mind is fashioning an elephant man visitor to be lost member of elephantmen civ from MWDF in vanilla play, but I'm thinking you want some assassinations from hostile civilization, not lost refuge telling unbelievable tales of things that never existed to people who are older than the universe.
On that note, do you know how to mod in new hostile civilizations in an existing world? I haven't heard of anyone managing it.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 20, 2016, 04:59:53 pm
What are the red As leading human wagons, btw?
Aurochs (plural, aurochsen). I always thought they sounded cool, so I modded them into my game (among a few other things). I mean, draft horse-size cattle (I'm talking BIG: (http://i64.tinypic.com/dqvxe.jpg) with horns stretching almost six feet across? DF needs that!
Ouch on wood. That's going to cut into quota. And really, with potash it's hard to use being on aquifer as a defence - aquifer doesn't prevent tree cutting, now does it?
Actually...doesn't look like it will affect quota. Halfway through the Limestone play-through, I've produced half of the remaining bars of the stuff. It looks like we will make this year's quota. *knocks on wood* Barring any unforeseen unfortunate events.
Can I bring in Parasol? They played such a pivotal role in the early years of Bay12 Roleplaying, but they suddenly dropped off the face of the earth.
Is there a Taboo I should know about?
I don't have a problem with you introducing a hidden group (cult?) with similar values, but I don't think Parasol itself has a place here. In addition, using magical (e.g. demonic?) portals to communicate to far-distant existing sites is problematic, given the significant advantage those groups would have over everyone else. Something sufficiently powerful (like a god or powerful demon, or 1,000 year-old dragon, etc.), could have it, but most entities won't even know that kind of power exists.
So everything in your post is workable, if you assume that Airith is communicating with someone hanging out closely enough to send mail through an underground system (e.g. using a greatly shrunk railway system for letters, or a specially trained animal, or air currents, or something). And there are also such things as messenger creatures for longer distances, if you don't want your letters waiting for the regular mail.
Just no multi-universe conglomerations, please. :)
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on December 20, 2016, 06:29:43 pm
Here We Come
[Edit: Changed my post to better suit the setting, check it out]
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on December 20, 2016, 06:40:28 pm
....whose sole responsibility is to make the perfect spear for King Dodok to finally win the spear-throwing competition.
Uhhh... we might have gone a tiny bit off track here fellas
(just doing a quick re-read-through)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 20, 2016, 06:59:30 pm
....whose sole responsibility is to make the perfect spear for King Dodok to finally win the spear-throwing competition.
Uhhh... we might have gone a tiny bit off track here fellas
No, that's Swordgangs' goal. Ours is to give Bomrek whatever he wants so that he can finally make that spear. How he's managed to survive this long... ??? Think he might be blaming us for not fulfilling quotas? There has to be a reason Dodok is sending us an administrator after failing only three of five quotas.
After all, we have nothing that could be used to make the penultimate spear. We're on dead flat land in the middle of nowhere, nothing interesting here whatsoever. If you don't count trees and water. Nope. Nuh-uh. Nuttin'. (pun intended :P)
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 20, 2016, 07:45:56 pm
@Ryukan: Huh. That makes me think, where are the elves anyway? Human trade, dwarf trade...elves where?
There should be at least some visitors in mountainhome.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 21, 2016, 05:25:44 pm
03 Limestone 82
Sodel has been working hard, for all of his grumbling. He is justifiably very proud.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/9bj9rp.png)
08 Limestone 82
Work continues, quietly. With just Airith and I down on the aquifer levels the corner walls are slow to build, but we are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel with seven of them left.
12 Limestone 82
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2ezikpv.png)
And judgement day has arrived. We have everything except ten bars of potash, so I’ve ordered all of it sent over. With almost four weeks before the wagons leave, Edzul and Uvash might actually finish the potash!
______________________________________________________________________________
14 Limestone 82
(http://i68.tinypic.com/xok2ux.png)
Heavy footsteps sounded on the central access stairs leading down to the aquifer where Lotu and Airith were working. With something between a snarl and a growl, Airith ducked behind the farthest pump. She really doesn’t like him.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/o7q4i8.png)
With a sigh, Lotu abandoned his wall, and went to meet Echoworked. And I can’t blame her. Talk about a stiff-necked, narrow-minded pencil-pusher of a bureaucrat!
(http://i68.tinypic.com/5z1tnm.png)
“Yeah, yeah.” Lotu settled into his usual chair at the dining room table, waving Echoworked toward one on the other side. When both were comfortably situated, Lotu cocked his head, in apparent attention.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/aujic8.png)
So that’s Castletomes and Atticace that have new mayors. Castletomes is the closest to us…maybe I should care? But it’s still half a world away…nah. Don’t care.
“Aren’t you going to update your records?” Echoworked paused. Lotu started to stay something, then changed his mind. Getting up, he grabbed an empty sheet of paper from Dr. Urist’s desk and scribbled down a few things. No point alienating him completely.
“Shall we get down to business?” Lotu suggested.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/34ri1ie.png)
Lotu’s list consisted of axes, picks, various pieces of armor and trap components, in addition to replacement steel bars.
“And make a note that all of that should be made out of steel.”
Echoworked frowned. “You do remember the export cap, right?”
“Oh, I’m not liable to forget that.” And since Catten seems to be happy enough melting stuff down…we should be able to import quite a lot of steel from now on. He thought smugly.
Looking down at his notes, he added. “And if there’s any way to spread the word that we could use some extra hands…?”
Echoworked looked up. “Ah. That reminds me. His Majesty sent a group north with the caravan. They should be getting here any day now.”
Lotu stared for a moment, then collected himself. Well, if there had been migrants with the caravan, I would have heard of it by now. It wouldn’t surprise me to find out they had snuck off somewhere else while the caravan guards weren’t looking.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/1t1oif.png)
Getting back to business, Echoworked continued. “Bomrek has welcomed two more dwarves to Swordgangs, so your numbers for the next quota are for 55 dwarves.”
Lotu tried not to betray his irritation, holding out a hand to receive the latest impossible list.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/110vszo.png)
So for 55 dwarves… He did some quick calculations.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/wuq7bb.png)
Huh. That’s not as bad as it could have been. The cloth and clothing will be a pain, and Mebzuth will scream about windows, while the Pale Roads will be chopping until the world ends. But all in all, not as bad as could have been.
At least we can keep any metal we 'acquire.'
(http://i64.tinypic.com/kc1nh2.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
02 Sandstone 82
“There!” The lead dwarf pointed through the dripping trees. In the distance, barely visible in the lush jungle, rose the walls of the promised stockade.
As the small group straggled closer, they peered forward, eager to end their nightmarish journey. Most of them longed to regain a sense of safety lost long ago.
Huh. That looks weird. Why are there walls stretching out from the main enclosure like that? And is that a…forest? of windmills up top? What have these slackers been doing?
The palisade itself had apparently been thrown up in a hurry, made of rough logs, some of which still had bark peeling off. Yet, it had obviously been there a while, since all of the logs were clearly weather-worn.
The entrance seemed to consist of a raising drawbridge over a deepening ditch leading down a wagon-wide passage to a shoddily-constructed trade depot. It was so ramshackle, in fact, that it threatened to simply disintegrate into a heap at the slightest ill thought.
Rounding a protective wall, the newcomers were faced with a series of ramps leading down, and – “Waaaahhhhh!”
“Corpses!”
“Dead dogs!”
“Dear gods, the horror!”
Mooney leaned down from the ramparts. “Jes’ ignore the dead war dogs ‘n’ other animals! They’re there so’s they don’ stink up the place. Go through the northeast corner, cross the pasture to the northeast tower. Ye can’t miss it, it’s floored in phyllite. Go down either of the ramps there ‘n’ you’ll find the common area, first level down. I’ll send someone t’tell Lotu to meet ya’ll there.”
Cringing, the newcomers did as they were told, giving the refuse pile a wide berth as they went.
No sooner did Lotu enter, holding a mug of cassava beer, than one of them, the expedition’s leader, stepped neatly into his way, holding out a letter.
This is a masterfully-crafted sheet of gorlak parchment. It is decorated with spikes green glass and hanging rings of giant cave spider silk cloth. It is embossed with a masterfully-crafted image of a dwarf and dwarves in wax. The dwarves are raising the dwarf. The image relates to the ascension of Dodok Charmedmirrors to the position of King of the Figure of Diving in the year 1. This image is the personal seal of the king.
Attention: Lotu Sizzlediron
I am most displeased with your frequent quota failures, which have forced the dwarves of Swordgangs to produce worthless, unbalanced spears. As a result, I implementing more extreme measures.
This letter is to certify that the bearer, one Akrul Glazeletter, is now to take over all managerial duties of Finderboards, and any other administrative duties she feels necessary. Under her management, I expect all future quotas to be delivered in their entirety.
Signed: His Majesty by the Grace of Armok, King Dodok Charmedmirrors, Cheesemaker
Lotu finished reading and looked up into bright emerald eyes. Studying the dwarf in front of him, he remarked, “You’re kind of…young, aren’t you?”
“My mother is the manager of the Theaterknowledge Mountainhome itself, and she has trained me from the cradle to follow in her footsteps. I am perfectly capable of managing this…hamlet.”
Lotu sighed. Well, orders are orders. “Alright, I’ll tell Lorbam to hand over all of his managerial and bookkeeping duties to—“
“Oh, no. I’m going to need him to stick around as a bookkeeper. Organizing is a full-time job.”
Turning to leave, she added over her shoulder, “And I’m going to need an office. See to it.”
Lotu stood staring after her, mouth agape. …What? A hand landing on his shoulder jerked him back from his befuddlement.
“I’ll take care of Her Highness’s chair, shall I?” Lyra, and several other local dwarves lounging around, had clearly heard most of the conversation.
Lotu nodded to her, still slightly in shock. “I think, that might be a good idea. Set it up next to Lorbam’s will you? Or no. That would interfere with training, wouldn't it. Put it on the other side of the ramp.”
(http://i63.tinypic.com/i2ilpd.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
03 Sandstone 82
Well, next time Echoworked tells me something, I guess I should believe him. Eight new dwarves arrived yesterday. Apparently they originally numbered almost twice that, but the journey proved difficult. I’m not surprised. I remember our own journey seven years ago with a certain lack of fondness.
In all, we’ve been joined by Akrul Glazeletter, the manager Dodok has seen fit to inflict on us.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/1zw144p.png)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We also have Rith Vesselglaze, a stonecrafter, who said she was sent to make stone mugs the next time Bomrek wanted some. I promptly re-assigned her to bone carving, despite her protests. Finally, that mountain outside Erib’s butchery will become useful!
(http://i66.tinypic.com/9i5s08.png)
Rith traveled with her husband As Mirrorstockade, a fish dissector.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/flbldu.png)
And we also have Tun Staffpacked, a fish cleaner.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/334m5a9.png)
Apparently, Bomrek’s obsession with fish has reached Theaterknowledge. Well, I’m sure we’ll find a use for those two somewhere. For now I’ve forbidden them from trying to catch non-existent fish (neither seemed to believe me) and assigned them to hauling instead.
A family of four rounded out the group. Sarvesh Mirrorsling, a farmer,
(http://i64.tinypic.com/11ihjia.png)
is married to Aban Ransackedmansions, a carpenter. We don’t need a third carpenter, so she has also joined the haulers until I find something better for her to do.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/necg2o.png)
They brought two of their sons, Ingish Blockadesound,
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2ropd8y.png)
and Rigoth Tinchant.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/dc78n4.png)
With them they brought a blue peachick named Fikod, that apparently belongs to Aban, an aurochs calf and a water buffalo calf, and a baby alpaca. Now that is a useful animal, since once it grows up we’ll have a breeding pair!
I’ve assigned Sarvesh as a spinner/shearer. He can at least start turning the various clumps of hair littering Erib’s butchery into useful thread, at least until the alpacas start reproducing. Hmm, maybe I should ask Dr. Urist to figure out a way of turning animal thread into weaveable thread?
07 Sandstone 82
Akrul’s chair is ready, so we’ve set up her office near Lorbam’s.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/28w3142.png)
She immediately started complaining about the lack of walls, lack of privacy, and constant distractions. Such a spoiled princess. She’ll need to learn to make do, like the rest of us.
09 Sandstone 82
Akrul insisted on joining me in tallying up the quota as I verified the numbers. And she questioned everything, including why we were choosing poor-quality, worn items. Definitely one of Dodok’s favorite bureaucrats.
Not only that but, thanks to the newcomers, we are already above the import cap.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/29f411v.png)
In return for the quota, we could only afford 1 steel bar, a cheap steel pick, and some raspberries that I immediately sent to Ral to turn into wine. At least Uvash will be happy.
After trade:
(http://i66.tinypic.com/ookkw.png)
On the plus side, we did manage to fulfill the quota this year.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/v98qf.png)
I have no idea how many seeds we really sent, but they were all useless nuts and tree seeds. I was ecstatic to get them out of here.
And Akrul had the balls to brag to everyone that all we needed was a decent manager. It’s only been a week and she’s already getting on all of our nerves.
______________________________________________________________________________
13 Sandstone 82
The eastern sky was barely beginning to lighten when Akrul slipped into the depot. Murmuring a greeting to the traders beginning to stir, she found Dastot. “Here, make sure this gets to His Majesty. With my compliments.”
Dastot studied the envelope a moment, then slipped it into the mail bag already fastened to one of the horses’ saddles.
“Of course, ma’am.”
(http://i68.tinypic.com/15zo0w7.png)
Akrul watched from the ramparts as the caravan shuddered into motion. Yes, everything is well in hand. She thought complacently, descending into the already busy courtyard.
18 Sandstone 82
Several days later, Akrul arched her back. Getting all those orders queued up, validated, and sent to the appropriate task had been backbreaking, given that she didn’t have a table, or desk, or anything other than the spindly little chair that had been unearthed for her. And probably from a storeroom dating back to the very first month of occupancy.
Rising, she crossed the room to the dining area, to join Edzul. “I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m Akrul. I’m new here.”
Warily, he shook her hand. “Edzul.”
“Wanna hear about the Worst Journey Ever Attempted?”
Edzul shrugged, which she took as agreement.
“Well, it all started on a cold, windy day at the beginning of Granite in the Year 82…”
(http://i63.tinypic.com/6h7urk.png)
And some hours later…
“…And then we finally got here, with half of our original numbers gone to join our ancestors. Terrifying, right?”
Edzul nodded quickly and jumped up. “Yeah, and I’ve got work to do.” Edzul escaped, amazed that it had taken her so long to draw a breath.
______________________________________________________________________________
03 Timber 82
’Remove the obstacles’ he said. ‘Make them look like accidents,’ he said. Yeah, but how am I s’pposed t’do that here?
I’ve been over this piddling little depression from the highest rampart (not that that’s particularly high), to the lowest level (which happens to be completely under water), and everywhere in-between by hauling stuff hither and yon, and there’re dwarves everywhere!
How can 49 dwarves live like this? All piled up on top of each other, with no privacy or space. If I try to drown someone, Lotu and Airith are lurking around the aquifer at all times of the day or night. The militia, especially Imic’s axedwarves, are always on patrol, which removes the jungle as a possibility. And if it weren’t for the adults, the kids play anywhere. And they go around in groups, so I can’t take the indirect route.
The Master does not accept excuses for failure.
Think. Think!
“Hey, what’re you doing down here?” Lotu hauled a heavy mudstone out of the water.
The dwarf, caught unaware, stammered out, “I...I was jes’…y’know, explorin’?”
“Eh, you’ll figure out your way around quickly enough. Here, can you take this up to the masonry stockpile for me? I’ve got a wall waiting.”
“Uh, sure.” The dwarf grabbed the boulder, pushing and shoving it over to the ramp. Shoot, that was a close one. I gotta be more careful.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
13 Timber 82
Well, I’m glad that’s done. All of these walls are finished, so now I just have to finish cleaning up, then we’ll be able to focus on the next level.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/25ezk34.png)
I have discovered one good thing about having to work in the wet. This is probably the only place Akrul doesn’t visit on a regular basis. Apparently she’s been driving the others to the brink of insanity, randomly popping in to their workshops, tracking them down when they’re on vacation, insisting that “vacations are for wimps” and sending them back to work.
I overheard Sodel calling her “Dragon Lady” yesterday.
The name fits.
27 Timber 82
And time to set up for the next level.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/1r4yzb.png)
Things are speeding up, at least with the aquifer.
28 Timber 82
And it’s the end of fall. How are our production numbers doing?
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2wcg0i1.png)
Ugh. Zero amulets? I’m going to have Rith start making bone ones. And we need to chop more trees.
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Newcomers (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on December 21, 2016, 05:49:52 pm
Journal of Airith
"Can I PLEASE shoot her?" Airith pleaded.
"No Airith," Lotu said pinching his temples, "If she goes missing, we'll have the mountainhomes wanting our heads."
"But but but..."
"No."
"... Can I do everything in my power to make her life miserable?"
"Within bounds of the law, sure"
"Yes!" Airith said as she bounced up and down out of the room.
"Oh lord" Lotu said as he walked out.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 21, 2016, 06:01:00 pm
Well, do you have sand pears?
Yes, we do. We've even sent Bomrek training spears made out of sand pear wood.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: ☼Another☼ on December 21, 2016, 11:02:17 pm
Post by: Imic on December 22, 2016, 02:55:47 am
'Lotu!'
'Yes, yes, yes... Now. You wanted me?'
'It's about the dragon lady...'
'Oh, what's she done now?'
'Nothing... Yet.'
'Whaddya mean, nothing "yet"'
'You can speak in quote marks?'
'Yes. Now, what is it?'
'I'm... Suspicious of her.'
'You're suspicious of everyone new here.'
'Yes, but... She is visiting everywhere in the fort, one by one. I've seen her in every place, at least once. She even came out following me on patrols once or twice.'
'Yes, we know that, and we should prob-'
'Don't give me any of that, now! She's as bad as a Boatmurdered overseer! Possibly worse!'
'Imic! Don't call people that!'
'Well, still. I'm keepin' an aye on her. I'm not lettin' her outta me sight.'
'Unless you're on patrol.'
'Unless I'm on patrol.'
'Now, I've got things to be doing. See you later.'
'See ya.'
'Hmmmmmm...'
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 22, 2016, 03:41:58 am
Looks like cloth production might also have to speed up. There's old legwear, but raw cloth I dunno about.
Do crowns count as headwear?
But worst of all - there's windows again, if in half the number.
❄ Hahaha, awesome grudge.
I wonder - you paint the manager as unloved - but...Surely there are other dwarves with settlements sharing some facet of personality or another?
We'll see if there are more grudges, I guess. Would be neat.
❄ The Problematic Maw-Arena? Sounds suspiciously goblin.
❄ Mmmmigrants. Needed to finish the quotas with just 25 people, I guess, children take ages to grow up.
Gorlack parchment? What sort of monster would create gorlack parchment? An elf wouldn't make leather, and a dwarf wouldn't butcher a sentient.
I suspect the king isn't dwarf at all....
But what sort of skills does Tin have? Just organizing?
And yay, fish. If only there were aquifer turtles.
Mm. Rather less useful skills, overall - where are potash makers when you need some? - but half of them might make for decent military or hard labourers.
I think Dr. Urist would want to bind books and dwarves with the animal thread.
❄ Hm....Vacations are for wimps? Would the lady write a book about it? I think you have new scholar.
❄ Pretty circle with the aquifer.
❄ Nothing pleases Bomrek.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 22, 2016, 10:08:48 am
I'd love to be dwarfed. I'd prefer mason, then metalworking, but I'm fine with anything. Just dwarf me as Another.
I've given you As, and I'm going to make him an apprentice mason. We're just about at a point where we can afford a second one, so that Airith can focus on machinery and other things.
❄ Hm, already another caravan. You're speeding up, I guess.
Looks like cloth production might also have to speed up. There's old legwear, but raw cloth I dunno about.
Cloth is no problem, we're holding steady at ~750 units. And for the clothing calculations, I've been working from the basis of 1/3rd of the stocks listed are unclaimed. The numbers may actually be higher, but I've been misled before. Besides, we can always use more clothes.
Do crowns count as headwear?
I don't think so. I've been going by categories, since that's the way the export agreements seem to be set up.
But worst of all - there's windows again, if in half the number.
Mebzuth is skilled enough that these are easy this time around. Plus, there were the missing fifteen from the last request lying around. Any slowdown comes from competition for wood.
❄ Mmmmigrants. Needed to finish the quotas with just 25 people, I guess, children take ages to grow up.
Yeah, that's the problem with running generation forts.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 22, 2016, 01:11:13 pm
02 Moonstone 82
The newcomers need beds, so I’ve decided to expand our living quarters a little, and dig out an actual barracks for our militia.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/23gy3oo.png)
While we do have some extra beds sitting in the stockpile, I’ve also asked Lyra and Uvash to make a few more. Maybe that will keep Akrul out of my hair for a few days.
06 Moonstone 82
I went down to help Airith build the pumps and saw the most amazing sight.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2l8c32b.png)
Someone has time to clean around here? I sent him over to the crafters’. He can make himself more useful over there, and a little mud never hurt anyone.
08 Moonstone 82
We have an embarrassment of riches, as the ancients would say.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/1zo9t8i.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
11 Moonstone 82
Well, there’s one thing one of these slackers definitely knows how to, and that’s make good wine. Akrul thought, nursing a mug of her favorite durian wine as she walked back to her meager little chair. Now I need to—.
She stopped short, staring at the mess that a short time before had been neat stacks of paper. “What happened?”
Dr. Urist was working intently in her library, and Akrul crossed over and rapped sharply on the edge. Dr. Urist jerked upright. “What? What?”
Gesturing over her shoulder, Akrul asked, “Did you see what happened?”
“Huh? Oh, that? I was out of paper and needed some in a hurry. You should be more organized.” Dr. Urist frowned.
Akrul gasped. “Me? It was organized! The blank paper was in the pile to the right and behind the chair.”
“Ah. Yes. I looked there last.” Bending back over her illegible scribbles, the last word was an afterthought. “Sorry.”
Akrul stood for a moment, gaping like a fish. “Was that supposed to be an apology? Hey!” She rapped on the table once again.
“Stop that, I need to concentrate.”
Akrul scowled, and went to rap it again.
“Keep that up and I’ll call Imic.”
And that dwarf doesn’t like me at all. Akrul thought. She turned back to stare at the mess. This is going to take me hours to clean up. She couldn’t have been, I don’t know, a little less thorough?
Scrabbling through the papers, she found a blank sheet. Across the top she wrote:
TO-DO LIST
1. MAKE PAPER!
15 Moonstone 82
Balancing a pile of logs destined for the stockpile, Tun picked his way gingerly over the as-yet-unfamiliar ground. Suddenly, a screech from above brought his hair to attention. Peering over the top of the pile, he saw a green ball with a wicked beak diving straight at him.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/beap28.png)
The armful of logs exploded into the air, as Tun bolted for the safety of the palisade.
“Run! Run for your lives!
High up on the ramparts, Mooney aimed his crossbow. “Yep, them keas’re back.”
Ustuth pointed to the south. “And this time, they’ve brought reinforcements.”
(http://i65.tinypic.com/30wxdeh.png)
Mooney squinted, then nodded. “Go down and let Imic know, if he doesn’t already. Then find Besmar and tell him to get his ass up here. I don’t care what needs he needs.”
With a lackadaisical salute, Ustuth trotted down the nearest stairs. Behind her, she heard the sssshhh-sproinginging as Mooney sent his first bolt flying.
19 Moonstone 82
(http://i66.tinypic.com/21tq8w.png)
“…And so, there I was, holding an armful of masterly-worked cloth that I certainly was not going to drop, facing the Dread Kea. And all of a sudden, one of NCommander’s war dogs comes out of nowhere, and starts snarling at the kea.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2rh5tvq.png)
“But, there was a tree in the way. The kea hit head-first. I think that dog is still worrying the corpse.”
The other dwarves clapped and cheered, as Sodel bowed. One of my best yet.
From her chair across the room, Akrul said, “Not bad. But if you’re done, go back to work. The amulets are behind schedule.”
With rude gestures that Akrul seemed not to notice, the dwarves filed out. To work? Maybe.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
25 Moonstone 82
(http://i65.tinypic.com/6z3o5u.png)
He promptly went racing out to his leatherworks, where he puttered for a bit, before charging into the butchery. What’s put a bee under his cap?
26 Moonstone 82
Having spent all day yesterday gathering three good-sized pieces of aurochs leather and a mudstone boulder, Olon’s started working on something.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/kdvkw6.png)
I’ll have to find some way of diverting Akrul’s attention from him for a while. Hmmm, maybe Lorbam could tell her the stocks appear to have been miscounted, and she needs to help him do a fortress-wide recount? With the right approach, she could easily insist on doing most of it herself. I know she views us as barely-civilized hicks.
Oooh. That’s worthwhile in its own right. I’ll get Lorbam on it right now.
______________________________________________________________________________
01 Opal 82
(http://i67.tinypic.com/akbdio.png)
“Stop cancelling jobs! They’re just birds! Scary, but completely harmless!” Akrul threw her hands up, frustrated at the dwarves darting forward, falling back, picking up a log and dropping it, constantly panicked by the dive-bombing birds.
Airith peered unobtrusively around the corner of the workshop. This new plan was working very well. And Lotu will be happy, because it doesn’t need even a hint of law bending. Hi-hi-hi.
Akrul stomped up the stairs to the ramparts. “Mooney! Can’t the Pillars of Ink do something? You have crossbows, use them!”
Calmly, Mooney aimed his crossbow and fired, only to have the bird dodge at the last second. “Cain’t get ‘im ever’ time. They like t’dodge.” He finished loading another bolt, took aim, and fired. This time, he barely managed to clip a wing.
Watching Akrul stalk off in a fine fury, Mooney allowed himself a slight smile. ’Course, ‘twould never do t’let on that we’re missin’ on purpose. Nope. That wouldn’ do at’ll.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
03 Opal 82
We all agree, Olon has outdone himself.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/eze9hc.png)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/6eg7zm.png)
He has proven himself a master of his craft. Even Akrul was temporarily impressed.
08 Opal 82
This has gone on long enough. I admit, it’s nice to get our own back sometimes, but we have got to finish that quota. So I went to have a word with Mooney.
17 Opal 82
After a week of killing keas, Mooney has finally gained enough experience to be classed as Elite, much to Imic’s dismay. But, Mooney does have 25 kills, more than all the rest put together. I consoled Imic with the fact that birds are unfair opponents for an axedwarf. Of course such a cowardly enemy can only be brought down with ranged weapons. After all, he proved himself in single combat with a monitor lizard. Not even Mooney can top that.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/91hu7k.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
22 Opal 82
Sutdying the numbers, Akrul smiled.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/35n6m0y.png)
That’s both the shields and the spears complete. Things are looking up, now that those dratted birds have been killed.
“Oof!” The numbers suddenly blurred before her eyes.
“Watch where ye’re goin’!” Akrul leaped to her feet, as wine ran down the page, blurring her neatly written columns of numbers.
“Sorry!” Airith pulled a greasy rag from her back pocket and started wiping at the wine, coincidentally rendering the sheet illegible.
“Stop. Stop! I’ll take care of it.” Akrul rescued the soggy paper, and looked down at it forlornly. All that work. To be re-done.
She found her to-do list.
2. Order new office dug. Somewhere far away from the common room. Pausing a moment, she then added, And with a lockable door.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
23 Opal 82
(http://i64.tinypic.com/27x2ruv.png)
Excellent! Rigoth is now an adult and old enough to work. I’ve assigned him to Imic, to learn the fine art of chopping trees.
Imic immediately gave him his first adult task. To forge his own axe.
27 Opal 82
With nothing to do while Airith designs the final pumps, I went to the crafters to satisfy a few needs that I’ve been neglecting.
I’ve also been thinking. Airith is spending a lot of time on various architectural and machinery projects. Maybe I can assign one of the new immigrants to the masonry? It would certainly free her up for more important things, like pumps.
Yeah, that sounds good. Now which of the two fisherdwarves…?
______________________________________________________________________________
Early Obsidian 82
(http://i63.tinypic.com/5umwkl.png)
The militia, loitering around the entrance, were the first to spot the beast. OOC: I have the axedwarves defending the entrance, with the marksdwarves covering both entrance and ramparts, during the first ~1/2 of each month. If nothing attacks by then, I deactivate them all to chop/craft/haul/eat/drink/sleep. So far, it seems to work.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/34za9sz.png)
They were quick to spread the word. Besmar and Mooney raced down from the ramparts, and all civilians were called back behind the walls. They gathered in the common room, ready to pull the drawbridge lever if the militia failed to subdue the cursed creature.
Only NCommander was brave enough to stay above and watch. “Someone has to know if the lever needs pulling.” She insisted to Lotu. “And I have the war animals to slow that thing down long enough.”
Lotu nodded. And your husband’s the one leading the charge. I get it.
NCommander climbed up on the wall above the drawbridge, watching the militia bravely move forward. Later she would tell the story with a wide variety of emotion but, at the time, all she felt was a mixture of fear and pride. Fear, not for herself, but for the dwarf who held her heart, and who at that moment was striding forward without hesitation to meet one of the most dangerous creatures in existence, and surely toward his own death. And pride, for the same reason.
There goes a dwarf. She thought. There goes my dwarf.
THE FIGHT
Imic and his dog, Libash, were the first to reach striking distance of the Dread Werelizard Suque Wisholir. The dog, eager for battle, charged forward and latched onto the left arm. Snarling, the werelizard managed to shake the dog off. Libash slid across the ground and lay for a moment, stunned.
Screaming its fury, the werelizard struck out with his other arm, but Imic dodged to the side, shoving the pommel of his axe into the beast’s chest as he went. Off-balance, the creature fell back a step. Circling each other, the creature reached for the dwarf, but Imic slapped the arm away with the flat of his axe.
Shaking himself back to his feet, Libash charged back in another attack, drawing the werelizard’s ire. Growling and snarling, the two came together in a cloud of flying fur, blood and spittle.
Imic, Lokum, Mooney and Besmar went to work. The two axedwarves struck whenever they could avoid the dog, while Mooney and Besmar got their single bolts off just before the clash. Studying his empty quiver for a moment, Mooney then shrugged and waded into the thick of things, bashing the lizard with his wooden crossbow. Besmar hesitated but a moment before following suit.
Not even the surviving soldiers could ever sort out exactly what came after. The only thing they could agree on was that the werelizard continued to focus on the dog, allowing the dwarves to attack with impunity.
Which they did.
The end, when it came, was sudden. With a single blow, the newest recruit cleaved the beast’s head from its body.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2v8qvib.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/ajw786.png)
“When did you get here?” Lokum panted.
“Just now. I didn’t think the blade was sharp enough, so I did that first.”
“Tcch. Lucky strike.” Imic had wanted the kill for himself.
“Not bad, for a newbie.” Udil had come along in time to see the final blow land.
Besmar and Mooney each landed a heavy slap on the youngster’s shoulder, then headed back to refill their quivers.
Imic continued to study his new recruit. “Yer form needs work. Wait for me in the training area.” As he spoke, he walked over to examine his dog. “Ye poor thing. Come on, Libash. I’ll get ye patched up. ‘s th’ leas’ I can do, since ye kept all of us from getting’ so much as a bruise.”
Carefully, he picked up the lacerated, bleeding animal and headed back to the palisade where his wife could care for the dog.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
09 Obsidian 82
That was…a rather more exciting start to the month than I could have wanted. I don’t know if we were lucky or….
No. We were definitely lucky. And I now have the ammunition I need to convince Akrul to make armor a priority once we have some good quality steel. With only leather armor…things could so easily have gone very badly.
10 Obsidian 82
I have some plans for that werelizard corpse. But for now, I’ve put it on display right in front of the depot, as a warning to others who might think we’re easy pickings.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2mha9i0.png)
It’s been joined by the sloth it killed on its way to us, and some random keas left over from earlier in the winter.
______________________________________________________________________________
13 Obsidian 82
A sudden shriek followed by a thud caused Lotu to pull himself up from the corner wall he was building. Akrul sat on the lowest stair, rubbing her knee and glaring upward at…nothing.
“You OK?” It was only polite to ask.
“No! You need to do something!”
“About what?”
“Them!” Akrul jabbed her finger upward.
Lotu raised an eyebrow.
“They won’t stop! First they make a mess of my papers, then I find we’re out of durian wine when I know we had almost 50 servings. Then Airith ‘accidentally’ trips and spills wine all over my notes! And my bed got messed up! And my spare clothes vanish! And—!“ Akrul sputtered to a halt at Lotu’s disbelieving expression.
“First, there is no law that says a dwarf can’t have the kind of drink they want, as long as it’s available. Maybe you miscounted? Second. Most of that sounds like kids. No dwarf that I’ve ever known has managed to control kids.”
“That’s as may be. But I know someone pushed me down these stairs just now.”
If anything, Lotu looked even more skeptical. “You sure you didn’t just step wrong and slide? This clay is tricky. It absorbs the dampness in the air and gets really slick if you don’t pay attention to where you put your feet.”
“Yes, I’m sure. I didn’t trip!”
“Well, do you know who did it?”
Akrul had to admit she didn’t.
“Then I don’t know what you expect me to do.”
“Dig out an office. And a bedroom. And a dining room/food storage room for me too. And I want doors on them. With locks.”
“Tha’s not very neighborly of you. And I’ve got this to deal with first. You’ll have to wait a bit for all that.”
“No, you’ll dig it out now.”
“If you want me to do that, you’ll need to let me deal with the aquifer first.”
“You dug out a new barracks! What’s another couple of rooms?”
Lotu pointed out the obvious. “Those were for the military. Trust me. You don’t want Imic mad. And I think the squads have earned their own quarters after what they've dealt with over the past several years. Let alone that werebeast last week.”
Akrul didn’t have a comeback for that.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
17 Obsidian 82
I finally just flipped a coin. As won the toss to become our first full-time mason. In honor of the occasion, he has asked to be called “Another.” Is he particularly vulnerable to the local version of insanity?
Airith gave As a quick tour of the masonry, and then pointed to the pile of mudstone we’ve been pulling from the aquifer. He’s started making blocks out of it, under her occasional supervision. I’m sure we’ll find a use for cheap blocks of stone, and at least he’ll have time to learn which end of the chisel to use.
Was that distant yell from him?
23 Obisidian 82
I’m not sure if this is a good sign, or a bad one.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/xaqan7.png)
I have to work with the woman, so staying friendly is necessary. But for Dr. Urist to actually befriend her? Well, I guess that might be useful.
28 Obsidian 82
Fortunately, the rest of the month has been quiet.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/142d385.png)
She spent most of the meeting yelling at me about the craft numbers. I finally kicked her out with “You’re the manager! You deal with it!” God, that felt good to say. But I think I’ll go have a quiet word with the crafters anyway. Who knows what Dodok might decide to inflict on us next.
OOC: Bitten animals don't become werebeasts, right? At least, I don't recall ever having one turn on me. So, I think we're safe, for now, since the dwarves have a nice collection of bruises but nothing worse.
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Newcomers (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Edit: Always the typos...
Post by: ☼Another☼ on December 22, 2016, 01:24:29 pm
Post by: Imic on December 22, 2016, 04:18:02 pm
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 22, 2016, 05:52:11 pm
Man, that's a long walk to new bedrooms. Maybe it'd be nice to place a few pieces of masterwork furniture in the halls to admire eventually?
Though perhaps not statues, as they block floor space. (And tbh dwarves can admire even a track stop.)
Though even if they didn't, you show well that with powered pumps one could still break through them.
On another note, I realized that Akrul doesn't have any skill in philosopher (necessary to write value agendas books), and rng probably doesn't make them pick that skill from nothing.
Ah well.
Green and yellow are beautiful together, but it's like a curse of Fort and adventure mode together.
Not quite harmless either, I've had keas cause deaths with mindless war dogs and dwarves dodging into minecarts on qsps.
I guess Imic can slaughter dingoes?
Well, it won't burn away in fire unlike a wood shield, so there's that.
Only thing is...I recently looked for reasearch of effect of quality of shields for blocking. I discovered that
a) The latest research on it is from 0.31.
b) In that research, shield quality didn't affect block chance beyond margin of error (and not sure which way, as the images are lost).
If you used wood blocks for pumps, the immigrant carpenter could finish building them while Airith worked on next one.
Well, first werebeast anyway.
Dogs and doors are useful against them, I suppose.
All they need to do is slow them down a little, after all.
And, hm. Do you use the animal caretaking dfhack plugin to treat the dogs?
And no grudges.
Dwarves are quite accepting, hm?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 22, 2016, 06:21:46 pm
I guess Imic can slaughter dingoes?
The dingoes ended up staying far away and didn't bother us. So I decided not to bother them.
oHm, a shield?
Only thing is...I recently looked for reasearch of effect of quality of shields for blocking. I discovered that
a) The latest research on it is from 0.31.
b) In that research, shield quality didn't affect block chance beyond margin of error (and not sure which way, as the images are lost).
I don't think anything has changed in the interim.
oWoodcutters forging their own axes? Fitting and beneficial :)
And ensures that if he gets a mood, I'll get an artifact weapon out of him. Far more useful than a crafter, long term.
oIf you used wood blocks for pumps, the immigrant carpenter could finish building them while Airith worked on next one.
Except that there are already far too many demands on our wood. So yes, the pumps are made using stone blocks. Remember that veritable mountain of rock I embarked with? I had my reasons.
oFirst 1/2 of each calendar month or first 1/2 of each werebeast month?
First 1/2 of each calendar month. Because that's when dangerous wildlife and kobolds seem to come to call.
Do you use the animal caretaking dfhack plugin to treat the dogs?
It isn't included the version of DFhack I use, and I don't think it was ever updated to work on Macs. In any case, Libash has stopped bleeding on his own, and his primary injury is that his left rear paw is gone (the poor thing is three-legged now). I am planning to "retire" him, so that he can live his days out in peace. He's earned it. And his own personal alcove when I build Imic's tomb.
oAha. Two friendly scholars.
And no grudges.
Dwarves are quite accepting, hm?
I'm rping it as the dwarves simply don't want to get to know Akrul at all, so everyone who isn't listed with a specific relationship or as "friendly terms" can be assumed to have a more hostile bent.
oHm. Windows...Are going far faster this time. With this pace, the quota would have been made last time. What changed?
Last time, more than half of the instruments had to be made out of glass, because the wood would have taken too long. And we still almost made it. Fifteen windows. >:(
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 22, 2016, 07:52:19 pm
Ah right, the instruments. Forgot about them ^^;;
Post by: Skyclimber on December 23, 2016, 05:14:19 pm
I made my account just when your hiatus started and wanted to ask for a dorfing etc.
RL interfered with that and I haven't got the time to check on this for far too long.
I really, really love your writing and the whole story set-up! I never thought of the trade-agreements to be more (or to become more in the future) as "We kinda wanted to tell you what we might need next year, so if you have any of that...". It's only reasonable to think that Toady wants to implement some sort of "quest/challenge", did he ever mention something about it?
Since I wanted to humbly ask for a dorfing I hereby just do that: I'd like to be dorfed as one "Sky" if that's fitting, otherwise "Corvus" is fine as well. For professions I have no real preferences, whatever floats your boat or is easiest to implement. Maybe when time goes by and the quotas are easier to fulfill a hammerdwarf career is an option? I might work up the courage to try my hand at some RP, but I'm not promising anything, I know how bad my writers-block can be :P
I'm so looking forward to the next update!
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 23, 2016, 05:16:38 pm
01 Granite 83
I saw Libash limping after Imic this morning. The dog has healed remarkably well, but will carry reminders of his epic fight for the rest of his life.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/kb3gnn.png)
That missing paw doesn’t seem to be slowing him down very much. But, the grand little guy has earned a rest. I told Imic to leave him in the pasture when he’s out on patrol from now on.
04 Granite 83
After much hemming and hawing, NCommander assigned a new dog to Imic, who promptly named him Lòr. I’ve never seen a more doleful dog than Libash as Imic went out with his new canine partner.
10 Granite 83
And as the year passes, we are once again importuned with their useless presence.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2cs8l6p.png)
Well, at least we might get some crafts off of them…
I ordered our extra glass tubes and corkscrews moved. At least Mebzuth has been able to amass a small surfeit of those. And nothing else lying around here is acceptable given those unreasonable elvish expectations.
12 Granite 83
The merchants arrived at the depot at dawn.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/34y1yd2.png)
And those pack animals are really poorly behaved. Apparently, they’re frightened of dead werebeasts. Who would have guessed? At any rate, as soon as each donkey caught sight of the corpse moldering away in pride of place, it would start rolling its eyes, flaring its nostrils, and prancing and dancing in every direction except toward the depot.
Those elves claim to be masters of nature. Can’t they train their animals any better than that?
13 Granite 83
The last pack horse was the worst of the lot. When it spied the corpse, it started rearing and bucking. In fact, it protested so forcefully that the straps of its packs came loose and the entire load got dumped.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/345iohk.png)
The horse bolted. The last any of us saw of it, it was galloping hell-bent for leather, with its elven master running far behind, pleading with it to stop.
Masters of nature? Hah. The least trained of ours are better behaved than that! Then again, those that aren’t tend to find themselves at the nearest butchery pretty quickly. I guess word gets around among dwarven-owned animals.
OOC: I don’t know what happened there. The pile (represented by the cage) wasn’t there until the elves arrived, and I wasn’t watching at the moment when it actually appeared. Its magical appearance didn’t affect trading, however. ???
16 Granite 83
Well, might as well get it over with. Supercilious nuisances.
As usual, the elves brought a bunch of useless stuff, including more nuts. But, I did trade for a couple of badgers (one giant), a giant weasel, a giant squirrel, and a giraffe. I also bought all of the toys, amulets and scepters I could find, as well as all of the legwear and headwear I saw. After all, why use our supplies if we can send ready-made items?
I’m sure Bomrek will appreciate the variety.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/k19lrc.png) (http://i68.tinypic.com/34ewyt1.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
21 Granite 83
Dr. Urist sat up from her desk, stretching her neck from side to side to work out the kinks from such long hours. Frowning, she looked up at the ceiling. I’m missing something. I know I’m missing something…
She closed her eyes, thinking.
Oh! Of course!
(http://i67.tinypic.com/iylbpx.png)
I need an amulet as part of the design! If I include it in the quota, and make sure it’s interesting enough for Bomrek to choose for himself…
Rising from her desk, she headed to the nearest unoccupied crafters’.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/21e6xzk.png)
22 Granite 83
Dr. Urist studied the finished amulet. It had taken all night to make, but she thought it just might do the job. Slipping it unobtrusively into her pocket, she went to get a drink.
Now I only have to find the right mixture to coat it with.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/104fe5k.png)
28 Granite 83
“Not like that, ye bleedin’ idjits! Ye act like ye wan’ t’get bit!” Imic’s drill sergeant yell could be heard halfway across the outpost.
“Bunch’a elves! Ye cain’ do be’er ’n 'at? Like this! Put some oomph into it! Act like yer lives matter! ‘Cause trus’ me, they will!”
He moved through the sweating, panting dwarves, critiquing the form of one, faking a strike to another.
“Ye git bit by a werecreature, ye become a werecreature! Dodge, drat yer hides. Dodge!”
(http://i67.tinypic.com/w1v704.png)
08 Slate 83
(http://i65.tinypic.com/5bd9iu.png)
“Stop, wait!” Lotu ran after the departing merchants. But, clearly overjoyed to finally be getting away from the horrifying werebeast corpse, the pack animals were trotting as quickly as they could, still heavily laden though they were, and the elves were not slow to keep up.
“You forgot something! Wait!”
Lotu finally drew to a stop. Hands on his knees, he panted for air. “Wait!”
But the elvish traders were on a mission. A mission to escape the nightmare they had glimpsed. And they weren’t planning on stopping anywhere short of their home forest several days’ journey away.
Lotu turned, looking back down the entranceway to the depot. That’s going to play havoc with the import numbers.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/zkpnpc.png)
He sighed. Well, I guess someone has to pick through that stack and figure out if any of it is actually useable.
11 Slate 83
Up on the ramparts, Besmar paced, crossbow at the ready. This is the most boring job ever. But, at least I’m not down in one of the crafters’, with that blasted Akrul breathing down my neck, screaming at me to “work faster! Work harder! Make more, More, MORE!”
Suddenly he froze. Racing to the northern edge, he called down to the militia lazing around near the drawbridge. “Cap’n Mooney! Ustuth! Them keas’re comin’ back!”
(http://i67.tinypic.com/oucj2u.png)
The other two marksdwarves bolted to their feet, racing down the entranceway to the nearest set of upward stairs.
19 Slate 83
“Well, that’s a disappointment.” Mooney murmured mournfully. The keas seemed to be learning. Or planning. Or something.
At any rate, the half dozen or so the marksdwarves had spotted seemed to be keeping their distance from the fort. Only one of them had gotten close enough to trigger a panic, but had only succeeded in frightening a single muskox cow and her calf before being driven off.
In fact, it had taken longer to repasture the two muskoxen than it had taken to deal with the kea.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
16 Felsite 83
Imic seems to have gotten over his pique with Rigoth. At least, he’s officially raised the newbie to wrestling status.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/jsnckg.png)
I suppose beheading a werebeast does give a dwarf a boost when learning fighting skills.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/e5iszo.png)
19 Felsite 83
Wet. No matter what I do, or what I finish, I end up being wet. I’ve even been building wet walls in my dreams. Will this ever end?
But, there are signs of progress.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/ojkwso.png)
28 Felsite 83
As spring fades into summer, our production continues. And Akrul has once again descended on my office to yell about the numbers. What does she expect me to do? She’s the manager!
(http://i66.tinypic.com/abp1t3.png)
Thanks to Rith’s horn contributions, the amulets are now on track, but the figurines aren’t. Akrul is convinced that some of us are hiding the crafts, so that they don’t show up in her counts.
Now why would
OOC: Well, for a season where I was convinced nothing at all had happened, stuff certainly happened.
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Newcomers (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 23, 2016, 05:27:29 pm
It's only reasonable to think that Toady wants to implement some sort of "quest/challenge", did he ever mention something about it?
Not to my knowledge, but it's one of those things that seems to be part of the whole Caravan/Trade Arc that he was working on for a while. At least, that's what got me thinking about seeing how possible this kind of challenge would be.
I'd like to be dorfed as one "Sky" if that's fitting, otherwise "Corvus" is fine as well. For professions I have no real preferences, whatever floats your boat or is easiest to implement. Maybe when time goes by and the quotas are easier to fulfill a hammerdwarf career is an option? I might work up the courage to try my hand at some RP, but I'm not promising anything, I know how bad my writers-block can be :P
Sure! Do you have any specific dwarf in mind? If not, Lokum arrived as a hammerdwarf and was promptly re-assigned to the Pale Roads as an axedwarf. Assuming he survives, once I get around to diversifying the military a bit more I can change him back to a hammerdwarf.
Rping is as much or as little as you like, absolutely no pressure or expectations. Some folks, like TheImmortalRyukan, do a fair amount, while others don't do any. Whatever you're comfortable with. Even if you don't RP at all, you can request that I write your dwarf a certain way (as Imic has done a few times). And if you do RP, I try to take my cue for writing your dwarf from whatever you write (it can give me ideas, like with Airith recently).
Thanks for reading!
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Skyclimber on December 23, 2016, 05:49:30 pm
Sure! Do you have any specific dwarf in mind? If not, Lokum arrived as a hammerdwarf and was promptly re-assigned to the Pale Roads as an axedwarf. Assuming he survives, once I get around to diversifying the military a bit more I can change him back to a hammerdwarf.
Lokum seems to be a fine dwarf for me :) If I do RP I'll look him up, since you provided us with their character screens :) I don't have that much of an idea what he could be like, I think I'd play him as a dwarven warrior with much of his mindset towards war/bashing in greenies or pansy elves :P
Thanks for including me :)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 23, 2016, 06:01:07 pm
Lokum seems to be a fine dwarf for me :) If I do RP I'll look him up, since you provided us with their character screens :) I don't have that much of an idea what he could be like, I think I'd play him as a dwarven warrior with much of his mindset towards war/bashing in greenies or pansy elves :P
Thanks for including me :)
Done! Which reminds me, I should probably post some updated character/relationship screens...for the claimed dwarves, at least. *Updates the to-do list.* Screen-caps coming up!
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 23, 2016, 06:36:07 pm
Spoiler: Lyra (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky (click to show/hide)
I've also put together a genealogy for our non-founding dwarves, though it's rather bulky to post all at once. But if anyone wants to see their dwarf's (complete with immediate ancestors and the local bloodline relatives), just say the word.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on December 23, 2016, 07:00:45 pm
Journal of Airith
In all honesty, aside from the monotonous routine of making pumps and whatnot for my hubby, and making the Dragon Lady's life as miserable as I can, I've noticed that I've been feeling empty. I mean, plotting a revolution and coming up with ways to arrange an accident are entertaining and fun and all, but I'm still missing something.
As I was looking back on my life I found out what it was. I was raised a mite religious you see. My parents always were ardent worshipers of Golastigest and I was raised to fear him and respect him.
[OOS: Can I please know what spheres Golastigest covers]
So, after we finally breach that blasted aquifer, I'm gonna ask my Lotu to add a small chapel to our quarters.
Speaking of, I better find a way to hide all this crap that I've been swipin from random shops to seriously piss off Akrul. She's been fuming and taking it out on Lotu, I would feel bad for him, but her yelling at him and everyone else, only solidifies our position in the hearts of the dwarves.
Also, according to many a-dwarf, I'm actually a very amazing public speaker.... how they know that, as to my notable lack of said speeches, is beyond me. But they claim so, so it must be.
Well, got to go. I'm planning a dinner with family friends Lyra, Mooney, Imic, and NCommander. We've all been really tight with our shared trials, so I figured I would fix a meal. I wonder if we have any Kiwis?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 23, 2016, 07:39:39 pm
[OOC: What descendants?
No, but some of the other dwarves have things like immediate cousins, which none of the founders have.
[OOC: Can I please know what spheres Golastigest covers]
All of our deities and their spheres:
útost Inkygray (útost Likotbel) -> minerals & jewels; 14 worshippers
Urdim the Barricade of Fortresses (Urdim Tholtig Geshud) -> fortresses (duh?); 2 worshippers (including Lotu)
The Barricaded Silks (Tholtignesteth) -> mountains, volcanoes, fire, metals, crafts; 6 worshippers
Legon Gildvault (Legon Oltarubbul) -> wealth & trade; 4 worshippers (including NCommander)
Gorroth the Ferocious Avalanche (Gorroth Nidòstmoldath) -> chaos; 1 worshipper (Dr. Urist) Gwolsfki's avatar is eerily appropriate.
The Tenebrous Glosses (Golastigest) -> inspiration & painting; 3 worshippers (including Airith)
Robek -> nightmares & the night; 17 worshippers
Usen the Good of Trust (Usen Eshon Gamil) -> truth; 2 worshippers (including Lyra)
Lisig -> the seasons; 4 worshippers
The Book of Insight (Thîkut Lûk) -> wisdom; 15 worshippers (including Imic & Mooney)
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on December 23, 2016, 10:11:57 pm
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 24, 2016, 07:01:49 am
Oh. Wait, no, if that had been intentional you wouldn't have moved glass goods to depot. Hm.
Ah well. Crafts could have been useful....Wait, you still got trading done after some bolted?
Now that's unusual.
⛭ I know dwarves with need for abstract thought make a fair choice for librarians.
It's a shame that logic doesn't apply to ones that produce goods.
⛭ Welp. That's...The decorated items are the worst, I suppose. These can take straight trip under a bridge, I think.
If there was a free dwarf, a burrow could help decorating all of them, but...That's not likely, is it?
⛭ Wouldn't it be nice if keas would carry out the trash?
⛭ Coal! The aquifer may make retrival prohibitively hard, but at least this site doesn't lack in mineral wealth.
⛭ Does failing a mandate benefit Atolasob any way?
Mm....No, even as Lotu gives away the responsibility, the main target of ire should be still Bomrek. They shouldn't know about any shady plots yet, after all. Airith is perfectly normal dwarf.
⛭ Heh. Legendary speakers are one of the more common legendaries. Dwarves be chatterboxes at times :3
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 24, 2016, 08:50:42 am
Wait, you still got trading done after some bolted?
Now that's unusual.
Yeah. I really don't know what happened, and on an "alternate universe playthrough" (to see if it was reproducible), it didn't happen, so... ???
Welp. That's...The decorated items are the worst, I suppose. These can take straight trip under a bridge, I think.
If there was a free dwarf, a burrow could help decorating all of them, but...That's not likely, is it?
Early on, I said that decorating imported items would not be an acceptable way of reducing the import numbers. We have to actually use the items, or ship them back out.
⛭ Wouldn't it be nice if keas would carry out the trash?
But they won't, because elven trash is usually cheaper than made-on-site.
⛭ Does failing a mandate benefit Atolasob any way?
Right now, only from not using all the resources we would have needed to. Later on...? We shall see.
Mm....No, even as Lotu gives away the responsibility, the main target of ire should be still Bomrek. They shouldn't know about any shady plots yet, after all. Airith is perfectly normal dwarf.
Well, of course they're all normal dwarves. Where on earth did you get any other idea? :P
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 24, 2016, 03:04:34 pm
Dr. Urist gazed at the row of vials lined up along one side of her desk in frustration. None of these will work! Either they don’t stick to the wood, or they rub off too quickly, or they leave a visible residue, or the wood neutralizes the active ingredient.
I need some new ideas.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/23ve0q9.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
04 Hematite 83
Akrul just keeps getting tenser. She’s tasked Mebzuth with making raw green glass, and told Logem to cut the glass and all of the clay loam lying around into crafts. She seems to think that will bring the craft-related portions of the quota back on track
Logem’s been muttering to himself ever since. Something about “ye cain’t force a gem to take a shape, ye haf t’cut th’ way it wants t’be cut.” There is something to that. I’ve noticed when mining that sometimes a boulder just stays whole, while other times no matter what I do, I end up with a useless pile of rubble.
______________________________________________________________________________
15 Hematite 83
“Help! Help!” Lotu called out. “Anyone up there? I need some help!”
Airith came racing down the stairs, only to stop short. “What’er you doin’ there?”
“Uh…um.” Lotu shrugged sheepishly. “I, ah, decided to channel that floor from the, uh, wrong side. A little help, please?”
Airith pinched the bridge of her nose. “Really? With everything I have to do around here, you have to pull something like this? You’re the miner. Couldn’t you have, I don’t know, stopped to think a minute first?”
As she spoke, she grabbed the nearest clay loam boulder and started attaching it in place. “Only a miner. For crying out loud, why did I have to go and fall in love with a miner?”
As she hammered the last corner, Lotu stepped briskly across. Snaking a hand behind her neck, he leaned in for a quick kiss. “Thank ye, darlin’. I’ll make it up to ye, I promise!”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
16 Hematite 83
Udil spotted the humans on his way down to the barracks.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2h5np6r.png)
With a glance through Lorbam’s stock lists, I ordered all of our worn clothing moved. I’ll need to remember not to trade away any of the legwear or headwear, but at least it won’t have to be moved in the fall. I also sent all of that useless pile the elves left behind. At least it won’t affect the import cap anymore. And I noticed that Rith has been making a lot of skull totems, so I ordered them sent too.
20 Hematite 83
Apparently our first migrants arrived eight years ago today. The only reason I remember is because the axedwarf Lokum tracked me down to inform me of it. And the reason he went to that trouble? He seems to think eight years is some sort of important anniversary, in honor of which he now wants to be called “Sky”.
Sky?
I still can’t believe it. No proper dwarf ever wants to see the sky! Our proper domain is below ground, the deeper the better.
Oh, wait a minute. This is the guy who likes suns.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/5pej52.png)
Well, if he wasn’t nuts when he got here, being exposed to one for so long has clearly rendered him addlepated. On the plus side, now it’ll be easy to tell which “Lokum” we’re referring to.
22 Hematite 83
Wait, what? Who?
(http://i65.tinypic.com/v7a42c.png)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2roqp9v.png)
Without so much as a by-your-leave, this dwarf came waltzing through the gate, across the courtyard, and straight into Dr. Urist’s cubbyhole of a library. Apparently the elves are spreading word of our fight with the werebeast, and he was curious enough to come visit.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/sm3b6h.png)
He’s now talking to Dr. Urist, who seems rather more animated since his arrival.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2yo3nfa.png)
25 Hematite 83
And there’s another one.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/24d0uvm.png)
27 Hematite 83
Let me just check the current import values before going to trade…
(http://i66.tinypic.com/akxr4n.png)
Huh? That’s…higher than the numbers from after the elves left. Oh, wait. Visitor clothing gets counted as imports, too? Crap.
At any rate, I ended up trading for all of the human toys and appropriate crafts. Since they’re made of metal, Bomrek can melt them if he doesn’t like them. I also acquired some more legwear and headwear. It’s not my problem if no one in Swordgangs can wear it.
Unfortunately, thanks to those import numbers, I wasn’t able to get anything useful. But, I did get rid of almost all of the useless elven junk (there are just a couple of clay boulders left that are waiting for Logem to cut them) and a fair amount of our worn bodywear and handwear.
We’re just barely under the cap.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/16jitrr.png)
I comforted myself with the reminder that most of the remaining imported stuff will get shipped right back out to Bomrek. We should still be able to import the steel stuff I ordered last year.
01 Malachite 83
Besmar has spotted someone lurking beneath the trees far to the east. He says it looks like a human, but it could just as easily be something else. Another werebeast? If so, it should be cowering in fear.
02 Malachite 83
Aban has given birth to another boy, whom she has named Rakust.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2yypit2.png)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2r7wtxs.png)
And he won’t be useful for another twelve years…
03 Malachite 83
That creature Besmar spotted turned out to be a human. She finally simply waltzed in today, as if she were entering her own village.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/xnry85.png)
She carried a horn, only she called it a “queci”. Apparently, it makes music.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/tasx94.png)
That’ll be different.
07 Malachite 83
Hooray! I found granite beneath the next aquifer level. Woo-hoo! Armok be praised, we are almost through!
I just need to finish this level…
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2v0miac.png)
And dig through one more. Airith will need to modify the pumping order slightly, since granite won’t absorb much water.
Still, I can see solid rock beneath the water!
______________________________________________________________________________
08 Malachite 83
Lotu was looking forward to his break. Closing his eyes to better appreciate the scent of rice beer coming from the mug he carried, he walked automatically down the ramp into the common area.
“Lotu! There you are!” Dr. Urist shot out of her library and latched on to his arm. Only Lotu’s quick reflexes kept the beer from getting dumped on the ground. And that would have been such a waste.
“What?”
“My…guests are using up all of my remaining supplies. I need more!”
(http://i64.tinypic.com/s412ee.png)
“More…what?”
“Paper! Quires! Ink! Writing equipment, generally.”
Akrul, listening from her chair nearby, shot to her feet and slid to a halt in front of Lotu.
“And I need more paper to send work orders around!”
Often overlooked, Lorbam was also in sitting quietly in his office, updating the stock records. “Lotu, I could use another sheet, too. This one is almost done.” He held up a virtually illegible page covered in squiggles.
Lotu studied the three of them, each in turn. Minkot is growing more plants than Zutthan can thresh into thread. He thought. But can we spare someone for paper…?
At that moment, Tun wandered into the room, gnawing on some dog meat.
Talk about useless.
“Tun!” Lotu waved him over. “How would you like to stop hauling?”
Tun shrugged. “Why not.”
Lotu took that as an affirmative. “We have a millstone and a screw press hooked up on the surface.” Clapping a friendly hand on Tun’s shoulder, he added. “Congratulations. You’re our new papermaker. And these three dwarfs have some requests for you.”
Waving them forward, Lotu backed away. “Excuse me while I finish my drink.” Saluting with his still-half full mug, he escaped to a quieter corner.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
20 Malachite 83
It’s been a long time, but I finally treated my darling to a real date. That human entertained us with some poetry. While it wasn’t half bad, she has some odd ideas about proper poetic form. But, I have to admit, I spent more time enjoying having my arms around my beloved than I did actually listening to the poetry.
We should do that again some time.
______________________________________________________________________________
24 Malachite 83
(http://i66.tinypic.com/24b1avq.png)
Huh? Imic jerked to attention. There’s a fight somewhere? One I don’t know about?
Racing around the corner to the entry passage, he slowed to a halt, staring.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/205ec0y.png)
Wow. He’s really whaling on the little pests.
Crossing his arms, Imic watched proudly as his pupil made short shrift of the troupe.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/33cnmer.png)
A short time later, Udil finally stopped, panting. “Did I get ‘em?”
“Yep.” Imic strolled up. “Ye got ‘em. Nice job, kid.”
Both dwarves jerked up at a sudden shriek. Rounding the wall, they froze at an unexpected sight.
With one punch, Ral ripped a capuchin to pieces, and another fresh body lay a short distance away.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2n1tao9.png)
“Remind me t’never get on Ral’s bad side.” Imic muttered to Udil, as Ral bent to retrieve the handful of brewable berries the capuchins had tried to steal from her.
Udil nodded in emphatic agreement.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
27 Malachite 83
Whew! The third aquifer level is done, and it’s time to tackle the last one.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/s4ysd5.png)
And I managed to prise a boulder each of tetrahedrite and limonite from the aquifer's clutches. Now if only I could find some flux so Catten can turn the iron into steel…
______________________________________________________________________________
04 Galena 83
The dwarf studied his hit list. Now that paper was being made in steadily greater quantities, it was almost childishly easy to liberate a sheet here and there for more private uses.
Completing the list hadn’t been difficult. Crossing the names off, on the other hand…
At least there’re only four adults and five children. It could have been worse.
But still he frowned.
Couldn’t that blasted werelizard have taken care of at least one of them? That would have made this progress report so much easier!
He huffed out a sigh.
I suppose I should be thankful those folks haven’t produced any more children! May they keep working so hard. Hmm, I’ll need to mention that to the Master. But best not to dwell on it. Instead… His eyes brightened on a sudden thought. Yes, he did want these deaths to be accidents, didn’t he? Well, surely he’ll have to accept that true accidents take time to arrange.
Folding the list, he slipped it into an inner pocket and headed back to work.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
09 Galena 83
As summer continues, Akrul is getting antsier and antsier. Apparently the craft and legwear numbers aren’t where she thinks they should be. She’s hijacked Mebzuth to make glass toys. Having finished making all of the pump components we need, it gives Mebzuth something to do. But I hope Mooney doesn’t notice the slowdown in bolt production, now that Rith has been browbeaten into using bones to make the other crafts.
17 Galena 83
At last! The last of our three visitors has finally left. Maybe things can get back to normal now? But somehow I doubt it.
Dr. Urist is in an awfully cheerful mood.
27 Galena 83
Airith has spent so much time building pumps lately, she’s now calling herself an architect. I brought her some cassava beer since she seemed to want to celebrate.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2qlwxty.png)
28 Galena 83
Well, I do have to admit it. Akrul seems to know how to get things done.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/t7y4k6.png)
The toys will be easy enough to finish before the caravan gets here. The trousers? I have a feeling the official numbers are under-representing how many we have. I’m sure I can find a few folks who will be more than willing to donate their tattered clothing to the cause, in exchange for some brand new masterworks from Sodel. OOC: Having been bit by overestimations before, I have this spreadsheet showing 1/3rd of the headwear and legwear numbers from the stocks screen. Given that, I'm pretty sure we're going to make the entire quota this time around. And having underestimates for the numbers doesn't hurt the Airith/Akrul situation at all.
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marskwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Newcomers (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: NCommander on December 25, 2016, 06:58:11 am
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 25, 2016, 08:23:38 am
To be fair, I usually forget the existence of jewelers too, till a mood needs one.
And oh, now that's unusual application of them. I sometimes like to blow on gemstone mugs (available through trade or embark points), but this way you could have clay goblets (rather than earthenware goblets) perchance. Though checking the wiki, the craft%/large gem% tables had only glass and gems used.
Now, Whether it is actually efficient way to produce crafts, eheh...Well, 13,44% of a craft. Multiplied by 5 for skill bonus speed, it's still below 100% I guess.
Do you keep the old quota sheets, btw?
At least some are doing that, though :p
Sounds like you need too put a low visitor cap. And...did you put it to zero, or just make the zones citizen only again?
As for the books themselves. Hm. Don't some of them go under tools?
I see you've divested some iron with diagonal digging. Can smooth diagonally as well as check safety with downstairs.
And for the post right above, I believe it was Scorchgravel. Though can always make a new embark, if it is a heartfelt desire.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 25, 2016, 09:41:40 am
I sometimes like to blow on gemstone mugs (available through trade or embark points), but this way you could have clay goblets (rather than earthenware goblets) perchance.
I explored that as an option to fulfill the "rock mugs" quota, but apparently you can't make goblets using gem cutting.
Now, Whether it is actually efficient way to produce crafts, eheh...Well, 13,44% of a craft.
No, it's not efficient.
Do you keep the old quota sheets, btw?
Not the spreadsheets themselves (I re-use and update the same one each year), but I keep all of the screencaps I post.
⁓Huh. Were the visitor zones always open to everyone?
No. I had them restricted to citizens only, until the story justified people coming to visit. I figured a defeated werecreature fit the bill. Though I didn't open them up until late spring (to give the elves time to "spread the word").
Sounds like you need too put a low visitor cap.
It's at 10, right now.
As for the books themselves. Hm. Don't some of them go under tools?
Quires are found under tools, bound books are found under codices.
⁓Aquifer cutoffs are weird, but I've never seen a stone aquifer not go to the lowest stone aquifer layer.
I see you've divested some iron with diagonal digging. Can smooth diagonally as well as check safety with downstairs.
I forgot about that... ^^;; I'll deal with it later.
⁓There's a typo: The Pillars of Ink are probably not Marskwarves.
According to the game, they are. Unless you're being tongue-in-cheek?
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 25, 2016, 09:46:10 am
Ok, I guess gemstone mugs are only trade (& embark), then.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 25, 2016, 10:03:06 am
⁓̛Will you be trading copies away, then?
Not unless I have to. That quire the guest scholar was writing in, walked off with him.
⁓̛Marskwarves != Marksdwarfs or even Marksdwarves. (I think Toady uses dwarfs because easier grammar).
Oh. Oops. :-[ Fixed for future posts.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 25, 2016, 11:58:45 am
(Though I suppose I could have made a second library without storage at the time, then made the first citizen only, and move/dump all written things from first to second...Not sure if dwarves and visitors would still carry them back to read in the public library, though.)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 25, 2016, 12:32:18 pm
02 Limestone 83
Dog meat, turkey eggs, or bayberries. What does a dwarf have to do to get a decent meal around here?
04 Limestone 83
And I’ve been hearing others complain about the lack of decent meals. Just because we live in a hole in the ground doesn’t mean we can’t have good food.
I’ve asked Ral to do some experimenting over in the kitchen. How different can cooking food be from brewing it, after all?
Maybe she can find a way to make those yam plants halfway edible, given that any beer she tries to make from them tastes absolutely horrible. We certainly have plenty of them.
13 Limestone 83
(http://i65.tinypic.com/23kvw4o.png)
A speardwarf? What, does he expect to find another werecreature here? Does he think one of us got bitten?
I’ll have Imic’s squad keep an eye on him.
15 Limestone 83
And judgement day has arrived, once again.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2z3qskl.png)
I’ve ordered the quota moved. And, while it’s too early to really tell, I think we have everything! At least, Akrul isn’t yelling at us while she tallies up each item delivered.
And, with some of our recent visitors gone, our import numbers have lowered again.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2nle91s.png)
But if more visitors keep arriving, it’s going to keep driving the import numbers higher. So to compensate, we need to operate with a working import cap of…I have a headache.
I need a drink.
17 Limestone 83
I took a short break from quota hauling to listen to the speardwarf’s tales of his many adventures in the wilderness. Wow, he’s been to so many places and done so many things, it’s unbelievable!
Still, it was a nice way to pass the time.
But that quota isn’t going to move itself.
______________________________________________________________________________
21 Limestone 83
(http://i67.tinypic.com/ipuxde.png)
Yes, yes. Coming.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2v7xtgx.png)
The Earth of Staves. They control Theaterknowledge. I remember Mestthos, though I never actually interacted with her. Wait a minute, isn’t she… “Oh, no!”
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2hdmxx1.png)
OOC: Names that are crossed out are dead, and Mestthos Lividsilver (Azzinral) is at the top left. Bolded names are currently in Atolasob. This isn’t a complete genealogical tree for her, since I’m only including locally-known dwarves (otherwise it gets very unwieldy very quickly). The colors follow the male lines of descent, because our civ started with a king (so I made us patriarchal).
Echoworked sat back, giving Lotu a minute to work through the immediate consequences.
A third of Finderboards is going to be grieving at the news that Mestthos has died. Does Ral have enough beer on hand to deal with it? OOC: 14 out of our 50 dwarves are descended from her.
With a quick excuse, Lotu raced over to the brewery for a quick consultation.
“Yeah.” Ral said slowly, studying all of the kegs. “Yeah, we should have enough.”
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2ihnm9c.png)
Lotu walked sedately back to his meeting, having swiped a mug of good old dwarven ale on his way. Nodding to Echoworked, he sat back down.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/313otxh.png)
“STEEL!” Lotu barely waited for Echoworked to finish speaking before jumping in. “We need steel! Anything! Just as long as it’s made of steel.”
After a moment of debate, he added, “And some flux stone wouldn’t come amiss, either.”
Echoworked nodded in understanding. “I did notice that corpse on the way in. I’ll need to congratulate your soldiers before I leave.”
“Just make sure you give Imic a wide berth. He’s still upset at having to fight in leather armor.”
“Uh-huh.” Echoworked looked back at his notes. “Swordgangs is holding steady at 55 dwarves, and here is Bomrek’s list for the year.”
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2ijlo51.png)
Lotu nodded, scribbling madly. So we need to make…
(http://i66.tinypic.com/1fgv9y.png)
Oh dear Urdim. 110 backpacks? And another 220 pieces of leather? Not even Akrul can manage this. We are soooo going to fail…
(http://i68.tinypic.com/ay0cjt.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
27 Limestone 83
I’ve just come from a meeting with Akrul. The crazy dwarf seems to think this impossible quota is perfectly attainable!
She’s already sent out work orders to Mebzuth and the woodcrafters to focus on toys. And Rith is focusing on making bolts, which I’m sure is going to make the Pillars of Ink very happy. Olon has already started making backpacks. I guess he’s happy to be distracted from his grief over his great-grandmother.
Sodel is another story. He’s been huddled in the brewery, nursing mug of beer after cup of wine with chasers of ale and frequent shots of whiskey. And the occasional palate cleansing cider.
And I’m going to have to go pull him out of there and get him over to the clothier’s to start making some more gloves. Then again, the drunker the dwarf, the better their work.
I think I’ll let him drink for another week or so.
______________________________________________________________________________
06 Sandstone 83
Up on the ramparts, Besmar watched as another troupe of the ever-present capuchins approached. Suddenly, they panicked and started racing north along the palisade.
Huh? Did they smell the rotting corpses? Or can capuchins see through walls now?
(http://i67.tinypic.com/v8hsty.png)
Expecting them to keep running north, Besmar’s mouth dropped open in shock as the troupe swerved around the edge of the wall and raced south across the drawbridge.
Wha—? “Alert! Alert! Enemies past the drawbridge! Alert!”
But the caravan guards were already moving. With swift, brutal efficiency, they decimated the capuchin charge. Sky, arriving to find most of the work already done, took off after the fleeing pair of remaining monkeys, with the caravan guards in hot pursuit.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2r40knr.png)
Besmar watched in bemusement as the guards soon gave up the chase, returning at a much more moderate pace.
Sky, on the other hand, proceeded to chase the two capuchins all over the western half of the map. Managing to grab one by the tail, he wrestled it into a chokehold and finally managed to choke it death.
How could the dude forget his axe at a time like this? Besmar was perplexed.
By the time Sky managed to catch up with, and kill, the last capuchin, he was clearly in no state to answer anything. Swaying in visible exhaustion, he made his way slowly back toward the village.
Lotu, carrying a bin full of quota crafts, froze in shock at the entrance to the depot.
“What? What are you doing?”
Dastot barely looked up from his frantic tightening of straps. “It’s too dangerous here! We’re leaving! Now!”
“B-bu-but! The quota! What about the quota?”
“Don’t care. Not waitin’. We’re goin’!”
And without giving Lotu time to respond, Dastot leaped to the front of his wagon, and urged the pair of aurochsen forward. The rest of the caravan quickly followed suit, rushing to meet the returning caravan guards. Those dwarves didn’t ask questions, but formed up in short order and escorted the traders away.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2cnd069.png)
Lotu stood staring after them. Thoughts raced through his head, but none of them slowed enough for him to grab on to it. Finally, one managed to stick around.
Either we’re doomed, or that caravan is doomed.
His head dropped forward, and caught sight of the mess the traders had left behind. In their hurry to escape the capuchin attack, they had clearly cut all of the weight they could.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/16l0nqv.png)
What a mess. Then again, He perked up a bit. We don’t have to make as many toys or shields this year. That thought cheered him up considerably. Assuming Dodok is smart enough to blame Dastot for this little fiasco. His heart fell to the bottom of his boots. And that's not very likely, is it.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
09 Sandstone 83
With all of the extra, mostly useless, quota goods lying around, we need another general stockpile. I think I can dig one out pretty quickly while Airith is designing and building pumps.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/73fdap.png)
16 Sandstone 83
And we’ll go ahead and floor it so that we don’t get things full of sand.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/mkzv48.png)
It’s a good thing Another has been training by making blocks out of the otherwise useless stone coming out of the aquifer.
17 Sandstone 83
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2qi1dv9.png)
Here to compose a mockery of such cowardly dwarves, are you? Grrrr.
04 Timber 83
And that new stockpile is now ready for use.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2lks0ed.png)
We need some more bins and barrels…
______________________________________________________________________________
17 Timber 83
Working on the last level of retaining walls, Lotu was startled to hear a rather timid voice.
“Lotu, sir? May I have a word?”
(http://i64.tinypic.com/1goi0x.png)
Lotu shrugged, and slogged his way up the wet ramp. “Come up to my office.” What does she want?
(http://i63.tinypic.com/25swm5j.png)
Someone is actually choosing to stay? Especially after seeing the hole in the ground? And witnessing the constant, backbreaking, thankless work it takes to keep a narcissist happy?
Something of his thoughts must have shown on his face, because Udil explained, “My poetry will lift the hearts of those here, which will make living in such a joyless place more bearable and their burdens will be lighter. I wish to bring some joy into your lives.”
Joy? Akrul would have something to say about that. Aloud, “Sure. You’re welcome to stay!” We can always use another pair of hands to help move the quota around.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/317flfs.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
28 Timber 83
The caravan will have arrived at Swordgangs by now, and Dodok will soon learn of the Capuchin Fiasco. That’s what we’ve been calling it. Our production numbers are, mostly, on track.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/33z2td0.png)
But we will definitely fail the leather unless something changes drastically. How many of those animals in the pasture can we slaughter?
Late Autumn 83
Meng watched as a very small caravan passed through the last tunnel gates into the depot. Only two wagons? How could they have fit the entire quota into two wagons?
Heavy footsteps echoed behind him, and he turned to watch Bomrek approach. “It’s kinda small, ain’t it?”
“It certainly seems to be.”
“An’, th’wagons’re mos’ly emp’y!” Fuming, Bomrek charged over to Dastot. His resulting tirade could probably be heard in Finderboards.
“ ‘N I’m gonna make sure His Majesty ‘ears ‘bou’ this! Runnin’ f’om cat-sized monkeys!”
Early Winter 83
King Dodok read Bomrek’s letter in increasingly visible agitation. “Fetch him!”
One of his aides, braver than the rest, ventured, “Fetch who, Your Majesty?”
“The Captain of the Guard, of course!”
That dwarf arrived quickly, as he always did. “I want him hammered!”
“Who, Your Majesty?” The Captain asked calmly.
“Him!” King Dodok jabbed at the letter, then grabbed it up, scanning for the name he wanted. “This Dastot, the so-called trader. Dastot the Coward, rather. Hammer him!”
The Captain nodded. “I will see to it at once, Your Majesty. How many times?”
The king thought for a minute. “Twenty-one. Once for each dwarf that left Finderboards with him, and without the quota.”
Saluting, the Captain turned sharply on his heels and marched out of the room to dispense justice. Behind him, the king snapped his fingers at his aides. “Fetch me a scribe. I need to write a letter.”
The next morning Dastot’s bloody, mutilated body was delivered to his family for funeral rites. Justice had been served.
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Newcomers (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Petitioners (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Edit: Always the typos... :-\
Post by: ☼Another☼ on December 25, 2016, 12:56:30 pm
Horrible News! Messthos Azzinral, my grandmother is dead! I cannot give into sadness.
The traders have left without taking our quota, something about monkeys. As though they suffer as much as we do to fulfill our quotas? Used to their luxurious mountainhomes, and afraid of a single corpse.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 25, 2016, 01:03:27 pm
Speaking of the import cap, an axedwarf with steel axe arriving is going to bite into it.
So, did the ones in Atolasob get a thought about having their relative die?
...Welp. You could hunt all year, I suppose. And caverns are almost there. And if you dice animals into itty bitty pieces..
No. I fear that will be not enough. Almost every day needs a piece of leather, and for third of them the leather has to be processed.
I can see but a single possible path to success:
Awaken the clown car. Get something like 20-100 clowns (maybe it will vary with different pokes? Never had a savescum to test that).
Then, some of them will be fleshy. Now, if you rip them into pieces instead of using obsidianizing or caveins, the fleshy ones could be butchered into several pieces of leather.
Maybe explode the fragile ones with wooden minecart percussion, then have webbers web bait - and serrated disk traps to slice apart the non-webber fleshy demons - then finish off the rest with heavy minecart percussion/furniture bait(s), then reseal the spire with previous bridge and move in with nearby butcheries and tanners with all of the population having one or another...
Hm. Not sure that would work. Not sure how long bodies last, but iirc tanned hide rots in two weeks, so assuming 16 dwarves tan a hide every two days (not sure how long this job takes, but might be longer with dabbling dwarves) this would mean mere 112 hides.
Oh right.
The elves also had someone bolting.
I should have foreseen this. Did the earlier "quota is filled" distract me? ^^;;
Nevertheless....That's the worst failure yet.
Wait, is the other one also floored over? If so, I never realized.
Well, having one of your numbers die due visit to Atolasob would definitely make one consider it a dangerous place.
Post by: Imic on December 25, 2016, 02:32:05 pm
I do still read this, by the way. I haven't missed a single update. I love it.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 25, 2016, 02:37:23 pm
◙Well, lack of decent meals is about preferences, really. Lot can be provided by embark, especially on booze...But I wonder, would import cap enble one to import one of every kind of meat from caravan?
Probably, if we didn't have to worry about visitors bringing random junk.
Speaking of the import cap, an axedwarf with steel axe arriving is going to bite into it.
Don't give
◙Hm, a granddaughter inheriting noble position from her grandmother in a patriachal kingdom >:3
I'm only doing the patriarchal bit when tracking family lines (when tracking children's bloodlines), not for anything else.
So, did the ones in Atolasob get a thought about having their relative die?
Oddly enough, no, other than the almost ubiquitous "feels sad at being separated from a loved one". I'm guessing it's because once a dwarf gets to the player-run location, anyone else not also on the local map is abstracted out with respect to those thoughts. I suppose it makes sense, you wouldn't want the majority of a small fort to suddenly go crazy with grief if a particularly prolific relative happens to croak half a world away. Then again, the closest blood ties to Mestthos are her six local grandchildren. As far as I can tell, there isn't anyone local closer than that. So maybe they just weren't very close to her?
clowns
Ah...there's still a level of aquifer in the way...and then we have to find the clown car... Nope, not gonna happen.
I should have foreseen this. Did the earlier "quota is filled" distract me? ^^;;
Nevertheless....That's the worst failure yet.
The traders didn't bolt until after the capuchins ran amok. Before that, I could have traded (I was in the trade interface to check some numbers right before, the merchants had all unloaded and were ready to barter). They ran for it after the guards got into it with some very. Small. Monkeys. >:(
◙I am slightly amused at the sand-bearing hallways, and floored over general stockpile with the floors not visible due stockpile ^^;,
Wait, is the other one also floored over? If so, I never realized.
Yes, it is. I don't know if you realize, but sand gets into everything (personal experience from too many "holiday" beach trips, emphasis on sandy beaches). So as a result of such traumatic experiences, I play DF with that expectation.
◙So. Did you actually ensure Dastot the trader died, by dropping rocks on them or something?
According to Legends mode, he died of old age. But since that's just boring, I just decided to make it more story appropriate, since someone needed to be blamed for the Capuchin Fiasco. But Lotu isn't going to get off scot-free either.
Oh well, since the traders forgot to bring their supplies, I suppose that gives you a head start.
Which might actually have been even more appreciated if they'd bothered to leave any of their supplies behind. :P
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 25, 2016, 03:00:18 pm
PS: I live five minute walk from beach :P I typically imagine the floors to be more like compressed sand or sandpaper (never mind that there is sandstone already), as it holds up even when tiles under it are dug away. Granted, that doesn't work with "gather sand" tasks...
Still, seeing them as loose sand is an interesting idea. And I do so like the white and pure soap castles, as far as structural issues go.
Post by: Gwolfski on December 25, 2016, 04:03:11 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 25, 2016, 04:06:15 pm
Did they take it with them?
Unfortunately, yes. And before I could see it. However, this particular scholar kept "pondering the wheel and axle", so it probably had something to do with that.
Someone also stole the book you (Dr. Urist) wrote early on. No scribes to make copies... :-\
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Gwolfski on December 25, 2016, 04:09:15 pm
well, let me think up a story....Did they take it with them?
Unfortunately, yes. And before I could see it. However, this particular scholar kept "pondering the wheel and axle", so it probably had something to do with that.
Someone also stole the book you (Dr. Urist) wrote early on. No scribes to make copies... :-\
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 25, 2016, 07:32:31 pm
05 Moonstone 83
On careful consideration of our animals, and after consulting with Erib, I’ve designated the twenty biggest puppies, two of the giant porcupines, the oldest giant dingo and the oldest giant badger for slaughter. Twenty-four new pieces of leather should make a dent in the backpacks, at any rate.
06 Moonstone 83
There was the most unusual sight in the common area today.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2nw30g9.png)
I’d heard of such creatures, but thought they were merely children’s tales. I’d always wondered how they were supposed to carry their weapons, or anything else for that matter. Now I know.
I don’t want to know how well he wields it.
09 Moonstone 83
Six more puppies have grown large enough to justify slaughtering. NCommander is grumbling at the waste, but almost everyone in the village recognizes that we must make the quota this time.
Assuming Dodok doesn’t decide to punish us for the Capuchin Fiasco.
18 Moonstone 83
Wool production has started. Can I justify importing other kinds of animals?
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2hqt8vm.png)
25 Moonstone 83
We haven’t seen hide nor hair of a kobold in over a year. I wonder what they’re up to…
06 Opal 83
We have a breeding pair of dingoes?
(http://i66.tinypic.com/t9ccif.png)
Unfortunately, it’s much too small to help with leather quota.
09 Opal 83
Imic is ecstatic. He recently improved his axe skill, and now thinks that maybe, just maybe, he is worthy of the title of “Axe Lord”.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2chl35j.png)
12 Opal 83
Ral has figured out how to some halfway decent yam roasts. Now, if she could only do the same with persimmons...
20 Opal 83
Airith says that Another has made enough blocks that he can now be considered a fully capable mason.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/rctzkw.png)
01 Obsidian 83
Doesn’t he have responsibilities in whatever town he comes from?
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2mzy7tw.png)
But I can use this. With any luck, I can get him to convince his traders to bring leather in the summer?
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2a77kb8.png)
He says he's from the Realm of Allegiance. That's the wrong civ. Shucks.
05 Obsidian 83
(http://i65.tinypic.com/25g52tw.png)
A human…wants to live here? Oh, and this is that lord consort that arrived less than a week ago…
Well, I decided that if he’s crazy enough to want to live with a bunch of crazy dwarves in a glorified hole in the ground, I guess we’re crazy enough to take him.
Before I granted his wish for residency, I did tell him he would be treated just like any other dwarf who lives here. The idea didn’t faze him. Does he have any idea that the conditions here aren’t normal?
11 Obsidian 83
Between that human and Udil, there are some pretty entertaining stories floating around these days. Maybe Udil had a point about the benefits of a dedicated entertainer.
______________________________________________________________________________
13 Obsidian 83
The hammerdwarf crossed the dwarbridge and hailed the nearest citizen. “Tell Lotu I want to talk to him. Where’s his office?”
Ral pointed northeast, and called over Spriggans, who was passing with a load of wood for her furnace. “I can’t leave my pot roast. Can you tell Lotu that fella wants t’see him?”
Spriggans hefted the wood filling her beefy arms. “Sure. I’ll just put this down first.”
By the time Lotu finally reached his office in the dining area, the hammerdwarf was pacing irritably. “What took so long?”
Lotu eyed the stranger. “Dealing with a water problem. What do you want?”
The hammerdwarf reached into his tunic and withdrew a missive. “I’m to wait for your reply.”
This is an exceptionally-crafted sheet of pig tail fiber. It is decorated with spikes of elk bird bone, giraffe leather, and hanging rings of orthoclase. It is embossed with a masterfully-crafted image of a dwarf and dwarves in wax. The dwarves are raising the dwarf. The image relates to the ascension of Dodok Charmedmirrors to the position of King of the Figure of Diving in the year 1. This image is the personal seal of the king.
Lotu inhaled sharply, then nodded. Sliding his thumbnail beneath the seal, he carefully opened the letter.
Attention: Lotu Sizzlediron
The events of this past fall WILL NOT be permitted to stand. It is Finderboards’ duty and responsibility to ensure safe passage for any and all traders or other travelers within view of your walls against ANY enemy, no matter how innocuous. You are hereby ordered to raise and equip a military capable of providing adequate protection to all future caravans.
However, in view of the cowardly creature who was in charge at the time, failure to deliver the quota has been placed at his feet, and he has been punished accordingly with twenty-one hammerstrokes. Be advised that, should there be another equally spectacular failure, the person or persons responsible will receive a similar punishment.
Signed: His Majesty by the Grace of Armok, King Dodok Charmedmirrors, Cheesemaker
This is supposed to scare me? And where does he expect me to get the steel to equip them with?
Pulling a clean sheet of paper from the small pile now sitting on a corner of the dining table, he penned a respectful acknowledgement.
Hesitating a moment, he decided against putting in a request for military volunteers. Having royal guardsmen descend on the fort was the last thing anyone in Finderboards would want. Signing it quickly, he handed it to the hammerdwarf with a shrug.
“There ya go.”
The hammerdwarf took it and nodded once, sharply. “Goodbye.” He turned and strode quickly up the nearest ramp.
Not staying long enough to sip a brew? What, is he afraid we’ll rub off on him and he’ll have to stay here?
Shaking his head, Lotu headed back to the galling aquifer. We have seven militia in training, but that’s not going to be enough. And they need decent armor…so I need to add steel and an armorer to the to-do list. At least there's no reason to hide any military capability any more.
He smiled grimly at the thought.
And Dodok seems to be handling this more or less reasonably, so far.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
18 Obsidian 83
I've decided to assign all of the civilians to new militia squads. They'll train for a month every year, and will help the soldiers guard the caravans on their way in and out. Getting good-quality armor is still problematic, but at least we still have enough leather armor lying around to meet our needs for another year or so.
26 Obsidian 83
Finally! The last retaining wall is finished!
(http://i65.tinypic.com/5ezib6.png)
Now I just have to dig out the remaining bots of aquifer wall, pump out all that water, and then I can start digging into the granite below. The end is so close, I can almost taste it!
28 Obsidian 83
The winter’s quota numbers are more or less what I expected.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/hv9q9u.png)
Akrul was insisting that we need to slaughter all of our animals to get the necessary leather. I refused, because of the 132 untrained animals we have, over 50 are either too small to give any leather, or are owned by someone. Less than a hundred animals wouldn’t fulfill the quota, and would destroy our leather and wool industries. Not to mention, I happen to like that little otter.
I don’t think I convinced her.
OOC: This was a very quiet winter, which means there were extra hands to work on building and deconstructing various walls for the aquifer. This coming week I'm going to be dealing with a lot of kids, and I don't know how much playing/writing time I'll have as a result. I might not post another update until after the New Year, depending on kid stuff, but I will get back to it then, if not before.
Current character list:
Spoiler: On 1st month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 2nd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: On 3rd month break: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Newcomers (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Petitioners (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 26, 2016, 02:27:00 am
Yeah, some visitors beeline straight to petition. I do not understand why or how, but perhaps with correct stimulus one can make any desired visitor petition. There's scarcely any research into it however.
For a lord's consort to do this, away from luxuries of town to a hole in the ground...Welp. I imagine the lord has particularly mean streak.
Perhaps beneficial for the story, though.
• Heh. Surprise bun in the oven. Not something one wants to discover, usually.
What size cutoff are you using for leather, anyway?
I know it's around the point of 2 meat/fat to also give leather, but not sure where that is.
And, huh. 132 animals? I thought you only had like 40.
• Interesting. For this threat to be put on table would suggest that it wasn't on table previously.
I usually like to make map-edge caravan entrances partially or fully isolated (things can still spawn there, but there can be a trap ring on the outside for things that would threaten a caravan, so it's still an improvement).
• Citizens milita? Eventually excellent attribute boosts. But I am not sure how fast military training raises them, expect "the fastest by magnitude". I know dodging needs around 30k exp to max most dwarves spatial sense, iirc - the highest stat, anyway (it can reach nearly 5k max), but am not sure what's the stat gain rate on other stats - if it's same for fighting, weapon, shield and armor, then that should have all their physical attributes maxed around 9 or 10 in weapon skill.
At the very least, it should make the werebeasts less threatening to woodcutters and -haulers, as well as satisfying the needs for martial arts.
I take it Imic will get to lead their own squad of recruits, now?
(Oh yeah...and make sure they don't carry food or they'll steal from the quota).
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 26, 2016, 08:41:42 am
What size cutoff are you using for leather, anyway?
I know it's around the point of 2 meat/fat to also give leather, but not sure where that is.
Whatever the vanilla settings are, though game-wise I've decided none of the babies are big enough to give leather until they mature.
• Interesting. For this threat to be put on table would suggest that it wasn't on table previously.
It was, it just wasn't explicit.
At the very least, it should make the werebeasts less threatening to woodcutters and -haulers, as well as satisfying the needs for martial arts.
That's the plan. And I'm tired of seeing the martial arts need in red on my civilian dwarves.
(Oh yeah...and make sure they don't carry food or they'll steal from the quota).
I'm well aware of that. Though since we're going to fail anyway...
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 26, 2016, 02:57:14 pm
Ah, right. There are mods to make larger creatures yield multiple pieces of leather. That said, I'm not sure they can adjust the minsize for yielding one piece.
Babies meaning...? You're already butchering puppies.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 26, 2016, 05:45:07 pm
That said, I'm not sure they can adjust the minsize for yielding one piece.
AFAIK, they don't. I'm simply not designating any babies for leather-making.
Babies meaning...? You're already butchering puppies.
An animal has grown to become a dog. x3
^Only those puppies.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 27, 2016, 06:43:47 pm
01 Granite 84
I’ve decided to have all civilians train during the winter, since that seems to be the quietest season. At least, no caravans seem to travel then, so we don’t need all hands to haul, as we do at other times of the year. I talked to Imic about it, and he was not convinced any civilian would be good for melee combat. So, since we have plenty of bolts and left-over crossbows, all civilians will train as marskdwarves.
Akrul grumbled a bit, but I stood firm with my “no exceptions!”
Unfortunately Spriggans was not impressed.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/vxc6bn.png)
Fortunately, she has nine months to get used to the idea. I think it’s best to leave her alone for now. OOC: I have no idea why she was enraged, the combat log for her contained only the one line “has become enraged.”
02 Granite 84
No sooner had I announced my new military training assignments, than Airith promptly went over to the training area.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2ut6qhe.png)
I didn’t know she was missing it that much!
03 Granite 84
She’s a long way from home.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/ab2qdl.png)
I just hope she doesn’t start making demands. We have a hard enough time with Bomrek!
After talking to her, I learned she’s from the civ The Corridor of Mastery. We have no obligation to fulfill any of her demands. Whew, that’s a relief.
Speaking of unreasonable demands, I’ve suspended making backpacks for now, maybe the traders will bring some? And I need to find some way of dealing with the leather…
06 Granite 84
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2eyw700.png)
We now have nineteen children running around. She and Besmar have named the new addition Iteb.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/mb1ulk.png)
In honor of the occasion, I sent eleven more turkeys to the butchery.
______________________________________________________________________________
09 Granite 84
Akrul studied the numbers in front of her. It all came down to the leather and the large gems. Walking over to Lorbam’s chair, she swiped the sheet with the latest counts.
Huh. We have a lot of horn and ivory lying around.
Rifling for a clean sheet, she dashed off a set of orders for Rith. She walked across the pasture to the dedicated bone carving crafter’s with a satisfied expression.
No wonder this group kept failing quotas. They have so much stuff they clearly lose track of half of it. We need more dedicated stockpiles.
Reaching Rith’s workshop, Akrul handed over the new orders.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/alhxlc.png)
Reading them, Rith protested, “Bu’ the bolts –“
“The quota comes first.” Akrul insisted. “You have a problem with that?”
Grumbling, Rith shook her head and put the bone she was working on aside.
But we need those bolts!
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
15 Granite 84
And as always, at this time of year…
(http://i65.tinypic.com/k1t9jp.png)
I ordered all of our worn silk clothing moved, and also added a few cheap glass crafts and windows, but I think we’ll keep most of it on hand. Bomrek seems to want lots of windows, and with last year’s Capuchin Fiasco, he may order more.
18 Granite 84
As I went to trade, I detoured to Lorbam’s office to check our import numbers.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/dhg9j9.png)
Fuck. I decided to trade anyway.
I bought a variety of animals for slaughtering, but nothing else was remotely useful.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/r29v2u.png)
Those dratted visitors! Maybe some of them’ll leave?
______________________________________________________________________________
23 Granite 84
A distant shout echoed from the depths of The Hole, drawing the attention of passing dwarves. Over the years, they had become accustomed to hearing a wide, inventive array of curses drifting up from the watery depths, but this yell was different. It sounded almost…jubilant.
“Hip, hip, hooray! Whoooeee!” The dwarve were shocked to see Lotu dashing through hallways and up ramps. “Yippee!”
With a hop, skip and a jump, he erupted into the common area, drawing everyone’s attention.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/kcxk69.png)
Raising both fists into the air, he sang out in a pleasant baritone, though badly off-key,
“No more water, no more lam,
no more cancelation spam!"
On the last word, he swept off his cap and sent it spinning across the room, straight into Imic, who dodged out of the way.
Seeing the blank look of incomprehension at his improvised poem, he explained.
“The aquifer is done! Finished! History! I’m through to the underlying granite!”
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2j4bs5g.png)
“Now I can dig deep.” In a more moderated tone, he added, “And we happen to have access to rock and metal. And actual gems.”
Akrul led the charge across the room. “Then you need to dig me out an office,”
Imic insisted, “Find stuff to make steel.”
“Dig out proper bedrooms!”
“And a decent dining room!”
“And temples!”
“And proper workshops, so we can get out of this never-ending rain!”
“And! And! And!” The chorus of demands became unintelligible. Lotu squeezed his eyes shut. Why did I bother?
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
25 Granite 84
I started digging an exploratory shaft, just to get an idea of what there is down below, and hit marble below the granite.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/1zqai2q.png)
It looks like the marble is three bots deep, but that should be plenty to get a proper steel works going. And with all of the iron from melting down human-made equipment, Catten has a head-start for making pig iron, and then steel.
I wonder what else is down here?
(http://i67.tinypic.com/35d6liu.png)
Uh, we really don’t need this right now. I’m going to have that walled off until further notice.
______________________________________________________________________________
26 Granite 84
Sodel froze as he walked down the ramp toward the common area.
“—covered caverns? I bet there’s lots of spiders down there.”
A second voice said, thoughtfully, “Spiders mean webs. Isn’t there a special paper that can only be made out of webs?”
There was a moment of silence, then the first voice replied slowly, “It does ring a bell. At a guess, though, it would only work with the highest-quality webs.”
Having heard enough, Sodel slipped away. I should have the highest quality webs. That’ll make some good cloth.
Making his way quickly down through the Hole, he started down Lotu’s exploratory shaft. At the bottom, the ramp down into the cavern was obvious, and as Sodel stepped onto the mossy ground, he looked around in amazement. There were several mushroom trees nearby, and in the distance, he could hear some odd kind of half warble, half squeal. Best work quickly. He moved off, heading for the webs he could sense in the distance.
Carefully detaching the first web he found, he started to head back for the shaft, only to stop short at the sight of an almost completed wall.
“Hey! Hey, wait! Let me in!”
Looking through the small crack remaining at the top, Lyra saw the suddenly frantic Sodel. Quickly, hearing the distant sounds and knowing they presaged nothing good, she worked more quickly than she ever had in her life. Ripping the wall she had painstakingly built apart, she reached out to help Sodel past the rubble.
“Whew! I thought I was done for! What made you decide to do that now anyway?”
Lyra was confused. “Didn’t you hear Lotu forbid anyone from entering the caverns? He insists we don’t have the military to defend both the surface and the caves. I think he has a point, don’t you?” As she spoke, she blocked the ramp access once again.
Sodel shook his head. “No. Somehow I didn’t get that message.” He thought back to the two dwarves he had overheard. Though the voices had sounded familiar, he couldn’t quite put his finger on their identities. I need to spend more time socializing. “But you can bet I won’t be going back out there until I have a trustworthy escort. No more exploring for this dwarf. No, sir.”
27 Granite 84
That was close. The dwarf thought, as he went through his rote tasks. It almost worked! Another ten minutes and it would have worked. Why couldn’t Lyra have been faster, or Sodel slower? Now I’m going to have to look for another kind of accident.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
28 Granite 84
Spriggans has withdrawn from society and claimed a crafters’. I guess she can’t exactly make an artifact bar of charcoal or ash.
01 Slate 84
(http://i63.tinypic.com/ta6iat.png)
Another human who wants to entertain. Sure, why not? People seem to be happier since dedicated entertainers started sticking around. Though they’re certainly useless for anything else. But if all we have to do is feed them, having them around won’t affect the quota either way.
Hmmm, I wonder. We have occasional warriors stopping by. I wonder if any of them could be convinced to stick around? It would help with our “protect the caravan” orders. Maybe if we’re really nice to other visitors? It’s worth a try, anyway.
Wait a minute! Orda, the Lord Consort, he claims to be a crossbowman. That will be very useful! Yes, we need to treat him very nicely.
02 Slate 84
With the aquifer conquered, we don’t need much power anymore, so I ordered most of the machinery dismantled for parts. I’ve left only the power for the millstone and screw press, since Tun needs those to make paper.
Dr. Urist says that she can draw up some quick trap plans from the existing mechanisms. If properly placed, those should help with caravan protection too. And, since we have access to real rock, she thinks we can make a variety of both simple and complicated traps.
I told her to focus on the simple ones first.
03 Slate 84
Having grabbed some giant two-humped camel bones and a lump of clay loam, Spriggans is now hard at work.
06 Slate 84
In the interest of treating our petitioned guests well, Sodel has agreed to make one complete set of clothing for each of our two human residents. Once that’s done, we’ll have to persuade them to give up their own clothing.
On the plus side, once they do, we’ll be able to trade away their imported clothing, which has to be counting against our cap.
Stupid cap. Why can’t Dodok exclude things like visitor equipment?
08 Slate 84
Huh. You can make furniture out of bones?
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2iapjpc.png)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/261jjtl.png)
If we ever need bolts in a hurry, she can help Rith for a bit.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/34ozwxc.png)
09 Slate 84
After much thought, I’ve decided to dig out some workshops in the middle marble layer, with some dedicated stockpiles in the upper marble layer. Since steel production is a high priority now, I might as well hit two birds with my digging.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/11i0lj4.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2cqbudk.png)
I’ll dig it out section by section, as we need the space or Catten needs more flux. A room for a new smelter will be first on the list.
But it can wait, I need a new crown.
12 Slate 84
That second stockpile is already full?
(http://i66.tinypic.com/28l49yh.png)
I really need to get on the carpenters about making some bins and barrels.
14 Slate 84
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2z4jw36.png)
As they were packing up, I heard another shout in glee. Apparently his wife, Rith, decided that was a perfect time to give birth.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/34of3bn.png)
They named the girl Onul.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/8zmzqu.png)
21 Slate 84
The wood liberated from the machinery is disappearing almost as quickly as Dr. Urist can produce it. Hmmm, maybe I should deconstruct some of those interior walls and rebuild out of stone?
It would certainly make this place rather more home-like… But we have no idle hands to do the building. Still, I’ve added that to the to-do list, if we ever have time for ourselves.
01 Felsite 84
I spent the past week putting various scattered items into bins. And no one looking around would know, there’s such a mess. Akrul’s right, we need more storage.
And I need another miner.
05 Felsite 84
Sky has been training so hard, Imic says he has earned the title of Axe Lord.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/64ihr7.png)
Well, once we get some more recruits, he can take charge of his own squad.
07 Felsite 84
Serious steel production has begun.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/21eugpi.png)
Catten has designated a temporary stockpile for her bars and flux, while I get started on digging out some space above.
14 Felsite 84
I’ve asked NCommander to make me a steel pick, now that Catten is producing useable bars of it. Once she does, I’ll be able to give my old copper one to Catten to melt. While this good old pick has served me well, I must face the fact that it also counts toward the import cap, much though I wish it didn’t.
27 Felsite 84
My sacrifice has not been in vain!
(http://i68.tinypic.com/rgyvxd.png)
OOC: Most of this difference is probably due to a visiting human spearman leaving. But I need to get much stricter about using everything we happen to bring in from elsewhere.
Goodbye worthy little pick. You never let me down, not once.
This new steel one has a lot to live up to.
28 Feliste 84
The end of a season now gets announced by a yelling Akrul invading my space. Her demand for an office with a lockable door is looking very tempting. For myself.
At any rate, this time around she was yelling about my refusal to slaughter immature animals. It’s not like they would provide much useful leather.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/m76lqu.png)
We are definitely going to fail the leather this year. And possibly the backpacks. Which does Dodok think more important, getting supplies to protect the caravan, or the quota? I know which one I’m going to argue, because that’s going to cover our own arses.
But, I may have an idea for the leather. We have plenty of cloth lying around, and cloth can be used for a lot of the same kind of stuff as leather. Maybe that would be an okay substitute?
OOC: So far, there haven't been as many kids (IRL) as I was afraid there might be, so I've had time to get through spring faster than I expected, especially given all the stuff that happened and decisions that had to be made.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on December 27, 2016, 07:14:58 pm
Tayldis (kobold thief) (dead, cause of death: elf, discovered in Legends mode)
Awww.... thats sad
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 27, 2016, 07:29:40 pm
Tayldis (kobold thief) (dead, cause of death: elf, discovered in Legends mode)
Awww.... thats sad
:'( And the elf responsible killed 37 other kobolds at the same time (midsummer of 81) and in the same cave (several of which we'd seen over the years). I assume the entire group of local kobolds was killed off, because Atolasob hasn't seen hide nor hair of a kobold since.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 28, 2016, 10:47:05 am
Bolts do work best massed, but I'm not convinced you can skimp on them - steel ones seem to be only ones truly useful against anything less fragile than an unarmorered kea or whatnot.
Though thankfully a civilian will shoot a kea if interrupted by one, so there's that.
And I'm not sure it makes for a good cross-training either- to begin with, a dwarf with just crossbow and shield and no skills drills only dodging and discipline, while one with no equpment also obtains fighter, wrestler and observer experience. Then there's the lack of sparring.....
Still, wooden bolts are more useful than wooden weapons, given the dearth of metal. Though attacking with wood is useful for quickly getting civilians enough skill for sparring, and catching up on armor user and whatnot.
- How do you find out the civ anyway? Legends mode or dfhack?
- Well, not like you can make bolts from ivory or horn, thankfully.
- And to think it's the visitors that bring the problems...Well, tourism has it's troubles.
If you accepted any mercs, could replace their clothes, but I don't think you'd want someone who wouldn't eventually work.
However, note that I believe if you accept visitors that makes a spot free for next visitor to come see the fort.
- Aquifer, finally done? Feels like it took forever. Soil and stone.
Well. Now we'll see the actually planned layout of the large 17x17 breach.
Maybe caverns have some animal corpses to tan hides from? Hm, seems not.
Well, you are over FB visit limit, anyway....
Meanwhile, crazy expansive - for initially 25 dwarves, at that! - and grand plans continue. Just have to remember that aquifer floor will leak, but looks like you drew nothing in granite.
And...Where are the magma holes for furnaces and forges, though?
- Now that's a nice artifact....
Ah. I suppose it was created because you uncovered caverns, thus exposing more subterranean tiles.
- Did the kobold-slaying elf at least have any useful combat skills? All the visitors I see are all 3 weapon and 1 in other military skills, no matter the profession.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 28, 2016, 04:43:57 pm
Bolts do work best massed, but I'm not convinced you can skimp on them - steel ones seem to be only ones truly useful against anything less fragile than an unarmorered kea or whatnot.
Since Rith got to work, all bolts are being made out of bones, not wood (since bone is just a smidge better than wood, as far as I can tell).
And I'm not sure it makes for a good cross-training either- to begin with, a dwarf with just crossbow and shield and no skills drills only dodging and discipline, while one with no equpment also obtains fighter, wrestler and observer experience.
I want my civilians to be able to dodge, it might save their lives.
- How do you find out the civ anyway?
Legends mode. I have DF automatically make a backup of all seasonal saves, then I make a copy of the backup and use that to check Legends.
Just have to remember that aquifer floor will leak, but looks like you drew nothing in granite.
Not yet, and I won't until I find (or import) some kimberlite for more color-coding.
And...Where are the magma holes for furnaces and forges, though?
This level isn't going to be magma-focused. Ever. The magma works will go in beneath the living levels, which themselves will be below the first cavern level.
- Did the kobold-slaying elf at least have any useful combat skills? All the visitors I see are all 3 weapon and 1 in other military skills, no matter the profession.
I only discovered this in Legends because I was trying to figure out where the kobolds had gone. The elf herself hasn't actually shown up as a visitor, so I don't know what kind of skills she may be generated with.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on December 28, 2016, 05:08:45 pm
I really enjoyed that cute little bugger, even though he played a very small, minuscule role in the story
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 28, 2016, 05:40:39 pm
I put forward the motion to name a location after Tayldis (i.e. The Tayldis Dining Room, The Tayldis Stockpile...)
I really enjoyed that cute little bugger, even though he played a very small, minuscule role in the story
I got rather attached to him myself (and had plans for his eventual capture), and am open to ideas. I'm currently leaning toward naming either the current living tower as the Tayldis Tower, since he seemed to appear near that corner fairly often, or the entrance gate/bridge the Tayldis Gate (or Tayldis Bridge), since that would have been his goal. However, if there are other suggestions...?
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on December 28, 2016, 06:01:17 pm
lol, no. But Tayldis Tower does have a nice ring to it, I approve.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 29, 2016, 02:39:51 am
You can find out the elf's skills by exporting detailed xml(maybe needs export-legends? That's what I used at the time) and searching for their name in the resulting .xml, though them having
As for Tayldis memorablia...Hm. Not sure which. Against the tower is Tayldis never getting inside and not caring about it, and against the gate is Tayldis also never reaching it. Bridge maybe be better, since that was more significant than whatever landmark Tayldis walked by, I think.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 29, 2016, 11:29:42 am
01 Hematite 84
With the steel stocks starting to increase, I’ve decided to assigned Aban to armoring, since we don’t need a third carpenter.
02 Hematite 84
Dr. Urist is going to build traps along the path the capuchins took last year. While there aren’t very many yet, it’s a start.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/11bpug6.png)
We’re focusing on stone-fall traps at the moment, since I’m digging out more boulders every day. Mixed in with those are some cage traps. Maybe we can catch some wildlife for slaughtering.
06 Hematite 84
While scrounging around and stacking various trade crafts into bins, I came across several human-made crafts from last year’s failed quota. I immediately sent them down to Catten for melting. That should bring us the rest of the way back under the cap!
13 Hematite 84
(http://i68.tinypic.com/21nf8ye.png)
Maybe we can get them to take some of the imported things we can’t use, like clothes, away? Just in case, I ordered all of our worn clothing moved, since some of the tattered pieces were imported. I didn’t feel like hunting through our bins looking for more imported stuff, so I sent over all of our finished goods, weapon, and armor bins. I’m pretty sure that there’s some grown elvish stuff mixed in there somewhere.
I almost forgot about the various cages the elves use to deliver leather, but most of them were already in the depot, so no harm done.
16 Hematite 84
As the wagons came in, two of our human guests passed by on their way out. They chatted with some of the arriving merchants for a few minutes, probably telling them about our messy, shallow, unwelcoming home.
Well, good riddance.
But that wren man is still around, flying high above the village. No one seems to have talked to him much, I wonder why he’s still hanging around?
(http://i65.tinypic.com/24eyvyg.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
19 Hematite 84
Lotu balanced his awkward burden carefully as he moved down the ramp into the common area. Imic was in his accustomed spot, supervising his squad’s training.
“Imic!” Lotu called. “Come over ‘ere a minute.”
Deciding that the axedwarves could be left for a short time, Imic strode over, automatically accepting the bundles of oiled leather Lotu dumped into his arms.
“Wha’s this?”
“Happy name-day!”
“It’s not my name-day.”
Lotu paused for moment. “Oh. Uh, well. Anyway, it’s yours. Open them!”
Keeping one eye on Lotu, who sounded rather worrisomely eager, Imic dropped the bundles on the ground and unwrapped the leather from the top one.
Torch light reflected off brilliant, polished steel as a helm was revealed.
“It’s Finderboards’ first, made-on-site, full suit of armor! Aban just finished it this morning, and I immediately brought it to you! What do you think?”
“Ah—“ Imic paused and swallowed, stroking the tip of a single finger along the crest of the helm. “Wha’ abou’ m’men?”
“Aban’s working on theirs now. And when she finishes with that, she’ll make some stuff for the Pillars of Ink. But this one’s yours. You’ve defended us so long, you deserve to get the first.”
Imic swallowed again, and surreptitiously brushed the corner of an eye. He opened his mouth once, then again. Finally he just settled for a nod, as he carefully placed the helm over his head.
Swiftly unwrapping the other bundles, he strapped on the mail shirt, breastplate, greaves, gauntlets and boots. Moving experimentally, he tested the fit and feel.
Lotu left him to it, satisfied that his surprise had gone over as well as he had hoped.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
24 Hematite 84
Wait, we have what? I thought I’d ordered them all butchered.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2sb9w1j.png)
After a swift discussion with Erib, it turns out that she’s been so busy with dogs, turkeys and tanning, she forgot about the hippos. And it’s going to be years before those calves grow up.
28 Hematite 84
Another human scholar arrived, and promptly closeted herself with Dr. Urist. That dwarf seems to be very popular among the scholarly crowd. Unless it’s simply that Dr. Urist is our only scholar. Yeah, that must be it.
04 Malachite 84
I finally got around to trading with the humans. While they didn’t bring any leather, they did bring a number of backpacks. I bought them all. I also picked up some more toys to send to Bomrek, so that we can keep the best of ours for our own children. And they had brought a pair of llamas and an alpaca, so I took possession of those too, to add to our wool herd. Sarvesh has been finding the time heavy on his hands, with most of his time spent hauling given the lack of shearing and spinning that needs doing.
In exchange, I managed to get rid of 5437☼, though I kept the toys I imported last year to also send to Bomrek.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i68.tinypic.com/4fy0x0.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/25ip6wj.png)
Yes! Even with the visitors, we are comfortably back below the import cap!
______________________________________________________________________________
07 Malachite 84
A human bard came racing up to the drawbridge. “Help! Let me through! She’s coming!”
The axedwarves looked at each other in consternation, then shrugged and waved him by.
“Thank you!” The human was almost sobbing with relief as he dashed down toward the depot.
“Wha’ was tha’ abou’?” Sky asked the others.
They all shrugged. “Crazy ‘uman.” Udil said what they were all thinking.
“Or mebbe not.” Imic pointed to the east.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2eb8g39.png)
Imic called up to Ustuth, standing on the ramparts. “Spread the word. Get the civilians down into the safe rooms. We’ll take care of this!”
Ustuth saluted, rather more crisply than was her wont, and vanished.
The Pale Roads watched the giantess approach. The creature was as much taller than a human, as a human was taller than a dwarf. Which made it easily four times taller than the tallest dwarf. And it…
“Good gods! She’s bare-assed naked!” Sky burst out in shock.
“Don’t mean she’s not dangerous.” Imic shot back. “Aim for the feet ‘n’ ankles, or knees if’n you can reach ‘em. Get ‘er on th’ groun’, an’ we can finish ‘er off.”
Thank you, Lotu, for finally seeing just how crucial good armor really is. He grimaced as he glanced around the other axedwarves. I just wish Aban’d had time to finish the other suits of armor.
At the moment, the rest of the axedwarves were equipped with an odd assortment of leather and steel pieces, which would provide rather questionable protection.
The giantess approached, each step deliberately placed, causing the grand to vibrate. The dwarves gripped their shields in one hand, their battle axes in the other, and waited.
“Steady. Steady.” Imic murmured, but loudly enough for the others to hear. “Wait... Just a little closer now.”
The closer the giantess got, the more intimidating she looked. How could four comparatively tiny dwarves take on something that size? But they heard their captain’s trusted voice, and they obeyed. They stood, at the ready, waiting for the order they knew was coming.
“Alright, boys. Remember t’dodge, fer Thikut’s sake, and CHAAAARRRGEEE!!!!”
The four axedwarves shot forward, slashing with axes as they went. So much smaller than their enemy, they could only reach her lower body, but they did so with a vengeance. The giantess reached down, trying to grab the pests wielding sharp little blades. But the months they had spent training dodging paid off, and she missed, again, and again.
Realizing that the much smaller dwarves were too nimble for her to grab, the giantess was frightened.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/dzvx50.png)
Wanting only to get away from the fierce defenders, she started to run. But, already tired from fending them off, the axedwarves were able to keep up with her. Darting in to inflict another slash whenever they thought they saw an opening, they kept harrying her as she fought her way through the jungle.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2qjj3up.png)
Fearing for her life, the giantess called out, to anyone who would listen.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/119w2tj.png)
But there was no one to answer, just herself and the four axedwarves defending their families and friends. After almost a day, the giantess, exhausted from the constant battle, finally fainted dead away, crashing through the shrubs and saplings to lie supine on the jungle floor.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, the dwarves started slashing and hacking away at her upper body, but caused little more than bruises and superficial bleeding.
Finally, in a fury of impotence, Imic dropped his shield, pulled back his fist, and let fly. The punch landed squarely on the giantess’s head, and with such force that her head exploded in a shower of blood, drenching all four axedwarves.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/157ou2p.png)
Shaking the blood off his hand, Imic studied the corpse. “Tha’s done it. Good work boys. Let’s go home. Drinks’re on Lotu.”
(http://i67.tinypic.com/23j51s9.png)
As they started walking back, Imic clapped young Rigoth on the shoulder. “Now ye can call yersel’ an axedwarf.”
09 Malachite 84
As the Pale Roads stepped proudly across the bridge, they could see the Pillars of Ink lounging on the ramparts.
“Wha’? Did ye spend th’ entire battle bein’ lazy!” Imic was affronted. “We could’ve used some bolts to finish ‘er off sooner!”
Mooney called back. “We knew yer squad could handle it, ‘n’ if’n ye didn’t, someone needed to stop the giantess from breaking down walls after the civilians raised the drawbridge!”
Imic glared.
“Besides, if we‘d ‘elped, ye wouldn’ ‘ve gotten th’ kill.”
Still fuming, but with no rejoinder, Imic stomped away to get that drink.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
15 Malachite 84
The bard has spent his visit so far composing a ballad to tell the story of the Pale Roads’ brave defense against the giantess Femeli Naficera Leyaleme.
He regaled us with it this evening. It was quite good.
And while the bard was performing, Lorbam somehow managed to drag the corpse to our defeated titan stockpile. Talk about appropriate timing.
18 Malachite 84
With the jungle clear for as far as we can see, the merchants have gone on their way, thanking us profusely for making the world a safer place.
25 Malachite 84
Airith, Dr. Urist and I have spent the last week deliberating about automatic hauling systems. We can fit four sets of mine cart rails into the Shaft, with a trans-shipping junction above the first dedicated stockpile level.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/kbcew4.png)
As our home gets bigger, that junction will be critical for proper sorting of materials to the right stockpiles. But for now, it’s more important to find a way to shorten hauling times with so few hands. At the very least, we can send charcoal down to Catten quickly once the first rail system is complete.
However, to get the minecarts up again, we’ll need power. And if we re-purpose the pump tower, I have some ideas for other uses we can put the resulting permanent power train to…
24 Galena 84
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2mnjfkg.png)
27 Galena 84
Aban had quite the shopping list.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/9kcm8j.png)
Well, I’m glad she’s found one use for mangled bones that Rith has thrown out as useless. This should be interesting.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2iw3fbr.png)
28 Galena 84
More yelling.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/1pjvrm.png)
Yes, we’re going to fail. No, the traps haven’t caught anything. Maybe they’re in the wrong place?
No, I won’t sacrifice animals that are starting to reproduce nicely. Not to satisfy that narcissistic Bomrek.
But, I will include 220 pieces of cloth instead of the leather. It can’t possibly make things worse, and might make Bomrek not angry enough to complain. At least we’ll get points for trying, right?
.
.
.
Right?
.
.
.
No, I didn’t think so, either.
OOC: The kids continue to cooperate, and the dwarves continue to work madly.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 29, 2016, 04:16:59 pm
⁓̛ Ah, stuck visitor idiots. Usually it's the pool. Going to build him a platform?
Though maybe not, if the bird doesn't wear much :p
⁓̛ Huh. You'd prefer to make complete suits of armor instead of partials.
And you very well captured the flat-flooted feeling from an unexpected and perhaps large present. Personal experience from few days ago?
⁓̛ Huh. You're using Dr. Urist as a device for the dwarven conspiracy. Mm. Sounds fun.
⁓̛ Hm...Pop hit 50, with all those petitioners I guess.
Still years before they start working, but it's relatively meteoric.
DF sizes are bit crazy though. Bogeymen taking down dwarves, dwarves taking down elephants - who are still smaller than giants.
I think I prefer this to having any giant animal pack member who shows up waltz through armies, though.
On a side note, having recently read the wiki on how damage is calculated I can scarcely believe how effective axes are - every calculation seems to inversely value contact area. Thankfully, once it lands on flesh, bye-bye flesh.
Finally, as for tales, I wonder - does Imic have any abstract thinking needs? They might write a book about the slaying of giantess, if given a pen and paper. Maybe. In a few months.
⁓̛ Huh, ddn't expect y...Wait, we already had this conversation, didn't we?
Unusual minecart double helixes, however. Haven't seen anything like that before - seems like you can fit at most 3 workshops into each corner, though (and only if you floor the downstairs and tear them up afterwards).
Ah - and again, I didn't expect it to be automatic and powered. Well, the sealing of cat access on the sides will reduce it to perhaps half that. And with the workshop spaces down below...
I am certainly curious what you'll be fitting into this 17x17 pierce.
⁓̛ Well, ultimately you never utilized caverns. Not that it'd have been enough, not without help from cavern 5 and slaughering all the livestock.
But oh.
It is not like Bomrek will not hear about the livestock, either from traders or from the new manager. Easy to take this situation as snubbing them.
And with the warning given to Lotu....Well, it is not catastrophic failure, unless somebody wanted to set up citizens militia.
In which case oh, the leather won't do at all. Four pieces for each soul - high boots, leggings, leather armor and waterskin. But now....
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 29, 2016, 06:44:47 pm
⁓̛ Huh. Would have expected you to make it partial walls. Not that building traps is all that more expensive, granted....
Walls take more dwarves, and because Dr. Urist wants to focus on engineering (Gwolfski's request), it seemed to make more story sense to do it this way.
⁓̛ Ah, stuck visitor idiots. Usually it's the pool. Going to build him a platform?
Eventually, maybe. It's not a priority atm.
⁓̛ Huh. You'd prefer to make complete suits of armor instead of partials.
Just the way it happened to play out.
And you very well captured the flat-flooted feeling from an unexpected and perhaps large present. Personal experience from few days ago?
;D I really like giving people stuff I know they'll love but don't expect. Let's just say that Lotu was a faithful avatar that day. :D
⁓̛ Huh. You're using Dr. Urist as a device for the dwarven conspiracy. Mm. Sounds fun.
Dr. Urist writes herself. That's the nice thing about scholars.
On a side note, having recently read the wiki on how damage is calculated I can scarcely believe how effective axes are - every calculation seems to inversely value contact area. Thankfully, once it lands on flesh, bye-bye flesh.
There's a reason my first two squads are always one of axedwarves and one of marksdwarves. And the axedwarves get recruited up to full-ish strength quickly.
Finally, as for tales, I wonder - does Imic have any abstract thinking needs?
Not as far as I can tell. At least, he hasn't gotten any red thoughts for it. The only need of his that doesn't seem to get filled automatically is the crafting one, so I have him woodcraft something about once a season to keep him happy.
Unusual minecart double helixes, however. Haven't seen anything like that before - seems like you can fit at most 3 workshops into each corner, though (and only if you floor the downstairs and tear them up afterwards).
Ah - and again, I didn't expect it to be automatic and powered.
Those stairways are getting ripped out as soon as the permanent up/down construction is done. And I always build my minecart tracks as loops, and powered if at all possible. That seems to help cut down on the hauling necessary (given I tend to specialize in smaller forts), and my FPS doesn't appear to tank as quickly. It does require rather more advance planning out of where associated tracks, stockpiles and routes are going to go, but the end result, imo, is worth the time investment in terms of long-term playability of forts.
I am certainly curious what you'll be fitting into this 17x17 pierce.
Piece by piece, season by season, all will become clear.
⁓̛ Well, ultimately you never utilized caverns. Not that it'd have been enough, not without help from cavern 5 and slaughtering all the livestock.
I wouldn't have had time to produce 220 leather (in addition to the backpacks), even if I slaughtered every last tame animal and hunted out the caverns and surface. So I decided to not even attempt it, and focus on other projects instead. We'll see where the story goes...
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 29, 2016, 07:44:42 pm
Nevertheless, useful longterm.
I have never used a stonefall trap yet though, due the weight and their purported lesser effectiveness, no idea how effective that is :P
Though I suppose you can load them with ‼lignite‼ boulders, unlike weapon and cage traps. (Barring a mood.)
⁓̛ Mm. Like getting back to writing this story?
⁓̛ Heh - myself, I usually go for picks first. I'm - perhaps overly much - worried about having the legendary dwarves end in a situation where they do no damage and die from various arena mode tests with weapons, it is moodable (mixed blessing) and it gives something useful to do for miners once they've dug out most of what needs digging to boot.
Seems to work fine enough on less-armored targets, but I haven't exactly put them through a siege. I'd like to run numbers on them getting stuck in wounds, too - I don't know the calculations that use penetration depth and while I feel like pick acts kinda like an axe rather than a spear for getting stuck, I'd like some actual numbers.
⁓̛ Ah well. If Imic hasn't gone into red in 6 years without a book or scholarly thought, he probably is only at "dubious" level for desire of knowledge.
⁓̛ Minecarts always cut down on the hauling, don't they ^^;;
I used to have strong dislike of using power myself for minecart tracks, but I've squared it to distaste by now. Might still use 4x bigger setup than with power (including power generation and powertrain), but I'm willing to use rollers and pumps where more efficient.
As for the FPS effect, despite my name cannot say much. I do know that giving a job for every dwarf in just the starting 7 can bring me from capped 1k fps to 6-700 on 2x2 shrubland, so less hauling = more fps.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 30, 2016, 05:41:02 pm
The dwarf found the bin he had been looking for. Carefully, he started filling it with the pile of trade goods he carried, while using only a corner of his attention. The rest dwelt on the most recent failure of his plans.
And after all that work, finding a way to lure that giant here. Graah! That Imic is just too damn good at his job!
His eye fell on the figurine he was about to add to the bin. Pausing abruptly, he took a closer look at it.
Now that’s an idea. A giant is clearly not strong or fast enough. But if I can lure a giant here, maybe the Master can coax something even more powerful?
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
04 Limestone 84
A sudden shout from the carpentry drew our attention.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/oqd2jb.png)
An artifact casket? Where am I going to put that? Is that a hint that I need to dig out some burial grounds? Fine, I’ll add it to the to-do list.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/16kxkk6.png)
Aban is, rightfully, very proud. But I stood firm. We need an armorer more than a third carpenter. She went back to the forge, grumbling all the way.
09 Limestone 84
Another human entertainer petitioned today.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/jrtgyc.png)
I said yes, of course. After all, they’re proving to be just as crazy as we are, if in a different way. What is it with humans wanting to live here?
17 Limestone 84
(http://i66.tinypic.com/7257bp.png)
Crud.
I ordered the quota moved. Since we don’t have leather, I went ahead and substituted in cloth. It certainly can’t make the situation worse.
______________________________________________________________________________
21 Limestone 84
Lotu waited for Echoworked in the dining area, wishing he were anywhere else.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2d95h4z.png)
The two sat down in their accustomed places, across from each other.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/11b7k37.png)
Just what I didn’t want to hear. Hasn’t Bomrek pissed anyone else off enough to want him replaced?
Shrugging the plaintive thought away, he pulled out his list. “We need more steel stuff, anything Theaterknowledge can spare, and some leather.” Especially given Bomrek’s predilection for cleaning us out. He added, “And some kimberlite rock.”
“Kimberlite?” Echoworked looked up in surprise.
“Yeah. We need to do some color-coding. Six boulders should be plenty.”
Raising his brows, Echoworked nonetheless made the necessary notations. “Anything else?”
Lotu shook his head. Finderboards, out of necessity, was now producing almost everything they needed. It was Bomrek that kept throwing things out of joint.
Echoworked nodded. “In that case, this is what Bomrek wants next year, for his 57 dwarves.”
(http://i65.tinypic.com/5f57df.png)
With a sigh, Lotu set to work on the calculations.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/25g9f2f.png)
Looking back over the numbers, Lotu jerked upright, and barely managed to restrain his bellow of outrage.
He’s stealing our booze! How dare he! How does he expect us to live around here? Barely had that penetrated, than his eyes fell on another set of numbers. And 228 ivory or tooth amulets? Even with the giant porcupines producing nicely, that’s not dwarvenly possible! We’d need 114 of the porcupines, not just 20, and nothing else around here produces ivory.
Closing his eyes, he forced himself to breathe in through his nose, and out through his mouth several times, trying to calm down, before looking back over the numbers once more.
But on the plus side, we now have a use for all of that animal hair that Sarvesh has been spinning into thread. Sodel will be very glad to know he won’t be losing any of the weavable stuff this time around.
And everything else looks possible. It’s just the one thing. Bomrek always has to include one impossible thing. Maybe if I write to the king, pointing this fact out in each of our failed quotas? Then again, if he takes it the wrong way…
(http://i66.tinypic.com/330d1z8.png)
Lotu barely acknowledged it. Then why don’t you ever tell the king how unreasonable some of these demands are? That would help us far more than anything else you’ve done.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
13 Sandstone 84
With my yearly meeting with Echoworked complete and the quota moved, it was time to trade. I ended up buying some steel bars and various steel trap components for Catten to melt for re-use.
When I handed over the quota, I gave the traders 220 blots of masterfully-worked cloth. Sodel wasn’t happy about losing it, but it was that or nothing on the leather entry. We were still missing eleven backpacks, so I threw in twenty unused waterskins that have been gathering dust in the bins for years.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2a7bq8g.png)
I hope that will mollify Bomrek enough that he won’t go whining to Dodok about the quota lack. At any rate, it certainly can’t make things worse.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i68.tinypic.com/1z73pfo.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/2nqayl2.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
19 Sandstone 84
When the merchants finally left, they carried with them letters from several dwarves, including Lotu.
This is a finely-crafted sheet of cave thistle fiber. It is embossed with a single, exceptionally designed image of thread in kenaf cloth. This image is the symbol of the Trampled Rampart, the group in charge of Finderboards Village.
Attention: His Majesty by the Grace of Armok, King Dodok Charmedmirrors, Cheesemaker
Sire, it is with the greatest respect and sincere concern that I must apprise you of the ongoing actions of your servant, Bomrek Whiptrailed. Each quota that he demands from us contains at least one item which is impossible for us to fulfill. For example, before we successfully breached the aquifer this spring, he repeatedly requested fish, even after being informed that we have no surface fish here. We were, in fact, forced to depend on unreliable humans to provide that fish, and it is only because the gods smiled that we succeeded.
In other years, he has demanded rock or metal items, which were, of course, impossible to meet until we reached dry rock in the Month of Slate of the Year 84. I am sure you will be pleased to learn that we are now well-placed and prepared to fulfill these future quotas, of course.
However, this year, Bomrek has requested over two hundred amulets made of ivory. My liege, we simply do not have enough animals to fulfill this request, and it is impossible to import them consistently. As your liaison, Logem Echoworked, will testify, at the time of writing this letter, we have only twenty-six giant porcupines, of which only seven are adults and thus butcherable for useable items. Yet each adult porcupine will only give two teeth large enough to carve into an amulet, and these numbers fall far short of Bomrek’s desires. We have no other animals capable of producing any ivory at all.
Please, Your Majesty, I beseech you to verify if such requests are truly required for Swordgangs to manufacture a spear worthy of your great stature. I fear that your servant Bomrek is using your rightful wishes to justify his own greedy excesses.
I remain your most humble and obedient servant, Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
Lotu watched the caravan leave, glumly convinced his missive would have no effect. But I had to try, dammit. We’ll just have to find ivory somewhere, or make amulets out of something else.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
20 Sandstone 84
Akrul has set up some new work orders.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/15i9gfr.png)
She canceled all of the current tasks in the crafters’ and carpentries, and has those dwarves in quite the tizzy. Rith especially, stomps over to Akrul’s chair at least once a day to complain about the lack of ivory, and can she please, please, please, make some bolts in her currently copious free time?
Akrul’s answer is always the same. “The quota must be finished before anything else happens.” I can hear her biting that out from here, as I sit at this dining table writing this.
But we only have one kind of animal that will produce ivory. What is Bomrek thinking?
21 Sandstone 84
What is this, Petition Season?
(http://i65.tinypic.com/28wf6td.png)
This isn’t a blasted human town! We’re digging down, into the rock! Why do they keep wanting to live here?
In any case, I approved it. I do enjoy a good song or story after a hard day’s work.
05 Timber 84
With the Central Spire now fully built from the sand level down to the granite, hauling times to keep Catten supplied have decreased correspondingly.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/xeh8v8.png)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2vttnyt.png)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2elwfwo.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2vt9mic.png)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/b4gg90.png)
With that done, it’s time to remove the temporary stairs and dig out the bottom footings of these rail loops. Once that’s done, we can finalize the stockpiles and actually get some minecarts running.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/28jgoiw.png)
OOC: Four sets of rails means four sets of all labeled areas (except the Central Spire). There is one layer of granite (immediately beneath the aquifer, so prone to leaking if digging isn’t carefully done, hence the kimberlite order) between this picture and the last one of the previous set, but it just has one more quarter turn on the tracks to get them set up for this one. Nothing else interesting there.
21 Timber 84
We’ve finally used up all of the cobaltite we brought.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/30adkzp.png)
Fortunately, I noticed a few veins of the stuff buried in the rock along the exploratory shaft. I’ll go dig some more out to finish off the minecart rails.
28 Timber 84
No yelling this time. I was amazed.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/vgopip.png)
Then again, other than the ivory crap, we’re off to a really good start. And I may be able to persuade Akrul that either horn or bone amulets are close enough to be substituted in. As long as the king doesn’t decide to be stubborn about this.
Late Autumn 84
This time the wagons were reassuringly full. The Swordgangs dwarves waited patiently as the merchants steadily unloaded bins, barrels, and a lot of random items that appeared to have been tossed in wherever there happened to be room.
Tallying up the numbers, Meng froze. “That’s not leather! That’s cloth!”
The merchant shrugged. “That’s what Finderboards gave us. Ye sure ye don’t want it? It’s all masterfully-crafted. I can easily sell it on if’n you don’ want it.”
Meng shook his head. “We’ll keep it!” Continuing to check the numbers, he noticed the backpack situation. Though why Bomrek wanted so many backpacks…? Hmm, those numbers are short by a small enough margin that I can fake them. If Bomrek notices the lack later, I can always blame the stupid soldiers for absent-mindedly dropping them into that chasm or something.
But there was no getting around the lack of leather. Squaring his shoulders, Meng went off to beard the beast.
Bomrek was happily drunk, an unusual situation. Hearing about the lack of leather, though, that quickly changed.
“I need my leather! How else are we going to armor the dummies to test those spears? Cloth just isn’t the same!”
Meng nodded. “But remember, we haven’t used up all of the leather they sent in earlier quotas. And there’s that giant cave spider chitin that’s sure to be tougher than anything Finderboards could have sent.”
Bomrek’s expression turned mulish. “The chitin is supposed to be turned into armor for the peons. It’ll be wasted on a target.”
“Well, what about if we used several layers of the cloth? It looks like they sent a variety of bolts, all of them of the highest quality. Surely, if they’re properly layered, it would provide a good test as to which spears should then be tested against armored targets?”
Bomrek cocked his head. Encouraged by his unaccustomed reasonable moment, Meng quickly forged ahead. “I mean, right now a lot of the spears break against the armor and ruin it. But if they don’t succeed against mere cloth, we’ll end up using the leather more efficiently in our tests.”
His expression made it clear Bomrek was still not enthused with the idea. But, “Fine. I’ll give Finderboards a pass. This time.” He said magnanimously. “But if it doesn’t work, I’m taking it out of your hide.” He jabbed his finger in emphasis.
Meng nodded in understanding and got out of there.
Early Winter 84
The Master read the letter for a third time. While it was clear that the sender sought to explain away his own failures, he did make some valid points. Not least of which was the number of visitors, some of which were target dwarves, that seemed to find a reason to visit Finderboards. Granted, it appeared that the overwhelming majority of actual petitioners were humans, but the Master could work with the greedy, ambitious creatures.
And the dwarf’s ultimate solution had merit. But it will also take time. The bait will need to be presented carefully. Very carefully.
And if more targets could be drawn to Finderboards in the meantime…
The possibility was tempting. Very tempting.
Still Early Winter 84
The councilor stepped through the door into the royal office. Making his obeisance, he greeted his king respectfully.
“I am sorry to disturb you, Sire, but I believe this particular letter cannot wait.”
Munching on his snack of whip vine flour biscuits, the king gestured for him to hand over the letter.
Unfolding it quickly, he scanned it. He carefully re-read certain passages, then grunted. “This will certainly need to be dealt with.” He waved the councilor away.
And since Bomrek is one of the queen consort’s favorites, I’ll need to discuss it with my wife.
Queen consort Doren Geniusnet was perhaps the only person who could make King Dodok actually stop and think rather than react.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 30, 2016, 06:28:01 pm
"Combatstrikes the Adorable Directions"? Nice name.
Full moon...heralds a werebeast.
⁓̛ Well, good these requests are less military, I suppose.
But cut gems? Somebody wants a fail. After all, Bomrek would reasonably believe you to be still behind aquifer.
And...Ah, missed ivory myself. That's even worse. Caverns....Cave Dragons, Rutherers and Blind Cave Bears. None are easy targets.
⁓̛ No performance troupes yet, deciding to stay?
Though oddly, they can arrive naked.
Or on the other side, there's the human nobles with every cloth piece decorated with a random material.
⁓̛ Hm, kimberlite tracks? Haen't seen that before myself. It's not a bad combination of blue and black.
In my mind, I protest "that's not going to get through" before I realize your plan to use rollers.
But hold on a second...Ah, you didn't forget about aquifer leak.
⁓̛ Bone isn't exactly same as tooth (oh how great it'd be if teeth healed), but horn...Not sure. Probably depends on animals; disposable antlers on deer ain't the same as rhino's life-long spear.
⁓̛ Heh. I usually don't include megabeasts in world gen.
I wonder, what will you have?
Still mysterious, for humans don't tolerate babysnatchers. I'd almost suspect the kobolds, were they not all killed by ....elves. Who else to control the great beasts of the world, indeed?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 30, 2016, 06:40:46 pm
But cut gems? Somebody wants a fail. After all, Bomrek would reasonably believe you to be still behind aquifer.
Actually, since ToadyOne implemented things like cutting clay and rock, the cut gems are the easiest part. I just have Mebzuth making raw green glass, and Logem cuts that and the clay loam that someone else can gather. Never was worried about this.
⁓̛ No performance troupes yet, deciding to stay?
I think my visitor cap is too low for those right now (I have it set to 10, though with a successful defeat of the giantess and the breaching of the aquifer, it's probably time to raise it a bit, to simulate the growth of our reputation).
⁓̛ Hm, kimberlite tracks? Haen't seen that before myself. It's not a bad combination of blue and black.
The tracks are actually built of cobaltite. I don't know why they show up as dark blue instead of bright blue (likely a bug, but it's such a minor one...), but I don't mind.
In my mind, I protest "that's not going to get through" before I realize your plan to use rollers.
Yes. And the gear shaft will go through the centers of the rail spirals. I'll post pictures as I get things connected together.
But hold on a second...Ah, you didn't forget about aquifer leak.
No, I've gotten bitten by that nasty little surprise often enough to now make me paranoid. Hence the cobaltite+kimberlite color-coding (kimberlite for everything on the level immediately beneath, cobaltite on every aquifer level). And until that kimberlite comes in, I'm going to be checking everything in the granite levels four or five times before saying "go".
I'd almost suspect the kobolds, were they not all killed by ....elves.
Only one cave worth of kobolds has been killed so far, there are others out there.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on December 30, 2016, 07:18:11 pm
Performance tropes can have 7 or less members, but I find in the Meetup gens I tend to get them after a fruitful trade with elves, though obviously this is world-specific.
Right, minecart tracks use the secondary color - dark blue, in this case.
As for kobolds, mm. But in range, maybe not. Well, their gibberish is not something a dwarf can understand usually.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on December 31, 2016, 05:53:53 pm
01 Moonstone 84
The first set of dwarves headed to the training area this morning, half of them grumbling and the other half excited about finally getting some martial arts practice.
And apparently Uvash, our senior carpenter, is a macedwarf? How did I miss that? A look through the stockpiles revealed no maces left from that particular quota of Bomrek’s. Well, it might make sense to make a few for our own use. But it’ll wait until next month, NCommander is also training now.
And I’ve finally decided. That wren man has been flying around for months. Does he not know how to land? Or maybe he needs a staircase to get down? I’m going to build him one, just in case.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/1z5i7va.png)
02 Moonstone 84
I ordered the corpses moved, since they seem to keep frightening merchant animals. The panicked animals then proceed to break the wagons, which leave an awful mess we have to clean up, and I’m tired of the extra work.
03 Moonstone 84
(http://i65.tinypic.com/jq5lsp.png)
I guess Logem has enough glass stockpiled that we can spare Mebzuth for a few days.
07 Moonstone 84
That certainly took longer than expected. Mebzuth went running all over the place for his supplies.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/34xiyk3.png)
But he’s finally settled in to work, banging around and muttering. I wonder what he’s making?
(http://i68.tinypic.com/fvvgx5.png)
11 Moonstone 84
Now that is a totally awesome…bed?
(http://i65.tinypic.com/v4sefa.png)
Judging from the admiring, covetous looks on everyone’s faces when Mebzuth unveiled his ultimate masterpiece, someone would be very happy to sleep in that thing. Now, who should get the privilege?
(http://i64.tinypic.com/22b0n6.png)
But did he really have to include a reference to King Dodok? Then again, that might dissuade some of the potential takers...
______________________________________________________________________________
12 Moonstone 84
Lugging the final clay loam boulder to the top of the Stairway to Heaven, as she had privately taken to calling the stairway stretching up to the where the wren man hovered, Airith started carefully attaching it into place. Above, the wren man chirped cheerfully to her, but she paid little attention.
When the boulder was finally solidly in position, she sat down for a minute, taking a break. The wren man settled down to perch next to her, with a cheerful greeting. Nodding back, Airith was distracted by the view.
“You can see for shars from up here!” She was amazed. Being a dwarf, she had never realized just how much of an advantage fliers had, especially once they got above the trees. The wren man chirped agreement, fluffing his wings happily.
She frowned a moment more, then rose swiftly. “That gives me an idea. We need a lookout tower!” Racing down the stairs, she made a beeline for Lotu.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
15 Moonstone 84
The wren man finally wandered into the common room. He’s spent the last few days regaling anyone who will listen about everything he saw while flying above the village.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2whhue9.png)
As a result, Mooney has joined Airith in lobbying for a lookout tower. Lorbam says we have plenty of rock to make blocks from, and neither of those are required for this year’s quota, so I’ll add that to the immediate projects list.
Dr. Urist and Airith will need to re-adjust the placement of the permanent windmills, however. They’re supposed to be built right where Mooney wants me to put his tower.
20 Moonstone 84
For once, we have dwarves visiting. The scholar made beeline for our library, and the bard is holding forth in the dining room.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/21ozxiw.png)
It’s a nice change from the constant stream of humans.
22 Moonstone 84
The first step to building a lookout tower is building some sort of accessway. Given the planned location, it will be easiest to expand the Central Spire upward.
27 Moonstone 84
Dr. Urist has finished planning the new windmill generating system. I found the updated plans on my chair, and Dr. Urist is back in her library, conferring with the visiting scholars.
Is it me, or is it crowded in here?
(http://i63.tinypic.com/hweufr.png)
03 Opal 84
We’ve finished the permanent floor above the Central Spire, so we no longer have to deal with steady rivulets of rain washing ruts into the uppermost ramps. Instead, the rain strikes the built ramps and flows off harmlessly onto the muddy ground to the sides. Some of the water occasionally still overflows into the Central Spire, but our hole feels a little homier now.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/15g2mxh.png)
10 Opal 84
Things happen much more slowly with seven militia trying to train nine recruits in the rudiments of dodging and shield use. We’re not going to get much done this winter.
13 Opal 84
The wren man didn’t stay very long. I guess he saw most of what he wanted to from the air.
19 Opal 84
Mooney’s complaining that 1 z-level high is not the kind of lookout tower he wanted. I pointed out the ramps I built for the next level.
Oops.
We need some walls, not just floors, don’t we… I’ll get right on that.
01 Obsidian 84
It’s finally time for my squad to start training. I’ve been looking forward to this all winter.
______________________________________________________________________________
05 Obsidian 84
Akrul interrupted the training session. “Lotu, someone wants a word. She says it’s urgent.”
“Huh? Okay.” Holding his shield, Lotu headed to his ‘office’, to find a human waiting.
I was pulled from training for this!?
(http://i64.tinypic.com/29yjgvb.png)
Wait a minute, she wants to join our military! “Yeah, sure! You’re definitely welcome here! Come with me.”
With a wave, Lotu led the new member back to the training area. “This imposing dwarf here is Imic. You’ll be in his squad until we get some swordsdwarves formed up. He’ll get you outfitted with some gear and a bedroom.”
Imic nodded in agreement, and Lotu finished with, “We’re really happy to have you! Welcome to Finderboards!”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
07 Obsidian 84
Dr. Urist wants cages built near the wall into the caverns, and the wall torn down. I suppose that’s as good a place as any to try to trap more cavern creatures. Erib seems to think some of them might produce some ivory for us.
14 Obsidian 84
Those dratted keas are back. Mooney took his Pillars straight up to the ramparts, and started shooting. I’m very glad we’ve started storing the bolts up there.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/24vsl1f.png)
19 Obsidian 84
I’ve noticed a difference with the keas this time around. Everyone still complains bitterly about the dive-bombing little pests, but they’re shooting back with their new weapons.
Even those most against the training, like Spriggans, have had to admit that it is helping. I just wish we didn’t need to.
25 Obsidian 84
Besmar killed the last kea today, so we’re safe until the next flock appears. In doing so, he has earned elite status.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/103fz1c.jpg)
I’m sure Udil was relieved. Over the years we’ve discovered that axedwarves and birds don’t mix very well.
26 Obsidian 84
With a third of the village training at any given time, progress on the tower is slow.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2mx1huh.png)
28 Obsidian 84
And…Akrul's back to yelling.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/350nmmg.png)
Well, what does she expect me to do? Other than the month she spent training, Erib’s working flat out with butchering and tanning. And with only 15 pairs of hands free to work this winter, we’re lucky we made as much progress as we did!
I repeatedly told her our spring numbers would improve, and she finally had to accept that. But she’s still glaring at me from her chair, as if it’s all my fault.
I’ll talk to Dr. Urist, as our resident scholar, about whether horn or bone would be closer to ivory. Or maybe NCommander, as our part-time trainer, would know? Then again, Erib is the butcher, and Rith is the actual bone carver…I’ll get all four of them into the conversation. Between them, they should be able to come up with an acceptable substitute.
OOC: I've added a poll if people want to make their opinions on amulets known. It'll stay open until Monday evening, since I have some work to do tomorrow and won't have time to play.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on December 31, 2016, 08:22:19 pm
And, by the ancient Laws set forth by the Ancients, I call Dibs on that awesome bed.... wait, wouldn't Lotu AND Airith use it?
In that case, "we" call dibs.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 02, 2017, 10:30:13 am
And they should work better than maces - while I think iron ones would be better against bronze colossi, copper ones would be cheap and work quite well.
Not sure how much that would cut into import cap, but it's a thought.
¶ Mebzuth might have bit into quota, looking at that list.
As for the bed, military barracks?
Communal dormitory piece for dwarves unwilling to claim one?
A centerpiece into tavern to attract visitors?
Something to awe the visiting caravans?
It seems a waste to just give it to a single dwarf, though if a single dwarf would get it, Mebzuth could be a contender, for they made it.
¶ 9 out of 10 visitors are scholars? Hm, they do make the best ones for staying in fortress, and bring no annoying metal weaponry.
Well, as long as there's floor space you'll not get hit too hard by 1 FPS bug with single-tile locations.
¶ Huh. With the quotas and military rotation, didn't expect you to approve a merc.
Haha, nice ramparts - but wait , I see a sapling; is there a hole in roof that shows sapling in water on z-level beneath?
As for the keas, I thought they didn't have a way in to interrupt, but guess they do. How many of them remain in local population?
¶ Well, lets see what caverns bring.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 02, 2017, 12:33:47 pm
¶ Mebzuth might have bit into quota, looking at that list.
Nothing that Logem didn't promptly replace. If you notice, we're about halfway there on the gems, with two seasons to go. It shouldn't be a problem.
As for the bed, military barracks?
Communal dormitory piece for dwarves unwilling to claim one?
A centerpiece into tavern to attract visitors?
Something to awe the visiting caravans?
It seems a waste to just give it to a single dwarf, though if a single dwarf would get it, Mebzuth could be a contender, for they made it.
So many choices...
¶ Huh. With the quotas and military rotation, didn't expect you to approve a merc.
Humans make good megabeast fodder. I'll take the import hit until she eventually dies, then melt down her armor. And, if I sacrifice a dwarf to the cause (e.g. make a new squad with just her and the squad captain), she can stay on relatively permanent guard duty, giving the rest of the militia more time for other things. And if I rotate dwarves in and out of the squad leadership, this can become a much more flexible arrangement.
Haha, nice ramparts - but wait , I see a sapling; is there a hole in roof that shows sapling in water on z-level beneath?
That's actually a stack of quinoa [2] that someone dropped when a kea flew by. I dunno what they were doing hauling it up there (my guess is a marksdwarf who forgot they had it when they changed from "herbalist" to active duty), but there definitely isn't a hole in the roof.
As for the keas, I thought they didn't have a way in to interrupt, but guess they do. How many of them remain in local population?
There are 212 left, according to DFhack's region-pops. Killing them all is going to take a while.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 02, 2017, 03:04:56 pm
Though it may feel unfair to them perhaps, when everyone else vacations.
As for her eventual death, do you have enough megabeasts? it can be years before a non-forgotten one arrives, by which time she'll be legendary and unlikely to die.
Though by then upgrading her armor to steel would be reasonable.
As for the poll, picked horn - for bone is so different from teeth, but both ivory and horns are there to spear enemies, so perhaps not too different composition.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 02, 2017, 04:47:30 pm
As for her eventual death, do you have enough megabeasts? it can be years before a non-forgotten one arrives, by which time she'll be legendary and unlikely to die.
Someone has to explore the caverns. And deal with forgotten beasts (some of which can be pretty dangerous)...
As for the poll, picked horn - for bone is so different from teeth, but both ivory and horns are there to spear enemies, so perhaps not too different composition.
I'll go by whatever the majority chooses. But, IRL, horns are made out of a bone-like substance covered in keratin (this is what people may be thinking of when mentioning things like rhino and deer horns) and, like teeth, damage to a horn cannot be repaired. While not themselves bones (because they're much denser and harder), teeth are made out of the same building blocks as bones. So the argument can easily go either way, hence the poll.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: neo1096 on January 02, 2017, 07:40:09 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 02, 2017, 08:15:47 pm
I'd like to be dwarfed as the first male dwarf in the swordsdwarves, once you get a squad of them formed up. I would appreciate if you could give him the custom nickname of 'Neo', but have no other real preferences. Looking forward to more entertaining writing in the future.
You're on the list. FYI, it might be a while, depending on whether or not I decide the story needs another group of migrants (if not, I've provisionally earmarked one of the boys for you, for when he eventually grows up).
And it looks like bones won, 5 to 2. So we'll be making amulets out of bone.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 02, 2017, 08:29:31 pm
As for Geño vs FB, Well...I like to make FBs deal with each other. Very entertaining. And safe.
Otherwise yeah I guess she'll be likely done in by a webber or vapor/dust eventually*, barring a placement so fortuitous that she would be unruffled.
*defined as time where you'll pit her versus them. I'm not holding my breath, though, given the timescale for aquifer, but you do have cavern trapping.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 03, 2017, 09:59:57 pm
01 Granite 85
Almost exactly ten years after arriving here, our faithful, playful kitten, Avuz, has died.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/qostpe.png)
He did an excellent job of keeping the rodents away from the food, and was always ready to pounce on a piece of string or long grass. The place won’t be the same without him.
I need to remember to order a replacement rat-catcher in the fall.
03 Granite 85
The last month has been spent arguing over who deserves the glass bed more. Mebzuth, because he made it? Imic, because he’s the first to face our enemies? Airith and I, because we’re in charge? Akrul, because Dodok put her in charge? And on and on and on.
I think I’ve finally found the compromise.
We have four pieces of artifact furniture: the cage, the door, the coffin, and now the bed. I’m going to have them all put on display in the common area, so that everyone, residents and visitors alike, can admire the craftsdwarfship of those who live here.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2872is8.png)
The door will go near Dr. Urist’s library, since she keeps complaining about the noise level these days, not that that will help much. The coffin and bed will go into our dining area, where we can admire them every time someone puts on some sort of entertainment. The cage will go between the dining and training areas, where everyone who passes can look at it to their hearts’ content.
Of course, as is always the case with compromises, no one was particularly happy. But, most of them had to agree it was fair.
Airith isn’t speaking to me at the moment. But, maybe I could be convinced once we have some real quarters carved out?
That reminds me, I need to check on those cavern traps and see if we’re ready to take down that wall…
05 Granite 85
NCommander, Erib, Rith and Dr. Urist have chosen bone as the best substitute we have for ivory, and Rith has started making amulets out of the mountain to which Erib continues to add.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/oj1qqe.png)
06 Granite 85
(http://i66.tinypic.com/1531q2e.png)
Great, yet another one running around and adding to the mess because they’ve gotten too big for their mothers to handle, but still too small to be of any practical use.
14 Granite 85
(http://i63.tinypic.com/15quc90.png)
Excellent! We can get rid of some more worn clothes.
______________________________________________________________________________
19 Granite 85
Ustuth saw them first, from her position on the ramparts.
“Dwarves coming!”
Migrants! Lotu thought, when he finally heard. Leaving the cobaltite vein he was digging out, he sprinted up the Central Spire and panted into the depot as the newcomers strode purposefully over the bridge.
Lines appeared on his forehead as he frowned, squinting past them. Just the two? That’s not going to make much difference.
The male dwarf reached the group of locals. “We’re lookin’ for Lotu.”
Lotu swallowed. “That’s me.”
The other dwarf looked him up and down, noting the rock dust coating his clothes and marking him as a miner, rather than an administrator.
“You’re in charge?”
“That’s what Echoworked keeps telling me.”
With a sharp nod, the new arrival reached into his tunic and withdrew a letter. The seal was instantly recognizable. “I’m to give you this.”
This is an exceptionally-crafted sheet of jabberer parchment. It is decorated with spikes of microcline and hanging rings of giant cave spider silk. It is embossed with a masterfully-crafted image of a dwarf and dwarves in wax. The dwarves are raising the dwarf. The image relates to the ascension of Dodok Charmedmirrors to the position of King of the Figure of Diving in the year 1. This image is the personal seal of the king.
A letter from the king. And sent by special courier, no less. I must have really pissed him off about the ivory.
Trying to maintain an unworried air, he slid his fingernail beneath the seal, and unfolded the sheet.
Attention: Lotu Sizzlediron
While I am delighted that you have finally stopped slacking long enough to vanquish the aquifer, I am most displeased with the other contents of your latest missive. A lack of raw materials is not an acceptable reason for failing to meet any reasonable demand. I have complete faith that Bomrek is, in fact, limiting his demands to you.
I hereby instruct you, as Bomrek’s suppliers, to keep breeding populations of all possible creatures on hand, so that you will be prepared for any and all of Bomrek’s demands. Logem Echoworked will be responsible for verifying your acquiescence in this matter during his yearly visits.
However, I am not an unreasonable dwarf. I have sent you Sigun Pulledroof, of Clan I and the bearer of this letter, to act as your primary animal trainer. His credentials are above reproach, as he has learned his methods from no lesser dwarf than my wife, Doren Geniusnets, who was the first dwarf from the Figure of Diving to tame a jabberer. Sigun will be responsible for training and taming any wild animals you catch.
Signed: His Majesty by the Grace of Armok, King Dodók Charmedmirrors, Cheesemaker
Lotu looked back up. “An animal trainer?”
Sigun nodded. “And my wife, Feb, is a tanner.” He gestured toward the female dwarf standing silently watching.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/9lehef.png)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/291id1w.png)
Lotu nodded cordially to her, then turned back to Sigun. “This says,” Lotu tapped the sheet, “that you’re supposed to be our senior trainer.”
Sigun shrugged. “That’s what the king said.”
Lotu waved NCommander closer. “You’ll be happy to learn your work load will be easing. King Dodok has sent us an excellent trainer, so you can focus more on weaponsmithing.”
NCommander took one look at the usurper, and sniffed. Excellent? He doesn’t look like he knows the difference between a dog and wolf. With a sniff, she stalked off heavily, without even a greeting.
“Ah, don’t mind her. She’s been moody the last few weeks.”
Turning to Feb, he indicated a dwarf currently struggling with an aurochs cow that most certainly did not want to be slaughtered. “That's Erib, our butcher. She’s been so overwhelmed trying to be both butcher and tanner, I’m sure she’ll be happy of the help.”
Feb nodded, gave her husband a quick peck on the cheek, and headed off to work.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
20 Granite 85
If anyone was overjoyed to see the newcomers, it was probably Erib. She practically fell at Feb’s feet, so great was her relief at getting rid of half of her workload. Sigun is already making himself useful with some hauling, while waiting for the cage traps to catch something.
They brought a turkey poult and a guineacock to help us get started. Wouldn’t it have been better to bring a breeding pair of something, instead?
But the shock of their arrival must have shaken NCommander even more deeply than she let on yesterday.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/28qq7bb.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/aucso9.png)
21 Granite 85
Well, the elves were finally ready to trade. And, as always, they brought a kea.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2m7ucgo.png)
At least they brought some useful stuff, too. Amazing! Who would have thought there would be a point to all of those caged animals they keep bringing? Now, if only I could convince them to bring breeding pairs…
I bought all the animals they had, except the kea, naturally. And I ignored the tame vermin too. I don’t think even Bomrek would ever request those.
They always seem really happy to take our worn and tattered clothing in exchange. Do they not know how to collect and work with silk?
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i66.tinypic.com/29n6r1c.png) (http://i68.tinypic.com/2mxr1ar.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
24 Granite 85
As usual, some of the merchants were relaxing in the increasingly tiny common area, swapping stories and enjoying the local entertainers.
At the end of a particularly daring saga from one of the visiting humans, the elf Acithí broke in. “I have one for you. A few years ago, my niece, Ithithí Skycradled, was exploring alone in the Dune of Clefts.” The dwarves nodded. The foothills to the south were marked on their maps, though none had ever been there.
“She came across a cave, and inside the cave was an entire city’s worth of kobolds. Do you know what she did then?”
Heads shook.
Acithí grinned, rather bloodthirstily. “Well, she fought and killed every last one. Thirty-eight of them, in the space of a week.”
He noticed the disbelief on several faces. The local militia, especially, were well aware of how difficult it could be to catch up with a single kobold.
“Look, here’s proof!” Acithí drew out an amulet. A rather distinctive one. “This was one of the first amulets their craft kobold made, at the dawn of time. Look how shoddy it is!”
“Oh!” The soft gasp came from Besmar, but it was echoed by several others. The last time they had seen that, it had hung proudly from the neck of a kobold called Tayldis.
The elf laughed at their expressions. “According to my niece, the kobold wearing it was more upset at the thought of losing his first attempt at crafting, than he was at the thought of dying! Then again, who could expect anything else from such a primitive creature!”
He was still chuckling as the dwarves filed glumly back to work.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
26 Granite 85
We had occasionally wondered why our regular visitors had stopped announcing dangerous seasons, but I don’t think anyone suspected that they were all dead. I’ve been finding myself sniffling a bit, when I think of the poor little guy.
And this morning, I overheard Catten referring to ‘Tayldis Bridge’. It’s fitting, given the number of times he was spotted near there. Don’t worry little guy, we won’t forget you.
10 Slate 85
I’ve decided this is a good time to pause construction on the surface tower, in favor of getting the caverns opened up and trapping some animals there.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/rldily.png)
13 Slate 85
The merchants just departed, and as if their departure were a signal…
(http://i65.tinypic.com/157dukw.png)
It’s made of crystal glass? Will axes work against that? I think I’ll have a couple of silver hammers and maces made, just in case.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/120o6x0.png)
Somehow, I get the feeling this one is going to be a bigger challenge than the two surface ones were. I’m going to leave the wall sealed up, at least until Aban finishes the last few pieces of steel armor for Rigoth. And maybe, long enough for Geño to get some protection as well. All that leather and jewelry looks nice, but I wouldn’t make a bet on how long she’ll survive a pitched battle in it.
And no, I don’t care if it means we won’t show progress on the breeding populations. Some things are more important than the king’s, or even Bomrek’s, wishes.
Like survival, for instance.
______________________________________________________________________________
22 Slate 85
The dwarf was cheerful as he worked, but he tried to hide it. Given the current grim mood pervading the village, any cheerfulness would make someone take notice, something he could easily do without.
But it was difficult.
A forgotten beast! The gods have heard my prayers. Surely a forgotten beast will manage to cross at least one name off that dratted list! Assuming Lotu ever gets around to actually removing that wall. What is he waiting for, anyway?
27 Slate 85
A human tapped Lotu on the shoulder. The dwarf turned from his contemplation of the dwarven ale in his mug.
“I want to talk to you.” She pronounced, as if it were a revelation.
“Yeah?” Lotu shrugged disinterestedly.
“I’ve heard you’ve spotted a legendary monster in the caverns below this village.” Lotu nodded, and the human continued. “When your military goes to fight it, I want in.”
(http://i67.tinypic.com/footoh.png)
Lotu stared at her for a moment, then shrugged again. “It’s your funeral. Would you like some armor first?”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
08 Felsite 85
And the onslaught continues. No sooner did this dwarf arrive, than she came to find me as I was eating my lunch.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2r3xnh3.png)
The Clan H Mother wants to live here? She does realize none of her Clan are likely to join her here, right? Or is that the whole point?
Oh, wait a moment. Maybe it was the four artifacts on proud display in the common area…
At any rate, I said ‘yes’. Having one of the Great Ones living here can only boost morale.
13 Felsite 85
Another troupe of capuchins approached today. But this time, the traps were ready for them. Two of the males are now residing in cages, waiting for Sigun to get to them, while a third male was killed in a stone-fall trap. Now we just need to train the first two and catch a female…
14 Felsite 85
The capuchin success has inspired Imic’s and NCommander’s daughter. She’s claimed a crafters’.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/11qu7n4.png)
19 Felsite 85
Imic is insisting that his steel axe is perfectly capable of cutting through Arod’s crystal glass body. And he seems to really want to get to it.
I told him I’d think about it. For now, Arod is safely trapped below ground, but if the Pale Roads fail…
24 Felsite 85
Thikut has been running around the village, scrounging into stockpiles and workshops. She’s even managed to piss off Logem, who has been yelling at all and sundry that the cut gems are for the quota, not for personal use.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/ilvb00.png)
Now after all that trouble, what is she going to make?
28 Felsite 85
And another season draws to a close.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/15nup2t.png)
While Akrul isn’t happy about the amulet substitution, at least she isn’t yelling about our ‘unmotivated, laidback, laggardly slacker hides’. That dwarf does know how to insult someone. But the rest of the numbers do look quite good, even if I do say so myself.
OOC: You may have noticed that I've reworked the clan membership designations. Clan membership is patrilineal (as it was before, arbitrarily because we started with a king), but the world gen founding couples from our civ (The Figure of Diving) have been assigned letters from the beginning of the alphabet (currently A - K), while the founding couples of Finderboards have been assigned letters from the end of the alphabet (currently X - Z). Locally, we now have dwarves from every Clan except J and K,
Interesting note: Sigun Pulledroof is the only surviving male descendant of the world gen founding couple for Clan I. The only other male member of Clan I (ever) was his father, who died by elf in 76. Fortunately, Sigun does have a wife (Feb), so all hope for Clan I is not yet lost (assuming he can produce at least one son before one of them dies). Sigun's surviving relatives (all of whom's children will be born into other Clans) are: his one adult daughter, two older sisters, one younger sister and his widowed mother (not counting his wife). Poor guy.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on January 03, 2017, 10:31:30 pm
Journal of Airith
You can't win them all, said some famous person. Well, I lost the bed, only consolation is that no one else got it. A shame, it looked really amazing to sleep on- wait... a glass bed.... huh. On second thought....
Carp. I have to make it up to Lotu... I won't ask for a full blown mansion.... just a very large House :P
I read the reply letter I received last year finally. It didn't have much, just that the king is a fat dick, Bomrek is worse. But what intrigued me was the particular section of Dwarven Law that my associate uncovered for me. The letter came with a sheet of old paper title "Laws of Succession". Huh, this'll be an interesting read. I wonder why my asset thought it would be of use to me.
Got to keep Lotu from interrupting me without it seeming like I'm still upset.... AGGHHH, being married is so aggravating... But I still love him much.
I'll probably need Dr. Urist's help, I'm not one for the political jargon, the Doc'll help me read it, after all, we're both working for the same thing.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 04, 2017, 08:58:10 pm
No Peregine Falcons?
Well...Going to need a new cat, then.
And well...Is this greatness or croynism? Or perhaps both? How great is Sigun?
I can see why the elves would like the deal.
Your imported wealth is really down as well.
As for Sigun, it was inevitable.
Lots of children in cast. Few more years, and they'll start growing up I guess.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 04, 2017, 09:55:08 pm
Your imported wealth is really down as well.
Partly due to having mostly scholars and entertainers as visitors at that point, rather than soldiers with their more expensive equipment. And I've been spending quite a bit of time going through the entire stocks screen to hunt down everything marked as <fill-in-the-blank> and either marking it for trade or micromanaging so that it gets used pronto. I think we're comfortably under now.
•That's convenient number of couples!
There may be more, those are just the ones I've been able to pinpoint by tracking the lineage of each of the migrant or visitor dwarves who arrive.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Timeless Bob on January 05, 2017, 03:20:53 am
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 05, 2017, 09:39:58 am
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on January 05, 2017, 10:49:41 am
Seriously,are we like incapable of having one, or do our dwarves not have enough alone time?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 05, 2017, 12:00:18 pm
01 Hematite 85
Well, Thîkut has started summer off with a bang.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2mzp93.png)
I guess it makes sense that a kid would make a toy.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2hp1yy1.png)
11 Hematite 85
And, they’re back!
(http://i64.tinypic.com/33uewpd.png)
I’ve ordered all of our bins of random stuff moved.
______________________________________________________________________________
12 Hematite 85
Someone cleared their throat behind Lotu, causing him to jump and slam the hammer in his finger.
“Aaaah!” Shaking his hand violently, he stuck the offended digit in his mouth, laving away the sting. Turning, he cast a baleful eye on the dwarf who had dared interrupt.
“Sorry but, I’d really like a word.”
(http://i66.tinypic.com/24ywoqg.png)
Lotu froze in shock. Is everyone crazy, to want to live here?
Aloud, he protested, “Have you even seen this place? Go ahead, take a look around. And then there’s the monster in the caverns? You are aware of that one, yes?”
Mafol shrugged. “Well, this isn’t as bad as some of the hellish places I’ve seen. Have you ever been to Swimrag? No? Talk about living in a pile of filth. And you have Arod locked away quite securely down below, so this seems like a pretty safe place. But frankly, I just want to be with my brother and his family.”
(http://i67.tinypic.com/11tljih.png)
Which is a better reason than a lot of these people have given. Lotu nodded in agreement. “Sure, you can stay. Besmar has been a bit happier since you arrived.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
16 Hematite 85
While I traded a bit with the humans, it was more a matter of politeness than anything else. The only useful stuff they brought was iron bars and some surface silk thread. Of all of their animals, the only breeding pair was llamas, which we already have so I didn’t take them. All of the others we can order from Theaterknowledge.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2niws2s.png) (http://i63.tinypic.com/mk61c.png)
17 Hematite 85
The Pale Roads have assembled at the cavern entrance, so I suppose it’s time to take down that wall.
19 Hematite 85
With the wall down, I sprinted back up the Central Spire to Catten’s level, ready to build a floor if our brave protectors happen to fail.
______________________________________________________________________________
21 Hematite 85
Battle was joined in a frenzy of gore and the sound of steel striking glass.
Geño claimed first strike, denting the shell. Ino, eager to give battle, started wielding her new dwarven-made silver war hammer. But her frustration mounted with every blow, for the shell caused her every attack to glance away.
Imic, Sky and Geño, armed with axes and swords, fared much better, as they started slicing away pieces of the shell.
Arod, clearly not particularly intelligent, focused all of his attacks on the relatively harmless hammerwoman, forcing her to dodge this way and that, blocking now and then with her shield. A lucky blow of Arod’s knocked Ino down, just as Geño finally saw an opening. Raising her silver sword to shoulder level and gripping the pommel with both hands, she lunged forward, thrusting the blade deep into the body.
The blade struck true, piercing the heart in a shower of gore, just as Ino rose shakily to her feet, stunned but unharmed thanks to her breastplate.
Turning to congratulate his squad, Imic’s eye fell on Sky’s battle axe. His copper battle axe. Shoving his own axe into his shield hand, he grabbed Sky’s upper arm and force-marched him straight up the Central Spire to the bin containing the steel axes. As he passed Lotu, he was in full flood.
“…you blasted slow-witted thick-skulled numb-brained…”
And from experience, I know Imic was just getting started. Lotu thought, quickly clearing the ramp.
Now, let’s make that cavern entry a little more defensible and useable.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
24 Hematite 85
We’ve already caught a large rat in the cavern cages, so the underground breeding off to a good start, as soon as Sigun gets around to training it.
25 Hematite 85
Sigun seems to think he’s learned something about training.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2z7h2dg.png)
Wait, didn’t the king say he was supposed to be good at this? When I asked him, Sigun’s rather tart reply was that he’d never worked with surface animals before. Of course training monkeys was all new!
04 Malachite 85
I guess Sigun had a point. He trained that large rat quickly enough, but he’s still working with the capuchins.
13 Malachite 85
(http://i67.tinypic.com/23wr6so.png)
Yeah, yeah, safe journey and all that. We have a new visiting bard to entertain us!
24 Malachite 85
I am so happy! We’ve finished quota! With a few tweaks, granted, but now we’ll actually have time to focus on relaxation.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/1zldtft.png)
And we can finally get some serious work done on those practical projects that have been cluttering up my to-do list. Now, which to do first?
27 Malachite 85
I’m tired of listening to complaints about the noise. Fine, we’ll move the tavern first. Hmmm, how about to the first floor of that lookout tower? It’ll be right above the current brewery and the kitchen, so hauling ingestibles won’t take long, and all we have to do is add a roof before moving in the furniture.
And the entertainers should be happy, because they’ll finally have a dance floor that’s not taken up by training soldiers more than half the time.
01 Galena 85
While the others are working on that roof, I’m going to spend some time below. It’s time we had some nice, spacious, dwarfy bedrooms, instead of the cramped quarters we currently tolerate.
08 Galena 85
The baroness consort of Swimrag found me in the bowels of the mines, where I was digging some more downward ramps.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/11r66ig.png)
Swimrag…I couldn’t find it on any of our maps, and she finally showed me where it was. And it turns out that she’s from the Corridor of Mastery, far to the distant west, not the Figure of Diving at all! Great, not only a noble, but a stranger!
Given that she seems to think this a good place for a noble to reside, I shudder to think what her home is like. Wait, didn't Mafol say something to that effect. Called it a "pile of filth," I believe.
I made it clear that she would get no special treatment, but that didn’t dissuade her in the least.
Welcome to Finderboards, I guess.
______________________________________________________________________________
12 Galena 85
“Excuse me, Sir Dwarf?” The words came just as Lotu let the pick fall, causing the steel head to skip and slide across the granite instead of biting deeply into it.
Don’t you people realize I’m trying to dig, here?
(http://i67.tinypic.com/ixuvjr.png)
“Fine, fine, whatever. Can I get back to this hallway now?”
“Thank you, Master Dwarf!”
OOC: Seriously, he had time to dig out only a couple of tiles between the two meetings.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
17 Galena 85
Zutthan has started behaving strangely and claimed a masonry.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/4rwaol.png)
19 Galena 85
Again!?
(http://i67.tinypic.com/33vnrq9.jpg)
We just dealt with one of those! I sent the Pale Roads to deal with it.
Gems are like glass, right?
20 Galena 85
I was on my way up to get a drink, and saw an amazing sight.
Apparently, yet another human wanted a meeting. But this one was interrupted by a gremlin on the way down, and was delayed just long enough for Un to reach them. Un made quick work of the gremlin, then started in on the human. I was quick to hide.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2zj9so7.png)
Good to know. Crossbow bolts don’t work on this thing, and Tor was soon history. Un scampered up the ramps to the marble layers, at which point it encountered real resistance, in the form of our resident human mercenaries.
I followed it up, hoping to sneak past during the ensuing battle, but ended up watching the whole thing.
This time, Ino’s war hammer actually worked but, once again, she drew the brunt of enemy’s attacks. Managing to block one of its flurry of attacks, she lost hold of her shield. Un followed up quickly and stabbed its stinger at her hand, neatly severing it from her arm. Faint from the blood loss, Ino staggered back against the wall.
Meanwhile, taking advantage of Un’s focus on Ino, Geño was slashing and stabbing away with her sword, chipping away at the chrysoberyl body. When Ino stumbled, Geño saw her opportunity.
Leaping forward, she slashed viciously toward the beast’s upper body. For the barest instant it seemed that the gem-like body would shrug the attack off, but then a single, hairline fracture appeared. As the fracture spread, the sword bit more and more deeply, finally slashing completely through the chest region and coming the other side.
Un collapsed in a shower of chrysoberyl fragments, and Geño offered to bring Ino up to our single-bed hospital. But Ino kept shaking her head. “I’m fine. I’m fine. It’s just the hand.”
(http://i63.tinypic.com/adl1zm.png)
Those women have certainly justified their petitions. Now we just need to clean up the mess.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/66fzlw.png)
23 Galena 85
Well, at least Zutthan didn’t delve into the quota.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2ccl40k.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/se663p.png)
25 Galena 85
Losing a hand doesn’t seem to have slowed Ino down at all. She’s working hard to become as good with one hand as she was with two.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2h7docj.png)
27 Galena 85
Two more human visitors have arrived, bringing our current visitor total to 10. Our reputation is clearly spreading, and we’re getting the new tavern built just in time.
And, if we’re building an honest-to-goodness tavern, we may as well have some beds for folks to sleep in, right? The simplest seems to be to put them on the level above the tavern.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/sfxhlh.png)
Which means we need to add a roof… Again.
28 Galena 85
Zutthan is justifiably proud of his single venture into masonry.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/15ozd6p.png)
And he must really have been impressed by Thîkut’s toy axe.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/15mmn0j.png)
And, what do you know? For once, Akrul hasn’t come into my office at all. Is she actually taking a break, since the quota’s done? I didn’t think that dwarf even knew the meaning of “relax.”
@TheImmortalRyukan: I'm hoping to rectify that situation soon. With the aquifer done, Airith and Lotu are getting one entire month each season when they are doing nothing except eat/drink/sleep/social/temple. If that doesn't work, I'm going to burrow them into a Honeymoon Suite until they produce (that's part of the impetus for getting some real bedrooms dug out). Lotu does dream of raising a family, after all.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: Imic on January 05, 2017, 01:31:22 pm
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 05, 2017, 09:23:48 pm
⇡ Hm. Big beasts are resistant to blunt, aren't they?
I think my morningstar testing versus bronze colossi might be relevant (43.03):
Copper and gold ones failed utterly (all losses, almost entirely white with a toe lost on one or two colossi), while steel and adamantine duels versus bronze colossi caused them to take at least fully red wounds, though generally was insufficient for win (3 wins and 25 losses for both). Omni-grandmaster dwarves with standard steel suit and wood shield.
(Also, testing morningstars against each other, I had 16-12 for adamantine VS rose gold, 13-15 for rose gold VS steel and 12-16 for adamantine VS steel, with same skills and outfits.)
"shower of gore" → "shower of glass" perhaps?
Also, showing that silver is superior weapon material to glass. I guess I'm looking at glass serrated disks bit more disfavourably now :p
Interesting that chrysoberyl is weaker than glass.
⇡ Complaints about the noise? RP, I take it?
Or is the mining for new floors causing 'good problems to have'?
⇡ How much do you inspect the visitors before approving the petition?
I'd say "or denying", but so far you've yet to reject anyone.....
⇡ Beautiful malachite in marble. I always like that combination.
Was Zutthan a miner? Would explain the mood. Well, a quern's....Eh. At least you're producing paper, so it can be used.
⇡ Honestly, in my experience communal social meetings don't really work, especially as the fort size increases the number of meetings possible increases factorially while time remains the same.
If you want babies, don't skimp or half-ass on marriage suites; plan them out properly. Something I wish I knew when I started Moonhome.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 05, 2017, 09:48:24 pm
-morningstar stuff-
Good to know.
⇡ Complaints about the noise? RP, I take it?
RPing, yes. I mean, have you ever tried to study while there's this endless social hour going on in the same room?
⇡ How much do you inspect the visitors before approving the petition?
I'm actually curious to find out if relatives (according to the relationships screen) of my visitors will ever petition. So far, none of the humans are relatives, while 2 of the 3 dwarves are. And humans make halfway decent soldiers...
Was Zutthan a miner? Would explain the mood.
He came with some skill in masonry, apparently, but I must have needed him elsewhere for one of the early quotas.
If you want babies, don't skimp or half-ass on marriage suites; plan them out properly. Something I wish I knew when I started Moonhome.
By plan them out properly you mean...? The way I do it, each married couple gets a 3x3. If I need to resort to locking them in, two tiles become a booze stockpile, two are food. I make a burrow in the room, with just those two dwarves assigned, and I lock the door as soon as they're both in with supplies. Then I remove the burrow and make a 2x1 meeting zone for a month or so. I haven't had that setup not work yet.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 05, 2017, 10:07:04 pm
Well, it's less RPing than individual bedrooms, I guess :P
- Yeah, locking them in, with only each other to spend around in small space. Things to add, that you probs know:
• I've used both normal meeting zones and taverns for marriages - not sure which is better, both work generally, but I think if you're trying to ship them while one of them is Dwarven Child a tavern works better as it pulls them out of playing. If one is not working I switch to other and take care of needs; this sometimes helps.
• Locations may make them less distracted and happier, but if your door is unlocked the rabble will pile in, of course.
• They'll leave their burrow to get a drink when dehydrated, but this will abort the baby.
• I've read before that military sparring for married couples can be sufficient for baby-making, but I have not tested this myself. Definitely should, next time I get to boosting population that way, as if it works putting them in 2-big squad would greatly help with avoiding maternity leaves.
• Don't forget to check that the couples you're shipping will marry each other.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 05, 2017, 10:19:27 pm
I've never had a dwarf get dehydrated, probably because I give them more than a month's supply of food and drink.
I was talking about already married couples... ;) When setting up arranged marriages, I do check that the pairings are at least potentially suitable (dfhack's gaydar is nice that way).
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 05, 2017, 10:38:48 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 06, 2017, 12:13:20 pm
04 Limestone 85
Why do they always come when I’m trying to eat, drink, or work? Can’t they wait until I’m actually feeling social?
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2ajxoxy.png)
Does this look like a human town to you? But I have to admit, humans are proving to be a good defense against forgotten beasts. She can stay.
10 Limestone 85
And as always, they have come to cart away all of our hard work.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/242u74k.png)
I’ve ordered the quota moved. There’s a lot this year.
______________________________________________________________________________
17 Limestone 85
(http://i67.tinypic.com/5p2xl3.png)
OK, that’s definitely not a human with a petition request. Is it that time already? Lotu greeted Echoworked, and gestured toward the dining area.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/16jlk4i.png)
Who cares what happens at the other end of the known world? If it’s not about Bomrek’s being replaced, I. Don’t. Care!
(http://i63.tinypic.com/23mubuo.png)
Lotu consulted his notes.
“We need steel.”
Echoworked nodded, unsurprised.
“We need cats.”
At that, Echoworked raised a brow. “Cats, as in more than one?”
Lotu nodded. “Ours died.” And I prefer to spend our import allotment on things other than cages. “And we need some sheep. We have one ram, but he’s worthless without some ewes.” And if I order a breeding pair of one new animal each year, we can demonstrate that we are actively meeting Dodók’s latest mandate, even if we don’t manage to catch anything during that year. If we did catch things, nothing requires me to actually buy the animals, now does it?
“Here is what Bomrek would like.” Echoworked handed across a sheet of paper. “And you’ll need to supply 58 dwarves.”
(http://i63.tinypic.com/35hqpfq.png)
Lotu set to work on his calculations.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/nqo4z9.png)
Gah! What is with Bomrek’s fascination with leather and leather-based items?! And over two hundred units of powder? What?
“Now that we’ve gotten that dealt with, I need to inventory your animals.” Echoworked continued.
Spotting Sigun hanging out with his wife nearby, as Lotu had previously arranged, he waved the couple over. “Sigun, find Erib, and then walk Echoworked through the pasture.” He turned back to the liaison. “As our trainer and butcher, Sigun and Erib are our animal experts. They’ll be able to point out anything you’d like to know about them."
Several hours later, Echoworked returned to finalize the last details. Lotu was glad to see that the liaison seemed pleased with his tally.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/9iqs01.png)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/o6e1p3.png)
Yeah, until the next time you come north to enforce that idiot on the throne’s mandates.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
18 Limestone 85
I’m starting to think the humans are calling this place Udosamost.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2uhr38n.png)
But, they are rather funny to watch, with their long, gawky, awkward dances and mannerisms. And humans are always good forgotten beast distractors.
Now, if only we could convince them to haul…
09 Sandstone 85
It took a long time to move this year’s quota, but we managed to get it done right before the merchants finally left.
They have a different lead merchant again this year. When I asked why, they hemmed and hawed, but didn’t really give me a straight answer. I’m betting it has something to do with Dastot getting hammered for his delivery failure.
In exchange for the quota, I bought their five steel bars, all of their waterskins and backpacks, and enough leather that we should be able to finish that part of the quota. When I got to the rock pile, I saw they had brought only four kimberlite boulders, when I had asked for six! And they had brought almost a dozen other boulders, so their protest that it was a weight issue just doesn’t ring true.
But, at least we’ll be able to get a couple of the minecart tracks up and running with the kimberlite they did bring.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i66.tinypic.com/hrlnjo.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/2w37pz7.png)
12 Sandstone 85
The merchants have left with the quota.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/309prw8.jpg)
And we need a dedicated quota stockpile near the depot. A biggish one. Alright, I’ll add that to the list once I finish with the bedrooms.
15 Sandstone 85
With the quota sent off, we’ve had a chance to regroup, and it seems we’ve trapped a lot of troglodytes and a giant mole from the caverns.
Unfortunately, Sigun is adamant that troglodytes can’t be trained. So what am I supposed to do with eight of them?
But that giant mole, that’ll be useful for Echoworked’s visit next year.
______________________________________________________________________________
19 Sandstone 85
With no one currently slated to do any jobs near the cavern entrance, the dwarf took advantage of the opportunity. Slipping past the walls, he advanced cautiously out into the moss- and mushroom-filled space.
Fortunately for his nerves, he found what he was looking for fairly quickly.
The small alcove was close enough to the shaft opening that he could race back to safety in the event of another monster’s approach, but hidden from view by a curve in the cavern’s wall. No one would be able to find it unless they were looking for something of the sort.
Unpacking his small sack methodically, he set up a temporary altar on the ground. He studied it a minute, searching for any imperfections. Deciding that it would do, he removed the final item from his sack, placing it in the exact center formed by the other objects.
Folding himself into a seated cross-legged position, he bowed his head and began to chant, very softly, the ancient words he had learned from the Master.
For hours, he sat and chanted. But though he strained his senses to their maximum, he could sense no change.
Finally, stiff from sitting in one position for so long, he rose and gathered his objects back into his sack. Walking back toward the village proper, he thought philosophically, Well, Theaterknowledge wasn’t built in a day. This will probably need some time before anything happens.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
25 Sandstone 85
While taking advantage of a quiet moment to socialize a bit, another human rudely decided to interrupt.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/19vac0.png)
I sent him over to Imic. I suppose a spearman may come in handy.
01 Timber 85
Well, time to get back to work. There’s digging to be done.
05 Timber 85
Nil’s 12th nameday has arrived.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/esj7sk.png)
Once the party started winding down, I pulled him aside and told him to start his duties by carving the final sections of track into the granite layer I dug out a while ago. Once he’s done that, he’ll start smoothing floors in the bedrooms.
09 Timber 85
(http://i67.tinypic.com/ncfv9k.png)
Fortunately, our military is on duty at Tayldis Bridge, and the marksdwarves are pacing the ramparts. Once the civilians have been withdrawn underground, we’ll be as ready as we’ll ever be.
10 Timber 85
I forgot about the opening in the walls where the pool is…
The werechameleon got into the pasture, and started attacking the animals. But the Pillars of Ink arrived to save the day. Their bolts harried the creature until it turned back into a human.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2pz9taw.png)
Arriving at that moment, the Pale Roads charged in, led by Geño and Ino. Imic, with a single mighty swing of his axe, neatly beheaded the cursed creature, ending its threat.
The casualty list this time was rather longer than usual: 2 turkeys, the guineacock, a ke...a? How did those blasted elves sneak that in here? No wonder we’ve been cursed with three monsters in the last three seasons! At least the horrid bird is dead now.
There’s also one very injured muskox.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2e66934.png)
I think we’ll put the muskox out of its misery.
11 Timber 85
Unfortunately, the muskox died of its injuries before reaching the butchery. How long does it take for a corpse to decay into useable bones, again?
And this time we’ll seal that gap so that this doesn’t happen again.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/fu75w7.png)
12 Timber 85
It turns out, that latest monster was Cawcul’s wife. He’s been moping around the village ever since the execution.
13 Timber 85
“I thought you said Bañec could do the job!” The dwarf hissed at his companion, as they both leaned nonchalantly against the wall in a corner of the soon-to-be-defunct dining area. The noise level from the other dwarves and visitors ensured that no one would be able to overhear their muttering.
“I thought she could! She was cursed twenty-five years ago, and has been wreaking havoc ever since!” Cawcul protested.
The dwarf shook his head. “Wreaking havoc on animals, which you neglected to tell me. Killing animals is pointless!”
“Bu-bu-but,” Cawcul stammered.
“No!” The word came out louder than the dwarf had intended, and he caught a curious glance his way. In a quieter, but no less adamant tone, he continued. “I need something that specializes in killing more intelligent creatures. Find me something else, or I’ll put a word in to the Master.”
Cawcul swallowed, then nodded. “Fine. I’ll tap my connections.” As unobtrusively as possible, he moved away from the dwarf, joining another group debating the merits of the latest poem.
The dwarf watched him go. Go ahead, tap your connections. But you’ve just proven to me how useless you really are. I’m sure the Master won’t mind if I reward you appropriately.
14 Timber 85
The new wall is complete. And I just noticed, we have how many animals?
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2wn7pg4.png)
No wonder there’s muck everywhere! Once I’m done with these bedrooms, I’m digging out some underground pastures to get them out of the way. After the new stockpile. Or maybe before the stockpile? Yes, I’m tired of stepping in shit every time I go above ground. The pastures come first.
23 Timber 85
For once I was glad to be interrupted.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/30ho83q.png)
She actually wants to work here! An extra pair of hands to haul quota will be awesome! The minute she was out of sight I broke into a happy dance.
28 Timber 85
Wow! We really are ahead on the quota this year.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/oh7kid.png)
Akrul is humming and looking like a cat that just had an entire bucket of milk. She’s insisting on taking the credit again, even though a lot of our progress is due either to left-over items from previous years, or my planning ahead and buying up as much as we could afford from the caravan.
Still, a happy Akrul, however she got that way, is much better than a screaming Akrul, which we’ve all had rather too much exposure to ever since she arrived.
OOC: With college classes starting next week (at least in this area), I may be able to get one more update up this weekend, but after that I'll aim for weekly or twice-weekly updates. I'm teaching a lighter load this spring, so there shouldn't be another hiatus like there was in the fall.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: Imic on January 06, 2017, 12:37:08 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 06, 2017, 07:19:06 pm
07 Moonstone 85
Nil has finished carving the tracks, so I sent him down to start working on bedrooms as I dig them out.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/pdol.png)
Now we just need to build a minecart for the completed west and east tracks. And finishing some floor at the upper end would probably help, too.
15 Moonstone 85
A number of poults and puppies have grown up. Because we have plenty of war animals, I ordered new dogs slaughtered. Unlike NCommander, Sigun didn’t protest. Rather, he looked a bit relieved.
21 Moonstone 85
The first bedroom has been completed!
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2rdzpde.png)
Because I found another cobaltite vein that Another can make aquifer-warning blocks out of, these first rooms are in what will be Clan E’s enclave. Uvash and Mestthos were overjoyed at the move into larger quarters, but less enthusiastic about the long walk to everything else.
I don’t think they believed me when I said everyone else was moving down eventually.
22 Moonstone 85
Uvash’s freed room has been temporarily assigned to the tavern, as a guest room. We still need to get roofs on the permanent guest rooms, but somehow there’s always something more important or interesting to do.
______________________________________________________________________________
26 Moonstone 85
“No, not that pair of trousers! Take this sock first, it’s nicer and someone else might try to ‘borrow’ it.” Mestthos was busily directing the move.
With a sigh, Uvash picked up the sock and headed down. Looking around, Mestthos spied a glove lying forgotten in a corner. Grabbing it, she followed her husband.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/30395rk.png)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2u9o5k2.png)
Reaching their new room, they looked around. A ☼orange wood bed☼ had been placed against one wall, but the rest of the 3x3 room was bare.
At least we’ll have plenty of room to store our things. Mesttos thought, glad to have found one good thing about the move into the depths of the mines. And Lotu does usually keep his word, even if it takes him years. And judging from the markings on the walls, he’s planning quite the complex. She sighed. Nothing changed the fact that at the moment only she and Uvash would be making the trek.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
28 Moonstone 85
As soon as Uvash and Mestthos moved out, Us moved in to the newly appointed guest room. He celebrated by buying everyone a drink.
Hmm.
How quickly can Nil smooth another room?
05 Opal 85
The Udil the Poet has withdrawn from society and claimed a crafter’s.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2vb0lr8.png)
15 Opal 85
Udil the Poet is clearly not used to hauling big rocks around. She spent most of the last ten days moving boulders up to the workshop she’s using.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2ztkrqc.png)
She wanted rock & gems. Well, that was simple enough. Now she’s hard at work, shooing away anyone who tries to close enough for a sneak peek.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/6sz582.png)
03 Opal 85
I’ve ordered the caverns walled off again, until Dr. Urist comes up with a system that keeps troglodytes away from the cages (if that’s even possible). That’s all we’ve caught in the last three months, and I have no use for them.
Imic is agitating for using them to train new recruits. That would be useful, if we had recruits to train. In the meantime, they’re taking up stockpile space.
Then again, if Bomrek asks for cages at some point, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if those cages didn’t come alone.
______________________________________________________________________________
06 Opal 85
I should be getting used to disappointment. The dwarf thought irritably. With the caverns walled off, not only was he forced to temporarily discontinue the ritual, but he also had to shelve the Cawcul Problem, as he thought of it, to the back burner. Well, as long as I can't do anything, I suppose I can send a note to the Master to apprise him of the human's misinformation bent.
Heading up to the pasture with a rope in hand, he made his way among the animals until he found the one he sought. Capturing the remaining stray kea, he quickly attached a note to its leg. I'm going to need get more from the elves in the spring. But getting them past Lotu... Is that dwarf's sole source of amusement constantly throwing spanners into my plans?
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
18 Opal 85
I insisted that the second bedroom Nil smoothed be in Clan Y’s enclave. Imic has bravely defended us from the very beginning, and deserves such recognition. Of course, hollowing it out of a microcline cluster didn’t hurt. NCommander has convinced him that if he squints just right, it looks just like Armok’s own gift, adamantine.
He’s decided to keep his bed in the barracks, but NCommander put her foot down about moving into a larger space, complete with a ☼willow bed☼.
19 Opal 85
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2yno6bm.png)
A scepter? I guess that might come in handy when she’s performing.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/25tkpqv.png)
But she must still be upset about the Great Artifact Compromise.
20 Opal 85
The gods be praised!
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2ajrlns.png)
I was starting to think this would never happen. Oh, my beautiful, darling, Airith. He’s absolutely perfect!
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2e3bqdu.png)
In honor of the occasion, I sent Nil to smooth our bedroom floor.
04 Obsidian 85
Our room is finished! It’s not much, yet, but there’s something to be said for more floor area, and a ☼bitter orange wood bed☼.
Like Uvash’s, our original cramped quarters have been turned into guest quarters. Mafol promptly snapped it up.
06 Obsidian 85
Another capuchin infestation has made itself known. Two of them have been trapped in the cages, one of which is a female. So, as soon as Sigun gets around to training her, we’ll be able to claim a new breeding set of animals.
The Pale Roads made short shrift of the others.
07 Obsidian 85
And now Orda has asked to join us fully.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/zyin9w.png)
Another set of hands to haul! I did another happy dance.
Now, how many long-term residents are hanging around again?
14 Obsidian 85
We still need to move in the furniture, but people are already finding excuses to spend time in the new, spacious, tavern. By the time we’re done, it really will be worthy of the name “The Candies of Bursting.”
(http://i65.tinypic.com/213owzm.png)
19 Obsidian 85
Sigun has trained the female capuchin we trapped earlier, so we can officially add capuchins to the list of breeding animals. I guess they're good for some leather, if nothing else.
28 Obsidian 85
Progress continues, on more than one thing. Mebzuth now has his bedroom, as do the two Clan G dwarves, which makes a total of five temporary guest rooms now available.
And the quota is also progressing.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2w5rl11.png)
Will this be the second year in a row that we’ll have managed to complete the entire quota?
OOC: Another season where nothing involved happened, so some digging, smoothing and building got done. And quite a bit of butchering. The animals are down from 300+ to 272, with more turkeys to go. But with a third of the fort training each month during the winter, things slow down quite a bit.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 06, 2017, 08:25:41 pm
Well, with the cloth given on previous mandate, it's no wonder leather and it's unique products are requested again. It's what I'd do, if I couldn't be assed to set up some poultry or something.
Bars...Should have specified metal bars, Bomrek. This will only yield you ash. Or maybe charcoal? Either one could be desirable, given his military desires and need for clear glass.
I got to say, one cool thing about these quotas is imagining how one would use and implement their products.
I slightly wonder what's the replacement lead merchant like? Not that it really matters, though.
⁓̛ Spears are bit weird to me. They're edged, and they have the smallest native contact area on that front - the difference between them and axes on that front is typically magnitude or two.
Even the next best - pick - doesn't have quite the impact per area.
Yet, spears are rarely acknowledged as someone's favourite weapons - mostly due not lopping off limbs so often, I believe, though there's the occassional lodging into wounds.
Hm...Pehaps I should conduct some tests. I know when I pitted a tavernful of human visitors against goblin invasions, a spearman got the most kills, rather than any lasher or maceman.
⁓̛ Hm, how many working citizens are now in Atolasob?
⁓̛ That's the second werechamelon, hm?
Feels kinda rare. Sometimes they show up only month or two after you hit 20 population.
Convenient that animals took the brunt of it's bites again.
And, oh wow. Seeing your wife die by the hands of your new friends? Even if she's a...was a monster, that's gotta hurt T.T
...And well. Thats' an interesting degree of coordination. Why, for what reward, would one risk their wife?
⁓̛ Augh on the animal pasture. Your FPS...
Are they all grazers? I'd want some cages, stat.
⁓̛ Wait, you've met the tanned hides requirement?
Color me surprised. In fact, 523 tanned hides...When you before had to substitute cloth?
I know you didn't slaughter 523 beasts in a year. What gives?
⁓̛ Hm, I'd be nerveous to make the tracks accessible, unless using lowest speed rollers. Cats get everywhere, and then there come haulers and cleaners, and then come the rest of the fortress for the *pig tail sock*....
I guess capuchins are kinda like cats too on that front, as you don't have any cats right now.
⁓̛ Everyone else expect military, I take it?
Got to remember the cave adaption. Though humans don't have any, so there's that.
⁓̛ Was Udil a dwarf?
Odd that they joined as citizen before mooding. But heh, it's fine. Too bad they didn't get to train in an useful mooding skill, however.
I notice you denote new citizens as "hands to haul". A shame if they could be more useful - but guess not.
⁓̛ There's that cross again.
Hm, could also do small circles, like this:
+tc+
c++t
t++c
+ct+
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on January 06, 2017, 08:34:23 pm
Can he be dorfed as Ryukan? Since hes a boy?
I want to set up a sorta "House of (insert cool name here)"
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 06, 2017, 09:01:49 pm
I slightly wonder what's the replacement lead merchant like? Not that it really matters, though.
I haven't gotten a good feel for where a new lead merchant might fit. I have a few ideas, but will have to see how things continue to play out.
⁓̛ Hm, how many working citizens are now in Atolasob?
39 actively
...And well. Thats' an interesting degree of coordination. Why, for what reward, would one risk their wife?
Why do you automatically think "reward"? There are other reasons...
⁓̛ Augh on the animal pasture. Your FPS...
Are they all grazers? I'd want some cages, stat.
The non-breeders and babies are in a cage, most of those are breeders and/or grazers. The FPS actually isn't bad.
⁓̛ Wait, you've met the tanned hides requirement?
Color me surprised. In fact, 523 tanned hides...When you before had to substitute cloth?
I know you didn't slaughter 523 beasts in a year. What gives?
I ordered all of the leather as part of my order the fall of 84. If you notice, Lotu was able to buy all of that leather (the cheapest ones, of course). I was afraid the leather-related obsession would continue.
⁓̛ Hm, I'd be nerveous to make the tracks accessible, unless using lowest speed rollers. Cats get everywhere, and then there come haulers and cleaners, and then come the rest of the fortress for the *pig tail sock*....
That depends on where you put the cats...I set things up so that the cats more or less stay far, far away from tracks.
I notice you denote new citizens as "hands to haul".
Since humans can't mood, there's no push to get them into a "useful" profession. And right now, they have to earn their striples by hauling, after spending two years lounging around, eating our food, drinking our booze, and making merry all the time.
Can he be dorfed as Ryukan? Since hes a boy?
Done.
I want to set up a sorta "House of (insert cool name here)"
I'll try to think of some ideas, but suggestions are welcome for any of the Clans.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on January 06, 2017, 09:39:37 pm
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 06, 2017, 10:11:09 pm
~ As I suspected, then. But what settlement could provide that much leather?
~ Provided they stay in pasture...Got to burrow the children. That's going to be annoying with your family arrangments.
~ For houses, it'd be neat if the name corresponded to the letter used.
Post by: Imic on January 07, 2017, 06:45:11 am
"I just wanted to say, congratulations on yer new child. Does 'e 'ave a name yet?"
"Airith wanted to name him Ryukan, and I don't mind, so, Ryukan is his name!"
"Nice name. Creative wording."
"Thank you" said Airith, who was cradling the newborn child.
"Now, there was one ither thing..."
"Is it to do with the capauchins? I thought that they were already trained..."
"No, it's our Armok - damned manager."
"Not again..."
"I'm tellin' ye, she's up to somethin'! I saw... I'm not sure who, but I think it had somethin' to do with her... Set up... Some kind of... Alter, and she just... Chanted."
"Different people have different ways of showing their love to the gods."
"It was like no alter I've ever seen... I'm tellin' ye, she wants us all dead."
"Imic! Stop talking about this in front of the child."
"Sigh..."
"Listen... I'll look into it. Happy?"
"It'll do. Thanks."
He left.
Which left Lotu watching the door that he left through, and
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 07, 2017, 01:31:30 pm
01 Granite 86
We’ve lost the large rat we tamed last year, and the armadillo as well. But with the elves coming I think we’ll be OK, given that they always seem to bring animals.
02 Granite 86
What?!
(http://i66.tinypic.com/20rmi50.png)
That’s it! Kill them all!
04 Granite 86
Airith wants to call our son Ryukan. It certainly sounds suitable for a mighty dwarf, which our boy will definitely become.
07 Granite 86
The troglodyte cages have all been built, and two more babies were born in the meantime. It’s finally time to let the slaughter commence.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2po2s8i.png)
08 Granite 86
They always come when I’m digging…
(http://i64.tinypic.com/b7z2a0.png)
A dancer, hmm? We don’t have any of those.
12 Granite 86
The troglodyte massacre took longer than I thought, but Imic dispatched the last one this morning. And just in time too.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/8ycmzc.png)
This year I’m actually eager to find out what
13 Granite 86
(http://i68.tinypic.com/1ygjp.png)
With all the boys born recently, it’s about time a little girl came along.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/v770h2.png)
17 Granite 86
Since it stopped raining this morning, I decided it was a good day to spend trading instead of mining. As usual, the elves did bring several animals. I ignored the ones we can order from Theaterknowledge, but we are now the proud owners of a giant two-humped camel (do they give milk?), a giant weasel, a giant magpie, and a gray langur, for which we now have a breeding pair. Excellent work, if I do say so myself.
And, predictably, they had brought a kea, too.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2mm8kti.png)
I’m going to have the soldiers keep an eagle eye on that thing, make sure it doesn’t sneak into the pasture before the elves leave.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i66.tinypic.com/24npptt.png) (http://i64.tinypic.com/s6ru35.png)
19 Granite 86
Ever since he could talk he’s been calling himself Bob. And he’s only getting more stubborn about it. Today, he started insisting he was the Chosen One, too.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/27zjmmb.png)
The Chosen One for what?
24 Granite 86
And now Spriggans has a new baby too.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/n62jxw.png)
This place keeps growing, slowly but surely.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/13yl9is.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
25 Granite 86
“Waaah!”
(http://i64.tinypic.com/x6n53a.png)
Hand on his chest, Lotu struggled to get his breathing back under control, as the human put forth his request.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/260y4xi.png)
He had to repeat himself before Lotu understand.
“An entire group of humans?”
“At the moment, our troupe consists of myself and four elves.”
We don’t have any elves as residents. And that git on the throne did say ‘all possible creatures.’ Though if I take that interpretation, it means I have to find a different solution to the next batch of troglodytes.
“Fine, fine, as long as you get out of my room.” Lotu waved the newest resident away. I really need my sleep these days. Who knew babies could be so needy?
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
27 Granite 86
Minkot hasn’t had a break from the fields in years. I’ve sent Udil the Poet to help her out.
02 Slate 86
All of the Founders now have their own bedrooms
Mooney and Lyra moved in with a ☼chestnut bed☼, while Dr. Urist is just down the hall. Unfortunately, we don’t have any pine around here, so she had to settle for our last ☼willow bed☼.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/mi02mx.png)
We need more masterfully-crafted beds. I’ve put Lyra and Uvash on the job.
06 Slate 86
Cawcul has decided that he wants to stay near his wife’s grave.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/wiaw76.png)
Not that the werecreature has a grave yet. That’s a very low priority on my to-do list. But, as he claims to be an axeman, I’ve sent him over to Imic. He can make himself useful.
______________________________________________________________________________
08 Slate 86
The dwarf led Cawcul down the spiraling ramps. Swiftly deconstructing enough wall to squeeze through, they passed into the caverns.
“Wait here while I set up a few things.” The dwarf turned away, but had only taken a few steps when a cheery voice hailed them.
“Howdy! What are you doing down here?”
“Uh…we’re protecting the cavern entrance.” At least that dwarf has a quick and agile mind. Cawcul thought.
“Ah! That’s why the wall is down. Well, I’ve gathered all the webs I can carry, I’ll walk back with you.” Sodel hadn’t forgotten almost getting walled in soon after the caverns were discovered.
The dwarf agreed, cheerfully enough, but inside he was fuming. And I was so close to getting rid of that gullible, bumbling human!
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
10 Slate 86
Someone took a section of the cavern wall down! And if I find out who, they’re getting thrown into our non-existent jail! This isn’t a game!
How do I know? Because we’ve caged a troll! There weren’t any trolls lurking in the mines five days ago, but there’s definitely one in a cavern cage trap now. In fact, I have a better idea. I’m feeding whoever took that wall down to the troll.
Of course, no one is willing to ‘fess up, and no one seems to have seen who did it. But when I find out…
13 Slate 86
Our first human citizen, Orda, has taken matters into his own hands and approached Mooney about possibly joining the marksdwarves.
After some convincing, Mooney took him down to the firing range for some tests.
The upshot is, we now have another marksdw--er, well, the Pillars have another member.
16 Slate 86
Digging out the new living quarters is proceeding quickly, but the smoothing is happening much more slowly. However, I have high hopes that everyone will be able to move into new rooms by summer, or end of summer at the latest.
25 Slate 86
(http://i63.tinypic.com/20zuu68.png)
I’d better save that. And I won’t tell anyone, other than Airith, because I don’t want Bomrek to get wind of this discovery and suddenly decide he absolutely must have crystal glass.
______________________________________________________________________________
14 Felsite 86
The dwarf reached the wall into the caverns. After the troll debacle, he had managed to contrive a way of opening and closing just enough of it that he could squeeze through. Removing a fist sized stone, he opened it now, swinging it closed once he was in the caverns. Making his way to ‘his’ temple, he again went through the ritual, with the same level of success.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
20 Felsite 86
Nil has finished smoothing a whole bunch of rooms. As a result, Clan A looks bigger than many of the others, but Udil the Poet’s family is far away, so she doesn’t share her room allocation with anyone else.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/250owtu.png)
28 Felsite 86
Akrul continues to remain in a good mood. I have to say, when the manager’s happy, everyone else seems a bit more cheerful. Then again, there’s something to be said for not getting yelled at on a regular, even daily basis.
All that remains is the
(http://i66.tinypic.com/jl07pd.png)
Well, summer is almost here and with it, the humans. Maybe we can buy the rest off of them? They always seem to bring some sort of flour.
OOC: For Clan X's "House", how about "House of Xylocarp" (yes, "xylo" is a word, it means "from or relating to trees")? "Xylo" because Lotu brought us to a place with lots of trees, and "carp" because there aren't any?
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Non-soldier Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 07, 2017, 08:54:19 pm
07 Hematite 86
And the petitioners this time around are part of another performance troupe, this time a dwarf and her human apprentice.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/23kakb4.png)
They’re also from the Corridor of Mastery. I guess they might as well stay. At least that way their transplanted baroness consort won’t feel lonely.
09 Hematite 86
With the rains com the humans.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2dcb9z9.png)
By now my orders are almost automatic This time I focused on identifying any worn clothes that had been forgotten in the depot. I also included a number of the totems Rith has been making from animal skulls.
19 Hematite 86
Well, at least the humans have a tendency to bring useful items. I bought some flour to finish off the powder quota. In doing so, I got rid of the elven cages, and a few bits and pieces of tattered clothing.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/33c53k5.png) (http://i66.tinypic.com/35lrg5d.png)
Gaaah! The visitors pushed us over again! But at least, almost everything that we’ve imported now will be sent on to Bomrek. So we won’t be over the cap by the time Echoworked makes his final check before leaving. I think.
24 Hematite 86
With the human additions to our soldiers, Imic has created a new squad, the Helmed Anvils. He’s placed Sky in charge, and added all of the non-axe humans: the swordswoman Geño, the hammerwoman Ino and the spearman Xetan.
They’ll be responsible for protecting the cavern entrance so that we can capture underground animals and get at those silk webs.
When they aren’t on duty, though, that wall is going right back up.
______________________________________________________________________________
02 Malachite 86
Sky insisted on arming himself with a war hammer, instead of the axe he had been using for years.
“Me pap taught me to wield a hammer, and I intend to honor his memory by becoming the best hammerdwarf in the world.”
Imic just sort of shrugged his shoulders and remarked. “Ye've been a problem axe-wielder from the first day of training. Mebbe ye’ll do better wif a hammer.”
He cast a jaundiced gaze over the motley group of humans. “And since the only axeman is in my squad, you might’s well have the same weapon as one o’ yer crew.” He clearly meant Ino, the one-handed hammerwoman.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
07 Malachite 86
Litast is behaving more strangely than usual.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2rxbp5c.png)
He’s claimed a crafter’s. Great, another toy.
15 Malachite 86
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2ecdq10.png)
Well, at least it won’t be a particularly expensive toy.
20 Malachite 86
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2i75no7.png)
“The Viper of Bleeding.” Unfortunately, that’s not a toy.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/ilc6ef.png)
It’s just as useless though. And worse than the artifact toy, Litast doesn’t seem to have learned anything from it. It’s as if he were under the control of something else.
______________________________________________________________________________
23 Malachite 86
The dwarf tried not to snarl. Lotu’s newest directives were threatening his sanity. Sky’s Helmed Anvils insisted on standing exactly between the cavern entrance and his ritual alcove. Getting there without anyone noticing was virtually impossible without a really high sneaking skill.
Which I don’t have.
Grumbling, he headed to the tavern. Maybe I can learn something from the visitors.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
26 Malachite 86
We’ve trapped another giant mole, this time a male, so we can add those to the breeding list.
20 Galena 86
With the last of the immediate-need bedrooms finally dug out, and Nil working on smoothing it, it’s time to start on a truly legendary dining hall!
______________________________________________________________________________
22 Galena 86
The sky was just barely starting to lighten to the east when Ingish was roughly shaken awake.
“Mm-mph?”
“Get up, slug-a-bed! It’s time for work.” Lotu shoved an iron pick into Ingish’s hand.
“Bu-, brekfas’-.“ Ingish protested groggily.
A persimmon was shoved into his other hand. “Eat on the way. There’s work to do.” Lotu advised, hustling the boy out of his bed and into the hallway. Striding quickly through the maze of passages, Lotu stopped suddenly before a stretch of sand wall, near the Pale Roads’ barracks.
“We’ll start here, with digging out a pasture or two to move those animals out of the way. Now, this is how you swing a pick.”
With a swift, confident blow, he struck the sand, causing almost half a bot’s worth to sssshh to the floor.
“Now you.”
Awkwardly, Ingish swung his pick, with much less impressive results, but Lotu seemed satisfied.
“Yes, yes. That’ll do. Now, here are the dimensions and placement of the new rooms. Come find me when you’re done.” Handing the still-waking-up dwarf a sheet of paper, Lotu turned away.
Ingish looked down at the instructions, and blanched.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/wr3l.png)
“But that’s a lot of digging for one dwarf!”
Lotu swung back around. “Really? And how much digging do you think I’ve done over the years? You think this place has carved itself while I’ve been lounging around drinking daiquiris? Listen up, bucko, because I’m only going to say this once. Children don’t work. That’s fine. But as soon as your name day arrives, you’re assigned to something that will benefit the settlement. For you? That’s digging that wall!”
Lotu jabbed a finger at the wall in question in emphasis. “You get me?”
Cowed, Ingish nodded quickly and hefted his new pick while Lotu walked away, whistling.
Heigh ho, heigh ho, it’s off to work I go! With a second pick and a couple of ticks, we’ll soon be through the row!
(http://i63.tinypic.com/mt5onc.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
26 Galena 86
The final masterfully-crafted bed has been installed and assigned, so all adult dwarven citizens now have their own smoothed bedrooms in their enclaves, complete with masterwork beds. Clan C is going to need some more, for the boys that are beginning to grow up, but that’s further down the priority list.
Although, now that I’ve begun training Ingish, digging things out should go much more quickly. And I imagine he’ll work even more quickly when he learns he’ll get his very own bedroom out of it.
28 Galena 86
The quota was finished a while ago, but here are the final numbers.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/261c653.png)
I may have gone overboard buying flour from the humans, but I wanted to keep at least some of Sodel’s masterfully-crafted sand bags. Now if only Bomrek would be reasonable this next time around?
OOC: Clearly, I didn't feel like working today. :P
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Non-soldier Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 08, 2017, 05:33:04 am
Lotu says no.
╬ Huh, those before/after trade images tile weird; resized they're next to each other but full size on top of each other.
╬ Performance troupes! Finally! Sounds like you're now getting into serious visitors influx. And visitors certainly can match normal migration dwarf for human, depending on world and trade.
Wonder if the elves could be paired off? Their lack of tracks and nimble feet leave them suited for all manner of longer distance jobs.
╬ Deconstructing walls again? One of those days you'll install an airlock, or even a passive defence!
Today is not that day.
And a troll? Well, that could come in handy for some darker magicks.
I bet it c-lined towards destructible buildings. The hostile creatures do seem to prefer fights over vandalism.
╬ The amount of rock crystals is always so anemic (1,5 per embark tile per stone z-level is high), and you can't import it either.
Having thought over it, their unique benefits are just twofold, ultimately - the production of unique white portals, and perhaps more importantly unlocking usage of raw crystal glass for moods - at least you can import that one.
╬ But there are trees....jk :P
I suggested the naming of clan according to letters, but didn't really think about it. X is a though one indeed, and can't really go by preferences or personalities like this.
╬ Litast bit into quota?
Bonecarver kids moods can be nice. I've once even gotten crossbow out of one, though the furniture isn't bad either.
Stone and rock..Better hope they can make an instrument.
As for Ingish...I think they mooded already. No furniture or picklord out of that.
*glances at schematics*
Well, no furniture at least.
*looks at announcement*
No picklord either, I take it.
╬ The pace - you suddenly seem in a hurry :P
Good luck!
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 08, 2017, 09:44:49 am
╬ Performance troupes! Finally! Sounds like you're now getting into serious visitors influx. And visitors certainly can match normal migration dwarf for human, depending on world and trade.
FYI, I didn't start getting them until I set the visitor cap to 20. But as you no doubt noticed, they're wreaking havoc on my import numbers. sigh
╬
As for Ingish...I think they mooded already.
No, he hasn't mooded yet. Mooded kids tend to grow up to do an unmoodable job (like any of the farming), unless I really need another wood/stone/bone crafter (which I might, given what Bomrek tends to request).
╬ The pace - you suddenly seem in a hurry :P
Call it inspiration. I especially wanted to get to Ingish's name day at the very least, since I knew exactly how I wanted to write it. The rest kind of comes ad hoc.
- Dame de la licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 08, 2017, 12:01:24 pm
There's probably a point somewhere above which it is impossible to keep below import cap. Wonder if you passed it? I recall you wanting some steel from caravan...
Hm, if I'm hankering for artifacts, I typically do the opposite - unmooded kids get spot of practice in mood skill and then avoid moodable skills, while mooded kids get stuff like tanning and engraving.
Well, a toast to the muses and teaching children coming of age then!
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 08, 2017, 08:06:18 pm
02 Limestone 86
The human Xetan has decided he prefers axes to spears. Imic promptly claimed him for some proper training.
09 Limestone 8
I thought that Ingish was simply the slowest miner on the planet, but I just realized something . He mines out a bot of wall, then has a meal. He mines out another bot, then spends half the day drinking. After a third bot, he sleeps around the clock! Then there's his brunch, his prayer, his snack, his tea, his meditation, his nap...it never ends! At this rate, those pastures are never going to be mined out!
He needs a stern talking-to. Then I think he’ll reconsider dragging his breaks out so long.
13 Limestone 86
And like the locusts, the swarm always comes.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/6ite28.png)
I’ve ordered the quota moved.
______________________________________________________________________________
14 Limestone 86
“Master Lotu?”
“Can’t you see I’m really busy right now?”
(http://i64.tinypic.com/r8e7np.png)
“Oh, you want to work? You can start by hauling the quota. I’ll figure out a more permanent job for you later.”
17 Limestone 86
“Master Lotu?”
How many times do I have to say, “I’m busy!”
(http://i67.tinypic.com/kdr3ue.png)
“Go bother Sky! He’s in charge of mercenaries.”
20 Limestone 86
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2s8md1h.png)
Fine, let’s get it over with.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2akjtk8.png)
Bomrek still hasn’t been replaced. Grrr.
Lotu checked his list of requests for the last time, then handed it over.
1. Steel bars
2. Weapons
3. Armor
4. Trap Components
5. Boars
6. Sows
7. 2 kimberlite boulders
8. Leather
Most of it would provide more ready-made, melt-able, steel, but Lotu was keeping in mind Bomrek’s love of leather, too. And since they ‘forgot’ that we’d asked for 6 kimberlite when the caravan arrived last year, they can jolly well bring the missing boulders next year.
Echoworked glanced over the list, and nodded. “That seems fairly reasonable.” He tucked it into his sheaf of papers. “Now, here are Bomrek’s requests.”
(http://i68.tinypic.com/16o3yq.png)
“And you’ll need to plan on accommodating 60 dwarves.”
Which makes the numbers…
(http://i67.tinypic.com/289k0h4.png)
What, is he preparing to fight a war? And he wants a matching set of ivory/tooth stuff? Not to mention the anvils and fish. Has he learned nothing over the years?
While Lotu was raging at the unfairness of the world, Echoworked accompanied Sigun to inspect the mélée of animals.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/b7xmbs.png)
OOC: Starred animals are the ones that have been added this year.
When Lotu finally calmed down enough to trust himself around bearers of bad tidings, he went to join them. Well, at least Echoworked is pleased about one thing around here.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/ncgwup.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
27 Limestone 86
Every time I try to take something to the depot, I seem to get interrupted.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/x5noms.png)
She’s the Clan C Mother! Yes, of course she can stay! I’ll have Nil get started on smoothing her quarters
12 Sandstone 86
When I was finally able to trade with the merchants, I obtained a breeding pair of cats, some steel bars, and enough cheese to meet Bomrek’s requests. The copper cages can be melted down and the metal re-used easily enough.
Unfortunately, we were still over the import cap, even after getting rid of all of the quota items I had obtained from traders. But after surrendering all of the remaining leather from last year, I just barely managed to get us back under it.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i66.tinypic.com/ael1t3.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/md1ahu.png)
We have enough leather left to cover Bomrek’s demands this year, but we may not be able to afford anything next year.
Well, I’ll deal with that forgotten beast when it comes.
15 Sandstone 86
The merchants have left, their wagons crammed almost to overflowing with the products of our labors.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/ka381z.png)
Sometimes I have to wonder, what does Bomrek need some of this stuff for? Isn’t he just supposed to make a spear?
16 Sandstone 86
The cats have been pastured into the stockpile rooms, and are happily hunting down any and all vermin that dare venture through the doorways.
25 Sandstone 86
And another human came to me to petition for residency.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2a4pele.png)
We’re so close to the import cap…maybe all those humans will stop coming if I stop granting residency petitions?
I decided it was worth a shot, so I turned her down, to her great disappointment.
06 Timber 86
It never rains, but it pours!
(http://i64.tinypic.com/30trz14.png)
Since he’s ready to work, I’ve sent him down to help Minkot and Udil the Poet in the fields.
13 Timber 86
Sitting down with Akrul, we’ve managed to hash out reasonable compromises. Good metal is difficult enough to get, so Bomrek will be getting some more training axes. Most of the powder will be sand, and we’ll make mini-forges for the anvils. For the fish, maybe now that we’re into the caverns, we can finally get some? Bones should substitute nicely for ivory once again, and the rest is straightforward enough, with glass goblets and clay loam cut gems.
18 Timber 86
Oh! Oh my!
(http://i63.tinypic.com/hw0glt.png)
The Clan K Founder! The two Clan Mothers were one thing, but a Founder!
I promptly pulled Ingish away from his work on the pastures to start digging out a new Clan enclave.
Now, if only his wife comes, we would then boast one of the few surviving Founding pairs. Maybe I can drop a few hints...
23 Timber 86
(http://i67.tinypic.com/4vmush.png)
Our branch of Clan E continues to grow. Uvash now has three surviving sons, and all of them are here.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2e1bpz5.png)
28 Timber 86
And production has commenced on most things.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/rlexc3.png)
I’ve assigned the human Idur as a fisher, and Us as a cleaner, but neither one seems to know which end of the pole or filleting knife to use. So the fish might take a while, but at least Idur is starting to catch some, even if Us is having trouble with the cleaning end. At last!
And someone has seen fit to eat some of the cheese. Don't they have any idea how much that costs?
OOC:And back to work tomorrow, so the rate of updates will slow down.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Non-soldier Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 08, 2017, 09:02:58 pm
⛭ Would be cool if soldier actually petitioned to milita commander.
⛭ Yay, more request for leather. Bomrek, reasonably, has no faith. But ah, I recall the import cap was to force Finderboard to produce it themselves.
And cheese? Hm. Caravans will work for that amount.
Well, the list is fairly reasonable, ivory/tooth both excepted and expected (there's always one thing, your majesty). Battle axes being only troublesome ones other than that - Imic won't be happy. I'm not sure training axes would work when Bomrek wants axes for battle, either - with training spears, they didn't have metal or battle specification. Though on the other hand, there's also toy axes. And on the third hand, it beats being incomplete, like with short swords - and already went over that bit.
Well, I imagine Bomrek is little forgetful to have the same thing work multiple times.
And oh, mini-forges. Didn't that cause a skit last time?
Though I guess a skit is good for the story, as are all the new residents.
⛭ Where is Rigòth's husband, I wonder? Though a dwarf is a dwarf.
⛭ How old are the new cats?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 08, 2017, 09:23:44 pm
⛭ Ingish..going to use a burrow? ^^;;
Yes.
⛭ Would be cool if soldier actually petitioned to militia commander.
That may be a tweak once Toady gets around to giving the various positions an actual job to do. For now...
⛭ Yay, more request for leather. Bomrek, reasonably, has no faith. But ah, I recall the import cap was to force Finderboard to produce it themselves.
That was the original reason, yes. But will the king remember that if we go over and stay over?
I'm not sure training axes would work when Bomrek wants axes for battle, either.
I don't have the metal to make that many axes, unless I start stripping the armor off the military, and we have to live with IMIC, which is a rather more pressing concern. Given how long he had to wait for that armor in the first place.
⛭ Where is Rigòth's husband, I wonder? Though a dwarf is a dwarf.
Monom Anvilreveres is a baron, and currently living in Theaterknowledge. I've never yet had a title-holder visit any forts (I've just seen the consorts), so I don't think we'll see him at all.
⛭ How old are the new cats?No idea.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 08, 2017, 09:32:22 pm
- I bet the aquifer has more iron.
Retriving it, though...It might be easier to dine in hell. A challenge, to be sure!
- Ditto on title holders.
- you can check through DT, or gui/view-unit-info iirc.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 08, 2017, 09:46:11 pm
- I bet the aquifer has more iron.
Retriving it, though...It might be easier to dine in hell. A challenge, to be sure!
I'm sure it does, and yes, it will be.
- you can check through DT, or gui/view-unit-info iirc.DT doesn't play nice on my mac, and the version of DFhack I'm using doesn't seem to have a plug-in to check creature info.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 10, 2017, 02:24:22 pm
“Airith? Airith! Where’re ye takin’ Ryukan? Airith!”
(http://i67.tinypic.com/25jggvm.png)
I really hope she remembers to feed the baby!
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
13 Moonstone 86
I’ve been finding reasons to pass by the masonry every day, but I haven’t yet heard Ryukan crying. So it would seem that Airith isn’t completely lost to the rest of the world. But, she has been running around gathering a number of things.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2qbf7fo.png)
Well, my beloved does have good taste. I wonder what this latest project of hers is?
(http://i64.tinypic.com/xdz48o.png)
17 Moonstone 86
Isn’t my wife something!
(http://i63.tinypic.com/vrqykm.png)
And it’s worth over 80,000☼!
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2nvxidk.png)
Huh, maybe I can use this to make the cavern entrance, instead of constantly constructing/deconstructing that wall. I just need to get it linked to a lever.
______________________________________________________________________________
22 Moonstone 86
Once again, the dwarf took advantage of his secret door-opening mechanism. Slipping out, he trod the now-familiar path to his hidden alcove. Reaching it, he was faced with a slab of rock which, to any other dwarf, would appear to have fallen during one of the mythical earthquakes which were said to be frequent when the world was born, but that no living creature had ever experienced.
The dwarf knew better, however. He had installed that slab for a single purpose, and he used it now. Carefully setting out his items on it, he sat and chanted.
After more hours, he finally rose, and packed up his altar.
He slipped back through the wall, but something about the cavern's stillness was different. For creatures that happened to be sensitive to such things, there was a sense that it might almost be…waiting.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
02 Opal 86
(http://i64.tinypic.com/300wby8.png)
Mud? Pshaw! That’s going to be even easy than the glass/gem monsters. The poison? Not what I wanted to hear. But, neither of the other ‘dangerous’ attacks proved to be any concern. I’m sure Imic has trained his soldiers well, and that he should be able to deal with this easily enough.
______________________________________________________________________________
06 Opal 86
Udil was eager for battle, and raced down the Central Spire to the cavern entry. He reached it at the same time as the glorified gob of mud, and started laying about with his axe.
“Ye ain’t gettin’ up these stairs. No sirree! Not on my watch!”
He hacked off one of the feet, slowing the monster’s forward progress, just as Rigòth and Sky arrived to lend a hand.
In retaliation, the monster breathed out a noxious cloud of fumes that seemed to cling to everything it touched, including Udil and Rigòth.
Just then, a bolt flew past the dwarves, burying itself deeply into the monster’s body. The jiggling glob of mud seemed to shiver, then visibly trembled, before finally collapsing into a harmless pile of wet dirt, with a final exhalation of toxic fumes.
The dwarves turned to see Orda standing at the top of the ramp, crossbow still in the firing position. At the identical looks on their faces, he shrugged. “What? You do realize you’d slowed it down for me, right?”
Udil coughed suddenly. “Yeah, right.”
Then Rigòth coughed. “Let’s get out of here. I need some fresh air.”
Of one mind, the four moved away from the unbreathable air. It would take time for the fumes to dissipate.
On their way up, Orda turned a thought over and over, barely noticing that the coughing seemed to be increasing, rather than decreasing, as they moved away from the latest corpse. Why don’t these dwarves use metal bolts? Surely they realize silver is highly superior to bone when dealing with actual fighting. Halfway back to the soil layers, he came to a decision. I’ll talk to Mooney about it. At the least, it’ll make them aware that there’s a better option.
07 Opal 86
And what comes? MUD! Don’t the Ancient Ones understand? I need something that will stand up to steel!
The dwarf fumed as he worked.
Then again, that coughing… Maybe the Ancient Ones are subtler than I gave them credit for.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
08 Opal 86
Orda, Rigòth and Udil have been infected with beast poison & gone to the hospital, but somehow so far Sky seems fine. I quickly designated two more beds for them.
Dr. Urist has gone to tend them. I fear for their lives, but which will kill them, the poison? Or our good ‘doctor’?
I need to add a proper hospital room to the digging list.
10 Opal 86
Our three brave defenders are rotting away! Dr. Urist isn’t holding out much hope that any of them will survive, but has started with Rigòth, as the youngest of the afflicted.
Sarvesh, Aban, Sky, and Spriggans are spending all of their time in the temple, praying to every deity known to dwarf, and the rest of us are not far behind. This is the first serious illness in the village, and our morale is suffering as a result.
12 Opal 86
Apparently Orda was easy to deal with. Dr. Urist took a single day, and cleared him for duty. She’s back at Rigòth’s side now, excising rotten tissue.
Orda is surprised he’s well again. I can understand that.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/nmev5d.png)
14 Opal 86
Some of our prayers have been answered, for Rigòth rose from his bed today and stumbled toward the equipment bins, though with both eyes mangled beyond recognition, I have no idea how he can see. Maybe he’s smelling them, instead?
(http://i63.tinypic.com/1zpqmac.png)
That boy really is tough, but I’m sure Sarvesh and Aban are relieved that their son is better.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/3144e90.png)
Dr. Urist has now turned her attention to Udil, who is the most seriously ill.
15 Opal 86
Thank Armok I never got rid of that gypsum powder we imported so many years ago! Udil seems to need a cast on every single part of his body.
20 Opal 86
Amid all the worry over Udil’s continuing sequestration, a little joy is a precious gift.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/24wvpt0.png)
Airith and I celebrated quietly away from the others. Sky and Spriggans don’t need our good fortune rubbed in their faces as they agonize over their firstborn.
22 Opal 86
Dr. Urist has made it quite clear that we need to keep a lot more gypsum plaster on hand. She used both bags of the stuff, and all of our splints to stabilize Udil’s injuries. She even had the carpenters rush through a couple of extra ones, because we didn’t have enough.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/o9qu6x.png)
And somehow, through all of that, Udil is still with us.
I’m amazed.
23 Opal 86
(http://i66.tinypic.com/29ekxmv.png)
We can use another marksdwarf when the keas come calling, so I’ve sent her over to Mooney for equipping and training.
______________________________________________________________________________
24 Opal 86
Dr. Urist studied the partially-filled vial carefully. The stuff degraded fairly quickly, and salvaging even this much had required quite a bit of ingenuity, and the sacrifice of one of her best pairs of gloves.
Still, this may be the missing ingredient I’ve been looking for.
Pulling a sheet of paper closer, she got to work.
26 Opal 86
How is it possible? Three of them were sickened with forgotten beast poison, and all three recovered! Couldn’t even one of them have died?
Sitting in his little alcove, the dwarf wasn’t chanting this time. Instead, his elbows were propped against the slab of rock and his head was resting on his folded hands.
Then again, I’ve heard that Dr. Urist spent a lot of time during the earlier years studying poisons. And she clearly figured something out from all of her tests. I’m going to have to neutralize her if I want poison to be an option. And I happen to like that dwarf. She’s not afraid of pushing boundaries. And that’s exactly what’s making her a Problem.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
04 Obsidian 86
Udil is finally hobbling around the village, after almost a month confined to bed. Sky and Spriggans both heaved a great breath of relief and went back to work. But that boy is now wearing every single splint we have. How can he even move? And, like Rigòth, his entire body seems to be one massive scar.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/t4xv2s.png)
Imic is of the firm opinion that it serves him right for insisting on using a copper axe ‘just like his pop.’
I need to get Aban to melt that down.
07 Obsidian 86
After digging out the new hospital room, complete with a water source, courtesy of the aquifer, I went to check on Ingish again. Of course, he was on yet another drink break, but he has made some visible progress.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2ptqv7r.png)
And the spores from caverns are spreading into the new areas, so by the time Ingish finishes, at least one of the pastures should be ready for occupation by grazers.
______________________________________________________________________________
11 Obsidian 86
Having used up all of the current giant porcupine teeth, Rith headed out to get some logs for Spriggans. She was well away from the safety of the palisade when a terrible scream rose from the jungle. A flash of movement erupted into a monitor lizard at full charge, headed straight for her.
Fortunately Besmar, who was gathering plants nearby, also charged in her direction. Firing his single bolt, he then converted his crossbow into a hammer and started bashing the oversize lizard. Her eyes widening in memory, Rith plunged her hand into her pocket and pulled out her own weapon. Pounding with a vengeance, the *large green glass gem* proved harder than the lizard’s head.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/v4b9y1.png)
The resulting mess was rather awe-inspiring.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/6qcpzm.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
12 Obsidian 86
(http://i67.tinypic.com/15x0cau.png)
It turns out, that male giant camel I bought in the spring? It's actually a female. So we’ll show even more progress than I hoped but…how did I miss that? I mean, once you look, it’s obvious she’s missing something.
I must still have been in a fog of new fatherhood. Yeah, I’ll go with that.
20 Obsidian 86
After over a year of working with them, Sigun seems rather more confident with capuchins now.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/zwc1sh.png)
25 Obsidian 86
Once we finish with the pastures, we’ll be ready to liberate some more iron from the aquifer-bearing layers.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/mu9vyf.png)
All we’re waiting for now is for Nil to smooth the walls, so that they don’t leak and we can see where to dig.
28 Obsidian 86
A new year is about to start, and the sand is going in the wrong direction!
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2h3omxu.png)
I’m going to buy flour from the humans, though it’ll definitely put us over the import cap. But, what matters is that we’re under it after the dwarven traders leave, right? And with the monsters in the cavern, Us and Idur are nervous about venturing into the caverns to fish from the lake. They’ll only go if they have a squad as bodyguards.
Well, fortunately that’s easy to arrange these days. And Dr. Urist is finally connecting the lever to our new floodgate door, which will make access much easier.
OOC: I was really expecting to lose at least one of the three (my last encounter with a FB spewing "poisonous vapors" ended up killing nine dwarves, because they got infections before they could be cleaned with soap), and I don't know how Orda didn't get an infection (as I don't have a soap factory set up yet).
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Non-soldier Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on January 10, 2017, 10:00:54 pm
*Airith puts more faith points into Dr. Urist*
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 10, 2017, 10:30:32 pm
I do appreciate that my doctors' skills no longer rust as easily since the libraries went in. :D
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on January 10, 2017, 10:45:09 pm
Why not a door? What was I thinking? Ugh. At least you had the stuff I needed and I didn't kill anyone...
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 11, 2017, 09:51:58 am
@Spriggans: And the same for your door.
@NCommander: And for your ring. Though what kind of use I'll be able to make of that, aside from storytelling...
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 11, 2017, 09:59:00 am
Well, a cavern gate is nice to have.
• Hm, I recall poisonous vapours remained dangerous even when in a cage, an unique case.
Makes it somewhat harder to weaponize, though.
Those kind of abilities really serve as an excuse to have marksdwares.
And it's convenient that splints work quite well - though I'm less sure you could splint a broken rib or shoulde. Well, here's hoping against infection - though it has been a month.
Also, don't think mispractice exits, only being too slow to help - those operations sure took a while.
• That sand...Really only place in game with orange color. Red+yellow stripes really, but it's still somewhat unique.
As for the aquier, not just iron - I spy a kaolinite cluster on that screenshot.
• Hostile wildlife? Well, it happens rarely. Though ironically large gems are fourth the size as normal gem cabachons.
• Eh, Ryukan, hatches can be preferable to doors anyways usually. Less breakable, can be installed on stairs or stood upon...Though also, not a hatch.
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on January 11, 2017, 11:28:20 am
It's an artifact floodgate, not just a dinky little hatch. Made of the most valuable rocks we have! And, since it was made by a claimed dwarf, you have a say in where/how it eventually gets used.
In my secret execution chamber of course, so they can be happy as gallons of magma gets dropped on them
@NCommander: And for your ring. Though what kind of use I'll be able to make of that, aside from storytelling...
One Ring to Rule them all...
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 11, 2017, 11:30:53 am
@NCommander: And for your ring. Though what kind of use I'll be able to make of that, aside from storytelling...
One Ring to Rule them all...
One Ring to Trap them all?
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on January 11, 2017, 01:29:09 pm
@NCommander: And for your ring. Though what kind of use I'll be able to make of that, aside from storytelling...
One Ring to Rule them all...
One Ring to Trap them all?
- Dame de la Licorne
One Ring to bring them, and in the darkness, Bind them.
In the land of Mordor where shadows lie... :P
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 11, 2017, 01:39:48 pm
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 11, 2017, 07:56:09 pm
04 Granite 87
The camels are being moved down to the first of the permanent pastures. That should ease the traffic in the pasture a bit.
______________________________________________________________________________
11 Granite 87
Orda was patrolling the tavern when he spotted the creature. Rubbing his fist across his eyes, he looked again.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/10fq1hg.png)
“Uh-oh. That one’s going to be tough.”
He raced along the ramparts to the section overlooking Tayldis Bridge, and called the warning down to Imic, along with some advice.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/s4utrm.png)
“You’ll want to be really careful with this one.” Orda finished.
Imic waved a hand. “My squad knows what to do. You just stay up there.”
Hefting their axes, the axedwarves spread out into battle formation.
12 Granite 87
A visiting wren man spearman, once again soaring high above, suddenly dived toward the minotaur, attracting her attention.
The battle was swift and brutal, as the minotaur ripped the wren man’s wings off. A follow-up punch to the head ended the fight almost before it started, and the wren man died with a frozen look of surprise on his face.
At least we won’t have to build another stairway to heaven this year. Lotu thought, watching from the tavern with the other guests.
The minotaur resumed her advance, this time armed with a small llama wool hood, courtesy of the defeated wren man, and the Pale Roads inhaled, mentally readying themselves for the oncoming threat.
With his long legs, the mercenary Xetan charged quickly forward, leaving the rest of the squad to follow to their best ability. The minotaur let fly with one fist, delivering a bruising punch to Xetan’s mouth. She quickly followed up with a strike of her weaponized hood to his right arm, inflicting another bruise.
By then Imic had arrived, and started wielding his axe with surgical precision. His first strike disabled the minotaur’s right leg, causing it to buckle. The minotaur stumbled, and fell. As she did so, she swiped at Imic, but the latter dodged out of the way. With his second strike, he buried his axe blade deep into the minotaur’s skull.
As the victorious squad walked back to Tayldis Bridge, Imic looked up at Orda. Hmph. That wasn’t hard. Talk about a human jumping at shadows!
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
14 Granite 87
We’ve caught some more troglodytes in the traps. I guess I’m going to try dumping them into a prison pit, instead of killing them. That way we can count them toward our “creature” quota. Now, where to put that pit?
17 Granite 87
The trash collectors have come.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/239v9u.png)
I’ve ordered our worn silk clothes moved, and some of our extra glass screw pump pieces, since the elves appear to really prize those.
22 Granite 87
In exchange for our threadbare silk clothes, most of which had been imported, and some glass corkscrews, I’ve bought a male giant echidna, to make a breed with the female we already had, a kestrel, a snapping turtle, an armadillo, a giant cougar and a warthog. Progress is ongoing.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/1zxw9wm.png) (http://i64.tinypic.com/2i294bb.png)
26 Granite 87
Another was hefting a boulder of cobaltite from right next to me as I was digging, when I saw him suddenly freeze mid-motion.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/rtgewn.png)
For a moment, he stood staring into space, then he dropped the boulder and went rushing off.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/jkknex.png)
28 Granite 87
There is now enough forage in the second soil pasture that we can move the shearable animals underground and out of the way. The third pasture is almost bare, but fully dug out. Given how quickly moss spreads, we should be able to move the rest of the grazers into it by the end of the spring.
04 Slate 87
Another has begun work.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/35bfr0p.png)
All I can say is…that’s going to be an interesting piece of furniture.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2ywbedt.png)
08 Slate 87
Uh…that’s not exactly what I was hoping for…
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2ldwnx3.png)
That makes two coffins now. But it does have some lovely decorations.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/6y060z.png)
13 Slate 87
We’ve started walling off the approaches to our cavern accessway, since the humans assigned to set up a fishing industry are still nervous, even with the Helmed Anvils standing by.
24 Slate 87
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2gyafwx.png)
I’m starting to get tired of this never-ending stream. It seems like every couple of months, something else comes to bother us. I’ve sent the Pale Roads and the Helmed Anvils to exterminate the thing, and warned the civilians to stay inside until its dead. I went to take up my previous position in the tavern, since it provides both a decent vantage point and easy access to alcohol.
And of course, the werelizard came straight for the tavern, climbing up the wooden walls, where it was mobbed by our visitors and knocked down inside the walls.
Huh, I should have known poets just aren’t very good fighters. Five of them were managing to bruise the creature by the time Sky arrived, closely followed by Ino. I think their hammers managed to break every bone in the cursed thing’s body, before Ino finally bashed its head in and killed it.
But not everyone escaped unscathed. The creature killed two visiting poets, a goblin and a human, and left several others with bite wounds. I’ve forbidden the dropped equipment from the dead, and will get rid of it at the first opportunity.
As for the bitten, I’ve instructed Imic and Sky to keep a close eye on Ino during training for the next month. We haven’t yet had to deal with an armed werecreature, and I’d prefer not to start now. Since the others were some visiting human poets, I’ve assigned Mooney’s Pillars to hang out in the tavern until the next full moon. They’ll be receiving a “courtesy escort” if they go anywhere else in the village. I won’t allow my family to be endangered.
25 Slate 87
And now to deal with the climbing issue. A dry, multiple level moat will be a good start, followed by some overhanging floors.
09 Felsite 87
With three possibly cursed people around, perhaps this isn’t the best time...
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2wegdx5.png)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2z9chlf.png)
11 Felsite 87
I guess she must like the improvements we’re making.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2qtvjhy.png)
Since she has skill as a mason, I asked her to help Another out with making rock blocks to build our permanent walls.
16 Felsite 87
Seriously? She couldn’t have waited a sevenday?
(http://i65.tinypic.com/iwhcnm.png)
Then again, this is another daughter for Imic…she can probably take care of herself. Though I somehow doubt that she’ll make a very good soldier.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/1oubya.png)
20 Felsite 87
Imic is “training” the Pale Roads, while keeping a close eye on Ino, who is doing some individual combat drill. Some of our “off-duty” soldiers are drinking in the tavern, keeping an eye on the two humans. When the full moon comes tomorrow, we’ll be ready.
21 Felsite 87
(http://i64.tinypic.com/e8of81.png)
Well, at least only one of three bitten was actually infected. And that one transformed in full view of everyone in the tavern. It promptly blooded its new form on one of the war dogs, slowing it down just long enough for the Helmed Anvils to arrive. With Sky and Ino both thrashing about with their hammers, and Geño thrusting and lunging with her sword, the werelizard didn’t seem to know who to attack first. It flailed about, punching at one, kicking at another, biting at the third, only to get a mouthful of cloak.
Finally, Sky saw an opening, and struck. His war hammer landed on the cursed human’s skull, crushing it and killing the creature before it could spread the infection once again.
I hate werelings.
27 Felsite 87
There’s enough cave moss flourishing in the sand of the third pasture for us to move the rest of the grazers out of the way. Movement on the surface should be considerably faster from now on. Next, I just need to hollow out someplace for the non-grazers to be chained up.
28 Felsire 87
It’s time to get some bone crafts made again.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/28whz5.png)
And those human citizens. I'm about ready to hand them over to Akrul, just to stop her from yelling at me. They run at every little rustle in the caverns, and the few fish one of those incompetents catch either rot away before the other incompetent can clean them, or get eaten by children as soon as they're prepared. I didn't realize we were raising a settlement full of fish-lovers. Well, at least the traders will be coming in a sevenday or two. They’ve been bringing fish regularly for years, we’ll make up the difference there.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Non-soldier Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 11, 2017, 10:19:41 pm
Terrible greeting, though. For the minotaur, that is.
Well.
Wait.
Weren't the civilians supposed to have some sort of uniform?
Post by: ☼Another☼ on January 11, 2017, 11:12:19 pm
(Spent some time trying to find my profile so I can fit my diary to his character. Could you perhaps put the profiles of the dwarfed dwarves in the OP? Also, I discovered that I'm an atheist dwarf. Don't see that too often.
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on January 12, 2017, 01:32:05 am
Also, I discovered that I'm an atheist dwarf. Don't see that too often.
Of the Flat-Earth Variety or Unaffiliated variety?
Post by: ☼Another☼ on January 12, 2017, 09:31:02 am
Also, I discovered that I'm an atheist dwarf. Don't see that too often.
Of the Flat-Earth Variety or Unaffiliated variety?
I've found Flat-Earthers are more religious than others, so I'm decently sure he's Unaffiliated.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 12, 2017, 11:27:35 am
(Spent some time trying to find my profile so I can fit my diary to his character. Could you perhaps put the profiles of the dwarfed dwarves in the OP?
I'll start including seasonally updated ones at the end of each season in a spoiler, that'll be easiest. And I'll update the deities list to include current dwarfings.
öYet another artifact furniture? Something you can wear would be nice.
I actually prefer furniture (more dwarves get happy thoughts), but I could have done with something other than a coffin.
öWerevisitors, in communal tavern?
<snip>
Weren't the civilians supposed to have some sort of uniform?
The civilians are in leather. The werevisitor was bitten by the last werebeast that attacked, and was only a guest, so he wasn't protected by anything other than his own clothes. And then he lacked the courtesy to leave before the next full moon.
öI'd have expected you to build a secure fishing spot, instead of securing one, but I guess either will do. And you do have another mason now.
I want to use the open section of cavern between the access point and the water for a couple of things (e.g. fishing, silk, limiting access to set up more complicated trap systems, etc.), so enclosing it is more efficient long-term. And I can probably count on a "free" month following each semi-megabeast attack to muck around down there before risking an FB attack.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 12, 2017, 11:42:29 am
I don't think you can count on a free month - while I'm not sure of the smallest delay between FBs I've seen or noted, it surely is less than month.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 12, 2017, 01:43:48 pm
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 12, 2017, 04:16:39 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 13, 2017, 06:08:25 pm
03 Hematite 87
We are slowly, carefully, feeling our way into the bauxite cluster in the aquifer.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/13yp5c4.png)
That limonite is critical for getting some more steel.
08 Hematite 87
With all of the grazers out of the way, it’s much easier to keep track of the animals. I walked across the surface enclosure, admiring the fruits of our work, when I happened to glance at the caged animals.
I almost didn’t see it, but then I noticed its beady little eyes.
A KEA had found its way in again!
No wonder we had such trouble in the spring with all of those creatures attacking! They were being called by the kea! I instantly ordered it slaughtered, Dodòk’s orders or no.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2hq8h05.png)
Those dratted elves…
10 Hematite 87
The merchants have been increasingly nervous about the approaches to our trade depot, with the elves in the spring bringing particularly skittish pack animals. We’ve now finished moving the mangled capuchin skeletons littering the approaches to the depot into a single pile, out of sight of anyone in the depot. No need to scare the poor merchants away.
14 Hematite 87
(http://i66.tinypic.com/kci24h.png)
They had better have brought fish. Just in case, I’ve sent all of our worn clothing to the depot, with special attention to any imported clothing we can find.
15 Hematite 87
Mafol has decided to stick around.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/16bbvbl.png)
His only useful skills are military, so I sent him to join Sky’s squad as a hammerdwarf.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/29xdd13.png)
25 Hematite 87
While trading with the humans, I think I discovered the culprit keeping our import numbers so high!
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2qapjpk.png)
An “ameli”. The elves keep bringing parts for that instrument. First Tayldis and his friends, then repeatedly smuggling in keas, now attacking our import cap… I need to do something about them.
I bought some cheese, and all the fish necessary to finish that section. I also bought out their flour, so that we don’t have to give up our sand, and seventeen real anvils. Bomrek can’t be too upset at getting 43 mini-forges if we send some useable ones along, too.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/dhfiuw.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/25h039f.png)
We’re still over the import cap, but that should disappear once I hand over the imported portions of this year’s quota.
______________________________________________________________________________
28 Hematite 87
The general hubbub in the tavern ebbed and flowed as conversations segued from stories to poetry and debates heated and cooled.
One goblin, hanging out near the edge of the floor, savoring some apple cider, was struck by an odd scene. Taking a double take, he suddenly called out, “Hey, everybody! Listen to this!
Two thirsty dwarves, sittin’ in a tree.
S-O-B-B-I-N-G!
First comes thirst!
Then comes famine!
Then comes body in a well-made coffin!”
For a moment, no one seemed to have heard. Then suddenly, silence fell, so suddenly and completely you could have heard a seed hit the stone block floor.
“What?”
The goblin pointed toward a nearby tree, and there was a general rush as everyone tried to get a good look.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2mq5kdy.png)
“What are they doing up there?!” Several voices cried out.
Catten and Rith were almost hoarse from calling out, but with all the revelry, no one in the tavern had been able hear them. It was sheer luck that the goblin had been inspired to poetry by the sight.
The dwarves immediately started building a rescue bridge.
“An’ that tree’s comin’ down’s soon as our comrades’re out of’t.” Imic informed his axedwarves, who doubled as tree fellers.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
05 Malachite 87
Thank the gods, we got to them in time. Catten promptly buried her head in a barrel, and Rith is now devouring what must be three weeks’ worth of meals.
In between bites and gulps, they re-enacted how a Kea chased them up.
The elves strike again!
14 Malachite 87
I don’t believe my eyes. I really don’t.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/16c56bt.png)
How long ago did I give up arguing with Erib that corpses were just as easily butchered as a living animal? And she’s finally decided that maybe I had a point now? When the only thing we can get from it is bones?
______________________________________________________________________________
12 Galena 87
The baroness consort strolled across the tavern, rubbing the tips of her fingers along the stone wall. She came to a halt in front of Lotu’s table.
“I like what you’ve done to the place. I’m interested in helping out.”
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2igzlnt.png)
Lotu pursed his lips, shifting them from side to side as he thought. “You realize you won’t get anything better than what you have now for the foreseeable future? Between the defenses and the other projects we have going right now, there are no free hands to add more.”
Rith nodded. “Yes, I get it. I have been watching you slave away for over two years, after all.”
Lotu shrugged. “Then stay. But you’ll need to do your fair share of the work from here on out.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
13 Galena 87
Since Rith is a fisherdwarf of some experience, I’ve sent her down to the cavern lake to show those humans a thing a two.
14 Galena 87
Rith’s petition was quickly followed by one of our resident humans.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2d1jkwn.png)
Towhat’s only useful skill is crossbow use, so he’s been sent to join the Pillars of Ink.
21 Galena 87
Uvash’s uncle Limul has asked for permission to stay. He mentioned wanting to relax after his many travels, and that this seemed like a nice place to do it.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/vn0yhl.png)
These travelers really seem to have some odd ideas of what a ‘nice place’ is…but he is Uvash’s uncle. I figured that was enough reason to find a bed for him.
26 Galena 87
(http://i63.tinypic.com/16bn12s.png)
They immediately moved in to Lorbam's quarters in the Clan G enclave.
28 Galena 87
This time the yelling was about the toy anvils.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/1z5q3cx.png)
More specifically, that no one seemed to want to make them. Well, we'll have everything else…Bomrek will just have to make do.
On a more positive note, we are making progress with the limonite vein.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/nosqkn.png)
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Non-soldier Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lyra 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan 2 (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 14, 2017, 01:17:07 am
⊞ Twisted fabric ameli strings? Divine!
And useless, sadly. But still.
⊞ Odd trees - ah. The trunks just block the walking out onto the palisade.
I take it you don't use herbalism much?
⊞ The citizenships are finally paying off, now...
Their clothes must be worn, and they want new pairs.
⊞ Not just limonite - I think I spy some probable sapphires or indigo tourmalines in that bauxite cluster.
Not that there is a jeweler, but neat for moods.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 14, 2017, 10:47:22 pm
02 Limestone 87
Mafol has already earned his keep. On duty at the cavern access, he swiftly dispatched a curious troglodyte that ventured too close.
03 Limestone 87
(http://i67.tinypic.com/jsemtf.png)
He’s now sorting through his many bolts of cloth, muttering all the while.
07 Limestone 87
Another resident wants citizenship rights.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2uiumh3.png)
It turns out, she grew up on a dairy farm. I’ve put her in charge of milking our various herd animals. She’ll probably end up taking over the cheese-making duties, too. The variety will make some people happy.
09 Limestone 87
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2vuaurs.png)
Time to drop everything again.
11 Limestone 87
Echoworked insisted on getting our meeting out of the way early this year. Unfortunately, Bomrek continues to retain control of Swordgangs.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/wikmbn.png)
I ordered some more ewes, since I didn’t buy any last year and that ram isn’t getting any younger. I also ordered steel, as usual.
Bomrek has gained another 2 dwarves, somehow, for a current total of 62. So these are the numbers I need to hand over to Akrul:
(http://i63.tinypic.com/17cv1t.png)
Well, other than the anvils, this should be straightforward enough. Especially since we’ve started getting fish out of the caverns. But Bomrek always has to include just one thing.
Echoworked was also pleased to see how our menagerie continues to grow.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/10dtq49.png)
So overall, he’ll give a positive report, allowing us to continue in our slavery.
13 Limestone 87
Amidst all the work, Sodel is visibly absent, shut away in his clothier’s.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/4ugd2f.png)
He could have picked a better time for this. But, whatever he’s making, it’s going to have a lot of decorations.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/23r61ax.png)
______________________________________________________________________________
17 Limestone 87
The dwarf’s hands shook as he read the short, abrupt missive for the fourth time.
This is a masterfully-crafted sheet of gremlin parchment. It is decorated with hanging rings of elf tooth. There is neither greeting, nor signature.
You were sent with a single purpose. A task you have so far failed to complete. Not only are all the targets still breathing, despite your numerous plans, but they have produced more targets to deal with. If proof of your continued service fails to materialize before the end of the year, you will be dealt with as your treachery requires. Kill. Them. Or you, and all you hold dear, will suffer the consequences.
Crumpling the sheet in a fist, the dwarf stared morosely across the courtyard. Below, he could see the other villagers, dwarven and human, busily racing to get the quota delivered to the caravan in time. But up here, in the stillness of the trees, he was apart. As he always was, whether they knew it or not.
Yet over the months, beginning to stretch into years, the unthinkable had happened. He, who had always stood apart, ever since the dawn of time, when the Master had recruited him, had somehow made friends.
And lately, though he raged against the unfairness of the gods as each plan failed, a part of him was relieved that none had died by his actions.
But the letter changed all that. Now his mind raced as he futilely sought a way of pacifying the Master while not harming any of those he grown close to.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
18 Limestone 87
An artifact what?
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2vjvjvn.png)
While it is impressive, I don’t think this would be very comfortable to wear.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2hej8qq.png)
And a hill titan also lives around here? Let me guess. It’s going to come calling sooner or later. Great. We need to get those stone walls up sooner rather than later.
21 Limestone 87
Idla is petitioning to regularize his position.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/n1bkfp.png)
Just in time to haul! I put him straight to work. And he’s a lasher, with no other useful skills. So he’ll join the fisher crew when this is over.
22 Limestone 87
I need to fortify myself before dealing with those
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2nw22hv.png)
02 Sandstone 87
In exchange for the quota, I bought some more rams, and the sows they had brought. Then I finished maxing out our import cap with their steel bars and all of the meltable steel items I could.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/33c97q1.png) (http://i66.tinypic.com/106yc1w.png)
While I was sorting through things, I noticed several anvils. After much persuading and negotiating with Atîs Lashedround, the lead merchant, I was able to work out a deal. We bought their anvils, and then gave them right back as part of the quota. We still won’t have the numbers Bomrek wants, but we won’t be as badly short as we would have been.
OOC: I have discovered that it is impossible to specify the type of toy.
03 Sandstone 87
We’ve caught a giant cave swallow in the cavern traps. The last I saw, Sigun was headed down to train it. Yes! Soon we'll have progress!
10 Sandstone 87
The merchants have left, with an almost fully complete quota.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/35kljy1.png)
I'll pray that Bomrek is in a reasonable mood.
______________________________________________________________________________
11 Sandstone 87
Akrul summoned all adults to a meeting in the tavern. Once everyone had been supplied with a mug of their preferred form of inebriation, she launched into her
“This is completely unacceptable!” She finally started to wind down. “We have everything necessary on-site, yet you have failed miserably!”
The dwarves grumbled at this. None of them liked how the fruits of their labors kept getting carted away by royal command.
“I will not allow this to happen again. Here are the following assignments. Catten, you’re on crossbow duty. We need 130 of them to be on the safe side. You’ll make them out of bone, since we have so much of it.”
“That bone’s fer bolts!” Rith cried out.
Akrul immediately shook her head. “Nope. Ammo’s not on the list, you’re going to make horn crowns this year, and the other crafters will make up the deficit with wood. Lyra and Uvash. You’ll be making shields. And absolutely NO beds, bins, barrels, or anything else until the shields are done. We need 230 of them.”
There was more grumbling, but at least all of the citizens had their own beds now. The visitors and residents could hot-bunk for a few months.
Akrul moved on. “All iron will be used to make the 124 anvils we need.”
Lorbam protested. “We don’t have the bars for that! And we’ve already scoured the place for every single iron item we could melt to convert to steel. The most we can make is 42 anvils.”
Akrul stared him down for minute, then shrugged. “Fine. 42 anvils to start. Lotu and Ingish, you’re in charge of mining out all visible limonite veins to get more iron. All other digging projects are on hold until that's done.”
Lotu’s mouth opened and closed several times, but no sound came out. No one had spoken to him like that since he left Theaterknowledge to come north, and he had almost forgotten how it felt. By the time he figured out what he wanted to say, Akrul had already moved on. We’ll dig out some of the limonite, but at our own pace. I’ve got some other digging projects that need to get done too, you know. And they’re much more important than Bomrek’s foibles.
He shifted his attention back to Akrul in time to hear her say, “Fine, Mebzuth and the woodcrafters will make toy versions to mitigate the shortfall. But, all iron MUST be used for anvils before any more can be converted to steel. Steel production is to stop, you understand? Stop until I, myself, say otherwise.” As she spoke, she jabbed her thumb into her sternum in emphasis.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/258nn1y.png)
She steamrolled on with her job allocations. “Mestthos, you’ll be in charge of iron production, and you’ll also take over the actual forging of the anvils. Olon, you’ll make quivers. We have plenty of leather for that.”
Olon scowled. Yeah, with none left over for us!
“Rith and the human fishery workers will provide the fish. And Spriggans? Keep burning. The rest of you are on hauling duty. Any questions? Good. Dismissed!”
The last word came out with a sharpness worthy of Imic in full-out drill sergeant mode. The civilians scrambled out, eager to find someplace far away where they could vent about the newest restrictions and labor assignments.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
13 Sandstone 87
A human pikeman is petitioning to stay.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/abnj7t.png)
Not only do mercenary petitions never get around to working, what would we do with a pikeman? He’d drink all our booze and laze around all day while the rest of us bust our butts. Absolutely not. We have enough of those already.
I told him to go away.
14 Sandstone 87
I really hate to leave projects half-finished, and I came up with a way to get Akrul to let us finish this one. I simply pointed out that the quota is demanding a lot of wood, and we have a large number of logs tied up in the palisade. Completing the current stone wall project would allow us to recycle those logs. She hemmed and hawed a bit, but gave me the go-ahead.
______________________________________________________________________________
19 Sandstone 87
The dwarf carried the newest load of paper into the library corner, placing it carefully on an empty shelf.
For once the corner was empty, save for some of the soldiers sparring on the other side of the room. Keeping one eye on them, the dwarf swiftly rifled through Dr. Urist’s notes. Finding a promising set of notations, he grabbed one of the blank sheets of paper and made a quick copy. Unobtrusively walking down the nearest ramp, he moved quickly to an abandoned section of the mines to peruse his discovery in peace.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
21 Sandstone 87
I’ve finished the first corner of the new moat. With an overhanging floor on the rampart level, I think this design will be climbing-proof. Now all we have to do is dig out the rest and floor it to keep trees from growing and ruining the defensive depth.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2zsy24i.png)
You. Elf. I’m looking right at you.
24 Sandstone 87
Dr. Urist wants more shelf space. And writing desks. And storage space. And room for active experiments. And…
Her list is never-ending.
Since a lot of the scholars are visitors, we’ll build her a new library as the topmost floors in the lookout tower. That way, all visitors will be grouped into one place and easily manageable.
26 Sandstone 87
As soon as word got around about the next project after defense improvements, I started getting a steady stream of folks “just dropping by”. They all wanted to impress on me how much they wanted some more reading material in the library.
Well, they’ll get shelf and writing space, but anything more will need to be copied from things visitors bring. Wait, that requires a dedicated scribe?
Great, something else I need to find someone to do. Why can’t any of the scholars ever decide to stick around?
03 Timber 87
We’re continuing to hollow out the safe zone in the aquifer.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/rtfa0x.png)
I’ve been thinking about how to use the space when we finally finish. It doesn’t really seem suitable for temple, since none of our deities involve water, and the human and elven ones seem to be focused on rivers instead of aquifers.
I think I’m going to turn it into a graveyard for our visitors. Several of them have died over the past several years and their corpses are cluttering up the pile. Most of us are inured to it, but still. We should show some respect for the dead. OOC: This is partly driven by a desire to try and get the personality screens to fit in a single screenshot, by getting some of the corpses out of sight.
18 Timber 87
A second quadrant of land is almost completely enclosed, and as I promised Akrul, we’re salvaging the wood from the palisade for conversion into quota items. There’s something about stone that is so much more reassuring than wood. It feels much more solid and permanent, somehow.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2e1y74k.png)
21 Timber 87
A new Clan has been Founded.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2u5awhu.png)
They’re calling it Clan W for now. Maybe this will make Dr. Urist stop complaining about being away from family?
28 Timber 87
For now, Akrul is happy.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/o0e93.png)
Current character list:
Spoiler: Training in Moonstone: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Opal: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Training in Obsidian: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Scholars (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Non-soldier Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Children: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lyra 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan 2 (click to show/hide)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 15, 2017, 01:58:14 pm
Lashedround guided the lead wagon down the rough-cut pathway to the entrance far below. Other than the smoothed and engraved entrance, there were few external signs that anyone lived here. Once underground, things changed. Several dwarves were in the process of engraving the smoothed floor, and the walls were already covered in depictions of the king, spears, and cheese. The depot itself was well-built, out of clear glass, in a large, domed room.
Lashedround looked around in approval. Such a difference from Finderbaords. How can dwarves bear to live on the surface like that?
Bringing the wagon to a precise stop in a corner of the depot, he jumped lightly down to supervise the arrival and unloading of the caravan.
“Ah! You’re the lead trader this year?” The voice coincided with the last round of cheese being set out.
Lashedround turned to see a slight dwarf with an almost manic cast to his expression. He nodded in response, and greeting.
“I’m Meng Baldarrow. I have the pleasure of assisting Bomrek with running this place. I assume that’s the quota?”
Lashedround nodded, and waved him forward. “That’s everything Finderboards gave us to load. Feel free to take a look.”
Withdrawing a tablet, Meng waded in. Several hours later, he studied the numbers and grimaced. He looked up at Lashedround. “Ignore any raging beasts you might hear. He’s really quite harmless when he’s calm and drunk.” With that parting shot, Meng moved away, but Lashedround still heard the final mutter, “On the admittedly rare occasions when that’s the case.”
Meng’s report caused the expected reaction. “How’re we supposed t’make spears without anvils! That little slime Lotu! He always skimps on the one thing we really need each year!”
“But he did complete the last two quotas. Maybe he simply didn’t have time to get all the iron necessary?”
“Twaddle! He had a year to dig it out! It’s simply that he’s selfish, greedy, and lazy!”
You know, that description could easily match someone in this room. Meng thought, looking around at the fully-engraved walls and floor, and the masterfully-crafted furniture, which was decorated with cut clay loam and cut green glass.
“Listen, Bomrek. You just sent an order for another 124 anvils from them. If I send a courier to Finderboards to tell them to add the missing 29 anvils to the total,” since mini-forges are useless, “perhaps we needn’t importune King Dodók with this at all. And if they fail the quota again next year, we can always show that we tried to be reasonable and understanding.”
Bomrek was nodding. “Yes! Which Finderboards clearly isn’t, with their childish refusals to fulfill perfectly sensible requests. Send that letter!”
Meng inclined his head and departed.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 15, 2017, 03:15:20 pm
At certain point, just 1 really good craftsman won't be enough for any quota task.
⁘ Straightforward? Well, with imported leather I suppose so. Though it includes crossbows and quivers and shields, it is still less military than some of the past requests, too.
Suggesting Bomrek's melee squads are complete.
Perhaps few insurances in case those come to pay a hostile visit to Finderboards would be useful. They have had longer to prepare, with support provided by yourself, and might be quite a threat.
*reads on*
Oh, it seems miners are already at work for that.
⁘ Not sure why Sodel being absent is good, but that's seems like a winter wear.
...Those are winter clothes? -Yu
⁘ Hydra...And aren't most of your dwarves axe-wielding...Hm, I guess you did have some spearmen.
Well, good luck. Hope the titan isn't webber or firebreather.
⁘ Huh, didn't know that about toys. And that's an interesting deal - though ultimately futile, with the anvil requests for next year too.
The challenge you undertook...Well, it's impressive how true a challenge it is - winnable sometimes, but still a difficulty.
I might consider it myself, someday. It'd be interesting and teach about labor durations, though the behaviours it'd teach would be more suitable to successions.
⁘ Hm. Stopping steel production?
Well, it only trains furnace operation when it comes to this, I suppose....
But oh, must that grate. It's only natural that failures would be attempted to be fixed, but still!
Good job narrating there, helps set the atmosphere.
⁘ About dedication of scribes: They'll only be dedicated as long as it takes for them to copy the scrolls up to required numbers (though beware of things getting perpetually TSKed - forbid/unpause/unforbid if that happens), After that, they should work just like normal.
⁘ Looking at that safe zone must smart. Oh, would it have been easier to dig down there!
...Would it? I don't know. But still, at the very least it is useful now.
Oh, and useful thing: Vanilla autodigging of minerals will keep digging right to the edge of water, without cancellation spam or any danger. Useful for your situation, though somewhat annoying under the ocean.
Perhaps install one door or pre-dig drainage in case you dig out a wrong square by hand? Well, something to consider.
As for the dead...They're the ones you can afford to show most respect to, and the ones who need it the least. But this resting place is quite dwarven, nonetheless.
⁘ I see your new stone design includes some fortificaitions for the marksdwarves? A neat idea.
Well, at the very least it stands out from the wooden jungle. Though beware of caveins from deconstructing too much :P
⁘ Hm, seems Swordgangs is traditional dwarven fortress. Who needs sky anyway?
Though worldgen forts do have grander visitor welcome room than I usually brother to make. Hm.
⁘ Ahahaha. Lovely little interlude, got a laugh out of me. The situation is really quite something :)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 15, 2017, 03:55:52 pm
...Those are winter clothes? -Yu
More like "tropical desert wear."
The challenge you undertook...Well, it's impressive how true a challenge it is - winnable sometimes, but still a difficulty.
I was actually expecting it to start getting easier by now. But 124 anvils?
I see now why Toady programmed our import requests to bring 1, 2, 3, or 4 instead. Players being the way we are, we could very easily pull a Bomrek as a matter of course, without realizing how much dwarven work goes into these things.
⁘Oh, would it have been easier to dig down there!
Actually, though it took far longer, I prefer digging down through wet stone (though I usually have 2/3 miners to do it, with equivalent numbers of architect/masons in support), because now anytime I need water near the surface, I have a ready supply whenever I happen to deblock a section of wall. I designed the outer ring layout of the lowest cobaltite level with that in mind.
⁘ Though beware of caveins from deconstructing too much :P
I'm always paranoid about deconstructing things now. Comes from accidentally killing my legendary armorsmith shortly after wall building/removing was added.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Robot Parade Leader on January 15, 2017, 07:08:19 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 15, 2017, 07:11:30 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 16, 2017, 01:21:14 pm
01 Moonstone 87
Our three military squads look like they can handle anything that comes along these days, so I’ve removed the civilian training requirement.
17 Moonstone 87
Since we now have some extra room on the surface, I’ve designated a new pasture to hold all of the animals that don’t have a suitable breeding partner.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/i2poix.png)
It’ll be much easier to see which ones have priority that way. And as we match them up, they’ll be moved to permanent pastures.
22 Moonstone 87
We need to increase and diversify some of our food stockpiles. To deal with the resulting vermin, I’ve instructed Sigun to see to breeding the cats. The new kittens should be born at about the right time.
27 Moonstone 87
The corner section of the moat has now been completely floored over, so we can start working on the next section.
02 Opal 87
Our fish producers interrupted their work today, because of two troglodytes. Expecting them to run away, I sent Sky’s Anvils to deal with the infestation.
04 Opal 87
Will wonders never cease? By the time Sky arrived, ready to do battle, one of the troglodytes had been punched to death, courtesy of Us, and the other was collapsed on the ground, unconscious. Sky finished it off with a single hammer blow to the head.
Rith and Idur were already back at the lakeside, focusing on their fishing, while Us filleted their catch nearby.
05 Opal 87
Ingish and I have finished digging out the safe portion of the bauxite cluster, and each limonite boulder will make another anvil, though I hate to see perfectly good iron put to such a use. On the other hand, it's a rather interesting design for a burial ground.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/dxhd9v.png)
Now we have to wait for Nil to finish smoothing the walls before seeing if we can some more. While there are other veins, hidden behind the blue walls, I refuse to tell Akrul about them. Bomrek isn’t getting any more iron than we absolutely must give.
In the meantime, we'll start digging out a fourth pasture, because the large grazers are eating the third one bare.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/izmc6o.png)
07 Opal 87
Sigun reports the cats have been bred, now it’s just a waiting game. However, he’s worrying about our animal progress. He’s suggested a more aggressive trapping plan.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/e9cle1.png)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/30cngq9.png)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/21b43eu.png)
Since Dr. Urist has stockpiled plenty of mechanisms, we’ll go with it and see what happens. The new traps should be far enough out that we’ll snap up some of the cavern critters before the Helmed Anvils catch sight of them.
And once they’ve been loaded, the ones inside the walls can be removed.
OOC: The “cat breeding” was accomplished by assigning both cats to the same zone and waiting until they had occupied adjacent tiles once. They were then moved back into separate zones (which are in different rooms). And yes, they are both “will marry opposite sex.”
______________________________________________________________________________
12 Opal 87
(http://i64.tinypic.com/akwzrc.png)
Lotu paid little attention to the latest announcement from Imic, stationed on gate duty near Tayldis Bridge. There were so many visitors coming and going, what was one more or less?
13 Opal 87
“Yer Lotu?”
Lotu turned from the sand wall, lowering his pick. And another petition to distract me. At least this one is a dwarf. It makes a nice change from that slew of humans.
“Yes?”
“Got this fer ya.” The dwarf proffered a letter, which Lotu took. Not a petition, then.
With a sloppy salute, the swordsdwarf left Lotu to turn the newest missive over in his hands. The seal was simple, three spears set in wax. The paper itself was cave thistle and…yes. In the bottom corner was the maker’s mark, which was always affixed to any item made in the world. This one…was a single piece of thread. And unless I’m very much mistaken, that’s Mestthos’s name sign right next to it.
Shrugging, Lotu slit the seal and unfolded the single page.
Attention: Lotu Sizzlediron
Your efforts for the previous two quotas are to be commended, and the substitutions show an admirable degree of foresightedness on your manager’s part. The bone amulets are working out well, and the sand and bars are exactly what our glassmakers needed. However, the lack of anvils cannot be borne. Spear quality reflects anvil quality in addition to the other materials used, and without enough anvils, it is impossible to properly test alterations to the basic procedure. Naturally, the mini-forges, while good to get the children thinking about such things, are otherwise useless with respect to our stated purpose, and therefore don’t count. Thus, we must insist that you include the missing 29 anvils from the previous quota to your stated numbers for the upcoming quota. In the fall, Swordgangs will expect delivery of all 153 anvils. I trust we will not need to seek redress for a delivery failure.
Signed: Meng Baldarrow, on behalf of Bomrek Whiptrailed, expedition leader.
Lotu crumpled the letter into his fist. “153 anvils!? Where in Armok’s good name am I to find the iron for 153 anvils? That’s over 450 iron bars!”
Fuming, he hefted his pick and drove it with all the force he could muster into the inoffensive sand wall before him.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
16 Opal 87
After much thought, and a consultation with Airith, whose discretion I trust completely, I’ve decided not to tell anyone else of the contents of Meng’s letter. Ingish was on the far side of the digging zone, so he didn’t see anything, and all anyone else knows is that Adil left after a few days.
How can anyone expect any single place to make 150 anvils in the space of a year?
04 Obsidian 87
With the fourth pasture dug out, it is now simply a waiting period until the cave moss forms a thick enough carpet on the ground. And as it turns out, we need to segregate some of the camel herds, too.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/10hkhhy.png)
Well, if I’m digging out pasture, it’s harder for Akrul to track me down and insist I dig exploratory shafts out into the aquifer layers to find more iron. What part of “breaching saturated wet stone releases infinite water” doesn’t she understand?
______________________________________________________________________________
19 Obsidian 87
The dwarf re-read the letter carefully. There could be no mistakes, not with something this important. Satisfied that there was no hint of his deception, he tapped a couple of drops of mingled troglodyte and dwarf blood to the bottom of the sheet. He would send it off with the next kea delivered, and it would buy him some time. After all, the Master had demanded results, and he was providing apparent results.
Though I really should thank my dear wife for giving me this particular idea. Assuming it works.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
28 Obsidian 87
The anvils simply aren’t going to happen. Not in any way, shape or form.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/10dgkk0.png)
But Akrul is being stubborn. She insists that we make as many as we can, and send them all. If we do that, we have no more iron. Not an acceptable outcome.
I’ve over-ridden her orders, and told Mestthos she was forbidden from using the forge. I told NCommander and Aban the same thing, just in case. If all three of them corroborate that the forge can’t be used, and Airith drags out “finding and fixing” the problem long enough, we may be able to convince Akrul that it isn’t even worth attempting.
The only thing left is figuring out how to explain this to the king.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lyra 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 16, 2017, 10:29:01 pm
Though the one who punched troglodyte to death was probably with slight military skill.
And...I suppose they might fit the stereotype of "decoy secretary desperate for some" if this works. For some reason, I hope not.
Though not like I haven't seen animals going at it in public....
Ah well. Working would be ultimately more convenient.
I also see fish in the aquifer burial ground.
What might one call it?
Hm...
"Styx"? It doesn't really have a river, but everyone swims through it once.
I recall Goatmaan complaining about saplings/dead shrubs growing on floor tiles, so might want to consider digging pastures as upstairs or downstairs instead. Well, for changing over only the latter is an option, though aesthetically unappealing for z-level beneath.
Well...Perhaps check for magnetite clusters on-site? I don't think you checked the center-ish of other embark tiles with even just downward staircase peek-a-boos; could just leave the outer ring in place, like with the aquifer. Shafts are rather harder to do and extract from, though. Lucky that aquifers don't spill upwards, at least.
But without magnetite...Well. You may already know you have none by prospect all.
Which leaves one other horrible option. You did settle on 4x4, after all.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 20, 2017, 12:41:21 pm
01 Granite 88
The new year ushers in death, as it often does. We’ve lost our only remaining giant weasel and giant squirrel, and our very first giant mole. Fortunately, the mole produced a litter of pups before she died, so we still have our breeding group. But the others…Sigun has a point about actively trapping trainable critters.
03 Granite 88
We’ve finished building out floors for the upper stockpiles associated with the first minecart system.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2vxg7l4.png)
All that’s left is to replace the remaining temporary clay loam walls with permanent cobaltite block ones.
______________________________________________________________________________
07 Granite 88
Kifino walked through the jungle, studying the walls of the safe haven they had traveled so far to find. While he mourned the trees that had sacrificed their lives to build the walls, there were clear signs that the Trampled Rampart was in the process of replacing them with stone. At least they’re trying to minimize their wood use. That’s a good sign.
He turned to run an eye over the straggling group following on his heels. But in the end, it doesn’t matter. We’ve traveled half the world, and this seems to be the only place free of demonic influence.
Reaching the bridge, he greeted the axedwarf on guard duty.
“H’lo.” The dwarf responded. “Wha’cha doin’ ‘ere?”
“We’ve come to perform our songs, stories, and dances. We’d like to stay a while, it’s been a long road.”
Rigòth shrugged. “Th’ tavern’s on th’ second floor of the stone tower. Jus’ after ye pass th’ depot.”
Kifino nodded. “And the…expedition leader?”
“Prob’bly diggin’ somewheres. Try th’ pasture areas firs’. Down th’ ramps un’er th’ tavern. Sand level, head north. If'n ye get los', ask fer Lotu.”
“My thanks.” With a slight bow, Kifino waved his troupe along.
Reaching the central stone tower Rigòth had indicated, Kifino paused a moment to look around. There was a variety of animals, all mingling peacefully together, and several dwarves working madly. This group is quite…industrious. How different.
“Wait for me here. I shouldn’t be long.” As he spoke, he stepped on the first downward ramp. Walking briskly, he reached the sand level. Fortunately, the Trampled Rampart also believed in wide, straight avenues, and one stretched in each of the cardinal directions. Remembering Rigòth’s instructions, Kifino took the northern passageway, but had to stop for directions once it dead-ended at an empty room with a few beds scattered about. Eventually he found his objective, wielding a pick against the sand walls, as predicted.
“Yeah?” Lotu asked absent-mindedly.
“My traveling companions and I would like to stay, if we may.”
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2rqh7ko.png)
Traveling companions? As in…plural? “How many of you are there?”
Kifino swallowed. This was often the problematic point. “Eleven total. Myself, four other elves, four humans, a dwarf from the Corridor of Mastery, and…a goblin.”
The last word came out very quietly. There weren’t very many settlements that welcomed goblins.
Lotu didn’t seem to notice. “And you all want to reside here?” His index finger jabbed downward.
Kifino nodded. At least they hadn’t been turned down flat. Yet.
Lotu’s mind was racing. Eleven of them. In two years…that’ll be a lot of extra hands that we can use… He started nodding. “Yeah, sure. Stick around.”
Kifino strode quickly away, eager to share the good news with his troupe. “We can stay!”
No sooner were the words out of his mouth, than the most raggedly-dressed raced full tilt down the Central Spire to the stockpiles. Diving into the bins they started pulling out very-well-made dwarven clothing, and rapidly discarded their tattered rags to don dresses, trousers, gloves, socks and hoods instead.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/155gf37.png)
One of the dwarves swooped down on the discarded pieces of fabric, tut-tutting as he tossed them willy-nilly into one of the bins, saying something that sounded like “Bomrek will appreciate this.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
10 Granite 88
Sahthet is ready to get to work.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/20z5m54.png)
Since her only useful skill is hammering, I’ve sent her over to the military, to join Sky’s squad.
13 Granite 88
(http://i67.tinypic.com/97k9i8.png)
I’ve ordered all of the worn silk clothes discarded by our recent petitioners sent over, as well as some more of the glass windows that have been lying around ever since Dastot’s final over-hasty departure.
15 Granite 88
We are now the proud owners of a giant wombat, a couple of female snapping turtles, another koala and another spider monkey. Unfortunately, none of the new animals have completed any breeding pairs, but the snapping turtles and wombat are brand-new additions to the menagerie.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/6egi03.png) (http://i68.tinypic.com/28umljo.png)
19 Granite 88
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2zf7psn.png)
I’ve assigned Id to metal-crafting and started her on chains and buckets. Tobul has been given job of training as a swordsdwarf with Geño, but his first job will be to forge his very own short sword out of iron, since we have no steel at the moment. He has asked to be called Neo now.
02 Slate 88
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2rdgun8.png)
He claims to be a pretty decent clothier, so he’s been sent to give Sodel a hand harvesting and weaving silk webs.
05 Slate 88
Both Oda and Sath came to ask for citizenship
(http://i68.tinypic.com/dwwhlw.png) (http://i64.tinypic.com/29bnhpi.png)
Oda’s been assigned to making quires for the library, using Tun’s paper, while Sath was put to work helping Nil engrave all of the stone floors Ingish and I have dug out.
06 Slate 88
(http://i68.tinypic.com/xcj8ci.png)
His only skill is military, so I’ve asked Imic to give him a speardwarf squad. He’s currently training with Rigòth Dikepages and the lasher Gel.
12 Slate 88
(http://i64.tinypic.com/nb59b9.png)
His highest skill is animal caretaker…and his second is spearman. I sent him over to Imic, too, to join the speardwarf squad.
And I hope that’s the last one for a while. I have better things to do than to keep meeting with petitioners!
13 Slate 88
Up on the ramparts, Ustuth saw them first. The trio moved purposefully toward Tayldis Bridge. A ranger accompanied by two civilians. I thought that was odd. Most visitors don’t arrive with an escort.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/wwdwdi.png)
It turns out, they weren’t visitors. The civilians are cousins of Erib and Rith, from Clan B. The ranger is actually Mafol’s wife, Kol. They’ve been separated for years, as they each wandered the world. There were some tears when the reunion took place. And Mafol now can’t stop smiling as he trains with the rest of the Helmed Anvils.
With Kol’s arrival, we have seven marksdwarves, enough for two squads, according to Mooney. He’s named the new squad “The Oracular Golds”, and placed Besmar in command, as the most senior member of the original squad.
Atîs is an experienced potter, so that will open up another avenue of production. Solon has no real experience with anything useful, so she’s been assigned to shear so that Sarvesh can focus on spinning all of the hair littering Erib’s butchery.
And they’ve also brought news from the south.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2uiesjs.png)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/qqy03q.png)
Why hasn’t Echoworked said anything? At any rate, I’ve updated our southern map with their estimates of the goblins’ positions.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/instbs.png)
Hmm…judging from the spread, we may actually start getting refugees. Fortunately, we have plenty of bedrooms dug out, they just need to be smoothed.
15 Slate 88
Neo has had a trial by fire. While on guard duty in the caverns, he had spied seemingly easy prey, and charged the troglodyte. But the latter slipped back, and back, and back, until Neo had been drawn out of support range of Geño. Then, the hidden trio attacked.
Fortunately, Geño heard his cries of shock and fear, and came charging to her young captain’s rescue, Us hard on her heals.
Together, the two humans fought off the creatures, saving Neo’s life, but not before Neo suffered serious injuries that have forced his withdrawal to Dr. Urist’s new-and-improved hospital room.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2qsz1uw.png)
18 Slate 88
We’re about to add a giant bat to the growing zoo. The cage traps have also caught two gorlaks. Wonderful, another kind of untameable creature. That prison pit idea is gaining ground.
22 Slate 88
The new pasture now has enough cave growth to support a herd. Since the water buffalo herd is the biggest of the three, we’re moving it into the new space.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/28tge4o.png)
04 Felsite 88
Progress on the second corner of the moat continues.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/b661vn.png)
09 Felsite 88
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2cifqdg.png)
But Sodel’s youngest is still years away from being useful.
16 Felsite 88
A cave crocodile importuned Rith and Idur this afternoon. They were really punching away at it when Ino arrived and dispatched it with a couple of well-placed blows of her war hammer to its head. But while they were dealing with the creature, Catten managed to run afoul of its teeth. It bit her in the right foot, tearing it through her leather shoe. Lorbam is currently helping her back to the hospital, for Dr. Urist to attend to.
And in the midst of all of the excitement, Zefon’s name-day passed almost unnoticed.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/qn4uoi.png)
20 Feliste 88
By the time Dr. Urist got around to treating Catten, the wounds had gotten infected. And Neo appears to be walking around with an infection, too.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2u4h9wi.png)
Infections. The one thing doctors are incapable of treating. Great. Where am I going to put the graveyard?
24 Felsite 88
Catten’s other injuries were less serious than we feared.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/9fsgoy.png)
Once she received a crutch, Catten was back up and hobbling straight for the nearest keg.
26 Feliste 88
And now we’ve caught a helmet snake. Slowly, slowly we make progress on our various quotas.
28 Felsite 88
(http://i63.tinypic.com/6yibh1.png)
We’ll be able to make up the fish numbers from the humans, but Akrul discovered our “perfidy” in refusing to make iron anvils. I’ve had to promise her that we’ll send the bars for Swordgangs to make any for which we come up short. I still refuse to make them ourselves, however. There are other, better things we can spend our time and iron on. And the humans always bring some anvils, which will cut into the number of bars we’ll need to send.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Guilds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lyra 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 20, 2017, 07:22:10 pm
Bunnies of roasting....
Yeah, you really delivered the impression of refugee group - not quite happy with the situation, but forced to accept it. Well done.
Quite a lot of new citizenry, overall.
Helmsmatch...I take it the Fly of Moons is attacking from the dark pit 2 tiles away?
Not sure what endurance would be needed to survive an infection, however.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 20, 2017, 07:52:26 pm
•Looking at updated map, the number of ruined forest retreats is striking - in the war with goblins, the elves have probably been hurt worse than dwarves.
Yeah. According to Legends, those elves are getting creamed. Fortunately, they're not the ones we trade with. They are the source of "refugees" as far as the story is concerned. We just haven't "known" before.
Helmsmatch...I take it the Fly of Moons is attacking from the dark pit 2 tiles away?
Yes. That single tile is the one launching the ceaseless offensives against both Helmsmatch and Salveluck.
•The profiles are really large by now. How many people live in Atolasob?
We're at 101, as of the end of spring. I did mod the positions to take hold with larger populations (because I don't like to get mayors prior to getting through aquifers, as getting the room quality they like is problematic), which is why we don't have a mayor yet (that appointment should happen soon-ish now.) The numbers break down thusly: 74 dwarves (of which 22 are children), 17 adult humans (no reproductive couples), 9 adult elves (no reproductive couples), and 1 adult goblin.
The profiles are large mostly because of the corpses still lying scattered about (and oddly near well-traveled thoroughfares...I wonder how that happened? :P).
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: neo1096 on January 21, 2017, 03:37:31 pm
Neo has had a trial by fire.At least it wasn't a trial on !!FIRE!! Nonetheless, I'm glad that the health screen doesn't seem to show any permanent damage or motor nerve injuries, since that could have ended his military career pretty quickly. Also, it's telling that having grown up in Atolasob, he doesn't really care about anything anymore. Such is the life of a dwarven
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 21, 2017, 06:40:58 pm
02 Hematite 88
There are still some trees in the way of completing the moat, but Imic has sent Udil and Rigòth to deal with the remaining infestation.
05 Hematite 88
Neo has finally reached a skill level where even Geño recognizes that he has earned the title of “Swordsdwarf.”
(http://i63.tinypic.com/mifm8z.png)
12 Hematite 88
(http://i68.tinypic.com/eqdons.png)
When I started making a list of things to trade, I realized that we’ve built up a large pile of things in the depot. I don’t think we have to move anything else this season, though we might as well move all of the worn imported clothes we can find.
13 Hematite 88
Momuz has requested a more permanent job.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/6psr3a.png)
Since she claims some axedwarf skill, she’ll be an asset to Imic. Or at least, she will be once Imic has trained her “right.”
14 Hematite 88
No sooner did Momuz depart for the training corner, than a human took her place.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/rj0dh0.png)
She’s a pikeman by trade. In other words, absolutely useless. I’ve assigned her to help Dr. Urist reload the cage traps.
21 Hematite 88
As always, we’ll feed Bomrek’s fish obsession with human offerings. I also bought all fourteen of their anvils, and all of their iron goods. We are well over the import cap, but melting down the iron goods into bars will get us back under.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/otdkph.png) (http://i68.tinypic.com/30jtso8.png)
23 Hematite 88
Some more migrants arrived today. Zutthan’s widowed mother, Deduk, has come to join her son. Practicing with her crossbow during the journey gained her enough skill to join the Oracular Golds. I imagine Besmar will soon train her to the high level Imic insists upon.
With Deduk was Vucar’s daughter Zasit and her great-grandson Momuz. Zasit and Momuz married almost a year ago, and wished to share their joy with her, before settling in Zasit’s home of Workedfrills.
27 Hematite 88
Zasit and Momuz have asked to settle here, far from the goblin threat, instead. I gave my wholehearted approval, on the condition that they take up new jobs, as potash-making and weaving are currently redundant.
I’ve asked Momuz to focus on making lye, as that seems fairly close to making potash. Zasit has been assigned to making Dr. Urist some soap. It probably wouldn’t have helped Catten and Neo, given that their wounds were already infected by the time Dr. Urist made her diagnoses, but it certainly can’t hurt.
Now, all we need is to put a bed into the room across from Vucar’s.
05 Malachite 88
After three visits in the last two years, Batow has asked to settle here permanently, to be near her crippled mother.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/28tfc50.png)
I hope Batow is wise enough not to use the word “crippled” in Ino’s presence. That woman is absolutely set on being a better one-handed fighter than she was a two-handed one.
13 Malachite 88
(http://i65.tinypic.com/m9nhib.png)
Ral has been struggling to keep up with both the drinks and the meals, so I’ve sent Litast to the kitchens.
14 Malachite 88
(http://i68.tinypic.com/6ehmyr.png)
I’ve sent him to provide backup for Neo.
16 Malachite 88
Once the trees were gone, it was quick work to finish digging out the moat.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2gtargl.png)
Now we just have to get it floored against the elven tree menace, and then we can start working on the next section.
______________________________________________________________________________
19 Malachite 88
The dwarf smuggled the kea out to the southernmost corner of the unfinished moat. Few dwarves were venturing this far out yet, and he could almost guarantee privacy. Reaching his destination, he looked up to see a circling flock of the birds. Nodding in satisfaction at the camouflage, he attached his latest report to the messenger kea’s leg, then let it fly.
The kea swiftly rose and, within moments, had lost itself among the ever-circling bodies of its wild brethren.
The dwarf headed back, whistling, as if he had just finished laying down a bot of floor. While he hadn’t reported any new deaths, and the two infected dwarves were only secondary targets, he had presented it as a success. After all, everyone knew that infections always killed. And, best of all, no infection ever known could be traced back to a deliberate action.
Yes, the Master should be pleased. His whistling was light-hearted, indeed.
______________________________________________________________________________
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
14 Galena 88
Litast seems to be figuring things out in the kitchen.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2rdc2ll.png)
I’m going to ask him if he can make anything other than tallow biscuits.
15 Galena 88
I shouldn’t have asked. The tallow roast tasted even worse. Even after three virtually overflowing mugs of dwarven ale, I can still taste it. Bleh.
18 Galena 88
Flooring the moat is proceeding well.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/sx0x85.png)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/9te9dx.png)
OOC: The undug ramps in the lower picture are due to a pond above. Dealing with it is the next order of business for the fall, to really "finish" that section of the moat.
24 Galena 88
I overheard Gel in the tavern, introducing herself to one of our visitors. She’s calling herself a master lasher now.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/fllglw.png)
Since she’s our only resident lasher…whatever.
26 Galena 88
I’ve ordered the construction of a new forge, using the best of Mestthos’s anvils. We’ll send our original imported anvil with the quota, and get rid of one more 100☼ worth item counting against our cap.
28 Galena 88
Well, the quota is as complete as it’s going to get.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2mctv9x.png)
We still have 87 anvils to figure out. The dwarven caravan usually brings ten or so, so that means a maximum of 231 bars to make up the difference. We’re…34 bars short, and Mestthos is still melting things down. We’ll just have to see.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lyra 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Post by: ☼Another☼ on January 21, 2017, 06:48:27 pm
The dwarf smuggled the kea out to the southernmost corner of the unfinished moat. Few dwarves were venturing this far out yet, and he could almost guarantee privacy. Reaching his destination, he looked up to see a circling flock of the birds. Nodding in satisfaction at the camouflage, he attached his latest report to the messenger kea’s leg, then let it fly.
The kea swiftly rose and, within moments, had lost itself among the ever-circling bodies of its wild brethren.
The dwarf headed back, whistling, as if he had just finished laying down a bot of floor. While he hadn’t reported any new deaths, and the two infected dwarves were only secondary targets, he had presented it as a success. After all, everyone knew that infections always killed. And, best of all, no infection ever known could be traced back to a deliberate action.
Yes, the Master should be pleased. His whistling was light-hearted, indeed.
They use keas. Now we know they're evil.
Also, you can use [hr] to make lines, instead of with underscores.
Example:
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 21, 2017, 06:59:33 pm
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: ☼Another☼ on January 21, 2017, 07:08:12 pm
Post by: Paaaad on January 21, 2017, 08:55:05 pm
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Code: [Select]
[center]---[/center]
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 23, 2017, 01:05:11 pm
Walking south past the stockpile rooms, the dwarf paused at the sound of laughter. Peering through the doorway, he saw a group of children gathered around the troglodyte cages. They were laughing at the antics of a baby with its mother.
That gives me an idea…
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
12 Limestone 88
(http://i66.tinypic.com/30rws5u.png)
While Mestthos melts down the last couple of human items, the rest of us will be transferring quota.
15 Limestone 88
We had some minor excitement today. Someone decided that Bomrek needed some extra cages, even though they weren’t listed in the quota. But the cage in question happened to have a troglodyte in it. That troglodyte got loose in the stockpiles, right where the majority of the quota is stored. It caused a general panic as people cancelled hauling tasks to get away from it.
However, three were braver than the rest. Kivish and two of the kids managed to trap it in an empty room and detain it until the nearest squad, the Helmed Anvils, could arrive.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/f4n4uu.png)
With one fell swoop, Ino took care of it. Amazingly, none of the three civilians involved got anything more than a bruise. This bodes well for Thîkut’s eventual integration into our military, as she follows in her father Imic’s footsteps.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/1zgupmd.png)
17 Limestone 88
Stodir’s name day has arrived! Just in time for him to help move the quota.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2dhwwav.png)
21 Limestone 88
My meeting with Echoworked went relatively well. A couple of settlements far to the south have grown large enough to get mayors.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2a0grq9.png)
That reminds me, we’re going need to arrange an election in the spring to do the same.
At any rate, I ordered a breeding pair of goats and more steel.
With another birth, Swordgangs has now grown to 63 dwarves, so the next quota is as follows:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2lngu36.png)
I actually did a double-take because, assuming he keeps accepting bone instead of ivory, everything on this list is perfectly doable. That’s a nice change.
Echoworked is also pleased with our growing animal collection.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2hci0d4.png)
So, all in all, our meeting went very well.
22 Limestone 88
(http://i65.tinypic.com/m8zals.png)
A flying webber! That…we don’t need right now.
Imic’s taken three of the melee squads out to face the thing, while the two marksdwarf squads take up their stations on the ramparts, crossbows at the ready. The Boats of Mining were left behind because two of the three swordsdwarves are barely past the raw recruit stage, and Imic says it would be wiser to blood Solon on something a bit more benign.
And…one of the merchant guards took care of it with a single bolt to the head. Lashedround, the caravan leader, was quite a bit calmer than Dastot would have been. He just kept chewing his ever-present blade of grass, cleaning his fingernails with his dagger.
09 Sandstone 88
The merchants left right after lunch, taking our best efforts with them.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/16i78e9.png)
We were able to provide only half of the anvils. Even so, about half of those were toys, no matter what Bomrek wants. So, I sent almost all of our built-up iron stores, a total of 183 bars, so that Swordgangs can make their own dratted anvils. If they want ‘em, they can make ‘em themselves!
Which means, we now have to start building up our iron from scratch again. Fortunately, I was able to hold on to our much smaller steel reserve, so we can still make good-quality military equipment.
In exchange, I bought the sheep and pigs they brought. But even so, we’re well over the import cap, thanks to the visitors and refugees flocking to our tavern in ever greater numbers.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/jrxlky.png) (http://i64.tinypic.com/263ep11.png)
This…can’t be good. Maybe no one will notice?
--------------------
10 Sandstone 88
Echoworked sat down at Lotu’s table in the tavern. “We need to talk.”
Lotu groaned silently. That’s never a good opening. “About…?”
“You’re over the import cap.”
“That’s not our fault! Look around! Every visitor and refugee that passes through counts for that. And do you have any idea how expensively crappy human gear is?”
Echoworked shrugged. “I don’t make the rules. You’re over the import cap, however you got there. His Majesty’s contingency instructions for such an eventuality are quite clear.”
I don’t want to hear this.
“As long as you remain above the cap, you may only import one item.”
Lotu stared. “One item? That’s ridiculous! There are things we can’t make here, that Bomrek seems bound and determined to make us import!”
Echoworked remained unmoved. “His Majesty’s orders are crystal clear. Choose carefully.”
“B-bu-but, but what if our imports are less when the caravan leaves than they were when you arrive? Surely there can be some leeway there?”
Echoworked studied Lotu for a moment, then looked around the Candies of Bursting. A group of children, including some of his great-grandchildren, were clustered in a corner, giggling at their game. Still watching them he murmured, almost as if to himself, “As long as I have something to work with.”
Lotu dipped his head in understanding,
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
17 Sandstone 88
With the caravan’s departure, work begins on the new quota, and resumes on several projects. Chief among them is the moat. With the misplaced pool drained, we can wall it off for conversion into a farm plot, and finish channeling the layers beneath.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2dhxsuq.png)
The visiting scholars have convinced us that if we dig deeply enough, we will reach the magma sea, buried at the heart of the world. Ingish and I have begun work on a shaft downwards. Once we find it, we may be able to bring it up far enough to power our various fuel-based workshops, so that our wood can be limited to quota and furniture.
18 Sandstone 88
With two of us digging, the magma shaft is sinking quickly.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/voo8ie.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/20tfi2o.png)
Wait, what!? Where?
(http://i67.tinypic.com/3168bas.png)
That’s good to know. We’ll get it later, after the magma. I've sworn Ingish to secrecy. I refuse to give up such a valuable resource to Bomrek's narcissistic, egotistical tendencies.
20 Sandstone 88
We’ve found the magma flow, but that’s not useable. It looks like we’ll need to dig some lateral shafts to find warm stone.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2e0n24x.png)
25 Sandstone 88
I’ve decided to assign Stodir to the engineering team. We’re going to need him once we start setting up to move the magma.
02 Timber 88
(http://i66.tinypic.com/13zq0s4.png)
The Helmed Anvils are on duty, though Sky is on a drink break. However, Imic is sending the spear squad, The Barricaded Charity, in support. Just in case piercing weapons work better than crushing ones.
05 Timber 88
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2vkhs3t.png)
The stupid, arrogant human insisted on fishing instead of retreating to safety. But, his sacrifice did slow the monster down long enough for Rith to dash to shelter. Retrieving his worldly remains will be a challenge.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/w8rzhh.png)
The monster is proud of its kill. It remains in our fishing lake, guarding the corpse. Since none of our military can swim, Mooney is taking both squads of marksdwarves to get rid of it.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/33uaknr.png)
06 Timber 88
In the midst of death, comes birth.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/710kzt.png)
As Sigun’s only son, this child is not simply a reminder that life will always continue, but also embodies any hope that Clan I itself will survive and thrive.
07 Timber 88
Orda’s long legs carried him to the lake before any other marksdwarf. With his arrival, Ngotol was lured into range of our melee dwarves. It took an immediate dislike to Cequova, and concentrated its attacks on him, while Rigòth and Gel proceeded to hammer and stab at it.
Apparently, whips can be deadly. Gel’s final strike broke the creature’s skull and tore the brain into pieces. But the final blow didn’t land in time to save Cequova. He’s currently lying at the bottom of the lake with a broken foot. Unless he manages to regain consciousness and crawl out himself, he’ll drown. Such an ignominious death.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/11i3blx.png)
No sooner had I written the above, than Mafol came to report that Cequova had indeed drowned. His corpse will also be difficult to retrieve, but both Cequova’s and Idur’s spirits must be laid to rest properly.
08 Timber 88
Such violent deaths have noticeably depressed even the most ebullient who live here. Gel has dealt with her grief at losing a squad mate by getting drunk out of her mind.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/1p781v.png)
During her resulting maudlin ramblings, she’s named her poorly-made whip.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/rcikjr.png)
But Idur and Cequova deserve a more practical remembrance. They will receive proper tombs near the lake where they lost their lives.
Retrieving Cequova’s corpse and belongings turns to be a fairly straightforward matter. All it requires is a pump and a passageway leading to the edge of the map, for draining. Retrieving Idur will use the same solution, but we’ll need to build some floors first.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/hu3mvk.png)
OOC: The second tomb is on the next level up, and is accessible via the stairs.
Since we don’t need fish for the quota, I’ve temporarily reassigned Rith to help build the walls and floors we’ll need.
18 Timber 88
Nil has engraved the two burial rooms with scenes from the lives of their occupants. Idur’s is filled with scenes relating to his marriage, while Cequova’s is filled with scenes regarding the various humans he killed and the various apprentices he accepted and refused during his long lifetime.
Now, all that remains is to recover the bodies and place them in their final homes.
21 Timber 88
Life goes on, and Kivish has decided to lend a hand.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/m9bl1i.png)
He’s almost as good a brewer as Ral, and between them they should be able to keep the brewery going night and day, even with time for breaks.
26 Timber 88
Nil has finished smoothing the visitor’s cemetery. Finally giving those corpses a decent burial will also help with morale.
28 Timber 88
Production has commenced, to Akrul’s satisfaction. She appears determined to make up for the lack of anvils in the last shipment.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2lvmez4.png)
Still, we are off to a good start. And with winter around the corner, it’s time to find that magma.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lyra 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Post by: Gwolfski on January 23, 2017, 03:13:04 pm
No no no. This won't do. So many
Dr Urist has mandated production of soap 0/3
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 24, 2017, 09:11:10 pm
Still can't reach it, but better than nothing.
and 24 anvils in end of Galena...Depressing. That strike of not making anvils despite Akrul really hurt.
And in the end, you kept pretty much the entire overcap?
That's....Pretty bad, three failures in a row. And the punishment is ...interesting.
❄ Families do tend to migrate together, don't they?
PS: great-grandsom → great-grandson.
❄ Uh-oh. That moat. Remember this thread (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=160491)?
Though, your walls are right against the moat. Mm, if you put barracks right next to them...
At least the misplaced pool makes itself useful.
❄ Recently ran 100 dwarf-pairs vs trog pairs test in arena (all of them omni-competent skill), as they're same size and I was wondering how much the extra stats help.
65% dwarves and 15% of trogs survived.
Still, a child or weak dwarf wold fare worse.
❄ I wonder if the settlements growing is due births or is it due refugees?
❄ As for next quota...Windows again? Well, it's only 126 this time.
Cheese might be harder to manage. Animal can be milked every 17 days - that is, 19,76 times a year.
Hm, if you're on top of it, I suppose it is doable.
❄ ....A webber brush titan, into a caravan?
Welp.
...Well, that was anticlimatic. Clipped wing, collided with an obstacle and blew apart?
❄ Finally going deeper, I guess?
Thematically appropriate, unlike how I usually do things. ("Ooh, magma sea. But what are migrants?")
And, ooh, malachite and orthoclase in marble!
Gotta love that color combination.
❄ Ramps in magma-flow?
Hm, you're digging down in a double-helix I take it?
❄ Death in the caverns.
It was inevitable.
Retriving the corpse...Easiest would be to designate it's square as stockpile and dig a ramp under it.
Though once you have magma, two cartfuls would easily separate the corner from rest of lake.
And, ah...losing a weaponmaster, I assume. Truly unfortunate, though maybe not as unfortunate as fisher with Bomrek's hankering.
You could implement communal swim training. One isolated room, one military alert, one lever pull...
❄ *looks a windows*
Snrk. Well, maybe should produce more just in case Bomrek requests 256 windows with next caravan.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 24, 2017, 10:41:24 pm
And in the end, you kept pretty much the entire overcap?
No choice, the only things I bought were animals and four bars of steel, and I traded away every imported thing that found it's way to the depot (in addition to the quota). Each visitor seems to come with ~500☼ - ~1,000☼ worth of gear, depending on whether they're mercenaries or not. And right now (at the beginning of winter) we have 19 of them, which would be somewhere between 9,000☼ - 19,000☼ (or so) of imported gear over which I have no control.
That's....Pretty bad, three failures in a row. And the punishment is ...interesting.
Well, in order to get the quota out, I have to trade for one thing (offering anything plays into the king's arrival, and I'm avoiding that).
PS: great-grandsom → great-grandson.:-[ Fixed now.
❄ Uh-oh. That moat. Remember this thread (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=160491)?
Though, your walls are right against the moat.
I've never had that FPS issue, probably because I always build my moats right outside walls like that. And there's usually at least half of a map tile between the wall/moat and the edge of the map in any direction.
❄ I wonder if the settlements growing is due births or is it due refugees?
Refugees, mainly.
Cheese might be harder to manage. Animal can be milked every 17 days - that is, 19,76 times a year.
Hm, if you're on top of it, I suppose it is doable.
And Echoworked hasn't said anything about not importing quota goods from the humans...
❄ .
...Well, that was anticlimatic. Clipped wing, collided with an obstacle and blew apart?
No, the marksdwarf literally shot the titan in the head with "the flying ({bismuth bronze bolt}), jamming the skull through the brain and tearing the brain!"
Though once you have magma, two cartfuls would easily separate the corner from rest of lake.
That...would be easier. Original plan aborted in favor of new and better plan.
And, ah...losing a weaponmaster, I assume.
He wasn't a weaponsmaster, just a standard spearelf. No great loss, militarily or otherwise. As you said, Idur will be missed far more than Cequova.
❄ *looks a windows*
Snrk. Well, maybe should produce more just in case Bomrek requests 256 windows with next caravan.
Somehow, trying to anticipate the desires of a RNG just seems...normal now.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 27, 2017, 01:00:50 pm
01 Moonstone 88
Well, this is one way to start a season.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/16knqeo.png)
She gave birth right in the middle of a discussion on probing. She promptly gathered up the baby, rather absentmindedly, and kept pursuing her argument.
02 Moonstone 88
Upon examining the walls of the shaft in the levels immediately above the magma flow, I’ve noticed warm stone on the next three levels.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/iwt85k.png)
We clearly just barely missed running into magma on the way down, but at least I know where to find it now. It’s simply a question of digging the shafts in such a way that Armok’s gift won’t end up flooding things.
--------------------
04 Moonstone 88
Lotu paused in his shaft digging at a tap on his shoulder. He turned to face the latest human to track him down.
“Please, I’d like to stay for a while, and demonstrate some new dances.”
(http://i67.tinypic.com/iokh9g.png)
Another one. Why is it almost always humans?
“Go away.”
“You don’t mean that. No one else knows the dances I—“
“No!” Lotu held up his index finger. “1st, you’re yet another entertainer, and we have plenty of those since the Bunnies of Roasting took up residence.” The longest finger joined the first. “2nd, you won’t be of any use for at least two years.” The ring finger went up. “3rd, even if you do eventually start to contribute in practical terms, you’re going to be slower and weaker than any dwarf.” The pinky appeared. “4th, you have no resident relatives to change my mind.” Now it was the thumb’s turn. “5th, this isn’t Human Town.” His other closed fist rose. “Need I go on?”
The human’s shoulders slumped, and he turned away dejectedly, shaking his head.
--------------------
07 Moonstone 88
The moat floor is complete, which will free up more hands to deal with preparations to retrieve the our dead.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/xl9fmb.png)
14 Moonstone 88
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2q9kxlf.png)
Not again. The Boats of Mining are on duty, but I’ve asked Imic to oversee things, since he has far more experience dealing with this sort of thing than our two neophyte swordsdwarves, Geño’s presence notwithstanding.
16 Moonstone 88
Dr. Urist and the mechanics have come up with a way to use magma to make retrieving our dead easier. Instead of building lots of floors and walls and digging a drainage system, we’re going to build some tracks and track stops. And this will finally use that nickel from melting down some of the imported cages.
19 Moonstone 88
It took the oversized worm almost a week to reach our waiting military. And I was right to send in Imic. The Boats of Mining made the creature bleed from a thousand cuts, but Imic landed a blow to the body that managed to tear the brain buried deep inside. With that strike, he ended the fight before it could drag on for too long.
--------------------
20 Moonstone 88
Lotu hailed Zasit in the corridot. “Dr. Urist wants soap, take care of it, will you?”
“How much?”
He looked at his notes. “Three bars, she said.”
Zasit nodded. “I’ll tell Momuz to make some more lye, there’s only one bucketful right now.”
23 Moonstone 88
Very slowly, Ingish felt his way through the warm stone. Sweat poured his face as he felt the rock give beneath his pick. Why did Lotu pick me to do this? He’s got so much more experience working with liquid stuff…
(http://i63.tinypic.com/119szt4.png)
Admiring the marvelous sight at the bottom of the channel, he grinned and headed back down the narrow passage at a trot.
--------------------
24 Moosntone 88
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2uhrcb6.png)
After claiming a crafter’s, she gathered a lot of bones, several handfuls of small cut gems, a log, some leather and an armful of rock blocks. Whatever she’s making, it’s going to be decorated to death.
28 Moonstone 88
With the necessary magma collection chambers and access dug out, it’s time to build the pumps and get the minecart rails by the lake set up.
02 Opal 88
Dr. Urist’s mandate has been completed.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2hwl9jl.png)
05 Opal 88
(http://i65.tinypic.com/qrahck.png)
Really, an amulet? You couldn’t have made something…I don’t know, a bit more useful?
Though it does have a very well-done picture of Airith’s floodgate.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2ivhb0k.png)
08 Opal 88
The tracks are almost done, requiring only the track stops, and we have just enough nickel to forge a single magma-safe minecart.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/14aj6ux.png)
Soon we’ll dump a few loads into strategic places in the water and get those bodies properly buried.
14 Opal 88
With the anti-climbing defenses on the southeast corner complete, we can focus on finishing off Dr. Urist’s new and improved library.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/wc1qf9.png)
22 Opal 88
Dump the minecart into the magma collection room. Fill it using the two-pump system. Wheelbarrow it up to the lake stockpile. Push it on the tracks to the track stop. Dump the magma. Remove the track stop and dump the minecart. Rinse and repeat 4 more times.
It’s a good thing we have two mechanics, at least one of them should be able to deconstruct each track stop as we use it.
24 Opal 88
(http://i68.tinypic.com/309lh1s.png)
I’ve assigned her to help Ciko with cheese production.
27 Opal 88
I was catching up with Geño, on duty at the cavern entrance, minding our own business, when another of those troglodytes charged me!
Between my pick and her sword, we dealt with the pest. I need to rest now.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2pyqm3k.png)
01 Obsidian 88
Fortunately, Dr. Urist saw to me as soon as I reached the hospital.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/av0rvt.png)
She said I was lucky, but it hurts every time I try to breathe. Still…there’s work to do.
03 Obsidian 88
(http://i68.tinypic.com/p3rzd.png)
Uh-oh. We’d better hurry up with the funerals.
05 Obsidian 88
That “ghost” earlier? Sky was ambushed by a gremlin on one of his cavern patrols. He dispatched the creature, and thinks it was probably responsible for the cage incident.
Still, the sooner we lay the dead to rest, the less likely we’ll have real ghosts causing trouble.
11 Obsidian 88
While some of us are handling the magma, Ingish has started digging out plumbing for our magma workshops. Soon the need for charcoal will be but a distant memory, and Spriggans can focus on making just ash instead.
21 Obsidian 88
The day of the double funeral finally arrived. Rith buried Idur, and I myself buried Cequova.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/fva8b9.png)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/ju918n.png)
Many people gathered to pay their respects to a friend, while the military was on guard in case another forgotten beast decided to crash the party.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2q8c5rb.png)
Afterwards, we repaired to the tavern and got comfortably drunk.
25 Obsidian 88
Work on the library is proceeding at a steady rate.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/nguesy.png)
Once we move in some chests, tables and chairs, it will actually see some real use.
28 Obsidian 88
With most of our attention diverted to sad tasks, the quota ended up being neglected.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/v7rqfl.png)
But, we haven’t fallen so far behind that we can’t catch up.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: R.I.P. (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lyra 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on January 27, 2017, 02:02:45 pm
Post by: Timeless Bob on January 27, 2017, 02:52:35 pm
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 27, 2017, 03:14:15 pm
Though it will probably get less noisy with the expansions. What material is that yellow and light gray bookcase, orthoclase?
⛭ Oh, so you did dig a double-helix :3
Still, finally getting access to magma is nice :) Though only 1 magma-safe minecart? I suppose if you use dipping through trench it isn't that much of a nerf....
Ah wait, you use pumps instead. Well, I suppose that does seem to be more common method.
⛭ So you finally decided that enough was enough and start rejecting people. How do you check if they're related to anyone anyway?
⛭ And a proper hospital too?
I'm not sure how long a soap bar lasts. Yes, one bar is ten uses, but how long does that take...? I do not know, beyond it being really slow.
Still, that wound log had no cleaning in it. Worrying.
⛭ Now that's a proper sendoff. It's regrettable that they died, but at least there's crowds to watch their bodies be lowered into the casket.
⛭ Pretty long thoughts screen. Usually they're shorter. All the deaths weight on the mind. And, -oh!
I notice that while newer dwarves are still joyful, some, like Kogsak Gusgashmedtob, don't really care about anything anymore. I wonder if it is the troglodytes?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 27, 2017, 03:57:09 pm
Can I get a full zoomed out view of the fort above ground please?
Do you mean full-map (or full-fort) screenshots? Because I haven't managed to get any of the 3D visualizers to work on this Mac.
What material is that yellow and light gray bookcase, orthoclase?
Those are wooden bookshelves that haven't been built yet. FYI, all of the bookshelves are masterworks. Nothing but the best in this library.
⛭ So you finally decided that enough was enough and start rejecting people. How do you check if they're related to anyone anyway?
I 'esc' out of the petition screen once I have the name (this doesn't cancel the petition, so I can come back once I've made the decision), then go looking through everyone in the appropriate race to see if the petitioner is listed in a relationship screen as something other than a friend.
I'm not sure how long a soap bar lasts. Yes, one bar is ten uses, but how long does that take...?
I don't know. I have a standing work order to make two bars if we drop below five (and keep three bucketfuls of lye on hand, to avoid cancellation spam). That seems to keep enough soap available.
Still, that wound log had no cleaning in it. Worrying.
Yes, but at the moment there's no infection, so I think my avatar is safe.
I notice that while newer dwarves are still joyful, some, like Kogsak Gusgashmedtob, don't really care about anything anymore. I wonder if it is the troglodytes?
More likely due to the troglodyte corpses scattered around the cavern access, and the capuchin corpses scattered around near Tayldis Bridge, and the semi-megabeast and forgotten beast corpses scattered...rather randomly elsewhere...
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 27, 2017, 05:33:46 pm
The caravan was over a month late, and the dwarves were getting antsy. So it was with relief that the sentry on duty spotted the tell-tale movement in the distance.
But the wagons that pulled in showed signs of hard travel, much more so than usual. And the traders were clearly exhausted.
Lashedround soon explained why. "There are several armies of goblins and elves between here and Finderboards. We had to detour quite far to avoid them."
(http://i63.tinypic.com/1178en7.png)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/5fpw6f.png)
Bomrek dismissed the inconvenient conflict. "The quota?"
"Here."
The other traders had been busy during Lashedround's recital. Bomrek immediately zeroed in on the pile of anvils. "They're short."
But before he could launch the building tirade, Meng drew his attention. "Why are there iron bars? We never ordered those."
Lashedround nodded. "'ccordin' to Lotu, they knew they wouldn't have time to make the anvils, so they sent the metal you'd need to make 'em yerselves."
Meng restrained the sigh of relief. "At least that's something."
"But they sent more toys." Bomrek pointed out in something close to a whine.
Meng shrugged. "We'll give them to the kids. I'd better get the blacksmith started on the remaining anvils."
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 28, 2017, 01:50:44 am
A quicker way might be saving the game right before, accepting the petition and checking relations (might also need a tweak makeown and then adjusting resident status under flags2 with gui/gm-editor, been a while). Then quitting the game and restarting from save if it is not acceptable.
[Never seen a dwarven caravan arrive in winter.
Those dark pits and a fort....Swordgangs and elven retreats are in range of them. You currently though? Seem not.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 28, 2017, 08:00:25 am
[Never seen a dwarven caravan arrive in winter.
Those dark pits and a fort....Swordgangs and elven retreats are in range of them. You currently though? Seem not.
Nor have I, but it makes a good addition to the story (and may well become a possibility in future releases). And the goblins are expanding outward, slowly but surely. They had six marked tiles when I originally embarked in spring 75, of which neither of the two currently launching armies. Though I would rather see them expanding southward, rather than east/westward.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 29, 2017, 10:56:00 pm
01 Granite 89
With the beginning of our 14th year here, Airith and I have taken a moment to view everything we’ve accomplished. The biggest changes are above-ground. Where originally there was only the simplest palisade, now a mighty tower grows toward the heavens.
Surface level:
(http://i67.tinypic.com/23t4ivl.jpg)
Surface level +1:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/a4a6a.jpg)
Surface level +2:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/358ul4m.jpg)
Surface level +3:
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2hp7p68.jpg)
And Airith has that look on her face. The one that says she’s planning a new project.
02 Granite 89
Our single large rat has died, so we need to trap more. And keeping those wild troglodytes prisoner is going to interfere with that.
Wait a minute.
We can use them to train recruits, if we release them one at a time. Hmm, I’ll talk to Imic about that.
05 Granite 89
Mooney wants some fortifications built around the southeast corner. We have the blocks, so we may as well.
08 Granite 89
The turkeys keep claiming all of the nest boxes, so we’re in the process of digging out some bird rooms. Or I suppose we should call them egg-layer rooms.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/16m83tu.png)
12 Granite 89
Is this going to be a thing, to usher in each season?
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2diohs2.png)
Spriggans and Sky are, naturally, overjoyed.
14 Granite 89
(http://i63.tinypic.com/302ruif.png)
I ordered the extra poor-quality glass toys moved. We might as well get some use out of them.
18 Granite 89
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2a4slkw.jpg)
Since many of the dwarves complaining about the food like various kinds of flour, I’ve assigned her to be our miller. Now I just need to acquire and plant some millable crops. We’ll already be able to start by making some dwarven wheat flour, which will make Udil of Clan A and Litast
22 Granite 89
(http://i66.tinypic.com/29vcg9d.png)
We have no use for a pikeman, so I sent him on his way.
23 Granite 89
I got the trading over with, buying several different animals. For once, the elves actually brought a breeding pair, so we’re now the proud owners of the beginning of a wolf pack. It’s a pity they can’t be trained for war.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i63.tinypic.com/10fcozl.png) (http://i67.tinypic.com/311otuh.png)
By the time I finished trading, we had added a new resident.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/feghfr.png)
02 Slate 89
The fortifications atop the new ramparts are complete, providing some protection to our marksdwarves.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/i5pxtk.png)
05 Slate 89
Some migrants have made their way here, seeking safety from the Sin of Wraiths by settling at the other end of the known world. Well, this is certainly that.
First we have Sky’s younger brother, Äs Tomefenced, who has experience as both a woodcutter and a hammerdwarf. He’s going to join the Helmed Anvils. His wife, Lorbam Gearmetal, is a fishery worker, so she’ll help clean the fish Rith catches. They were accompanied by Sky’s older brother, Zuglar Diamonddrums. He seems to be a farmer of all trades, but is no better than a novice at any of them. I sent him to join his brothers in the military. Last I saw he was trying to make a short sword, so I think Imic assigned him to the Bolts of Mining.
Limul’s wife, Tobul Healgilds, tagged along. He’s been wandering around since 75, looking for a place to settle down permanently. He must have sent word with the caravan as soon as he arrived two years ago for her to have arrived now. She’s a glazer, so I’ve sent her over to turn Atîs’s earthenware pots and jugs into liquid storage.
Then we have some other cousins in Clan A. Since Erib always seems to be overwhelmed by the number of animals to be slaughtered, I’ve Assigned Kol Toneswords to help her out. His wife, Catten Crowchambers, is a trained jeweler, so she’ll help Logem make all of those gems Bomrek keeps ordering. They were joined by Uvash’s widowed daughter, Tun Sunkenportals. She has some experience avoiding getting stung by bees, so we’ll get some honey production going as soon as Atîs makes some hives.
Last, but certainly not least, Rimtar Rewardcraft, of Clan L, straggled in at the tail end of the group. He has training as both a wound dresser and suturer, so Dr. Urist will have some help if she ever needs it. I’ve also instructed him to act as a scholar in his free time.
16 Slate 89
We need to carve out some extra rooms for all these people. And designate an enclave for Clan L, in case more of them decide to join Rimtar.
07 Slate 89
(http://i65.tinypic.com/9gd5e9.png)
Excellent! She likes hammers, so Imic sent his daughter to train with Sky.
--------------------
12 Slate 89
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2mr8c8y.png)
Imic led the military forth, as the minotaur charged straight toward the walls.
Ustuth was the first to join battle. Dancing around, she fired bolt after bolt into its body. When she ran out of bolts, she started bashing whatever she could reach with her bone crossbow.
Thîkut was the next to join battle. Eager to show that she was, in fact, Imic’s daughter in all ways, she was actually wielding one of the spare battle axes, instead of her assigned hammer. She landed several inexperienced blows before Solon and Xetan arrived, but still managed to render one of the enemy’s hands useless.
The minotaur seemed to equate size with danger, and turned on the human Xetan, ignoring the other dwarves. Meanwhile, Solon took advantage of its distraction to alternate stabs to the head with stabs to the limbs. Bleeding from more and more stab wounds, the minotaur was barely conscious when Gel piled into the mélée.
With two strikes of her whip, Gel finished the creature off, just as the rest of the military drew near.
Finally arriving on the scene, Sky made a beeline for his newest recruit. “You’re s’pposed t’ ‘ave a hammer! What’re yer doin’ with that!”
“Dad has an axe. I—“
“Yer dad assigned ye to me to become a hammerdwarf. Ye’ll be a hammerdwarf!” Seizing hold of her upper arm, he force-marched toward the stockpiles.
“Dad!” Thîkut cried in protest, seeing Imic approach.
“Ye’ll be a hammerdwarf. We’ve got plenty of axe-wielders already.”
Shorn of the support she’d expected, Thîkut exchanged weapons grudgingly.
--------------------
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
17 Slate 89
Work on the plumbing system for our permanent fueled workshops proceeds slowly, as we have to test every bot we dig to determine the source of the heat.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/m93p14.png)
--------------------
26 Slate 89
Lotu stopped in his tracks, struck by a sudden thought.
“That…that…I have to make that!”
(http://i64.tinypic.com/23hwpkp.png)
Whirling, he dashed up the ramps and into the nearest masonry, shoving Vucar out without so much as a by-your-leave. She stared at the slammed door and shook her head. “Well, I never!”
Let me see, I’m going to need rocks, yes. And some of those lovely gems I’ve dug out. And…wood! Wood will be excellent! Hmm, but it’s missing something… Blocks? Nah, those’ll ruin the design. Leather? Cloth? Too flimsy. But Logem’s cut gems will add a little something. Yet it still needs…right! Bones! A few well-placed bones will tie it all together!
List decided, Lotu started his single-minded hunt through the various stockpiles and workshops.
27 Slate 89
Sudden screams echoed through the caverns, jerking the Boats of Mining away from their lazy patrols. Charging toward the source, they beheld a child under attack by a trio of troglodytes. Flailing her fists around, Tekkud was managing to hold them off, but was clearly tiring. Drawing their weapons, Neo and Solon waded into the fray and dispatched the attackers with a few well-placed thrusts.
“What are you doing way over here!?” Neo yelled. “Our patrols don’t come out this far! Ever!”
“Play make-believe.” Tekkud replied, unworriedly, crawling off to continue her game.
The swordsdwarves looked at each other. “Zuglar. Give a message to the first civilian you see passing by that we need someone to bring her to the hospital. Solon and I’ll keep an eye on her until Geño gets back from her lunch break.” Neo cast a jaundiced eye at the bruised and bleeding child.
A while later, Minkot finally arrived to bear Tekkud away to the hospital.
“No! No! Play!” Screaming, Tekkud crawled as quickly as she could, but the adult, uninjured planter was faster. Scooping up the child, she deposited her firmly into one of the hospital beds for Dr. Urist to attend to.
02 Felsite 89
Enough is enough. One at a time is too slow.
With Lotu paying no attention to current events, Imic decided to take things into his own hands. He ordered all of the caged troglodytes and their offspring released into the training area for fighting practice.
“If we don’t remove all the spies inside our walls, these attacks on our most vulnerable citizens will continue! We’ll teach them a lesson. Not to mess with dwarves!”
08 Felsite 89
Over a week after her injuries, Tekkud finally left the hospital. And, despite all the washing Dr. Urist did with soap, the child’s hand had gotten infected.
The dwarf, loitering in the hallway, gritted his teeth. That was the wrong child! All that work to lure the intended target into that section of the caverns, and it decides to get a drink at the last minute. Gah! Still, I can’t complain about a secondary target living on borrowed time, can I?
10 Felsite 89
Lotu continued on, happily oblivious.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/1omuso.png)
14 Felsite 89
Yes. This…this is…wondrous…
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2lbkrbo.png)
Lotu slowly emerged, carefully balancing the heavy coffin, eager to display it to the other villagers.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/15yvoe9.png)
It will look great on display next to Another’s galena coffin.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
15 Felsite 89
After hearing about Tekkud, I’ve ordered Imic to push the cavern patrols further out. But she’s a tough little thing. If it weren’t for that infection, I’d seriously consider earmarking her for the military too.
16 Felsite 89
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2hcnu46.png)
Not again. Though seems something’s already had a go at it.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/vyr5gm.png)
Getting to it is going to take a little time, since it’s down in the sealed-off lower caverns.
17 Felsite 89
I’m still catching up on everything that’s happened, but I was pleased to learn that the birds, butchery and tannery have successfully been moved to much safer homes underground.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2m5kqv7.png)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/106wjyf.png)
And we’re using our own clear glass. Take that, Bomrek!
--------------------
18 Felsite 89
The goblins chivvied their charges along, as the group approached the wood and stone walls of Finderboards.
“Now remember, Pesor. Once we’re in, you get us residency. After that, as long as you keep your mouth shut and don’t interfere, no harm will come to your family.”
“Yeah. I got it.”
But as she crossed the bridge, Pesor swallowed hard. This sounded so much easier when I was trapped in Faintedsteal. What was it Mother always said? ‘The best lie is forged from truth.’ That was it.
Squaring her shoulders, she headed off on her mission.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
19 Felsite 89
Another refugee group has arrived, fleeing the steadily escalating clashes between the elves and the goblins to the northwest. Of course, they claim to be entertainers, but anyone with eyes will see the truth. Why else would there be two goblins travelling as apprentices to a human?
(http://i68.tinypic.com/28tzv9t.png)
Of course, I let them stay. Unlike some of those human dancers and singers, refugees don’t have anywhere else to go.
Pesor’s first request was a decent burial for her baby sister, Suque. It took a minute, but then I realized she was referring to one of the werelizards we’ve put down over the years. Which reminds me, we never buried Cawcul’s were-wife Bañec, either.
Maybe we should get on with that?
22 Felsite 89
The military finally gathered and has ventured out to deal with the newest monster.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/23s88rl.png)
They successfully dealt with the threat, and promptly started coughing blood everywhere. Dr. Urist looked them over, and said that after breathing in Romlan’s ice-breath, a little blood was to be expected, but she couldn’t do anything about the blisters. She sent them all off to bed to sleep it off, including our fearless militia commander.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/nxnad1.png)
He really must not be feeling well, because he went without a single murmur of protest.
25 Felsite 89
It isn’t often that I have to deal with individual complaints. Usually I get a delegation. But this time, one of our newest residents chose the time-honored route of yelling at the person in charge.
Pesor has apparently been extremely stressed by the presence of all of these corpses. But I think she was feeling better by the time I sent her on her way.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/szyl2e.png)
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28 Felsite 89
“What do you mean, you can’t make large gems from clay?”
Lotu stared at Logem, who shrugged. “Th’ clay breaks under pressure. Every time I try, I get small cut gems. I either need glass, or rough gems.”
Lotu looked down at the production numbers. “I’ll postpone the move down to magma, and get Mebzuth to make you glass.”
(http://i65.tinypic.com/ajukvc.png)
And I’ll need to buy out the humans’ cheese.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan L Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: R.I.P. (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lyra 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Post by: Timeless Bob on January 30, 2017, 12:41:55 am
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 30, 2017, 04:39:39 am
And I notice few are undesignated? Outside the palisade, that is. Though I'd have expected you to run an orchard as well.
Inside the palisade itself, numerous red dots signify the reliance on coal,while nestboxes mark the food source. Odd, that - I expected you to sustain yourself via an orchard initially, given the embark.
And of course, the gray brings out areas of interest. Though I'm not sure surface-level aquifer pierce holes ever did anything you have nonetheless continued it on levels above ground.
The single tile bedrooms in the library - sometimes I wonder; how much of a push did 0.23a give for that style of bedrooms? Individual, manually assigned bedrooms are far more common than individual, manually assigned dining rooms after all.
Though it is all cultural/story in the end.
Going to conquer them for the slight?
Though if you run lean food stocks, I suppose it is possible to fulfil it enough to keep it from red.
Are you going to reduce visitor cap, now that you're happy with the number of people in fort?
Well, I guess you still wanted some migrants, but still.
As for Tunlǐlar liking hammers, I'd have given them a bit of weaponsmithing experience first...But if preference boost applies to military it should be akin to nice skill boost.
PS: Glazers will happily glaze stone items, making them somewhat useful on non-clay embarks and slightly annoying if you use both clay and stone pots.
I suppose it's neat indeed.
But I'm dissapointed about the lack of images on the coffin :(
Hm, I recall - with some intelligent animal groups, if you let one escape the map after the rest of the group saw combat with dwarves, their fear or boldness towards dwarves can depend on their success in that encounter. Not sure it applies to troglodytes, but worth considering.
Sorry dudes, left your wives to be eaten by carrions. Dwarven custom, you see.
Of course, some of these are missing from workshops, but I say this is a fine chance for Akrul to shine.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 30, 2017, 09:48:47 am
Inside the palisade itself, numerous red dots signify the reliance on coal,while nestboxes mark the food source. Odd, that - I expected you to sustain yourself via an orchard initially, given the embark.
We are in the process of moving down to magma. And the fruit trees all seem to spawn outside the walls (part of the reason for extending the palisade is to try and get some of them to spawn inside the walls for easier/safer collection). Hence the chopping whenever the axedwarves aren't on duty.
The single tile bedrooms in the library
They're actually assigned to the tavern (on surface level +1). And they're 1x1s because that's easier/cheaper to build and fit in to the tower. Back on 0.23a I would always give everyone 2x2s, with nobles getting larger as appropriate. But digging...easy.
•It seems the caverns are interfering in your plans.
Going to conquer them for the slight?
There are always plans...but the troglodytes are getting more annoying than the keas.
•I don't think Udil and Litast can seek out flour-based roasts, sadly :(
Though if you run lean food stocks, I suppose it is possible to fulfil it enough to keep it from red.
At the time, they had no chance at all. At least now we've got some roasts they'll like, even if it's 1 in 1000 chance they'll actually grab it.
Are you going to reduce visitor cap, now that you're happy with the number of people in fort?
Well, I guess you still wanted some migrants, but still.
Depends on the story.
As for Tunlǐlar liking hammers, I'd have given them a bit of weaponsmithing experience first...But if preference boost applies to military it should be akin to nice skill boost.
She's the one who made the artifact toy axe. That's why I didn't bother.
•Your magma plumbing system reminds me of a spider, for some reason. How many z-levels is that?
Total levels of magma? 6. These are on the topmost-level, with workshops above and stockpiles (with minecart tracks) above that. I make basically two forts. One near the surface, reaching down to the first cavern layer (and possibly a level or two past that), one down by the magma, connected by a slew of minecart tracks.
•Gold and silver/lead coffins?
I suppose it's neat indeed.
But I'm dissapointed about the lack of images on the coffin :(
You mean, pictures of them built? They need the right presentation.
•Caverns are dangerous, aren't they?
Hm, I recall - with some intelligent animal groups, if you let one escape the map after the rest of the group saw combat with dwarves, their fear or boldness towards dwarves can depend on their success in that encounter. Not sure it applies to troglodytes, but worth considering.
I did not know that. It's worth a try.
Edit: This doesn't work. Releasing them near any map edge results in them pathing straight back into the nearest cages. I'm going to have to kill 'em.
•Checking 42.06 manager, it lets me also mandate large gems from metal, wood, bone, tooth, ivory, horn, pearl and rock.
You mean waste the good stuff on quota? I'm probably going to have to resort to that, though. We have tons of bone...
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on January 30, 2017, 12:28:25 pm
- I guess the troglodytes might have already killed someone and lived to tell about it, then.
- Regarding z-levels, I meant more in totality, though that is interesting as well.
What distances are you running between upper fort and lower one?
- Regarding coffins, I meant the mooding dwarf drawing pictures on them.
- I dunno, with the amount of treefelling you're doing wood might not pass the muster for "good stuff".
Post by: neo1096 on January 30, 2017, 03:36:31 pm
Man, being laid up in bed is a horrible, horrible affront in the life of a military dwarf. Still, from what I've heard, the beast that caused this accursed blistering had a relatively mild poison as those creatures go. Why, just the the other day, I heard a tale of a feathered serpent whose shed scales caused those they touched to bleed from every orifice (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=123997.0), exsanguinating them in mere minutes after they had encountered it. Anyway, to pass the time during this period, I have decided to start writing a diary, mostly so I don't go crazy from boredom while I'm immobilized. On a more pleasant note, I finally got revenge on those troglodytes that beat me up earlier this year, even managed to save a child in the process. Though, what a child was doing playing so far out in the caverns is beyond me. We were lucky that it was just trogs that found the child and not the beast that laid the whole militia up in the hospital. I'll have to talk to Lotu about figuring out if we can keep better track of where the people in the fortress are, particularly when they go out to the caverns or on the surface, maybe set up some checkpoints at the various entrances and exits of the fort and keep some written records when people go through them. I'll have to remember to mention it to him once I get out of the hospital or maybe to Akrul, since she is so obsessive about record-keeping and organizing anyway that it'll give her something to do. It might even keep her busy and not breathing down the back of the necks of half of the workforce, which would probably make their jobs faster and easier anyway.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on January 30, 2017, 06:42:14 pm
- Regarding z-levels, I meant more in totality, though that is interesting as well.
What distances are you running between upper fort and lower one?
Between the surface and the bottom of the lowest magma-seeking shaft is 62 z-levels (+4 levels to the tower's "roof"). There are currently 26 z-levels between the bottom of the top section and the planned top of the bottom section (which will take up 3 or 4 levels, not counting the magma pipes). The top underground section comprises 18 levels (not counting aquifer and cavern levels, where they're just following the Central Spire ramps). And there's a second cavern hiding in there somewhere that I've managed to miss completely on the way down.
- Regarding coffins, I meant the mooding dwarf drawing pictures on them.
Apparently, Lotu's not the type.
tale of a feathered serpent whose shed scales caused those they touched to bleed from every orifice
*runs away screaming* NIMBY! But I'll try not get you killed in the event we get something like that. Probably get the archers to earn their keep, instead.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on January 30, 2017, 11:59:21 pm
and yes, I did mean an aerial view like that, not the 3d one. I just wanted a layout of the fort.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 02, 2017, 09:56:25 pm
01 Hematite 89
Akrul seems to have taken the lack of gems as a personal insult.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2zp2jyq.png)
03 Hematite 89
On the one hand, Mebzuth keeps arguing with Minkot over the amount of time she spends in the fields, and on the other hand, the elves keep mourning our reliance on wood. They’ve given me a headache, but I’ve found a solution. From now on, all elves will be sent to the fields and to gather plants, since they like them so much and think they can do better. Minkot can help Spriggans, who is falling further and further behind. Though once the magma workshops get up and running, the situation will change.
05 Hematite 89
Pesor keeps asking for meetings, and then alternates crying about all the corpses scattered around with yelling about all of the corpses scattered around.
I’ve turned the visitor graveyard into a general corpse stockpile.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/seq35u.png)
And I can already see that it’s going to get cluttered up with troglodyte bits.
10 Hematite 89
(http://i66.tinypic.com/29em2kj.png)
The cheese has arrived! At least, they’d better have brought cheese. I’ve sent a bunch of mostly useless stuff for trading. We seem to have a lot of hair thread lying around.
11 Hematite 89
Neo had what sounds like a bad nightmare while on bed rest. Something about a feathered monster whose feathers caused anything that touched them to bleed out in minutes. The idea still gives me the shivers. But we’re in the middle of nowhere. Nothing like that will find its way here, right? Right?
I’m going to spend some time in the temple.
16 Hematite 89
I bought a lot of cheese. I debated buying their anvils, just in case Bomrek wants more, and in the end decided, what the heck. We’re over the import cap, probably permanently, and Echoworked never said anything about limits on the humans. Maybe we can stockpile enough human anvils that we’ll be able to meet quota the next time they demand some. Bomrek just had better hold off on demanding them for about ten years.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(http://i65.tinypic.com/ei4gsm.png) (http://i68.tinypic.com/2yv9x1u.png)
19 Hematite 89
Wow. I didn’t realize just how many unbutcherable creatures had died in the last fourteen years. Things have ground to a halt while we deal with that problem.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/16ga2bc.png)
28 Hematite 89
The first of the two new butchery pastures is complete.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/v2qjpt.png)
I’ve told Sigun to move all of the untamed but trained non-grazing animals into it. Having them all in one place will make it easier for him to keep track of which ones need a training update when.
Ingish has started work on the other one, which will house our tamed non-grazing animals.
--------------------
07 Malachite 89
The dwarf led the troglodyte child down the passage, heading for the execution zone. As always, his agile mind carefully considered ways and means, but he reluctantly set them aside. The Helmed Anvils were simply too well-armored, too well-trained to sustain any serious injuries. Barring an act of the gods, of course. No, better to wait until Galena. The Boats of Mining are weaker, except for Geño, and she can't be baby-sitting them all the time. Plus, they have a primary target, the Anvils only have secondary targets, at best. But...this plan may work. And once they get to the hospital... He released the troglodyte to the tender care of the Anvils, still refining his new plan.
--------------------
19 Malachite 89
We are slowly whittling down our troglodyte prisoners, and our hammerdwarves are gaining experience at the same time. This would go more quickly if they weren’t popping out babies at a tiresomely steady rate.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2ahz0k3.png)
04 Galena 89
The swordsdwarves have taken over troglodyte training, and Zuglar doesn’t seem to understand that swords have points and edges. He’s been trying to wrestle, instead.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/kd371l.png)
None of these seem threatening. Hopefully he’ll learn from the experience.
08 Galena 89
As Ingish digs out each workshop, Nil is starting to smooth the central floors of the magma workshop rooms. We’ll soon be able to start reducing our fuel consumption, saving wood for other things. Like those large gems that are still missing.
--------------------
11 Galena 89
Being on cavern duty is soooo boring. Solon leaned against the cavern wall, waiting for the next troglodyte scheduled for execution while Neo grabbed some dinner. Dealing with wild animals…primitive dwarves…why can’t we have some excitement?
He nodded a greeting as Stodir passed by, hauling a cage to reload one of the nearby traps. Sotdir grunted in response, wrestling with his awkward burden. Solon watched him trudge across the small valley, and shifted his position against the wall.
Suddenly Stodir froze.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/r8tbpj.png)
Solon jerked upright, scanning for any threat. There’s nothing there! A ghost? We buried everyone…didn’t we?
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2mma7n7.png)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2cyfknr.png)
Ah-ha! “That’s no ghost!” Solon shot forward, swiftly overtaken by Geño, who apparently also had been feeling rather bored. The gremlin proved as elusive as a kobold, racing south toward the nearest maze of narrow passages. The Boats of Mining paused just inside the mouth, listening. After a while, Geño relaxed. “I think it might still be running. We should head back.”
Solon followed. That wasn’t much of an adventure, though it did break the tedium a little.
--------------------
11 Galena 89
Gremlins in the caverns. They're annoying little pests. I need to avoid putting any levers or other machinery in there, in case they mess with things other than cages.
That checkpoint idea of Neo’s...I need to think about where to put them.
15 Galena 89
Zuglar has been released back to active duty. As he walked past me, I noticed an odd smell. Odder than usual, I mean.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/1ymyxf.png)
Really? Even with all the soap Zasit has been delivering on a regular basis? And I know Dr. Urist cleaned him, I saw her do it myself. I’m beginning to think she’s doing this deliberately. I’d better have a word with her about choosing appropriate research subjects. Like that never-ending stream of visitors, who’s equipment pushes us over the cap.
21 Galena 89
It’s official. Limul petitioned for citizenship, and I was more than happy to grant it. Since he’s a marksdwarf, I’ve sent him down to Imic, for assignment to one of the crossbow sqauds.
28 Galena 89
Do I have to look?
(http://i68.tinypic.com/9pmcmp.png)
I hate to say it but, thanks to Akrul’s insistence, we should be okay. OOC: With a month to make 10 large gems at each of three crafter’s, we should be able to finish the gem without a problem.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan L Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: R.I.P. (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lyra 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Post by: Timeless Bob on February 03, 2017, 01:20:10 am
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 03, 2017, 08:57:05 am
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Timeless Bob on February 03, 2017, 12:27:37 pm
I think he was telling a story, but I was busy with magma-related digging cancellation spam and missed it.
- Dame de la Licorne
No worries. If you go and check out his skills, I bet he's got a "novice" in some story skill (misc only). Sometimes it lists the exact story title, although I'm not sure how to reference what that story is about.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 03, 2017, 03:28:23 pm
(http://i63.tinypic.com/3142v5z.png)
So he's been reciting poems, rather than telling stories. My bad. I'll keep an eye on him and try to get some details about those poetry forms.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 03, 2017, 04:48:54 pm
The Master studied the latest reports. Salveluck had fallen on schedule, and the goblin agents had neutralized eight targets. Four others had simply gotten in the way and paid the price.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/21cef7l.png)
Most of the remaining dwarves had fled the advancing goblin army, spreading northward toward the great mountainhomes and safety. There were more targets amongst their number, but he was satisfied with them running for the moment.
Helmsmatch was still holding out, but would surely follow in Salveluck's footsteps soon.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/1253pdt.png)
Already, another five targets had been removed from consideration, though the local military had managed to drive off the latest attack. Still, the Master was pleased with the southern agents.
But the last report to land on the desk was disappointing. The Finderboards' agent was experiencing more difficulty than anticipated. A few infections, while lethal in the long-term, would still allow the targets time to produce more targets. That Lotu is proving far too capable at his job. Subtlety isn't working quickly enough, and there are no goblins within range. Of course, he has struck adamantine. If only he would dig too deep...but he may be too smart, or too cautious, for that. Which only leaves one option...
Post by: Gwolfski on February 03, 2017, 07:57:10 pm
Post by: Fleeting Frames on February 06, 2017, 04:53:36 am
*looks at troglodyte bits*
Ah. Smart enough to get dumb ideas, I guess.
....Are they trying to escape by outbreeding you? Or is it them thinking "We're going to die tomorrow, and I never told him/her I love them!"?
Hm. Now that I think of the magmacrabsplosion problem, the breeding caps should apply to them.
Care must be taken to not appear to be snubbing the king with this.
Doesn't the released monster attack them, anyway?
They're supposed to be intelligent...Well, they're smarter than the troglodytes I guess.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 06, 2017, 10:57:32 pm
⛭Horn gems? Didn't think you had great reserves of horn.
We actually have quite a bit of the stuff, because the aurochsen produce it upon butchery (modded-in creatures, granted...).
⛭That's unexpected decision with the cap. Many times the dwarven traders have cut away part of the quota. Leather items alone...Well.
Care must be taken to not appear to be snubbing the king with this.
Given that the king (through Echoworked) was the one to impose the new "trade only one thing" rule while above the cap, I decided that a paper transaction for dwarven caravan items would be bending the rules a bit too far.
Update: I'm about halfway through the next update and, for storyline purposes, have decided to start diversifying our temples. If anyone wants to submit a temple design for a deity, feel free to post it, along with any other details (decorations/furniture, in-fort preferred placement, etc.).
Here's our deity list with full descriptions:
Dwarven:
Spoiler: útost Inkygray (útost Likotbel) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Urdim the Barricade of Fortresses (Urdim Tholtig Geshud) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Barricaded Silks (Tholtignesteth) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Legon Gildvault (Legon Oltarubbul) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Gorroth the Ferocious Avalanche (Gorroth Nidòstmoldath) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Tenebrous Glosses (Golastigest) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Robek (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Usen the Good of Trust (Usen Eshon Gamil) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lisig (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Book of Insight (Thîkut Lûk) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ral (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Tölún Friendcherished (Tölún Babinemad) (click to show/hide)
Human:
Spoiler: Luth (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Upur Vinewasps (Upur Giligadoc) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Gili (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Acath (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Radir Thimblemuffins the Abyss of Snuggling (Radir Thrunmemim Nomar Woru) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Kas (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Rakbin Glimmeredwisps the Intricacy of Wonder (Rakbin Enerulet Naspa Ashi) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Gogol Cankerfroths (Gogol Ufsmatukla) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Upu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Athrab (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dana the Blameless Worth (Dana Alatalle) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lekla the Patterened Law (Lekla Ropenimu) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Lustful Fist (Slekac) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Vicu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Eno (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Kenom (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Xiza the Euphoric Sheen (Xiza Justrasibu) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mata (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ulde (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Irol the Sword of Goals (Irol Thil Irol) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ared Hailwings (Ared Geluemtha) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Umber Hole (Shedoshkul) (click to show/hide)
Elven (who seem to have 0 imagination...):
Note: communal shrine currently under construction.
Spoiler: Aríle (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Tise (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Romi the Waxy Clam (Romi Imepevera) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Rock of Suns (Athe Amiÿa) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Themiyi the Butterfly of Mists (Themiyi Ithithe Enure) (click to show/hide)
Post by: Timeless Bob on February 07, 2017, 04:22:12 pm
It does make one wonder, what would a statue of a "force" look like?
The garden shrine of The Butterfly of Mists:
Features a 5z waterfall falling into a contemplation pool where followers can swim and enjoy the mist while communing with their "Force". (before starting the flow of water, create the pool area as a small gazebo temple area featuring the requisite table and a statue of the "Force"), The contemplation pool empties out into a stream that is pumped into successively higher channels by a series of paddle-wheel/corkscrew arrangements, until at last flowing out as its own waterfall source once again - the impossible perpetual motion of such an arrangement could testify to the Force's presence. I imagine the upper-most channel might also be replenished by a linked pool which was itself refilled each time the rain came, joining the bounded cycle of the shrine with the rest of the natural world.
Post by: neo1096 on February 07, 2017, 05:04:33 pm
Cross section:
Code: [Select]
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| | | ^ ___ ^ | | ^ ___ ^ | | |
Post by: Paaaad on February 07, 2017, 05:38:27 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 07, 2017, 09:25:57 pm
The garden shrine of The Butterfly of Mists:
<snip>
The murky pool part is going to be difficult (because the currently-accessible murky pools are going to end up drained into the moat, unless the shrine gets built outside the walls), but otherwise this is doable. A tweak, unless someone else has another "Force" design, would be to design it in such a way that all of the Forces can use it, with a communal pool and a dedicated meditation area for each one. (Unless you don't like that idea. But it seems rather dwarfish to lump them all together that way.)
Edit: I've come up with two possible designs:
Spoiler: Design Idea 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Design Idea 2 (click to show/hide)
In both designs, the ideal pool depth would be a 3/4, so that anyone venturing into it would gain some swimming skill. An emergency drain feeding into the moat drainage system, protected by vertical bars and a lever-controlled floodgate would also be installed in case of FUN. Any preferences and/or additional tweaks?
End edit.
Robek
<snip>
Nice. I have some options for easy locating (though I can site it elsewhere once I get an obsidian farm up and going):
1) We have 3 levels of diorite (a nice dark grey stone) coinciding with the top cavern level. These are between the living levels and the upper workshop levels (food & wood focused). It has marble above and granite below.
2) We have 3 levels of gabbro (another nice dark grey stone) coinciding with the bottom cavern level. It has marble above and gneiss below.
3) We have 6 levels of diorite just above the magma sea. It has gneiss above and gabbro below.
4) We have 5 gabbro levels holding the magma sea (right above the clown car).
I'm thinking that either the bottom cavern levels or near the magma/clowns would be a good position (given the "nightmares"), unless you prefer somewhere else?
I usually just give each of my civ's deities a 5x5 smoothed and engraved room in a stone layer, plus one for no particular deity.
I like trying to give each temple a unique feel. It's another challenge to keep the game interesting.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Timeless Bob on February 08, 2017, 12:50:27 am
However, design #2 really is quite a nice one. The "Forces" would be embodied by their statues, with their respective forests "behind" them, all gazing into a center region of mist and mystery. Very nice. A water based pressure plate could keep the water level at 3/7 by opening the grated drain periodically. Good ideas, all.
Post by: neo1096 on February 08, 2017, 02:17:00 am
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 08, 2017, 12:33:13 pm
The murky pool had a more practical purpose: refill any water lost to "mist" in the waterfall.
<snip>
However, design #2 really is quite a nice one. <snip>
Conserving water isn't a problem, since I can get water from the aquifer easily enough (which is why the central tower still has pump stacks built-in). Design #2 was my preference, as well. I've added an out channel to the northern side, feeding back into the nearest of the central pump stacks. Now I just have to actually re-build the pumps.
The location right above the clown car sounds good to me, at least until it can be cast out of obsidian, if that ends up happening. What does it say about the fortress that the god with the largest number of worshipers presides over nightmares and the night? Although, he hasn't actually done anything nightmarish, like cursing anyone.
Putting it down in the magma layers will actually make it relatively straightforward to cast it in obsidian to begin with. As for the number of worshippers and lack of cursing...I have a story explanation for that, which will be in the next update.
Here's the design I've come up with. Let me know if you want to tweak it.
Spoiler: Temple to Robek, lowest level (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Temple to Robek, second level (access level) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Temple to Robek, third level (instrument storage) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Temple to Robek, fourth level (1st statue level) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Temple to Robek, top level (2nd statue level) (click to show/hide)
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on February 08, 2017, 02:40:25 pm
Post by: neo1096 on February 08, 2017, 02:43:55 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 10, 2017, 11:49:28 am
03 Limestone 89
We are just about ready to build the magma workshops, as soon as we get some more clear glass blocks.
(http://i.imgur.com/tH1Ugqg.png)
Now to dig out the minecart junction and some of the stockpiles. First up, the clay repository, since those need to come all the way down from the surface.
08 Limestone 89
(http://i.imgur.com/dDLSl1V.png)
Well, at least we have plenty of leather for her to work with.
(http://i.imgur.com/mlXoTXO.png)
09 Limestone 89
She only grabbed two pieces of leather? Then again, she isn’t the most creative dwarf. I just hope it’s not another unwearable, like Sodel’s loincloth.
(http://i.imgur.com/BejxlHw.png)
13 Limestone 89
Feb has worked quickly, and proudly presented her artifact…helm?
(http://i.imgur.com/ZZulisX.png)
That…that’s actually useful!
(http://i.imgur.com/h4Fn36e.png)
And Feb clearly ascribes to the “less is more” belief system. This will be proudly displayed, until a Champion earns the right to wear it.
--------------------
15 Limestone 89
The Pillars of Ink, patrolling the ramparts, gave the warning.
(http://i.imgur.com/AKcN1fK.png)
Lovely. We’re about to get another impossible demand. Lotu headed off to give the necessary orders.
18 Limestone 89
(http://i.imgur.com/IzH7ZQd.png)
I never look forward to this.
(http://i.imgur.com/ozjwWRL.png)
Salveluck? Lotu pulled out the southern map, studying it for a moment. That was the southernmost of the surviving outposts. But, it’s far enough away that we don’t have to worry.
(http://i.imgur.com/SmbrnoN.png)
Mindful of Echoworked’s instructions the previous year, this year’s list was pitifully short. “Next year we’d like some steel bars, and both guineafowl and peafowl.”
He caught Echoworked’s look. “Look, none of that is very heavy. In fact, it’s a drop in the bucket compared to what we ship out to Bomrek every fall. If we succeed in getting back under, we’re going to want them.”
Echoworked shrugged a shoulder and added the list to his folder.
Pulling out another sheet, he handed it to Lotu. “Swordgangs now has 64 dwarves, and these are Bomrek’s requests.”
(http://i.imgur.com/XDo4G8z.png)
I called it. More anvils that we can’t make. Not to mention the maces. Could this day get any worse?
While Lotu sat glaring at Bomrek’s list, nursing a tankard of date wine, Echoworked headed off to inspect the various herds and flocks, escorted by the ever-vigilant Sigun.
(http://i.imgur.com/h9tPY2T.png)
In fact, he had arrived just in time for the festivities.
(http://i.imgur.com/6mKh09A.png)
Returning to finish his meeting with Lotu, he slapped the latter on the back. “Keep up the good work.”
“Are you sure we can’t re-visit the import agreement?”
Echoworked shook his head. “I have my orders. Besides, you don’t need it.”
(http://i.imgur.com/LUQRN6k.png)
Watching the liaison stride away, Lotu scowled. What do you know what we need or don’t need? You don’t spend enough time here to know!
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
23 Limestone 89
I’ve worked out the numbers we need for the next quota.
(http://i.imgur.com/K0ANNjc.png)
Akrul can earn her keep and figure out how we’re going to make 128 anvils, when we sent away a king’s ransom in iron bars last year. We definitely don’t have that much iron lying about anymore.
--------------------
28 Limestone 89
The rag-tag group struggled through the jungle toward the stone wall rising welcomingly in the distance. They had journeyed for so long, through such dangerous terrain after barely escaping with their lives to begin with, that the gray stone seemed almost unbelievable, even though they had known it, or something like it, lay at the end of their endless journey.
Pausing beneath a massive pecan tree, Catten Slingcleaned turned to watch as his companions trudged wearily past.
So few. So many died in that last, desperate defense of Salveluck. I’m lucky I got almost twenty of us out. And I don’t blame the others for seeking safety in the Mountainhomes. But according to my father-by-marriage, this is the safest place in Orom Nalish. There is no war here. No attacking goblins. Here we’ll be able to live, and re-build our lives in peace.
The drawn, haggard faces and tattered clothing were visible signs of their dire straits. And if that weren’t enough, their absurdly small burdens and lack of animals should have driven home the point. In fact, at least one band of brigands that might have ambushed them on the journey north had changed their minds in favor of richer pickings.
Catten turned back toward the distant walls. Just a little further now, then we can rest. Falling in beside his family, he plodded wearily on.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
01 Sandstone 89
Where are we going to put them? There are eleven of them, enough to put us officially into city status! And what am I going to do with them? Well, I guess I better start by figuring out who we have, so I know where to dig the new bedrooms.
This group is led by the remaining members of Clan J, who had been in control of Salveluck, where most of the Clan has been wiped out by the ceaseless goblin attacks. Clan J is closely linked to Clan I through multiple marriage ties, which is why the current head, Catten Slingcleaned, and his wife, Ustuth Hallprice, Sigun’s other daughter, apparently decided to seek refuge here. I suppose, given his previous position, it is understandable that Catten is a skilled administrator, though I’m not entirely sure what he can do here. Ustuth is a bowyer, and will probably be seconded to carpentry, as our other Catten, Fencedlearned, has been.
They were accompanied by Slingcleaned’s nephew, Aban Swordtip, and his wife, Kikrost Rocksjump. Aban is a farmer, so he’ll be easy to find work for, while Kikrost is a fisherdwarf. Then there’s also Sodel’s uncle, Stukos Blushoars and his wife Dodók Wetearthen, both of whom are also fisherdwarves. Oddly enough, Bomrek seems to have stopped requesting fish. Probably because we now have plenty. Still, the three of them will probably prove useful.
Their companions also include Urist Bronzecities, one of Salveluck’s junior scholars, and his wife Momuz Swordfigures, one of Sigun’s surviving sisters who is also a trainer. We can easily spare Urist to join Dr. Urist and Rimtar in the library. Maybe working together they’ll be able to find a solution to the Bomrek problem? Or to make Dodók suddenly see reason. I can always hope.
Adil Bustbanded is a siege engineer, who claims that it was only her defenses that held off the goblins for as long as they did. She insists that we can use some of those same defenses, even though there hasn’t been so much as a rumor of a hostile goblin since our arrival. Well, it’ll give her something to do, at least.
Dodók’s fourth son, Edzul Razorblown, and his wife Urvad Bodicebalanced finish out the rag-tag group. Edzul is an experienced siege operator, while Urvad is another marskdwarf. I can’t decide if Edzul is a spy sent to report back to his father, or if he is honestly seeking the one place in Orom Nalish where there are guaranteed to be no goblin attacks. Or, possibly, both, given that he is joining two of his sisters, Ral and Minkot.
09 Sandstone 89
Thanks to the Salveluck refugees, our import numbers are staying high. So I was forced to trade the entire quota for one brass bar to make another bucket.
(http://i.imgur.com/KjV4jcg.png)
All that work, and we get one measly little bucket out of it. Does the king have any concept of “unfair”?
Before trade: After trade:
(http://i.imgur.com/b3UJSeQ.png) (http://i.imgur.com/fY5Nc4V.png)
11 Sandstone 89
(http://i.imgur.com/5nU4Wm4.png)
Well, it’s about time. The third breeding finally took.
12 Sandstone 89
Akrul has put together guidelines to deal with everything except the metal stuff.
(http://i.imgur.com/WhkEfGO.png)
It looks like the glassmaker Mebzuth, the bone carver Rith, and our carpenters Lyra & Uvash are going to be complaining about the workload again. And that doesn’t even consider Sodel, who has to make all of the clothing. Maybe this will change his tune regarding his refusal to allow Lulo to do any tailoring?
And Akrul only backed off on her metal orders when I pointed out how few weapons-grade bars we really have. So, how am I going to fix this? More toys?
--------------------
13 Sandstone 89
(http://i.imgur.com/rNf1abT.png)
The news quickly spread through the city. Oda had been elected mayor, thanks to her spending so much time in the tavern during her first two years. Lotu could already see her reaction the next time Bomrek insisted on wood items in his quota. He promptly called a meeting of Founders and local Clan leaders.
“An elf, any elf, is th’ wors’ possible choice!” Imic said what they were all thinking. “There’s gotta be someun better.”
“Like one of us?” Catten suggested. “I’ve had experience managing a city. I’d be happy to do it.”
Imic shot him down. “Bu’ down there ye didn’ have t’deal with someone like Bomrek, stealin’ everything we make.”
Dr. Urist nodded. “We need someone local, who’s familiar with the situation.”
“Since we need a mayor who can handle the king’s demands, why don’t we select one of the original Clan Founders? King Dodók has to at least listen to one of them, given that their lineages are just as old and revered as his.”
Lyra’s proposal narrowed the options down to Rigóth Dikepage of Clan C, Vucar Labordrinker of Clan H, and Kivish Bentglazes of Clan K.
Rigóth immediately spoke up. “With my military duties, it will be impossible to juggle the mayoral ones as well. Count me out.”
Kivish and Vucar looked at each other. Neither one particularly wanted the job, but Lyra did have a valid point. Kivish finally shrugged. “My Clan is dying out. Vucar’s Clan is growing, perhaps she would be a better choice.”
Vucar opened her mouth, but Lotu jumped in to forestall her. “All in favor?”
A chorus of “ayes” rose around the room.
“Done. I’m no longer expedition leader, and Vucar is now in charge.” Thank Armok!
Vucar looked around, then leaned forward, raising one forefinger. “As long as it is understood that I will only be taking on meetings and official correspondence with Theaterknowledge and Swordgangs. I came here because I didn’t want to manage an entire city. Lotu can keep that part of the job!”
“Bu—“ Lotu’s objection was drowned out by the others’ agreement.
He slumped back in his chair, head between his hands. I’m tired of deciding everything. I just want to mine, and spend time with my wife.
As if she heard his thoughts, Airith’s muscular arm slipped around his shoulders, and she squeezed tenderly. “Cheer up, love. At least you won’t have to stop mining every time some human asks to stay.”
That’s true. Lotu perked up a little.
“Now, I wanted to run something by you…”
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
14 Sandstone 89
The king wants Akrul managing the quota for Finderboards, so she’ll keep doing that. And after some thinking, I’ve decided to put Catten Slingcleaned in charge of temples. Even without the residents, the Catten's refugees have brought us to more than a hundred citizens, so we’re a big enough city to support at least a few dedicated temples. Catten will be in charge of designing and maintaining them, which should put his administrative experience to good use.
He asked me which one to start on, and I told him that was part of his job. He suggested that we might want to consider giving the elves a suitable shrine, since Oda was so expeditiously removed from the mayorship. I told him to bring me a design and I’d consider it, if it wasn’t too much work.
16 Sandstone 89
Catten met with our eight resident elves, to discuss what kind of shrine they would like. The first set of designs had a separate shrine for each Force. I took one look at the five sheets of paper containing variations on glades, pools and rivers, and put my foot down. I instructed him to inform the elves to find a compromise for a single shrine. I refuse to bog Airith down with the engineering necessary to put waterways and waterfalls everywhere, not to mention my having to dig them out when the magma supply rails are under construction.
17 Sandstone 89
The new Force shrine design is much more manageable. I’ll channel out the pool tomorrow, and have Akrul put in the necessary orders for petrified wood statues and green glass altars. I almost suggested wooden statues and clear glass altars, but remembered at the last minute that elves are peculiar about things like that. The petrified wood and green glass instead seems to have satisfied them.
At the same time, Catten has submitted an initial design for the Temple to Robek. This one is rather more intricate, requiring obsidian casting, among other things.
But it got me thinking. Disregarding the were-creatures cursed by other deities, we haven’t been bothered by any of Robek’s servants. Still, a proper temple and regular ceremonies will go a long way to keeping Robek happy. I really don’t want to find out if the ancient legends are true, about what happens if he ever loses his cool. Though they might just be children’s tales. Still, no settlement with an appropriate temple has ever earned his ire, so better safe than sorry.
We’ll do this one right, as dwarves have always done. Just in case.
19 Sandstone 89
(http://i.imgur.com/mpSqGVX.png)
Before they left, Vutok met with Echoworked. Somehow she was able to convince that stiff-necked, by-the-book dwarf to count three metal bars as a single traded “item.” It won’t help us this year, but next year… Well, maybe we’ll be closer to under the cap by then.
23 Sandstone 89
(http://i.imgur.com/YW1QMUg.png)
She’s requested three doors. Well, at least it’s useful, and they’re all going to stay here, unlike some of Bomrek’s requirements.
27 Sandstone 89
Edzul and Akrul have married. I suppose it makes sense, neither one has another prospect, and Edzul really wants a family. Still, Akrul?
Though maybe this will distract her a bit? We could use a break from her silent entrances into various workshops. It’s like she wants some of us to die of surprise.
28 Sandstone 89
Or…maybe not. Akrul is spending her honeymoon inspecting stockpiles.
03 Timber 89
And…marriage has made Akrul even more unliveable than before. Only her husband Edzul seems exempt. She’s grabbed Edzul Razorblown and sent him to make bone crafts and put the three new fisherdwarves to work making wooden toys, with threats of dire punishment if they don’t make enough mini-forges. Aban has been assigned to help Mestthos melt down any imported metal to try and get enough bars to make the maces.
Everyone else is grumbling because she wants several stockpiles changed around, in the name of efficiency. We’re all going to have to learn some new hauling routes.
--------------------
08 Timber 89
Akrul stalked across the tavern toward Lotu. Slapping her hands on the table in front of him, she leaned forward.
“I need an office.”
“You have one.” Lotu refused to be intimidated, leaning back in his chair and munching his giant mole meat roast.
“A chair! I need an actual table to write on. And shelves to store old records on. And a place to store paper and ink. And a door I can close when I need to focus. In short, I need a real office!”
Lotu took another bite, and chewed slowly. Finally swallowing, he said, “It’s on the to-do list.”
“It’s been on the ‘to-do list’ for years! If you have time to dig out massive temples, you can dig out a 3x3 space for me!”
Vucar probably needs an office too, before she has to take another meeting with Echoworked. Hmmm.
He nodded to Akrul. “You’ll have your office before Robek’s Temple is complete.”
She started to say something else, then visibly restrained herself. “It had better be.” She turned away with a huff.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
15 Timber 89
Vucar, true to her reluctant bargain, is passing along all the requests she possibly can, and they’re landing on my desk in a steadily growing river of paper. The latest is Adil, who is insisting that our defenses need upgrading. She has assured me that after Salveluck’s fall, she has learned some valuable lessons for anti-goblin constructions. I tried to point out that the only goblins around here are peaceful ones, but she insists that all goblins are spies, better kept prisoner lest they inform their brethren of weaknesses in their targets
I finally told her that, if she felt that strongly about it, she could build herself a siege workshop and deal with the problem.
We now have a siege workshop against the eastern wall.
(http://i.imgur.com/E9LgNfC.png)
I haven’t seen her since.
23 Timber 89
We’ve finally started the initial digging phase on Robek’s Temple. First step, we’ll need to dig out the magma and water pipes, though they won’t be connected until the very end. We’ll need to dig out water pipes all the way up to the aquifer, but the magma will be easy.
(http://i.imgur.com/H4ZJFdk.png)
OOC:The marker designation is the bottom level of the obsidian farm, which will ultimately be connected to the nearby magma pipe once a bauxite floodgate has been installed and hooked up. The topmost level of the Temple of Robek (official name TBD) is visible to the west (standard designation), and some of the dug-out workshop plumbing is visible to the north. The northernmost plumbing isn’t completely dug out yet, but there is a kiln and a glass furnace already installed above the eastern magma pool, and a forge and smelter are waiting for construction above the western one.
(http://i.imgur.com/lNbSSzY.png)
OOC: This is the middle level of what will become the obsidian farm, complete with access from the magma workshops. Eventually there will also be some obsidian-dedicated workshops installed nearby. The current marked channel will allow water from the level above to be fed into the temple to the west to cast it into obsidian.
(http://i.imgur.com/DKmsXO4.png)
OOC: This level will feed in water (from the aquifer, as the only infinite water source on the map, controlled by a raising drawbridge and at least one floodgate) from the west, dropping it through the channels and back west into the temple. The topmost level of the temple will have channels cut in the roof where necessary to cast the final obsidian level. Once the temple’s obsidian is finished, the western outflow channel on the bottom level will be closed off and the water level will receive a retracting bridge to turn it into a measuring farm (see the wiki for more info).
27 Timber 89
We’ve started installing green glass altars in the elven shrines. Proper statues will take a little longer.
(http://i.imgur.com/IHTxdq8.png)
28 Timber 89
Akrul actually went to bother Vucar first. It seems that she didn’t get the memo of how we’re going to make things work, and by the time she stalked into my office, she was fuming.
I hate this day.
(http://i.imgur.com/sO9XPYa.png)
Well, we’re mostly on track.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan J Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan L Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: R.I.P. (click to show/hide)
Link to the Current List of Deities (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=159096.msg7353189#msg7353189) with full descriptions. Claimed Atheists: Sky, Another, Spriggans
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lyra 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on February 11, 2017, 06:01:01 pm
I like it.
£ Hm. Helmsmatch, Trampledaxes and Tailclaps more and Theaterknowledge will be under attack.
£ Well, I suppose it's been years since Bomrek last requested maces. Why maces, and not hammers?
Eh. Good luck with that. Could get some from visitors, I suppose.
And. Not just maces and anvils. 256 windows too. (Hey, a round number!)
And you need to order 256 orders to gather sand, too.
And to add failure on to failure, Echoworked's compliments ring hollow to -128 units of cheese.
£ So poor even the bandits won't ambush you...That's...Meat for the giant wolves.
£ The family trees are pretty interesting and tangled. I wonder, do you have any graph for sketching them out?
Though ultimately, there's no good compact way to display a graph of triple-digit number of dwarves.
£ Brass bar? Surprising pick. But I suppose Akrul can't demand it made into an anvil.
£ Okay, you do realize how supplanting the will of people and putting the oldest noble family in charge will look?
I must admit, I didn't expect French undertones from this. Akrul certainly isn't happy, it seems.
And...oh yeah. Hope no guests arrived while the elf was the mayor.
...What goods did she like, anyway?
£ Prayers for death god. To be honest, I didn't realize you had gone this long without a temple; since that is the standard feature of breaks for me.
But obsidian-casting them? That, truly, is a project.
As for the elven-shrine, going by the orthogonal 3x1s I guess you'll limit water level to 3/7?
£ So you're finally doing the complex routes you planned out. Hope they'll help.
£ To be honest, never brothered seriously utilizing siege engineering. It makes for a neat way to cut trees for me, and that's it.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 11, 2017, 07:13:01 pm
Why maces, and not hammers?
*shrugs* I guess the DF AI prefers maces, even though hammers (IMO) work much better.
And you need to order 256 orders to gather sand, too.
I have "collect sand" on repeat in my non-work order glassworks, and Sodel makes one bag per cycle, which handily replaces the ones stolen for seeds.
I wonder, do you have any graph for sketching them out?
Though ultimately, there's no good compact way to display a graph of triple-digit number of dwarves.
I actually have a separate, color-coded Excel spreadsheet for each Clan. I can post screencaps, but Clans A, B, & C are too big to fit into one screen (B & C take up four "pages" worth, while A takes two).
I must admit, I didn't expect French undertones from this.
How do you mean? And for the rest, Oda only has four friends, all of whom are petitioners, but is a Master Persuader, Master Intimidator, Master Conversationalist, and Master Pacifier (among other skills of no interest). I figured there was probably some funny, under-handed business going on. And no, no guests arrived in the interim.
...What goods did she like, anyway?
Oda or Vucar? Oda likes: orpiment, fine pewter (which I can't make because this map doesn't have any cassiterite), jasper opal, and battle axes.
Vucar likes: graphite, electrum (plenty of local gold & silver ore, so this is no problem), white chalcedony, war hammers, and doors.
£ Prayers for death god. To be honest, I didn't realize you had gone this long without a temple; since that is the standard feature of breaks for me.
I have a non-denominational temple zone (just bare dirt floor and a bare dirt wall), which means that praying/meditating takes rather longer than it would in dedicated temples. And even if that weren't a factor, a city should have some dedicated temples.
As for the elven-shrine, going by the orthogonal 3x1s I guess you'll limit water level to 3/7?
Some 3/7 tiles, some 4/7, to get some swim training on anyone who dares to worship an elvish Force.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on February 11, 2017, 07:40:16 pm
Quote
I actually have a separate, color-coded Excel spreadsheet for each Clan. I can post screencaps, but Clans A, B, & C are too big to fit into one screen (B & C take up four "pages" worth, while A takes two).It was inevitable.
Quote
How do you mean?*looks again*
Scratch that, reverse it. Dunno what I was thinking.
And heh...Oda sounds like a good worldgen poet.
Quote
Oda or Vucar? Oda likes: orpiment, fine pewter (which I can't make because this map doesn't have any cassiterite), jasper opal, and battle axes.Meant Oda, but nice to know both. I guess Vucar's easier to fulfill for you, with the lack of metal bars, tough I'd usually like a singular preference
Vucar likes: graphite, electrum (plenty of local gold & silver ore, so this is no problem), white chalcedony, war hammers, and doors.
And yeah, cassiterite is indeed pretty restricted, though that is at least partly my fancying of surface.
Quote
I have a non-denominational temple zone (just bare dirt floor and a bare dirt wall), which means that praying/meditating takes rather longer than it would in dedicated temples. And even if that weren't a factor, a city should have some dedicated temples.Oho! Never heard of this benefit, though.
Might try to experiment later. Shouldn't be too hard to check; just lock someone with red need in room, save beforehand, and then run few trials.
Quote
Some 3/7 tiles, some 4/7, to get some swim training on anyone who dares to worship an elvish Force.Not sure this is a good idea. Varying pathable squares might have same effect as furniture on repeater; and I recall in childcare thread partially 4/7 box eventually becoming wholly unpathable.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 11, 2017, 09:13:06 pm
<snip temples>It's based on anecdotal evidence from the boards, but I haven't actually confirmed/debunked it.
Varying pathable squares might have same effect as furniture on repeater
Interesting. I'll need to do some tests and see what happens.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 12, 2017, 09:08:53 pm
Meng ticked off the final item, and studied the list. For once they've filled every last one. Bomrek will be pleased.
And indeed, he was. "The king must have really lit a fire under their lazy arses!" He chuckled. "They've finally gotten to work."
"And there is one other thing." Meng paused, making sure he had Bomrek's attention. "Lotu's been removed as expedition leader. Finderboards had an election just before the caravan left, and the merchants are regaling tavern-goers with the story of the scandal that broke out. During her years in the tavern, one of the elves had gotten to know enough others to get her elected, but then the local Clan leaders found out the results. They promptly ousted her and installed Vucar, who Founded Clan H. Talk about flying in the face of dwarven tradition."
Bomrek was silent for a moment, then snorted, "An elf! There's a reason I kick all petitioners out as soon as they enter my office. We don't need any tree-loving fanatics here. And they put a doddering old woman in charge? Hmmph. She'll be easy to intimidate. Pity, though, that they removed the elf. That would have gotten His Majesty suitably upset."
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 13, 2017, 01:08:37 pm
02 Moonstone 89
Vucar has spent the last month and a half conducting an investigation into how Oda got elected, given her dearth of friends. Several other dwarves, mostly late-comers, have come forward with stories of veiled threats and implied promises, but some of the events date back to Oda’s days as a performer in the tavern, before she was assigned to the fields. Unfortunately, when Imic (as the militia captain), Vucar (in her capacity as mayor) and I (as de facto city leader) met to discuss the evidence, there was nothing concrete. Still, we all agreed that she needed to be punished in some way.
Imic was all in favor of giving her a good beating, while Vucar wanted her thrown in a jail cell. However, we don’t have a jail. Vucar immediately demanded that I dig one out for cases like these, but in the meantime, I think we came up with a suitably creative punishment.
Oda has been assigned to hauling logs for the rest of the month. One day for each citizen reporting either a threat or a bribe. She’d better get the message.
05 Moonstone 89
We seem to have the workload under control, so I’ve sent the new rangers, Urvad and Momuz, to Mooney for marksdwarf assignments.
09 Moonstone 89
Lyra has finished off the spear quota with a masterfully-worked spear. Take that, Bomrek!
(http://i.imgur.com/VdvpLHy.png)
13 Moonstone 89
(http://i.imgur.com/DUq3Bl5.png)
He must have been inspired by his recent travels. He’s claimed a crafter’s workshop, so we have another
17 Moonstone 89
At Adil’s instigation, we’ve incorporated emplacements for ballistae into the eastern wall, while she designs the components.
(http://i.imgur.com/wpa2m5O.png)
It looks like we’ll have a handy tree-felling system, since Imic’s dwarves can handle any standard attacks.
21 Moonstone 89
(http://i.imgur.com/GaGpnOY.png)
Whatever it is, it’ll be nicely decorated.
(http://i.imgur.com/mn64lKR.png)
24 Moonstone 89
(http://i.imgur.com/wKdbm2M.png)
With all of the rock we now have handy, I’ve added him to the mason’s guild. Another has started him on rock blocks, while he and Vucar focus on making some more furniture.
26 Moonstone 89
(http://i.imgur.com/NWjWDuH.png)
Yep, a useless craft. And given its small size, it’s decorated to within a hair of its life. If it were just a bit bigger, it would almost qualify as its very own weapon.
(http://i.imgur.com/O7J2THi.png)
27 Moonstone 89
The eastern ramparts are now complete.
(http://i.imgur.com/zyd9Nok.png)
Mooney wants a proper archery range to train his marksdwarf recruits, preferably a different one for each squad, so that they don’t get in each other’s way. Studying the plans, it looks like the two corner towers would be a good place to put them.
--------------------
02 Opal 89
Oda carefully inserted the seed into the fertile ground, and fumed. I was so close! I was actually elected! I could have started teaching these poor dwarves a better way. They would have learned the benefits of valuing living creatures, rather than killing them for simply being in the way.
But no. They had to remove me, and put a dwarf in charge. And as if that weren’t enough, I had to haul CORPSES for a month!
Nearby, Udil jerked at Oda’s sudden almost-growl. “Are you okay?”
Oda waved her off with a grunt, returning to her unhappy thoughts. It’s not like I was going to hurt anyone. But every elf knows that dwarves only respond to violence and greed. How else was I supposed to gain the necessary power? Maybe with Tise’s blessing, I’ll be able to find another way. As soon as this field is done, I’m going to spend some time meditating.
--------------------
05 Opal 89
Akrul has rearranged the stockpiles. Bolts are now stored up on the completed ramparts, while stone stockpiles have been designated in various parts of the mines. The masonries are also to be moved, to be closer to their dedicated stockpiles. Then there are the minecart stockpiles, which will take clay and sand from the surface down to the magma workshops. And, as if that weren’t enough, she’s turned the food storage completely topsy-turvy. Why do the elves need dedicated seed stockpiles, anyway? It’ll take us weeks to sort it all out!
07 Opal 89
With so many dwarves now having duplicate names, we’ve settled on a naming system, of sorts, using the Clan affiliation. Just so that we know who is being addressed or discussed at any given time.
So for example, Akrul’s husband Edzul is now referred to as Edzul G, while Edzul Razorblown is Edzul A. It isn’t perfect, but it seems to work. Of course, that assumes no one decides to start using a nickname, as some of us have done.
--------------------
11 Opal 89
Vucar examined the three doors carefully. Only one of them, made of olivine, was of masterwork quality, but that was all she needed. “Install it in my bedroom. A mayor should have some privacy.”
(http://i.imgur.com/ec3yuyj.png)
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.
18 Opal 89
Mayor Vucar and Another have been churning out furniture, so we’re starting to furnish our bedrooms with microcline cabinets and chests, and replacing the rickety wooden tavern tables and chairs with lovely orthoclase ones.
To keep Akrul from changing things up again out of peevishness, I had her furniture moved in right after mine, the other Founders’, Vucar’s, and the remaining Clan leaders. I figure that should establish the proper order of precedence.
01 Obsidian 89
Catten J is taking his new job of Temple Designer and Manager seriously.
(http://i.imgur.com/oQ0qn5l.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/wCURJYr.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/Ma66bSb.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/VlmvT9f.png)
13 Obsidian 89
Ingish misread my plans! Instead of starting with the magma and water pipes, he started by digging out the temple itself. I guess I can’t blame him. Several dwarves are starting to get antsy with the lack of proper temples. In the meantime, Another has produced a masterfully worked bauxite floodgate that we can use to control the magma flow, and another rock one that will control the water. In addition, there are plenty of mechanisms lying around, so hooking things up won’t be a problem.
15 Obsidian 89
Actually, digging out the future temple first might not be a bad thing. It’s given me time to rework the obsidian water pipes to include refilling systems for our cavern lakes, just in case. We’re going to need some more floodgates. And pressure plates.
18 Obsidian 89
Catten J has submitted some more temple ideas. He has suggested a spiral design for the Book of Insight, and the placement of a shrine to the human deity Acath in the library, since the humans believe he aids scholarship and writing.
If we take his recommendation, the Book of Insight’s temple would look like this:
Code: [Select]
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W . . s W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W s . . W
W . . W W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W W . . W
W . . W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W . . W
W . . W . . s W W W W W W W W W W W W W s . . W . . W
W . . W . . W W . . . . . . . . . . . W W . . W . . W
W . . W . . W . . . . . . . . . . . . . W . . W . . W
W . . W . . W . . s W W W W W W W s . . W . . W . . W
W . . W . . W . . W W J J J J J W W . . W . . W . . W
W . . W . . W . . W J _ _ _ _ _ J W . . W . . W . . W
W . . W . . W . . W J _ _ _ _ _ J W . . W . . W . . W
W . . W . . W . . W J _ _ _ _ _ J W . . W . . W . . W
W . . W . . W . . W J _ _ _ _ _ J W . . W . . W . . W
W . . W . . W . . W J _ _ _ _ _ J W . . W . . W . . W
W . . W . . W . . . . J J J J J W W . . W . . W . . W
W . . W . . W W W W W W W W W W W s . . W . . W . . W
W . . W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W . . W . . W
W . . W W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W W . . W . . W
W . . s W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W s . . W . . W
W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W . . W
W W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W W . . W
W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W s . . W
D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W
D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W W
W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
Key:
W => wall
. => meditation/prayer pathway
s => mediation/prayer statues
J => instrument storage
_ => dance floor
D => door to access hallwayCatten says that the spiral shape symbolizes the journey from ignorance to wisdom. He wants to put it in the granite layers surrounding the top cavern because of the high quartz content, which supposedly helps to clarify and center one’s thoughts. He also wants the central room to be a dome, two or three levels high, depending on the surrounding rock. It might work. OOC: Any thoughts? I’m not going to start on this one until the end of spring, at the earliest, and possibly not until some time in the summer, so there’s time for dissent and tweaking. Or to replace the design entirely if someone else comes up with a better/more appropriate one.
26 Obsidian 89
Sigun has successfully tamed our first female draltha. Now to we just need to obtain a male.
28 Obsidian 89
(http://i.imgur.com/Af3v7lX.png)
The sooner we get that sandbag railway into commission, the better. We simply cannot keep up with Mebzuth’s voracious appetite for sand. Akrul has insisted that he go back to using the surface glassworks for the moment. I had to agree, since we need to shorten his supply line as much as possible. I’ve also instructed Zasit and Medtob to start assisting Mebzuth. Despite his legendary speed and skill, he clearly needs help this year. I've also ordered some more temporary glassworks set up, so that we can gather sand more quickly.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan J Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan L Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: R.I.P. (click to show/hide)
Link to the Current List of Deities (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=159096.msg7353189#msg7353189) with full descriptions. Claimed Non-Religious: Sky, Another, Spriggans
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lyra 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Post by: Timeless Bob on February 13, 2017, 01:56:47 pm
Of course, you can choose whichever addition seems appropriate to gender-match a name, so long as the same process is applied across the board. In this manner, newborns and migrants can be quickly and efficiently named to determine at a glance which gender they happen to be.
If there was a different naming process for each civilization, then that could differentiate their cultures distinctly as well, making Legends mode much more interesting.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 13, 2017, 06:46:42 pm
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on February 15, 2017, 02:10:46 pm
Or maybe he didn't notice...Either way, that's going to make next year bite all the harder.
Hm, what does Oda's profile look like, now that they've been replaced?
Though at least you have plenty of haulers now to move things around.
It's also a great trick to make it look like dwarves are walking on magma.
(Though then I scrolled down and understood the .s are floors, not empty spaces.)
For the floor coverings, might also use roads or bridges to give passing dwarves happy thoughts, though mind the dance area.
Finally, for what springs to mind to me on something scholarship and wisdom related...First, I guess an armor stand, perhaps with book on stand? Second, I guess a lever, or perhaps fluid or minecart logic cell.
Lot of wise actions one can commit in a fortress, but there's the association with fortresses. Ultimately, what underlies them all is willingness to read and test. (Yet, glass vials are rater unusued items.)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 17, 2017, 10:59:13 am
oOh yeah, jail cells...That reminds me of this script to restrain creatures/citizens you have (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=161795.0). Might be useful for your story purposes.
Interesting, I'll keep that in mind.
Hm, what does Oda's profile look like, now that they've been replaced?
She doesn't seem to realize she's been replaced, but "she feels contemptuous after getting into an argument." So I'm going with that.
oDistributed production? Careful to not make it inefficient, there. Confirm that masons are taking from nearby after all and such.
Always. I use stockpile links for this (being very careful with where the bins end up).
Lot of wise actions one can commit in a fortress, but there's the association with fortresses. Ultimately, what underlies them all is willingness to read and test. (Yet, glass vials are rater unusued items.)
Which is why Urdim the Barricade of Fortresses will actually be the most difficult. So many choices... The reading/testing is why I wanted to put a shrine to the relevant human deity in the library. I can always move it to a temple later if the need arises.
Unfortunately, there was no time to play this week, so no update today. I'll be able to play some this weekend, and will try to get an update up at the beginning of the week.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on February 17, 2017, 01:25:47 pm
Journal of Airith
Well, the past few months have been too busy for me to write. With all that is going on I haven't seen the need for writing, but I had somefree time today so here I am. I must confess dear journal, that I am rather sick of this food here. Its never any good. I need a decent meal, and for that we need a decent cook. I'll run it by Lotu for a new kitchens area, a proper place for our cooks and brewers to work.
Another matter that has me feeling down is that I haven't been around my dear hubby for a while. I know the hardships of running a city but I wish he would spend more time with me.
While I'm complaining, I must say that I need a library. I have gone without hard thinking for too long. I need a good book... and the time to read it.
In other news, my talks with Dr. Urist are going quite nicely. Lately, we have gone from straight "business" talks to more casual friendly banter. S/He is a nice chap and I really enjoy their company.
Well, I got to get back to work. I hear Ryukan crying too, that baby is really keeping me on my toes.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on February 17, 2017, 08:56:58 pm
Urdim....Whether a castle fortress or deep underground, whether on single z-level or limited to 7x7 pile, there is always an entrance and grand constructions - often focused on hallways or dining rooms. I imagine beauty, I imagine majesty, I imagine projects. I imagine guest-impressing, impregnable, welcoming entrances. I imagine almost all your temples are beautiful projects with notable entrances.
Sucks for Airith, was she one of the dwarves who wanted to consume giant enemy crabs?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 17, 2017, 09:23:42 pm
Sucks for Airith, was she one of the dwarves who wanted to consume giant enemy crabs?
Giant kiwi and oat flour. I can make the flour if I get seeds from the humans first, but getting her to eat meals made with it...
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on February 20, 2017, 09:34:47 pm
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Truean on March 22, 2017, 06:29:27 pm
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on March 22, 2017, 06:45:06 pm
Hullo?
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on May 08, 2017, 09:52:26 am
You dead?
Post by: MrLurkety on May 17, 2017, 08:44:33 pm
Post by: Imic on January 18, 2018, 04:02:37 am
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on January 18, 2018, 10:57:40 am
:'(
Me too imic, me too
Post by: Spriggans on January 18, 2018, 03:37:05 pm
* Reads the whole amazing story all over again *
Post by: ☼Another☼ on January 18, 2018, 10:30:55 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 20, 2018, 05:27:28 pm
So, life rather got in the way, and then I completely forgot about this... :-[ Is there any interest in my picking up the thread of the story again (with the caveat that I cannot guarantee any kind of regularity in the updates)? If I do, I won't be porting the save to an updated version, I fear it wouldn't play nicely...
Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on June 20, 2018, 06:26:02 pm
Hi all,
So, life rather got in the way, and then I completely forgot about this... :-[ Is there any interest in my picking up the thread of the story again (with the caveat that I cannot guarantee any kind of regularity in the updates)? If I do, I won't be porting the save to an updated version, I fear it wouldn't play nicely...
Dame de la Licorne
Um, YES! I was kinds bummed when this apparently died.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 24, 2018, 03:52:45 pm
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on June 25, 2018, 08:07:30 am
Hi all,Well, you should only play if you want to play. I have interest, sure, but the few minutes you spend reading my posts hardly compares to the few hours it took you for what was commented on.
So, life rather got in the way, and then I completely forgot about this... :-[ Is there any interest in my picking up the thread of the story again (with the caveat that I cannot guarantee any kind of regularity in the updates)? If I do, I won't be porting the save to an updated version, I fear it wouldn't play nicely...
Dame de la Licorne
Mildly relevant to this, though: I sent a kobold named Tayldis into pit arena on reddit back in winter (https://www.reddit.com/r/dwarffortress/search?q=author%3Aman314159+title%3Atournament&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=year) as a tribute to this. They did quite well, using small stacks of bolts in each hand to repeatedly shank opponents.
Post by: Dorsidwarf on June 25, 2018, 10:30:40 am
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 25, 2018, 10:43:59 am
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 29, 2018, 04:51:22 pm
Lotu walked around the corner, engrossed in Airith’s updated design for the obsidian farm pipes.
“Oomph!”
Papers and logs scattering, he reeled back from the collision with Aban Swordtip, one of the better woodcrafters.
“Watch where yer goin’!” Aban stuck his scraped fingers in his mouth, soothing the sting.
“Me! You shouldn’t swing those logs around so suddenly!” Lotu started gathering up the pages he had dropped. “More accurately, you shouldn’t lurk near corners with a full load.”
“Lurking! I wasn’t lurking! I was walkin’, clear as yer please. Yer the one was readin’ and not lookin’!”
“Hmmph. You walk any quieter, and someone’s goin’ to start callin’ you Lurkey, ‘cause yer so quiet.” Lotu groused, gathering up the now hopelessly scrambled stack of papers that Vucar kept shoving at him as part of their agreement.
Grumbling equally, both dwarves finished grabbing the items they had dropped, and moved on their separate tasks, not noticing the children half-hidden behind a nearby doorway.
04 Granite 90
Swordtip walked into the tavern, intent on grabbing a decent mug of ale to wash the wood-dust out of his mouth. At first, he didn’t pay any attention to the child currently telling a story, but silence gradually fell as the patrons caught sight of him.
“…and then Broker Lotu called him MrLurkety!”
Pulling his dripping mug out of the barrel, Swordtip turned to Ryukan, currently grinning at his audience with the punchline.
“Lotu called who that?”
At that, the whole slew of children present, all five of them, broke down into uncontrollable roars of laughter with one word as they pointed. “You!”
Swordtip frowned. “Lotu never called me that. And I don’t even lurk, he just wasn’t paying attention!”
“MrLurkety! MrLurkety! MrLurkety!” The children chanted as they broke into an impromptu dance.
Rolling his eyes, Swordtip drew on his injured dignity and walked away, back to his woodshop to work on another figurine. Those kids would soon find another game to play.
06 Granite 90
But Swordtip’s hopes were in vain. Rather than dying down, within days the entire fort, adults, children and non-dwarfs were calling him MrLurkety. Even visitors! "Just because I walk quietly and like to keep to myself. It’s not like it’s shameful!"
“Oh, sweetheart. Is that really so bad?” Kikrost Rocksjump cuddled in close to her husband as the couple sat near the fishing area. “After all, it does fit your loner personality.”
“But I didn’t run into Lotu, he ran into me!”
Rocksjump shrugged delicately. “But how many other near-misses have you had since we arrived?”
Swordtip started to respond, then paused frowning.
“You see? Maybe being known as that is a good thing? At least, it’ll remind everyone else not to wander the corridors blindly. You can't always see around a full load, after all.”
MrLurkety settled back. It still wasn’t ideal, but… Maybe it did have its merits.
08 Granite 90
The dwarf slipped back into the Central Spire, leaving the cavern behind.
“Oh, hello!” Sodel greeted him cheerfully, happy to see another in a smiling mood.
The dwarf, pulled suddenly from his thoughts, jerked a nod a beat too late, but Sodel was already admiring the collection of webs the dwarf carried.
“That’s good quality silk, I’ll be able to make some excellent cloth and clothes from it. Thanks a bunch for braving the depths to collect it!”
“You think? I just kinda grabbed the ones that looked pretty.”
“Well, you have good taste, my friend! Are you sure you don’t want to apprentice to be a weaver?”
But the dwarf shook his head. I have enough balls in the air, I don’t need another.
Another few moments of small talk and then Sodel resumed his trek to his bedroom.
That was close. Thank Robek and Gorroth that there were webs not far away. As an explanation for his presence in the caverns, it worked quite well.
So far no one even thought to suspect his primary purpose in making regular trips to the upper cavern, especially important now that the entrance was unsealed and constantly guarded.
But I think I should start working on a way to get into the lower one, unnoticed. Surely there I could request aid from a creature that could actually threaten the soldiers?
09 Granite 90
Vucar was hard at work, carving another masterwork cabinet for one of the bedrooms, when a timid, high-pitched voice broke her focus.
“Umm, excuse me?”
“What?”
(https://i.imgur.com/DOT2ZFg.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/A9di9V7.png)
“Bowelves?” Vucar waved them away. “Go find Mooney, he’s in charge of all of the crossbow squads.”
Lolama & Cata walked away, and finally tracked Mooney down on the ramparts, many levels above.
“Bowelves?!? We’ve got no bows fer yer! Go find Lotu, he’ll find something for ye. Go on!”
It was very late by the time they finally caught up to Lotu, relaxing with his family and a pint after a late dinner. Upon hearing their message, he raised an eyebrow.
“Mooney’s got no job for you? Hmmm.” He frowned thoughtfully for a minute, then perked up. “How are you at growing things?”
The elves glanced at each other, confused. “As good as at breathing.” Lolama said, half-questioning. Doesn't everyone know that?
“Good. Then you can go to the fields and make sure we have a steady supply of plants.”
Neither elf had a problem with that. Keeping these dwarfs from killing things was a worthy endeavor.
But as they started to turn away, Lotu had one last request. “And see if you can get some of those fruit-trees to grow inside the courtyard, rather than outside the walls?”
“That takes years!”
Lotu shrugged. “So? You have years, don’t you? Why don’t you start with some trees around your Sacred Grove?”
Another set of glances passed between the elves. That would take much magic and meditation, and trees were well-known for being uncooperative for any but the highest levels of Druid.
Cata finally shrugged. “We can but try.”
“Good, that’s settled. Now off with you, I’m on break.”
--------------------
10 Granite 90
Exerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
It never rains here, it pours. Vucar just sent me three new citizens.
1 goblin:
(https://i.imgur.com/uocviLi.png)
Apparently she’s a diagnostician. Or is that the goblin equivalent of a butcher? I’ve sent her to the library and Dr. Urist for training in actual medicine.
And two humans:
(https://i.imgur.com/tAKfuHe.png)
Lashers are useless, but he claims some novice fishing skill. Useful enough given Bomrek’s fascination with fish. He’s long gone to the cavern fishing zone.
(https://i.imgur.com/0WfVEZL.png)
A pikeman is just as useless. However, he was wearing some very interesting jewelry, among which a fairly well crafted bone amulet. He claimed to have carved it himself, so he’s off to carve bones for a living.
There was a fourth, a spearwoman, who was sent over to Imic. If my notes are correct, she will probably have joined the Barricaded Charity, which consists mostly of spear-wielders.
(https://i.imgur.com/365D2CG.png)
13 Granite 90
(https://i.imgur.com/xLH5k5X.png)
Excellent, the garbage collectors have arrived, and we’ll be able to get rid of various worn silk clothing and the glass tables that weren’t perfect enough to meet the standard for altars, even if they are destined for the Sacred Grove rather than a proper temple.
17 Granite 90
When I approached the depot to trade, I noticed Dr. Urist sorting through the various plants, fruits, and other offerings. I wonder what she’s planning now?
20 Granite 90
I traded with the elves and bought some moose, so we now have a breeding pair, and an emu. Such a a weird-looking bird. Other than some crutches for Bomrek, nothing else was useful. But, I did manage to offload quite a bit of worn silk clothing dropped by residents, along with some other odds and ends.
Before Trade After Trade
(https://i.imgur.com/XkEfdGj.png) (https://i.imgur.com/XcogtLr.png)
And as always, there’s more work, as we now need to carve out a pasture to put our moose herd.
24 Granite 90
The first magma smelter is up and running, and Mestthos has begun melting down imported metal stuff. Between that and the magma kiln built during the winter, our charcoal needs have been cut by a third. Mebzuth’s glassworks remains the single greatest bottomless wood pit in the entire fort, but we’re almost ready to build his new magma furnace, too, though how we're going to get sand all the way down there is a whole other issue.
26 Granite 90
Akrul stormed into my office just before lunch, ranting about, you guessed it, the quota progress. She’s absolutely furious that we currently have only two imported maces. I’ve added maces to the to-do list, and I can always give the highest-quality ones to Imic to make another squad. He’s been grousing about the military getting last pick again.
--------------------
03 Slate 90
A spate of barking hurried the Oracular Golds as they took up their assigned duty station atop the ramparts. Looking up, Urvad spied the dread menace.
“Look out below! They’re back!”
(https://i.imgur.com/VpZ8muo.png)
But the warning cry was drowned out by a sudden cackling and cursing.
(https://i.imgur.com/AVh9bgS.png)
Urvad loaded her crossbow and started shooting. Aim and fire. Aim and fire. A long hour later, she studied the corpses littering the ramparts and smiled. Excellent! I’ve improved my crossbow!
--------------------
Exerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
04 Slate 90
With the moose pasture now dug out and waiting for cave moss spores, Ingish and I grabbed a drink before tackling the next project. With the existing moat fully floored against tree attacks, we now need to extend it across the northeast side, almost all the way to Tayldis Bridge. I’ve spent so much time digging out underground areas that I had almost forgotten what it felt like to be digging while wet.
Rain. Rain. Mud. Rain. Muck. Rain. Rain.
We both looked like Abominable Mud Monsters by the time we finished the day’s work, and it’ll be at least another month before we can go back to dry projects.
Yes, our village itself is becoming more and more homey, but have I mentioned how much I still hate everything outside our safe walls?
05 Slate 90
Vucar has approved Kifino's petition. He was the one who brought that large group of refugees a few years ago. I guess, if they feel safe enough to settle in, we must not be doing too badly. Imic promptly hussled him into the Boats of Mining. It struck me as odd to begin with, given that he doesn’t like elves, but then I heard him muttering something about “meatshields” when I passed him in the hallway later. That makes more sense.
(https://i.imgur.com/DNfVo6A.png)
07 Slate 90
I’ve just noticed something. Many of our new citizens are still sleeping in the free-for-all beds on the tavern’s second level. With all these new citizens, we need to add some more bedrooms. When I checked with Lorbam, I found out that we have a number of masterworks sitting in the stockpiles. I’ve ordered them into the original bedrooms to replace Lyra’s original poor-quality offerings. Granted, there’s still the issue of sand everywhere, but the humans and elves don’t know any better. We’ll keep the proper stone rooms for dwarves.
--------------------
09 Slate 90
“Hey, Mayor, wait! Wait up!”
Vucar stopped and waited for the dwarf to catch up.
“I’ve decided that I really like it here. I’d like to make it official.”
(https://i.imgur.com/B5PliNO.png)
Vucar had no problem with that. “Sure. And since you have some fighting experience, go talk to Imic. He can always use capable dwarves in the growing military.”
13 Slate 90
(https://i.imgur.com/28n6qvX.png)
Vucar quickly sent the human doctor to Dr. Urist, most likely to be found in the library these days, and strode off to find Lotu.
“It never rains but it pours! There have been eight, count them EIGHT citizenship requests so far this spring!”
Lotu went over the names, and then snapped his fingers. “Those are all members of the Bunnies of Roasting, that mixed group of refugees that Kifino brought a couple of years ago or so.”
“Well, why couldn’t they all have come forward as a group to request citizen status?”
Lotu shrugged. The alien workings of non-dwarven minds escaped him. “If I remember right, there were…eleven total? Or was it twelve? Something like that.”
Vucar scowled. “Well, if the rest of the Bunnies petition for permanent status, I’m sending them straight to you to sort out. I’ll never get anything done if people keep barging in at all hours of the day or night!”
16 Slate 90
Whistling on his way to dig the last few bots of the northeast moat, Lotu noticed some of the citizen elves huddled in intent conversation with the visiting traders. I wonder what they’re up to? As he drew closer, he noticed that they were discussing some of the useless nuts and pits that kept cluttering up bags. But, as they were speaking Elvish instead of Common, the details weren’t clear, and he shoved it to the back of his mind as he walked across Tayldis Bridge.
The clip-clop of approaching hooves coincided with his jump down into the ditch.
(https://i.imgur.com/BPg4AAm.png)
From the deepening moat, Lotu waved them off. Come back next year for another trash haul!
18 Slate 90
Atîs Burialpick set the finished hive aside, and started the long slog up toward the surface to fetch the next clay boulder. How long will it be before the clay comes to me? At this rate, I only complete two or three projects a month! I need to talk to Lotu, and emphasize just how much that will help. And if Meb—
“Yeaaaghhh!”
The pincer had almost taken his nose off! Screaming, Atîs bolted away from the magma crab and up the stairs toward Imic.
Several hours later, he was on his knees. “Please please please please DO something! I can’t do anything if those crabs move around willy-nilly!”
Stodir, the mechanic, overheard the last part of the plea. “Magma crabs, you say? I’ll build some cage traps down there, too. Those are some good eating.”
Atîs frowned. “And Dr. Urist too?”
Stodir shook his head. “Nope. Dr. Urist is…working on something. It’s best if we don’t bother her.”
(https://i.imgur.com/cPeN1x6.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/McKftvb.png)
--------------------
Exerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
20 Slate 90
I had a visitor today.
(https://i.imgur.com/oUatAuU.png)
He said Vucar had sent him, and had given him a form for me. It was a copy of the official citizenship form, with only “Citizen” marked, the rest was blank. I wasted a good hour getting the rest filled out. On the plus side, he’s a spearelf, so he’s now Imic’s problem.
21 Slate 90
And another one.
(https://i.imgur.com/u7BDKvO.png)
Vucar is right, why can’t they all come at once? It would be much more efficient. Especially since so many of them seem to be spearelves.
01 Felsite 90
Geez, it never rains, but it pours. And I’m not talking about the weather.
(https://i.imgur.com/DYRJVfP.png)
Soldiers are always welcome, of course. After all, we do still need to have a good military so that no caravan will ever flee again. And a good military is key to my eventual plans for protecting ourselves from megalom…
The last few lines of the page are covered in what looks like a large ink blot, rendering the text illegible.
--------------------
02 Felsite 90
Shouts, cheers, and other sounds of a raucous celebration echoed down the Central Spire from the tavern. Akrul was walking up with Lotu, in full flood about the ongoing “quota slacking” which meant that there were far fewer maces and anvils (even of the mini-forge variety) than she had expected by the third month of spring.
Lotu had started heading toward the tavern what felt like a nam ago, as soon as Akrul appeared by his office chair. ‘Conversations’ with Akrul always required a good stiff drink. Or ten.
Stepping out into the Candies of Bursting, he glanced toward the source of the noise, a group of mostly children, but that also included several local adults and some visitors.
Wandering over to what was clearly a nameday celebration, Lotu froze at his first clear look at the table. Akrul’s seemingly never-ending rant ended with a squeal.
“WHAT are you EATING!”
The sudden deathly silent stillness would have been fitting for the greatest of engravings.
“Avuz likes cheese.” The tiny piping came from the youngest of the village’s children, Moldath.
Oh! “Happy nameday, Avuz. But, er, couldn’t you children have found something else to make a birthday meal?”
“No, this was great! I found it in a barrel labeled ‘lye’ in a corner of the stockpile. It had clearly been forgotten, so I thought we’d eat it before it went bad.” Avuz was very pleased with his good fortune.
“YOU IDIOT CHILD!” Akrul had apparently managed to find her voice, though perhaps not the volume control. “That cheese was for the quota! Because of you we’ve lost the 33 wheels we had, and we need to deliver 128!”
“But—“
“No! Before you eat anything, before you touch anything, before you so much as think about touching something, you ask! Do you know how much extra work you’ve just imposed on everyone else just because you have zero impulse control?”
All of the children were frozen, staring at the ballistic Akrul with very wide, round eyes.
“You want mine?” Deler held out his partially eaten wheel, which dwarfed his chubby little hands, teeth marks clearly visible.
“NO! Argh!” Akrul spun away, hands clutching her head, muttering about labor assignments, task progressions, and useless idiots.
Lotu watched her go, then looked at the partiers. Running a hand over the top of his head, he made his farewells. Behind him, the nameday party was once again going full-volume. Clearly, the kids had already forgotten Akrul’s tongue-lashing.
I really need a drink, now.
Mug in hand, he headed back down to figure out where to put a quota-only stockpile. Vucar will need to build some extra doors, but if I can show Akrul that I’m already fixing the cause, maybe she’ll be a little more livable during the summer?
Nah, wishful thinking. Still, it’ll be one less excuse to yell at the poor kids for being kids.
--------------------
Exerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
03 Felsite 90
As if Akrul’s livid mood wasn’t bad enough.
(https://i.imgur.com/LCwloed.png)
Huh, that doesn’t sound too bad. He’s down in the lower caverns, which is sealed off by a pretty solid stone wall, so I don’t think we need to worry about him. Especially since the squads are already busy elsewhere, and the rest of us have work to do. We’ll get around to him eventually.
05 Felsite 90
With work ongoing on the magma furnace emplacements, it’s time to start planning the permanent move from our surface charcoal-based operation to a fully magma-dependent one. With that in mind, I’ve spent time with Airith and Stodir to come up with a start on our village-wide railway system. Given how strapped we always seem to be for quota work, it’ll be as automatic as possible, though some of the loops nearest the stockpiles will need to be hand-guided.
I’ve drawn a diagram on the following page of our planned main transshipment point right below the aquifer, with arrows pointing to the incoming tracks.
The actual diagram is almost impossible to make out, being covered in written notes.
(https://i.imgur.com/U5n8oGd.png)
OOC: The channel and stairway marker designations are not part of the actual design, but are there for immediate visual reminders of what goes where as I start getting it dug out. Also, the unloading tiles for upward shipments are currently black spaces, again for a visual (since I only had two colors to work with).
Of the twelve railways, four will be dedicated to wood-delivery, and at least two will be dedicated to moving clay and sand down to the magma forges. As soon as one of the magma rails is fully dug out and connected, Mebzuth will never again need to worry about a lack of fuel. As for the others, I’m sure we’ll find some use for them. And there’s room to cram in at least four more rails if it proves to be necessary.
11 Felsite 90
I had an odd request today. Vucar sent her to me because she didn’t know what to do with this human.
(https://i.imgur.com/DNefQAH.png)
“Eradicating monsters”? So, she wants to live in our village, eat our food, drink our booze, wear our clothes, and in return, spend her time patrolling through the caverns, killing everything in sight? That sounds more like a dwarf.
But she has two cousins currently in our military, the mercenary Gel & the marksman Tohwot, both of whom Imic has said "aren't horrible", so I decided that we might as well take a chance on her. The last time I saw Kara, she was heading down to the caverns for her first foray.
--------------------
15 Felsite 90
The dwarf fumed as he went about his tasks. A monster hunter! That’s going to mess things up royally! It’s going to be much more difficult to do what I need to do down there. How do I sneak around when everywhere around here gets more crowded by the day? I really need to get the secret access point to the lower caverns installed and useable. But I’ll need to be very careful to avoid Oggez. The Master wouldn’t be at all happy if I got caught instead of one of the targets. On the other hand, if Oggez somehow managed to find his way into the village, I'm sure there would be some unfortunate victims before the soldiers got to him. Hmmm. That's a thought worth considering, but not to be executed without very careful planning.
20 Felsite 90
"That was a good one." Lotu walked out of the tavern with Sky.
"Yeah, Ral Scalemerchant has truly surpassed herself with that peach cider. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if it became legend, given how many visitors partook of a mug or two, too." Lotu nodded in agreement as he savored the last remnants of flavor still coating his tongue as they walked across the courtyard.
As they walked past Crafter’s Row, Sky waved at the heap of masterwork toys haphazardly piled outside of MrLurkety’s woodshop. "Now that. Waste of good crafting, sending all of that to Bomrek. Our kids would enjoy them just as much, if not more."
"True. But Bomrek will be receiving some very finely crafted
25 Felsite 90
Wiping a drop of sweat from his eye, Lotu studied the new space that he had just finished hollowing out. Located closer to the depot than the general use stockpiles, it would be perfect for storing the quota each year. It just needs a floor to keep the dirt and vermin out, and then some locked doors to keep the kids out. Yep, this should work very well.
28 Felsite 90
Lorbam knocked on Lotu’s bedroom door early in the afternoon.
“Lotu, do you have a minute? It’s about the quota.”
But I’m supposed to be on break!
Registering Lorbam’s expression, he sighed as he waved him into the room.
“I need to meet with Akrul later, so I was looking at the production numbers…”
(https://i.imgur.com/lQBBaZB.png)
“I thought you might be able to use a heads-up.”
Yeah, before Akrul comes storming in because she doesn’t like the numbers. But, while the cheese situation hasn’t changed one iota since that dratted nameday party, most of the rest actually looks pretty good. With Mebzuth the only one still depending on charcoal, his speed has increased, though without the rails to move sand down deep, it probably won’t improve much more. The maces and anvils are, unsurprisingly, the biggest problem spot. Why is it not possible to make training maces? Or training hammers, for that matter. All you need is a nice heavy rock!
Huh, I’ll bring it up with Stodir, maybe he can talk to some of the visiting scholars and see if it’s possible to make something like that?
Current character list:
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan J Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan L Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: R.I.P. (click to show/hide)
Link to the Current List of Deities (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=159096.msg7353189#msg7353189) with full descriptions. Claimed Non-Religious: Sky, Another, Spriggans, MrLurkety.
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lyra 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: MrLurkety 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: MrLurkety 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Post by: Bearskie on June 29, 2018, 09:45:24 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 29, 2018, 10:39:53 pm
1) Catten Crowchambers (Born of Clan A, married a Clan A cousin) is a novice gem cutter and adequate in setting, with no other notable skills. She arrived a game year ago (in the spring of 89), and is distantly related to MrLurkety, among unclaimed others.
2) Logem Laborgirders (Born of Clan E, married into Clan A) is Legendary+5 in both gem cutter and woodcrafter and is currently more of a general craftsdwarf, with novice in fighter and shield. She is a veteran of the fort, having arrived during the first fall and is distantly related to Sky, among unclaimed others.
3) Nithim Scorchedwipes (petitioned human resident) is a Great gem cutter (by human standards), is "of unknown parentage" (so no known family members) but he does have a couple of written works to his name (trained by a goblin who also resides in Finderboards) and is due to request citizenship in spring/summer 91 (he also arrived in the spring of 89).
If you don't like the looks of any of these, I'll see who else I can find who will suit (though there are no others with any kind of direct gem experience). Your avatar will be Bearskie, unless you would prefer something else?
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Bearskie on June 30, 2018, 02:11:30 am
Post by: Fleeting Frames on June 30, 2018, 03:18:36 am
I take it dwarves are ignoring 'low priority' traffic designations.
The joke's on the spy; they're already a weaver. Though maybe a burrow-restricted loom for cavern web collection would be safer.
Hm. Elves. You jumped immediatelly on bows, but while it does one good to keep focus sharp it might have merit to use them in high-memory/long-distance jobs instead, such as woodcutting and herbalism. Well, you do you.
But, hey, you citizenry is growing at quite the pace there. Should help with exports. Shame about the imported wealth, and quite a showing to have 2/3 of created wealth exported. Really underlines the impact: "things are thrice as hard."
Wonder why rest of bunnies aren't petitioning? Might be stuck queue? I recall PatrikLundell created a script to fix that (erase the queue and make DF populate it anew).
(Ah, they petitioned later. First petition in granite, last in felsite? Oi. )
Oi, these children. That's some unfortunately placed food stockpiles; unexpected challenge.
That's quite an ambitious project. Make sure to use 2-ramp ditches to avoid minecart-minecart collisions where tracks overlap. Wish you could designate in more colors, but alas.
(Though you can designate letters, if you escape the constraints of 1-7 priorities.)
Interesting, a monster slayer? You shouldn't be getting those in 42.06 due a bug. DId you upgrade?
*now wants some peach cider*
The production numbers look relatively ok. Except for cheee and windows. Cheese is just impossible, isn't it? Even at max capacity, it's 1 milk every 17 days per milkable creature.
It's a shame library dwarves use ! jobs.
Hm, wonder if I could fix that....Gotta test.
Crossbows qualify as training hammers in my mind, though, given you can train hammer by attacking wildlife with wooden ones. But the ones at other end might not agree.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on June 30, 2018, 07:19:24 am
3 sounds good, I really don't mind.
Done! (You are currently meditating on fishing and your personal deity is the god of lakes, fish, fishing and beauty.)
Wonder why rest of bunnies aren't petitioning? Might be stuck queue? I recall PatrikLundell created a script to fix that (erase the queue and make DF populate it anew).
(Ah, they petitioned later. First petition in granite, last in felsite? Oi. )
What I've noticed is that groups petition for residency together, but each individual member petitions for citizenship. I guess it makes sense?
Make sure to use 2-ramp ditches
How do you mean? I was rather thinking that the blue overlapping tracks would be dug out later, and would be hand-guided through the overlap, but if there's a more efficient way of doing it, I'm all
Interesting, a monster slayer? You shouldn't be getting those in 42.06 due a bug. DId you upgrade?
After running some stability tests, yes. The fort is now in 44.10 (I need autobutcher). It's missing display furniture, and probably some mission capability, but I can get to the world screen and have some of those options, if I decide using them makes sense. It's just unfortunate that assassination teams aren't implemented yet.
Cheese is just impossible, isn't it?
That's what the humans are for... Though I don't think even they will bring 130 units.
Crossbows qualify as training hammers in my mind, though, given you can train hammer by attacking wildlife with wooden ones.
That's a thought. I'm assuming that I can't add training hammers to an already-generated world, but I may muck around and make a raw for future use. Not to mention, it's a way of using up some stone in forts that generate a lot.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on June 30, 2018, 02:08:10 pm
This may be helpful for getting display cases (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=168936.msg7657557#msg7657557)(or possibly training hammers, if you seriously want them).
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 04, 2018, 08:07:34 pm
Lorbam worked in his tiny office, counting, checking, double-checking, and then re-checking his counts. As he worked he kept up a steady grumbling litany consigning Akrul, Bomrek, King Dodók, and all of their descendants to the deepest, darkest, dankest, most hopeless circle of Hell.
Suddenly, a sheet of kenaf paper slapped down on top of the columns of numbers, smearing the fresh ink. Urist Bronzecities, one of the resident scholars, leaned down. “Got a minute?”
Lorbam shrugged, placing the quill pen carefully into its stand. He would have to re-do that sheet anyway.
“Lookee here.” A blunt, grease-stained finger landed on the carefully-executed drawing taking up most of the sheet.
Lorbam cocked an eyebrow. “It’s a…crossbow.”
“Nope! It’s a crossbow-shaped training mace. Ye know how marksdwarves always end up hammering when they run outta bolts?”
“Yes.” This was common knowledge, after all.
“And did ye know that Sky gave the newbies in his squad crossbows before they ever even thought of picking up a hammer?”
It doesn’t surprise me. But I’m not the military quartermaster. He gestured for Urist to continue.
“Well, I was talkin’ to th’other scholars up in the Helmed Treasury, and one o’ the human visitors asked if we had thought of makin’ the crossbows heavier. See, if we change the grip this way, an’ then make this end heavier, and—“
Lorbam put his hand up in a ‘stop’ signal. “I’m not a military dwarf. I have no idea if this will work or not, so you need to talk to Imic or some of the squad captains.”
“I did. Catten Fencedlearned’s already made a protoype, an’ it seems ter work quite well.”
“So why are you in my office?” Lorbam asked in beffudlement.
“To have yer separate these in a different category. Everyone else was busy.”
Two categories of crossbows? I guess I can manage that. “How will I know the difference?”
“Their weights, m’dwarf!” Urist was already halfway out the door, eager to get back to his research.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
04 Hematite 90
Vucar sent another petitioner to me today.
(https://i.imgur.com/Vw2kdki.png)
Turns out that he’s Cawcul’s son. Apparently, two of his sisters have been cursed with the same affliction that beset his mother and Cawcul's wife, Bañec, and he has hopes that they will eventually find their way here.
Great gods and goddesses, I hope not. We have enough troubles as it is.
At any rate, he’s welcome to stay and deal with that kind problem.
--------------------
08 Hematite 90
The dwarf drew in a sharp breath and dodged back behind the rock outcropping. Moving much more cautiously, he moved just far enough to peer past a tower-cap stalk.
What is HE doing here?
He would recognize that cocky, self-assured, arrogant human stride anywhere. For brief moment, the cavern was replaced with weathered wooden walls and a mangled body on the floor, and the normal cavern sounds made way for bloodcurdling screams of pain that abruptly cut off as Osp’s arm rose and fell a final time.
The dwarf blinked and shook his head, making a valiant effort to lock the memories away once more. But the human’s promise still echoed in his ears.
“And any others who serve the same abomination will be delivered to the same punishment.”
There was only one reason that man had made his way here. Somehow, he must have found out something that betrayed the presence of one of the Master’s servants here.
I’m just glad he never actually saw me. But I’ll need to keep my distance, just in case someone, somewhere, gave him some kind of identifying information.
Carefully gathering several armfuls of webs, the dwarf walked nonchalantly back to the guarded cavern entrance, his heart pounding fit to burst the entire time.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
11 Hematite 90
(https://i.imgur.com/WhPdK8o.png)
Yes, they came back! Then again, we must be very good clients for them, given how much we buy each summer to ease our quota woes.
I ordered a bunch of tattered non-quota clothes and elven cages moved, along with a few other odds and ends. I really hope they brought cheese and anvils. And a few maces wouldn’t be refused, either.
13 Hematite 90
The children have assigned another nickname, this time to one of our human residents, Nithim Scorchedwips. They’ve taken to calling him “Bearskie”. It’s rather apt. Every time he tells a story, it seems to be about some “adventure” involving bears. Me, I much prefer staying behind our half-wood, half-stone walls than tramping around bear-infested forests.
17 Hematite 90
(https://i.imgur.com/H2OtH5m.png)
Kifino has really cemented his reputation after guiding the Bunnies of Roasting refugees all the way here. I was almost inclined to let him keep the position, for about two heartbeats.
But, 1) he’s an elf. 2) He’s under Imic’s command with little time for actual administration, so not only would we have an elf in charge, but we would also have a bunch of dwarves who could never find anyone to complain to. I clearly remember times in Theaterknowledge when that was the case. I don’t want that kind of riot to happen here, so I spent over half the day persuading him to turn the position back over to Vucar.
However, as part of the compromise, he is now the “Elvish Mayor”, whatever that is. He seems to think it means that he is in charge of the elven residents. Fine. If he can hear their complaints, that will be much less annoying than constantly having to hear them harp about “butchers” who are "desecrating life" and “killing trees” and so on and so forth. We’ll see how it goes.
And at least we have some common ground with Kifino, for all his elvishness. The guy likes anvils, after all.
18 Hematite 90
With our planned trade offerings moved into the depot, I spent the day sorting through the humans' bins and barrels, bags and loose piles of random stuff.
(https://i.imgur.com/kM28u4j.png)
The first thing I checked was the cheese situation. I was very happy find 195 wheels, and promptly grabbed the entire lot. We’ll be able to enjoy some even after stripping our stores for Bomrek. After making the trade, I immediately ordered every single wheel locked up in the new storage room. There won’t be any repeats of that kids’ party for the next few months.
They also brought 15 anvils, which I snapped up. A total of 30 real anvils is still far below what we need, but at least we didn’t have to raid our own metal for them. And speaking of metal, I also bought up all of the iron gear that they brought, for melting. We’re hopelessly over the cap, so we might as well get something to replace what Bomrek insists on stealing.
Huh. I think I may have pushed it a little too far. Fingers crossed the King won’t hear of it.
(https://i.imgur.com/Bg8uQus.png)
I need to go ask Mestthos to smelt a bit faster.
23 Hematite 90
Agreeing to serve as a base of operations for a couple of monster hunters has already paid off. In addition to the acting as a deterrent to the more dangerous cavern denizens, Kara has also been clearing them of pests.
(https://i.imgur.com/1DM2MIE.png)
We could almost hear the echoes through the stone as she ripped into it with her crossbow.
--------------------
27 Hematite 90
Cawcul considered his intended victim, debating the best angle to take for maximum effectiveness.
It’s so nice to take a break from patrolling,
Deciding on his strike, he raised his axe and swung.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZWEEX9j.png)
The earth shook as the might trunk fell, branches scattering the ground willy-nilly.
A moment later, a red-faced dwarf came charging from Tayldis Bridge.
“What d’ye t’ink yer doin’! Yer on duty! Git back ter yer station, NOW!” Imic was pissed. “N’ next month, yer in the barracks, doin’ extra exercises. Dis-ci-pline! It’s th’ foundation of any military! D’ye hear me!”
The whole village can hear you. Cawcul nodded, annoyed. Hoisting his axe hover his shoulder, he walked back to Tayldis Bridge. This has to be the most boring duty station.
01 Malachite 90
(https://i.imgur.com/Spgu8t4.png)
Bong! Bong! Bong!
The warning bells rang, hurrying the Helmed Anvils as they frantically equipped their gear and headed down to their posts in the upper caverns.
Listening to the rapid pounding of steel-booted feet on rock as targets raced to their doom, the dwarf smiled to himself. Once again, the Master had sent a nightmare creature to gorge itself on dwarven blood.
A few moments later, another set of pounding echoed from the Central Spire. Puzzled, because usually only one squad was on duty at a time, the dwarf stuck his head out of his workshop in time to see the last speardwarf from the Barricaded Charity disappear down the spiral ramps.
Hammers and spears. Against a gemstone creature. If this one goes the way of the others… His smile disappeared, replaced with a scowl.
03 Malachite 90
Besmar Minepink trudged through the narrow cavern corridors, looking for the body that needed recovery. It’s a sad duty, but someone’s got to bury the poor thing. He thought heavily, turning the corner.
“But that’s not—!“ The troglodyte had been mangled almost beyond recognition. He paused, confused.
An almost unnoticeable shhrr-shhrr drew his attention further down the corridor, to where two giant fleshy tails rubbed together gently. And then the far end turned, and suddenly there were two huge glowing discs, where the cave moss’s phosphorescence reflected off of the creature’s eyes.
Still Besmar stood, frozen in terror.
And then, the thing started to move. Terror changed instantly to panic, and the dwarf took to his heels, racing for the sentry squad at the cavern entry, so far away. The heavy tread behind him almost drowned the throbbing heartbeat in his ears.
(https://i.imgur.com/DjBewFd.png)
Suddenly a squeal rose behind him, and the ground’s vibrations suddenly lessened in power. Besmar risked a quick glance over his shoulder, but didn’t slacken his pace.
Thank all the deities, and especially whichever ones are responsible for troglodytes!
And he continued on his way as quickly as his scrawny frame would allow.
04 Malachite 90
The monster hunter Kara had volunteered to act as a scout, having already explored much of the local accessible caverns in her short few months at Atölasob. Carefully, she fell back before the creature’s advance, keeping just close enough to see the flying bodies, and hear the abruptly-ending screams presaging its advance.
(https://i.imgur.com/IkifkZQ.png)
That stinger is vicious!
07 Malachite 90
Having spent several days eradicating every troglodyte it could find, the creature finally reached the assembled squads. Gel’s whip was the first to enter the fight, and the creature promptly targeted her.
Well, that gives the others time to inflict some injuries unimpeded. Sky thought philosophically, leading the Anvils into the fray.
“Watch out for the stinger!”
Keeping Kara’s warning firmly in mind, the stinger became the primary focus. Early on the human Someg succeeded in driving the point of her spear into the stinger in such a way that the tip came clean off. With the biggest threat neutralized, it became a dodging game, as the soldiers jumped out of the way of a foot, or tails, or teeth, and then came charging right back in to try and land another blow, many of which did little more than bruise or scratch the creature.
The battle had lasted almost a full day when Rigòth Dikepage finally stabbed her spear into one of the deepening cracks in the gemstone body. It seemed to catch, just for a moment, and then suddenly sank deep. Uno Ngogngouno shattered in an explosion of topazolite. Dwarf head-sized chunks hit the ground, and the exhausted soldiers stood breathing hard as they stared at the remains of their enemy.
(https://i.imgur.com/mYBjkKn.png)
“I don’t—“ Gel slipped slowly to the ground, left hand holding her right elbow. A red river flowed steadily from a gash on her upper arm.
Rigòth quickly returned her spear to the carrying position, and hoisted her squad mate over her shoulder.
“We’ll get ye to the hospital, don’t you worry. And the rest of ye lot,” she gestured to the Barricaded Charity, “get yer arses back to the training room. We’re not on vacation this month.”
As Rigòth walked briskly away, Sky studied the remaining soldiers. With two squads in very close quarters, the biggest surprise is that no one else received anything worse than bruises.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
09 Malachite 90
Vucar has sent along another petitioner, complete with a blank form.
(https://i.imgur.com/yT4FU9r.png)
Well, granting citizenship to residents is more of a mere formality around here, anyway.
12 Malachite 90
(https://i.imgur.com/sxvX2Ea.png)
The Pale Roads escorted them to the border. After all, it wouldn't do to lose such a useful group of people.
13 Malachite 90
(https://i.imgur.com/tFpbMcN.png)
Hmm, she must have been pregnant when we trapped her. According to Sigun, the newborn is male. Which means, once he grows up, we’ll have a breeding pair of dralthas. Nice.
18 Malachite 90
Though the latest horror was vanquished with relative ease by the Barricaded Charity, the residents are growing restless. There is a growing sense that Robek is angry, and that this is why we have gotten seven of these terrifying creatures so far. I’ve decided to prioritize our digging on his temple, in the hope that a proper place of worship will appease him before he sends something truly dangerous.
(https://i.imgur.com/FRuWv5H.png)
25 Malachite 90
(https://i.imgur.com/dup1T7W.png)
Umm.
(https://i.imgur.com/SPNbUnd.png)
Well, hopefully Såkzul won’t take after his mother in attitude.
02 Galena 90
(https://i.imgur.com/29b8itm.png)
Another human entertainer, who knows absolutely no one here. Nope, without a sponsor her request is definitely denied.
07 Galena 90
With the village returned to quiet calmness, those residents not needed for quota production are slowly converting our slapdash wooden walls to long-lasting stone in between various trips to store things in stockpiles.
--------------------
15 Galena 90
(https://i.imgur.com/IK4jnEh.png)
The scream came from Cawcul, who had ventured beyond the safety of the palisade to cut more trees for Spriggans’ ever-hungry furnace. His scream drew the ire of cursed creature, who charged the human, quickly coming in too close for his axe to be effective.
As Cawcul valiantly tried to defend himself, the wererat latched on to hands and feet, biting again and again.
(https://i.imgur.com/0JmMd7f.png)
The other civilians collecting logs outside the walls abandoned their wheelbarrows and heavy logs, running for safety from the rabid creature. The Oracular Golds frantically shot bolt after bolt from the closest ramparts as Imic led the Pale Roads in a race to save their comrade, but they were too late.
Blood dripping from its jowls, the wererat abandoned the savagely mangled corpse and charged toward the closest civilian, the human bone carver Gido. Within seconds the wererat had torn out Gido’s throat, and spun toward its next target. Deduk had run out of bolts, and had descended from the ramparts, brandishing her crossbow like a hammer.
Urist Bronzecities, sprinting with single-minded focus toward Tayldis Bridge, stepped right between the two adversaries. Temporarily distracted, the wererat sprang upon the hapless dwarf, swiftly adding a third kill to its list before turning back to Deduk.
Long legs outdistancing the dwarves, the spearelf Iru Naturecried lunged at the killing machine before it could finish Deduk off and move to another victim. The force of her tackle sent them both into the nearby pond. There was a brief roiling under the previously calm surface, and then the wererat hauled itself out. As its mouth gaped wide in a snarl, fresh blood ran down its teeth.
In a mounting blood-fueled fury, the wererat fell on the grievously-injured Deduk. The gaping maw was poised to deliver a final savaging bite when suddenly, as the last sliver of the full moon disappeared beneath the horizon, a human stood in place of the wererat.
Eyes going wide in shock at the enraged, advancing military dwarves, the hapless Busbel took to his heels as an avalanche of bolts followed. The soldiers chased him to the edge of their lands, but failed to extract the ultimate punishment.
As the perverted creature disappeared deep into the woods, the residents took stock.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
16 Galena 90
Our final toll from the battle with the atrocity masquerading as a rat stands as follows:
Dead:
• Urist Bronzecities, Clan C dwarf, Scholar. He leaves Momuz a widow, and Dr. Urist has lost a capable assistant.
• Cawcul Polishedautumns, human, Axeman & Woodcutter. He joins Bañec in death after valiantly defending us against other powerful foes.
• Gido Beachdoctrine, human, Bone Carver and sometimes Hauler. A quiet sort, he never made any waves.
• Iru Naturecried, elf, Spearelf & Herbalist. It is because of her ultimate sacrifice that Deduk is still with us.
• A stray wardog who was eager for action.
Deduk Raysdyes lies in critical condition in the hospital. Even as I write this, Dr. Urist leads our small team of four doctors in another kind of battle with Death. The only positive is that the doctors don’t think she was bitten, but with all of the blood and other wounds, it is difficult to be sure.
And, as if that weren’t bad enough, it’s raining. Again! The battleground has become a sea of muddy blood. Or is it bloody mud?
(https://i.imgur.com/5qhm2tj.png)
The carnage is…disturbing. Some of the bodies, like Iru’s, are relatively intact, but some, like Cawcul, are in so many pieces that they are almost unrecognizable as having once been a person. I’ve ordered the coffins Mebzuth made in his spare time installed in one of the unused rooms for now, so our dead can rest in peace. One year, when the quota is easily filled, we’ll move them to more permanent resting places.
(https://i.imgur.com/oPySi5d.png)
Iru’s body lies at the bottom of a pool, but given that the moat is nearby, and has a built in draining system for convenience, a temporary pump will allow us to retrieve her body easily.
--------------------
17 Galena 90
The dwarf had to bite down on his lip to stop from whistling. Cawcul has finally paid for his lies. Excellent! And even with the collateral damage, the remaining targets are blissfully unaware that their futures will simply become bloodier and bloodier.
Reading through the message one last time, he carefully removed the kea from its cage. Sneaking into the above-ground pasture, he affixed the rolled up sheet to the bird’s leg, then let it fly.
The Master ought to be pleased. This is the first attack that has been even sort of successful. And the tool has managed to escape for further use later. And, of course, I’ve bought myself some breathing time. The Master would not have been happy with my continued failures. I would hate for my family to become targets.
The dwarf nodded. Things were looking up.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
20 Galena 90
I’ve insisted on regular status updates regarding Deduk’s condition. Dr. Urist has barely been getting sleep between performing surgery on the worst wounds, setting her broken spine, and working with Rimtar, Ustres and Arstruk to stitch up and apply dresses to countless smaller but no less serious injuries from head to foot. They’ve used massive quantities of the otherwise useless hair thread and cloth, in addition to using up all of the plaster powder we had on hand and almost half-a-dozen splints.
With all of her serious injuries, they are amazed Deduk still clings stubbornly to life.
22 Galena 90
As we slowly return to our normal routines, the village’s mood remains somber, and I’ve noticed that the general temple is seeing more use than usual. Tölún Friendcherished, patron of healing, please watch over Deduk.
25 Galena 90
Vucar is overwhelmed with residents either soaking her clothing with their sobs, or deafening her with their yelling.
(https://i.imgur.com/sU26A0P.png)
The only way we’re going to get through this is by pulling together and comforting each other. Of course, some of us are thankful we have an unreasonable quota to distract us from our grief and horror.
28 Galena 90
A more subdued Akrul than usual stopped by my office with the summer’s final report.
(https://i.imgur.com/srKNu3d.png)
And there’s another blow. I just know this will mean another sanction from the king, if not worse. But I somehow cannot find it within me to care right now.
Character list:
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan J Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan L Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: MrLurkety 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: MrLurkety 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bearskie (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 05, 2018, 09:42:27 am
It's neat that families of visitors come.
In my 43.03 fort, I've seen the other half of human married couple come as well after accepting the first.
It's significantly less neat when they're married to Remus Lupin.
Hematite
And, huh, you let path open to the caverns for FB? Daring.
Remind me, what was Vucar's job anyway? Everyone is busy in Atolasob.
...Well I'll be! You actually fulfilled the cheese quota.
How's windows?
And I guess you really should get to producing new clothes and disposing with the old - forcibly, if need be. The elven refugess are now full citizens, you can force them to take off their old clothes on refuge stockpile, if nothing else works.
Malachite
A, an angler FB. While we build traps for FBs, they make traps for us.
I kinda wish petition forms would provide more information. Skills, personality, marriage status, spouse's occupation and residence....
There's a lot one should be knowing.
I wonder, will you smooth/engrave the upper levels of temple? It does nothing, but some like it...
Galena
Busbel Shatoica. Wonder if they're related to somebody?
Though, they're kind of mean. Okay, really mean.
No, downright homicidial. No, even worse. For a single rat to kill four is unfortunate in a fort as old as Atolasob. Did Momuz ever bear any children, or is that window closed forever futhermore?
The rain is quite appropriate.
Though using keas as messengers is oddly amusing choice. Yeah, they'll take the message offsite - if they survive the rain of bolts.
Ultimately, your export challenge has been a larger challenge than any of the enemy assults. It's been pretty good idea.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 05, 2018, 11:07:47 am
And, huh, you let path open to the caverns for FB? Daring.
I left it open for web collection and fishing access. Without the caverns, there are NO fish on the map, and Bomrek demands quantities of them in quota relatively often.
Remind me, what was Vucar's job anyway?
Officially, she's a mason. Storyline-wise, she's also the Mother (founding matriarch) of one of the world-gen lineages (Clan C) and sits on a sort of unofficial "governing council" comprised of the local heads of each clan, which includes the seven claimed founding dwarves.
How's windows?
Slow because of the wood-burning lag. But moving it down to magma is on hold until I have one railway dug out all the way down, otherwise moving sand would eat up too much time.
And I guess you really should get to producing new clothes and disposing with the old - forcibly, if need be. The elven refugess are now full citizens, you can force them to take off their old clothes on refuge stockpile, if nothing else works.
Already done. The humans seemed happy get some XXlarge clothesXX.
I kinda wish petition forms would provide more information. Skills, personality, marriage status, spouse's occupation and residence....
I have seasonal backups turned on in this game, and I abandon the fort in the backup specifically so that I can access the updated Legends whenever I have a new petition or other story event that I want to flesh out if possible. It would be much easier if there were some way of doing that without quitting the game, though...
I wonder, will you smooth/engrave the upper levels of temple? It does nothing, but some like it...
Neo1096 came up with most of the design, and wanted it cast in obsidian before smoothing or placing any furniture. The necessary pipework from the magma and the aquifer connect to the temple mold on the uppermost level, not visible in this view. Once the temple has been cast, that piping will be converted into an obsidian farm for future projects.
Busbel Shatoica. Wonder if they're related to somebody?
He's a distant cousin of Cawcul and the monster hunter Osp (based on the full genealogy I put together from Legends). However, he doesn't show up on any relationship screens in-game.
For a single rat to kill four is unfortunate in a fort as old as Atolasob. Did Momuz ever bear any children, or is that window closed forever futhermore?
Umm, yeah. I was not expecting to lose quite that many. But I'm glad that Cawcul has been dealt with for story purposes.
Momuz had one son, who died before Atölasob was even founded. He produced 9 grandchildren (7 living), and one of her granddaughters lives in Atölasob (the lye maker Zasit Controlboots, who married into Clan H and has so far produced a great-granddaughter). And she has 6 great-grandchildren elsewhere in the world.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 05, 2018, 12:34:24 pm
A mason, hm..*checks quota* Yeah, they're certainly less busy than a spearelf.
Glass: I take it the lowest level of soil on map isn't sand, thus preventing you from caveing in a tile to the forges?
Though I usually bring magma up, filling a copper cart with magma only takes two submerged and 1 non-submerged ramp. Well, there are roleplay advantages to making things down there.
Petitions: Yeah, I use backups for on-the-fly legends viewing as well as manipulator to view skills, though could write code to display it properly. Well, it's in my big list of ideas I so far cba to do.
Temple: Oh my, casting in obsidian. That's quite substantial amount of magma; never mind hauling it by hand.
Busbel: And so they go.
Love the multi-generational forts, though.
But..Oh. Atölasob? Typo, or does the raised pitch indicate a fresh arc for the export challenged?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 05, 2018, 04:04:53 pm
Even so, you can web collect and fish in enclosed areas.
You think they have time to build FB proof multi-level walls down there? It's easier to put 5 dwarves on FB duty than to sacrifice months of quota work. Especially since I don't know if we'll ever get goblin sieges, and I'd rather have a fully blooded military if we do. And then there's all the cavern wildlife that don't yet have breeding pairs in King Dodók's commanded "zoo". I did seal off the bottom caverns until I've got the upper one mostly dealt with.
Glass: I take it the lowest level of soil on map isn't sand, thus preventing you from caveing in a tile to the forges?
Yes, the lowest level is damp clay (which also needs moving but is currently much lower on the priority list) and that's the type of exploit I'm not a fan of in my forts.
Though I usually bring magma up, filling a copper cart with magma only takes two submerged and 1 non-submerged ramp. Well, there are roleplay advantages to making things down there.
Roleplay-wise I consider magma to be one of those things that needs actual piping, bauxite or adamantine to move. Anything less just feels like another exploit to me (though I've done it in testing situations if I need to get a magma smelter up and running fast when testing reactions or new workshop buildings).
But..Oh. Atölasob? Typo, or does the raised pitch indicate a fresh arc for the export challenged?
No, that's just the "real" spelling, which humans are so bad at re-creating. Atölasob = Atolasob, especially since not all keyboards can easily do accents. Mine does, so I try to be more accurate as the story-teller.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 05, 2018, 04:24:18 pm
Bauxite being leftover from the days where it was only magma-safe stone, I assume.
Well, I guess I'll be dotting my ös from now. Took quite a while to learn this, though :P
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 05, 2018, 04:40:18 pm
plans for webbers.
Who's been looking at my notes? *suspicious glare* :P
Bauxite being leftover from the days where it was only magma-safe stone, I assume.
Yes.
Well, I guess I'll be dotting my ös from now. Took quite a while to learn this, though :P
No worries. It comes from growing up speaking a language where accents are actually important in differentiating between some words.
-Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on July 05, 2018, 10:16:32 pm
Dear Armok, these past few years have been hard on us. With the quotas and the needs of the fort coming at odds more than a few times. I've been busy at work in my workshop for most of it, but I have noticed that we have allowed elves to live with us. Humans I can stomach, they make good cheese and decent booze, but why Lotu would allow an elf into the fort, let alone live here, is beyond me.
I say that, but after hearing about how that Spearelf, what was his name, oh yes, Iru, he gave his life trying to save a few dwarves on the surface last month, so I have begun to look at the elves here in another light. I still don't agree with their practices, but I don't think of them like I used to, I'll ask Lotu to commemorate that elf in some way, maybe a small shrine or slab.
Speaking of my husband, I never see him anymore, nor any of my other family. Even little Ryu spends his days with the other kids and not with me... I get so lonely working here all day. The militia sessions are nice though.
I think we just need some temples. Nothing gets a dwarf's mood in higher spirits than a dedicated temple to their patron deity. I really hope Lotu doesn't forget Golastigest while making the temples. While painting isn't very helpful to us, Armok knows we need Inspiration here.
- * - * - * - * - * - * -
Yeah, the enraptured thought is the most powerful positive emotion in the game currently, so maybe you should prioritize the temples a bit more. Would hate to see this place collapse due to a buggy update.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 06, 2018, 06:30:24 am
Yeah, the enraptured thought is the most powerful positive emotion in the game currently, so maybe you should prioritize the temples a bit more. Would hate to see this place collapse due to a buggy update.
Thanks for the tip, I'll see about designating some more dedicated temples for the most stressed.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 07, 2018, 10:44:03 pm
01 Limestone 90
Deduk's list of injuries is extensive.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZKvDwQC.png)
The doctors think she’ll live, though she’ll may never walk again. Imic has relieved her of military duties until we know the full extent of her recovery. She’s also been told, in no uncertain terms, that she is not allowed to haul anything larger than a goblet while she has so many splints and casts that it’s almost impossible to see the dwarf inside. Meanwhile, the scholars keep complaining about a lack of quires for the library, so I’ve tasked her with taking the paper Tun has been churning out and turning it into books. That should be fully within her capabilities, once her hands heal.
But the Oracular Golds are now down a dwarf, probably permanently. Mooney re-assigned them one of his dwarves, the new widow Momuz Swordfigures, from the Pillars of Ink. Hopefully the need to get integrated into a different squad will distract her from her grief.
06 Limestone 90
With most of the walls and roof built around the tavern, we’ve set up the necessary storage areas and furniture. Some of the human visitors seem to think that it’s quite homey.
(https://i.imgur.com/WeEbs1D.png)
--------------------
10 Hematite 90
I never noticed how much stuff gets dropped on the floor and forgotten. Deduk was amazed at how much difference a new vantage point made. There’s so much used clothing. And the kids leave toys all over the place, and…
Picking up a tattered cloak, she slung it around her shoulders for easy carrying. Then she stretched forward and anchored one forearm on the clay soil. With a grunt, she slid herself forward a bare hands-breadth. Placing her other arm a little further in front, she repeated the process. Inch by agonizingly slow and painful inch, she moved down the corridor to the Central Spire.
Thank the deities Lotu dug out ramps instead of stairs. I don’t know how I’d get myself down those!
She slowly started down head-first. But now, instead of pulling herself forward, she had to brace herself against her arms in order to stop from falling. All of a sudden, the throbbing pain of her broken and splinted left arm and both hands spiked as she mis-judged the next placement of her arm. A white-hot spear shot through the injured limbs.
“Ahhh!”
Convulsively jerking her broken arm back, she was unable to compensate against the sudden forward tumble. A moment later she stopped moving in an ignominious jumble of arms, legs, and splints at the bottom of the ramp. But I still have that cloak!
“Hey, are you all right?” Neo had been heading up to the Candies of Bursting for a drink.
Deduk focused on breathing as the pain began to die down to its previous merely painful throb. Her glare spoke for itself.
“Here, I’ll help you back to the hospital.” Neo reached for the less injured arm, ready to sling Deduk over his shoulder in an easy carry.
“No!” She wasn’t going back there. “Ah kin manage!”
Neo frowned uncertainly. “You sure? Only I could’ve sworn Commander Imic said th’ doctors said yer ter rest.”
Deduk snorted. “As if Dr. Urist ever takes her nose outta her research long ‘nuff ter know anythin’ beyond broken bones and bodies. Bed’s borin’ ‘n’ there’s tons ter do.”
Neo shrugged. “Okay then.” He certainly wasn’t going to go out of his way to try to convince her otherwise.
(https://i.imgur.com/it0UnMG.png)
13 Limestone 90
Vucar carefully chiseled a beveled embellishment on her latest olivine door. Yes, this will be my best masterwork yet. Just another tiny, tiny—
“Mayor Vucar!”
The chisel jumped in her hand, and a sudden crack appeared in the stone.
“You idiot!”
MrLurkety hunched his shoulders in dismay. “Sorry. But I’ve been shoved outta my crafter’s by some kid. I’m here to make a formal complaint.”
Vucar tossed the chisel onto the masonry’s table. It was pointless to even think about resuming her painstaking work with her focus shot.
“What do you expect me to do about the kid?”
MrLurkety shrugged. “Kick her back out?”
(https://i.imgur.com/ZamrKZB.png)
Vucar shook her head. “That won’t work once a dwarf has an idea in their head. Better to borrow one of the general-work crafters and let her get this out of her system.”
“But it’s my craftworkshop!” It was almost a whine.
“By the time we finish moving the quota, she’ll have done whatever it is she wants to make. She’ll just leave an almighty mess fer you ter clean up after.”
“But—“
“Trust me. Now have a drink before the dwarven caravan arrives. They'll be here any day.”
With a sigh that must have originated clear down in his toes, MrLurkety headed to the tavern.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
14 Limestone 90
The cry went up as the setting sun flirted with the horizon.
(https://i.imgur.com/jC2bRV5.png)
Crud.
They couldn’t have waited, I don’t know, another three months?
Well, we really don’t have much of a choice, so I ordered all hands to move the quota. Well, except for Deduk. She doesn’t need the added stress. Not to mention the one or two items she’d manage to deliver won’t save anybody else work in the long run.
And except for Spriggans and Minkot. We’re still short a massive number of windows, despite Mebzuth’s best efforts. They can keep making charcoal so that Mebzuth can continue crank out as many windows as can in the little time we have left. Even just another one or two might be the difference between the King being merely angry and being in a flaming frothing fury.
20 Limestone 90
After much running around, Lokum has finally started on her project.
(https://i.imgur.com/eEQ3byO.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/nHnO6JY.png)
She doesn’t seem to have much imagination but…what’s with all of the bone?
--------------------
23 Limestone 90
Bearskie stretched his arms over his head. This was one of the nicer dwarven cities he had been in, but it seemed to be innate to every dwarf that all they did was work, work, work. They do make very good beer, though.
With a smile of appreciation, he headed up the Central Spire to the Candies of Bursting. It was much more welcoming since the dwarves had started putting actual food and drink in the tavern itself, instead of making a poor man trek halfway across the village for a goblet and then across another half for the actual drink, when he got a mite parched.
Yes, this is quite a nice place, for dwarves. And much safer than any human settlement I’ve ever come across. Though why they tolerate the presence of elves is beyond me.
Shrugging a bit, he walked into the tavern. Heading over to choose a roast for dinner, he caught sight of Pesor, sitting at one of the tables. He grabbed his dinner, an exceptional dog tallow roast, with giant mole tallow and giant porcupine tallow mixed in. I’ll never understand how something that is pure fat can taste so good.
The passing thought disappeared as he sat down and got a good look at Pesor’s drawn and haggard expression.
“Hey, what’s wrong? Who died?”
Pesor didn’t answer, just lifted her goblet and drained it. Then, as if in a trance, she got up and re-filled it from one of the barrels nearby.
No matter what Bearksie said, Pesor simply sat, turning the goblet ‘round and ‘round and ‘round, staring into its depths like the alcohol held the secrets of the universe. Occasionally she would quaff a deep draught, but mostly she just sat there silently, oblivious to the hustle and bustle of the noisy tavern.
(https://i.imgur.com/1VoqtcK.png)
“Okay, then.” At a loss as to what to do, Bearskie finally gave up and went back to work.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
25 Limestone 90
Lokum has emerged from her “borrowed” crafting shop, brandishing her new treasure for all to see.
(https://i.imgur.com/fXDVoYc.png)
Well, that’s one of the most useless things ever.
And she’s very attached to it. Every time anyone tries to take it for a closer look, she screams out “mine!” in this ear-shattering pitch. So we can’t even trade it as part of a quota.
From what I can tell, it’s actually not bad, for a nine-year-old’s untutored attempt.
(https://i.imgur.com/83dZR5B.png)
Sabrequills, hmmm. Nope, never heard of her. Why did Lokum pick a random dwarf, anyway?
OOC: Doren Sabrequills is a great-aunt of Lokum's, who hasn't done anything other than get married and settle in Theaterknowledge, according to Legends.
26 Limestone 90
Vucar has sent another human complete with an almost completely blank resident form.
(https://i.imgur.com/DPl7Bbo.png)
Well, at least she’s a soldier and not an entertainer, which explains why Vucar marked the form “approved”. We can always use more soldiers. Plus Uso has several cousins here, including Gel and Kara, so she’s welcome to stay.
I sent her off to Imic, who complained about having no mace-dwarf squads. He’s added her to the Pale Roads, instead. I can bet that he’ll be in my office demanding complete sets of equipment for a new squad, this time of macedwarves, as soon as the quota has been shipped out, if not sooner. I might as well add it to my to-do list now to bring up to NCommander the next time I see her.
--------------------
27 Limestone 90
(https://i.imgur.com/SDWBJ43.png)
Vucar gestured for Echoworked to have a seat at a corner table in the Candies of Bursting, and brought over two brimful goblets. The drunker I am, the easier this is going to be.
“First off, let me bring you up to date on events elsewhere in our great empire.”
(https://i.imgur.com/3zwxggT.png)
“But the highlight is that we’ve lost all contact with Helmsmatch. The King’s Council fears that the goblins have seized it, as they have other settlements to the far south.
Vucar obediently updated Atölasob’s maps.
(https://i.imgur.com/XE90BIv.png)
“Is there anything else?”
“Well, a few positions have changed hands, that sort of thing,” Echoworked replied.
“Any changes to Swordgangs?” Please Gorroth, let there be changes there.
“Swordgangs has had the deities’ favors this year. They’ve gained four dwarves for a total of 68.”
Not what I was looking for. “Anything else?”
Echoworked thought for a moment. “No, I believe that covers it.”
Vucar barely managed to not roll her eyes. Like that’s not bad enough? For two coins I’d go up there myself and—
But Echoworked was already asking about Atölasob’s needs.
Vucar thought for a minute. “Some blue peafowl, since we only have a blue peahean. Oh, and some olivine.”
“You do remember that you’re only allowed to import one item as long as you’re so far above the import cap?”
Vucar did roll her eyes at that. “Yes. That’s what the peafowl are for. The olivine is for me. Mark it as my personal allotment.”
Echoworked looked affronted. “The King won’t allow that.”
“Then tell the King that if he insists on refusing me my personal allotment on the caravans, and Rigòth Dikepage’s, for that matter, given everything that we and our husbands did for him almost a century ago, that he will regret it. He became King with our help, but will he stay King if the Founders are against him?”
“You want me to threaten King Dodòk?” Echoworked spluttered.
“I want my personal allotment free of his grubby little fingers.”
Echoworked started to protest.
“If you don’t see to it, I’ll deal with you, first.”
Echoworked froze, mouth partly open. A careful swallow later, he pulled in a deep breath. “I’ll do my best, Honorable Vucar.”
Vucar relaxed, satisfied.
(https://i.imgur.com/0nHvur2.png)
The rest of the meeting passed quickly, with Echoworked handing over Bomrek’s newest set of demands, and then excusing himself to get an updated herd count.
No sooner had Echoworked taken his leave than Vucar swept up the list and headed off to find Lotu. She finally found him hauling a window. “Here.” She stuffed the list into his mouth. “Per our agreement, you deal with this.”
“Mm-mmph. Mnoof!”
Vucar waved as she went to grab her own quota load.
Lotu hurried to drop off the window, then looked at the slightly smeared list. One item immediately caught his eye.
(https://i.imgur.com/A71QV2N.png)
WHAT! He rubbed a fist over his eyes, then looked again. No, it definitely wasn’t a hallucination. Crystal glass anything is impossible! I’ll tell Akrul that he wants green glass. She’ll never know the difference, and Bomrek will take it, curse his hide. But at least the rest looks easy enough at first glance.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
28 Limestone 90
Rimtar seems to have trouble sleeping these days. He keeps stumbling around the corridors, aimlessly.
(https://i.imgur.com/xYpLl3O.png)
02 Sandstone 90
And now Arstruk has followed suit.
(https://i.imgur.com/kILB2qq.png)
A maudlin goblin is just wrong.
04 Sandstone 90
And Ustres seems to have felt left out.
(https://i.imgur.com/r7dUi4y.png)
Why are all of the doctors incapable of dealing with reality?
07 Sandstone 90
I took some time away from hauling far too many windows, and investigated the whole “doctors getting depressed” issue. We can’t afford to not have a medical team. What did I find out? You may well ask. Rimtar is the most vocal one, and he keeps babbling about seeing horrifying corpses. I was rather confused, until I realized that all three doctors have been hauling body parts out to the corpse pile.
Of course they’re going to see dead bodies. But, because we kind of need doctors, I’ve relieved them of refuse-hauling duties.
09 Sandstone 90
Echoworked stopped me this morning, before he left on his long journey back to Theaterknowledge. He wanted to praise our efforts to build up a diverse zoo operation.
(https://i.imgur.com/zTNb3FU.png)
OOC: *** indicate animals that were added to that category since the previous fall. We either acquired one of the sexes, or we acquired both at once.
17 Sandstone 90
We’ve finally finished moving the quota, and the traders have warned us that they’ll be leaving soon, so I girded my loins and waded into the counting. Before I started officially handing things over, we were not in a good spot regarding imports.
Before Trade:
(https://i.imgur.com/yISoFAU.png)
I choose a single platinum bar as our import allowance. If we do have to chain someone up for disturbing the peace, at least they’ll have something nice to admire. I also turned over a lot of imported items that weren’t part of the quota, just to try and get the import numbers down.
I succeeded, to some extent.
After Trade:
(https://i.imgur.com/Kj2Vklo.png)
But our final numbers weren’t great.
(https://i.imgur.com/5cr9oEA.png)
Ummm. The only items definitely not fulfilled were windows, and we weren’t even halfway on those, despite everything that Mebzuth could do. What’s with Bomrek’s window obsession, anyway? Is he trying to build a mountain out of them?
--------------------
18 Sandstone 90
The wagons started moving at first light, before the sun had even peeked over the horizon.
(https://i.imgur.com/XGKAkH7.png)
Lotu watched them start across Tayldis Bridge, heading toward ever farther toward the northwest. Those windows still bothered him. Well, nothing I can do about it now. He hefted his pick, then turned toward the Central Spire. But, there’s always more digging to be done.
21 Sandstone 90
Step. Swing! Step. Swing! Step. Swing!
Lotu was almost in a trance as he added a shortcut from the western living wings to the Central Spire. Ingish was working almost in tandem, though he was still slightly slow compared to the far more experienced Lotu.
Step. Swing! Step. Swing! CRACK!
(https://i.imgur.com/fS6ncuA.png)
“Wait, what? There’s third one of these things?!?”
Both dwarves stood stared, first at the jagged opening through which leaked phosphorescent light, then at each other, then back at the opening.
“How did we manage to avoid it for so long?” Ingish wondered out loud. “We’ve done so much digging around here by now.”
Lotu ran a hand over his head. “I don’t know, but we need this like we need a hole in the head. Quick, grab those boulders and let’s block this back up. It looks like this won’t be a shortcut, after all.”
The Autumn of Bad Luck, that’s what I should call this.
OOC: I'd been wondering for a while when I would hit it, because I've been mucking around a lot in that general area, and I had genned the world with three cavern layers, so I know it was hiding somewhere.
23 Sandstone 90
Lotu was still mulling over the implications of the newly discovered middle cavern.
I wonder how much will it affect the planned aquifer pipes and railways on the other side? Not to mention some of those pipe-dream plans of expansion.
Quietly, he headed down to dig an exploratory shaft eastward.
(https://i.imgur.com/xK3sNVh.png)
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
24 Sandstone 90
After digging what turned out to be a second exploratory shaft that I promptly blocked up before anything dangerous could sneak through, I sat down with Stodir in the library to give him some idea of my findings. He is convinced that the first long-distance railway down to the magma will need to be completely re-drawn in order to avoid possible cavern issues.
I left him to it.
25 Sandstone 90
(https://i.imgur.com/LLwjZKz.png)
And another one. These are starting to get routine. Imic sent the Helmed Anvils, the Boats of Mining and the Barricaded Charity to the caverns to deal with the thing. I suppose it makes since if he’s feeling a little leery after the damage that rat did this summer.
26 Sandstone 90
After a short but bloody battle, Äs Tomefenced struck the killing blower, smashing through the creature’s skull with his hammer with lethal precision. It definitely wasn’t a serious threat.
27 Sandstone 90
I finally sat down and worked out the necessary numbers for this next quota. 68 dwarves are nothing to sneeze at.
(https://i.imgur.com/nHyxdc0.png)
All of this should be perfectly manageable, assuming that we don’t get any other nasty surprises. Well, except for the crystal glass. I’m sure Akrul won’t notice that I accidentally spilled some bilberry wine on that part of the agreement. Not when it’s clear that I went back over it and made it legible again.
04 Timber 90
Stodir finally finished redrawing the railway design. The downward railway makes sense, but I had to ask about the distinct lack of power sources and all of the upward ramps in the upward segment. After all, the whole point is to free up hands, not tie down even more dwarves pushing carts around.
He went into a long, complicated explanation. I have to admit, it went completely over my head. About the only thing I could follow was that the upward-moving railways will use some sort of “impulse ramp” magic. Whatever that is. I’ll just dig it out, and leave the actual workings to the mechanics.
07 Timber 90
I much prefer when things are quiet. With our craftsdwarves and carpenters primarily responsible for this next quota, the others have started building some more walls on the tower, and re-organizing some of the stockpiles, preparatory to setting up our full magma workspaces.
--------------------
13 Timber 90
The dwarf studied the wall blocking his way into the lowest, and most dangerous, caverns. That Lotu. He couldn’t have left even a single, tiny, little crack that I could use to turn this wall into a secret door?
Running his fingers over each and every barely visible seam, he grimaced. Anything he did would be noticeable given how perfectly the wall had been built. Anyone not a dwarf would never know that it wasn’t a natural wall.
Now how am I supposed to get that Oggez Arak Shedim to accidentally enter Atölasob? Wait a minute, maybe I can trick some poor idiot into taking it down prematurely? But which idiot?
Muttering to himself, the dwarf started back up the Central Spire to his workshop far, far above.
17 Timber 90
The seven elves gathered around, mourning the life lost.
(https://i.imgur.com/HzqyUm3.png)
“I don’t get it. It should have worked.” Lulo touched a leaf on the dead sand pear sapling.
“We did everything they told us.” Cata added.
Kifino was down on one knee, inspecting every inch of the tiny tree. “We knew when we started that we were attempting the very difficult. Maybe when our brethren return in the spring, they’ll have some more advice.”
Masami took a more practical bent. “In the meantime, we can nurture the peach sapling up in the northwest part of the Sacred Grove.”
“What!” The elves rushed over to where Masami knelt. Sure enough, four tiny green leaves stretched bravely upward.
Kifino gave a single sharp nod. “One of you needs to always be on duty here. Make sure no one steps on this precious little one. Our Sacred Grove will have trees. Trees that even these dwarves will have no reason to kill.”
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
23 Timber 90
Somehow Imic and NCommander keep finding time to themselves. I’m amazed!
(https://i.imgur.com/AFXGAzI.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/N1fQEJL.png)
Imic is convinced she’ll be another great soldier, like himself and her oldest sister, the hammerdwarf Thîkut.
I need to find a way to distract Airith from her work long enough to actually get some “us” time.
28 Timber 90
With the end of the season, Lorbam came to report on quota progress. We're off to a pretty good start.
(https://i.imgur.com/XoDaDgY.png)
Now, if only we can keep it up…
FYI: All of the depressed citizens are atheist, so the temple fix wouldn’t work on them. None of the others are unusually stressed…yet.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 07, 2018, 11:01:50 pm
"Meng! Meng Baldarrow!" The roar echoed through the corridors, as it often did.
With a sigh, Meng put his quill back into its holder and rose, gathering together several sheets of paper. As he moved to the door, Bomrek's bulk filled it. "Yes, sir?"
"Those useless dwarves down at Finderboards have sent more of their barely useable refuse piles."
Finderboards? Oh yes, of course Bomrek refuses to acknowledge that Atölasob has grown large enough to be considered a city. Meng shook his head at Bomrek's typical refusal to see anything that disagreed with his version of reality. I do hope they have more reasonable administrators than we do here.
Bomrek didn't notice, his long strides already carrying him down the hall. Meng scurried to keep up. As they walked out toward the trade depot, Bomrek detoured past a large room clearly under construction. "They had better have those windows. We can't finish the arena without them."
Meng kept his opinion to himself. As if we need a fighting arena for entertainment.
Reaching the trade depot, a few things quickly became obvious. "What are all of those crossbows doing here!?" Bomrek grabbed the nearest one and threw it at the nearest trader. "I asked for maces! Not crossbows! No self-respecting dwarven soldier uses those elven tools!"
Meng studied the diagram that had been carefully packed into the crossbow bin, then hefted one of the crossbows. Having trained as a ranger in his youth, the crossbow did feel very oddly balanced. "Sir? I think these are intended to train macedwarves, not marksdwarves. Try this one. Do feel how odd it is?"
Bomrek took the crossbow and hefted it, then swung it against one of the depot supports. With a groan, the support collapsed, bringing the entire aging structure down on top of the two dwarves and all of the traders. The latter, with much cursing of Bomrek and all of his antecedents, grabbed their pack animals and wagons, and fought their way free of the debris, which consisted mostly of splintered wooden timbers and shards of glass. "That's it, I've had it!" Atîs Lashedround snarled. "We're outta here!"
And, without even waiting for the message that Swordgangs usually sent upon receiving the quota, the traders vamoosed.
Bomrek scowled as he watched the slowly-settling dust of their departure. "Find a messenger--" But even as he spoke, the first flakes of what would prove to be a very snowy winter were already starting to fall.
I hit the posting limit on the previous post, so the character list is here, instead:
Current character list:
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan J Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan L Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: MrLurkety (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 1 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo 2 (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bearskie (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 07, 2018, 11:33:52 pm
Wheelchaired hauler? That's an use for Dodok alright.
Kind of mean, though. Still, I suppose not having to move ore like that is kindness.
Lokum's artifact
That looks like it could be a nice puzzlebox. Slide blocks around, twirling around straight bones, etc...
...A scepter? Aw.
Quota
At least this will be last time you'll be short on windows, I expect.
Crystal glass instruments? Ow. You can except an average of what, 1-2 tiles of crystal glass per 48x48 square? If there's any rock crystals in embark at all(if cavern discovery didn't mention it, one might be out of luck)....Well, even in luck one would need an army of miners to excavate full 4z of 4x4 embark.
At least it isn't over 200 of them. Still, even clear would be easier.
But I guess Bomrek really likes glass. A mountain of windows...That would be pretty pretty with crystal glass splitting morning sun into colours of the rainbow.
World
Well, looks like Theaterknowledge could be next, actually. It's not the closest, but if goblins keep coming north...
...And nice convo, imagined on a scrap.
Mental health
12 hour workdays, poor pay, upset patients...Doctors' job is pretty stressful though.
For couples to remain childless for years, when they only have to briefly meet when free, is perhaps one of the most alienness indicator of dwarves.
I wonder; can creatures start worshipping gods after worldgen is finished? If so, could send them offsite to find religion.
Cavern
Who goes there? Whose foot fall on ground until now unseen by dwarves?
I oft reroute as well, but for smaller things I've used brute force. And you're pretty forceful with the terrain.
Swordgangs.
Yeah, refuse piles doesn't look good. The word is kept, but the spirit is bent.
But hey, it looks like that's a good and effective ...mace? Didn't they request hammers? Maces would have been much harder.
Nonetheless, for change it isn't Theaterknowledge that has to give up on caravan due a fight.
Of course, the timing may be inopportune - after all, Vucar just threatened the king themselves, and now Swordgangs reports complete failure of caravan as well.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 08, 2018, 06:58:41 am
Crystal glass instruments?
We have 16 rock crystals dug out and forbidden (for use solely for a mood that requires crystal glass). I refuse to use them for a quota just on principle.
But hey, it looks like that's a good and effective ...mace? Didn't they request hammers? Maces would have been much harder.
No, they ordered maces. The whole hammer conversation in the summer update was used as a lead-in to get "training maces", since both weapons use the hammering skill (from what I can tell).
Of course, the timing may be inopportune - after all, Vucar just threatened the king themselves, and now Swordgangs reports complete failure of caravan as well.
Hehe.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 08, 2018, 04:41:46 pm
Maces use Macedwarf skill, not hammering skill. (Meanwhile, sword has short, long, 2h, blowgun and bow all under its aegis, while spear has just spear.)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 08, 2018, 05:11:09 pm
A mood can't require crystal glass if you never produce any in the first place, though....
I'd forgotten that part of the current DF. Well, I don't have a reason to make any crystal glass yet, and I plan to make it count if/when I do.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 08, 2018, 05:54:39 pm
"And?" Bomrek charged into Meng's tiny cubbyhole of an office.
Glancing up at the interruption, Meng hastily moved the sheet of figures he had been calculating safely out of the way. This time he won't ruin almost a month's worth of work.
As he shifted his piles off the table, he responded warily. "What?"
"My windows! Did they send my windows?"
Meng retrieved one of the sheets and glanced down at it. Biting his lip, he debated how to deliver the bad news.
"Well? Spit it out!"
"You know how you sort of, well, damaged the depot a week ago?"
"Shoddy construction, shoddy material, being replaced. What does that have to do with anything?"
"Well, the traders didn't exactly have time to unload everything, before the depot caved in." Speaking quickly before the building explosion could spew out, he finished, "And there were an awful lot of glass shards."
Bomrek stalked to Meng's table and planted his fists on, looming over the smaller dwarf alarmingly.
"What are you getting at?"
Meng swallowed. "Well, I only counted 5 windows. But the falling depot must have shattered the rest."
"WHAT? I needed those windows! What kind of arena has hidden fights?"
"I'm not finished." Where he found the courage, Meng didn't know.
The unexpected interruption shocked Bomrek into temporary silence. Meng took advantage.
"If you'll recall, this is a copy of what we ordered." Meng slid a sheet across the table for Bomrek's perusal.
(https://i.imgur.com/K0ANNjc.png)
"And, in addition to a fair number of those odd training maces, this is what I've managed to recover from the wreckage."
(https://i.imgur.com/u8Wq6gq.png)
"This is appalling! That Lotu--!"
"No sir. This isn't Lotu's fault. Whatever his faults, he has never provided a delivery that fell so far short of what we asked in every respect. No sir." Meng gathered his courage. "The traders couldn't have unloaded everything in the time they had, and the falling depot broke a fair number of things. Including, unfortunately, the windows."
"Then get me the idiot who broke the damned thing! He deserves a hammering!"
Meng took great pleasure in his next words. "Sir? You did. Remember that training mace?"
Bomrek spluttered for a moment. Meng waited, patience personified.
Then Bomrek paused, struck by a sudden thought. He started nodding, faster and faster.
"Meng!" He actually snapped his fingers. "Get a sheet of paper, then find a messenger to deliver it to the King!"
Sighing, Meng did as he was told.
"Take care of the proper salutations and language. But the gist is this: we have discovered an excellent new design for a training mace, make sure you get the local scholar to include a copy of the design. This design has already proven far more effective in early tests than any other training weapon currently in existence. While we continue to refine our spear-making capabilities in order to make one worthy of a dwarven king, I humbly suggest to Your Majesty to arrange for whatever tests you feel necessary, using the prototypes accompanying this message. Make sure you add at least one of the ones Lotu sent. Got that?"
Meng nodded, writing furiously to keep up with Bomrek's fast dictation.
"Good. Now a second one, to that incompetent Lotu. Tell him that good quality dwarven-made glass is shatterproof against all but the mightiest foes, and I will not stand for sub-par items better suited for the refuse pile. I expect the highest quality possible in the future."
Meng finished writing. "But sir--"
"Now find me a messenger to deliver those! I need to find replacement windows. Though how I'm supposed to do that on a map with no sand..."
Bomrek's voice faded away as he strode down the hallway.
Meng sat, staring at the two rough outlines. Slowly, he reached out for a fresh sheet, and started re-writing the first message with the proper formality, complete with all of the necessary and expected flowery language.
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 08, 2018, 07:36:18 pm
Quite the low numbers for swordgangs.
Note for future: Next time build fortress out of toys. They're nearly invulnerable, like skyrim children (good to wield in battle).
I didn't expect a positive reaction to the mace.
Shatter-proof glass? Well now. That's quite the request. I guess artifact windows would qualify?
Pretty hard to produce 272 artifact windows in a year, though.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 13, 2018, 03:12:53 pm
Lotu hummed under his breath as he strode downwards. Winter was off to a quiet start, and there were a number of projects that needed work. Of primary importance was finishing Robek’s temple, which still had stairways that needed removing from within the hollow shell.
But once I’ve dealt with those, we just need to connect up the mechanisms and open a couple of floodgates. Not long now, Lord Robek. Just don’t send us any more of your servants. Please?
06 Moonstone 90
The elves gathered within the Sacred Grove, mourning the brave little life lost.
Sacred Grove? More like Sacred Pile of Dirt! Kifino raged. His temper did not improve when he was suddenly knocked to the ground from behind. Turning, he beheld the massive draltha that the dwarves had tamed a few seasons ago, calmly moving on her way, uncaring of the assault on his dignity.
Those dwarves are doing it deliberately! How can a poor sapling hope to grow when there are animals constantly trampling it down!
His gaze shifted back to the rest of his brethren. Ithithí and Masami are really taking it hard.
(https://i.imgur.com/b6MVd05.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ig59yRx.png)
It’s useless trying to coax trees to life as long as these untrained animals are allowed to move willy-nilly wherever they please. With a single determined nod, he walked off to find Vucar.
After all, what was the use of being in charge of the elves if he didn’t use the benefits of the position?
11 Moonstone 90
“Mayor Vucar, can I speak to you a minute?” Vucar looked up from the half-finished cabinet to find the human Pesor at the door, tears leaking from her eyes.
This is the third time in as many weeks!
Gritting her teeth, she forced a smile and gestured for Pesor to enter.
It took nearly a nam to dry her tears and, shortly after Pesor had finally left, the human Perad burst in, already yelling at the top of her lungs. “Do something about those corpses! They’re everywhere! You’re the mayor! I can’t work for seeing them every time I got to store something in the stockpile. Do something!”
What do you expect us to do with them? And if they disturb you so much, why do you keep hauling body parts to the corpse piles?
It took another name to deal with her, and Perad was still muttering when she left.
Vucar reached for her chisel.
“Am I interrupting?”
Kifino stood at the door.
“What do you think?” Vucar pointed at the partially carved boulder in the middle of the workshop.
“Oh good, you were taking a break. We need to talk about the animal situation near the Sacred Grove…”
12 Moonstone 90
“You!”
Lotu froze, his pick suspended in the air. Warily, he looked over his shoulder. “Yes, Vucar?”
“I’ve had it with this mayor gig. All day long for the last month, I’m being sobbed on, yelled at, accused of unmentionable things, and my work is suffering! And, I get random citizens coming up to me at random times with unreasonable suggestions for ‘improvements’ that just mean more work.”
“I’m…sorry?”
“You will be! I’m done! Finished! Permanently out of the office! You can have the job back!”
“But—“
“I want some peace and quiet, can you understand that? I want to carve! Not talk!”
And with that, Vucar spun and stomped away. The pick fell, striking the stone floor, but Lotu didn’t notice. Now what do we do?
“Oh, and talk to Kifino! He’s got some bee in his bonnet!”
15 Moonstone 90
Lotu collapsed into his chair, cradling the brimful mug of dwarven beer. I need to mine, darn it! The last three days had been utterly frustrating and exhausting, chasing down each and every founder or local Clan head, trying to cajole, beg, or plead for one of them, any of them, to take over the mayorship duties.
Vucar Labordrinker had made her position clear. Rigòth Dikepage, Imic, Mooney, and most of the other local Clan heads were far too busy with the military. And I can’t blame them. Somehow we need to win our freedom either from the selfish King or from that idiot in Swordgangs.
Lyra was needed in the carpentry, while NCommander was busy churning out weapons, and her quality of work was improving by the week. Prince Edzul Razorblown held a grudge against his father that would make things even more difficult if he were ever to be put in charge. Stukos Blushoars spent all of his time fishing, and the constant traipsing back and forth would most certainly disturb the fish. And Mebzuth Cudgelleaves absolutely refused to leave his glassworks, while Rimtar Rewardcraft & Dr. Urist were always closeted in the library.
Lotu glowered into his mug.
Lorbam is already drowning in paperwork just to keep the accounts up-to-date. He certainly doesn’t have time to deal with anything else. Sigun Pulledroof is run off his feet with all of the cavern creatures we’re trapping these days, and I’m not sure I trust him anyway. After all, he did get picked by the King himself to come here.
Lotu took a deep gulping swallow of his beer. Kivish’s brewing is too good to sacrifice. We’d have a riot! And then there’s the fact that he misses his wife pretty badly. If they’re married, why did they settle in two very distant places?
And that brings me to Airith. She’s already complaining about the time I spend in the mines, and how we almost never see each other. She would not be okay with my taking up the mantle again, and she won’t want it either. Not if it means dealing with the King’s envoys on a more regular basis.
“Hey, d'ye have a minute?” Catten Slingcleaned stuck his head through the door.
“Huh, what?” Jerked from his musings, Lotu suddenly slammed his mug onto his table. “Just the dwarf I wanted to speak to! Come on in!”
Catten dropped into the other chair, tossing a sheet of paper onto the desk. “So I’ve been thinking about a possible design for—“
Lotu waved the words away. “I have a far more important question for you. You’ve been doing such a good job of dealing with temple- and shrine-related concerns, how would like to see your skills put to better use?”
Catten’s puzzlement was obvious.
“Vucar is stepping down from the mayorship for personal reasons, and she suggested that you might be the best replacement.”
Catten frowned. “I don’t know how to do any of that.”
“Oh, it’s easy. Mostly, you just have to listen to citizen comments, field complaints, accept or deny residency petitions, that sort of thing. Oh, and ah, meet with any diplomats that might come calling. Akrul takes care of most of the day-to-day managing, and Lorbam keeps track of the accounts, so it really isn’t that much extra on top of your temple management duties.”
Catten remained unconvinced. “I’m a pretty decent organizer, but I’m not much of a people person, to tell you the truth. Can’t you do it? You did a pretty good job before, from what I’ve heard.”
Lotu shook his head. “My wife won’t hear of it. Look, why don’t we try it on a trial basis? I’ll mentor you, give you tips and advice, that sort of thing.”
“I just don’t think…”
“You’ll get a noble-quality bedroom, dining room and office.” I can’t believe I’m resorting to this.
“I suppose I can try it. Now, about this temple for the Barricaded Silks…”
17 Moonstone 90
There was a lively debate taking place in the library regarding different varieties and applications of bandages, whether they should be soaked in extracts or used dry, with Dr. Urist and Thruni Crossshanks, a visiting a scholar, being key participants.
“…Don’t you think?” Thruni wrapped up a long and involved explanation on the benefits of silk versus kenaf bandages.
Dr. Urist pointed at Rimtar. “There’s a treatise somewhere on the shelves on flasks, you know the one?”
“Flasks and Other Travesties? Yes, I remember seeing it a few days ago.”
“Bring it to us, there’s a section I need Thruni to look at.”
Rimtar hustled over to the shelves.
“While we’re waiting,” Thruni turned back to Dr. Urist. “I have a favor to ask.”
Dr. Urist raised her eyebrows in question.
“I’ve spent quite a bit of time here during the last five years, and I really like how your library is improving by leaps and bounds. Do you think I could stay here permanently? I’d like to really get my teeth into some of these tomes..”
Another scholar will make my work easier. “Of course I’ll be your sponsor. We just need to have a word with Lotu and then with Vucar.”
(https://i.imgur.com/eYH6tGa.png)
The formalities were quickly dealt with, and Thruni hustled back to the library, eager to dive into the treasures on its shelves.
(https://i.imgur.com/Genz4bf.png)
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
18 Moonstone 90
Winter continues to advance, slowly but surely, and we continue to put things back into order. Kifino finally caught up with Catten, well, Catten and I, really. He wanted the surface pasture moved to a new area, away from the Sacred Grove. He claims the animals are killing the trees.
I thought elves could get animals to do anything they wanted?
At any rate, there’s a lovely grove of fruit-bearing trees just beyond the walls, and it was easy to give the orders to wall them in. Fortunately, I hadn’t started digging out the planned moat on that side, so I’ll have an easy job just extending it further to the west.
The new addition will serve double duty, both as a safe plant gathering area and to get the surface herd further away from the elves.
20 Moonstone 90
The slower pace has allowed creativity to flourish.
(https://i.imgur.com/xPxhrd3.png)
26 Moonstone 90
After running around like a madman for the past week, Stukos seems to have finally finished tearing through the stockpiles.
(https://i.imgur.com/emjpr6O.png)
He’s grabbed a number of things.
(https://i.imgur.com/oY9SojO.png)
27 Moonstone 90
The human Xetan stopped by the office I now share with Catten, to introduce his younger brother, Hode, to us.
(https://i.imgur.com/cybkzfj.png)
As I told Catten, we can always use more military types, and the humans have acquitted themselves quite well so far. Besides, with each monster hunter that hunts in the caverns, that’s one more dwarf that can be patrolling elsewhere.
03 Opal 90
Stukos is quite proud of his creation, and has it offered to the city to be put on display.
(https://i.imgur.com/aAHqMIh.png)
It’s quite well-made, though a bit spiky for my taste.
(https://i.imgur.com/1SP7g0l.png)
Now, where to put it?
07 Opal 90
I knew things were too quiet!
(https://i.imgur.com/ddhOHjR.png)
Ugh. Sparrows fly. Imic dispatched Mooney with both marksdwarf squads down to the top cavern entry. They are to provide advance cover for the speardwarves & mercenaries standing guard.
08 Opal 90
Gel proved her worth as a lasher once again. According to Mooney, just as he arrived with the first of the marksdwarves, she struck the misshapen bird’s head so hard with her whip that the skull broke and the thing’s brain was turned into porridge.
I hope it won’t be served for breakfast.
--------------------
13 Opal 90
The missive arrived by the usual method, unnoticed by any save the one it was destined for. The dwarf opened it, having been expecting further communications for some time. Hmm, Bomrek destroyed Swordgangs’s trade depot? That must not have gone over particularly well. But, it does give me an idea to further that part of the Master’s plan...
19 Opal 90
“Hey, Arstruk!” The dwarf hailed her as their paths crossed in the tavern. “You’re looking happier than I expected.”
“What, why? Why shouldn’t I be happy?” Arstruk sipped at her goblet of river spirits.
The dwarf looked puzzled. “Well, after what that human said about the Demon of Affection and trolls… I thought that was your home civilization, was I wrong?”
Arstruk barely heard the final words. That joke is really getting old. She slammed her goblet down on the nearest table.
“Where was this human?” She bit out the words.
The dwarf warily took a step backward. “Uh, near the trade depot, I think.”
Without another word, Arstruk charged down the Central Spire.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
21 Opal 90
(https://i.imgur.com/BZ0A5K7.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/pKKt36l.png)
Well, this was a fine kettle of fish. But then, what else can we expect from such uncivilized creatures? With three witnesses, there was no doubt as to the culprit. Arstruk has been sentenced to a month of jail, and Airith has gone to survey the damage. Once she’s cleared the debris, she’ll have to design a new one. I suppose it was time to replace the old one in any case. It was getting noticeably worn in places. I’m sure she’ll make the new one much sturdier.
22 Opal 90
(https://i.imgur.com/ExUZ13K.png)
Another Monster Hunter. She has no sponsors, but anyone with military experience is always welcome.
03 Obsidian 90
Work continues on the courtyard expansion, though the long walk around the existing walls to reach the construction zone is slowing things down noticeably. Deduk keeps trying to help, but in the time it takes her to complete just one task, everyone else has already done three or four, if not more. What am I going to do with that dwarf?
I assigned her to crafting in addition to making quires. Maybe that will keep her out of further trouble?
07 Obsidian 90
Osp and Kara chased a whole bunch of naked mole dogs into the cavern cages. Once Sigun trains them all, we’ll have another pack to add to our growing zoo.
17 Obsidian 90
We have caught a second female draltha, so that herd is beginning to grow nicely. I heard Sigun muttering earlier. Something about the overwhelming amount of work he’s had to do lately. His sister, Momuz Swordfigures, helps him out when she can, but we really need to look into getting him an apprentice trainer. I’ll bring it up at my next meeting with Catten Slingcleaned.
20 Obsidian 90
Another human came by the Mayor’s office today.
(https://i.imgur.com/TlxBM7s.png)
With each nightmare creature we vanquish, our reputation spreads further afield. This Nithim appears to be rather more experienced than our other resident monster hunters. For one thing, she’s an experienced tactician.
(https://i.imgur.com/J81qUrl.png)
Hmm, this is promising… I can see several immediate benefits to having her stick around. (OOC: It's unfortunate that monster hunters won't become citizens, but I can work with this...)
26 Obsidian 90
We have finished walling off our courtyard expansion. The moat still needs work, but that is less important now that most of the walls are up.
(https://i.imgur.com/lXpog96.png)
The elves promptly started moving our above-ground animals into the new area and away from the Sacred Grove. I suppose time will tell if this makes any difference to the tree situation.
--------------------
28 Obsidian 90
Four dwarves sat down for the end-of-season production meeting. Lorbam came armed with a sheaf of papers, Akrul had her typical scowl and her baby, Lotu grabbed his usual chair and Catten slunk into a corner, clearly wishing he were somewhere else.
“So this is our current status.” Lorbam placed a page from his accounts on the table.
(https://i.imgur.com/jqEwUzy.png)
Lotu used a finger to turn it, then choked. “We…we’re actually producing our own fish?!”
Akrul nodded. “Yep. Proper motivation and the fisherdwarves finally stopped lazing about and started hauling them in.”
I don’t know what to say… Lotu was in shock. This might be the first year when we don’t actually need anything form the humans!
“And the legwear and earrings look good.” Akrul continued, quite pleased with herself. “But the carpenters need to pick up the pace. Those blocks and crutches won’t appear overnight.”
Lotu inclined his head in guarded agreement. “Yes, we are off to a good start this year.” I just hope nothing more pressing comes up, as it often does in spring and summer.
Current character list:
Spoiler: Founders & Local Heads: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan J Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K & L Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: MrLurkety (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bearskie (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 13, 2018, 03:32:03 pm
...Ahahaha. Election season! All nobles out of sacred garden, last one is mayor!
I do wonder though if this will change what petitions are accepted or the like.
Moonstone
So I guess the sacred grove is now a pile of dirt indeed.
Opal
I wonder how the temple is coming along?
But that is sure easily manipulatable goblins. To the mines with him!
Hm, for future could surround the depot with less valuable buildings.
Obsidian
A tactician? Hm...I wonder if retire-unretire would have any effect?
And that's a nice quota. 56 glass instruments or figurines a month; how many workers do you have on these jobs?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 13, 2018, 03:48:36 pm
I wonder how the temple is coming along?
The temple still has 6 stairs that need removal on the second level, and I'm not designating the bottom ones and those are done. It's such a long walk that the miners get there, dig out ten or so tiles, then leave to fulfill a need.
A tactician? Hm...I wonder if retire-unretire would have any effect?
I don't know, I haven't explored the retire/unretire options much, given how buggy un-retiring tends to be.
And that's a nice quota. 56 glass instruments or figurines a month; how many workers do you have on these jobs?
The instruments are the only glass items in the quota, and Mebzuth (a legendary glassmaker) has one apprentice that is competent enough. The figurines (and jewelry) are wood (cheap, easy, and renewable), and I have 4 crafting workshops of which at least 3 are always in use. I've put all of the wooden options (figurines, toys, various jewelry, etc.) on repeat in the crafting workshops, and suspend the ones not immediately needed. This seems to provide enough of a cushion that the local dwarves can "acquire" to their heart's content, while still leaving enough for export.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 13, 2018, 04:00:47 pm
Hm, 3 woodcraftin jobs on repeat with 1+ workshop each. And two glassmaking workshops with mixed skill. Still, pretty quickly covered ground.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 13, 2018, 04:08:48 pm
Sounds like it might be bad location for a temple if it is such a long walk, then.
That's one reason for getting a railway up and running. I know dwarves who want to worship won't take the minecart rather than walk, but at least there's a possibility that dwarves who have ridden the cart down will pick that as the next job, and dwarves who have just finished in the temple will choose to ride a minecart back up. In any case, the temple sits nicely within the magma sea, which is thematically appropriate and makes it much easier to make obsidian.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 13, 2018, 05:19:12 pm
Post by: auzewasright on July 16, 2018, 09:09:48 am
Found this to be really cool as a concept :D.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 16, 2018, 06:06:51 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/xDudzjz.png)
The tavern is immediately below this level, and the library is immediately above. This level is missing walls because roofing the library became a priority once I ported into 44.10, and realized that everyone was getting very stressed because of things like rain & corpses. The corpses have been dealt with, but the roofs are still a work in progress.
Currently you are quite pleased with your situation.
Spoiler: Thoughts (click to show/hide)
And these are your current skills:
Spoiler: Skills (click to show/hide)
And if you choose to roleplay, you're welcome to do so, but there is no requirement either way.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: TheImmortalRyukan on July 16, 2018, 10:59:18 pm
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 17, 2018, 05:11:18 am
Uh. What was the performance?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 17, 2018, 08:49:09 am
<More on Airith>I'll see what I can do.
"He felt embarassed after watching a performance." x7
Uh. What was the performance?
The latest one in this instance was a story told by one of the goblin residents (Naxo):
(https://i.imgur.com/lGC6mJx.png)
But as Autuz seems to be embarrassed by every story he's heard so far, I don't know if he's embarrassed because of the content, or because the storytelling is so bad/inept/etc.
Edit: I thought I'd be able to get an update up today before heading off on vacation, but that's not going to happen. So expect the next update roughly a week from now.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dorsidwarf on July 17, 2018, 08:51:54 pm
Post by: Dozebôm Lolumzalìs on July 18, 2018, 09:35:15 am
What, may I ask, is a Flat-Earth Atheist?Also, I discovered that I'm an atheist dwarf. Don't see that too often.
Of the Flat-Earth Variety or Unaffiliated variety?
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 18, 2018, 04:58:42 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 24, 2018, 08:41:28 pm
Hmm, what next? Airith glanced over her to-do list. There were various pieces of furniture to be made…walls and floors to be built both on the surface and in the caverns…and some bridges that needed designing…the Sacred Grove’s waterfall to build…and always more rock blocks, above and beyond the ones that Bomrek insisted on stealing.
A waterfall sounds nice. I need some cheering up, I’ll work on that.
Grabbing a block of phyllite, she headed toward the Sacred Grove.
I hate the rain. She grumbled as she walked. Nasty, wet, ugh. Why did that idiotic king pick here to send us? Why couldn’t it have been, oh, I don’t know, a nice, rocky mountain?
“Raahh-aahh-aahh-agh!”
The sudden cry of a draltha startled her out of her grousing, and she looked around in vain for the large creature.
“Raahh-aahh-aahh-agh!”
This time, she thought the sound came from…above?
I didn’t know dralthas could climb? Oh, wait. They can’t. Now I have to design a stairway to get her back down. There’s always something.
Fortunately, Lolama was passing at that moment, and eagerly took over the stair construction, so Airith continued on toward the planned waterfall.
(https://i.imgur.com/3fa5ABY.png)
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
03 Granite 90
Ingish and I have finally finished hollowing out the shell of Robek’s temple.
(https://i.imgur.com/VKCBrSz.png)
Once the final water floodgate has been linked up, we’ll be able to start the alternating magma and water layers, to make the obsidian walls and floors so appropriate for Robek’s home here in Atölasob.
04 Granite 90
Kol Toneswords found the cow moose dead when he went to butcher the oldest bull, and her only calf is male, so we currently have no breeding herd of moose. Fortunately, this past winter Sigun was able to train a breeding pair of both giant cave toads and naked mole dogs, so losing the moose herd shouldn’t be a disaster when Logem Echoworked returns in the fall to check our progress. And there’s a chance that the elves will bring a replacement moose eventually. The bull calf gives us years of leeway.
--------------------
05 Granite 90
Catten Slingcleaned studied the reports piling up on the mayor’s desk.
Where do they all come from? I can see exactly why no one else wants this job. Still, I suppose I really should make a start on them.
Sighing, he picked up the first sheaf. Flipping through the pages, he read complaint after complaint about all of the corpses piled up everywhere, and particularly the horrifying daily experience of seeing dead troglodytes.
Why do we keep those? And why is it that the loudest complainers are all hauling refuse?
“Hey, Ryukan!” Catten waved to the boy passing the door. “I need you to deliver a message for me.”
“Yeah?” The boy didn’t seem particularly interested.
Catten scribbled a few sentences on a sheet of paper. “Put this on the door to the refuse pile, would you?”
Advisory to all Residents and Citizens: All remains belonging to forbidden beings, such as troglodytes, are to be given a proper burial in the magma sea. DO NOT store them in this pile!
“The refuse pile? You mean, the one where all the corpses of our most powerful enemies are? Sure!” Ryukan snatched the sheet and took off, eager to explore a part of the fort where children were discouraged from loitering.
Blood and gore, that’s all today’s children are interested in.
Turning back to his paperwork, he came across a report dated from 89, where Airith pointed out the growing amount of wear and tear on the trade depot. It ended with a recommendation to build a new one.
Why didn’t Vucar take care of this? If the depot collapses while traders are in it, it’ll be our necks!
He scribbled a note to send along to Airith with the next child to wander by, authorizing the building of a new depot out of clear glass. And while she’s at it, she can build it under a roof this time. Right below the tavern would be good. I’m tired of getting rained on every time we have to move goods for a caravan.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
08 Granite 90
After several months venturing into the caverns every other week or so, Osp has failed to return. Kara eventually reported that she had stumbled across his corpse, with a giant bat, Gugirmuk, brooding above him, dried blood on her talons. We’ll bury Osp in our growing cemetary, so Mooney is planning to send out a squad of marksdwarves to deal with Gugirmuk.
09 Granite 90
Ingish and I have finally finished digging out the Eastern Magma Rail, so our resident engraver Nil and his human apprentice Sath have begun the laborious task of carving out tracks. Nil says it will likely take more than one season to complete the entire loop, which means we should have it up and running for next year’s quota.
Oh well, at least we’re getting closer.
--------------------
11 Granite 90
(https://i.imgur.com/QUTHtqQ.png)
Catten dashed up to Lotu. “What do I send?” He was still trying to settle in to his role.
Lotu shrugged. “They seem to love trash, so I always give them the tattered rags that no self-respecting dwarf will wear.”
Catten nodded. “That makes sense. Anything else?”
So Lotu ran through a swift summary of elvish sensibilities.
“You’re kidding, right?”
Lotu shook his head and clapped Catten on the shoulder. “That’s why clothing trash is safe, see? We make all of ours out of silk, and the elves love that stuff.”
12 Granite 90
Catten walked into Lorbam’s office. “I need you to add something to the work queue.”
Lorbam barely glanced up from his figures. “What?”
“Earrings. I haven’t gotten a new one in ages, and I want one that is suitable for my mayoral rank.”
(https://i.imgur.com/9NPiB2l.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/yF9OQ7K.png)
At that, Lorbam did look up. “You are aware that we are making earrings, right? For the quota? And that we always make extras of those sorts of things?”
Catten shrugged. “But I don’t want one that’s Bomrek-quality. I want the finest that Atölasob crafters can make.”
Lorbam rolled his eyes as he made a notation. “Got it. One earring for Your Mayorness.”
15 Granite 90
Lotu wandered into the depot, and started scanning through the various paltry offerings the elves had brought. Unuseable seeds, poor quality cloth, and we’re already drowning in thread. I have no idea what this is. And I don't know of a single dwarf that can play that.
Eventually he came to the cages, but even there the offerings were slim. Finally, with careful haggling, he exchanged a great deal of the tattered silk clothing that various dwarves had abandoned for a lion, jaguar and giant echidna.
No new breeding pairs, but at least I’ve gotten rid of quite a bit of clothing clutter.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(https://i.imgur.com/a6nZ9Je.png) (https://i.imgur.com/fFsrzHa.png)
16 Granite 90
“It’s all yer fault!” The roar startled Airith where she was carefully constructing the waterfall.
“Huh?” She glanced up in time to see the butcher Kol bearing down on her, the sharp dagger he used to slaughter animals raised high above his head.
“Eeeeek!” Dropping her stone and tools, Airith dashed off.
(https://i.imgur.com/e8vDMkh.png)
Dodging down to the roofed courtyard, she darted among the workshops, seeking to lose her pursuer. But Kol was stubborn and kept right on her heels, yelling obscenities and blaming her for everything that had gone wrong since arriving many years ago. Ducking in and out of the workshops, she was too breathless to apologize for bouncing off Mebzuth, and then tripping Mafol.
(https://i.imgur.com/3L55pL8.png)
The caverns. I can lose him in the caverns.
Dashing into the Central Spire, she hurried down, down, down. Reaching the entrance to the upper caverns, she paused to listen. There were no sounds of pursuit, and she collapsed back against the wall, as her breathing and heartrate gradually slowed back down.
What got into him?
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
18 Granite 90
On my daily stroll around the surface enclosure, I noticed that all of the elven shrines in the Sacred Grove now have altars, though the statues are taking a while to make. Proper petrified wood is in rare supply. Each elf had the responsibility to name their Force’s shrine, and the names are odd, to say the least.
Aríle is now worshipped in the Convent of Paddling. Apparently Lulo’s homeland is centered on the banks of a mighty river, and Aríle gave their druids a vision that allowed them to grow something called a canoe. I still have no idea what kind of plant that is.
The shrine for Tise is the Sanctum of Oars. That vision sounds an awful lot like the one from Aríle, though Oda called the plant a “boat”.
Romi’s shrine is now the Sprayed Sanctuary. It sounds like Cata comes from a forest full of waterfalls.
Ithithí and Kifino agreed to name Athe Amiÿa’s shrine the Sanctum of Pelts, in honor of the animals that Athe taught their brethren to domesticate.
Lolama was just finishing up the naming ceremony for her Force, Themiyi, when I passed. And right in the middle, she jumped up and started dancing around. She’d been stung by a wasp, and accidentally named the place the Sanctum of Wasps. And apparently, it’s really bad karma to try and rename a shrine once the name has been bestowed. I’m still chuckling at her expression when she realized what she’d done.
22 Granite 90
Here we go again.
(https://i.imgur.com/JPi3aJr.png)
25 Granite 90
Unlike previous moody dwarves, Stodir went straight to the library and is now just sitting there, hugging his knees and rocking against the wall. He won’t talk to anyone, and is acting very cagey about what he’s planning to do.
It took us a while to figure out why he was hanging out in the library instead of running around, but his mechanic’s workshop is a pile of rubble. Our best guess is that someone destroyed it in a tantrum.
03 Slate 90
Dr. Urist finally got around to building a mechanic’s workshop, and Stodir promptly dashed down from the library to claim it.
(https://i.imgur.com/mqaK0Kc.png)
--------------------
05 Slate 90
“It’s raining!” “It’s pouring!” “I got wet while going to the depot!” “I got rained on!” “I’m soaked!”
Catten felt as if every conversation recently had been a variant of the same theme. Why is everyone complaining about the rain?
Resolved to get to the bottom of things, he started inspecting the surface fort, from ground to top. I can’t do anything about the military patrols, but what about everyone else?
Studying each bot, he finally found the problem.
“Hey! Get your lazy bums in gear and roof over that library!” Who was the idiot who only roofed over the bookshelves?
08 Slate 90
The whittling knife slipped, knocking loose a jagged piece of wood and ruining the bracelet in his hands. It was the last straw. Stukos threw bracelet and knife at the wall. Shoving both hands into his hair, he arched backwards, screaming out his frustration.
“That stupid *&#%@&$ Bomrek!”
In a blind rage, he shot out of the workshop and stumbled into a barrel. Snarling, he hefted it and threw it aside, where it landed, worse for wear. Lashing out again, the rest of the sill’s apparatus trembled, swayed, then came crashing down.
Kivish leaped out of the way just in time. “Hey! Whatcha think yer doin’?”
But Stukos was already zooming across the courtyard. Like an out of control ball he ran into the ashey, throwing more barrels around and ripping down anything he could get his hands on, before repeating the process in the siege workshop.
(https://i.imgur.com/DSDsC4u.png)
Bearksie was nearest.
“Hey, now. No need for that. Just calm down, now.”
But, if anything, the words just made Stukos angrier. Striking out with his fists and feet, he broke free of the human’s hold. Turning immediately, he lit into Bearksie with the full force of his rage.
(https://i.imgur.com/gPFtB3n.png)
Hands on his knees, Stukos gasped for breath. Bearksie moaned on the ground, barely conscious as waves of pain throbbed from toe to finger to head.
“Hey, you look like you need some help.” Tun stopped next to the duo and reached down to Bearskie. “Come on, I’ll get ya to the hospital.”
Dr. Urist came almost immediately after Bearskie’s arrival in one of the beds, and hmmed and haahhed as she inspected the wounds.
“Most of these aren’t too bad, but that leg is going to need traction for a while. I'll get Stodir to slap together a traction bench as soon as he's done with his project. Here, drink this. It’s my own concoction, but it should help with the pain.”
Moments later Bearskie had passed out, and Dr. Urist and her team of doctors got to work.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
09 Slate 90
After nearly a week of darting here, dashing there, and laboriously hauling huge boulders back to his workshop, Stodir has finally begun work.
(https://i.imgur.com/VN5exZD.png)
All I can say is, these are going to be some interesting mechanisms.
(https://i.imgur.com/xc69rSL.png)
10 Slate 90
We were all shocked when the lookouts on the ramparts announced the arrival of a group of dwarves. While the mayor Catten officially welcomed them, I sat in out of curiosity. With the goblins’ steady advance in the south, Sigun has been urging his sisters to relocate here, where they will be safe. Both of them have finally taken his advice, and have brought several friends as well. With Sigun's scholar mother, Onget, a regular visitor, the entirety of Clan I can now be considered to be based in Atölasob.
Our new residents are:
• Sigun’s older sister, Såkzul Confuseboats, who is a natural in the kitchen, and her husband Prince Edëm the Suturer, King Dodok’s eldest son. He has taken over the leadership of Clan A. I'm reserving judgement on him.
• Sigun’s younger sister, Urvad, an engraver. She will be really useful in getting the Eastern Magma Rail up and running. Her husband, Aban, is a bookbinder. Given that the scholars are constantly running out of quires, he will come in handy.
• We also have Urdim, the marksdwarf who escorted the group safely so far north. Mooney has already added her to the Oracular Golds, for her trouble. Urdim’s husband is Reg, a fisherdwarf of some experience, and they were accompanied by Reg's fishing buddy Fath. Fath is like myself and Airith, born of simple folk rather than to one of the great Clans. No matter, here extra fishing hands are always welcome, given Bomrek’s love of fish.
• And, last but not least, we have the milker Ingish, the last surviving son of the Clan F Founders, and so he has claimed the Clan F headship from his eldest nephew, Mafol. Mafol is just as happy that he can now concentrate entirely on military matters, so everyone is happy.
The newcomers have also brought a two-humped camel calf, a puppy and a mule. Not the most useful of additions.
11 Slate 90
Airith was very pleased with Stodir’s gift.
(https://i.imgur.com/AERMcYE.png)
She kept raving on and on about them.
(https://i.imgur.com/aUjZle9.png)
She’s already talking about all of the possible uses for them.
--------------------
15 Slate 90
Mayor Catten wandered across the grass, deep in thought. I need to cut down on the rain complaints. But how? Roofing the library only seems to have been a drop in the bucket.
Glancing absent-mindedly over at the rope reed field, he suddenly stopped short, taking a double-take.
“Hey, Udil!” He hailed the nearest farmer. “Why are there no rope reeds growing?”
Udil shrugged. “No seeds.”
“What?”
“There’nt any.”
That couldn’t be right. Catten rushed down to Lorbam’s office. “What’s up with the rope reed seeds?”
Lorbam checked his records. “We don’t have any.”
“What do you mean?”
“We’ve plenty of the plants, but the rain keeps washing the seeds out of the planters’ hands. Same with the kenaf.”
Rain, again!
Catten went to find Lotu. “I need you to dig out some deep pits that we can roof over with glass and use for surface farms. The rain is a problem.”
Lotu munched his persimmon thoughtfully, then finally nodded. “Yeah, I had planned on some of those when we first arrived, but never got around to them. I’ll start with two, one each for kenaf and rope reeds. That sounds about right.”
He finished his persimmon and hefted his pick. “And while we’re on the subject, Ingish and I’ll get some more bedrooms done for the new arrivals. And a draltha pasture, while we’re at it. Did Airith tell you that they keep getting stuck in trees?”
17 Slate 90
Catten headed down to his office, a sheaf of paper fresh from the quern filling his arms, when a visiting dwarf planted himself in front of him.
(https://i.imgur.com/h9siAlP.png)
Catten’s forehead bunched up. He’s from the Corridor of Mastery, not the Figure of Diving. I’ve heard that they’re weird on the other side of the Horn of Insight mountains. And he’s a mercenary, so he’ll do what he pleases.
The decision was easy. “No. We already have all of the monster hunters we’re comfortable with at the moment.”
The dwarf took Catten’s refusal well enough. Resettling his sword, he strode off to continue his journey.
22 Slate 90
Kivish came to find Lotu as he worked on one of the two planned farm pits. “Lotu, I’ve been thinking.”
“Yes?”
“Såkzul is doing really well in the brewery, and my head isn’t in the job right now. I feel like I need some thinking time. Time to myself, you understand?”
Lotu nodded, even though he didn’t particularly agree.
“So, I was wondering something. When you’re working on a project, we almost never see you unless we go looking. And I wondered if you’d teach me some of the rudiments of mining? For meditation purposes.”
That, I can agree with.
Lotu held out his pick. “Here, it’s simple. You hold this end, and you swing the pointy end at the wall. Don’t worry, you’ll pick it up fast. I’ve marked how far you need to go, and Ingish will help you if you need it. Happy meditation!”
Airith will be happy with that! Now we just have to worry about her workload.
24 Slate 90
(https://i.imgur.com/w2YFxAq.png)
Catten came racing into Lotu’s office. “What do I do?”
Lotu wasn’t worried. “Talk to Imic about things like that. He’ll know which squads to send.”
When Catten showed up in the training room, Imic didn’t seem worried. “The Boats of Mining’re already on duty, they’ll take care of it.” And he turned away to bark instructions to his recruits.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
26 Slate 90
Ustres was collecting webs in the cavern when she came across Ulirevathi. Being an inteliigent dwarf, she promptly fled. However, the Boats of Mining arrived in time to see her war dog charge and rip the throat out.
(https://i.imgur.com/pssBtXM.png)
The soldiers were disappointed, and promptly repaired to the tavern to drown their regrets with some excellent quality ale.
05 Felsite 90
What! Two in a row!?
(https://i.imgur.com/4e6A6Zm.png)
Well, Imic is used to these by now, and sent the Oracular Golds to act as long-range support for the Barricaded Charity, who are on duty in the caverns this month.
According to the tale told in the tavern this evening, Gel’s whip, Lipulopi, struck the first blow, but Masami took the kill.
--------------------
09 Felsite 90
Rigòth, Masami, Gel, and Medtob struggled into the hospital, coughing up blood. Hemming and hawing, Dr. Urist and Rimtar poked and prodded, examining them from head to toe. Finished with their examination, the doctors huddled in a consultation. They quickly came to an agreement. The four afflicted had likely all been exposed to a poison while fighting the latest cavern monster, which had released vaporous dust during the fight.
Dr. Urist grabbed a vial of greenish liquid from the supply cabinet in the corner, and poured out a swallow for each of the afflicted patients. She was very pleased by the results. By the end of the day, all four of the soldiers were back on their feet, awestruck at the fruits of Dr. Urist’s constant research of extracts and poisons.
It’s useless for solving the Bomrek problem, but each new piece of research gets me closer.
20 Felsite 90
Sigun walked out of the training room and paused, arching backwards to stretch out some of the kinks.
That went quite well. I think I’m starting to get a feel for how to deal with these oversize salamanders.
(https://i.imgur.com/xhPwTQQ.png)
28 Felsite 90
Catten sat down with Lorbam and Akrul, ready to discuss progress towards filling the quota. It was his first time chairing the meeting without Lotu present, and he felt rather nervous.
As bookkeeper, Lorbam opened the conversation. “We’re doing well on most items, and should be able to complete them without a problem. But, the carpenters are behind, making the crutches problematic.”
(https://i.imgur.com/k8konSY.png)
Akrul broke in. “With two carpenters, we should have almost double the numbers, but all of those tantrums this spring kept interrupting them and slowed them down. I’ve already had words with Kol and Stukos and the others, but you’ll need to assign some more apprentices to help Uvash and Lyra finish up.”
Catten nodded. Now who do we have who isn’t already working flat-out somewhere else?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 24, 2018, 08:49:33 pm
Spoiler: Founders & Local Heads: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan J Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan L Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unknown Parentage (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Claimed Atheist: Sky, Another, Spriggans, MrLurkety, Autuz
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: MrLurkety (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Autuz (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bearskie (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 25, 2018, 05:59:31 am
About the temple: Mind that the tiles of dug out walls will change to layer material, so you need to use supports and caveins to have every tile of floor be obsidian.
Bringing the depot in has greater loyalty cascade fun potential, I suppose.
Mid-granite
I recall you settled in temperate and tropical boundary. What seeds did elves bring you, then, to be unplantable (them lacking ability to settle in swamps)?
Atölasob has remarkable number of architects, however. It won't hurt too much to lose a few, though, now that pumps are done. Just don't tell them I said that.
I wonder if you could offset tantrumers via sacrificial buildings and pets?
Slate
I wonder if your temples have any statues.
Migrants, huh? It didn't seem like you were low on manpower....Though you might inherit kingship: Were clan A intentionally royal?
It seems this update is about the rain. Oh, glorious lifegiving rain, how do I like having roof over my head.
Do you actually have any checkerboards or water fields to neutralize the flows in? I don't think you had any...
Though ash is bolt to the face and dead. Hm, what happened with the dog?
PS: Assembling updated profiles must take you a fair bit, I imagine?
Though it is apparent that cooking two roasts with dwarven rum, strawberry plants, tomatillo wine, sand pear cider / raspberries, tomato seeds, cassava beer and placing it somewhere accessible (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=171322.0) might help with happiness and focus a bit. (This bit probably needs automaterial/workflow to maintain).
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 25, 2018, 01:13:59 pm
About the temple: Mind that the tiles of dug out walls will change to layer material, so you need to use supports and caveins to have every tile of floor be obsidian.Good to know, and easy to implement.
What seeds did elves bring you, then, to be unplantable (them lacking ability to settle in swamps)?They aren't unplantable, it's that the rain keeps washing surface seeds out of the planters' hands. I'd meant to get the surface farms underground early on, but kept getting side-tracked. The impetus was when I realized that there was no kenaf (in any plant form) in the entire fort, even though I'd produced it earlier on. I'll need to trade for more seeds from the elves for that, but by the time they come around again there'll be several roofed-over plots with seed storage exclusively underground. That plus some manager orders will help prevent the dearth from happening again.
Atölasob has remarkable number of architects, however. It won't hurt too much to lose a few, though, now that pumps are done. Just don't tell them I said that.Airith is the ONLY architect...Though there are several mechanic-types.
I wonder if you could offset tantrumers via sacrificial buildings and pets?Assigning war dogs to the worst offenders (like Ustres) helped to mitigate the tantrums, though the stress hasn't gone down by very much.
I wonder if your temples have any statues.Not yet, but they're in the plans.
Migrants, huh? It didn't seem like you were low on manpower....I was looking for a migrant couple from Clan L (which currently only has Rimtar, who is a widower), and/or Kivish's wife. However, over 20 re-loads didn't have either, but did produce the remaining Clan I girls, so I went with that. There are still some of Sigun's nephews and nieces that aren't in Atölasob, but as they were all born to other Clans, they're technically not in Clan I.
Were clan A intentionally royal?Yes. I had to start naming them somewhere.
Do you actually have any checkerboards or water fields to neutralize the flows in? I don't think you had any...How do you mean?
Though ash is bolt to the face and dead. Hm, what happened with the dog?The dog is fine. Literally one charge, the FB is dead, and the dog doesn't have so much as a bruise. The FB never even got to make a single move.
PS: Assembling updated profiles must take you a fair bit, I imagine?Only if someone has a specific request for information that I need to hunt through several screens for. The standard "thoughts" screenshots are really easy to do with the software on my Mac.
Though it is apparent that cooking two roasts with dwarven rum, strawberry plants, tomatillo wine, sand pear cider / raspberries, tomato seeds, cassava beer and placing it somewhere accessible (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=171322.0) might help with happiness and focus a bit. (This bit probably needs automaterial/workflow to maintain).I need to think about how to do this, and if it'll be worth the micro-managing.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 25, 2018, 11:43:38 pm
My bad on the architect, saw two interruptions by one and asssumed they must be separate architects.
Flows such as miasma, mist, poison and (cavein or otherwise) dust will only propagate orthogonally. Additionally, if you look at fbs fighting in cavern lakes, the poison/dust clouds don't leave their initial tile if they're in the water.
This means it is safer to hit fbs through a diagonal, where they can still attack but can't dust ya.
Unfortunately, if you have the spacetime to construct such a trap you could also use a different one, so this is bit of a novelty.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 26, 2018, 05:16:35 am
Seeds might also be eaten by vermin, perhaps? Do you have any cats?Yes, I put a zone for one over each food-accepting stockpile.
This means it is safer to hit fbs through a diagonal, where they can still attack but can't dust ya.That's useful to know, and probably what happened with the dog.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 26, 2018, 05:49:27 pm
The Master’s eyes opened slowly, traces of the most recent vision still dancing in oddly-shaped irises. Thin lips quirked in a chilling facsimile of a smile.
Yes. These tools will serve me well.
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
03 Hematite 91
Having handed my mining duties over to Kivish, I now feel as if I have time to do what I want to do. I celebrated the arrival of summer in the temple, communing with Urdim on fortress designs. I now have a few ideas tugging at the back of my brain, but they’re very rough still.
(https://i.imgur.com/rrKX5k9.png)
While they percolated, I helped move the dralthas to their new underground pasture. With any luck, we won’t have to fetch one out of a tree ever again.
--------------------
04 Hematite 91
Akrul tapped her quill against the work orders on her desk.
Those lazy carpenters. They’ll never finish the blocks and crutches at this rate!
Pursing her lips, she went through each dwarf’s current work assignments. While she had the authority to re-assign anyone, Prince Ëdem might get upset if she chose one of his friends or colleagues.
So I can’t touch those useless scholars. Nor the doctors. Or anyone else who hangs out with him in the library.
She continued to scan through the list, then paused. Datan Paddledclutches isn’t milling anything irreplaceable, and Endok Boltprairies only makes one wheel of cheese each month. Yes, those two will do. Starting to nod in satisfaction, she headed out to speak to her choices.
Datan was easy to track down, given that she spent much of her time helping in the fields. Intimidated by the Dragon Lady, she just nodded when Akrul informed her of a her re-assignment.
As Akrul strode away in search of Endok, Datan carefully stored the first of the new rope reed plants in a nearby barrel, then trotted off to find her mother Lyra for carpentry training. This should be interesting. I’ve been wanting to craft something for ages!
Akrul finally tracked Endok down in the llama pasture, where she was attempting to milk one of the females.
“Endok!” Akrul’s piercing tones cut through the relative quiet of the pasture. “I need to talk to you.”
Rolling her eyes, Endok rose and picked up the partially filled bucket. “Can it wait a moment? Only I’ve got to get this into a barrel before it spoils.”
“You can do that on your way to the carpentries. You’re re-assigned.”
“What? Bu-but I want to make cheese!”
“We don’t need cheese right now. We need crutches. You’ll help to make them.”
“Bu-bu-but cheesemaking is an ancient family art! My ancestor, the King himself, is a cheesemaker!”
“It doesn’t matter. You’re making crutches until I say otherwise. And if I catch you slacking off, it’ll be dwarven justice for you!”
“But—“
“No buts. No ifs. No ands, ors, or maybes. No wheretofores. Make. Crutches.”
Grumbling the entire way, Endok stored the milk and then dragged her feet all the way to Uvash’s carpentry.
07 Hematite 91
The seal was plain and unadorned, as it always was. The dwarf slipped a finger beneath it and gently pried it loose from the flap, then unfolded several sheets. That was unusual. Normally the Master’s messages were terse and to the point.
The top sheet was the typical brief set of instructions.
The war has begun, and already shows great promise. The list of targets has been significantly diminished. Be ready to take advantage when a raiding party arrives at Atölasob.
The rest of the sheets simply contained a list of raids conducted during the spring season by The Fleshy Silver.
(https://i.imgur.com/BEcTOEV.png)
Spoiler: Fall (click to show/hide)
Who knew Bomrek would be so useful? The dwarf felt as if a great weight had been lifted away. As long as The Fleshy Silver continued to attack, the dwarf’s failures took a distant second.
09 Hematite 91
Wiping her red-rimmed eyes, Pesor pinned a trembling smile in place before knocking on the Mayor’s door.
“Enter!” Catten called out.
(https://i.imgur.com/hPGWtNX.png)
Catten nodded agreeably. “What skills have you got, besides entertaining and farming?”
Pesor was caught off guard, and frantically searched for something that the dwarves would find useful. “I can engrave.” The words rushed out. “Oh, and carve stone, though not as well.”
At least that’s a useful skill. “Go find Nil. He’ll tell you where to start engraving.”
Pesor barely managed to walk out with a shred of dignity. Tears and stress forgotten, she cheered her citizenship in the corridor before heading off to find the head engraver.
11 Hematite 91
(https://i.imgur.com/u9ReTw2.png)
What will they want in trade? The same as the elves?
Catten found Lotu in the tavern.
“You know, you’re the broker.”
“Talk about stating the obvious.” Lotu muttered dryly.
“Well, I was thinking. You have a lot more experience with all of these groups than I do, or any other possible Mayor, for that matter. How about you decide what to trade? I mean, I’ll let you know if there are any quantities too low for trading, like the current situation with earrings, but it would be easier than always asking you what they'll take.”
Lotu frowned. “What’s wrong with the earrings?”
“With Bomrek wanting them, we can’t trade them to anyone else. I do know that much.”
(https://i.imgur.com/XREOCpf.png)
Lotu just shook his head in exasperation, then drained his mug of ale and rose to his feet. “I guess I’d better take a look in the trading stockpiles and see what we have.”
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
12 Hematite 91
It turns out we still have some imported items, mostly clothes and elven cages, so those were the first ones I selected. Then I grabbed the tattered pieces of non-silk clothing, and also threw in some low-quality wooden furniture that was starting to show its age. Humans are easy to please.
16 Hematite 91
Another and his wife Rith have welcomed their second child, this time a son.
(https://i.imgur.com/TmFJC6x.png)
--------------------
21 Hematite 91
The sun had long since set Above as the dwarf walked up the Central Spire. Fortunately, the upper caverns and the altar were but a short step away from the family’s sleeping quarters, and it was relatively easy to sneak away. Ascending the last ramp, the dwarf walked past the guard on duty.
“Can’t sleep?” Udil asked.
“Nope. I thought a quick turn through the safe part of the caverns might help.”
“The cavern creatures’re quiet, but better make it quick, just in case.”
The dwarf nodded, acknowledging the Udil’s advice, and turned the corner, where he promptly stumbled to a halt.
A smooth granite wall soared upward before his eyes, stretching toward the cavern’s ceiling, several levels above. The way forward was blocked.
(https://i.imgur.com/Mr73jJm.png)
The dwarf headed back to Udil. “What’s with th’wall? It wasn’t there before.”
Udil glanced southward. “Oh, that. Airith wants to finish off this part of the Central Spire, and make it easier for the fishers to get in and out. And the squad captains are very happy with the idea, since it’ll be easier to defend, too.”
“So how are the fishers going to get through?”
“If you go up those ramps next to me, the next level up will have the new access point.”
(https://i.imgur.com/yGmrcGU.png)
Yeah. A new access point full of fishers. That’s going to play bloody hell with easy access to my altar.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
22 Hematite 91
I checked with Lorbam to verify the quota progress before trading. Crutches and blocks are the most behind, though Datan and Endok are starting to help make up the difference, so I bought out all of those that the humans had brought. I figured it couldn't hurt. I also grabbed all of the seed-producing fruits, to make a start on re-building those stores. And, remembering last year’s ill-advised cheese party, I bought an extra 50 units of fish, just in case someone gets a sudden hankering for it.
Before Trade After Trade
(https://i.imgur.com/FK9FeN8.png) (https://i.imgur.com/VEctFEu.png)
The extra 2,000☼ will quickly disappear when we deliver the quota.
27 Hematite 91
Stodir has started linking up the last of the levers with their respective floodgates for the obsidian farm. The levers have been placed in the tavern, where it’s most likely someone will be able to pull them quickly.
02 Malachite 91
I always thought military training was safe, but today’s events have educated all of us otherwise. The Boats of Mining and the Barricaded Charity were running a combined drill in the training barracks, when Masami suddenly cracked.
She seems to really have had a grudge against Geño who, it turns out, has killed fifteen elves during her travels.
(https://i.imgur.com/1CvJrge.png)
And it isn’t as if Masami is completely innocent, either.
(https://i.imgur.com/NArKpiB.png)
The two were very evenly matched, trading blows back and forth, dancing across the clay floor, as the rest of the squads dodged out of the way. Finally, one of Masami’s thrusts got through Geño’s defense, and the blow knocked her unconscious. After that, it was all over, bar the details.
(https://i.imgur.com/jomGQDo.png)
Geño’s death spurred the watchers out of their shocked paralysis, and Masami’s squadmates piled onto him, preventing him from hurting anyone else until he had calmed down enough to reason with. Imic, as the overall commander, and Neo and Rigòth, as the captains of the two squads, carried out an immediate inquiry.
Their conclusion was that no harm had been done, since Geño was not an official citizen of Atölasob. In thanks for Geño's vigilance in her defense of our city, she will be buried with the other humans who have died in service. However, if Masami ever does something similar again, Imic has warned him in no uncertain terms that he’ll win a one-way trip to the magma sea.
It’s a reminder to everyone that he doesn’t have much patience for troublemakers within the ranks.
03 Malachite 91
The whole city is talking about the yesterday’s excitement. And my lovely wife is currently buried in a mountain of paper, trying to design the terminus of Imic’s threatened magma sea punishment. I may have overheard something about inviting Bomrek to take the inauguratory trip. Or maybe it was Dodók. I was careful not to listen too closely.
05 Malachite 91
In times of sadness, comes inspiration.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ic7BQig.png)
I hope he finishes quickly, we still need more granite blocks to finish Airith’s protective walls in the upper caverns.
--------------------
07 Malachite 91
Sigun wandered through the pastures, taking a break from training dralthas. Coming to the two-humped camel enclosure, he stopped in shock. The once mighty animals were skin and bone, their humps barely visible.
“Hey! I need help!” He yelled at the top of his powerful lungs.
Dwarves, elves and humans came running.
“We need to move them up top, to the grass pasture. They’re starving down here.”
Hands started grabbing halters and leading the poor animals away
“Huh?” Mayor Catten was puzzled. “But there’s lots of mushrooms.”
“They don’t eat mushrooms. They eat moss, and the mushrooms have crowded it out.”
As the camels were led away, the situation become clearer. The enclosure was full of dead mushroom saplings, and the occasional live one. And at the base of each mushroom was a ring of bare soil where the only moss had been dead so long it had dried out completely.
“What are we going to do?” Mayor Catten was at a loss.
“We could floor it over, and then remove the construction.” Vucar started mentally calculating how much material and time that would take.
“No, that’ll take too long.” Prince Edëm had seen the camel procession from the tavern, and come down to satisfy his curiosity.
“Then what do you suggest?” Vucar asked archly. She wasn’t particularly fond of King Dodók’s fifth child and eldest son, but had to admit that he often had some good ideas, unlike his illustrious sire.
“Build some dirt roads. The youngest untrained peasant is capable of that, and it’ll take care of all of these unsightly mushrooms. Then give it a few months for moss spores to sprout, and you’ll be able to move the camels back.”
That did sound reasonable, and the dwarves started splitting the large room into road sections.
Meanwhile, Prince Edëm had wandered over to the one-humped camel room. “And you may want to do the same thing to this one too, eventually.”
Mayor Catten followed, and glanced inside.
I need to remember to add that to the city’s to-do list. We need to build dirt roads regularly in the two camel pens. Better make that a rotating thing, so that each section gets cleared of those pesky mushrooms regularly.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
15 Malachite 91
It’s taken Edëm ten days to gather all of his materials, but he started working just before supper.
(https://i.imgur.com/HwVKxUk.png)
Fortunately, all of the boulders he wanted were sitting right next to the masonry he claimed, or it might have taken him even longer.
(https://i.imgur.com/8C0sDVx.png)
20 Malachite 91
Huh, when that dwarf gets going, he works fast.
(https://i.imgur.com/qBWW2zn.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/e7mtwn4.png)
I wonder if anyone would notice if it found its way into our bedroom?
--------------------
22 Malachite 91
The squads on duty in the caverns have taken to running regular patrols to break the monotony, with Imic’s blessing. The month of Malachite fell to the Helmed Anvils, who did their patrols in pairs. Imic’s daughter, Thîkut, and her squadmate Äs decided to head west, in search of the monster hunter Zicab, who had gone out almost a week before and failed to return.
As they walked, they stayed silent, listening for any of the myriad dangers that lived in the depths.
Turning the corner, they saw something different, something that didn’t belong. Sharing a concerned look, they eased closer.
“Well, we found Zicab.” Thîkut remarked, nudging the corpse with the toe of her high boot.
The more experienced Äs knelt down, studying the wounds. Judging by the congealed blood, the human had been dead at least a day, possibly as many as two.
“This far out, we wouldn’t have heard his screams.” He murmured to himself. “He didn’t die a good death.”
The human’s right arm dangled by a thread of tendon, and his left hand had been completely torn off. And there was a rather spectacular dent in the human’s helmet.
Rising to his feet, Äs turned back toward the city. “Troll, if I had to guess. Very little else is both that vicious and that strong. Whoever fetches the body will need to wait until we’ve found the troll and dealt with it.”
27 Malachite 91
I’m bored. Bearskie thought, staring at the unchanging soil ceiling. I’ve been lying here for months, now, and all the doctors will say is “Be patient. It takes time for the traction to work.” If this had been a human hospital, they would’ve given me a splint, a crutch and sent me on my way, a cripple. And my leg looks so funny, I’m still going to be a cripple.
His morose thoughts were interrupted as one of the local dwarves entered, carrying breakfast.
“Thanks.” Bearksie accepted the tray, and took a long drink of the strawberry wine that was this morning’s offering. But they do know their alcohol.
He had barely finished his meal when Dr. Urist entered, for her daily check of his healing leg.
Bearskie lay back, accustomed to her rather gruff ways, as she poked and prodded. His thoughts drifted.
“All right. You can get up.”
Jerked back to the here-and-now, Bearskie was sure he’d heard wrong. It had been four months, after all, with no hint of progress. “What?”
“Get up. You’re good as new, and we can use the bed for someone else. Go on, now. Shoo.”
The imagery of a person forcefully shooing someone almost twice her size out of the door might have been laughable, for someone who wasn’t familiar with Dr. Urist.
Without really knowing how it happened, Bearskie found himself standing outside the hospital on two useable legs, clutching the remains of his clothing. Since the stockpile was right there, he moved with alacrity to get some new items, then cheerfully headed up to the library, whistling all the way.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
01 Galena 91
The levers are fully linked up, so we’re ready to start casting Robek’s temple in obsidian. This will require very careful management, as we cannot allow the magma to get deeper than a single level. It is good to make progress.
16 Galena 91
The Helmed Anvils have finally returned, reporting a successful hunt for the troll that killed Zicab. As the original expedition leader, I decided that it was my duty to ensure that Zicab had a proper burial in our human cemetery.
(https://i.imgur.com/6vn6EFI.png)
18 Galena 91
With the magma layer complete, it’s time to turn on the water.
(https://i.imgur.com/0cLV5m2.png)
--------------------
24 Galena 91
Entering the tavern for a drink to soothe his dry throat, Bearskie caught sight of the dwarven Mayor sitting at one of the tables. Right. I’ve been meaning to talk to him.
Filling a mug, he took a draught, then approached the Mayor’s table.
(https://i.imgur.com/NE11MQM.png)
Mayor Catten had no problems with that, so Bearskie decided to make one more request. “I’ve some experience working with gems, and your gemologists are amazing. May I work with them, and learn how to improve my own cutting?”
Catten shrugged. “I have no problem with that, but you’ll need to ask Catten Crowchambers, or Logem. If one of them is willing to take you on as an apprentice, then we can use you. Otherwise, Akrul will find something for you to do.”
Bearskie promptly headed off, reviewing various arguments to try and persuade one of the dwarven gem cutters to take him on. As it turned out, it wasn't terribly difficult. Logem waved him into the jeweler's, pointed out several tools, and told him to start on the clay sitting on the table while he went off to socialize a bit.
28 Galena 91
Once again, Mayor Catten sat down with Akrul and Lorbam. This time, Lotu was conspicuously absent from the meeting, having washed his hands of mayoral duties in favor of supervising the obsidian casting.
Akrul was quite pleased, for once. “Uvash and Lyra just needed a little help.”
(https://i.imgur.com/RVmovdZ.png)
Lorbam concurred. “While the bracelets are the only incomplete item, now that the earrings are done they won’t take too much longer.
Late Summer 91, Swordgangs
Well, Bomrek's certainly stirred up a hornet's nest. Meng thought bitterly, as he observed the frantic activity below. But at least the quota will be coming soon, if we can hang on just another few months. Surely Bomrek ordered something useful? Surely?
Current character list:
Spoiler: Founders & Local Heads: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan J Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan L Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unknown Parentage (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: MrLurkety (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Autuz (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bearskie (click to show/hide)
Post by: Dorsidwarf on July 26, 2018, 08:05:56 pm
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 26, 2018, 08:32:55 pm
I suppose it’s pretty late but can I claim an inhabitant? If so I’d like to take the next person to have their citizenship approved.You can always claim someone. :) FYI, the only unclaimed residents that are due to request citizenship are goblins (one is an architect, the other a woodcrafter). If you'd rather not have one of those, there are a number of unclaimed humans, elves, and dwarves, both citizens and mercenaries in the military.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 29, 2018, 01:01:01 pm
But you run with far more than my ten.
War
Oho. Now the swordgangs are there, with their training maces and toy hammers and toy anvils and...get sieged while holding toy, wooden and wooden toy gear.
While I've had to confront with differences between sand pear wood and pear wood myself recently (pear wood unacceptable for weight-sensitive minecart repeater; needs to be sand pear), what would come to pass if it fell?
I wonder....
Trade
Uh.
Ahaha, I guess it had to happen sometime.
Hm, store all earrings in 1 minecart, haul that to depot (with an undesirable?), then trade that?
I recall you were making wooden blocks, but with the amount you're digging, isn't stone plentiful enough?
...Oh, you're using blocks to wall off the caverns at the same time. Silly me.
Nonetheless, hopelessly above the cap and rising.
Bomrek probably should order windows again. Crystal glass windows. At max priority.
Though won't he be upset at the instruments....
Caverns
I see you, like always, don't let the land tell you how to dig your fortress.
Building roads...I wonder, can grazers graze on paved roads? Then could hide them them with d-b-h.
Though I'd just dig downstairs into the pasture for moss-only ground.
(Might want to give animal caretaker to some less busy dwarves as well.)
Infighting
Must be some insult; wish you had talks on (though Toady culled them in recent versions in fort mode, and you upgraded, so...). I've seen this between family members before, as well. (Mother was sad, but glad to speak with the murderer.)
Hope your magma shaft doesn't go near the barracks, or there will be another dead in a spar.
And did you deconstruct the bench under Bearskie?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 29, 2018, 02:50:15 pm
Sounds like you don't have dedicated haulers.I have some, but mostly I can get by with the military hauling on their downtime.
I recall you were making wooden blocks, but with the amount you're digging, isn't stone plentiful enough?I can never have enough blocks.
...Oh, you're using blocks to wall off the caverns at the same time. Silly me.
Nonetheless, hopelessly above the cap and rising.It's actually falling slowly, from one season to the next, now that Mestthos has a magma furnace and is melting imported metal equipment day and night. That's allowing NCommander to have enough metal to train weaponsmithing skills without worrying about a source of iron.
Bomrek probably should order windows again. Crystal glass windows. At max priority.That's currently a bug. He ordered crystal glass, but it's impossible to make crystal glass instruments. The only ones I can make are green glass, which is why that's what he's getting.
Though won't he be upset at the instruments....
Building roads...I wonder, can grazers graze on paved roads? Then could hide them them with d-b-h.Not on paved roads, only on dirt roads (once the grass/moss grows back).
Though I'd just dig downstairs into the pasture for moss-only ground.*shrugs* I don't like that aesthetic.
(Might want to give animal caretaker to some less busy dwarves as well.)Has animal caretaker suddenly gotten useful?
And did you deconstruct the bench under Bearskie?No. I'd honestly forgotten that he was still there. I happened to notice him in the tavern (???) so I guess he must have healed up on his own. On further investigation, the traction bench was still built (it didn't get knocked down by a tantrum), so I assume this means that the traction bug has now been fixed...?
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on July 29, 2018, 03:16:00 pm
...No way to produce crystal glass ones either, yeah. Also discovered they'll accept sand bags, even if sand itself is forbidden.
Well, roads would be annoyingly blinky anyway.
And animal caretakers are supposed to feed the hungry ones, iirc. (Chained/caged ones might be with hospital's nursing job, I think.)
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on July 29, 2018, 03:34:01 pm
And animal caretakers are supposed to feed the hungry ones, iirc. (Chained/caged ones might be with hospital's nursing job, I think.)I didn't realize that. I'll have to give it a try.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 06, 2018, 05:02:05 pm
Mayor Catten studied the work roster that Akrul had just dropped onto his desk. This year’s quota was well in hand, and Akrul had been downright cheerful for days.
As Catten studied the list, his eyes fell on one name. Rovod Claspedlearns, the leatherworker Olon’s daughter. She did come of age at the end of summer, didn’t she? What’s she doing planting?
Picking up the list, he headed down the corridor to Akrul’s office. “Why do you have Rovod planting? We have elves for that.”
“Hmm?” Akrul grabbed the list. “I didn’t assign her to that.” She pulled another sheet of paper from a pile on her desk. “She’s…supposed to be hauling and pushing mine carts. I’ll take care of it.”
Several hours later, Akrul strode down the Central Spire, pulling a protesting Rovod by the ear. Coming to a halt in front of the Magma Rail, she shoved the hapless young adult at the waiting mine cart, fully loaded with clay.
“See? We need that—“ her finger jabbed at the impressive pile of clay, “to get down to Atîs in a timely manner! Just give it a push, hop on, ride it down, then give it another good push to send it back up for the next load. That’s all you need to do.”
“But that’s boooring!”
Snorting with impatience, Akrul tossed Rovod up onto the pile of raw clay and gave the mine cart a good shove.
“Aaaahhh!” Rovod screeched, clinging to the rail with a white-knuckled grip. Then a moment later, as Akrul started back towards her office, came another squeal. “Whhheeeeee! Whoop! Whoop! Whoooeeeeee!”
The cries quickly faded into the stone. Akrul shook her head as she started down the Central Spire. So easily amused.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
07 Limestone 91
With only some bracelets left to make, this year’s quota delivery promises to be less fraught than some in years past, and many of us are now focusing on more personal and relevant projects. The bottom-most level of Robek’s temple has been fully cast into obsidian, and the water above has evaporated enough to start the magma flow for the next level up.
(https://i.imgur.com/DldRW3G.png)
We’ve also started setting up a magma-powered glass furnace for Mebzuth, now that the Magma Rail is operational.
10 Limestone 91
In anticipation of the upcoming caravan, Catten has lifted his export ban. It's a good thing, given the number of earrings that Bomrek wants.
14 Limestone 91
Of course, our time to ourselves couldn’t last forever.
(https://i.imgur.com/maztn9u.png)
In my capacity as Atölasob’s trader, I’ve given orders to begin hauling our quota out to the waiting wagons.
22 Limestone 91
Really, Catten? Really?
(https://i.imgur.com/TMGIgzW.png)
--------------------
25 Limestone 91
Having dropped off a heavy bin of blocks, Lotu stomped into Mayor Catten’s office and slapped a notice-sheet down on the desk.
“What were you thinking?” He barked at the administrator.
Catten looked up, confused. “About what?”
“This!”
Lotu picked up the sheet and shoved it toward Catten’s face. Catten grabbed it in self-preservation. “This? It’s a mandate notice. What about it?”
“It’s an export ban!”
“Yeah.”
“Of earrings!”
“Yeah. I like earrings.”
“But we need to send some to Bomrek!”
“He doesn’t need ‘em. Not to make a spear.”
Lotu took a deep breath.
“King Dodók has ordered that we make everything Bomrek requests. We cannot afford to fail.”
“He don’t need earrings.” Catten’s eyes narrowed. He wasn’t budging. “If’n you send earrings, you’ll pay the penalty.”
Still, Lotu tried one last time. “Just 136 of them? There would still be over 400 in the city.”
“No!”
(https://i.imgur.com/aO418Jj.png)
Lotu trudged out, racking his brain for a solution to the dilemma. What am I going to do?
05 Sandstone 91
A week later, the quota was almost completely delivered.
Adding that quota-specific stockpile just below has really cut down on hauling times. Lotu reflected, as he made careful notations in the official trade log, verifying the delivered numbers against the original requested numbers from the previous fall.
But where is that last crutch? He frowned down at the columns filling the sheet.
Just then, puffing and panting drew his attention to the archway leading to the courtyard and Tayldis Bridge. Airith rounded the corner at a half-trot, carrying the missing crutch casually under an arm. Most of her attention was on one of her ever-present planning quires, where she regularly jotted down ideas for improvements and new construction, among other things.
(https://i.imgur.com/d9wH1Gj.png)
“Hi honey!” Airith tossed the crutch casually onto the pile, and dropped a quick kiss on Lotu’s lips.
“Aren’t you supposed to be overseeing the magma flooding?”
“I decided to take a break. No worries, the mechanic Stodir is down there. That lad has a good head on his shoulders, he’ll be fine until I get back. I just need a drink and some down-time first. Join me?”
Lotu looked at her for a moment, glanced at the pile of goods, then tossed his trading log into a corner. “Sure! We haven’t spent much time together lately.”
Arm in arm, the couple headed up to the tavern.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
06 Sandstone 91
Spending most of yesterday with my gorgeous wife made today’s sanctioned robbery easier to bear.
Before Trade: After Trade:
(https://i.imgur.com/Dhu0UZq.png)(https://i.imgur.com/u0TLOq0.png)
I officially handed over the entire quota in exchange for some olivine boulders that the masons will turn into lovely doors. It broke my heart to have to pass on almost of the lovely metal that Mestthos could have melted down for re-use.
(https://i.imgur.com/eSHevE5.png)
Lashedround, the lead trader, seemed particularly relieved to get everything. So much so that I get the feeling something’s wrong back in the mountainhomes. In fact, there have been rumors swirling around for days now, though none of the traders are willing to give any specifics. But they are acting very nervous about having to press north to Swordgangs. What is going on?
07 Sandstone 91
Apparently Sandstone is Hatching Month here at Atölasob.
(https://i.imgur.com/jDwdy2B.png)
There is one dwarf who will be happy with all of the extra leather, and that’s Olon. He works all hours of the day and night, and has been making noises about wanting to train a new assistant. Akrul’s put the kibosh on that though. As long as they’re not required for the quota, she insists that only one leatherworker is needed in a city this size.
08 Sandstone 91
Echoworked came to find me today, asking where he could find the Mayor. I was surprised, because Catten usually has an open door policy, so I went wandering.
I finally tracked Catten down in his forge. He’s barricaded the door somehow, and yelled at us to leave him alone until he finished.
(https://i.imgur.com/ORGBOiF.png)
I don’t blame him for wanting to put the meeting off as long as possible. All Echoworked does is bring bad news spiced with worse news.
--------------------
10 Sandstone 91
Catten lovingly polished the last corner of the anvil, then stood back and looked around the forge.
I’m going to have to fetch some more iron bars. And every time I look through that crack between the door and the wall, that Echoworked is loitering right outside the door. I guess I’m going to have to meet with him.
Sighing, he removed the heavy steel bar he had used as a make-shift door lock, and shoved the door open. “Come on, then.” Waving his hand impatiently, Catten headed toward his office, Echoworked following along like a well-trained dog.
(https://i.imgur.com/M2cYSXI.png)
“I’ve already been through the various herds and flocks, and you’re making steady progress. The King will be pleased.”
(https://i.imgur.com/oQiG4Z2.png)
“Now, what requests do you have?”
Catten hunted through several neglected piles before finding the request list. “We need olivine and petrified wood boulders. Oh, and some platinum won’t come amiss.”
Echoworked made a note. “But you are still over the import cap, you’ll need to pick just one.”
Catten shrugged. “But next fall we may be back under. Lotu said that it’s only about 25,000☼.”
Echoworked shook his head, but didn’t spend time arguing. He had far too much experience dealing with administrators and their unrealistic expectations. Instead he withdrew a sheet of paper and slid it across the desk.
“Here are the requests from Swordgangs.:
(https://i.imgur.com/KGwlPmH.png)
Excellent! We can actually make all of this!
But Echoworked’s news quickly deflated Catten’s spirits.
(https://i.imgur.com/ExgqM1a.png)
The situation in the north was bad enough.
(https://i.imgur.com/Rr2qZN9.png)
“Wait. Bomrek’s gone and done what?” Catten couldn’t believe what he had just heard.
“He’s provoked war with the Fleshy Silver. They’re the dwarves up north.”
(https://i.imgur.com/h1sWfI3.png)
“What does he think he’s doing?”
Echoworked shrugged. “No idea. But the attack in the spring has killed several, and Bomrek himself was severely injured.”
Huh. Maybe that’s why this quota is so much more reasonable, all of a sudden.
“But that’s not all.” Echoworked continued. “In the south…”
(https://i.imgur.com/saNSOag.png)
“But that’s—“
(https://i.imgur.com/N3zNTGd.png)
“The second largest mountainhome, yes. The Fleshy Silver don’t lack guts or brazenness.” Echoworked confirmed dryly.
Catten’s shock deepened as he continued.
“While Singedclasped is still in our hands, they were hit hard. The founding Clans have lost a combined number of almost 40 members, with almost as many Clan-less dead in the clash. It’s decimated the Singedclasped population, and many of the survivors are heading to Theaterknowledge, for safety.”
Swallowing hard, Catten forced himself to ask. “Do you have a list of the dead?”
Echoworked gently placed yet another sheet on the growing pile. “No one from Clan J died, but yours is a small clan to begin with. But,” Echoworked hesitated a moment, then plowed onward. “Singedclasped is Clan C’s seat of power. They were hit really hard, and almost thirty of the dead were either directly affiliated or immediate relatives.”
Catten nodded his understanding. There would be a lot of grief in the coming weeks and months as the locals mourned their far-distant dead.
“Which brings me to the last message I am bound to deliver.”
What, there’s even worse news?
“King Dodók and the Royal Council have instituted a new policy for all hillocks, outposts, villages, cities and mountainhomes.” In short, every possible settlement with more than two dwarves.
Echoworked paused, and Catten gestured for him to continue. Spit it out. Let’s get the worst part over with.
“Every couple’s first-born is required to join the military once they’ve reached maturity. And also, to ensure a steady flow of soldiers, every dwarf must marry, if a suitable partner is available.”
Catten blinked. “But that’s going to cause a lot of disruption. Do you have any idea how many hands it takes to make quota each year?”
Echoworked shrugged. “I don’t make policy. I just carry it out.”
Flattening his hands on the desk, he rose to his feet.
(https://i.imgur.com/sccxywD.png)
Catten made the appropriate response, already considering and discarding various ways of imparting the two pieces of bad news to everyone else.
I’ll need to call a meeting of the local Clan Council.
12 Sandstone 91
The caravan’s departure coincided with the gathering of the twenty dwarves who, together, comprised the local Clan Council. Studying the gathered faces, Catten discreetly rubbed damp palms along the sides of his trousers. This was his first time taking center stage at one of these meetings.
Opening his mouth to begin his report, he faltered on meeting Rigòth’s gaze.
“Come on, spit it out! I don’ haf all day!” Mebzuth was eager to get back to his glassworks.
“And the animals won’t train themselves!” Sigun was dealing with a difficult giant olm that kept willfully ignoring him.
Lotu was kinder. “Whatever it is, the sooner you tell us, the sooner we can deal with it.”
Catten nodded, and swallowed. “Singedclasped’s been attacked. So has Swordgangs. Over 40 of our immediate relatives are dead, and I don’t know how many were injured. I’ve divided the list out by Clan.” He handed out the copies. When Rigòth received hers, she went white. The others didn’t fare much better. Given how interconnected the powerful Clans were, most of the dead were related to two or more of the local heads, though Clan C was by far the largest.
“They’ll pay!” Imic snarled, and murmurs of agreement filled the meeting room.
“Yeah.” Catten jumped on the opening Imic had unwittingly provided. “And King Dodók’s making that a possibility.” He explained about the new military requirements.
“Every couple?” Lyra had quickly grasped the implications. “But that means—“
“That Datan needs to begin her military training. Yes.”
Prince Edëm had no interest in being drafted. “One of my two older sisters, and several of my younger siblings chose to be soldiers. I’m exempt.” Crossing his arms across his somewhat thin chest, his glare dared anyone to gainsay him.
Fortunately, Catten had already considered this. “I think, any family that already has a soldier in a given generation can be classed as having fulfilled the necessary military service. So since most of us have soldier siblings elsewhere, it won’t affect our lives here very much. Especially since we need so many for quota each year.”
He turned to Lyra and Mooney. “But, since you only have one child, that does mean that Datan must become a soldier.”
Mooney nodded his understanding. “She’ll be a decent marksdwarf, mark my words.”
“And,” Catten turned to Prince Edëm. “It also means that your great-niece, Endok Boltprairies, will need to join Datan as a new recruit.”
Prince Edëm scowled in response, but stayed silent. Imic rolled his eyes. “Jus’ make sure there’s steel gear for ‘em all.”
Catten nodded, and made a note.
“The last thing—“
“There’s more?” Rigòth just wanted to get out of that room.
“Yes. By Royal Decree, all dwarfs are required to marry, should there be a suitable partner available. So, Kivish? You’ll need to dig out some rooms that the young folk can use for courting. Unless you’ve decided that you’re tired of mining, and want to return your pick to Lotu?”
Kivish shook his head. “Nope. I like mining. It’s soothing.”
“OK. That’s that, then. Is there any other business that we need to get to?”
One by one, each of the dwarves shook their heads. They would each need to spread news of the attacks to their respective Clans, and anything else took a very distant second at that moment.
13 Sandstone 91
As the Clan heads started moving through the fort, apprising their family members of their dead, Lorbam had already informed his nephew and niece-by marriage, Edzul and Akrul. He had lost a brother and sister-by-marriage, but burying himself in work was a panacea. So he and Akrul sat down to figure out the next quota-related work roster.
“All right. According to Mayor Catten, after Bomrek’s latest bout of idiocy, Swordgangs is down to 68 dwarves.” Lorbam chewed on his quill as he ran some mental calculations, then began scrawling numbers in the margin.
A few minutes later, he quickly sprinkled sand over the fresh ink, then handed the sheet over to Akrul.
(https://i.imgur.com/zw1jbkh.png)
Akrul scanned down the numbers. “This will be easy. I’ll just have the masons focus on hives and jugs. We can use the extras to make honey. And for the rest, the only things we need to make are the rings, blocks and anvils. Easy enough. I’ll get the production orders going now.”
27 Sandstone 91
“Lotu!” The dull roar echoed on the walls of the Central Spire, preceding Mayor Catten as he stampeded up to the tavern. Bursting through the doors, he made a beeline to Lotu’s table.
“It’s all your fault!”
Lotu looked up, warily. “What is?”
“You violated an export ban!”
“I did?”
“Don't play the innocent with me! I said no earrings were to leave the city!”
“Oh, that.” Lotu finished his goblet of wine. “I decided King Dodók’s orders trumped yours. ‘Whatever Bomrek wants, Bomrek gets.’ “
“I don’t care! You disobeyed a direct order.”
Lotu shrugged. “What are you going to do about it?”
“Gua—!“ Catten stopped midword. Atölasob, unlike a typical dwarven city, didn’t have a Fortress Guard. Nor a prison, for that matter.
“You, you, you’ll…you’ll dump the remaining troglodyte skeletons and bits. That’s what you’ll do.”
Lotu grimaced. Just seeing those remains was disturbing enough. Dumping them… Carrying down so many levels to the magma sea far below…
He sighed, and rose. I might as well get it over with. “Yes, Mayor.” He started toward the door.
“And the others who helped you have the same punishment.”
Lotu just nodded, and went to gather his partners in crime.
(https://i.imgur.com/pudr8Yv.png)
Catten watched him go, then turned to Airith, who was still sitting at the table. “I need a prison area set up. See to it, will you?”
Airith shook her head. "We don't have any chains."
Catten snorted in disgust. "Of course we don't. I'll get Akrul to add them to the city's to-do list."
04 Timber 91
Relieved at escaping a hammering, Lotu was almost cheerful as he started ferrying the troglodyte remains downward.
(https://i.imgur.com/kFINXL9.png)
OOC: The purple dwarf in the hallway is Lotu, the gray dwarf in the doorway is Airith.
Airith walked alongside, carrying her own load. “You know, you probably wouldn’t have needed to deliver the earrings. If Bomrek’s that badly injured, he’ll likely have forgotten, and I’m sure the King now has bigger worries.”
Lotu shrugged. “Well, I couldn’t know that, now could I? And I figured it would be better to keep the dwarf with the big army happy, rather than the Mayor without a single Guard.”
“I’m just saying.” Airith responded. “Isn’t it better to keep those close at hand happy?”
Lotu huffed out a sharp breath. “Well, whatever I did, someone was going to yell at me. I decided that I didn’t want it to be the King. Maybe he would have been even more stringent about military service, I don’t know. But I do know that he can always make things much worse.”
“Hmm.” Airith dumped her load. “Well, there’s a mine cart with my name on it. Good luck with this.”
17 Timber 91
Mayor Catten looked up at a knock on the door.
(https://i.imgur.com/eHx4Oen.png)
Who gave a goblin residence???
The goblin in question was starting to get uncomfortable, standing in front of the seated dwarf’s desk. “Well? I can help with the brewing or with the woodcrafting. I’m pretty good at both.”
Quirking his lips, Mayor Catten rolled his eyes. “Leave the brewing to the dwarves. I’ve tasted that swill goblins call a drink, and I won’t have any of that piss in this city. And as we don’t have any wooden crafts to make, you can make yourself useful by carving some bones, instead. That sounds rather up your alley, doesn’t it?”
The goblin broke into a grin. “Thank you! And call me Dorsi. It sounds more dwarfish, doesn’t it?”
“Fine.” Mayor Catten made a shooing motion with his hand. “Why don’t you get to work?”
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
19 Timber 91
Airith says that the entrance level to Robek’s temple is now fully obsidianized.
(https://i.imgur.com/n1bjUKd.png)
There are now three levels to go, and it’s time to wait again while the water evaporates enough to not waste the next flow of magma.
23 Timber 91
Imic and NCommander’s youngest started walking today.
(https://i.imgur.com/Mn5UCkE.png)
Of the seven of us founders, they are the only ones with more than one child. The gods have seen fit to bless them with four.
24 Timber 91
Free at last! Atîs finally dumped the last mangled troglodyte skeleton this afternoon, which means our month of hard labor is over. Catten should be pleased, as he won’t be hearing complaints about the horrible skeletons littering the Central Spire’s upper cavern entrance, or Imic’s temporary battle-training area.
I have to admit to a fair amount of relief myself. Those things are disturbing.
--------------------
28 Timber 91
Akrul headed toward the mayor’s office, humming a cheerful little tune she had heard in the tavern the day before.
Glancing down at the quota report sheet she held, she smiled.
This year will be no problem at all!
(https://i.imgur.com/yXz2suX.png)
Edited for typos.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 06, 2018, 05:04:10 pm
Spoiler: Founders & Local Heads: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan J Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K & Clan L Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unknown Parentage (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: MrLurkety (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Autuz (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dorsi (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bearskie (click to show/hide)
Post by: Imic on August 06, 2018, 05:10:20 pm
1812 overture intensifies
I've ben off the internet for a while now, so I have a bit of up-catching to do, so it seems.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 06, 2018, 05:54:00 pm
I've ben off the internet for a while now
Glad to see you back! :)
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on August 06, 2018, 07:07:07 pm
@Temple: Don't forget the obsidian flooring.
@olivine: Wasn't there supposed to be two items this caravan, using expedition leader's priviledge?
@Catten: Hm...Toss earrings into minecart, have Catten themselves haul it to depot? Can mayors punish themselves for their own export ban violations?
(Though RP-wise, Catten would never do it.)
[ah, too late]
@Export:
So, will you export metal...or ash or soap bars?
I'm thinking Bomrek is building jail cells.
I also recall when anvil request had much teeth gnashing attached.
@Every dwarf must marry:
Well this is pretty crazy, relatively speaking. Constructing and assigning several dozen marriage burrows....I wrote relations-indicator after a fraction of the annoyance.
You probably already have a plan, but just in case I recommend not half-assing it.
Also note if you're serious about breeding: one has to force "No Job" meetings as well; they're relatively infrequent on their own, as you can observe from the founders with mere single child. Even semi-regularly burrowing my main 4 pairs into area resulted in significant birthrate differences between them.
@goblin citizen:
Huh. Goblin brewer.
Goblins have [NO_DRINK].
Jeesh, Catten's words are like Elite Marksdorf's bolts - accurate and hit hard.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 06, 2018, 07:27:35 pm
@Rovod: Hm. Anyone can harvest + eligible for having planting enabled when coming of age due having the skill?Yep, pretty sure this is why. But we really don't need another planter.
@Temple: Don't forget the obsidian flooring.Not there yet, but it is in the notes to be taken care of when I start mining the obsidian out. There are big letters: LEAVE OBSIDIAN WALLS and CAVE-IN FLOORS. :P
@olivine: Wasn't there supposed to be two items this caravan, using expedition leader's priviledge?Ahh, typo. Meant to be "boulders", I've fixed it now.
Can mayors punish themselves for their own export ban violations?I don't think so. In any case, the violators are chosen at random (I think), it was sheer luck that Lotu himself appeared on the list.
So, will you export metal...or ash or soap bars?There's still lots of ash and potash lying around, and things like lead bars which we've been getting from smelting galena ore. I don't like lead for anything, it's too heavy, so exporting it seems like an option. And there's 279 bars of charcoal that we're using less of as the magma-powered workshops start coming online. Though soap is also easy to make these days, if I get the lye production back into gear.
I also recall when anvil request had much teeth gnashing attached.We somehow have 136 bars of iron...? The only explanation I can come up with is melting the dead visitors' crappy gear, and the one caravan where Lotu traded for tons of iron stuff, before the import ban was instituted. I haven't even started digging out the iron ores we've gotten access to with all of the passage-way digging. I think we can probably afford a few anvils at this point. And the plus side of the anvils is that it's training the metalsmiths (primarily the mayor, Catten, though Endok Boltprairies has been dabbling as well).
@Every dwarf must marry:
<snip>
Yes, I am aware of the difficulties, and "courting suites" have been planned from the beginning. I actually have a much bigger long-range plan involving the kids, but the story hasn't gotten to a trigger point for that, yet.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on August 08, 2018, 08:46:13 pm
I take it the 4x4 rooms in digging plans are for the suites? Or not yet designated?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 09, 2018, 05:16:08 am
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 12, 2018, 07:08:11 pm
Bomrek remained in traction, stuck on bed rest, and the rest of the fort was taking advantage of the calmer life, despite the wasp's-nest Bomrek had kicked into a frenzy. Meng finished counting the last of the quota delivery, and signed off on it with relief. Everything was there, including the instruments, and there had been no odd substitutions. And some of it, like the blocks, food and clothing, even promised to be useful, given the recent raids.
The blocks, especially. He started giving orders to expand the defenses, using the couple of hundred blocks that had been included in the shipment. You never know when the Fleshy Silver will send another raiding party.
Early Winter, Theaterknowledge
The human entered the room with the confident swagger of a successful soldier. For a moment, he thought he was alone. But then, the flickering flames in the hearth revealed the cloaked and hooded figure standing near a dusty-looking altar.
"You wanted something?" The human broke the silence.
The silence stretched. Then, just as the human was about to repeat the question, the figure turned. The flames seemed to be reflected in the being's eyes, but the hood made such a determination difficult, at best.
"Yesss." The figure stepped to one side, revealing a folded sheet of parchment, sealed with a plain lump of wax. "That goes to Atölasob."
The human bristled. " I'm not a messenger-boy."
"Atölasob is plagued with nasty forgotten creatures. They are dangerous, and difficult to kill."
The human's interest roused. "What kind of creatures?"
"The dangerous kind." The cloak seemed to ripple, but it could have been just the flickering flames. "To deliver this, you must become a resident."
"Dwarves don't usually approve of human additions."
What sounded almost like a snort came from the hood. "These dwarves welcome anyone with military experience."
"Umm." The human stepped forward and picked up the innocuous letter. "Deliver this to fight challenging creatures? That I can do."
"One warning."
The human paused on his way to the door. "Yes?"
"Do not crack the seal. Or otherwise tamper with it. If you do, you will be cursed for all eternity."
The human froze, and gulped. With carefully deliberate movements, he tucked the letter inside his leather jerkin. "Don't open it. Got it."
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 12, 2018, 07:23:43 pm
The twenty members of the Council found seats. Several of them wore grim expressions, given the task before them. When all were assembled, Mayor Catten rose to his feet.
“We all know why we’re here, so the floor is open to suggestions.”
Rigòth Dikepage spoke first. “A new marriage gives the promise of new life. Given all of the dead from Singedclasped, my descendent Udil should be the first, to give Clan C promise for the future.”
Prince Edëm jumped in. “Clan C is by far the largest. And with King Dodók’s new orders, it will surely have many new couples soon.” He turned to address the rest of them room. “Clan A has a duty to secure each generation. My nephew Solon is of age, his royal bloodline dictates that he should be the first.”
“That’s not fair!” Vucar protested. “Clans A, B and C are the largest and most powerful. You are not at risk of dying out. Small clans, like mine or Clan L, are! Our first choice should originate from the smallest of the Clans.”
Several of the others were nodding in agreement. “That is fair.” Rimtar agreed. “But who?”
Lotu spoke up. “If we ignore the three biggest Clans, that leaves Litast of Clan D, Nil of Clan F, or either Stodir or Edëm of Clan E.”
And of the three, Clan D was the smallest.
“Litast, then.” Stukos, of Clan B, stated. Mebzuth immediately disagreed.
“Litast is the only cook in the city. I’m not going to do without my black bear tallow roasts.”
Grumbles and protests rose from several others. It was true that Litast had a particular way of turning animal fat into very good meals. In fact, he had quite a legendary reputation, at least in Atölasob.
Mayor Catten pulled out the job list, checking the other possibilities. “If Litast is out because of his job, then we should be able to manage without one of the other three, given that we do have multiple mechanics, masons, and engravers.”
But how to choose?
Finally, Lorbam ripped a worn sheet into pieces, and scribbled the three names on separate fragments. Quickly blowing on the ink to dry it, he looked around for a suitable receptacle. Guessing his intention, Imic stripped off one of his steel boots, and tossed it over. “Use that.”
With a nod, Lorbam crumpled up the three fragments of paper, and tossed them in. Wrinkling his nose at the smell emanating from the career soldier’s boot, he covered the opening and vigorously shook the piece of equipment, before passing it over to Mayor Catten.
This last reached in, grabbed a crumpled ball, and tugged it out. Returning the boot to Lorbam, he opened the fragment, as Imic repossessed his boot and started stamping it on.
“Stodir.” The young mechanic had won the lottery.
But the Council’s task wasn’t finished. “Who’s goin’ to get locked in with ’im?” Imic had a vested interest this time, given that his oldest daughter Thîkut was Stodir’s age-mate.
“Well, does he prefer males or females?” Sigun knew this was critical.
Limul shrugged. “No clue, as I don't pry that deeply into my relatives' lives. We’ll have to call him in.”
Bob, passing through the corridor, was dispatched to fetch Stodir from the library. When the latter finally arrived, he was clearly nervous at the thought of facing the full Council.
“Yes?”
A short, but in-depth set of questions later, it was clear that Stodir would much prefer females as romantic interests. As he disappeared with alacrity, the Council continued with business. There were six females who were Stodir’s age-mates, but only five free beds left in the recently completed Courting Suite.
The first choices proved obvious. Thîkut and Datan, Lyra’s and Mooney’s daughter, as offspring from two of the local Founding Clans, would do their parts. Prince Edëm, still sore at not having his nephew included, brokered a compromise that included both of his nieces, Rovod and Endok, instead. The final bed was awarded to Medtob of Clan F, as the oldest of the possible female choices.
The six chosen dwarves were summoned to stand before the assembled Council.
Mayor Catten spoke for the entire Council.
“You six will spend the next year getting to know each other. By the end of that year, you, Stodir, will be required to choose one of these five lovely ladies as your life-partner. You will have no distractions, other than good food, good drink, and good beds.”
Stodir glanced at the other five. While they had grown up together, he still didn’t know any of them very well. He looked back at the Mayor, and hesitated a moment. But the authority visible in the gathered Clan Heads silenced any concern he might voice. “Yes, sir.” The other five followed suit. Regardless of their personal feelings, facing the full Clan Council would intimidate many older and braver dwarves.
They started to turn toward the door. “One more thing.” Kivish spoke up. “I’ve dug out some rooms for your use during the next year. They’re near the general living quarters. We’ll show you where.”
With that, the twenty Council dwarves surrounded the six young ones, and bore them off to the new Courting Suite. The young dwarves filed in to the small room, barely big enough to hold the six masterfully-built beds. The door closed behind them, with a solid-sounding thud.
Vucar studied the key in the lock, then turned to Limul. “Since Stodir is one of yours, why don’t you do the honors?”
With a half-shrug, Limul stepped forward and grasped the key. The click as the well-oiled tumblers turned was barely discernible.
(https://i.imgur.com/p5XwMAP.png)
OOC: Yes, I did use DFHack’s gaydar. Stodir is purple (scholar & mechanic). I check whenever I zoom to this level, and if there are any with blue/brown arrows, I unlock the suite door and lock the bottom access door. Once they’ve been fed/watered, I activate their squad and use burrows to gather them back into the suite. I’ve assigned each of them a 1x1 bedroom, and overlaid the entire 3x2 with an unassigned meeting area to encourage “No Job” encounters. Once there is a pair of lovers, I’ll allow the other four to “escape” (un-assigning their beds), then lock up the two lovers until they marry. Rinse and repeat, as appropriate. Adding a second door to the westward suite would allow two separate sets to court at once within the same space. But I still need some working hands. :P
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
03 Moonstone 91
Enough water has now evaporated that we can begin casting the third level of obsidian without losing too much magma to steam.
(https://i.imgur.com/FQkMmrt.png)
At a rate of roughly two levels per season, we’ll be finished with casting sometime in the spring, most likely. At least, that’s what Airith has said.
08 Moonstone 91
Things are much calmer now that all of the troglodyte body parts are gone. I no longer wake up in the night to screams from some poor soul who came across a forgotten tooth in the corridors. The Mayor has decided that we will continue to dispose of live creatures like troglodytes, using the magma sea, rather than combat training, much to Imic’s disappointment.
09 Moonstone 91
Sigun’s cat breeding operation continues to bear fruit.
(https://i.imgur.com/GITGkb8.png)
We’ve moved the new babies to patrol the unprotected seed stockpiles, to prevent any vermin from decimating them again.
--------------------
16 Moonstone 91
Mayor Catten studied the plans that Kivish, Airith, and Lotu had put together. While Kivish had taken over the mining duties, Lotu remained the most experienced miner in the entire city, and his input had proven to be invaluable.
I still need to appoint a Captain of the Guard, and a Hammerer too, most likely. But that can wait until these cells have been carved out. That way they'll have some nice offices and dining rooms, too, without complaining about the wait.
He smiled in appreciation. And the location, right underneath the main living quarters, was ideal, nested as it was between two cavern intrusions.
Yes. This will be a very nice prison complex, which we can use for generations. And if it ever needs expansion, there’s plenty of room.
(https://i.imgur.com/vIVsyIi.png)
--------------------
Excerpt from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
21 Moonstone 91
The third temple level is covered in magma, so it’s time to pull some levers and get the water flow going.
--------------------
23 Moonstone 91
Olon entered the Mayor’s office, red-faced. Here we go again. Catten fought the sigh, and leaned back. This is becoming far too regular of an occurrence. He thought, only half-listening as Olon raged on about getting caught in the rain once again.
Finally, when it seemed like the leatherworker was running out of steam, Catten broke in. “Would it help if your workshop was underground? The engravers have just finished smoothing a lovely workshop room next to Feb’s tannery. You’ll be right across the hall from your leather supplies, and you won’t ever have to worry about the rain again.”
Olon jumped at the idea. “Yes, please! I’ll go start packing up my tools right now!” And he rushed out the door.
Catten watched him go. I guess I’d better get some doors set up too, so that the miasma from the tannery, not to mention Kol’s butchery nearby, doesn’t send him into another round of ranting.
26 Moonstone 91
A few days later, a human walked into the office, without so much as a by-your-leave. His lack of manners rubbed Mayor Catten the wrong way.
(https://i.imgur.com/OukPawT.png)
“No.”
“Why? I’m a decent fighter, and I’ve travelled all over the world to learn new techniques and styles.”
Pressing his fingertips to the surface of his desk, the dwarf leaned forward. “You’re only a mercenary, which means you won’t do anything useful other than the military. That would be acceptable, but you show up here, in this office, with no sponsor and no manners. Anyone who wants live here needs to have both.”
He reached for a quill and a fresh sheet of paper. Without looking up from his writing, Catten added, “Close the door on your way out.”
Curledscoured walked out the door, then paused. His fingers drummed spasmodically on his belt. That person isn’t going to like this. How else am I going to figure out which dwarf is supposed to get the message? His fingers drummed harder. Maybe a drink will help. He headed up to the tavern.
Several hours later, he still didn't have a solution. But I do know one thing. I've carried this thing far enough, it's time I got rid of it. Walking up to the library, he browsed the shelves. It was late, and the scholars were all grouped on one side of the room, energetically debating some sort of lock.
(https://i.imgur.com/Qa8gDmJ.png)
Reassured that no one was watching, he slipped the sealed sheet between two quires. Delivery complete. He decided in satisfaction. He was free to resume his travels.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
03 Opal 91
Neo has been seized by inspiration.
(https://i.imgur.com/7ah1e9Q.png)
He has claimed the forge, so the only question is what kind of actually useful creation he has in mind.
(https://i.imgur.com/q8jD4Nh.png)
06 Opal 91
The human, Bearskie, has been very attentive to the teachings of our own gem cutters, Logem and Catten Crowchambers. They agree that his skill level is improving, though he still has a long way to go before nearing a dwarf’s native skill in gemology.
(https://i.imgur.com/ck9VFwY.png)
09 Opal 91
After running around for the last week, Neo has begun working on his project.
(https://i.imgur.com/2d9cDEq.png)
Whatever it is, it will be very nicely decorated.
(https://i.imgur.com/9HjAFv2.png)
13 Opal 91
A new weapon. Well, Imic’s going to be happy about that.
(https://i.imgur.com/550iIAc.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/5CB6wzw.png)
--------------------
13 Opal 91, In the training barracks
“Ya couldn’ have made an axe? Or a hammer? Ya know, sump’n we have training to actually use?” Imic couldn’t believe his subordinate’s foolishness.
Neo looked down at the mace in his hand. “Well, no. The gods said it had to be a mace.”
“Hmmph.” Imic snorted. “Well, I’m not givin’ it t’ that human, Uso, to wield. But waiting for enough newbies to make up a macedwarf squad… Give it here. It can hang on th’ wall fer now.”
16 Opal 91
Airith watched the water creep, ever-so-slowly, toward the last pool of magma. Suddenly, a cloud of steam burst upward. Smiling, she pulled the lever to cut off the water.
Now I just need to wait a month or so, while it evaporates, and then it’ll be time to start over for the next level.
She did like it when there was visible progress on her various projects.
21 Opal 91
Sigun approached the cage warily. He had no experience dealing with something like this. The creature inside opened its mouth, displaying an intimidating amount of teeth. The tail lashed from side to side. No, that cave crocodile was not happy.
And somehow I have to figure out how to tame it without losing an arm.
But taming it would be a step toward yet another breeding animal, so it had to be done.
25 Opal 91
The alarm spread like wildfire through the city.
I knew things were going too smoothly! Mayor Catten paced his office, wringing his hands in worry.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZhjhQ5E.png)
How long he paced, he didn’t know, but eventually he realized that no one from the military was coming. Bothered, he headed up to the training barrcks to track down Imic. This last was leading a combat drill, clearly unworried about anything in the caverns.
“Commander Imic!” Mayor Catten had to yell to make himself heard over the ringing of metal weapons against shields.
Imic glanced away from the drilling soldiers. “Huh?”
“What about that scorpion? That’s more important than this, surely?”
Imic refocused on the drilling squad. “Nah. Don’ worry ‘bout that scorpion. The Barricaded Charity’re on duty. They’ll take care of’t, no problem.”
I really need a Captain of the Guard who will answer directly to me. Catten brooded as he walked away. Such slapdash attention to proper administrative command was far too stressful for his peace of mind.
27 Opal 91
Down in the caverns, the spearelf Ithìthì waited by the new cavern entrance whose construction Airith was carefully managing.
Ithìthì heard the odd chittering first, as the scorpion’s claws skittered on the occasional rock that littered the cavern floor, buried beneath a very thin coating of mud. The creature itself appeared a short time later. The phosphorescence made the creature’s eyes appear to glow, and glinted off the claws and mandibles. Curled high above its back, the poisonous tip of its tail gleamed malevolently.
The elf swallowed, and hefted his spear. Wait for it, wait for it. The silent mantra kept him focused, as he chose his target with care.
As soon as the scorpion got close enough, it attacked. Ithìthì leaped out of the way of the threatening claw, and struck back. The complete exchange was brief.
(https://i.imgur.com/9mix2vn.png)
Just as the rest of the squad responded to the sound of fighting and arrived on the scene, Ithìthì struck the death-blow. Studying the corpse as he cleaned off his spear, he remarked. “That was easier than I thought it would be.”
03 Obsidian 91
Airith studied her progress log one last time. Lotu had headed to bed hours ago, but she had had a few details to take care of.
Yes, that entrance will be much more defensible, once I get those mushroom trees removed.
(https://i.imgur.com/6CYtV5d.png) (https://i.imgur.com/n90k8Iq.png) (https://i.imgur.com/IYw64Yi.png) (https://i.imgur.com/NhvNiA5.png)
Bottom Level Second Level Third Level Top Level
Yawning, she snuffed out the candle, and crawled into bed next to her husband. She had been feeling much more tired than usual, lately.
05 Obsidian 91
Catten Fencedlearned was hauling some logs to the carpentry’s stockpile, when suddenly she dropped the lot with a series of curses.
(https://i.imgur.com/PHmuhRc.png)
“@#$*%^%$ you! @*#5&%$* your mother! And $@#%& your father! #$%$*@*%$%& all of your ancestors!” She taunts the air. “What? You want a piece of me? Fine, you asked for it!”
Ignoring the other residents watching her open-mouthed, she raced toward Spriggans, who dodged out of Catten’s way with alacrity, hands up in a defensive stance. But it was as if Catten didn’t even see her.
Catten ran pell-mell down the Central Spire, sparking sudden cries and curses as she tumbled into and bounced off of other dwarves, who were simply minding their own business.
Ricocheting out of Central Spire, she made a bee-line for the general pasture that held the carnivorous animals destined for slaughter. She charged through the teeming mass of bodies, then drew back a fist and punched hard, throwing her full body weight behind it.
(https://i.imgur.com/KbjhC9x.png)
In shock at the completely unanticipated attack, the dog cowered down, whining in confusion.
The whine brought Catten back to her senses. “Oh, you poor thing. What have I done? I didn’t mean to…” She knelt next to the animal, and reached out to gently rub an ear. "I'm sorry, I just lost it there, for a moment. All this never-ending rain..."
(https://i.imgur.com/B3TiFaT.png)
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, broker.
10 Obsidian 91
Late winter is quiet, giving us time to focus on various constructions within the city. Besides the safer cavern defenses, Airith has also started building the permanent pump stack that will feed the waterfall in the middle of the Sacred Grove. We have also begun work to build the last set of walls, which will direct the water into the waterfall.
I can't wait to start the flow of water. A number of us could do with some consistent cheering up.
19 Obsidian 91
Airith has gone down to open up the magma pipes, once again. Robek’s temple is nearly complete, and there is a general feeling of hope. Soon, perhaps he will be happy enough with us to no longer send his terrifying creatures to attack us.
--------------------
23 Obsidian 91
The dwarf stood next to the magma lever, and watched the slow, relentless progress of molten rock as it flowed steadily into the fourth level of Robek's planned temple.
There hasn't been a message. Should I be worried? It's not like the Master to be silent for so long. The dwarf stood, and brooded. Every creature summoned had failed in their summoned task. The few deaths that they had claimed had been primarily humans and elves, of which even the best were only of limited use.
With this new marriage directive from the Royal Council, the Master's plan has gotten more complicated. What am I supposed to do? Has something happened to the messages? The dwarf stood, and brooded.
28 Obsidian 91
Mayor Catten studied Akrul’s report. Hmm.
(https://i.imgur.com/3VmVhUw.png)
“We’re in pretty good shape.” He remarked. “But I don’t like those anvil numbers.”
Akrul leaned across the table. “Well, making seventeen a month is reasonable for a dwarf of some skill—“
“Yes, one who is not getting interrupted for any and every reason.” Catten interrupted. “Look at this! I’ve only made five! And you expect me to triple that?”
Akrul shrugged. “It’s quite possible.”
Catten gritted his teeth. “What did Lotu do in the past for this?”
Akrul scowled, and muttered at the floor.
“I didn’t hear that.”
“He had the crafters make mini-forges.” Akrul spoke more loudly, but it was still barely discernible and sounded like "He hathcrfsmmmffgs."
“I’m sorry, what?”
“He had the crafters make mini-forges.” Akrul leaped up from her chair. “The idea is ridiculous, of course. I’m amazed no one has called him on it yet.”
Catten leaned back, and rested his chin on his steepled hands. “It’s actually pretty clever. Some of those toy anvils are very well-made, and might be useful in training a child the rudiments of crafting, if such a child were interested.”
Akrul spun around. “You can’t be saying what I think you’re saying. We have a specific set of requests!”
Catten shrugged. “And we’ll fill them. With toys. Otherwise Bomrek won’t be getting any, since I have to make each and every one. Go let the woodcrafters know.”
Throwing her hands in the air, Akrul stomped out. Catten was careful not to hear her enraged mutterings.
I'm beginning to see why no one wants this job. He glared at the report.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 12, 2018, 07:24:24 pm
Spoiler: Founders & Local Heads: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan A Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan B Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan C Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan D Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan E Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan F Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan G Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan H Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan I Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan J Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan K & L Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan W Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan X Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Y Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Clan Z Civilians (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unknown Parentage (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pale Roads (Axedwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Pillars of Ink (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Helmed Anvils (Hammerdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Boats of Mining (Swordsdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Barricaded Charity (Speardwarves & Misc. Mercenaries) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Oracular Golds (Marksdwarves) (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Unaffiliated Citizens Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Residents Joined by Petition (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NPCs: (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Current List of Deities (click to show/hide)
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
Spoiler: Lyra (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Airith (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Another (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Neo (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: NCommander (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: MrLurkety (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Spriggans (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dr. Urist (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Lotu (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Autuz (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Mooney (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Imic (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Sky (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bob (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ryukan (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Dorsi (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Bearskie (click to show/hide)
Post by: Fleeting Frames on August 12, 2018, 09:11:26 pm
Quote
What sounded almost like a snort came from the hood. "These dwarves welcome anyone with military experience."
I swear, we're so easy to spy on. "A dog has revealed the location of X", indeed!
But eternal curses are more impactful when they exist. Many have gotten some of that on purpose in fear of death.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Only shipping 1 pair at a time, but planning to ship them all?
Hm, that's something.
Though does somebody actually have preference for animal tallow?
....I must say, I didn't expect you to ship more than 2 at once. Arranged marriages are usually between two families, but maybe that will ensure more compatible matches.
Also, locking together two smallerclans may be marriage of alliance.
Overall, it's larger than what I usually use, but I suppose small meeting area cuts most of the woes. Spirals are a neat touch.
...Ah, using burrows instead? That's rather micromanagy. Did you test and find just relying on the meeting area not working?
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
On a similar note, probably should include a waterfall or something in the prison complex, given why most people end up there (a pressure plate could be admired and control whether it is on or off). Though it may go against thematics.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Hunting FBs with wooden spears? Gutsy.
And huh, that's some weird behaviour for a tantrum.
: : : : : : : : : : : : : :
So come metal anvils to an end again. Still, for 1 quota, they were there.
Post by: Dorsidwarf on August 13, 2018, 05:31:28 am
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on August 13, 2018, 07:31:25 am
Did you test and find just relying on the meeting area not working?The burrows are used only to get them back into the room (by (de)activating their squad with "Defend Burrows" as the command), it's very efficient that way. The meeting zone seems to speed up encounters, so that most of the time I only have to wait two seasons to get lovers (though there are occasional hold-outs, hence the very skewed sex ratio). And I use six at a time because I'm impatient, and don't want to sacrifice a year on a pair that isn't compatible (from what I've seen, it can take up to a year to get lovers). But at this moment, they all show up in each others' relationships lists, so something should happen in spring, or summer at the latest.
On a similar note, probably should include a waterfall or something in the prison complex, given why most people end up there (a pressure plate could be admired and control whether it is on or off). Though it may go against thematics.
I actually use platinum chains, masterwork everything, and each cell's food/drink stockpiles hold that dwarf's preference (when possible). Yes, it's micro-manage-y, but I'd rather that than release a dwarf that promptly starts tantruming.
And huh, that's some weird behaviour for a tantrum.Pretty sure Catten targeted the nearest creature, which happened to be a dog ~15 z-levels directly below her. Nothing else makes sense, given the game mechanics.
So come metal anvils to an end again. Still, for 1 quota, they were there.And I now know that it isn't possible to make as many each month as I can most other things. This whole challenge is teaching me things I never knew. :P
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Fleeting Frames on August 14, 2018, 01:48:33 am
I usually check dwarf personalities before assigning them into suites (I also check them in relations-indicator, but by default err on the side of including some grumps due not being sure where the line is). I'm not sure how many participants conversations can actually have and how this impacts relationship growth - will Bob be spread thin between 5, will the relationships grow at same rate due public speaking, or will they grow faster due meeting count being interrupted?
I typically include table and chair since eating at same table counts as meeting.
And yeah. Anvils, (clear) glass windows, crystal glass instruments, craft inventory shrinkage, even the multiple demands for blocks....Hm, what else?
E: Paid attention and found an instrument utilizing crystal glass (https://i.imgur.com/SRI8Tqr.png) in my old fort; seems you could produce them on-site as long as you import crystal glass bodies.
Post by: NCommander on August 21, 2018, 01:36:30 am
Post by: Moonstone_Flower on August 23, 2018, 01:33:34 am
Coming back to DF a bit and realizing this is still going; very impressive with two years of uptime here! Need to dig in and read the entire thread.
It is impressive, isn't it? A fun story, too. Cheers, Dame de la Licorne!
Post by: Memphis_Wildcard on August 31, 2018, 12:06:09 am
He was always named Memphis. He was hiding his identity. He also has an Elvish accent. ;D
I have also read the entire thread and think it is just the best. I want to try my own hand at export challenges and such.
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on September 01, 2018, 12:38:59 pm
E: Paid attention and found an instrument utilizing crystal glass (https://i.imgur.com/SRI8Tqr.png) in my old fort; seems you could produce them on-site as long as you import crystal glass bodies.I've seen this too, but since I couldn't import that many crystal glass instrument-related anything, I "fudged".
Glad to have you back, NCommander!
One of the poetry dwarves, please. Preferably one who hangs out with humans a bunch. Nickname him Memphis.Let's see... Currently the only dwarven poets we have are Udil Lockedringed (she's currently planting/crafting depending on quota needs) and Kivish Bentglazes, he's now mining because I have other story plans for Lotu. The majority of entertainers are elves, with the occasional human or goblin thrown in. If you're okay with a female avatar, Udil may be the best fit (she spends a LOT of time in the tavern, while Kivish seemed to prefer the library or temple when he needed a break).
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Memphis_Wildcard on September 03, 2018, 11:34:12 pm
Quote from: Dame de la Licorne
Let's see... Currently the only dwarven poets we have are Udil Lockedringed (she's currently planting/crafting depending on quota needs) and Kivish Bentglazes, he's now mining because I have other story plans for Lotu. The majority of entertainers are elves, with the occasional human or goblin thrown in. If you're okay with a female avatar, Udil may be the best fit (she spends a LOT of time in the tavern, while Kivish seemed to prefer the library or temple when he needed a break).
- Dame de la Licorne
Actually Kivish makes good sense for what I have in mind. I don't recall, has he made an artifact yet?
Post by: Dame de la Licorne on September 07, 2018, 01:32:47 pm
Actually Kivish makes good sense for what I have in mind. I don't recall, has he made an artifact yet?
No, he hasn't. If he's the one you want, you have him. He's being a miner right now, but he was the city's brewer for years before that.
- Dame de la Licorne
Post by: Memphis_Wildcard on September 11, 2018, 03:44:22 am
It's been years here. I can finally throw off my secret identity and be myself.
You are holding a +turkey leather bound journal+. On the cover of the journal is a masterful image of a dwarf. The Dwarf is singing. The image is the personal symbol of Memphis Wildcard, sometimes Kivish Bentglazes. Inside the journal is writing.
I have avoided writing up until now. I have often avoided thinking until now. My poetical skills have not been needed, but my skill with performance has not been wasted. So long as I never thought of the past, of the reasons I came here, I found I could hold this lie, this Kivish, together.
Today I passed another of the many poets here in the halls. An elf. I heard him whisper.
"Came thee here to understand, did thee?" I stopped in my tracks.
"The College of Change has forgotten thee not. We only bemoan the loss of a fellow artist."
I turned but the elf was already turning the corner. To chase him then would have been... To obvious. But the conversation has played in my head over and over. One thing the elves have, which we dwarves could stand to adopt: they are masters of persuasion. His words have become a poison to Kivish.
I want to be myself again. I will speak with Leto tomorrow. Perhaps I will perform as I once did, or go back to the mines.... And think. Finally.
The entry ends.
You close the journal.
Edit: man I haven't posted on a forum for... 7 years now?
Post by: auzewasright on October 11, 2018, 05:16:46 pm
Post by: auzewasright on December 06, 2018, 10:10:56 pm
Post by: Dorsidwarf on December 07, 2018, 10:21:42 am
Post by: auzewasright on December 07, 2018, 08:51:16 pm
Generally bad form to beg for updates on this sort of thing, especially when the creators mentioned they’ve been having issues. We all like updates to our favorite things, I get that, but sometimes RL overtakes DF in priority. (Plus, contentless bumping just gets people who enjoy been waiting for an update pointlessly excited)Can't disagree with that.