Bay 12 Games Forum

Dwarf Fortress => DF Community Games & Stories => Topic started by: Quaksna on March 15, 2019, 07:33:58 am

Title: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on March 15, 2019, 07:33:58 am

+DWARF FORTRESS PAPERCRAFTS+

Oh, sweet memories from times passed:
"I don't like being Escaped Lunatic, so with this thread, I am going to present myself to the Bay 12 Community, with my Dwarf Fortress related papercrafts. I have plenty of paper figures and stuff home, I want to share those. Sorry for bad quality of photos, I am just dabbling photographer. But Competent Papercrafter! Enjoy!
Sorry for bad english, I bet I wrote something wrong. Or forum law violation. I am a beginner at pretty much everything  :)
Feel free to post whatever DIY Dwarf Fortress Stuff. If you have any. I will post some more. Someday. (Once I get some tracing paper to do those guys platforms to stand on)"

Q'uaksna, March 15, 2019, 07:33:58 am

TALES OF KUDARKALUR

Chapter 1

Part 1 - Introduction (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7944404#msg7944404)
Part 2 - The Harsh Council (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7945862#msg7945862)
Part 3 - By the Black Pillar (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7947375#msg7947375)
Part 4 - Way through Dimshascuggán (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7947845#msg7947845)
Part 5 - Weird colorful goblins (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7950919#msg7950919)
Part 6 - Farewell to desert (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7951332#msg7951332)
Part 7 - The Conflict of Treacherous (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7952722#msg7952722)
Part 8 - Trading with the tribesmen (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7953631#msg7953631)
Part 9 - Duto and the toad (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7955041#msg7955041)
Part 10 - Founding of Kudarkalur (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7955047#msg7955047)

Chapter 2
Part 1 - The Toad arrives (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7955369#msg7955369)
Part 2 - Dorfiness and nothing more (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7956175#msg7956175)
Part 3 - Tribesmen in Tetistinen (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7956598#msg7956598)
Part 4 - Fierce frogo guys (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7957999#msg7957999)
Part 5 - Greetings from the Mountainhome (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7958334#msg7958334)
Part 6 - Barefoot madmen (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7958751#msg7958751)
Part 7 - Sorcerous struggles with spells and stuff (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7960250#msg7960250)
Part 8 - Knights and dragons (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7961671#msg7961671)
Part 9 - Treatise on vice and virtue (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7962416#msg7962416)
Part 10 - Traveldwarf's fun (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7963042#msg7963042)

Chapter 3

Part 1 - Dwarf Fortress Undercover (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7965955#msg7965955)
Part 2 - Alhoñilun awaits (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7966400#msg7966400)
Part 3 - Loss and Gain (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7967312#msg7967312)
Part 4 - Concerning the exalted (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7969465#msg7969465)
Part 5 - Pickaxe is migthier than sword (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7970301#msg7970301)
Part 6 - The Day of the Rutherer (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7971233#msg7971233)
Part 7 - Little do they know (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7973855#msg7973855)
Part 8 - It's just a tantrum and nothing more (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7974780#msg7974780)
Part 9 - I didn't want a new round (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7976909#msg7976909)
Part 10 - Way of wrath (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7978394#msg7978394)

Chapter 4

Part 1 - Purple War (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7979030#msg7979030)
Part 2 - Crundle bundle (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7980540#msg7980540)
Part 3 - Give in to night (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7981213#msg7981213)
Part 4 - Considering Zomus (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7984681#msg7984681)
Part 5 - Mourning of the toads (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7987069#msg7987069)
Part 6 - In a cavern, no one can be sure (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7988361#msg7988361)
Part 7 - Lolor and the Perilous Tunnel (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8001458#msg8001458)
Part 8 - Wicked enough (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8004333#msg8004333)
Part 9 - Wizards everywhere (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8007449#msg8007449)
Part 10 - Tribal Treason (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8008852#msg8008852)

Chapter 5

Part 1 - Toad therapy (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8019245#msg8019245)
Part 2 - Jussst awesssome (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8019618#msg8019618)
Part 3 - Professional robbing (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8020744#msg8020744)
Part 4 - Hot topic (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8021546#msg8021546)
Part 5 - Sic transit gloria mundi (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8021994#msg8021994)
Part 6 - Royal reverence (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8023462#msg8023462)
Part 7 - Affairs under the ground (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8024349#msg8024349)
Part 8 - Something bad must have happened (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8026433#msg8026433)
Part 9 - Tunnels are the best (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8026828#msg8026828)
Part 10 - The Siege of Dawning (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8031720#msg8031720)

Chapter 6

Part 1 - We were a mere settlement (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8036101#msg8036101)
Part 2 - Incessssssant babbling (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8037928#msg8037928)
Part 3 - In the mean-time (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8042250#msg8042250)
Part 4 - Off to war (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8046239#msg8046239)
Part 5 - Rants that tear the world apart (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8067151#msg8067151)
Part 6 - Busssinessssss to be done (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8067555#msg8067555)
Part 7 - War is not here (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8099847#msg8099847)
Part 8 - More you have, more you shall get (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8104425#msg8104425)
Part 9 - Inflitrating the Mountainhome (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8106649#msg8106649)
Part 10 - Last Stand of the Silver Crane (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8172620#msg8172620)

Chapter 7

Part 1 - Invasion from below (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8198989#msg8198989)
Part 2 - Assault on the Mountainhome (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8199428#msg8199428)
Part 3 - The tomb expanded (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8199740#msg8199740)
Part 4 - Victory challenged (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8200298#msg8200298)
Part 5 - A New Beginning (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg8200579#msg8200579)

Other +papercrafts+
Tale of three amphibian man heroes, just below
Q'uaksna's workshop (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=173490.msg7987068#msg7987068)

Once upon a time, in caverns of Shadkikthol, there were three amphibian men, Nisgak, Nod, and Erar.
(https://i.imgur.com/ErIVy50.jpg?2)
They looked down to cavern layer below.
(https://i.imgur.com/4O8Cjrl.jpg?1)
Ahh! Plump helmet men! Hello down there!
(https://i.imgur.com/QoQ49lM.jpg?2)
Oh no!!! Tarmid Ugokkirun, the forgotten beast has come!
(https://i.imgur.com/NoGal4P.jpg?1)
Tarmid strikes a menacing pose. It tries to bite them!
(https://i.imgur.com/LOashfH.jpg?2)
Plumps dodged the bite. Tarmid is laughing.
(https://i.imgur.com/naxdPjW.jpg?3)
Plumps tried to retaliate, but Tarmid has become enraged! They escape to layer, where our heroes are.
(https://i.imgur.com/0wmk09C.jpg?1)
Amphibian men rush to help the mushrooms.
(https://i.imgur.com/R2jWP04.jpg?1)
Erar tries to lure it away, while Nod and Nisgak sneaks behind the beast.
(https://i.imgur.com/7ZhzJOI.jpg?1)
They severed its leg! Tarmid roars and tries to escape, but he is crippled! Victory!!!
(https://i.imgur.com/f0GTcXd.jpg?1)
From that on, Nisgak, Nod and Erar became heroes among plump helmet men. Long live to them!!!
(https://i.imgur.com/e7gqrrN.jpg?1)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Superdorf on March 15, 2019, 09:53:49 am

That was delightful. I'll be watching this.  :D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 15, 2019, 10:02:57 am

Superdorf, I give you the honor to bear title of "Passing Acquaintance". Man, you made me so happy!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: methylatedspirit on March 15, 2019, 10:31:52 am

Honestly, I think this is an interesting concept that has potential, especially considering that I've never seen DF related stuff in the form of DIY arts and crafts.
That, and it's always interesting to see how people like you interpret the "raw data" of DF to tell a story within its world.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 15, 2019, 11:06:38 am

Yeah, it's kinda fun interpreting stuff from game into little paper guys. I plan to do some webcomic interactive stuff like Littlest Cheesemaker, with drawn pictures and possibly these photos. It's even more interesting that every figure I make, be it human lord looking like Mozart or sturdy dwarf captain with long curly beard and stuff, you can think of some story or backround for each of those, and result are not only pretty figures but also interesting characters and stories. I'll show you what I mean in next post. Seven dwarf settlers, coming soon!  :)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: mightymushroom on March 15, 2019, 11:13:58 am

This opening story is cute, I wouldn't mind seeing a webcomic.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 15, 2019, 01:44:00 pm

And I wouldn't mind making a webcomic.  :)
The only thing I was afraid of was if there would be some players, you know. But now, I see that you guys actually like my work. That's... Satisfying. You stuffed me with good thoughts. Thank you!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 16, 2019, 10:11:18 am

Here we have a scene of seven dwarven settlers, having a short break before reaching their destination.
(https://i.imgur.com/S0BrGa0.jpg?1)

Here we have Alak Zilirdural, that's the one with the red beard. He's an overseer and organizator of this journey to create a new fortress. That's maybe why the others hold grudges against him, but he's okay. Right now he is eating wheels of cheese to support his mind, burdened with heavy tasks of his profession. Ermis Anurím, the woman at the left makes a plaintive gesture, in order to stop their boss from eating all the cheese. But this is Dwarf Fortress, so it was inevitable. In the middle is Olmul Angsikel, who still believes in the power of soap, and its unquestionable superiority to cheese. In other words, he doesn't care one way or other.
(https://i.imgur.com/uK1sCnq.jpg?1)
Here we have the rest. Two beasts of burden, Unnos and Razes can finally get some rest and few mouthfuls of yummy vegetation. Near the wagon stands Vúsh Akamanön, watching the livestock. As we can see, the wagon is full of supplies. Picks, axe, meat, soap, leather, ale... Oh! They have forgotten the anvil! Now the overseer makes a plaintive gesture. The two dwarfs lying on a rock, eating cheese no one claimed yet, are commenting the weather. They are Urnât Kìraremtan, the blond one, and Kin Emenzágod, the other one. Berath Gusilmas stands behind them and observes the area. There could be some elves nearby, they wouldn't be happy if they saw the wagon.
(https://i.imgur.com/VJFpLcQ.jpg?1)
The whole scene.
(https://i.imgur.com/4nCuTea.jpg?2)
Who knows in what kind of trouble they will get to. Who knows...

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: methylatedspirit on March 16, 2019, 10:28:31 am

The classic DF riddle comes to mind: where did the first anvil come from, if the only way to make them is by using anvils?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Cathar on March 16, 2019, 01:17:15 pm

Obviously, by a long process of altered duplication coupled to a process of natural selection which insures that the best proto-anvils would duplicate more and more each generation, up to the modern day anvils we have

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 16, 2019, 01:43:22 pm

Maybe there were some Incusmancers? With material emissions, shooting trails of anvils once per year?
Guys, it seems I need more than tracing paper. Tarmid Ugokkirun is a bit older forgotten beast, and now, that those amphibian men heroes have taken care of him, I will need to choose a successor. I just keep smiling when I see each new post in this thread. Hmmm... Let's stirr the story a bit...

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Imic on March 16, 2019, 03:54:45 pm

Tne sad, boring answer to the anvio question is that the first anvils were large boulders that were used until they shattered, and a new boulder was used, until someone made an actual long lasting one. Or some such. But since no Dwarf would dream in this day and age of forging anything of proper Metal on anything less that the cooled molten ferrous bounty of Armok’s dominion.
Or some such.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: snow dwarf on March 16, 2019, 11:18:24 pm

This is extremely fun to read. PTW

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 17, 2019, 01:13:31 pm

Another fan! Welcome snow dwarf. Everything is going according to the plan...
With heavy heart I must inform you, that without tracing paper, I am crippled like Tarmid Ugokkirun. Without good platforms I can do only these rest scenes with everyone lying somewhere. So expect some delay for the next part of this dwarven adventure.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 19, 2019, 09:38:17 am

Still no tracing paper, but that won't stop me! A short interlude:

Meanwhile our dwarf settlers are lingering, in a secret cavern hideout, strange things are going on...
(https://i.imgur.com/6iDdxWM.jpg?1)
The toad in the middle said : "Hey? Hey? Is everyone here? Ye? Good. Welcome to the Harsh Council!" Everyone muttered something. Toad contunued : ,,We are here, because we need to make world better! There are too much foulness in the world! Weird cults are rising, bad guys are on the highest positions, and woods are full of hippies! What do you say?"
(https://i.imgur.com/IQBdjLC.jpg?1)
Amphibian man 1 : "It's sad but not unexpected."
(https://i.imgur.com/AcEeB8r.jpg?1)
Amphibian man 2 : "It was inevitable."
Amphibian man 3 : "It's for the be..."
(https://i.imgur.com/ZXyGpJF.jpg?1)
Toad : "Oh shut up! We can't just state opinions! It's time to act!!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/NhYbD96.jpg?1)
Amphibian man 2 : "Do we have a plan?"
Toad : "We do have a plan, indeed, plan really simple! We will unite the civilizations!!!"
Amphibian man 1 : "Impossible!!!"
Toad : "Might seem so, but you don't understand. We must convince as many as possible to join us!!! Questions?"
Amphibian man 2 : "How do we convince them? I mean, they don't care. One way or other."
Toad : "That's the problem. Only few in this world still believe in us. Becuase of our beauty."
Amphibian man 1 : "We can't talk to kobolds. Not to their tribes, precisely. They are babbling such nonsences..."
Amphibian man 2 : "It's possible for us to convince humans. At least those tan-skinned. The advanced ones detest us. Goblins are ruled by bad guys and seem too bad."
(https://i.imgur.com/d4TqS7Q.jpg?1)
Amphibian man 3 : "What about those short elve..."
Toad : "Dialog with hippies? Keep your weird thoughts to yourself! They care more about reed and thistles!!! Nah, were not ready for that!"
Amphibian man 1 : "But then there are only..."
Toad : "Dwarves, yeah. I've been informed that group of colonists are going to pass through Tetistinen. I'll meet them at the Black Pillar. Hope I can convince them to cooperation. Good deal, nah?"
Amphibian man 1 : "Yeah!"
Amphibian man 2 : "Yay!"
Amphibian man 3 : "Whatever."
(https://i.imgur.com/jkRU7Wd.jpg?1)
Toad : "My persuading has improved, that was very satisfying!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 20, 2019, 02:48:25 am

So quiet here... Guys? I'm a Bay Watcher now! Thanks for the feedback. Now I was thinking, I am the only one posting papercrafts here, and now it has become a story. Shouldn't we move the thread to Community stories and Games? I'm asking cause I don't know how it works.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: snow dwarf on March 20, 2019, 03:40:04 am

Quote from: Quaksna on March 20, 2019, 02:48:25 am

So quiet here... Guys? I'm a Bay Watcher now! Thanks for the feedback. Now I was thinking, I am the only one posting papercrafts here, and now it has become a story. Shouldn't we move the thread to Community stories and Games? I'm asking cause I don't know how it works.

Yep, it should be in community games and stories.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 20, 2019, 01:38:52 pm

Oh I accidentally moved it to Announcements and ended up with a tantrum for a whole day  :) Thanks Toady It's fixed.
There are now two MOVED: links directing through the forums, but they lead here, so I guess it's okay.
Next release we'll return to our dwarf heroes, now with platforms so they can stand instead of lying on rocks  :).

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Superdorf on March 20, 2019, 01:54:29 pm

Quote from: Quaksna on March 20, 2019, 01:38:52 pm

Oh I accidentally moved it to Announcements and ended up with a tantrum for a whole day  :) Thanks Toady It's fixed.
There are now two MOVED: links directing through the forums, but they lead here, so I guess it's okay.
Next release we'll return to our dwarf heroes, now with platforms so they can stand instead of lying on rocks  :).

Oh hey, you fixed it. And platforms! Wonderful!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: scourge728 on March 20, 2019, 03:09:14 pm

ptw

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: methylatedspirit on March 20, 2019, 04:35:18 pm

I'm surprised that you could move threads to Announcements in the first place.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: WillowLuman on March 20, 2019, 04:57:55 pm

I'm gonna watch this, this is adorable.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: MadMonkey on March 20, 2019, 05:12:36 pm

PTW this is so cute!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: scourge728 on March 20, 2019, 05:38:24 pm

Quote from: methylatedspirit on March 20, 2019, 04:35:18 pm

I'm surprised that you could move threads to Announcements in the first place.

this gives me ideas

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 20, 2019, 11:26:41 pm

I still can't believe such famous forum artists adore my work. But it's great.  :) I have only a little time today, platforms were already applied how needed in next scene. Tomorrow or Saturday next episode could be finished, we'll see. By the way, would you like to interact with the story too? I need ideas you know.  :)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 22, 2019, 09:41:01 am

Here we go! Enjoy.

Our dwarven heroes continued on their journey to found new fortress. They were travelling in a highland, and joyous singing could be heard all over the place.
(https://i.imgur.com/t39Mhr1.jpg?1)
Olmul (singing): "And they sang anvils! But then I told them that..."
Alak : "Shut up!"
Kin and Olmul: "These anvils were just boulders! And the best ones dwarves had..."
Kin: "Stood for few more ages till they melted down in dwarfs best friend!"
Kin and Olmul: "Yay!!!"
Olmul: "And they sang anvils..."
(https://i.imgur.com/ccC4s4Z.jpg?1)
Alak yelled: "For the sake of the world, just shut up!!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/3OnG3eG.jpg?1)
Berath said: "I must insist. I do admire their singing."
(https://i.imgur.com/YSduZWC.jpg?1)
Alak started throwing insults. "Zodostshokmut!!! Just stop!"
Berath pressed on: "No I mean it. I do amire..."
Alak shouted: "Aaaaah!!! Can't we just, you know, get in silence to the mountain, build a fortress and live happily ever after? Eh?"
Silence.
"Finally!"
(https://i.imgur.com/4UPhgIq.jpg?1)
Olmul whispered to Kin : "Pity I don't have asrer here. My dad used to have a shop with percussions, you know."
After he calmed down, Alak asked: "So, navigator. Now that you stopped singing... How's the situation?"
Olmul proudly said: "According to my excellent plans, were heading to Tetistinen. Hope we'll cross the hills soon..."
(https://i.imgur.com/yGaL8Jq.jpg?1)
Vúsh was looking at the sky. She said: "The clouds look pretty bad."
"Rain? Storm?" asked Kin.
"No. She means some sort of sign." said Urnût.
(https://i.imgur.com/07IJwnz.jpg?1)
Alak : "Oh please, don't start again with signs and omens. You ain't tribesmen anymore."
Vúsh : "Don't speak like that! We shouldn't understimate Dakon! Those who disturb Midor will call lushût on themselves!"
Berath : "Do you believe in omens, Urnût?"
Urnût : "Omens? Like seeing a roc above your head brings you good luck? Seriously, that's why I abandoned the culture as soon it was possible."
Vúsh : "Traitor!"
Ermis : "I heard that eating eggs more than three times a day brings up a terrible disaster, is it so?"
Urnût : "Brings up tantrum at best."
Vúsh : "More than tantrum! Such lushút can't be so easily removed! You need to stare on giant sponge till the sun settles down!"
(https://i.imgur.com/tArg9s1.jpg?1)
Olmul : "Hey guys, that looks like the Black Pillar! Some sort of memorial. We're getting closer!"
Alak : "At last! You should sing only in happy moments like this!"
(https://i.imgur.com/TCSQJ46.jpg?1)
Vúsh : "Wait. Is that a toad on the pillar?"
Urnût : "Tell me. What's it now?"
Berath : "It's truly a toad!"
"What's taking them so long?" thought the toad.
(https://i.imgur.com/KWwHXZv.jpg?1)
Vúsh : "Stop! Stop! We must go no further! That's the toad in a highs, a Nodobok! Strong Aroth must permeate here!"
Alak : "Oh c'mon, a toad won't bite us. Let's go."
Vúsh : "Fine. But I warned you! Disturbing Midor is a bad idea."
"Finally. Hey what? Why are they stopping again?" thought the toad, and started losing patience.
(https://i.imgur.com/OToMQIN.jpg?1)
Berath : "Back, back! Band of goblins ahead! If they see us, we're..."
Vúsh : "See, you nonbelievers?"
Olmul : "And what if I just picked my sword and..."
(https://i.imgur.com/MmMgfBB.jpg?1)
Alak : "Forget the sword! We must hide the wagon! Turn back!"
Kin : "Heard the lord, furheads! Turn back! And don't make noises, okay?"
"Wha... What? Oh crap! No good. Dumb goblins... I must meet this caravan later. I'll distract the goblins. Those dwarves don't seem clever enough, I shall help them." thought the toad.
(https://i.imgur.com/EYOYJQy.jpg?1)
Goblins came to the pillar.
"Hey boss! A toad!" shouted one goblin.
(https://i.imgur.com/XbuPN6u.jpg?1)
Goblin boss said: "I don't care about toads! Some caravans are to pass Tetistinen. That's our business here!"
One goblin asked: "How do we know that?"
"It's season." replied the boss.
(https://i.imgur.com/3QQlQPG.jpg?1)
Toad called: "Hey, gobbos!"
Goblins turned.
"It talks!" one said.
Their boss shouted: "Toad! Have you seen some caravans near here?"
"Why?" asked the toad. "It's seas..." started some goblin, but was quickly interrupted:
"Cause toads who lie to me tend to not end very well. Speak!"
Toad calmly said: "No."
Goblin boss was angry. "Knock it down!"
(https://i.imgur.com/yK5CWSz.jpg?1)
"Fools! I am untouchable!" shouted the toad. Goblin tried to knock it with his spear.
"Ouch!" toad said. "Don't touch me!"
"Sooo?" asked the goblin boss.
"Okay, okay!" toad said. "There was dwarven caravan passing in this direction."
(https://i.imgur.com/aTHl1vF.jpg?1)
Goblin boss turned back. "Fine. Let's go boys, we migt have missed them."
One of the goblins asked: "And what about the toad?" "Forget the toad!" boss replied.
(https://i.imgur.com/E2xf8UA.jpg?1)
Toad hopped down from the pillar and tried to find the wagon. "Where have they gone they again?"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: methylatedspirit on March 22, 2019, 10:15:46 am

Since tangents are the only thing I'm capable of going on: if wagons have 4 wheels, why do they scuttle when their attached animal dies? Is there some kind of magic soul bonding where the animal gives its life force to the wagon?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 22, 2019, 10:29:55 am

Wagons are big mystery. Like anvils.
If you admire Olmuls singing too, now you can sing along.  :)
(https://i.imgur.com/xV443zD.png?1)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Superdorf on March 22, 2019, 02:35:22 pm

Ooh, critters stand on their own two feet now! Lovely.

Quote from: methylatedspirit on March 22, 2019, 10:15:46 am

Since tangents are the only thing I'm capable of going on: if wagons have 4 wheels, why do they scuttle when their attached animal dies? Is there some kind of magic soul bonding where the animal gives its life force to the wagon?

The beast kicks the wagon apart in its death throes.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: The_Saladman on March 22, 2019, 06:28:50 pm

This is really cool, reminds me of my good ole days! Keep up the good work.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 23, 2019, 12:33:27 am

I will. This thread was read over 500 times. That's like... Wow. Do you have some favourite character at the moment? It's been only three episodes, but still... I am curious.  :)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: The_Saladman on March 23, 2019, 01:48:24 am

Quote from: Quaksna on March 23, 2019, 12:33:27 am

Do you have some favourite character at the moment? It's been only three episodes, but still... I am curious.  :)

Alak, he sorta reminds me of my mentality when writing Beerdump.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 23, 2019, 05:30:59 am

The fourth part is here! Parted in two posts.

Alak was angry once again. But no wonder, the others were angry just as him. "Let's just face the facts. You brought us to a desert??!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/rvWeIRJ.jpg?1)
"I'm tellin' you, it's a shortcut." Olmul answered. "It always have been."
(https://i.imgur.com/SpHrhiZ.jpg?1)
Vúsh was angry no less than the others. "Nothing would happen if you haven't disturbed Midor of Nodobok!"
"It's just bad." Urnût stated. "Toad or not. Worst for Unnos and Razes, they just don't deserve it. And they're not milkable now!"
Ermis, especially mad, who couldn't cook a good meal for too long, said: "How are we supposed to get food here? Were quickly losing our supplies. You need only one Urist McDumbDwarf for deserts becoming shortcuts. What happens next..."
(https://i.imgur.com/hxMEWRF.jpg?1)
Alak tried to solve this bad situation with authority. "Olmul, if you don't get us out in time, I'll make you a hauler for rest of your life!"
Olmul asked: "Why are you so mad, dwarves? Everything is just fine, perfectly planned."
(https://i.imgur.com/DILD6i3.jpg?1)
Berath, again scouting the area, shouted: "Hey, I see something!"
"What sort of something?" asked Alak.
(https://i.imgur.com/xQmFbpL.jpg?1)
"Some serpent, black with stripes, pretty big one."
(https://i.imgur.com/ey6t0rp.jpg?1)
Kin was muttering: "Beer... Need more beer!!!" He was not only mad at Olmul, he started to be just mad.
Urnût tried to cheer him up. "It'll be fine, Kin. We'll get some beer. Once leave this... This..."
"Dimshascuggán it's called." said Olmul. "That's weird, isn't it? This is a rock desert..."
(https://i.imgur.com/eWvWbJS.jpg?1)
Ermis : "Kin, you're sitting there for too long. It's my turn now!"
Kin shouted: "Beer!!!"
Alak said: "Are you kidding me? Kin is not far away from tantrum, and only thing you care about is the cheese spot! Berath, what is the big black serpent doing?"
(https://i.imgur.com/s6BI44C.jpg?1)
"Coming towards us." replied Berath.
Alaks eyes turned red, and his eyelids started hopping up and down. "Olmul, this is too much! Do we have spare food?"
Ermis shakes head.
(https://i.imgur.com/NUv2FWh.jpg?1)
Vúsh stopped being angry when she saw it, she started joyfully hopping like Alaks eyelids and said: "It had recognized us as dwarves of Orngimkenim. That means we should Ïlunmatul."
Urnût facepalmed.
Alak, with slightly less red eyes, asked: "What's up again?"
Urnût said: "She tries to say, according to tradition, we should perform a dance in front of it."
Alak stopped being mad and started to think. "Whatever, if it works! Olmul, prepare the weapons!"
(https://i.imgur.com/yWSWpob.jpg?1)
Berath shouted: "Wait, it's going away!"
Kin, desperate, whispered: "Beer?"
"Not beer, bad snake guy, Kin." said Olmul. "Hold on a little longer."
(https://i.imgur.com/K8JzGsE.jpg?1)
Urnût was wondering: "But why so suddenly..."
(https://i.imgur.com/oJEqIDy.jpg?1)
Ermis turned back, and saw a big, bright strange figure.
"Oh, what's that?"
(https://i.imgur.com/mQaRSuB.jpg?1)
A humanoid with golden-scales tail instead of legs and a gold spiral horn. Now you will know why to... Whatever. Beware his... Vicious horn?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 23, 2019, 05:38:47 am

(https://i.imgur.com/rndkZXB.jpg?1)
"Dwarves? Greetings, dwarves." the strange being said. He didn't look like an enemy.
Alak asked him: "Who are you? Some kind of desert titan or..."
(https://i.imgur.com/SdQr4NP.jpg?1)
"Hmmm... Depends. Let's say, for goblins I am "deity" of wealth. Ongongera's the name."
(https://i.imgur.com/xgFJ8sd.jpg?1)
Berath said: "You know goblin language, Olmul. Translate!"
"His name means Limulsheget." said Olmul.
"What are you doing in the desert?" asked the being.
(https://i.imgur.com/KoOhTAN.jpg?1)
Everyone looked at Olmul. He calmly said: "Passing through. What is "deity" of wealth doing in desert?"
(https://i.imgur.com/81fIUjO.jpg?1)
"You know, that's the problem. The others threw me out of our realm." answered Limulsheget.
"Other "deities"?" asked Alak. "Why?"
(https://i.imgur.com/jznMpv7.jpg?1)
"Didn't like my golden nails."
"An argument?"Berath asked.
(https://i.imgur.com/FUI0fIG.jpg?1)
"You know what would be good, dwarves?" said Limulsheget with a grin. "You could do me a solid. I could send you to this realm and you will speak to them. Maybe they'll take me back?"
"Wait, wait. You just want us to send to other realm? Isn't it a trap?" asked Alak doubtfully.
"Beer?" Kin wasn't much better.
"Yeah, and what will we get in return?" asked Ermis.
(https://i.imgur.com/JWXSWab.jpg?1)
Limulsheget was thinking for a moment. "I understand. Well, I can give you something in return. What do you need?"
"New cooking pot!"
Alak interrupted her. "No. We'll think about that."
"Fine. I'm waiting."
The dwarves surely didn't want any more problems, yet this was an interesting offer.
Urnût : "I don't think he lies. We should help him."
Vúsh : "He truly looks like a Mishar. I do admire Mishar."
Olmul : "C'mon guys, we can visit other realm! That's fascinating!"
Ermis : "It's worth the cooking pot."
Unnos : "Moooo!"
Berath : "Olmul is right. We can get out of this place, at least for while."
Kin : "Beer! Must have beer!"
(https://i.imgur.com/585WvIM.jpg?1)
Alak : "Aaah, okay! Limul, we're ready. How does it work?"
"Finally. It works like this: I can't enter the realm myself, I am kind of grounded. But I can send three of you there. You must only find that bunch of weird colorful goblins."
Alak sadly said: "I see. I didn't want to do it, but if I don't, this other bunch of weird dwarves will trigger a loyalty cascade."
(https://i.imgur.com/JbrLZGh.jpg?1)
"Which three of you should I send there?"

And that's upon you to decide, readers.  :)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: methylatedspirit on March 23, 2019, 05:45:58 am

Trying to cross the desert as a shortcut without having enough food? Reminds me of the Donner Party.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 23, 2019, 05:47:11 am

And poll is here! Vote, and change destiny of our heroes!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: mightymushroom on March 23, 2019, 09:31:44 am

I voted Alak as the leader, Olmul as someone who speaks goblin, and Razes (actually, whichever is closer to be accidentally swept up) for the lulz mooz.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 23, 2019, 01:48:27 pm

Great! I gave five days to the end, so I'll have some time to prepare the gobbo realm. Fun has just started!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 24, 2019, 01:30:33 pm

Hmmm... Just four users voted, but it's enough to decide. Yet there are still few days to change that!  :)
One does not easily prepare the goblin "deities" realm. Seriously guys, that goblin language is awful! And when you invent a "deity" name with lots of titles and ephitets... I am glad I already finished the names.  ;D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 25, 2019, 02:08:05 pm

Ack! The fifth voter gave balance to the poll, but we don't want that! For many are invited, but few are chosen!
On the other hand, I like how every player thinks about it differently and likes different characters. Maybe five days were too much. Or I am just bored.  :)
(https://i.imgur.com/JCem1gW.jpg?2)Good work, brothers overseers! Let's show Olmul and all freethinkers who's boss 'ere. Hehehe...

700 views! Wooohooo! The more the better!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 28, 2019, 11:10:38 am

Pictures were taken, speeches were written. New episode tomorrow. I hope. Thanks for voting!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 29, 2019, 09:35:44 am

The nail of Q'uaksnas thumb is fractured! Q'uaksnas thumb loses hold of Tarmid Ugokkirun. Q'uaksnas thumb gives in to pain!
But Q'uaksna does not surrender so easily...

(https://i.imgur.com/XZnILVg.jpg?1)
Alak said "I'll go." Alak strikes a triumphant pose.
He turned and said: "Ermis, you're going too. Maybe we'll get some food..."
Ermis asked: "And the third one? What about Urnût?"
"Urnût's fine, but that's why he must stay and keep eye on the rest."
Urnût bowed. "As you wish."
Alak looked at the party. "The last one shall be..."
(https://i.imgur.com/HzTGjtW.jpg?1)
"Me." said Olmul.
"Nah. Razes." said Alak.
"What?"
"An Udril?" asked Vúsh. "Interesting choice."
Alak said: "I think Razes is superior to you in many aspects. Besides, Unnos can't pull the wagon herself. So revolts are pointless."
Urnût was worried. "But you have to bring some food with you from the realm. Because if we have to wait in the desert, our supplies will be depleted like... Really quickly."
"Why are you so bad about deserts?" Olmul said. "There's plenty of food!"
(https://i.imgur.com/AyK9Ob1.jpg?1)
"Anyway, we're ready Limul." said Alak. "You can send us.  You can help Urnût handle the weird ones, in meantime."
Limulsheget said: "You can count on me. But... There's a little catch you know."
"Little catch is everywhere." Alak smiled. "What kind of catch?"
"I can't send you back."
Everyone was silent.
"You'll have to find way back yourselves, so... Good luck."
(https://i.imgur.com/524qA1H.jpg?1)
Limul muttered a spell. Then came a bright flash of light and in matter ot seconds, Alak, Ermis and Razes found themselves falling in some fiery pit, with tremendous heat everywhere.
(https://i.imgur.com/bGch9xy.jpg?1)
Alak yelled: "Gah, what's meaning of this?"
"You think I know?" shouted Ermis back.
"Moooooooooo!!!"
"Zodostshokmut!" Alak shouted. "Was this part of the deal? Falling in some Othob pit!"
(https://i.imgur.com/xv9k522.jpg?1)
Winged Moster screeched.
(https://i.imgur.com/jNEjn2V.jpg?2)
"Whoa, what was that?" yelled Ermis.
"Undulating rock salt boulder with wing? There's more of them!"
Ermis shouted: "Hey, I see the bottom! Some eerie glow's in this place!"
"Moooooooooooooooooo!!!!!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 29, 2019, 09:40:50 am

(https://i.imgur.com/258Otsx.jpg?1)
Alak opened eyes.
"Wha... What happened?"
(https://i.imgur.com/fImkDuN.jpg?1)
"Looks like we're here!" Ermis said.
Moos of Razes sounded comfortable. No wonder, the weird purple grass tasted much better than dust of the desert. The whole area was otherworldly. Grass was purple, stones were colorful and it seemed they're standing on some kind of island, floating in the air. Fiery figures were standing over the place and watching, like if they were on guard. Few steps further was structure, like some kind of mini-forum with two pillars.. In the middle of it was a table, and another figures around.
(https://i.imgur.com/dvDFp2K.jpg?1)
"Alak, something is wrong with this statue."
"I see. Not really goblin-ish."
(https://i.imgur.com/10QMWCd.jpg?1)
They went to the pillar-circle.
"Now this table looks perfectly goblin-ish!" said Alak.
Five goblins stood behind the table.
"Come closer!" the fiery one said in dwarven.
"They're colorful. And weird!" whispered Ermis.
"Just as we need. Let's go!" replied Alak.
(https://i.imgur.com/wDiJfs2.jpg?1)
"Welcome... Dwarves. We..." started the fiery one, but was quickly interrupted by the one in brown coat.
"How by all spells and incantations you've gotten into our realm. Speak!!!"
"Isn't it clear?" said the one in black coat. "That gilded guy's really desperate. He sent dwarves and an animal? Seriously?"
"I am Alak Zilirdural. This is Ermis Anurím and Razes. We would like to know who are we speaking to."
"As you wish. We'll introduce ourselves." said the fiery one.
(https://i.imgur.com/ssVQ2EF.jpg?1)
"I am Uxzoustug Zedanzozlo, the Urtormuk, the Sasneuzod. My spheres are fire, sun, victory. I am boss here, for my deeds are heroic and no other can oppose me."
Some of the others chuckled.
The one in black coat said: "I am Zomus Anuzosla, the Ustroakon, the Ogurxusmzûk, master of night and darkness. This pale warrior is Ngoruboxox Snuzoos, the Stuzroz, the Stûmöstöl, harbinger of death. He doesn't speak very often."
The one in the blue cape said : "I am called Ongnguutgub Snukoukkar, the Zutulxor, for my sphere is beauty. No wonder I am fairest of them all."
(https://i.imgur.com/wl9Yluu.jpg?1)
The last one, in the brown coat said: "And I am Oströtakåtôz Ukustmôklo. My power are diseases and blight. I am one of the less popular ones. But that will change!"
Alak said: "Okay then, great goblin lords. We're here as messengers of Ong... Ongon... Limulsheget. He sends you a request, for permission that he can take his place here again."
"Request denied."
(https://i.imgur.com/ysmp97Q.jpg?1)
"Wha...? Why?" Ermis asked. "I mean, he is kinda nice guy!"
Oströtakåtôz said: "That might be the problem, eh?"
"You see?" said Ongnguutgub. "We really shouldn't had thrown him out. Now he'll keep sending here mortals forever."
"Maybe it's finally time to banish him!" Zomus said.
"Yeah, Zutulxor just liked him for his dazzling shine. But he was a jerk. Does not belong here." said Oströtakåtôz.
"I think Ongongera's not coming back, at least for the time being. We have other work to do." said the fire lord.
"I see." said Alak. "Let me then ask some questions, okay?"
"Request denied."
"We got here by falling into some weird pit stuffed with weird beings?"
"Foolish mortals." said Uxzoustu. "That was deep in your realm, where wicked ones are trapped. Âse... We have fought against them many times, and we drove them there, so they cannot harm your realm again."
"That's all you need to know." said Zomus.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 29, 2019, 09:47:50 am

(https://i.imgur.com/GzOQhb7.jpg?1)
"Hey, that cloth with wisps on it. That's pretty cool!" Ermis called.
"Yeah." said Ongngnuutgub. "Fairest of them all, after me. We write everything on them, for the sake of admirers."
"Wisps are great." started Oströtakåtôz. "But this guy drives me mad."
"Don't mind him, he's envious."
"Your hair's awful."
"I must insist."
"Moooooooooooooooooo!"
(https://i.imgur.com/eH9JCxP.jpg?1)
"See?" said Oströtakåtôz. "It agrees with me."
"A mortal won't insult me!!!" shouted Ongngnuutgub.
"Emo goblin won't insult my friend Razes!!!" shouted Alak back.
"Enough!!!" said the fiery lord. "Mortals, you brought too much conflict here. You shall be punished!!!"
"Moooooo!!!"
"Come here and say it again!!!" Zomus shouted.
Ermis whispered to Alak: "Seems we should leave immediately!"
"You won't." said Zomus. "Ngoruboxox, bring Aspdosusmat!"
(https://i.imgur.com/RiJkMlv.jpg?1)
The pale goblin vanished for a moment, and re-appeared with giant creature.
(https://i.imgur.com/XFgeBdJ.jpg?1)
A towering wolf. It's fur is pale and dense. It has three tails. It's fur is unkempt. Beware its insatiable hunger.
(https://i.imgur.com/vQvQejQ.jpg?1)
"How dare you command them? I am boss here!" said Uxzoustu.
"Are you sure?" laughed Zomus.
"Aslezslagka, banish him out of my domain!"
(https://i.imgur.com/TiUuGBu.jpg?1)
Fiery figures ran towards Zomust. He muttered a spell.
Everything turned dark.
Zomus Anuzosla, the Ustroakon, the Ogurxusmzûk has transformed!
(https://i.imgur.com/85nyRhS.jpg?1)
Now you will know why you fear the night.
(https://i.imgur.com/4jPEM1c.jpg?1)
"A fight! Now it's perfect time to escape!!!" whispered Alak, and the party ran away.
(https://i.imgur.com/mjFefR5.jpg?1)
But the wolf pursued them. Yet for the darkness and blindfold wrapped around his head, he was confused.
(https://i.imgur.com/fH6DczC.jpg?1)
Alak suddenly stopped and shouted: "Hey, that's one of those cool otherworldly swords!"
"Ack! It's hot!"
(https://i.imgur.com/apLXfX0.jpg?1)
He covered his hand in some cloth, and picked the sword up.
"Have you finished? The wolf got the track!!!" yelled Ermis.
"We can't escape such a beast!" said Alak and looked around.
(https://i.imgur.com/RH4IvEN.jpg?1)
There was some big bird standing nearby, like some above-ground jabberer. It was watching the dwarves, calmly and carefully. It didn't mind the battle around, it didn't care one way or other.
"We don't know where to go, but I have a plan! Razes, come here!
"You don't want to escape on a giant gobbo goose?"
"Sure I want!"
The bird was not moving, he kept watching them with his phlegmatic eyes.
(https://i.imgur.com/98qEW8z.jpg?1)
When he saw the wolf, he started running.
"Hold on!!!" shouted Alak!
(https://i.imgur.com/4SE96R6.jpg?1)
Razes tried to scare the beast off with haunting moos, without success.
They were getting closer and closer to the edge of the flying island.
(https://i.imgur.com/Q0ZfoQt.jpg?2)
"Moooooooooooooooooo!!!"
"Razes!!!" shouted both dwarves and jumped from the back of the bird, down to the depths. They were falling. And falling...

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: mightymushroom on March 29, 2019, 11:52:33 am

Oh no!

Flap your arms really hard! Wish for a soft landing! Mooo the most heartfelt plea for rescue!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: High tyrol on March 29, 2019, 12:39:08 pm

PTW this is great fun.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 30, 2019, 06:13:08 am

(https://i.imgur.com/BG7VIQJ.jpg?1)
"Hey, Limul!" said Olmul.
"Hmmm?"
"Your nails are solid gold, yeah?"
"They are."
(https://i.imgur.com/aXOjnX4.jpg?1)
"These scales on your tail are golden as well?"
"Surprisingly."
(https://i.imgur.com/XAdHdee.jpg?1)
"Your horn is also made of gold!"
"Wow. You got it."
"That's lot of gold! What are you doing with your nails, once they're big enough for cutting? You know, if you had some spare..."
"They don't grow."
Olmul makes a plaintive gesture.
(https://i.imgur.com/5iyZnfv.jpg?1)
"Wait a minute."
"What? They started growing?" asked Olmul.
"I sense them."
"Great!!!"
"No, I sense rest of the party! They're... Close."
Limulsheget whispered some incantation. Alak, Ermis and Razes fell from hole in the air. He caught them.
(https://i.imgur.com/7mJKABU.jpg?1)
"Finally!" Alak said. "Phew! Hey guys, look at this sword? Isn't it beautiful?"
"Hello, Unnos!" said Ermis. "Look, I got some otherworldly grass for you."
"So how it went?" asked Limulsheget.
"Mooo!!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/ypM0kMA.jpg?1)
"You know..." said Alak. "I think we started a ☼gobbo war☼."
Limulsheget was silent.
"That was... Definitely not planned. But... That's great! They'll weaken themselves, and then I can strike back! Hah! Good work, dwarves!!!"
"And what about the reward?" asked Urnût.
"Aaah, what exactly do you want?"
"New cooking..."
"An anvil would come handy." said Alak.
"Golden anvil?"
"No. Some actually usable. Steel, or iron."
(https://i.imgur.com/lKYCKCu.jpg?1)
Poof.
"Anything else?"
(https://i.imgur.com/OMchL6t.jpg?1)
"Beeeeeeeer!!!" yelled Kin.
(https://i.imgur.com/H0AS27G.jpg?1)
"Right." said Limulsheget. "Here you go!"
(https://i.imgur.com/tkubKs1.jpg?1)
"And as a bonus, some golden bars. You dwarves like gold, right?"
"Right!" said Olmul.
"Okay. I think it's time to part ways. Goodbye, Limul." said Alak.
"Goodbye dwarves. Thanks for the help."
(https://i.imgur.com/s4q3nQG.jpg?1)
Everyone said goodbye, and they went on. Faster than usual, with Alak having new symbol of majesty. With the "shortcut" through Dimshascuggán, they don't had to pass hills of Tetistinen.
But...
(https://i.imgur.com/B2XRPL5.jpg?1)
What's this???
"Phew, phew!!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/AlwRcKa.jpg?1)
"What's your problem, lizard? I am [INTELLIGENT] and not edible!!! Man, this is awful. Not only these dorfs are such dorfs, but now they voluntarily passed through the desert? Man, this is so...."
(https://i.imgur.com/73740ke.jpg?1)
"And what's this? Hey, big one! I know you! I saw you somewhere... Dûrnar... No... Zärseîl! Is that you?"
(https://i.imgur.com/KWzP1ur.jpg?1)
"Ôvok of the toads! That's a surprise. Haven't seen much of yours recently... Still trying to unite races?"
"Oh yeah, it's been hard now, hippies went mad because we ate that berries... And what about you? I thought you tried it by goblins? Nah?"
"I truly tried it. Without success. They tried to banish me, but luckily I ended up just here. Now I try to find some other unlucky Âsemeï or remnants of times old..."
"How many? How many Âsemeï are in this realm?"
"Well, I don't know that! But I sent some dwarves to the gobbos with a treaty they ignored, but somehow that dwarves managed to throw that realm into chaos! If some were banished here or hid themsel..."
"Did you say "dwarves"? I try to catch one group of settlers."
"They went this way. Not very long ago they left."
"Okay. Thanks for this nice little chat, but I must go! Farewell!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Qc4IEtW.jpg?1)
"Goodbye."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on March 31, 2019, 10:54:24 pm

And so we hit the 1000 views. Everything is just fine...
No, wait. There are more and more views, but... Something must be wrong... Where's mah feedback?  :)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 01, 2019, 09:41:16 am

Tomorrow I'll post a short episode. To shorten waiting, here you go at least a portrait of Alak  :).
(https://i.imgur.com/TZlnGRP.jpg?1)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 02, 2019, 08:37:29 am

Our dwarves are continuing their journey. They're getting closer to their destination, but obviously something delays them again... Here we go!

(https://i.imgur.com/A53apaY.jpg?1)
"The road and nothing more..." sang Olmul.
"Is all that we can see..." sang Kin, who was apparently better.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ir7FL1V.jpg?1)
"Hey Olmul! You can use sword well, right?" asked Alak.
"Right!" said Olmul. Then he smiled and asked: "You wanna gimme the cool one?"
"No. I want you to teach me what you know."
(https://i.imgur.com/RY8BRz8.jpg?1)
"Can I have a question?" asked Berath. " Why do we don't have some dogs or cats or whichever useful animals?"
"You dare to question usefulness of Unnos and Razes?!!" shouted Urnût.
"When I prepared this, I cared more about quality." said Alak. "Seemed you all were at least +dwarves+. Now it seems no more."
(https://i.imgur.com/aCeKjW0.jpg?1)
"Guys, you ate all the cheese when you were in desert!" said Ermis angrily.
"But I struck down a vulture!" Olmul said.
"It tasted awfully." said Urnût.
"Anyway, we should have asked Limulsheget for some food. We must get some now." said Ermis.
"Our destination is near, but I agree." said Alak. "Let's get something to eat."
(https://i.imgur.com/whemcsD.jpg?1)
"Hey, there are fish in the river!" called Urnût.
(https://i.imgur.com/E7MRqNh.jpg?1)
Olmul looked there, his eyes widened and shrunk again.
"No." he said. "We're not going to fish these fish."
"Definitely. They are Ertatlosh. We should..." started Vúsh, but Alak said:
"What's it again? Please, don't start with traditions again."
"This ain't only tradition." Olmul said. "These are tales of old times, where carps with their terrifying protruding mouths defeated many brave heroes... Foolish enough to face them."
"To hunt these, we have special warrior caste, Tathloshzat, devoted from youth into mastery of fighting Ertatlosh." said Vúsh.
"My uncle was Tathloshzat..." said Urnût. "But I am not gonna starve because of fairy tales!"
"Yeah! We will fish them, and we'll gloriously win over the carps!!!" said Alak.
(https://i.imgur.com/Lew3VuL.jpg?1)
"Okay. Let's do this. I'll get my tools of war." said Olmul.

The Conflict of Treacherous took place on the river of Lamigër. The dwarves attacked the carps, with their trickery. They hid themselves behind the rocks on the stormy river, and prepared to ambush carps passing through.
The next scene may seem strange for people familiar with real-life fishing. It was inevitable.
(https://i.imgur.com/PbX81ND.jpg?1)
Berath tries to stab the muscular carp but it jumps away!
Olmul misses the carp!
The water splashes at Olmul but is easily parried by -oak wood shield-!
(https://i.imgur.com/Zg5UHJj.jpg?1)
Kin hacks the carp with copper axe, bruising the fin!
Kin: "Curses!"
Alak tries to slash the fat carp with his searing metal sword, but it jumps away!
The water evaporated to steam! Fat Carp is surrounded by steam.
Fat carp gives into pain.
Olmul: "Death is all around us."
Alak: "How terrifying."
(https://i.imgur.com/1E3Ey82.jpg?1)
Berath throws the large copper dagger!
The spinning large copper dagger flies to Kin, but is deftly parried by cooper axe!
Kin: "You mad?!!"
Berath: "Sorry!"
(https://i.imgur.com/5rowPDn.jpg?1)
Olmul slashes the muscular carp with his iron short sword!
The muscular carp was struck down.
Alak: "Okay, that should be enough. Grab the fish and off to the wagon we go!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Superdorf on April 02, 2019, 10:06:50 am

Quote from: Quaksna on April 02, 2019, 08:37:29 am

The muscular carp was struck down.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. :D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: methylatedspirit on April 02, 2019, 10:12:43 am

Quote from: Superdorf on April 02, 2019, 10:06:50 am

Quote from: Quaksna on April 02, 2019, 08:37:29 am

The muscular carp was struck down.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. :D

I only started playing DF around 40.24. What version had these killer carp? I wanna experience death by muscular fish.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Superdorf on April 02, 2019, 10:30:59 am

Version 0.28.181.40d had 'em, according to the wiki. In versions 0.31 through 0.34, the carp weren't so stupid powerful anymore, but would still cause dwarfs to dodge into the water and drown.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: pikachu17 on April 02, 2019, 01:38:12 pm

PTW

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 02, 2019, 02:01:33 pm

Hah, feedback! Finally! Toady fixed the poll, so meanwhile no voting is needed I made one for favourite characters. I must make some Toady memorial.
I also thought of some Warhammer-like Dwarf Fortress board game, now I have plenty of figures from gobbo realm and other soldiers... How would you see that? Like I would post stats and current situation, and you will control the battle. Is it +idea+ or x idea x?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 04, 2019, 08:26:15 am

(https://i.imgur.com/kscRKef.jpg?1)
"Hey!" Berath called. "I see smoke! Some civilized guys may be this direction!"
"Or a Måmgoz." said Vúsh.
"Nah, that can't be a Måmgoz." Urnût said.
"You never know. You can't know! You spot him and then Whoosh! You're a !!dwarf!!."
"Go there!" called Alak. "We're great heroes, we fought our way through deserts, carps, otherworldly creatures and otherworldly goblins... I am not afraid!"
(https://i.imgur.com/qiQLm8w.jpg?1)
"I agree.*hic*" said Kin. "On the way to *hic* Tetistinen we hid ourselves before the goblins just because..."
"They weren't worthy *hic* of fighting us." said Olmul.
"N... *hic* No!" shouted Kin. "What have I *hic* said. Nonsenses! *hic*. We never ran from any goblins. That's *hic* impossible!"
"Right! *hic*" said Olmul.
(https://i.imgur.com/oWKjkrm.jpg?1)
"Olmul!" shouted Ermis. "That beer is for Kin, for medical uses!"
"*hic* Am I *hic* Am I not Kin?" asked Olmul.
"You told me that you always wanted to be a hauler, Olmul. I'll consider that." said Alal with a grin.
"*hic* I told you *hic*, you that? I don't really *hic* remember."
"Really? Maybe I misheard... What do you think about me anyway?"
"You're *hic* pleasure to speak with."
(https://i.imgur.com/xFuCrWV.jpg?1)
"We must guard that keg better." said Urnût.

(https://i.imgur.com/9VH8XTM.jpg?1)
Meanwhile they had this conversation, they came to some camp, with few small tents, one big roof-like tent and bunch of tan-skinned humans around. Little further was a campfire.
(https://i.imgur.com/78LTAnd.jpg?1)
Out of one smaller tent came a man, with ponytail and tattooed chest.
"Greets to you, dwarves!" he said. "I am Ñabsizcasser of our tribe. You know, something like Zegmatul of yours. My name is Duto Kosethrunim."
"*hic* Zegmatul? What's that?" asked Olmul.
Urnût said: "Zegmatul is sort of diplomat, Olmul. And don't hic when diplomacy is being done."
"Tha*hic* thanks!"
(https://i.imgur.com/P6qaDf0.jpg?1)
"Greetings to you too, Duto Kosethrunim!" Alak said. "We're group of settlers. You're merchants or something?"
"We truly are. We have cloth, food, leather, crafts, metal..."
"Do you *hic* have beer?" Kin asked. "Beer's *hic* yeah important."
"We don't. Do you have interest in our goods?"
"I'll consider that." said Alak.
(https://i.imgur.com/ovlBwvA.jpg?1)
"Good, good! Just take your time. You can park your wagon here, under our Batowumcos, depot, you know. The craftsdwarfship of the dwarves is unparalleled. Let's make a deal!"

So? Any tips what the dwarves should buy?  :)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: methylatedspirit on April 04, 2019, 08:28:16 am

Food to make beer out of.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 04, 2019, 09:28:56 am

(https://i.imgur.com/uRbVUnr.jpg?1)
"We need the beer. Don't you have at least something it can be made of?"
"We have pendant amaranth. It can be brewed into not wine, not rum, but beer, just as you need. Would you like some?"
"Okay, give me a barrel of that. Would you accept gold? One bar, this big."
"Sure. Anything else?"

-------
Toady memorial is done.
It's a adamantine statue. All craftsdwarship is of the highest quality. It refers to Toady One the Great. Long live to him!!!
(https://i.imgur.com/oHhyh15.jpg?1) (https://i.imgur.com/qHqORui.jpg?1)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 05, 2019, 01:37:37 am

I see the problem now, there's 500 guests that can read the story and 50 users that can contribute as well. If you are a user, please post. If not, Olmul would have to do the shopping  ;D. I bet he has already prepared a list!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: scourge728 on April 05, 2019, 07:21:24 am

buy cats

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 05, 2019, 12:43:24 pm

(https://i.imgur.com/uRbVUnr.jpg?2) : "What about cats? Do you have cats?"
(https://i.imgur.com/6wCq9xv.jpg?2) : "Striluot? Whe have two in crate, they're pretty fierce beasts you know."
"I'll buy that crate. Here's one gold bar."
"No, two. They're fierce and aloof, highly prized!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 06, 2019, 03:36:00 am

(https://i.imgur.com/xy2Q3xO.jpg?1)
"Oh, these are nice boys!" said Alak.
"We should name them." Urnût said.
"Hmmm... We still have some gold bars... I'm not going to puzzle my head with cat names now, I'm going to find something worth of buying."

If you come up with some good name, you can suggest!  :) The caravan of dwarves will soon depart.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: NJW2000 on April 06, 2019, 05:07:14 am

This is great!

For cat names, I suggest Bomrek Bomikbshoth (Whip Verminscourge) and Catten Deshlirnog  (Catten Cuddlefoot).

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: mightymushroom on April 06, 2019, 08:55:50 am

Quote from: NJW2000 on April 06, 2019, 05:07:14 am

For cat names, I suggest Bomrek Bomikbshoth (Whip Verminscourge) and Catten Deshlirnog  (Catten Cuddlefoot).

+1, on the condition that of course Bomrek Bomikabshoth is the friendlier and purr-ier of the two. :P

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 06, 2019, 09:23:48 am

Quote from: mightymushroom on April 06, 2019, 08:55:50 am

Quote from: NJW2000 on April 06, 2019, 05:07:14 am

For cat names, I suggest Bomrek Bomikbshoth (Whip Verminscourge) and Catten Deshlirnog  (Catten Cuddlefoot).

+1, on the condition that of course Bomrek Bomikabshoth is the friendlier and purr-ier of the two. :P

Great! Tomorrow story will continue, so last chance for suggestions at this place. What do you always wanted to say to Duto Kosethrunim? Say it now!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: NJW2000 on April 06, 2019, 10:48:12 am

Buy crossbows and ammunition, food for the road, any books, and a barrel of venom if they have one

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 06, 2019, 12:03:06 pm

I invented a new way to make quick replies, look!

(https://i.imgur.com/i4VzY37.png) : "Do you have crossbows and bolts?"
(https://i.imgur.com/4QsEYIq.png) : "Excuse me?"
(https://i.imgur.com/i4VzY37.png) : "Nevermind. Ermis will take look at your food, she's unparalleled expert. Books?"
(https://i.imgur.com/4QsEYIq.png) : "I am a storyteller, a Xemfedem, I keep every Xedem, story and tale in my head. Only few of our Alho mastered art of writing, and we don't unfortunately possess any scriptures."
(https://i.imgur.com/i4VzY37.png) : "And what about venom? In a container."
(https://i.imgur.com/4QsEYIq.png) : "Ámtoc, Quazi?"
He came up closer and whispered: "I've got few, and I need to get rid of it. Tribesmen... Don't really like this stuff. I'll give them to you, let's say, three bars?"
(https://i.imgur.com/i4VzY37.png) : "What kind of venom is that?"
(https://i.imgur.com/4QsEYIq.png) : "I don't know really, it smells like no one I know. And I know a lot."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 07, 2019, 10:22:33 am

(https://i.imgur.com/ZbHSVNB.jpg?1)
"Okay..." Ermis said. "I'll take some of this llama cheese and those fancy fruit you have, I'll experiment a little bit. I think some cloth won't hurt too."
"Good." said Duto. "These few gold bars are enough. Glad you've traded with us!"
"We're glad too." said Alak. "But now we must depart. Farewell, tribal friends!"
(https://i.imgur.com/uOwRJeg.jpg?1)
"Razes! Unnos!" shouted Urnût. "Stop chatting with long-necks. We're leaving!"
"Moooo!"
(https://i.imgur.com/8dACLOu.jpg?1)
"Thanks for everything! You've helped us a lot!"
(https://i.imgur.com/WRCTKk4.jpg?1)
"Okay fellow tribesmen, let's move too." said Duto.
"Wait. What do I see?"
"Something small is crawling towards us." said Ibon, the Apucemir.
(https://i.imgur.com/eTfG93x.jpg?1)
"Go hide under the tent. Now!!!"
"But..." said the warriors.
""I told you, hide! Now!"
...
(https://i.imgur.com/MLdgD9e.jpg?1)
"I'll face it alone."
The toad crawled right before Duto. They stared into each other.
Then Duto started to dance and chant.
(https://i.imgur.com/OV1Gati.jpg?1)
Budokercasser is a dance originating from the Issokmong. It consists of furious stomping, chest bashing, rapid moves of arms and head.
"Budok! Budok! Rêïm-Shin! Mestri-Kar! Opkiwan, Opkiwan! Ahangsmomper! Usmonashra! Usmonashra! Usmonashra Aboalho! Muthroothag! Er! Er!"
"Your request has been taken into consideration."
(https://i.imgur.com/M9ZOj51.jpg?2)
Duto said: "A talking Budok! Aren't you Ahang yourself?"
"As you like it. Anyways, I need to catch up one dwarf caravan."
"Pasubabo? They traded with us. This way they left, if it helps."
(https://i.imgur.com/f5Oua3I.jpg?1)
"Okay, thanks." said the toad and left, but it noticed something in Dutos face. He was thinking. He could think about cheese or labouring dwarves, but he looked puzzled and confused about what the toad said.
Ibon came out.
"What was it about?"
(https://i.imgur.com/bJJH9NY.jpg?1)
"If seems that some Budokahang pursues this group of Pasubabo. What could it mean, I don't know. Though I know the lore well as a Xemfedem, this seems strange to me. We should take a seat in Alhoñilun, and divine what it means."
"You heard him! Let's pack and leave!"
"This man is hiding something." thought the toad. "I bet he is. I should inspect that, after I'll finally meet the dwarves."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 07, 2019, 10:35:58 am

And now, here comes the episode we all were waiting for...

(https://i.imgur.com/z4s6Exg.jpg?1)
Sun was slowly setting down, when Berath called: "Hey! I see another smoke!"
(https://i.imgur.com/cVmHa60.jpg?1)
"Hey, and it is by the Imkegethonol." said Olmul. "That's our destination!"
"Hurry up then!" said Alak. "Who knows what's there, but we must secure the area."
They hurried up, and soon they saw what's under the mountain.
(https://i.imgur.com/3zk1jRd.jpg?1)
Simple tents were there, campfires, and many dwarves, too.
"Migrants?" whispered Ermis.
One of the dwarves, with a sun-burnt face and hair, in a noble red coat, turned to our settler party.
(https://i.imgur.com/I5SpLXP.jpg?1)
"Look! That's them! They're here!"
Everyone turned too.
(https://i.imgur.com/6EMzHpp.jpg?1)
"Welcome fellow dwarves." started Alak. "We're honoured that..."
"You're late."
"What?" asked Urnût.
"When we arrived, there should stand a fortress, or at least few tunnels with food and room."
Everyone turned at Olmul.
"What's up again? Everything went according to the plan. Don't worry, I'll calm those migrants."
"Dear migrants, we are very sorry, but there were troubles on the road. Goblins, carps, giants, discounts..."
(https://i.imgur.com/MVbzMSZ.jpg?1)
"You!" someone shouted from back of the crowd. "You!"
A tall, tan-skinned tattooed dwarf came to the party.
He pointed at Vúsh.
"Oh dear. I hoped I would never see this guy again."
"It's all you fault!" shouted the dwarf.
(https://i.imgur.com/X2XPTU6.jpg?1)
"What's this about?" asked Alak. "I am the overseer and I could be of help."
"Because of her, our Meden perished!"
"What?" said Vúsh.
(https://i.imgur.com/MwPkcpY.jpg?1)
"When you left our Meden to join this expedition, people started leaving as well! Now it's only me and these few!"
"That's not happy indeed..." said Alak. "If you want, you can have your own community in the fort, later even a new tribe. You would be citizens, and we would mutually respect our laws. Isn't it a good deal?"
"You heard the Kezardurad?" said the dwarf. "Your offer suits us. We accept. And you'll come with us, Vúsh. And maybe I won't need to use Mothram."
"Okay then. I'll live with them guys." said Vúsh. "It's for the best."
"You must be surely a prominent man!" said Alak.
"I am Zegmatul, my name is Zeg Erlinmatul. Nice to meet you too." said the dwarf.
(https://i.imgur.com/3eLKaSo.jpg?1)
Then he left to tell Urnût something about his proud tribal heritage he refuses, or something like that. Alak meanwhile came to the dwarf in the red coat.
"Lolor, I couldn't recognise you at first! Your beard is darker than the one I remember... Old chap, so everything went good? By the way, you didn't pack an anvil, but we have one now."
"Glad you've recognised me. Really? I am sorry for anything that wasn't in supplies, but it was difficult to get at least this. Now that the Mountainhome is in danger, hard times for fortresses came."
"You were doing a manager, weren't you? Would you like to be one here?"
"I wouldn't mind. If you want to speak to someone worthy, speak with these guys." said Lolor and pointed to a group of dwarves.
(https://i.imgur.com/x6w8ql9.jpg?1)
There was one blonde dwarf in black coat, and three soldiers. Alak came to the one in the coat.
"Hello there! I heard you are some prominent people, so I would..."
"I'm just Urist." said the dwarf in the coat. "Ask this one."
"You look like seasoned warriors!" said Alak.
"We were beast hunters, but when we heard about new fortress, we've decided to settle. My name is Rikkir Baktuskugik, I am sort of leader of ours."
"Okay Rikkir, you shall be militia commander. I'm glad we have militia so early! You, Urist! Can you read and write well? You look like you can."
"I can."
"Then you shall be bookkeeper."
(https://i.imgur.com/LEfl8gr.jpg?1)
Then Alak came to his settler group.
"I think you now what you are going to do, Olmul is soapmaker, Urnût farmer, Kin woodcutter, Ermis is my personal cook. Vúsh and Berath, eh, I guess you will farm as well."
(https://i.imgur.com/CddqFrP.jpg?1)
Then he stood on a stone, as he was going to speak to all the dwarves standing there.
"Dwarves! A new chapter of our history starts here! Our kingdoms are falling, but our fortress will prevail! Our fortress shall bear the name Kudarkalur! Strike the earth!!!"
Dwarves were joyful like homeland of a unicorn, they clapped and the tribesmen danced.
Zeg: "Dural! Dural! Ïssun! Êr! Im! Ïssundural Geshud Kudarkalur!!!"
"Great." Alak said. "Now I mandate one throne."
Two dwarves took the two picks and hit the earth. That day was truly a happy one.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 08, 2019, 04:42:19 am

Urist wants to make a list of citizens for Alak and Lolor, but lots of dwarves remains unnamed! If you like some dwarves in the backround of last pictures, you can name them. You would really help me! Thanks!  :)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 08, 2019, 09:30:31 am

And then Alak the Great became king of the whole continent.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZCz6qD1.jpg?1)
He conquered deserts and desert dragons...
(https://i.imgur.com/bb5EjxG.jpg?1)
Swamps, bogs and dragons within them...
(https://i.imgur.com/yP6B34J.jpg?1)
And forests and their dragons, and most importantly, hippies!
(https://i.imgur.com/poPuUWG.jpg?1)
"Alak Zilirdural, hereby, for your great deeds, I proclaim you my rightful heir and new king. Long live to Alak!"
"Hey! Boss! Hey!"
(https://i.imgur.com/daFrXNU.jpg?1)
"Wake up, boss!" called Ermis.
"What's up? Breakfast?"
"Precisely."
(https://i.imgur.com/rHv8CMS.jpg?1)
"I was just... daydreaming. It looks good! What's that?"
"Ah, that's beer in the rock-salt flavor cup, your favourite, a cave wheat Lamesfathkal and fruit we bought from tribesmen. Have a good meal!"
"Thanks! Man, where are the nobles again?"
(https://i.imgur.com/CRlkFdn.jpg?1)
Lolor, Urist and Rikkir came in.
"Finally! Any reports?"
(https://i.imgur.com/HYzLlbD.jpg?1)
"We spotted a rat, but our war beasts took care of it." said Rikkir.
(https://i.imgur.com/qM1t201.jpg?1)
"Because we have only one axe, we don't have much wood." said Urist. "But we have plenty of stone..."
"Surprisingly."
"Kin's working well. We'll sustain with him for the time being. Olmul built his soap workshop, he's got a jug of oil so he started doing soap immediately. Livestock is good, eggs, milk... Room is a problem, though, miners are working slowly and some citizens complain about barrels and same old booze, or something like that."
"Good. Lolor?"
"I don't have an office. But I am okay. They obey."
"Great. Is someone waiting outside for a meeting?"
(https://i.imgur.com/n5tH5fM.jpg?1)
The toad came in.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+
Post by: Quaksna on April 09, 2019, 08:53:02 am

The toad wanted to say something truly important, but Alak told it to wait.
(https://i.imgur.com/iCuguSG.jpg?1)
"So..." said the toad. "Hey, speed up little bit, this is important!"
"And because it's important I want every citizen to be here!" said Alak.
When every dwarf was inside, toad started.
(https://i.imgur.com/ldvbzlF.jpg?1)
"Good. You can call me Luslemnod. I came to your fortress, or fancy cave at the moment, with an offer. I lead a secret meeting of those, who want to make the world better than it currently is. Seriously, it's bad. You have spoken with Limulsheget, and helped him against the goblin Âs... deities, if you call them so. Plunging them into war wasn't bad for Limul, but it was dangerous business. I don't know what consequences can be in our world. I want you to join our organisation. Help the world."
Silence.
"We should obey this Nod." said Zeg.
(https://i.imgur.com/PHhaP7l.jpg?1)
"Who are you, Luslemnod? Some kind of wizard?" Urist asked.
"You can imagine me like that. Creature with innate powers."
(https://i.imgur.com/AD4AwcX.jpg?1)
"Cool!" said Olmul. "I want to be a follower of a sorcerous toad!"
"What should we do, toad? How do you, and how should we help the world?" asked Lolor.
"I see your point there. Do you know who truly rules goblins, for example?"
"I know." Lolor said. "You want to eliminate those or what?"
"In the end, it will be inevitable. But that's not the main thing. You know, there is good a..."
"Oh noes, toad's just boring moral mentor!" sighed someone in the crowd.
(https://i.imgur.com/44lzPQZ.jpg?1)
"Shut up or I'll shut you up!!!" shouted the toad. "Just try to do that what more helps than hurts! Then, and only then, you can do something truly right. Don't succumb too much to wrath, pride, and other things that datken your mind. Hey, I don't really want to make a speech here, but I guess you got it, right?"
"We'll beat the bad guys up!" said Alak.
"You got it."

Some time later, the nobles were on a cliff with the toad, looking down on the dwarves.
(https://i.imgur.com/R3Kpuos.jpg?1)
"Do you see that, Lolor?" said Alak. "When I tell them to mine shafts, they're throwing parties, when they should haul this mess, they're going to sleep. Only when I mandate new mugs they start singing and doing something."
"I must insist, lord overseer." said Olmul, who came from the tunnel. "Look at this soap! Yesterday I was making these all the day long!"
"And today?" asked Alak.
"Today... I need to get something to eat." said Olmul And quickly ran back into the tunnel.
(https://i.imgur.com/pdqmmUm.jpg?1)
"By the way, Luslemnod..." said Alak to the toad. "Now that you gave us moral instructions, are you going to stay here with us? You know, if those powers of yours..."
"I'm afraid the answer is no." said the toad. "I would love to watch this comedy play a little bit longer, but I need to go. You know what's the problem with sane races?"
"They detest toads."
"That's true, but they're divided. Everyone is opposing the others. They're not united. That's part of our plan, unite them. Make them friends again."
"Friends with hippies, eh? Sounds bad."
"I know, everyone is imperfect. Justice isn't bad, but... It's not enough. Farewell, dwarves. Keep up with the good work."
"Good work?" asked Alak. He was confused. "Farewell to you, Luslemnod. May you succeed in your goals."
(https://i.imgur.com/0ZRZ2nb.jpg?1)
"Great. Dwarves don't seem so bad after all. Dorfy they are, but not bad." thought the toad. "Now I'll go and find the tribesmen. They're... Secretive."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudalkalur
Post by: Superdorf on April 09, 2019, 12:34:18 pm

I am impressed by how readily the dwarves took a magic talking toad in stride.  :D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudalkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 09, 2019, 01:40:52 pm

Quote from: Superdorf on April 09, 2019, 12:34:18 pm

I am impressed by how readily the dwarves took a magic talking toad in stride.  :D

Yeah. But their overseer was in goblin "deity" realm and returned with a blazing sword, I think nothing's gonna excite them after that all.  :D
I enjoyed taking pictures of this part. I could place Alak on the bearded dragons back, and he wouldn't care. He reminds me of phlegmatic giant gobbo goose.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudalkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 10, 2019, 07:31:14 am

(https://i.imgur.com/wGBxAfH.jpg?1)
"Well, you heard the toad. Work!" called Alak and he came down from the mountain, to see how dwarves are doing.
(https://i.imgur.com/dDCEoLG.jpg?1)
"That's all wood we have?" asked he angrily.
"Sir, it was processed into beds as soon it was chopped."
(https://i.imgur.com/Ier01ME.jpg?1)
"Beds? But that's great! Haul the mine into the hall. And tell miners that they should speed up. We can make rooms now."
(https://i.imgur.com/ZK10mgg.jpg?1)
"Is farming going well?"
"Crops were planted, and are doing well." said Urnût. "Our livestock too. The bull's stalkin' Unnos, but I guess that's okay."
"What about plump helmets? We need to brew, that strange purple plant is nearly all in beer!"
"Plumps? We planted three of them."
"Three?!!"
"The rest was eaten by dwarves on break."
Alak turned red, red like his sword he was, but only for a moment.
"Okay. But we need hammerer. This can't be tolerated!"
(https://i.imgur.com/eBn12oJ.jpg?1)
"Lord. Ertatlosh. Here." said the tribesman.
"Wow! Nice!!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/9ThNrht.jpg?1)
The tribesman took the most corpulent one.
"Yours. Lord."
"Thanks! Take it to Ermis, okay? She'll cook something good from it."
(https://i.imgur.com/I5o8QVx.jpg?1)
The tribesman left, Ermis came.
"What's up?"
(https://i.imgur.com/hkYoLL4.jpg?1)
"It's not breakfast, I fear. I am glad we have carps and eggs, the bad thing is now we are going to have them every day. Our supplies are already eaten. I didn't counted with so many hungry dwarves, so if we don't want to starve, we must quickly get some more food."
"I see. We can't wait for liaison in these conditions." said Alak.
(https://i.imgur.com/Odx8QBp.jpg?1)
He looked at the wagon.
"Olmul! Come here!" he called.
"Yeah?"
(https://i.imgur.com/d9ci2D7.jpg?1)
"You know the area well. Are there some hillocks near?"
Olmul was thinking. "The closest one is three days of travel on feet. Why?"
"You're going shopping."
Olmul froze for a moment, surprised. "Okay. Alone?"
"You'll have wagon. Take Berath with you. Razes and that grey ox can pull the wagon. But Razes will come safely back, do you understand?"
"Completely. What should I trade?"
"Take remaining gold, and your soap, we need food, plump helmets would be best. I entrust you pretty important mission, so don't fail."
(https://i.imgur.com/eVmmaJ9.jpg?1)
"No need to fear, boss. Wait for one week and I'll be back. I know what I'm doin'."
"You don't. But you know the way. Good luck. By the way, Ermis! You know, for me these new dwarves are still passing acquaintances, have you learnt something about them?"
"Yeah, I brought some food to tribesmen. This fisherdwarf and that brown-haired are brothers. They work well with the livestock. That tribe woman can sew and weave well."
"Well, what I know, the brownish red-haired one is apparently farmer. The one with brown braided hair and beard likes working with stone, he's mining and he made table and throne for me. Good boys."
"They brought two geese, a chicken, ox and bull."
"You're talking like a bookkeeper, Urist should be telling me such things. Share these valuable informations with him!" said Alak and he laughed.
(https://i.imgur.com/r31E56Q.jpg?1)
"Hey, Berath! We're goin' on a trip. Pack your stuff and we'll be off!"
"Wha..."
"I told you. We're leaving. To hillocks, we'll do some shopping."
"Okay?"
"And there'll be some bandits and ogres for sure!"
"Shut up, I'm coming."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudalkalur
Post by: Superdorf on April 10, 2019, 09:57:23 am

You've got some kind of duplication issue going in that last post... fun update tho!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudalkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 10, 2019, 12:37:40 pm

Quote from: Superdorf on April 10, 2019, 09:57:23 am

You've got some kind of duplication issue going in that last post... fun update tho!

Oh thank you, I missed that. Fixed! Next episode should be... Interactive.  ;)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudalkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 11, 2019, 09:22:14 am

(https://i.imgur.com/6MKjbVe.jpg?2)
The tribesmen were moving on. Duto was very uncertain after what he had seen and heard.
"Are you sure you want go without a stop?" asked Sutad Ostrixetan, the Alhohathur.
"We'll stop if it would be really necessary. But I don't want to lose a single day. Trust me, it's for the best."
"Do you think it'll be so simple? Getting quickly to Alhoñilun?" said Ibon. "Why did we departed so early in first place? We were supposed to visit..."
"Don't be so mad! There were plenty of omens, too much at one time, and that's not good."
"Listen to our Ñabsizcasser." said Sutad. "He knows what's he doing."
(https://i.imgur.com/SjFPI8k.jpg?1)
"Hey! I see someone!" shouted Ibon.
(https://i.imgur.com/1rYkegu.jpg?1)
"It's a whole group!"
(https://i.imgur.com/0JyDIGI.jpg?1)
"This doesn't look good. They're armed." said Duto.
"If they wanna fight, they'll have it!" said Ibon. "There are five of them. We've got seasoned warriors, and a Kodolith! It would be risky for them to attack us!"
"They spotted us. We must face them now."
"Att...!"
"No. Just face to face. But be prepared."
(https://i.imgur.com/h1JZBYH.jpg?1)
When goblins saw the actual size of the caravan, they weren't so keen about banditry. Then they saw only four armed tribesmen, they were keen once more. That's the DF thought system, after all.
"Don't worry guys, you're armoured. I heard these tribesmen fight well, but look at them. Exploit their bare chests, and goodies will be ours." said the boss to rest of the goblins.
"They're drawing their weapons!" said Ibon.
"Then we'll attack. And hopefully we'll win!"
(https://i.imgur.com/d4kDMAf.jpg?1)
Duto started to dance and chant, the rest banged on the shields and chanted too.
"Aboopbirod! Sasir Strir! Sasir Ngira! Sasir Abozotho! Athroc Podkoru! Inut Curuk! Birod! Uthros! Abouthros Opnepe!"

(https://i.imgur.com/BSobVFi.jpg?2)
Battle!
And that's where you come to play!
(https://i.imgur.com/iW3bd6H.jpg?1)

Your soldiers:
Ibon Taldeithrel, the Apucemir
Human Koseasi 1
Human Koseasi 2
Udma Thremlurakbin, the Kodolith
Duto's just dancer, I fear. But he'll keep your soldiers furious, and he'll demoralize the goblins with his voice. As the goblin boss said, wounds are fatal for your warriors. Tribesmen rely on blocks, dodging and parries, that's part of their culture.  :)
How is it played? Just write orders, what actions do you want to do. You can use rocks on the map, llama spit artillery - whatever! Be creative!
And always remember - losing is fun!  :D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudalkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 12, 2019, 12:01:46 am

No tips? Everyone is by rival "Losing is Fun", gladly navigating kea man to victory.  >:( What marketing trick should I use...
But I see you guys there, in the active user list! You won't hide from me!
Hey, just tell me if it's better to let you participate, or if I should continue the battle myself. I know I am hey yeah impatient, but still. I need more happy thoughts. More!!!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on April 12, 2019, 07:16:15 am

Oh. Fight! Hm.

Four soldiers: Stick together like glue. Isolate individual goblins, quickly cripple them with shots to the legs and feet, and dodge away to cripple the next goblin. Once all goblins have been disabled in this way, start looking for killshots. Stay mobile, and actively dodge/block/parry any incoming attacks-- whatever you're best at. If one soldier's looking Tired, move forward and support him so he can fall back to recover.

Civilians: Grab rocks, throw rocks. If you can't throw rocks, throw mud. Just be careful not to hit your guards.

Dancer: That singing thing sounds useful, I suppose. Do it at safe distance from the fight proper, though.

I'm not very creative... but howzat?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 12, 2019, 07:19:57 am

Quote from: Superdorf on April 12, 2019, 07:16:15 am

Oh. Fight! Hm.

Four soldiers: Stick together like glue. Isolate individual goblins, quickly cripple them with shots to the legs and feet, and dodge away to cripple the next goblin. Once all goblins have been disabled in this way, start looking for killshots. Stay mobile, and actively dodge/block/parry any incoming attacks-- whatever you're best at. If one soldier's looking Tired, move forward and support him so he can fall back to recover.

Civilians: Grab rocks, throw rocks. If you can't throw rocks, throw mud. Just be careful not to hit your guards.

Dancer: That singing thing sounds useful, I suppose. Do it at safe distance from the fight proper, though.

I'm not very creative... but howzat?

And so good old Superdorf saved my sanity again...  :) Your request has been taken into consideration.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Cathar on April 12, 2019, 08:54:41 am

What you need is to create a situation where you can surround the enemy. So my idea :

Three soldiers move between the two rocks with shields raised and defend the chockepoint. In the meantime, another soldiers protecting a group of civilians will sneak behind the assaulting goblin group and surround them. When the surround is complete, switch the soldiers to full attack mode and suppress the enemy like that. The civilians are here to "make mass" more than to inflict damage, but if we don't fight unfairly, we'll accumulate a lot of unneccessary casualties. Civilians get rocks, hit with rocks if possible, and if it is not focus on dodging while the armed men do the wetwork.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 12, 2019, 12:41:49 pm

(https://i.imgur.com/UFEsS7q.jpg?1)
Warriors sticked to themselves, and were ready to push the enemy, while Duto climbed on a rock for sake of good sound.
Goblins ran to this four-men army, and attacked, yet every blow was parried or blocked.
(https://i.imgur.com/lWr4JlC.jpg?1)
Udma, trained in surprise blows, drew his large bronze dagger.
Udma Thremlurakbin strikes the Goblin Axeman in upper body, tearing the Muscle And bruising the right lung!
Goblin Axeman has trouble breathing!
Ibon Taldeithrek tries to slash Goblin Swordsman 1 but the slash is deftly parried with -bronze scimitar-!
Human Koseasi 1 stabs Goblin Swordsman 2, but the shot is blocked with palm shield!
Goblin Spearman stabs the Human Koseasi 2, but the shot is blocked with -oak shield-!
(https://i.imgur.com/muhNe1J.jpg?1)
Goblin Axeman stumbled backwards, falling to ground.
"Not a while ago human tribesman attacked me. It's terrifying."
Goblin Boss, apparently some skilled martial artist, tried to kick and pummel Udma, but he dodged everything. Yet he dodged out of the formation, so they were now trying to hit eat other few steps from the main battle. (In fact, that was the flanking plan, but goblins didn't realize)
(https://i.imgur.com/JR3uz26.jpg?1)
The whole formation fell apart just a while later, with every tribesman picking a goblin to fight.
Ibon found truly worthy fencing opponent. Udma was no better. Koseasi 2 managed to hit the Goblin Spearman, but it glanced away from the iron breastplate. The second swordsman was really frustrated under chanting Duto, he let his guard down for a moment and was stabbed in chest.
(https://i.imgur.com/NXHOGrh.jpg?1)
Axeman succumbed to his wounds, goblins were scattered. Goblin Swordsman 2 was hit again and he lost hold of his iron scimitar. Udma is slowly dragging the struggle with boss in other direction. Goblin Spearman stopped fighting with Koseasi and turned towards Ibon, with treacherous thoughts in his mind. Duto jumped down from the rock, chanting on the ground, what made interesting effect of pushing the whole battle back.
(https://i.imgur.com/aDQmzu0.jpg?1)
Koseasi stabbed the swordsman for the last time, rendering him immobile. Goblin Boss seems to have realized what Udma is trying, so he blocked the path. But goblin immorality should not be underestimated.
Goblin Spearman stabs Ibon Taldeithrek from behind, tearing the muscle! An artery was opened by the attack!
"Ack..."
The remaining goblin swordsman now raised his arm, ready to struck Ibon down.

Now that's a situation, isn't it?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on April 12, 2019, 01:28:37 pm

Welp, Ibon's dead. Unless...

Llamas! Artillery fire! NOW!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: NJW2000 on April 12, 2019, 06:20:19 pm

Quote from: Superdorf on April 12, 2019, 01:28:37 pm

Welp, Ibon's dead. Unless...

Llamas! Artillery fire! NOW!

+1 to the idea of llamas in general. Very territorial animals, you know.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Juc on April 12, 2019, 10:46:18 pm

Nice and clean imho. Good job!  :)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 13, 2019, 04:42:08 am

(https://i.imgur.com/FHlWixy.jpg?1)
"Why did we stop?" thought the llama. "I do admire this nice highland. I don't admire these green guys. They're beating the tan guys. I do admire the tan guys, they pasture me by nice chewy grass. But I don't spit on guys. What should I do then?"
After having a monologue over values with itself, from pure hatred towards goblins, the llama formed a spit.
Llama spits!
Llama misses!
The spinning stone hit The Goblin Swordsman to the head, bruising the skin!
(https://i.imgur.com/zG7qDXQ.jpg?1)
The swordsman tumbled backwards. Spearman was confused, with spits flying here and there, Koseasi swiftly stabbed him to leg, trough his leather greaves.
Duto stopped chanting warsongs, he helped Ibon out of battle, intensely muttering Onbirreloth.
The second Koseasi hit the Spearman in the arm.
(https://i.imgur.com/JJFt7dz.jpg?1)
Swordsman is again back on his feet, struggling with two Koseasi.
"Where are reinforcements when I need them?" yelled the Boss.
(https://i.imgur.com/xevZPX2.jpg?1)
All of the goblins were now pretty much crippled, except the boss. He quickly dodged to the path they came and shouted: "I won't fall to your filthy hands, I won't!"
"Let him be." said Duto.
"But he said something about reinforcements!" said Sutad. "We're in danger!"
"He has yielded. No need to fight. We're not bloodlusted beasts."
(https://i.imgur.com/8zQgwRi.jpg?1)
Slash.
"Rudslazugsmes!"
The Goblin Boss fell to the ground.
(https://i.imgur.com/PjSTHxy.jpg?1)
"Okay, bind him." said Duto. "And those weapons, leather, shields, armor - take it."
"Ngopex on those goblins!" said Ibon. He coughed blood.
"Bring here some large cloth! We need to make bandages, this is awfully bad wound... You okay, Ibon?"
"I hope so." He then turned to the goblin boss. "If we were like you, I would chop you with one mighty chop, goblin! You're lucky we aren't that bad!"
Llamas took opportunity and they were spitting while in range. But they soon left, after picking as much loot they could afford at the moment.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ly82KEk.jpg?1)
Boss was bound, staring at his men giving into pain. Then he saw other figures incoming.
(https://i.imgur.com/jHpmc1a.jpg?1)
Pale, armored warriors, they came to each lying goblin, touching him with their curved pale blades. Goblins took a last breath. Boss was shocked.
(https://i.imgur.com/Spb4sFj.jpg?1)
"Ngorubnestro, harbingers of death? I thought those reside in Bagsnubsmata, Alsmustspås. The legends say so!"
(https://i.imgur.com/2j9d8XQ.jpg?1)
One of the pale warriors came to boss.
(https://i.imgur.com/erCWIW7.jpg?1)
He looked at him, then they turned and went away. Boss tried to shook off the rope, but it wasn't very easy.
(https://i.imgur.com/i4qcbFV.jpg?1)
When goblin boss managed to unbound himself (falling into river in the process), tribesmen were far away.
(https://i.imgur.com/ssUd9PN.jpg?1)
"Hey, goblin! I know you!"
(https://i.imgur.com/oOheI26.jpg?1)
"Osle! First tribesmen have beaten us to the ground, then Ngorubnestro came, and now it's this toad again!"
"Ngorubnestro came? Well yeah, that's bad. Tribesmen have beaten you to the ground? That's great, where did they go?"
"Ustspuostam, I won't tell you! I don't hopefully know."
(https://i.imgur.com/yzVltUB.jpg?1)
"That's okay, I would not trust a goblin anyway. Good morning!"
(https://i.imgur.com/IbV5hsy.jpg?1)
"Ösnasnam, what now? I must gather the rest, go back to fort, and pillage some settlement. That's solution for all problems!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on April 13, 2019, 07:08:57 am

Woohoo!

When all else fails... "Rule of Funny" comes to the fore.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 13, 2019, 07:18:24 am

We should do these battles more frequently, shouldn't we?
But now, some citizens still wait to be named!
For better conception, here you go close-up portraits, at least those of the tribesmen.
(https://i.imgur.com/4eKIx4P.png) - Can weave and sew well
(https://i.imgur.com/aFy9F9a.png) - Animal caretaker
(https://i.imgur.com/pA929By.png) - Tatloshzat

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 14, 2019, 12:08:42 pm

I'll be quite busy now during the Easter, so again, expect some delay regarding episodes in the season... I would like also to craft some scenery, I am tired of working with the same old grass and rocks, so that's another delay, however, for the sake of quality.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 15, 2019, 09:10:56 am

(https://i.imgur.com/9ZMg85e.jpg?1)
"And to the south, if I remember correctly, is the Umomidteling, and further Togalarel lies. I never was there myself." said Olmul.
"Still, you're pretty well-traveled!" Berath said. "My adventurer career ended soon. Beasts were far to the west or innacesible from here. Then I asked that mayor: "And what about me?" And he said: "Probably traveling or deep underground, I can't be sure." I told him that he's in wrong mound, the drinking one is just next door, and he said it's pleasure to speak with me. Few more of these weirdnesses and I quit, going back home, Alak needed help there. I thought, he's a noble and he's my cousin, so I lived by him then. Hey, and you and Ermis? You seem.. related."
(https://i.imgur.com/mHqJltV.jpg?1)
"She's my aunt. We used to sell soap and meals together."
"She seems to be mad at you from time to time."
"Oh yeah, we're teasing each other but we're friends. Hey, do you see that? Some green guys before us! Goblins?"
"Nah, too small for goblins. They've got... Tails?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Uef40T9.jpg?1)
The green beings ran towards the wagon. They seemed curious.
"Some lizard-kin." said Olmul. "Greetings, friends!"
The lizards stared at the dwarves, bobbing their heads.
"I'll try it in goblin. Obu, Rosusm!"
The lizards didn't apparently understand. They were hissing some words to themselves, but not they, nor dwarves were able to understand each other.
"They're green iguanas, if I am not wrong."
(https://i.imgur.com/mHH8S2F.jpg?2)
"What are we going to do with these guys?" asked Berath. "Maybe we could bob our heads back."
"Hmmm... We don't know what that means, so better to be safe."
The iguana men seemed happy that they found dwarves. They were jumping and waving, and pointing their spear in one direction.
"They want to take us somewhere!" said Berath.
"Ahh, nothing to lose. Some iguanas can't harm us, can they? Let's follow them."
(https://i.imgur.com/I6Z3T3q.jpg?1)
They came to some tall iguana man, with two strange animals next to him.
"What's that?" asked Berath.
"Never seen it before. Looks like some tailed frog with teeth and reptilian legs... What's that thing on its back?"
The tall iguana man looked happy too. He ran towards the wagon, and the frog-like beings followed him. It was funny to behold, these stout animals running on their short legs. The tall iguana man lifted his hand to the dwarves, who shook it.
(https://i.imgur.com/QLIax6r.jpg?2)
"This one knows manners!" said Olmul. "Anyways, what do you want from us? If you wanna soap, that'll be..."
The iguana men pointed at Olmul weapons.
"Hey! I can't give you my tools of war! Or you wanna fight?!!"
The iguana men pointed first at Olmuls hand, then at the weapons. Olmul grabbed his sword and shield. Iguana men started joyfully hopping around.
"Huh?"
Berath took her spear, reaction of iguana men was same, they happily bobbed their heads. Then they pointed in their favourite pointing direction, they took dwarves by hands, and tried to pull them there.
"You want help in some fight?" asked Olmul.
"Seems so." said Berath.
"Okay, let's move where they want."
(https://i.imgur.com/HvAGvtn.jpg?1)
After a while, the iguana men tried to stop Razes and the ox, and were pointing at the ground.
"We should stop, if it is what they want." said Olmul, and they got off the wagon.
"Wait here, Razes, and fight for my soap if necessary!"
"Mooooo!"
Few steps later, iguana men stopped.
"So, where's our enemy?" asked Olmul.
The tall iguana man pointed with his spear.
(https://i.imgur.com/4VYfmZP.jpg?1)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 15, 2019, 09:17:33 am

(https://i.imgur.com/XUSPXld.jpg?1)
"But... That's an ogre!!!" Berath whispered.
"Ogah!!! Ogah!!!" whispered iguana men.
"Strange enough, he could came here from Munsogsil, but that's few days from here!" said Olmul.
"Few days for us, but few steps for such an ogre." said Berath.
"Okay, iguanas. What's the plan?"
(https://i.imgur.com/4PFArkY.jpg?1)
Iguana men charged with a warcry, their war-beasts hissing with fury.
"Got it. These fierce frogo guys, they're just awesome. Charge!"
(https://i.imgur.com/qnbEaSf.jpg?1)
Frogo 1 bites the Ogre in his lower right leg, tearing the muscle!
Ogre misses!
(https://i.imgur.com/E0lRy8x.jpg?1)
Ogre attacks Olmul but he jumps away!
"Yikes!"
Iguana man stabs Ogre in his left toe, tearing the muscle!
Iguana man stabs Ogre in his left lower leg, tearing the skin and bruising the muscle!
Ogre bashes iguana man in his upper body, bruising the skin!
(https://i.imgur.com/PAXDC3J.jpg?1)
Iguana man is propelled away by the blow!
(https://i.imgur.com/4hCoB7X.jpg?1)
Berath stabs Ogre in his right foot, tearing the muscle!
"This is useless, he's just too big!"
Frogo 2 bites Ogre in his left foot, tearing the muscle!
Ogre misses!
"Nah, we need to bring him down, then he'll be vulnerable! Just keep striking the legs!
Iguana man stabs Ogre in his right lower leg, bruising the muscle!
Ogre misses!
Ogre attacks Iguana man but he rolls away!
Olmul banged on his shield and pointed at right lower leg of the Ogre.
"There! Attack there!"
(https://i.imgur.com/sOiHA9G.jpg?1)
Iguana men got the plan, their leader hissed something towards frogos, who came to help to the right lower leg afterwards.
Ogre misses!
Ogre misses!
Olmul slashes Ogre in the right lower leg, tearing the muscle!
Berath stabs Ogre in the right lower leg, tearing the muscle!
Iguana man stabs Ogre in the right lower leg, bruising the muscle!
Frogo 2 bites Ogre in the right lower leg, tearing the muscle!
Iguana man stabs Ogre in the right lower leg, bruising the muscle!
Frogo 1 bites Ogre in the right lower leg, bruising the muscle!
(https://i.imgur.com/anFjEQL.jpg?1)
The Ogre falls over.
Olmul and Berath swiftly climbed on his back, iguana men following them.
Then they slashed and stabbed, frogos have bitten like never before. Ogre was turning himself, trying to get up, and he made one last effort.
(https://i.imgur.com/ilg1Jts.jpg?1)
He grabbed Olmul and threw him away.
"Whoa! No no no nooo!!!" yelled Olmul.
"Mooooo!" could be heard from the wagon.
The Ogre was struck down
(https://i.imgur.com/8UPuBK3.jpg?1)
"They're breathing, but they fainted. We should... Ah, I forgot." said Berath. She picked up the iguana man, the others helped her. They loaded iguana man and Olmul on wagon, on pile of soap.
(https://i.imgur.com/83h2u2c.jpg?1)
Iguana men then tried to push the wagon in one direction, so Berath rode that way.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 16, 2019, 09:35:22 am

I think the poll result is clear, Ôvok the toad (https://i.imgur.com/xSfZe9N.png) is the most favorite character!
Now the story continues, with another short, yet very important interlude...

(https://i.imgur.com/CBT9Z2n.jpg?1)
"Keeeeaa! Keeeaaa!"
"Shut up, Ralsinsot! We don't need to be heard."
Lolor took of a ring from his pocket and sealed the scroll.
(https://i.imgur.com/A7zqgXP.jpg?1)
"Now it just need to be delivered." said Lolor to the kea. He then grabbed its upper body with right arm and hid it behind his coat.
(https://i.imgur.com/pE1FcGZ.jpg?1)
Then he went out, to safe distance, with no dwarf around.
He handled the scroll to the bird who grabbed it with its claws. Lolor then whispered: "Ziril."
(https://i.imgur.com/fF9qBVN.jpg?1)
Kea flew away with the scroll.
(https://i.imgur.com/oVJsplG.jpg?1)
"Good girl." said Lolor and went back to the fortress.
"Hey! Hey!"
(https://i.imgur.com/RgFDuz6.jpg?1)
Lolor turned. He saw a dwarf, lacking right lower arm, banded in bandages.
"Huh? You're migrant? A refugee? Are you alone?"
"I need to speak with your leader! It's urgent!"
"Okay, okay. Stop yelling. Everything will be fine."

(https://i.imgur.com/rzSZoun.jpg?1)
Alak sent for his fellow noblesmen. They gathered at the council room.
"Welcome, dwarf! I am Alak Zilirdural, overseer of this fortress. Who are you?"
"My name is Otad Isanberdan. I am a veteran, I barely escaped alive. I was a member of Udirizden, squad within the Mountainhome. I was sent here to deliver a message."
"What kind of message?" asked Urist.
"The Mountainhome has fallen."
Silence.

(https://i.imgur.com/b23CjhU.jpg?1)
"We'll, I guess we're the new Mountainhome now!" said Alak and wanted to end the meeting, but, of course, the rest wasn't so optimistic.
"When did it happen?" asked Lolor.
"I was sent here immediately when it was clear we lost. That could be... Week and few days."
"Goblins? There were lying siege there recently!"
"Goblins were there. But also some strange creatures, we have never seen before."
(https://i.imgur.com/e3OjoRh.jpg?1)
Now Alak became curious.
"What kind of creatures? I saw a lot of weird guys on way here." said Alak.
"I'll try to describe. The siege was truly terrible. We sealed the fort six times, but they've got some huge beast that was able to get through everything."
(https://i.imgur.com/2ubWdh8.jpg?1)
The Mountainhome
"*Cough* Filthy goblins..." said the old bleeding dwarf.
"Filthy you dwarves! Your realm will now fall apart. And we'll be those who rule these lands, and after that, all of the lands beyond!!!"
"Who *cough* who are you? You're not ordinary goblin."
"Puny mortal, you know nothing."
"Our kingdom is strong. You might have won today, but we won't fall. Never."
"Enough of your foolish words. End him."
(https://i.imgur.com/Kuc8NE9.jpg?1)
The Dwarf Count 1 was struck down.
"Sir. This apparently wasn't the king."
"Shut up. But you're right. We must pursue the king. As long as he's alive, dwarves are strong. Too many refugees slipped out of our hands. Find him. End him."
"As you wish, sir."

(https://i.imgur.com/afoMTMP.jpg?1)
"Sooo... Bogeymen you say?" asked Alak.
"Bogeymen vanish under roofs, everyone knows that!" said Urist.
"These haven't vanished, sadly." said Otad. "I think that by now, last defences must have been breached. Thanks to our underground tunnel many of us managed to escape. But some of the refugees were said to be pursued by the enemy while travelling."
"We must be prepared then that the enemy might lay siege on Kudarkalur, and migrants may come here in big numbers. Correct?" asked Alak.
Everyone nodded.
"Thanks for the message Otad."
"You said you're veteran, would you like to join us in the militia?" asked Rikkir.
"I would... Rather not. Along with my arm, I've lost my military prowess."
"He could help me in kitchen." said Ermis.
"Good idea!" said Alak. "Meeting is over! Back to our duties."
(https://i.imgur.com/fuWEcbr.jpg?1)
"Man, if Otad arrived just a while before, I could have updated the letter!" thought Lolor. "Phew, but what can I do. Hope it'll be delivered fast. Now with these circumstances..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on April 16, 2019, 09:49:10 am

Welp, there goes the neighborhood...

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 16, 2019, 10:07:13 am

That's just the beginning. ;)
Here is some related art, first our heroic Kodolith, Udma Thremlurakbin:
(https://i.imgur.com/XiBPjSB.jpg?1)
Recently I entered the magical world of heraldry, now I love to create and decipher coat of arms. Here's the one belonging to Alak:
(https://i.imgur.com/eAtSiJL.jpg?2)
The crescent is especially fitting symbol for him. I would desribe this coat of arms for you, but I am not so experienced at blazon yet  :)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 17, 2019, 06:52:02 am

(https://i.imgur.com/tyM3W1r.jpg?1)
Under the heat of the sun, some dwarves were marching. Where did they go? They didn't really care. They were happy they ended like this, and not worse.
"Man, this is annoying, unfocusing, terrifying." said the most armored one. "We, the great Udirizden, once famous and proud squad, now bunch of crippled, barefoot..."
(https://i.imgur.com/UPhLcrF.jpg?1)
"Hey, it's not that bad!" said the one with big axe. "The only one who's crippled is Gemesh, he's not barefoot and Otad is who knows where. So I must insist, captain!"
The one who knows these squads and groups would also know, that this captain must be lord Ïlon Urirlînem himself. But you don't know that so I'm telling you.
"Neth..." said Ïlon. "How can you say things like that! And all of you, are you just okay with that we lost our home, fortress... You're not like... Upset or something?"
"It was inevitable. Losing is fun." said Gemesh with a grin.
"You're bunch of madmen!" said Ïlon. "Only Adur's okay."
"And me?" asked the marksdwarf.
"You're okay too, Alåth. Hey, so you're not a bunch after all, you're only two madmen. That's good to know." He got a good thought. "Wait. Where's the king?"
(https://i.imgur.com/VVEpA0f.jpg?1)
...
"This stone is beautifully arranged."
"Are you kidding me? You lost a king?!!"
"No..." said Neth. "He went with the other group."
"Phew... Wait. You lost the main group?!!"
"We? That's impossible! We've been just following you, captain!"
Ïlon looked as he was going to throw tantrum. He was really mad, he wasn't so experienced in looking like he was going to throw a tantrum as Alak, with the hopping eyes and stuff, still, very dangerous to behold.
"Captain? Where are we going then?" asked Adur.
"Wait a moment. I need to CALM DOWN!!!!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/nGSlaK7.jpg?1)
"Have you calmed down, captain?" asked Gemesh.
"I remember Udirizden as a proud, powerful, and obedient squad! How we could let this happen, such weird dwarves infiltrating to our barracks!" shouted Ïlon. Besides, you're cheeky for you're crippled and can fight no more, and because I am too kind to hit helpless!"
"Captain, you seriously insulted me. I can fight and I ain't helpless!"
"Nevermind. Where are we going? Well, if you are capable of something like losing the main group, we must plan where to go, for we don't have plan right now. It left with rest of refugees."
"We could go to Belbezstodir. It's closer than the other forts." said Alåth.
"We truly could, but it's way too close to goblin nations."
"What about Emenkegeth? That's a safe distance. I think it's where the royals escaped." said Adur.
"Better than Belbezstodir, but I fear that's too far away for our little group. But we would handle it, wouldn't we?"
"Then there's the fort Alak Zilirdural went to found. That's a lot closer, but I don't think it is a good option, it's too young fortress." said Neth.
"Finally you said something clever. Alak's good man, but we can't count on him now. So... I think we'll try to get to Emenkegeth. I know there are some hillocks between us and the fortress, so we could make it."
(https://i.imgur.com/fo2FVt8.jpg?1)
"We are Udirizden, we are strong, and we'll preserve!!!"

Meanwhile, at the forest of Aÿevamame...
(https://i.imgur.com/8eQvHhi.jpg?1)
"I have to say something to thee, life is, in a word, a tree."
"I completely agree."
(https://i.imgur.com/duTC1AM.jpg?1)
"Hey, fellow watchmen! What do you see?"
"Nothing at all, watching the woods tall but there's nothing to be seen, not dwarf, nor goblin, only trees and plants of green."
(https://i.imgur.com/vCIVtmn.jpg?1)
"Hey, you... Hip... Eh... Elves!"
"What's that? It's a toad? Finally something to behold."
"Are you bored on the watch you started composing poems?"
"Not really, tree-toad, we're keen, our eyes too, but toads don't climb trees, so what's up with you?"
"What have you been smoking? Anyway, I need to speak with a druid. Is there some druid near?"
"Druid truly dwells near, we can take you to him, for toads clumsy are, don't fall from the rim."
(https://i.imgur.com/YDjAqk7.jpg?1)
"Hah, really funny." thought the toad. "If those will ever join us, we'll prohibit narcotics. This can't be tolerated!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 19, 2019, 01:27:25 pm

With heavy heart I must tell you, that my stocks of green and brown color are nearly depleted, inspiration hasn't come for few last days, but what's worst of this all, I've lost Tarmid! I fear it's gone forever. Only sweet memories remained...
Under these circumstances, I am forced to use my last weapon, and that's, user interactive fights! Hope you're prepared...  ;)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on April 19, 2019, 07:20:48 pm

Ahh, don't burn out Quaksna! You've been updating like a madman; it's OK to rest and resupply!

That said, I look forward to the upcoming carnage with glee and trepidation both. All luck to you.  :D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 21, 2019, 10:11:51 am

(https://i.imgur.com/h6Lo9Ao.jpg?1)
"Phew. Is it over?"
(https://i.imgur.com/gW1yi7Y.jpg?1)
"Anybody here?"
(https://i.imgur.com/mw9rgTz.jpg?1)
"I'm here."
"Oh, it's you. Where are the others?"
"Well, I took advantage of the chaos and threw Ongnguutgub out, you've struggled with Zomus and you're here, so Zomus is elsewhere, and Ngoruboxox... Hey I don't really know, I'm glad I'm standing here."
(https://i.imgur.com/7m8qFqw.jpg?1)
"Hope Aspdosusmat remained here too, he's especially dangerous for mortals."
"What are we going to do now?"
"I would personally cleaned this mess, then we should check how it looks like in other realms."
"Sounds like a plan."
(https://i.imgur.com/fR38FlL.jpg?1)
"Hope I'm not interrupting, gentlemen!"
"Oh snap." said Oströtakåtôz. "Here we go again."
(https://i.imgur.com/tcWn4cC.jpg?1)
"You! You're responsible for this!" shouted Uxzoustug. "Aslezslagka! Attack!"
"Strange, I don't see any Aslezslagka here! Last time I was on visit there was a lot more colorful goblins..."
"Now isn't a good time for jokes!"
"Still, if we want to bring balance back at least a little bit, we need him."
"Oströtakåtôz speaks wise words. You don't want to fight me now, do you?"
"Alright, alright!" shouted Uxzoustug. "Take a seat."
(https://i.imgur.com/qJZsgQU.jpg?1)
"Finally you younglings got a brain. Not really big one, but everything counts. Now you threw Zomus out? You know, it's very interesting by mortals when he's there! I think we should intervene as soon as possible, for sake of the world. And our honor."
"Okay, Ongongera. But what exactly should we do? I can't unleash army of Aslezslagka, that wouldn't work, it would only make this chaos even bigger." said Uxzoustug.
"But we must do something, he won't be weak forever!"
"Why you hadn't fought him there?"
"Guys, the emo guy's gone, no need to fight again." said Oströtakåtôz. "Really, let's clean the mess, sit down... Okay?"
"Okay. But listen, Ongongera, we're not friends. This is only because it's emergency. You're not part of the Alsmustspås."
"Understood. You're still jerks, but it's emergency. It's pretty boring idea, but..."
"Yeah. Way too boring!" said Oströtakåtôz, and what came next, the others couldn't see coming.
(https://i.imgur.com/YjG0IyA.jpg?1)
He lifted his arms towards Uxzoustug, said an incantation, and then it went BOOM!!! Then they could see shine of his blazing armor falling from the edge, and hear goblin curses.
(https://i.imgur.com/INqf2bA.jpg?1)
Limulsheget stood there with a mouth open, staring like a cacatonic dwarf.
"Man, Oströtakåtôz, you're a jerk, but this was awesome!" he said and laughed. "Great, now without the fiery guy we're the true bosses, right?"
"No."
(https://i.imgur.com/zpxmqkI.jpg?1)
Whoosh!!!
"Oströtakåtôz!!! I'll turn you into a..." shouted Limul as he was falling down, too.
(https://i.imgur.com/zR0KDOc.jpg?1)
"Not really. I am the only and true boss here. I... Am the Alsmustspås."
The bird screeched.
"Oh shut up, Többogosma! Or I'll call plague on you!!!"

(https://i.imgur.com/oXuBv17.jpg?1)
"Great. Just great! I'm stuck here in some dumb cavern with this glittering gilded..."
"Golden. Not gilded, but golden. Encrusted with golden scales, to be precise. Where were we? Ahh... Hey! You think I'm okay with this? I thought Oströtakåtôz got a brain, but he lost it just as fast!"
"I agree on that. C'mon, what are we going to do now? He blasted off the last few of power I had after the battle, I'm exhausted!"
"You're telling me! It was pretty difficult to get to Alsmustspås, and for what?!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/c3lY9S3.jpg?1)
"Hey, calm down. I am more the less head of the pantheon, am I not? If we find some goblins, we might get the help we need till we get enough of power again."
"That's good idea, but we must be faster than Zomus. Who knows how much he managed to strengthen his position here. What about my friends dwarves?"
"Nah, that's not a good idea. This is not their war. Let's go to goblins first."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 22, 2019, 09:02:28 am

(https://i.imgur.com/Zht0JaH.jpg?1)
"Behold now, o the toad, for this is our druid!"
"Thanks. Greetings, o druid. You can call me Cuquimoimadu. I came with a plea for a little assistance."
"Greetings to you, Cuquimoimadu. I am Ebeca Alenewo. Life is, in a word, tree. What do you need from us?"
"I need help with one particular spell that could speed me up on my journey to unite nations. By the way, would you like to join us? We help the world and organize interesting events and..."
"No. I would, rather not."
(https://i.imgur.com/zwffTLa.jpg?1)
The toad noticed the same thing in eyes of the druid that Duto had in his. But Duto seemed doubtful and surprised, this druid seemed confident and determined.
"Why's that? You haven't heard everything yet."
Druid was silent.
"You detest toads or what? Is that some cultural problem?"
"I won't tell you." said Ebeca.
"Men of mystery, ain't you all? And what about that spell?" asked the toad.
"Where do you want to go?"
"I can't tell you." said the toad with a grin.
(https://i.imgur.com/A3JiPf8.jpg?1)
"You're hiding something." druid said.
"Oh c'mon, you're hiding something! You detest toads! Why?"
"So you must have spoken with another one of ours... Are you stalking someone?"
"Hey, listen. I don't have bad intentions. I just need..."
"Everyone says that. But now really... Who are you?"
"I shouldn't have come here. If you're not willing to help... Why do you detest toads?"
"You're too curious for one little toad." said Ebeca.
"Now it's just enough!" shouted the toad. "Do you know what I think?"
(https://i.imgur.com/RGlyt4N.jpg?1)
"You know, it seems like the toad wants a fight, we should help our druid, who knows the toad's might."
(https://i.imgur.com/9VAN9rt.jpg?1)
Three elven watchmen came from behind.
"This toad has nothing to do here. It cooperates with tree-murderers... Cast it out from our tree."
"As you wish, elves. I don't favor violence, but if you want it so much... Hmmm... How could I pacificate bunch of angry elves?"

How to pacificate bunch of angry elves? That's, again, up to you!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on April 22, 2019, 09:34:44 am

Quote from: Quaksna

"Life is, in a word, tree".

Truly, the depth of elfin philosophy knows no bounds.

------------------

Oh dear. Our little toad's in over his head. I'd suggest he simply get out of there, but if he insists on making this a proper fight...

Jump down the back of an elf's shirt.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 23, 2019, 08:28:04 am

(https://i.imgur.com/II0W8bO.jpg?1)
"Elves are all around us. This doesn't scare me." said the toad. "Oh c'mon, they don't have usable shirt. This one has armor, though, if it can be called so!"
The toad looses a roaring croak!
(https://i.imgur.com/CkpJSkI.jpg?1)
"Where is it? It disappeared!"
"Ack, it's stuck in my armor! Take it off! Ouch! It bites! Take it off!" yelled the spearman.
"It's a wizard!" said the javelin thrower.
"It is terryfing." said the fencer.
(https://i.imgur.com/hqIxSxg.jpg?1)
The elves tried to shake the spearman, hoping that the toad will fall off. The druid raised his staff and started muttering something. Another elves were coming.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on April 23, 2019, 11:20:06 am

Awright!

Quick, jump down the back of another elf's neck while they're shaking the first one!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 24, 2019, 07:50:38 am

And you! Aren't you ashamed, bay watchers, that you need Superdorf to do your chores?  ;D I know, I update like a madman. Because +Papercrafts+ intensifies. Anyway, here we go!

(https://i.imgur.com/R083R6x.jpg?1)
The toad hopped down, elves, confused, were still shaking the spearman.
"Hah! My sneaking has improved, that was very satisfying!"
(https://i.imgur.com/9VlqiCg.jpg?1)
The toad looses a mighty, roaring croak!
(https://i.imgur.com/x09XBIH.jpg?1)
The toad transforms into a... toad. But it started to shine and dazzle, and it conjured itself a pair of swift wings.
"Let's fly to freedom! No elves will stop me!"
(https://i.imgur.com/ycyBG35.jpg?1)
Crash.
"Oh c'mon, what's with the wings again!"
(https://i.imgur.com/3WrLRYq.jpg?1)
The druid was still muttering something.
"I see it now, he tries to disrupt my innate toad powers! But he stand no chance against..."
An arrow flew next to the toad, thanks to small size of toads, it missed.
(https://i.imgur.com/xr7TJII.jpg?1)
"More elves are coming! What now? Shall I stay or shall I go? Shall I fight with honor, or escape these mad green-cloaks?"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on April 24, 2019, 08:55:02 am

In situations where I'm outnumbered, I'm recall the old maxim: "Discretion is the better part of valour." Meaning our favorite toad needs to continue his mission of unity, not get potentially get skewered by intolerant hippies.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on April 24, 2019, 09:10:33 am

Wait wait wait, we can fly? I... I didn't realize just how magical a toad we were...

But +1 to getting out of here-- I would've left two updates ago, but the toad had other ideas. Getting stabbed by elves does not help us here.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: NJW2000 on April 24, 2019, 11:23:30 am

Quote from: Superdorf on April 24, 2019, 09:10:33 am

Wait wait wait, we can fly? I... I didn't realize just how magical a toad we were...

But +1 to getting out of here-- I would've left two updates ago, but the toad had other ideas. Getting stabbed by elves does not help us here.

+1. Time to leave. We may be a near-deity amphibian but arrows hurt.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 25, 2019, 09:42:18 am

(https://i.imgur.com/wUUeeIT.jpg?1)
"Alas, I've got too much into pride and wrath, stucking here and losing time, fighting..."
The toad got a bad thought.
"But I've got my quest. And I'll complete it. Let's get out of here!"
The toad looses a mighty, horrible croak!
The croak shooks the very tree!
(https://i.imgur.com/E8W4JdA.jpg?1)
The bowmen stumbled backwards.
Elf Bowman 1 falls over!
Elf Bowman 2 falls over!
(https://i.imgur.com/eB9PlZI.jpg?1)
Then the toad turned, facing the druid. It took a long breath.
(https://i.imgur.com/dZVh1Vo.jpg?1)
"Oh noes! It's going to do it again! Quick! Shield wall! Protecting spells!" yelled the elves. Then they looked more closely.
(https://i.imgur.com/sz6Se1c.jpg?1)
"Hehehe, how I value cunning! See you, you..."
"Druid, it's crawling away!"
"It won't get away.
(https://i.imgur.com/44v9hSE.jpg?1)
"Whoa, what's this, some elite elven praetorian something? I don't have time for this!"
(https://i.imgur.com/PbGBr2T.jpg?1)
"Where is it? It... just disappeared!" shouted the guard.
(https://i.imgur.com/LnxeKQG.jpg?1)
"Ahh, it's out of my reach now!" said the druid angrily.
"Shall we pursue it?" asked some soldier.
"No, I'll try to scry, maybe we'll get some track. If it goes towards some another tribesmen, we must intervene!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 25, 2019, 09:49:35 am

(https://i.imgur.com/ebv9Fl7.jpg?1)
"Where... Wha... Berath?"
"Good morning Olmul. We fought that ogre, do you remember?"
"Oh yes, I remember. With those lizardmen and frogos. And he tossed me... How does Alak say that... Zodostshokmut! My arm!"
"Precisely."
"Where are we heading now?"
"Get off. We're here."
"Where?"
(https://i.imgur.com/wJuAyOK.jpg?1)
They got off, before them stood wooden huts with roofs made of straw. There wasn't much of them, nor the iguana men that resided inside. It was a small camp, like some settlement consisting of one bigger family.
The wounded iguana man got better, he was already running on his own feet, he got some sort of distrust to soap of Olmul.
The iguana men from the village rushed to greet their fellows.
(https://i.imgur.com/M4i7SPi.jpg?1)
The tall warrior hissed something to them. They greeted the dwarves, ox and Razes, and pulled them by hands to campfire.
"I think we're invited to dinner!" said Olmul.
"Delightful. Let's see if they can surpass Ermis."
(https://i.imgur.com/gFpbFne.jpg?1)
Of course they couldn't surpass Ermis, but they suited dwarven needs, and we all know, dwarven needs are quite often quite weird.
The iguana men brought some roasted meat, and bowls with water. They lived near the coast, so splashing of waves could be heard, the dish was truly splendid, it was a good time for our dwarves.
(https://i.imgur.com/GYiJ18Y.jpg?1)
After the meal, dwarves were brought to one big rock, with some being sleeping on it. First they thought it's just another iguana. Then they thought it's some giant lizard, but when they got really close, already trembling in awe, they knew what's sleeping there.
(https://i.imgur.com/2QEYhFf.jpg?1)
"Awe, that's awesome presence." whispered Berath.
"Correct, and the awesome presence must originate from this big lizard."
"A big lizard with a awesome presence, that's a dragon."
"We're so smart. Wait, what?!! A dragon?!! We're being sacrificed, or..."
(https://i.imgur.com/Yv1NzxK.jpg?1)
Olmul was pretty hasty about that. Iguana men took a big chunk of roasted meat, threw some spices on it, and they hissed silent words, the tall warrior took a pouch with a red dye and drew two signs on the rock. Frogos tried to grab the meat, but the iguana men didn't let them, they gave them remains from dinner and sent them back home.
"They're... Serving it?" whispered Berath.
"Hadn't it enslaved them or something?"
"I don't think so, look at them. They're happy!"
"Maybe it took advantage of their happy simpleness!"
"I don't want to camp near a dragon. Who knows how would it react seeing dwarves."
"You're right. Let's move!"
(https://i.imgur.com/0WnvACT.jpg?1)
Iguana men were surprised by their quick department, but they let them go, and waved at them. Olmul harnessed Razes and the ox, and they rode, the sun was settling down, night was coming.
(https://i.imgur.com/1c1Vo16.jpg?1)
"This one was dark scaled, must've been venom one." said Olmul. "Pretty small, too, so a young one. Hey, this spot is nice, we'll camp here."
"Who'll be first on the watch?"
"Go sleep, I'll be."
(https://i.imgur.com/LTyI4tn.jpg?1)
"Wow. We've just gone shopping and we already met an ogre and a dragon... What'll come next..."

(https://i.imgur.com/Z3aY6ln.jpg?1)
"Hey. Olmul! Wake up! Look!" said Berath.
Olmul made a plaintive glance, and he looked where Berath pointed.
(https://i.imgur.com/5aCr6Ib.jpg?1)
Three men were coming to the wagon, in bronze armor, armed. The one with the two-handed sword, as soon as they came to dwarves, said:
(https://i.imgur.com/mUc2k0d.jpg?1)
"Greetings, dwarves. My name is Rane Eguleba, the Mothrorjoddo. I am hero on honorable journey, my great lord Alle Dazelosric sent me to slay ogre that burdens this land with it's very presence. Do you know where we could find him? Did you see him?"
"Ahh... Ogre..." said Olmul. "Terribly sorry, but we already slayed the ogre. It's lying in this direction."
"What?"
"The ogre is dead. We took care of him. See, I got a piece of his fingernail!"
"But... What are we going to do, then? Our mission is... Over?"
(https://i.imgur.com/s4tXLHz.jpg?1)
"Hey, you could take us to your lord, then. We need some shelter, we're traveling in the wilds to hillocks, but it's far away. Is your home near?" asked Berath.
"It's a hamlet, with mead hall on the other side of a brook, there our lord resides."
"A hamlet... Could we trade there? Would you like to buy some soap?" asked Olmul.
"That's up to the lord. But you can try it. If the ogre is dead, we won't waste time here. We'll lead the way."
(https://i.imgur.com/xyv4HTS.jpg?1)
"Great! Thank you! You've got a epithet, you must be some hero!"
"Oh yes, I am."
"Tell us about your deeds!" said Berath.
"Well, that's a long story..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 26, 2019, 01:50:19 am

Guys, I've got myself a new forgotten beast, Deler Rítemen. I don't have his portrait uploaded, but he's a +forgotten beast+. It has green skin, grey eye and it appears to be some kind of Tarmid's relative. But that's strange, as he is the only one of his kin. But back to the point.
Together, we organised a noble expedition - to return remains of Tarmid Ugokkirun, wherever they are, no matter perils we had to face.

And we retrieved it's right leg.

(https://i.imgur.com/eSIz4aU.jpg?1)
Here it lies, with all the nations he helped to rise and prosper.
Thanks to him, I could start Tales of Kudarkalur.
May his deeds be never forgotten.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 27, 2019, 09:10:31 am

Stothoaslud, desert region, southwest of Kudarkalur
(https://i.imgur.com/aj2IOzQ.jpg?1)
"Hey. Hey! Lord taskmaster!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Lfz0t5i.jpg?1)
"Identify yourself!"
"Omot Mällunog, light infantry, guerilla troop leader."
"Ah, it's you. What's your business here? Shouldn't you be..."
"That's the problem. I need to report. Could I speak with his exalted maje..."
"Of course you couldn't. Report, I'll inform him if necessary."
(https://i.imgur.com/TgHgwox.jpg?1)
"My troop is no more because of tribesmen and migrating dwarves from the Mountainhome."
"What about reserve troops you had there?"
"They weren't there. They just... Disappeared. It's strange."
"Maybe some commander called nearby levies in urgent matter. You can stay here till new orders. There aren't any at the moment."
"How's that?"
"We don't need guerilla troops now, our current moves require direct offensive. That's all you need to know."
"Can I get some more troops for raids and pillaging?"
"Out of the question! And now leave, I'm busy, you're dismissed."
"As you wish, lord taskmaster."

(https://i.imgur.com/MQdpz4R.jpg?1)
"Greets to you, o Rulasm the Aslezloz, my liege."
(https://i.imgur.com/S8a1cSa.jpg?2)
"My servant. Why did you ask for a meeting?"
"I've collected reports from our commanders."
"Which commanders? At the momen the Mountainhome is top priority. Was the siege successful? Are they still sieging? Or the dwarves broke the siege?"
"No report regarding that, unfortunately."
(https://i.imgur.com/wsD5Ni6.jpg?1)
"Maybe it's too soon for that. Maybe we haven't sent enough goblins, or war beasts. We'll wait, even if they fail we should get some message from them."
"We've lost our guerilla troops at Tetistinen, for some reason. Some were defeated by dwarves or human tribesmen, what happened to reserve troops... We don't actually know."
(https://i.imgur.com/qJXFJ2w.jpg?1)
"We must press more on these dwarven realms. We're not using all of the forces we have. At this continent, if we put aside those tribes that sailed here from islands, and the men from far away lands, it was always a struggle between goblins and dwarves. As far as I know."
"You think it's time to finally wipe them out?"
"That time was all the time and it still is. And it will be. Till every single fortress crumble to ash."
(https://i.imgur.com/Oxqbrl3.jpg?1)
"Every. Single. Fortress."


(https://i.imgur.com/7Wbg1C2.jpg?1)
"Hmmm. Hm!"
"Why are you humming, sir?" asked Otad.
(https://i.imgur.com/6uZLnvR.jpg?1)
"Hm? Ahh, I'm recollecting thoughts."
"About the Mountainhome, huh? Yeah, I think over it quite often. Anyway, here you go a cup of dwarven wine!"
"Thanks Otad."
(https://i.imgur.com/3M9n1VN.jpg?1)
"Wow. What are these?"
"These parchments? Accounts, logs, reports... Bookkeeper stuff."
"What's this seal?" asked Otad and pointed at one document.
"This?"
(https://i.imgur.com/04KLrMF.jpg?1)
When Urist saw the document, he immediately grabbed it and hid into his coat.
"That one does not belong here! I've must misplaced it..."
(https://i.imgur.com/5QCjYZg.jpg?1)
"Okay? I'm off!"
"Bye, Otad."

(https://i.imgur.com/BIyzIb2.jpg?1)
"But this is a nice fortress..." said Alak, with a blissful expression in his face. "Dwarves are happy, animals are doing well... Who's the enlightened dwarf in charge there?"
(https://i.imgur.com/pDrXHVS.jpg?1)
"You, sir." said Otad, coming from the tunnel.
(https://i.imgur.com/Oj0qANH.jpg?1)
"Hey, Urnût! You're the person I need! How are crops?"
"Nakuth mined the clay spots in the mountain, Muz and I made the farm plots there and planted new crops. But it will take some time, even for the plump helmets."
"Hope Olmul and Berath will be back soon. It's urgent. If refugees from the Mountainhome come here, soon we'll all be appearing to be emaciated!"
(https://i.imgur.com/x6oGBx1.jpg?1)
"Haven't you seen Kin? I have to bring him lunch worthy of lumberjack." said Otad.
"He's hacking and chopping trees there." said Alak and pointed.
"Yep, I see him. Thanks!" said Otad, and went to him.
(https://i.imgur.com/938Yu8Z.jpg?1)
"Great. Now what was I..."
"Excuse me."
(https://i.imgur.com/sr01BjA.jpg?1)
"Can we speak with Mr. Lolor, please?"

(https://i.imgur.com/z5BjgQO.jpg?1)
"Wha... Who are you?" asked Alak. "Some fan club or..."
"We're his friends." said the tan one.
"Well, yes? I'll take you to him."
(https://i.imgur.com/KWiy0sr.jpg?1)
"Wait. We would like to speak with him just between six eyes."
"Pardon me, but that's suspicious. I'll call him. Lolor!"
Lolor came out of the cave.
(https://i.imgur.com/hoPYNYu.jpg?1)
"Do you know these dwarves?"
"Yes. They're my friends." answered Lolor.
"Fine, I believe you. Do you want something to eat, or..."
"No, we can't stay for too long. We'll depart soon."
(https://i.imgur.com/OTLPcrJ.jpg?1)
The three dwarves went to Lolor's office, Alak watched them, contemplating.
"What do these strangers want from Lolor?" said Urnût.
"That's not what burdens me, they're friends."
(https://i.imgur.com/biaary3.jpg?1)
"But... Is Olmul in the fan club too?!!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 27, 2019, 09:15:37 am

(https://i.imgur.com/xp451vH.jpg?1)
"How far is it now?" asked Sutad.
"It's a short trip to west now. Tomorrow we may be in Apapparu." shouted Duto from the back of the caravan.
(https://i.imgur.com/T6uax9L.jpg?1)
"Man, from that ambush on Duto hasn't left Ibon, not for a single moment." said Sutad to Udma. "Pretty determined."
Since Kodolith isn't supposed to speak, Udma did not answer.
"Smemakdik are pretty thirsty after the fight, too. Must have spit all their..."
Udma was annoyed by all those proposals to dialogue, slowly stacking to bad thought.
"I'm curious about those omens and stuff Duto's talking about. Too bad I'm not Xemfedem myself, the lore is exciting."
(https://i.imgur.com/kMS7glM.jpg?1)
Udma used good ol' gesture demanding silence. Since Sutad was a good guy, he stopped, going for a talk with Duto.
(https://i.imgur.com/JbiFZ1q.jpg?1)
"Are you well, Ibon?"
"*Cough* I've *cough* hole *cough* the back *cough*!"
"He's not bleeding anymore, but he's coughing like never. Hope he'll make it." said Duto.
"What's the thing about the toads? Are we afraid of them?"
"Can't tell you, sorry. There's knowledge that you tribesmen shouldn't know. I don't doubt you would understand, but... For the sake of order in the Alho..."
"Got that. You must have quite important responsibility, then."
"I indeed have." said Duto,. After a pause he said. "I'm sorry I led you through the hills, it was a shortcut, I should have planned a little bit better."
"That's okay." said Sutad.
"I'll *cough* if *cough* that hole *cough* back won't *cough* me!" shouted Ibon.
"Hmm? What was you saying?"
"*Cough*-ermind."
(https://i.imgur.com/DumSNYX.jpg?1)
"Hello there, tribesmen!" called the toad. "It's me!"
"Hey, it's a toad!" shouted Sutad. "No, it's that toad!"
When Duto saw it, he immediately stopped muttering Onbirreloth, he ran towards the toad and started performing the Dance of Budok.
(https://i.imgur.com/8ruTIST.jpg?1)
"Budok! Budok! Rëîm..."
"That's okay, that's okay! I don't bite." said the toad.
"Why have you returned?" asked Duto.
"I need to know one thing. I need to know, why you detest toads."
"But... I don't know if I should tell you."
"It's okay. I am not an enemy."
"That's not the problem. Alhoñilun would be very angry, they could badly punish me."
"Toads..." whispered Ibon.
"Yeah, toads. What's with them?" asked the toad.
But Ibon did not answer.
"Is he..." asked Duto.
"He truly is."
(https://i.imgur.com/ag5kHO8.jpg?1)
Duto was silent. So was the caravan. Some tribesmen wept.
"Was he a good man?"
"He fought for good... To the very last blow. He was a hero."
"He'll move elsewhere now."
"Where?"
"My knowledge does not reach that far."
(https://i.imgur.com/sQ4vWun.jpg?1)
"You must have lots of knowledge."
"You sure have it too. This man fell so the others could live longer. That's called sacrifice. It's valued. He did the right thing."
"Was it supposed to happen?"
"I don't know. But what's clear, it was because of dark intents of someone else. Sometimes it's right to not intervene at all. Sometimes it's best to repel with good will. When the worst times come, we must fight. Knowing what's good when, that's wisdom, my friend."
"You're pretty wise."
"I wish I would be. But hey, we're not perfect."
(https://i.imgur.com/6A2j4ar.jpg?1)
"I'm... Confused. Don't know who to believe, you, or Alhoñilun."
The toad smiled, got a good thought for convincing a former toad-detester.
"It's in your hands. Do what you feel is the best."
"You know what? Come here."
Toad hopped closer to Duto.
(https://i.imgur.com/s4sMca2.jpg?1)
"I'll put you in this box and smuggle you to my Alho."
Toad was dumbstruck for a moment.
"... Okay?"
(https://i.imgur.com/JQE6RYa.jpg?1)
"Don't worry, fellow tribesmen! Everything is just fine, apart poor Ibon. We'll soon be there, and we'll bury him properly. May he rest in peace, forever."
(https://i.imgur.com/4GpG6Sf.jpg?1)
Then Duto came to box and whispered: "I'm really grateful for your moral lessons, but now you have to be quiet."
"You can count on me, friend."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Denolven on April 28, 2019, 08:05:39 am

Your Papercraft has broadened my horizon. It's a brilliant medium that I wasn't aware of. Thank you for sharing, Quaksna  :)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 28, 2019, 09:36:54 am

Quote from: Denolven on April 28, 2019, 08:05:39 am

Your Papercraft has broadened my horizon. It's a brilliant medium that I wasn't aware of. Thank you for sharing, Quaksna  :)

Thank you for feedback, Denolven!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on April 29, 2019, 08:12:33 am

Alak thinks someone in the fortress has intents most peculiar, but who could be that and what's the secret they try to hide? You can vote at the poll to mark dwarves (or cattle, we already saw the power of cattle) you suspect, and Alak's gonna do some moves towards the ones most suspicious. That's the poll, and now let's continue the story!

(https://i.imgur.com/CSua1wQ.jpg?1)
"So, my dear fellows, now that the Mountainhome has fallen, no one's going to pursue us! That's great, isn't it?" said the tan dwarf with cape.
"Believe or not, it isn't." said the one with a cowl. "You've got a point with that, but still, it was our home and shelter. I'll miss these stone walls, with the oval cabochons engraved in the middle..."
"We must find a new home, and I've got a plan!"
(https://i.imgur.com/wCyhmx2.jpg?1)
"Speak, I shall obey." said the armed one.
"Why so deadly serious?" asked the one in a cowl.
"It's my duty to be deadly serious. Anyway, what's the plan?"
"One particular noblesman went off to found a new fortress, somewhere in Imkegethonol. It's not there for a long time, so they should happily welcome any migrants, and we can influence dwarves living there, preserving the legacy that must not be forgotten!!!"
"Shouldn't we find a Kôn rather than that? He would now what to do." said the cowled one.
"That's the best part of my plan. There's one Kôn of ours living in the fortress!"
"What are we waiting for? Lead the way!!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/FyL3VYl.jpg?1)
"Hey, what's that in the... Hide!!! Hide fools! I see soldiers of the king! Hide! Take cover!"
(https://i.imgur.com/mEOOk23.jpg?1)
"I won!" shouted Gemesh.
"No, you didn't!" shouted Neth. "You can't have seen a unicorn there. They live only in joyous wilds."
"Maybe if you took the helmet off, you would see it too! It's at right where you can't..."
"That wasn't unicorn, that was hoary marmot." said Alåth.
(https://i.imgur.com/OZ64bFc.jpg?1)
"Hey, I saw a lizard! That's five points." said Neth.
"Congratulations." said Adur.
"My next one shall be... Peregrine falcon. That's 20 points, right?"
(https://i.imgur.com/KL8LqEx.jpg?1)
"I don't get it, Adur." Ïlon said. "We're struggling for survival and they're playing traveldwarf games!"
(https://i.imgur.com/sKAjJ7V.jpg?1)
"Play with us, captain, it's great fun!" said Gemesh. "I don't mean you'll lose, but you know what I mean. What creature or plant do you choose?"
"A night troll." said Ïlon.
"Hey, hey! That's pretty wide group, a night troll. Specify that!"
"Okay, wait a minute."
(https://i.imgur.com/HxizYXe.jpg?1)
Ïlon run away, forward in the direction they were going, then a squeaking noise of wood could be heard. Then he ran back.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZQBSwfA.jpg?1)
"A twilight ogre!!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/v4usWG9.jpg?1)
"Hey, that's exactly three hundred points. You're quite confident, captain!"
(https://i.imgur.com/RwTnozf.jpg?1)
"There's four of them, fools!!!"

(https://i.imgur.com/q7cgjTk.jpg?1)

We shall end the second chapter with one more interactive fight, shall we not?  :D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on April 30, 2019, 08:36:29 pm

You deserve praise for the clever ways that you have integrated DF ideas and community memes into your story. That the dwarves would naturally misinterpret "Fun" = "Losing" is a moment that makes me chuckle over and over.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on April 30, 2019, 09:58:39 pm

Quote from: mightymushroom on April 30, 2019, 08:36:29 pm

You deserve praise for the clever ways that you have integrated DF ideas and community memes into your story. That the dwarves would naturally misinterpret "Fun" = "Losing" is a moment that makes me chuckle over and over.

Amen.

--------------------

Now then, we have... we have a fight! And things are looking kind of bad for our dwarves here... night trolls are no joke. Here's just hoping those years of combat experience prove good for something.

For the love of life stay together. Stay in one place, and when the first night troll draws near hit at its legs and feet all at once, with everything you have. As soon as it hits the ground, dodge to the next night troll-- while staying together-- and treat it the same way. The idea here is to string the night trolls out, preventing them from attacking together-- crippled night trolls move slower, falling behind their uninjured comrades. Continue the dodge-crippling, moving as one, until all four trolls are down... then kill them as quickly and violently as possible.

Time is not our friend here. The numbers do not stack on our side. Only with swift brutality can we win the day.

Oh, and make sure the marksdwarf keeps plinking away with his crossbow. That thing just might make a difference.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on May 01, 2019, 07:44:38 am

Quote from: Quaksna on April 24, 2019, 07:50:38 am

And you! Aren't you ashamed, bay watchers, that you need Superdorf to do your chores?  ;D

Actually, I rather like going along with Superdorf's plans. They're pretty solid. My own attempts at adventure mode . . . not so hot.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 01, 2019, 08:37:28 am

I've got a technical question: You guys who voted on the polls before, can you vote without problems now, when I reset the vote count? I've been so messing everything up, I would like to know if it works properly, or I can start crafting another Toady memorial  ;D Thanks!

(https://i.imgur.com/M3MiX4k.jpg?1)
"Formation! Load the crossbows!" shouted Ïlon.
"We have only one. Loaded!" said Alåth.
"Now listen! These beasts don't feel pain, we can't tire them, nor they need to breathe! So attack properly!"
"I'll try."
(https://i.imgur.com/x6cLJbc.jpg?1)
The steel bolt hits the Twillight Ogre 2 in the left lower leg!
"Hah! He's limpin'!"
(https://i.imgur.com/sXUx0w5.jpg?1)
"Don't charge! Prepare spears!"
(https://i.imgur.com/NNAHjBR.jpg?1)
Adur strikes Twillight Ogre 1 with -steel spear- in the upper body!
Ïlon strikes Twillight Ogre 3 with +steel shortswords+ in the lower body!
Twillight ogres attacked with great fury and strenght, but Adur and Ïlon managed to block these hits, deftly.
(https://i.imgur.com/NPDExav.jpg?1)
Neth hacked with his great axe towards one twillight ogre, severing his left lower arm.
Ïlon was struggling with his ogre, Alåth was reloading. Adur's long reach really helped him.
Neth had difficult parrying, he wasn't able to give single hit, the twillight ogre was far quicker.
(https://i.imgur.com/n2hjso0.jpg?1)
"This doesn't scare me!" yelled Gemesh.
Gemesh strikes Twillight Ogre 3 with wooden crutch in the head!
(https://i.imgur.com/8HFwr2D.jpg?1)
Gemesh falls over.
Twillight Ogre 3 falls over.
"Foolish Gemesh, what was that?!!" yelled Ïlon, he stood before him and protected the crippled dwarf.
Twillight Ogre 4 punches Neth in the upper left arm!
The steel bolt hits the Twillight Ogre 1 in the upper body!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 04, 2019, 07:46:27 am

(https://i.imgur.com/FH9Q5dj.jpg?1)
Gemesh tried to stand up, but he couldn't, unlike the fallen ogre. Adur was very close of bringing his foe down, Neth wasn't so lucky.
(https://i.imgur.com/bX810Od.jpg?1)
"Ack!" shouted Neth, as he got nasty wound to left lower leg. Luckily, Adur finished his one and came to help.
"Where's the squad when I need it?!!" shouted Ïlon, struggling with two ogres at once. "Gemesh, what are you doing?"
"Hold on!" shouted Alåth back.
(https://i.imgur.com/rhKtNlH.jpg?1)
Gemesh was crawling to safety, poor Ïlon was taking one punch after other. Alåth succesfully loaded his crossbow once more.
Adur have secured the ogre, giving time to Neth who prepared his mighty chop.
(https://i.imgur.com/sqHxox6.jpg?1)
Twillight Ogre 1 was struck down.
The flying iron bolt strikes the Twillight Ogre 3 in the head!
"Bullseye!"
Ïlon falls over!
(https://i.imgur.com/MKw6kFP.jpg?1)
After that, it was easy to finish the rest of ogres. Ïlon had it a little bit spoiled, as he was lying when the others were heroically beating the ogres... But he felt proud, that his squad is not just a bunch of barefoot madmen.
(https://i.imgur.com/yTZNC1s.jpg?1)
"I've seen my squad slay four twillight ogres. That was very..." said Ïlon. "Don't know what to say. You're great."
(https://i.imgur.com/QWJie6s.jpg?1)
"Is anyone wounded?"
"I am!" said Neth. "But it should be okay."
"I've got my only ankle swollen." said Gemesh. " You must help me."
"Gemesh, chief medical dwarf has said clearly, you shouldn't fight! But you helped us, and I appreciate that." said Ïlon.
"I'm exhausted." said Adur. "Those were some beasts, these twillight ogres."
"Me too. They pummeled me like...  really hard. But I've won. So that's one thousand and two hundred points, right?"
"Right, captain." said Gemesh. "You're great. Hope you had fun."
"Luckily we were the ones with the better kind of fun." said Ïlon. "Now, we should loot their lair, shouldn't we?"

Meanwhile...
(https://i.imgur.com/nomjJvl.jpg?1)
"Hmph."
(https://i.imgur.com/qXHdw5y.jpg?1)
"Have you called, master?"
"I indeed have."
(https://i.imgur.com/QiL5wme.jpg?1)
"I sensed someone fought with the night in the wilds. Those dwarves escaped by their underground tunnels, and we don't know where are they now. But if it were they fighting there... Find them. Dispatch them."
(https://i.imgur.com/bKXmUpp.jpg?1)
"It shall be done, master."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on May 04, 2019, 09:19:28 am

Dwarves are victorious with minimal injury! Wonderful!

Creepy demon thing can taste the night. Less wonderful.

+Fine work+ as always, Quaksna. :)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on May 04, 2019, 09:31:28 am

Quote from: Quaksna on May 01, 2019, 08:37:28 am

I've got a technical question: You guys who voted on the polls before, can you vote without problems now, when I reset the vote count? I've been so messing everything up, I would like to know if it works properly, or I can start crafting another Toady memorial  ;D Thanks!

A belated answer: yes, I can vote. I'm not sure how good my choices were . . .

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 04, 2019, 01:12:56 pm

Hah, my friend Weekend triggered poll voting. Delightful. I got new colors, new supplies, and soon I'll be ready for Chapter 3. Till then, I have some art.   :)

(https://i.imgur.com/QwJlaKO.jpg?2)(https://i.imgur.com/8XoRaG4.jpg?1)(https://i.imgur.com/mPHoihC.jpg?2)
Olmul, Duto and Zomus.

Because we already know some locations, I've decided to draw a map. Here's piece mapping journey of seven dwarf settlers, from Black Pillar to Kudarkalur.

(https://i.imgur.com/tjynVcH.jpg?1)
I wrote it in Gothic alphabet, but because it's 4 milimetres high it's hard to read.  ;D

Here's updated map, with more locations, but still not finished.

(https://i.imgur.com/WuuO3WP.jpg?1)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 06, 2019, 09:27:28 am

Behold, the grand investigation is here!!!

(https://i.imgur.com/qto2s5j.jpg?1)
"You're doing really well, lord overseer!" said Rikkir. "Soon you'll be renowned sword lord!"
"If you think so... Happy to hear that! Sorry guys, I must go. I've got... Work to do." said Alak. "Rikkir, come with me, please."
Militia bowed, Alak and Rikkir left.
(https://i.imgur.com/PSYiMkl.jpg?1)
"So Rikkir, tell me something about you. Urist said you are prominent."
Rikkir chuckled. "Oh no, I and my pals were just beast hunters before. One day, we met Urist, well, he was kinda searching for some skilled soldiers. He hired us to protect him on his travels. When he found out about Kudarkalur, we went here."
"Interesting. How much did he pay?"
"Well, he said he'll provide us something we want or need. We told him what we would like, in few days he got it. You know, food, bolts... Don't know if he's rich or what. He's... Mysterious."
"Rikkir, you're really honest. That's good. You helped me a lot. I need to find out more about Urist. He feels... Like if he wanted to hide something. You're dismissed. Thanks a lot."
(https://i.imgur.com/NX0Gwuw.jpg?1)
"Hmm... Now I got few inspirations whom to accuse of treasonous behaviour. Let's go overseeing!"
He entered his office. Ermis was there with lunch. Alak came and inspected the lunch, using his senses of sight, smell and taste.
(https://i.imgur.com/oQNiWiM.jpg?1)
"Alak?"
"Hush! I'm investigating!"
Ermis shrugged.
"What's up, you don't like that meal?"
"Oh no, I do like it. It's my favourite, but... I need to ask you few questions."
"Right?"
(https://i.imgur.com/w6dOYl7.jpg?1)
"In this meal, there had not been used any alcoholic beverage?"
"No, no! We can't make such lavish meals, we don't have supplies! And Olmul took the last piece of cheese, the one from milk of Razes. The one from Unnos tastes too generic, dwarves are bored of the same old cheese..."
(https://i.imgur.com/xmHdNR8.jpg?1)
"Hmm... I see. That indicates he might be a glutton, but not sure if that's treasonous behaviour. Thanks for the lunch!"

(https://i.imgur.com/qDz0pdS.jpg?1)
"Hey Kin!"
"Hmph?"
(https://i.imgur.com/06iKd9a.jpg?1)
"Did you take in account my prohibition of sock export?"
Kin widened his eyes, already red, demanding more beer.
"What?"
(https://i.imgur.com/OQty76R.jpg?1)
"We don't have any spare socks, lord overseer." said Kizbiz.
"That's the reason of prohibition! But you're good citizens. But... Did you notice any suspicious activity?"
"No one's at the still." said Kin, sadly.
"Well, I don't know, you should ask Zeg instead." said Kizbiz.
"Fine. Thanks!" said Alak, leaving. Then he stopped and faced Kizbiz once more.
(https://i.imgur.com/ErKVBqJ.jpg?1)
"By the way, Kizbiz? Why are you shrouded? Are you afraid of us?"
"That's a custom, lord overseer." answered Kizbiz. "I'm fine. We're happy you're our lord overseer."
Alak smiled, he said goodbye and went away.

(https://i.imgur.com/YYi0kzz.jpg?1)
"Hmmm... This is weird... But there are still lots of dwarves around. Here!"
He came to Adur the caretaker, who was watching grazing cattle and geese. When he saw Alak, he bowed.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZHgxmcx.jpg?1)
"Hello Adur!"
"Lo-lord?"
"Lolord? Yeah, I think too what something's wrong with him. How are animals doing?"
"Well."
"That's great. Aren't they're inappropriately misbehaving?"
Simple peasant did not understand this question. He was thinking.
Then he pointed at Unnos and said: "Calf."
(https://i.imgur.com/W9lTKAv.jpg?1)
"Calf? That's great! Oh look, here go our farmers, I'll go chat with them, okay? Good."
Alak went to the farmers, they looked exhausted after hard work on plots.
(https://i.imgur.com/NReHwEE.jpg?1)
"Hah! Here we go! Dwarves on break, or attending party! It seems I have to make a black mark on the citizen list!"
"But we've..." started Muz.
"Let me guess, you've eaten the crops yourself to prevent their withering, too lazy to haul them to kitchen!"
"But no one designated the..."
"What? It's true?!!"
"No." said Urnût. "Crops aren't edible yet. You look kind of stressed, Alak. Would you like..."
"Ahh, pardon me. It's that pendant amaranth beer, and that weekly allowance of beverage!"
"But you mandated it..."
"I kno-o-ow!" said Alak and wept, but whenever his tears touched his red eyes, they evaporated into steam. Alak looked like some kind of chimney.
"Your head must be boiling. I'll fetch you some..."
"No..." said Alak, wiping his drops unsuccessfully, as they were becoming little clouds instantaneously. "Vúsh, do you know where Zeg is?"
"He left to do Omristïlun." answered Vúsh.
"Huh?
"He's dancing performance for trees." said Urnût, chuckling.
"What?" Alak stopped weeping, maybe because his eyes turned even redder. "That's affinity to hippies!"
(https://i.imgur.com/eKO3z0h.jpg?1)
"No!" said Vúsh. "It has nothing to do with Dákarom! It's his cultural duty, as a Zegmatul."
"Fine then. So no speaking with him for some time? Okay. I'll go to my beloved nobles. I'm sure they have very interesting topics to speak of!"
(https://i.imgur.com/OEVAObL.jpg?1)
Alak left to the offices, farmers watched him.
"I think he's too lonely." said Muz.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 06, 2019, 09:42:22 am

(https://i.imgur.com/qX1tBVu.jpg?1)
Knock knock!
"Someone has come!" shouted Alak.
"Someone may enter!" shouted Urist back.
(https://i.imgur.com/1mYX9eR.jpg?1)
"Hello, Urist! May I do stocktaking of this office?"
"Sure!"
Alak went straight to the table, covered in parchments.
"So, what do we have here?"
"Oh, those are records and supplies list."
"I see." Alak took one parchment and read it.
Then he frowned and widened eyes.
(https://i.imgur.com/mTC7aOl.jpg?1)
"What does that mean, "Stone 50?", "Bars 10?"..."
"Those are... Presumptions."
"Hmph. What's next here... "Sheep Cheese √3/2" ? What in the world does that mean? Hey, you know what? Stuff the presumptions here, instead these weird formulas. And specify it more."
"As you wish, lord Alak."
Alak searched on the table, but it was just as Urist said, just records and lists.
"Are you searching for something?" asked Urist.
(https://i.imgur.com/BW8dfuC.jpg?1)
"What? Oh yes, I am, but... Nevermind. By the way, Urist's not your true name, I guess."
"Why shouldn't it be? Urist's my name."
"Just "Urist"? Are you so humble?"
"I try to aspire to these virtues."
"Or you have dark past... Or you occur in myths of our nation!"
Urist started laughing.
"You're funny, lord Alak."
(https://i.imgur.com/0aYHL6e.jpg?1)
They said goodbye, and Alak left the office, going just to the next door.
(https://i.imgur.com/gy39uQ3.jpg?1)
"Why are the halls full of these boulders all the time! When there's order, everyone's hauler, when there's boulder, everyone's something else!"
(https://i.imgur.com/o3thGMA.jpg?1)
"Lolor! Are you done with your fan club?"
Lolor opened the door.
(https://i.imgur.com/bmgG1g9.jpg?1)
"They're not my fan club, and we're not done."
"Do you still need to discuss between six eyes? Because if you don't..."
"We do. Please, Alak."
"Fine. I'll come later."
"Hmm, where hadn't I investigated yet?" thought Alak. "I wanted to interrogate Olmul, but he's on his shopping mission. But I can visit his soapmaker's workshop!"

(https://i.imgur.com/VKEuYRn.jpg?1)
He came to the workshop. There were pails and buckets, barrels, soap and tallow, few jugs of oil...
"Well, I don't see any treason here. But it's mess like..."
(https://i.imgur.com/Rm8yWSn.jpg?1)
Then he saw a small piece of cheese in one bucket. He grabbed it.
"This is confiscated!"

(https://i.imgur.com/0lqpLS5.jpg?1)
Then he returned to Lolor, his friends were coming out of the office. They bowed to Alak.
"Thank you, lord overseer. We're off now."
"Goodbye." said Alak, and he entered the office.
(https://i.imgur.com/6AZwmNY.jpg?1)
"Lolor, I hope you realize you have things to explain."
"Huh? My friends?" asked Lolor. "We don't do any harm!"
"I hope so. Why do you wear red, like, all of you? And why you don't want to share your thoughts with me?"
Lolor was contemplating for a while.
"Okay, I won't lie. We're kind of secret society."
Alak frowned a little bit.
"But as I said, we don't want to do any harm."
(https://i.imgur.com/qaH1NaL.jpg?1)
"Okay Lolor. I see you're not ashamed of secret societies. I don't have anything against you, but you know... I have to oversee, for sake of Kudarkalur. So before you'll do something with your fan club you should tell me. Don't get on my bad side."
(https://i.imgur.com/INU4P2u.jpg?1)
Alak left to rest, after his exhausting investigation. Lolor then closed door.
(https://i.imgur.com/g5JUJuL.jpg?1)
"Ralsinsot, come here." he whispered.
His kea, well hidden behind the furniture, came to him.
(https://i.imgur.com/xDSBQ6W.jpg?1)
"You'lll soon have a new message to deliver."

(https://i.imgur.com/op0jXNn.jpg?1)
"Hello Nakuth! How's diggin'?"
"Digging's fine, but no riches of earth in sight. But I'll just hit this rock once more..."
Crack.
"Oh dear."
A section of cavern has collapsed!
(https://i.imgur.com/WB4Y749.jpg?1)
"*Cough* Man, where are..." said Alak.
"Wow." Nakuth laughed. "That's the reddest cinnabar I've ever seen."
(https://i.imgur.com/zUvAUko.jpg?1)
"Hey, this is some kind of statue! A dwarf, some sculptor maybe!" said Alak.
(https://i.imgur.com/uuTrL8k.jpg?1)
"Oh lord Alak, look here! There's dwarves! The dwarves are laboring!"
Alak laughed, astonished.
"Hey, and on the other side..."
(https://i.imgur.com/SsdJpBD.jpg?1)
"That's the dwarf on the statue! And a cheese!" shouted Nakuth happily!
"Wow. We've found some atelier? Nakuth, guard it here, I'll climb up and get some help. And don't touch anything! I hereby declare this as Kudarkalur Museum of Arts and Crafts! The others must see it!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 07, 2019, 09:06:53 am

(https://i.imgur.com/cMVuqaH.jpg?1)
"What do you think, toad?" whispered Duto. "Should I tell Alhoñilun of the time we met for the first time? You know, when the dwarves..."
"Yes, yes! Tell them!" whispered the toad back. "You must intiate conversation on toads. I need to hear what they think."
"I see. But remember, if they find you I'm..."
"Don't worry. We'll do this."
(https://i.imgur.com/mCsCmxu.jpg?1)
Then the caravan finally arrived in Apapparu. It was a settlement on hills, consisting of various huts and tents. Tribesmen went to embrace their friends and relatives.
(https://i.imgur.com/fAa4Zhl.jpg?1)
Duto was carefully searching for a place close enough to campfire where the Alhoñilun was supposed to assemble, but also safe so the toad could hear everything. Caravan already told everyone about everything, so the Alhoñilun was going to take place immediately. Duto quickly placed the box in suitable place and went to the fire.
(https://i.imgur.com/4RHIvPK.jpg?1)
Elderly tribesmen, densely tattooed, and other prominent people were slowly and nobly assembling. Some younglings brought them bowls with water, everyone present washed their faces, Duto too. One old man, covered in cloak, whispered something to two youths.
(https://i.imgur.com/2gjBsmv.jpg?1)
"So, what's the reason you called us, Ñabsizcasser?" asked the man with densest and whitest beard.
"I came home as soon as we could, because of the omens I've seen."
"What kind of omens?" asked elderly Ñabsizcasser.
"I saw a caravan of Pasubabo. We traded with them, getting gold in return. They bought two cats from us."
"Oooh! Ooooh!' the elders were saying, turning to each other, wondering and muttering something.
"After the caravan departed, a toad came."
"Ooooooohhhhhhh!!!!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/sWcHiIt.jpg?1)
"Stop ooohin', grandpas!" thought the toad. "Now it's gonna be interesting!"
Two men in hoods came to the box.
"Huh? What's this, customs revisal or distraint? No no no, don't come here, don't come!"
(https://i.imgur.com/7uRW7vr.jpg?1)
"I performed Budokercasser, the toad was calm already." continued Duto. "It spoke to me in our language!"
"Ooooooohhhhhhh!!!"
"And it asked me, where the Pasubabo went."
And now, no "ooooooohhhhhhh" came. Everyone breathed out, shocked.
"But that's..." said one.
"That's horrible!" said other.
"I know, it's succession of omens, too much of them..." said Duto.
"What are we going to do?" asked someone.
(https://i.imgur.com/b5f378q.jpg?1)
The cloaked elder said: "We should inform the Exalted one. I'll go."
Then he turned. "And Duto shall come with me."
Duto was astonished, not knowing what to say.
"We should go now. I'll fetch some helpers..."
He went away, Duto followed him. Rest of Alhoñilun was still muttering something to themselves, for the sake of bragging on length of their sessions.
(https://i.imgur.com/0pAtCy2.jpg?1)
"Mitacespi Cilko Arooku, is that?" asked Duto.
"It is." said Cilko. "Now, I've sent my apprentices here, where are they?"
(https://i.imgur.com/rqN8y39.jpg?1)
By the box, there were two toads staring on them, croaking furiously.
Cilko and Duto widened their eyes, so did every tribesman around.
(https://i.imgur.com/H6j1Cxk.jpg?1)
Then a nice chaos began. Duto started dancing and chanting, Cilko muttered some spells, tribesmen were running here and there, holding their heads, yelling...
(https://i.imgur.com/AcHkIEt.jpg?1)
"Don't worry!" shouted Cilko. "We have secured them, we'll take them away as we'll depart."
Tribesmen stopped panicking, Duto stopped dancing.
"Take the toads, Duto, we're off!"
"Okay, I'll just pack... Something."
(https://i.imgur.com/myi92ug.jpg?2)
"Sutad, you're not going anywhere now, are you?"
"I'm not. Now when these toads lurk everywhere..."
"Can I take Udma with me? Please?"
"Udma?" asked Sutad and turned to his bodyguard.
Udma nodded.
"Fine."
"Great. Let's go, Udma!" said Duto.
(https://i.imgur.com/CNwN1Um.jpg?1)
"Hey, hey! Duto!" shouted one old warrior.
"Hmmm? What is it you want?"
(https://i.imgur.com/nFtUkqL.jpg?1)
"You should really grow a beard, boy!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 09, 2019, 09:15:25 am

(https://i.imgur.com/XDxpGGb.jpg?1)
"And then I grabbed it by my lower right hand and threw it back to the lake!" said Rane.
"Wow. Was it really so slimy as it's in the tales?" asked Olmul.
"Slimy indeed. I prefer to hunt giant cougars and so, not beasts like these. But, it's my duty, after all. We're here. You can park the wagon on this spot. Lord Dazelosric will be pleased the ogre is slayed. Come, come, no fear!"
(https://i.imgur.com/H3b8xDl.jpg?1)
"Where are the guards?" asked Berath.
"We are." said the spearman. "But lord Dazelosric don't mind not having them on guard all the time, for some reason."
(https://i.imgur.com/JB99Qgv.jpg?2)
Rane knocked. A tan-skinned servant opened. When he saw Rane and soldiers, he let everyone in, without a word.
(https://i.imgur.com/ff7ICh6.jpg?1)
Lord Dazelosric was standing by his desk, striking a triumphant pose. Candles and chandeliers were shining with a bright light, a bit unsuitable to our dwarves.
Soldiers bowed, Olmul and Berath did too.
"Greetings, my liege." said Rane.
"Greetings to you, Rane. You've returned sooner I expected."
"The ogre is dead, but it had not fallen because of us, but by hands of these two dwarves. They seek shelter and opportunity to trade."
(https://i.imgur.com/gFJxVCx.jpg?1)
"Greetings, dwarves. I'm happy you did take care of the beast. This year he stole a barrel of apple cider in it's lust for wickedness! Can you introduce yourselves?"
"Right. I am Olmul Angsikel and this is Berath Gusilmas. We were sent from newly founded fortress of Kudarkalur, our stocks of food are being quickly depleted, so we need to get some food. Would you trade with us?"
"And what kind of goods do you have?"
"We can pay in bars."
"Dwarven steel?"
"No, soap."
"Soap?"
"And gold."
"Gold? That's good! I'll send for some farmers, they have food to offer."
"Great! We're so grateful, you know, hillocks are far away. How much of your food is for sale?"
"We'll see. By the way... Do you know one particular dwarf, Lolor... Eh... Lolor Kitïgzilir?"
"You know Lolor? He's our manager!"
The lord was frowned for a moment, contemplating.
"Would you mind if I sent him a message?"
"Of course we wouldn't! What should we tell..."
"Not you. I'll write it down."
(https://i.imgur.com/Ime6eGK.jpg?1)
Nothing much happened then. Lord was writing a letter, guards were guarding, servant went to fetch food for trade. Razes and the ox were grazing together, mooing, having a nice chat.
Finally the door opened, servants came with leather bags.
(https://i.imgur.com/7tqdXhy.jpg?1)
"So, what do you have in the bags?"
"We have grain, apples, pears, cherries, grapes, potatoes, currant - red and black, gooseberries, raspberries and blackberries." said the servant.
"We've got twelve big soap bars and five decent gold bars." said Berath.
"Okay then. Let's count it in grain bag currency, okay? We've got lots of bags filled with grain and potatoes, not so much fruit, but we can sell some, one bag of each kind of fruit. My conditions are: A grain bag is worth three of your soap bars, potatoes the same. Fruit bag is worth two grain ones. Gold bar of yours should be worth five grain bags."
Olmul counted on his fingers, then he said: "Yeah, that should be bargain, I think. Deal!"
"What do you want to buy, then?"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 12, 2019, 05:46:48 am

(https://i.imgur.com/Zdx7Fxb.jpg?1)
"Aaaaah! Where are all those PTW guys when I need them! I'm way too bad at maths! What should I buy? For what? How much of it? Heeeeelp!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: methylatedspirit on May 12, 2019, 07:40:09 am

I'll take a crack at it, then.

(For the purposes of this post, grain bag currency will be written as Grain.)

Spoiler: Recap (click to show/hide)

Quote

"We've got twelve big soap bars and five decent gold bars." said Berath.

Berath has 12 Soap + 5 Gold.

Quote

Let's count it in grain bag currency, okay?

Target currency: Grain.

Quote

My conditions are: A grain bag is worth three of your soap bars, potatoes the same. Fruit bag is worth two grain ones. Gold bar of yours should be worth five grain bags."

1.  Grain = 3 Soap = Potato
2. *Fruit = 2 Grain
3.  Gold = 5 Grain

*Fruit are "apples, pears, cherries, grapes, potatoes, currant - red and black, gooseberries, raspberries and blackberries."

Quote

We've got lots of bags filled with grain and potatoes, not so much fruit, but we can sell some, one bag of each kind of fruit.

Refer to Stocks.

Spoiler: Denomination (click to show/hide)

3 Soap = 1 Grain = 4 (1 Grain) 'notes'
5 Gold = 15 Grain = 5 (5 Grain) 'notes'

Spoiler: Stocks (click to show/hide)

1 of each type of fruit bag
'Lots' of grain and potato bags (assume unlimited).

12 Soap + 5 Gold
= (12/3) Grain + 5*(5 Grain)  [1/3 Grain = 1 Soap, 5 Grain = 1 Gold]
= 4 Grain + 25 Grain
= 29 Grain equivalent.

Costs of things you can buy are:
1 Potato Bag = 1 Grain
1 *Fruit Bag  = 2 Grain
1 Grain Bag   = 1 Grain

As for what to buy, I'm somewhat clueless.

EDIT: Corrected 5*5 to 25.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 12, 2019, 02:16:01 pm

Quote from: methylatedspirit on May 12, 2019, 07:40:09 am

I'll take a crack at it, then.

(For the purposes of this post, grain bag currency will be written as Grain.)

Spoiler: Recap (click to show/hide)

Quote

"We've got twelve big soap bars and five decent gold bars." said Berath.

Berath has 12 Soap + 5 Gold.

Quote

Let's count it in grain bag currency, okay?

Target currency: Grain.

Quote

My conditions are: A grain bag is worth three of your soap bars, potatoes the same. Fruit bag is worth two grain ones. Gold bar of yours should be worth five grain bags."

1.  Grain = 3 Soap = Potato
2. *Fruit = 2 Grain
3.  Gold = 5 Grain

*Fruit are "apples, pears, cherries, grapes, potatoes, currant - red and black, gooseberries, raspberries and blackberries."

Quote

We've got lots of bags filled with grain and potatoes, not so much fruit, but we can sell some, one bag of each kind of fruit.

Refer to Stocks.

Spoiler: Denomination (click to show/hide)

3 Soap = 1 Grain = 4 (1 Grain) 'notes'
5 Gold = 15 Grain = 5 (5 Grain) 'notes'

Spoiler: Stocks (click to show/hide)

1 of each type of fruit bag
'Lots' of grain and potato bags (assume unlimited).

12 Soap + 5 Gold
= (12/3) Grain + 5*(5 Grain)  [1/3 Grain = 1 Soap, 5 Grain = 1 Gold]
= 4 Grain + 15 Grain
= 19 Grain equivalent.

Costs of things you can buy are:
1 Potato Bag = 1 Grain
1 *Fruit Bag  = 2 Grain
1 Grain Bag   = 1 Grain

As for what to buy, I'm somewhat clueless.

Well, if you were citizen of Kudarkalur, you would become broker for sure  ;). As for what to buy, I guess you have some food/drink preferences! Now, you have the power to force your eating habits to some starving dwarves... Do not pass the chance!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on May 12, 2019, 02:53:04 pm

Psst, I think 5*5 should be 25, not 15. So the gold bars are worth more, for a total of 29 grain equivalents to trade.


I propose roughly equal divisions between fruit, potatoes, and grain. The fruit can be for brewing, the grain for cooking, and the potatoes in a pinch can be either. Or the grain for brewing, the potatoes for cooking, and the fruit for either. Or . . . Y'know'what? Let's just say the dwarves are gastronomically flexible.

Priority should also be given to crops whose seeds might be planted, if our dwarves are brave enough to risk the rain.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Rain is horrifying enough for regular dwarves, I can't imagine what it would do to paper ones! 

Our trading partner hasn't specified which type of grain, but they're all pretty much the same for eating or brewing.

So, how about:

1 x Raspberries
1 x Blackberries
1 x Grapes
1 x Pears
1 x Cherries
= 5 Fruit bags = 10 grain equivalent

9 x Potatoes
= 9 grain equivalent

10 x Grain
= 10 grain equivalent

== 10+9+10 = 29 grain equivalent = (12 soap bars / 3 exchange) + (5 gold bars * 5 exchange)

When deciding which fruits to pick, I left out currants and gooseberries because, while delicious, they're not in the RAWs and therefore no dwarf will have a preference. I decided on cherries and pears for the tree fruits because according to the wiki those trees become taller (thus producing more) than apple trees would, just in case they grow.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 13, 2019, 09:25:23 am

(https://i.imgur.com/Bl3WVKB.jpg?1)
"Okay, so we'll take blackberries, raspberries, grapes and cherries, then nine potato bags and ten grain ones." said Olmul.
Now lord Dazelosric was counting on his fingers.
"Yes, that's fair! I agree. Help them load all the bags on that wagon!"
(https://i.imgur.com/URaWzX1.jpg?1)
"Thank you very much, lord Dazelosric, you helped a lot! Our settlements may be partners in future!" said Berath.
"I am looking forward for that. Do not forget to deliver the letter! Farewell, dwarves, and may you safely return to your fortress."
(https://i.imgur.com/TBaS42Z.jpg?1)
"Heh, Alak will be pleased we're back sooner than planned, with lots of food!" said Olmul. "Hmm, this letter, it's sealed with some weird seal. Is it... Ash on the letter? Hmph, who knows, let's just deliver it."
"Lolor's known by the human nobility, huh?" said Berath. "We have stories to share. We'll be back, after that all... Finally..."
"Moooo!!!"

Meanwhile, in the forest of Aÿevamame...
(https://i.imgur.com/WqIJ696.jpg?1)
"O druid, was the scrying successful?" asked one guard.
"Oh, it wasn't!" said Ebeca angrily. "I hadn't found any trail of secret or attained magic. If these powers of the toad were innate, better not to know who was that thing!"
"What are you going to do now?"
(https://i.imgur.com/NWBUT3l.jpg?1)
"I don't know, and it drives me mad! I don't believe the toad. And if it's gonna meet some other tribe... Oh, now I've gotten an idea!"

But we'll let Ebeca with his ideas alone, and let's move for second time...
(https://i.imgur.com/Zg6EdHa.jpg?1)
"Quiet, Többogosma!" whispered Oströtakåtôz.
The bird whispered a silent screech.
"Forget that! Hey, here we go!"
(https://i.imgur.com/EnzsBDZ.jpg?1)
There was Aspdosusmat, still with the black blindfold. The beast was slowly crawling here and there, it looked as it was senseless.
(https://i.imgur.com/GGnn4wf.jpg?1)
"Hah, now you're mine, beast! But you're bounded with that stupid night power, let me take it off."
(https://i.imgur.com/i3vWmi3.jpg?1)
Oströtakåtôz tried to untie the black wrap, but whenever he move his hands too close to it, some force pushed him back, he couldn't touch it.
"Curses! It's protected by some spell. But nothing can stop mighty Oströtakåtôz, the greatest of whole goblin kin!"
(https://i.imgur.com/cSqMqd2.jpg?1)
He tried to dispel the force, unsuccessfully.
(https://i.imgur.com/9f7wWEa.jpg?1)
"By all spells and incantations! This is annoying! Seems only Zomus can take it off. But where's Zomus..."
The bird screeched.
"I know, I know! But what's it for when I have in grasp the greatest weapon here, but I can't use it!"
His breath was fast and full of fury. Then he calmed down a little bit.
(https://i.imgur.com/IQeEJae.jpg?1)
"I could still use it as trump card. But not for now. I should look what my dear colleagues are doing out of Alsmustspås."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 14, 2019, 09:05:50 am

(https://i.imgur.com/8fxpayD.jpg?1)
"He's living on a mountain, right?" asked Duto.
"Right." said Cilko.
"Is that a high mountain?"
"Yeah, but not that abrupt, you'll see. Now... We're far enough from Apapparu, take the toads out."
(https://i.imgur.com/574X1kj.jpg?1)
Duto took the two toads they found in village, and placed them on the ground. They were still furiously croaking.
"All of them. Where's the third one?" asked Cilko.
"Third one?"
"You have a toad in that box. Hey come on, I don't have time for this. Take it out."
Duto concluded there's nothing to hide now. So he took our toad out. The toad gave a grumpy glance to Cilko.
(https://i.imgur.com/6qWSFk6.jpg?1)
"How could you know that?"
"Secrets." said Cilko. "Now, turn them back to humans."
"But they won't try to snatch me, right?"
"I promise."
The toad looses a croak!
(https://i.imgur.com/KIhcKAz.jpg?1)
The Toad 1 is transformed to human!
The Toad 2 is transformed to human!
"What's your name, toad?"
"You can call me Necarbudok. Now, who's this Exalted one you keep babbling about?"
"He's a creature occuring in our legends, said to help our civilization to grow and develop. He's tall, shrouded in colorful cloak, served by pale, fair beings. Mitacespi are in contact with him." said Duto.
"Ah, so that's how you learnt such powerful spells... Must see this ancient guy."
(https://i.imgur.com/Hael3i4.jpg?1)
"So Necarbudok..." said Cilko. "Why did you wanted to see us that much?"
"Guys, seriously, hadn't you seen it in that town, just two toads and everyone went: "Ahhh! Not a while ago I saw a toad! It's terrifying!" You tan guys, dwarves aside, detest toads for some reason. Hey, we're not livin' in a... Like... I don't know, procedural generated world or some other nonsense! And since I need to cooperate with you, I need to end this."
"Hm. As you might already thought of, it's because of the Exalted one that toad is treated like a dangerous omen. So you might ask him once we'll get there."
"But you won't do anything bad to Duto, will you?"
"No, I won't. The last thing I need would be everyone panicking that some miraculous toad visited our homes. That wouldn't be good."
"Happy to hear that." said Duto.
"You know what's kinda funny?" said the toad. "Not only yours, but maybe every other society I met here works on a principle, that the guy with a rank above yours is in better position because he knows something you don't. And then, you have a hierarchy where the commoners are kept aside of everything important, and they just can't change things. Because they don't know."
"You're some toad philosopher, aren't you?" asked Cilko. "You could teach others well."
"I do. But when someone refuses to believe what you teach them, what can you do? Beat 'em? Faith, trust, knowledge, these can be really, really powerful. But still, we can be so easily fooled. Who knows what's happening right now, somewhere far away..."

Somewhere far away
(https://i.imgur.com/i0liKNl.jpg?1)
Crash.
Rumble rumble rumble!
A section of the cavern has collapsed!
"Oh snap. Watch out!"
A distant rumbling can be heard. But it's coming closer...
"Hey, I see light! We made it!"
(https://i.imgur.com/ZnVyJTW.jpg?1)
"Woah, woah! Slow down, you beast!" yelled Uxzoustug.
"What's the problem, Uxzo? Just shut up and enjoy the ride!" laughed Limulsheget.
(https://i.imgur.com/2wnT2Au.jpg?1)
"You're really lucky I need you, Ong! After this business is over, you'll see something!"
"What's your problem? When you were in charge way back there in Alsmustspås were you such boring chatterbox too?"
"Shut up!"
(https://i.imgur.com/jMDSip1.jpg?1)
"Where are we going actually?"
"Actually I don't know! You had the idea with rutherer!"
"Oh yeah, let's blame the bigger guy. Hey, you know your fans, take us to them!"
"How could I know where are we going when I don't know where are we right know?!!"
"Hey what?!! You're head of the pantheon and you have such limited powers? Pathetic!"
"Stop the beast and I'll scry!"
(https://i.imgur.com/uvEsJl9.jpg?1)
"Forget it. I'll scry myself. Preferably."
(https://i.imgur.com/uJYXJyq.jpg?1)
"Are you done?"
"Shhh."
"Hmmm?"
(https://i.imgur.com/IO8K8Sj.jpg?1)
"Oh, we're near to some deserts. Big ones."
"Are we in Spunogmon?"
"Hope so. It's weirdly shaped, like the weird human letters."
"Yep, I know where are we. Let's venture to deserts, there should be some dark fortresses."
"As you wish, head of the pantheon."
(https://i.imgur.com/wnhb3k2.jpg?2)
"Pantheon of jerks, but let's be pragmatic."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 16, 2019, 05:13:34 am

(https://i.imgur.com/FUcNmk1.jpg?1)
"Hey, you there, warriors!" shouted Zeg. "Where are the others? No one's working, chopping trees or..."
"Oh, do tell us!" said Duthnur, the speardwarf.
"We're stuck here on guard, and they're having cultural experience down there!" said Otad, the marksdwarf.
(https://i.imgur.com/mJfmxTP.jpg?1)
"Down there?"

(https://i.imgur.com/rm3MNsB.jpg?1)
"So dear citizens, that's it. Isn't it marvelous?" asked Alak.
The citizens nodded.
"But... What's an atelier doing here?" asked Urnût.
"You know... I don't know." said Alak. "But we should find out!"
(https://i.imgur.com/h6dwGLC.jpg?1)
Urist came to the statue.
"Rigòth Anggatiz, that's written here! And on the engraving with the cheese, that's him too, isn't it?"
"Yeah, on that little slab over there is some other face, maybe some friend or relative." said Alak. "But... Does this mean there are another dwarves on our spot?"
"Hard to say." said Urnût.
(https://i.imgur.com/5U0a5IV.jpg?1)
"Lord overseer, I've found some engraving tools!" shouted Nakuth.
"Show me!" said Alak.
Most citizens were hanging out in this cave, admiring the craftsdwarfship, nobles and other friends of Alak were inspecting the tools.
(https://i.imgur.com/lo0r5ec.jpg?1)
"This is wood from underground, and the tools aren't that old, they have not fallen apart yet." said Nakuth.
"I see. Look at this cave. There are boulders by the walls, maybe this Rigòth was trapped here."
"And for rest of his life, he's been engraving pieces of art. Sad fate of his." said Urnût.
Suddenly Muz ran to Alak.
(https://i.imgur.com/T9gsNZJ.jpg?1)
"Lord Alak, we found a coffin!" shouted he.
"Coffin?" asked Alak.
"Burial receptacle, code "n"?" asked Urist.
"It's sculpted from cinnabar, too. And there's skeleton, of dwarven proportions." said Muz. "Well, this dwarf had to be desperate..."
"No wonder." said Nakuth. "With these tools you can just engrave the walls. If he had a pick he could have made a way out."
(https://i.imgur.com/bgyU3n7.jpg?1)
"But what was a dwarf doing here?" said Alak. "It seems he was trapped here, so he was engraving and sculpting till his inevitable death, but how did he get here? You nobles, does history say something about Imkegethonol being populated by some civilization?"
"Well, the ruins near make sense. There were dwarves and even older civilizations, so ruins are pretty much everywhere. Imkegethonol was colonised, but that was hundreds of years ago!" said Urist.
Lolor was silent. With a pokerface. Alak took him little further from the rest.
(https://i.imgur.com/nQD3VMc.jpg?2)
"This engraver had to like cinnabar really much. He's red like your fan club!"
"Coincidence." said Lolor. "By the way, this cave is exclusively cinnabar. For higher aesthetic value of this room, it's better to make..."
"Okay, okay! But still, that your "society", have you got some records regarding this?"
"I can say only that there were always conflicts in dwarven kingdoms between certain groups, so there were always lots of refugees. Hard to say, if some of them got this far."
"Right. So it's an unsolved mystery, and I'll left it so... For now. Thanks dwarves, you can go back to work."
(https://i.imgur.com/5aflhKo.jpg?1)
Nakuth was standing still with his pick, staring on the ground.
"Should I mine the shaft further? This room is... Aesthetical."
"Let it be, if it burdens you so much." said Alak. "But in that case, mine another one. We need to breach caverns. We will be exposed to beasts of deep, but it'll solve the food problem. Hope Olmul's doing well..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 17, 2019, 03:30:49 am

(https://i.imgur.com/glkJuVB.jpg?1)
"The road and nothing more..." sang Olmul.
Berath was silent.
"Hey, it's no fun singin' when Kin's not here." said Olmul.
"You think I'm having fun?" asked Berath.
"That's difficult, having fun in the process of moving from place to place. If you encounter an ogre, you'll have fun, but you have to fight him. When you don't encounter an ogre, you can think how lucky you are but no fun's in sight."
(https://i.imgur.com/C2z9oWk.jpg?1)
"Have you got a story to tell?"
"About a civilization or a site? Or local government?"
"About yourself. You didn't finish it last time."
"Oh, yes I remember. So, the big bad goblin broke to our mound, he grabbed me by seat of my neckerchief, and ran away. He put me to some bag, it was horrible! I heard other kids crying and screaming outside, but the goblin ran on, no turning back. And then..."
"Hey, travelers!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Wc5RAkr.jpg?1)
Olmul looked on the road, there was a man standing, holding an axe, in a cowl and bronze bracers.
"Huh?"
"Do you happen to have something good to eat?" asked the man.
"Who are you? A footpad?" asked Berath.
"Footpad? No, no! I am from the hamlet over there. Friends told me you slew an ogre!"
"That's right, we did!" said Olmul. "Are you that impressed you came to beg?"
"Oh no, but, you know, I have to handle one dangerous business and you're the right dwarves to help me."
(https://i.imgur.com/uBrh0aY.jpg?1)
Olmul was considering this offer for a while. On one side he had adventure and fun, on the other was Alak and his hopping red eyes.
"I'm sorry, but we need to get these supplies to our home, then we might be able to help you. But, if you want help so badly, you can go with us."
"I will follow you if you'll lead me to glory and death."
"That's the attitude!" said Olmul. "Do you wanna climb up here?"
"No, I'm fine."
(https://i.imgur.com/7oWVJtN.jpg?1)
"What's your name?" asked Berath."And what's this dangerous business?"
"My name's Len." said the man. "You know, I'm kinda rebel against lord Alle Dazelosric."
"He's not a nice guy? Trading with him was okay."
"Heh, that's a longer story. Do you like stories?"
"Depends or your attributes and skills. But go on, we need some fun on our way."
"Okay, I'll try my best."
(https://i.imgur.com/1uYXQMg.jpg?1)
"Long time ago, ships of our nation landed at the northern coasts of this continent. Clans have settled there and later, they were expanding south. That's when our hamlet was founded, way back then it was a small camp. A clan of ours governed it well, the settlement developed into a little village, with lots of food growing there. Then a dragon came. With his fiery breath, he was on rampage in this area. Our clan fought him, not very successfully. Our former clan lord, Oli Adrenolok, went to fight the beast and we have never seen him again. The dragon left our lands, they were damaged, in chaos. After the second human invasion on this continent began, migrants from the other nation came, some settled at our hamlets and towns. They helped us recover from the dragon rampage, still, we hadn't a leader. And then this Alle Dazelosric came, and he became lord. He's not a bad governor. But I think he's fabricator and usurper."
(https://i.imgur.com/4yclohJ.jpg?1)
"Wow. How many rebel fellows do you have?" asked Berath.
"Sadly, none. Luckily, I'm one man army. No one's listening to me, you know."
"What makes you think Dazelosric is bad? Shouldn't you be happy he's there, and your hamlet still standing?" asked Olmul.
"That's the second part of the story. Once, I was cutting wood, few days from here to north, good wood grows there. And I saw lord Adrenolok. He was running in the forest, waving his arms, but when he spotted me, he ran away. Apparently he survived the fight. And he got claims on the hamlet. He's our lord, not Dazelosric. He should be."
"Former lord alive? Okay, but wasn't he stark raving mad or something?"
"I hope he wasn't. So that's my dangerous business. To find Oli Adrenolok and bring him back."
(https://i.imgur.com/KRrES5u.jpg?1)
"Sounds interesting, but it's on our boss to decide whether we can help. But when we get rid of the wagon, no problem, we'll experienced and heroic dwarves, we can wander wilds as much as we please."
"Or you can live in our fortress, if you don't trust Dazelosric enough." said Berath. "We would appreciate a helper of your height."
"Living in a cave?" asked Len. "Like, under the ground? Sleeping there?"
"Oh, I forgot. You could sleep outside, no problem."
"I'll consider it. But my quest is priority."
(https://i.imgur.com/6C9PcLl.jpg?1)
"Heh, Alak's appreciating loyalists like you. We'll get home and we'll see."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on May 17, 2019, 09:41:06 am

Quote

"Wow. How many rebel fellows so you have?" asked Berath.
"Sadly, none. Luckily, I'm one man army."

I laughed. :D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 18, 2019, 09:03:17 am

(https://i.imgur.com/zdgf8AF.jpg?1)
"Hey, that's it, isn't it?" said Limulsheget. "A citadel in middle of nowhere, with some high tower thing or what's tha... Oh yeah, now I remember. You got an ally, there?"
"Depends, if he'll be in good mood."
(https://i.imgur.com/BU2pJQh.jpg?1)
"Hah, slavery. When I was young, we've got..."
"Shut up." said Uxzoustug. "We're here."
The slaves were turning their eyes toward these strangers, but some recognised them as the guys from the statues, kneeling.
(https://i.imgur.com/dmhv6Im.jpg?1)
"Hey, you there! Warder!"
The taskmaster turned, with his same old annoyed face.
(https://i.imgur.com/8Aan66u.jpg?1)
"Hmph?"
"Can you tell your ruler he's got guests here?"
"Follow me."
They went through the labyrinth of dark pits, walls, towers, at last they reached the fortress.
(https://i.imgur.com/tjpSGyN.jpg?1)
"My liege, some noble guests have come."
"They may enter."
"Greets, Rulasm, old chap, do you remember me?" asked Uxzoustug.
(https://i.imgur.com/9hTwAzN.jpg?1)
When Rulasm saw him, he was quite surprised. But not for too long.
"Uxzoustug, what do you want? I'm busy!"
"Pardon me? Wasn't that I who freed you from that slade prison?"
"You sure were, but for what? If I remember correctly, you said: "So that great heroic deeds may be done and that sun may fall on your head.""
(https://i.imgur.com/bw8mNjl.jpg?1)
Limul started giggling. "That's really written there? Man, I must read that slab..."
"Good luck with that, someone stole it."
(https://i.imgur.com/iuhyqyY.jpg?1)
Now Limul bursted out laughing.
"That the sun may... Uxzo, I think we're becoming good friends!"
Uxzo gave him a happy glance, but under his searing helmet it wasn't much of use. One guard was laughing too, but angry face of Rulasm stopped him pretty quickly.
"Let's say, I've got problem in Alsmustspås, we've been fighting and throwing each other out... Now I need some supporters so I can fix the mess. Zomus is gaining in strength, I sense it. So, I would call in the favor you owe me."
"You need an army for battle against Zomus?" asked Rulasm.
Limul and Uxzoustug nodded.
(https://i.imgur.com/fu62Hh2.jpg?1)
"Well, these guys tell me a lot different story."
"Oh, accursed Zomus! He's trying to corrupt you, trick you on his side!"
"Really? Well, why should I help this fiery craving guy? Are you really so weakened?"
(https://i.imgur.com/9CotxJe.jpg?1)
"Now listen, Rudslasostam, we don't have time for this. Do as this noble goblin say, or..." shouted Limul.
"This is enough! I am the boss here and you won't be telling me what I have to do! Guards!!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/QNBuoC5.jpg?1)
The guards that stood there, strucked by awe of their idols, were kind of confused. Maybe it was chance to finally get rid of their wicked gluttonous tyrant, they thought.
(https://i.imgur.com/P3MTfJ9.jpg?1)
"Are you calling mortals against us, fool?" said Limul. "You can't oppose us!"
"I can oppose anyone!" shouted Rulasm.
"You and what army?"
(https://i.imgur.com/uPuM0a9.jpg?1)
Rulasm loosed a roar, fell and terrible, full of his wicked nature, that echoed through the halls of his fortress. Various screeches, roars and screaming could be heard just after.
"Heh, I forgot, he's got spire here going right to the underworld?"
(https://i.imgur.com/QmM1dcd.jpg?1)
"Yep." said Uxzoustug. "Well done Limul, you're smart boy. But we won't give up so easily!"

So... Here we go.
You have two supernatural beings of terrible power, even when weakened, at disposal. And a rutherer outside, waiting for signal.
You can flee. But Rulasm has nowhere to run, and it's perfect chance for some heroism to be done...
What shall they do? Possibilities are endless-er than ever.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 21, 2019, 08:14:19 am

(https://i.imgur.com/1h24reS.jpg?1)
"Hah, now with even your goblins on our side, we're unstoppable!" shouted Uxzoustug.
Limulsheget was silent.
"That's weird, I thought I'll get some advice from the higher beings... Oh, nevermind. Attack!"
(https://i.imgur.com/M3Ii8B0.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug led the goblin rebels straight towards Rulasm and messenger of Zomus, with some swift strikes he took the two down.
(https://i.imgur.com/tlGWxcH.jpg?1)
The messengers turned to some dark ash, which turned to foul smoke, which disappeared after a while.
(https://i.imgur.com/CMVkGwX.jpg?1)
"Be blessed by the sun itself! May the glory of day lead us to victory!"
(https://i.imgur.com/ZaBPtwQ.jpg?1)
Rulasm breathes fire!!!
Pretty much everything non-slade, without shield, not-Limul and not-Uxzo caught fire, including the poor goblin rebels.
(https://i.imgur.com/yOHkrAT.jpg?1)
"Hah! Pathetic fools!" shouted Rulasm.
"You disgust me..." said Limul.
(https://i.imgur.com/cNAjSt1.jpg?1)
"Ngorubnestro? What are they doing here?"
"They seek dying goblins, let them be!" shouted Uxzoustug.
"Hmph. Came a little too late."
Rest of rebel forces charged against the beast.
(https://i.imgur.com/P81imlw.jpg?1)
The spears of the guards didn't harm too much Rulasm, the beast tried to bash them.
(https://i.imgur.com/UNFhcpS.jpg?1)
"Aaaaargh!"
The fiery sword of Uxzoustug made a deep wound, burning the skin and muscle, too.
(https://i.imgur.com/bGb8oIn.jpg?1)
Rulasm staggered and hit the wall.
"You can't escape the inevitable!" shouted Uxzoustug.
(https://i.imgur.com/pZEytCU.jpg?1)
Horrible screeching was heard.
(https://i.imgur.com/NdqEYTc.jpg?1)
"Curses, his underworld pals are here!" shouted Limul. "We can't just keep fighting!"
"And what do you want to do?!!"
"I've got a plan. Just protect me!"
(https://i.imgur.com/v6u8mU1.jpg?1)
Limul leaned his hand on the wall, muttering incantantions, drawing symbols in the air.
(https://i.imgur.com/2LeLIHk.jpg?1)
Meanwhile Rulasm fought guards, the winged monster flied towards Limul, but Uxzoustug stood in the way.
"Our heroic deeds won't be foiled by some rock salt boulder!"
(https://i.imgur.com/gr4aXUG.jpg?2)
"Got you!"
(https://i.imgur.com/98x4pRR.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug striked the monster to the boulder, it came with screeching down, right on Rulasm.
(https://i.imgur.com/DN1kPn6.jpg?1)
"Hah! Any last words?"
(https://i.imgur.com/zrfP62H.jpg?1)
"Eh, Uxzo? Some worm thing wanna chomp my head!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Cw1ZAAi.jpg?1)
Suddenly the whole building shook, with rumbling, the worm thing falled from the wall. Uxzoustug ran to it, striking it with his blade.
(https://i.imgur.com/z3vaGFO.jpg?1)
"You're right, Limul! This is pointless!"
"Hold on, we must stay here for a while!"
(https://i.imgur.com/igzmuCs.jpg?1)
Rutherer bites the Worm thing 1 in the neck, tearing the muscle!
The Worm thing 1 was struck down.
"Good boy!"
Rumbling and screeches continued.
(https://i.imgur.com/RKaaRnt.jpg?1)
From the spire came another wicked being. A brimstone giant, with tail and ridiculously long arms. With these he lifted the boulder and Rulasm stood up.
(https://i.imgur.com/YtnpfjN.jpg?1)
"You better yield, fools!" shouted Rulasm. Then he spat a little flame on the giant.
(https://i.imgur.com/9JtVB5v.jpg?1)
It caught fire immediately.
"How are you going to cope with this one?"
(https://i.imgur.com/XaUE9nV.jpg?1)
"Limul! You're like... Moving to the lower layer! Get out of there!"
"Ahhh... As you wish. The thing is coming down anyway."
(https://i.imgur.com/N7uUYMt.jpg?1)
Rubbles were falling from the upper ceilings, the fortress was shaking more and more. Everyone staggered.
"Curse you, my fortress!" shouted Rulasm.
"Hey, we should get out of here!" shouted Uxzoustug.
"Shouldn't we wait for advice from the higher beings?"
"Oh come on, I don't know! What you think would be best?"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on May 21, 2019, 11:14:48 am

Oh! Oh oh! I was supposed to say something! Gah!

Bum rush the demon-king and bite/stab/whatever at his legs and feet. Once he's down, get out of there fast as you can-- with a little luck, Mister Big-and-Nasty won't be able to crawl out in time.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 22, 2019, 07:22:49 am

(https://i.imgur.com/o8D9qzu.jpg?1)
"Oh, Uxzo, I've been enlightened!"
"Let's just take down Rulasm and get out of here?"
"Exactly! You're enlightened too?"
"Gimme a boost."
(https://i.imgur.com/HRstgNo.jpg?1)
"Not this boost, foooooooooool!"
Uxzoustug flew through the air, past the brimstone giant, back there on Rulasm.
(https://i.imgur.com/eomHDX0.jpg?1)
"Arrggghhh!!!!!!"
He did a long, deep slash in the chest of the beast. Though Rulasm didn't care about pain, he was crippled anyway.
(https://i.imgur.com/bd6oPE8.jpg?2)
He tried to bash the fiery lord down, unsuccessfully.
(https://i.imgur.com/gbglhUy.jpg?1)
The brimstone giant prepared to do a hard blow on Uxzoustug...
(https://i.imgur.com/WKNXSA6.jpg?1)
But Limul charged, he grabbed his arm, and with his terrifying strength, crushed elbow of the monster.
(https://i.imgur.com/0ecFYbk.jpg?1)
"Phew..."
"Don't worry, Rulasm's down! Now we can get out of here! On the rutherer!"
(https://i.imgur.com/hVNHU1F.jpg?1)
"What on Spunogmon is going on here?!!" asked the taskmaster, coming to the hall, already full of rubble, as the fortress was shaking more and more.
"Your fortress has the last day of its glory, that's going on! If you don't wanna die here under pile of boulders, come and sit here! We're off!" said Limul.
"No, that way is already blocked by rubble! Rutherer can't fit through there!" said the taskmaster.
(https://i.imgur.com/OclR8x8.jpg?1)
Rutherer jumped on the brimstone giant to prevent him from standing up.
"Lead the way then!" shouted Uxzo.
"Right! We must get to one of the side towers! Turn left!"
(https://i.imgur.com/hGs84MQ.jpg?1)
Fortress was slowly crumbling down, while the rutherer zigzaged through the maze of rubble. Rulasm, even with all these deep wounds, crawled slowly after them.
(https://i.imgur.com/wB1qeI6.jpg?1)
Rulasm breathes fire!
"Oh snap, he just won't yield!" shouted Limul. "Faster! Faster!"
(https://i.imgur.com/vxUBO7z.jpg?1)
A section of roof has collapsed!
"Finally!"
(https://i.imgur.com/GWEZ801.jpg?2)
"Oh no, the bridge is gone!" shouted taskmaster. "We must jump!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Gn2DnLG.jpg?2)
Rutherer jumped, and he got on the other side, though the impact scattered passengers.
"Get up, we must ride on!" said Uxzoustug.
(https://i.imgur.com/RJhzlgz.jpg?1)
"Ah, finally out of that building! I'm not sure which architecture is worse, this, or that of mountainhomes!"
(https://i.imgur.com/MFdGlsS.jpg?1)
The party got on a peak, where also the goblin citizens escaped.
"Wow. That giant pile of rubble was a dark fortress?" said Uxzoustug.
"Yeah. Thus passes the glory of the world." said Limul.
"You devised that?"
"Oh no, I've just been enlightened again.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 24, 2019, 07:32:03 am

(https://i.imgur.com/s8emX5w.jpg?1)
"Man, these pillars and blocks are... Large! Must be truly ancient. Wonder who lived there..." said Duto.
"These mountains are neat. Peaks covered in mist, the valleys down there..." said the toad. "And don't worry, soon we'll uncover some interesting things... Is it so, Cilko?"
"With the power and knowledge you wield I'm pretty surprised you need to uncover something." replied Cilko.
(https://i.imgur.com/yIQJhH4.jpg?1)
"Hey, if this Exalted one remained hidden for us for so long, that's suspicious enough. Whatever he is, I have lots of questions prepared."
"We'll soon be there, no fear. He's hidden to those who are not worthy seeing him, but he'll show to us, in this time of need. But before we'll get there, tell us something about you, Necarbudok."
"And what would you like to know? Origins? My life story?"
"You said you are on to unite nations and races."
(https://i.imgur.com/o2cgNcZ.jpg?1)
"Oh yes. Because really, when I look at you guys... Well, you tribesmen are fine, united, friends with each other, you are a community, a right one. But those "well developed" ones... They're calling themselves "society". They're lying to themselves, that they are together, and together they are strong, that they are sharing a cause. Nonsenses! They're living together, but they don't know each other! They are mindless slaves. These societies are working on nonsenses, that they call principles. Hey, I can say too, that I'm king of the world! I'm sure some fools would recognise me as it. Man, where are we livin'... Have you seen dwarven Mountainhome interior?"
(https://i.imgur.com/jDVrWWq.jpg?1)
"Certainly you have a point, but I wouldn't say it's that bad." said Cilko. "Like, people have friends and so, they're not mindless hive yet."
"Sure, but they're coming closer to it. That's what need to be stopped. Foil the world spoiling! World is great place. We mustn't let it be spoiled. Even normal hive's not mindless, like bees or so, everyone have a role there, and they're happy! Unlike us, sane races, who are voluntarily becoming slaves to "common cause" that in fact does not exist, or is a nonsense."
"You can divine future?" asked Duto.
"Only few can. But you can always predict it. But enough of babbling. I see some sort of sign."
(https://i.imgur.com/l5owYFm.jpg?1)
It was a wooden sign, with something written on it, in four or so languages, ancient languages, that only few still remember.
"What's written there?" asked Duto.
"Don't look at me, I can't read it." said Cilko.
"Hey, I know this one! Listen carefully, for it may be important and useful." said the toad.
"Read it then!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Llr2GjL.jpg?1)
"This area contains massive spoilers. If you don't want to have your experience spoiled, do not proceed. Well, I came here for spoilers, let's move on!"
So they went. They were already on a high peak of the mountain.
(https://i.imgur.com/bYnowAu.jpg?1)
And they saw an archway, damaged but still standing, before them. Under it stood some person. When they came closer, they saw he was pale and tall, with a tail and pointy goblin-like ears and teeth, armed with spear and shield.
"Who are you, that you dare to enter this land?" asked the being.
"We came here, o honorable servant of the Exalted one, to tell your master what he should know, for it's strange, what's happening in tribes of ours. This toad is guest of great power, that came from lands far away, to see the Exalted one." said Cilko.
"Yeah, that's right!" said the toad. It was giggling.
(https://i.imgur.com/gssHNEa.jpg?1)
"What's the matter?" asked Duto.
"I'll tell you later." said the toad. "Lead the way, o guardsman!"
The pale guard went forward, the rest followed him.
(https://i.imgur.com/NKhGoRR.jpg?1)
They came to some marble block, higher than human, and a figure of similar height as the guard stood by the table. It was contemplating. Then he turned.
(https://i.imgur.com/DNe3OST.jpg?1)
Duto and the apprentices gasped. Toad a little bit later. His face was fair and fresh, yet old. He was calm, with no sign of need for haste. His cloak was colourful, with sewn patterns, odd looking to human race. On his forehead he had a golden circle with a big stone in it. He was the same fair being as the guard, yet his presence radiated much more awe.
"Greetings, Cilko, my friend." he spoke. Then he turned to the toad. "What are you doing here?"
(https://i.imgur.com/ODfLBwr.jpg?1)
Duto told him about the omens he saw. The Exalted one was nodding. Toad was preparing questions, now it has seen Exalted one in person it looked kind of troubled.
"So, I've got a few questions. First, who are you? These claim you Tâdim guys helped tribal civilizations to rise and develop. Is it so?" asked the toad.
"They claim just right. Are you some toad inspector?"
"Right now, I am. Who are you?"
(https://i.imgur.com/8oIg14b.jpg?1)
"Yes, I would like to know too." said Duto, Cilko and his apprentices frowned at him a little bit, for asking such improper question.
(https://i.imgur.com/FMR91AP.jpg?1)
"Once, a long time back, I was a king of this continent. Before our civilizations crumbled and new have come."
"A king of whole continent?" asked the toad. "That were Haên, Elêri, Neaväm... You're Elêri?"
Exalted one nodded.
(https://i.imgur.com/bjAAFzF.jpg?1)
"You're wielding knowledge of times long forgotten. I sense you are Âsem, and your kin still lives on. Now that you know my name, I should know yours."
"I am Ôvok, from the realm of Rëîm the trickster toad."
"Is he still in his slumber?"
"He is. But now I uncovered your mortal status, I think we could speak more colloquially."
"You're right. You tribesmen, come closer. I'm sure you have questions too."
The tribesmen were puzzled by the all weird words and names they heard. They came closer, for they were curious.
"First of all, I guess you want to know how's it with the toads, and why I told you to be aware of them. So listen..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 24, 2019, 07:37:14 am

(https://i.imgur.com/SR7gOCY.jpg?1)
"As Ôvok already said, we are Tâdim, one of most powerful races in the ages before. With coming of new age, our numbers dropped down, and my realm has collapsed. I came to seclusion, with the last few of my kin. Because our race ages very slowly, I was a bit bored. We're more or less just resting there, enjoying life in peace. I helped these tribesman, they came here from nearby island,  to find their place here."
"How old are you?" said Duto. "If you're so ancient..."
"Honestly, I don't know. Somewhere near one thousand I lost count. Anyway, I knew that one of the most powerful beings here, Rëîm the trickster toad, really prominent and powerful back then, has been slumbering and regaining power. During absence of such powerful mover of world, it has changed a lot here. Rëîm had a... Um... Court of fellow toads?"
(https://i.imgur.com/vn8Gsen.jpg?1)
"Yeah, could be said so. I'm one of them." said the toad. "We were active in the world, but we didn't achieve nothing really interesting or important."
"I knew that Rëîm will come back. Someday. And I predicted it could be dawn of a new age. And since I was indirectly influencing the world by the tribes I raised, I wanted to prepare them for that. So I said, if they'll spot a toad, magical, trying to convince someone or stuff like that, it's an omen and they must be cautious."
(https://i.imgur.com/JTCOMun.jpg?1)
"That's all?" asked Duto. "So it's actually a good omen? No need to fear of the new age?"
(https://i.imgur.com/zDPeUDA.jpg?1)
"In the end, it should be. Now, not. End of an era is always time of horrible chaos, turmoil, wars, and it's time when the powerful strike. A struggle is inevitable. But about this matter... I would prefer to speak only with Ôvok now. Wálim, get something to eat for the tribesmen, I want to be alone with the toad."
"As you wish." said the guard, bowing.
(https://i.imgur.com/0vZ4AmT.jpg?1)
"So, Ôvok, it has begun."
"What do you mean? Like wars?"
"I've been trying to scry upon nearby Âsemeï, results are rather interesting."
"Wait, wait. You can scry upon Âsemeï?"
The Exalted one tapped on one giant scroll on the marble table.
(https://i.imgur.com/1vSnQFM.jpg?1)
"No way, that's the Book of Gâumä!" yelled toad, excited. "How did you get this stuff?"
"You know, when you're king of whole continent, you can collect various interesting artifacts..."
"What other artifacts have you here?"
"Some hatch cover."
"Ahhh... Anyway, the results of scrying?"
"I saw lots of goblin guys around... And Zärseîl..."
(https://i.imgur.com/j5QBgwG.jpg?1)
"Yeah, I met him. He's the reason."
"Then I sensed..."
"Greetings, o Exalted one!"
The two turned.
(https://i.imgur.com/yONHWa3.jpg?1)
"I've came, for I... Wait. That's the toad!"
"Oh snap. That's the hippie jerk!"
"Oh. I sensed a toad in your forest. That was you, Ôvok?" asked the Exalted one.
"Yeah, I was. I proposed good offer to them... And they tried to dispose me!"
"Please, Ebeca. We're discussing urgent matters."
(https://i.imgur.com/2g9Y4vQ.jpg?1)
"With a toad??!" shouted Ebeca. "Pardon me, o Exalted one, for this toad is my rival. But I shall take your advice, and alone you shall be left."
(https://i.imgur.com/htMaCXL.jpg?1)
He went to tribesmen, to sate himself.
"Where were we? Ah, the last scrying. I saw some night-infused goblin, at the dwarven Mountainhome."
Toad was silent, thinking.
"Goblin? Night? That's Zomus Anuzosla, the Ustroakon, the Ogurxusmzûk! I know the chap, he's dangerous and treacherous! What's he doing there?"
"I don't know. But since that, the land is surrounding by terrible darkness."
Toad was horrified, gasping.
(https://i.imgur.com/VKcijEn.jpg?1)
"I need to get to dwarves. Now!"
"I won't hold you off."
"Do you have something fast at disposal? With so many Âsemeï around, I would prefer to travel more... Mundanely."
"Hah, you've found the right person!" said the Exalted one. "Since my kingship, I'm passionate falconer! I can lend you some bird..."
"Bird? Why not? What do you have?"
"Once I had a roc..."
"A roc? You have a roc?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Xk7snfr.jpg?1)
"I had." said the Exalted one, then standing silent for a moment, with tear slipping down from his face. "Once I sent her to fetch me something big. She went on a rampage to dark fortresses... She fought that beast Rulasm... He killed her."
"Oh. That's... Sad." said the toad. "Some other bird at disposal?"
"I can give you a cockatrice."
"What? You have a cockatrice?"
"Sure I have. Ignorants say that they don't exist. They say gryphons, chimaeras, centaurs don't exist... Oh, little they know. Fâel!"
(https://i.imgur.com/5diFNMC.jpg?1)
Toad was expecting some kind of roar or screech, they heard clucking instead. A moment later a strange being flew over their heads, like a chicken with dragon-like tail and wings. It landed next to Exalted one.
(https://i.imgur.com/1FDSX2I.jpg?1)
"Meet Fâel, Ôvok. He'll take you wherever you want to go."
"Wow. Does it has gaze that turns foes to stone?"
"Maybe. Never found out."
(https://i.imgur.com/Jq6ztUm.jpg?1)
The toad pushed with its whole toad might to feathers of the bird, and it took off up to the sky.
(https://i.imgur.com/pAwLFKM.jpg?1)
Soon they could not see them anymore.
(https://i.imgur.com/Y6Uwiyr.jpg?1)
The Exalted one smiled, he turned and went to rest of his guests.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 26, 2019, 09:10:10 am

(https://i.imgur.com/73zn35N.jpg?1)
"Hah, just as I said! Imkegethonol in sight! Soon we'll have enough room and food, you'll see!" said the party leader.
Suddenly they heard a roar. Fell. And terrible.
The armed dwarf struck defensive pose.
"Who's that?"
And then... They saw it.
(https://i.imgur.com/scmYdQg.jpg?1)
"Gimme your beeeeeeeer!!!!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/sMpxIn4.jpg?1)
"Wow! That's a mad dwarf! This must be some crazy fortress, with pumps guarded by flying iguanas or magma flooding system or..."
"Waaaagh!!!"
"He lost his mind! Poor fella." said the leader.
"Beer! Beer!"
(https://i.imgur.com/yYo4U2X.jpg?1)
"Hey there he is!" shouted some voice.
(https://i.imgur.com/AyfH2iw.jpg?1)
And it was Alak, with militia.
"Oh finally, they'll arrest this highwayman!" said the hooded dwarf.
"He's not a highwayman, it's just a tantrum, nothing more, he'll be fine."
(https://i.imgur.com/bBT2S1L.jpg?1)
Rikkir bashes Kin in the... Copper axe!
(https://i.imgur.com/lUWifLO.jpg?1)
The copper axe is propelled away by the blow!
(https://i.imgur.com/Y07S8VH.jpg?1)
And since Kin couldn't bite through the armor of militia, they grabbed him and went to the kitchen, hoping that some beverage may still exist. Urist's document said ?5?, so who knows.
"And who are you guys? Travellers?" asked Alak.
(https://i.imgur.com/sYC39ol.jpg?1)
"I'm Nel Rithlutbor. This is Nirmek Åkumdusak and this one is Solon Edanuzol. We're migrants, refugees from the Mountainhome."
"Ah l. Not lucky, you are. We're out of supplies, too many dwarves you know. But come in, you must be exhausted!"
They went, but then, Alak suddenly turned.
"You're wearing red clothes... You must be fan club of Lolor Kitïgzilir, is that so?"
"Who's Lolor?" asked the hooded one.
"Eh? You're not in the society? But he told me that..."
"We are." said the leader. "But we do not seek harm. We'll help, should it be needed."
"Every dwarf is needed." said Alak. "Hey, look there! That's Olmul! And he has food!"
(https://i.imgur.com/P23JHia.jpg?1)
And truly. The wagon with Olmul, Berath and Len has arrived, loaded with bags.
(https://i.imgur.com/NIuqfzQ.jpg?1)
Just as soon as Alak said it, nearly every dwarf from the fortress ran to the wagon. Muz got there first.
"Food 'n' booze!!!" he shouted happily.
"Stop, froward citizen!" said Alak. "Olmul, you said you'll be off for..."
"Yeah, but we found a hamlet and managed to trade everything there." said Olmul. "This guy, Len, has some problems with government, he seeks help. I thought he could work in the meantime..."
"A human? Well, why not? Visit me in my office and tell me about the help you seek from us."
(https://i.imgur.com/VINf5Db.jpg?1)
Dwarves were climbing on the wagon, trying to grab some bag.
"No!!! That's coming to Ermis. She'll make us some meal. Who can brew, brew! Beer in advance, so we can un-tantrum Kin."
Dwarves sighed, they took the bags and went to the kitchen.

(https://i.imgur.com/Ct4x0qO.jpg?1)
"Hey, that's some hoard of food!" said Ermis. "We'll hold a feast tonight!"
"Alak told us to brew some of it.” Urnût said. "Which don't you need for that... Feast?"
"Take the grain. We'll bake later."

(https://i.imgur.com/VbCOqbB.jpg?1)
Meanwhile Alak was listening to Len's thoughts, like overseer should do.
"Oh, so you're going on a expedition to find some lost lord?"
"Yeah, I would like to. I know Berath and Olmul are good warriors and adventurers too, I thought they could help me."
"Well, if they went alone with you, I don't see much problems. But we need some soap first."
(https://i.imgur.com/jcUVAS1.jpg?1)
"If you have issues regarding food, we could sustain on roots and nuts. And shamrock. Shamrock's delicious."
"Could be, but they need flasks with beer, just in case..."

(https://i.imgur.com/5rv1HWR.jpg?1)
The three new citizens went to offices.
"That's it!" said Nel. "Here's our Kôn!"
Then he gently knocked on the rock door.
"Enter!"
(https://i.imgur.com/pLvkdnY.jpg?1)
"We greet you, Kôn Sákrith. We're here and we're listening." said Nel.
Lolor widened his eyes. Then he facepalmed.
"Oh dear." said he.
(https://i.imgur.com/YxcFQ6u.jpg?1)
"Pardon us, what's wrong?"
"Wrong is, that overseer already monitor us, we've just become more suspicious now!"
"But we..."
(https://i.imgur.com/O5lp9B6.jpg?1)
"I know, but lord Alak doesn't know! He won't let us take actions on our own!"
"What are the orders then?" asked Nirmek. "Shall we dispose him?"
Lolor facepalmed again.
"No, you ignorant. If you want orders that much, my primary goal now is to appease overseer."
(https://i.imgur.com/MUJdR7b.jpg?1)
"So we have to sway him?" asked Solon.
"Hey I don't know, just act as citizens!" said Lolor. "I don't even know you." He then looked at Nel. "You're... You're Ibruk, right?"
"Yes, Kôn. And this is Sudir and Mezum."
"Very well then. Don't stand out too much. We don't want to be blamed for every stupid badger attack or something like that. Got it? And now go, I have work to do."
(https://i.imgur.com/Js7Cp0G.jpg?1)
The dwarves left, when Lolor heard another knocking. He sighed and called:
"Enter!"
Olmul came in.
(https://i.imgur.com/5CZP5oh.jpg?1)
"Wotcher, lord manager, here you go, a letter from lord Alle Dazelosric."
Lolor again widened his eyes and took the letter.
"Heh, what's up with you, lord manager? You look kinda surprised."
"The guy still remembers me? Curious."
"He's another of your red-crazed friends?"
"Oh no, I used to work as a sort of butler at him. But I had to leave."
"Why?"
"Eh, there were more than one reason. For example I couldn't reach the top shelf."
"Oh, I see. Okay. See you, lord manager!"
"Great. And before you go, there's a soap order from Alak. 10 or so bars."
(https://i.imgur.com/WNfhfhO.jpg?1)
"Ten? Not sure if I have enough oil. But okay, I'll go make some. See ya!'
Olmul left.
(https://i.imgur.com/vGClneQ.jpg?1)
"Finally. I can manage my "on break" order now."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 28, 2019, 07:58:44 am

Ah, I'm out of inspiration again! I'm pressed and opressed at the screw press of society, and I don't have even inspiration!
Hah, let's see how many day it'll take to my next enlightement. Bets?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on May 28, 2019, 08:01:33 am

Ahh, you're a prolific sort; I'm sure you'll be back on that horse soon! :)

Say, if you're taking suggestions for Alak at some point...

Ask the human at some point how plant gathering works. Given our recent food troubles, that's something we could really use tutoring in.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 31, 2019, 01:54:30 am

I've rediscovered part of my lost childhood, inspiring me. I heard Superdorf's suggestions, inspiring me. Thus, I'm inspired. Today, look forward for new episode!

Today, I also found out horrible origins of word "heck". Disgusted, I removed it from the story. Just if you noticed and wondered. Goodwill must prevail!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on May 31, 2019, 09:06:47 am

This episode is surrounded by incessant babbling, but remember, it was inevitable.

(https://i.imgur.com/q82Gwbm.jpg?1)
"You think you can hide from me in hall of fame? Show yourself!"
(https://i.imgur.com/YFfun7E.jpg?1)
"Foolish dwarf, I am darkness itself."
"I don't see you nor darkness. And those minions, you really think that can stop me?!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/qSx3Qfw.jpg?1)
Suddenly Zomus flew forward, charging the berserker.
Zomus claws Dwarf but the blow is deftly parried by the steel axe!
(https://i.imgur.com/ER6vFlT.jpg?1)
Dwarf slashes Zomus with his steel axe, tearing the muscle!
(https://i.imgur.com/8b1uptu.jpg?1)
Zomus bashes Dwarf with the +golden statue+, bruising the skin!
(https://i.imgur.com/l7vzqgA.jpg?1)
Dwarf is propelled away by the force of the blow!
"How can you be so powerful?!!" shouted the dwarf. "You were thrown out of your realm!"
"That's false." said Zomus.
(https://i.imgur.com/3Aer2RF.jpg?1)
Zomus kicks Dwarf but the blow in upper body, bruising the skin and bruising the muscle!
"I went out voluntarily. That fool didn't notice."
"You can't be that strong. I'll take you down!" shouted the Dwarf.
Dwarf slashes Zomus with his steel axe in the right lower leg, tearing the muscle.
"You have such pathetic pantheon. They even didn't came to help you!"
(https://i.imgur.com/do1uLkr.jpg?1)
"I've underestimated you..." said the dwarf, gasping. "I've come alone. But still... How can you be so powerful..."
Zomus claws the Dwarf in upper body, tearing the skin and muscle!
Twice.
(https://i.imgur.com/FXv8mYb.jpg?1)
Zomus reverted to his normal form.
The mortal dwarf husk was dead, yet there was still great power flowing in the hall.
"You won't win." said voice of the dwarf. "You can't stand forever."
"Stop babbling nonsenses..." said Zomus. "Your fellows can hardly agree on anything, I'm completely safe, ready to take on another one of you."
Then he looked at the body. He muttered some wicked spell.
"By the power I wield, you're banished from this world."
(https://i.imgur.com/8DzbTPA.jpg?1)
The body vanished, so did the power of the dwarf, only wicked night remained.
"I must be more careful. I got rid of this one, but I'm still vulnerable. Two would beat me."
(https://i.imgur.com/LhVcPYv.jpg?1)
Night creatures ran to him.
"Master, we're here, ready to..."
"Too late minions, he's defeated. Have you sent someone after the dwarves?"
(https://i.imgur.com/jPmuuyw.jpg?1)
"We had, and we're getting new followers. Not only goblins, some men and dwarves joined our forces too."
"Good. What about the group I've sent to Stothoaslud?"
"Haven't returned yet."
(https://i.imgur.com/YbjjlcO.jpg?1)
"Gah, who knows what happened to them. Curses, I can't afford to scry now, the fight weakened me. Try to cover my presence here."
"As you wish."


Meanwhile...
(https://i.imgur.com/WhlVoz8.jpg?1)
"I must say, squad, you made me really, really proud." said Ïlon. "Taking on four twillight ogres and looting their lair! Great. But we should speed up."
"Don't frown like that, Neth!" said Gemesh. "It was glorious victory!"
"I'm not frowning, that's the helmet!" said Neth. "I'm just... A bit frowning. And limping!"
"You'll get used to it." said Gemesh.
"How long, captain?" asked Alåth. "Never was this far before."
"There should be a hillock, Beroggez, I think... Another day of travel? I once led a squad here to pursue bandits, that's years already... We'll see. How many points so I have?"
"Eh what? Oh, of course. Well, you won the first round, now you got thirty for this one." said Gemesh.
"What, a new round? Can't I get some points from the last few hundreds?"
(https://i.imgur.com/v9dJvEJ.jpg?1)
"No, it's new round. And I say... Monitor lizard!" said Gemesh. "Vermin are slow but steady, safe to bet on, you know?" whispered he to Alåth.
"A new round? I didn't want a new round!" said Ïlon, annoyed.
"But we did!" said Neth. "Monitor lizard, huh? I want a badger!"
(https://i.imgur.com/ZlfSHWQ.jpg?1)
"You won't see badger here." said Adur.
"Hey slow down, you should rather play with us, Adur! You'll gain useful experiences!"
"Come on, Adur. I'll help you!" said Ïlon.
Adur thought for a while. Then he said:
"Okay. Can I pick... A dwarf?"
Dwarves gave him some sarcastic glances.
"I guess not... What about a... Buzzard? Is buzzard okay?"

In the meantime...
(https://i.imgur.com/FPcgJal.jpg?1)
"So, listen now, gobbos..." said Limulsheget.
"Maybe it'll be better for me to speak." said Uxzoustug. "So, goblins, Rulasm's dead, under that fortress. You're free."
"But who shall lead us now?" asked Omot.
"I would..." started Limul, but he was interrupted.
(https://i.imgur.com/yeDjUh4.jpg?1)
"I'll leave that to you, but I have a condition." said Uxzoustug. "You're free to choose your destiny, but there's something that needs to be done."
"Speak, and we shall obey, o Urtormuk." said the taskmaster.
(https://i.imgur.com/7b3eqyV.jpg?1)
"My rival and colleague at Alsmustspås, Zomus, is here in this realm as well. And he's getting stronger. I don't know how many of you uphold him more than me... But I need to defeat him once and for all. Alsmustspås is shattered. To enforce balance, our enemies must perish. I need your civilization to back me. I need army of brave goblins, that'll stand the threat of night. So the glory of day will come victorious. Are you with us?"
(https://i.imgur.com/ujF8Eyx.jpg?1)
As Uxzoustug pointed out, some goblins would prefer to back Zomus, so were spitting and booing. The goblins next to them silenced them with sequences of slaps.
(https://i.imgur.com/gkd5lvW.jpg?1)
"We're with you, Uxzoustug the glorious." said the taskmaster. He was silent for a moment, then he carefully asked: "Can I be lord over Stothoaslud?"
"You seem like the lordest guy here." said Limul.
"Ong..." said Uxzoustug. "What's your name, warder?"
"Gostus Smudostrag, the Dusnangul."
"Very well then." said Uxzoustug, and placed his fiery sword above his head.
(https://i.imgur.com/oZg1h4c.jpg?1)
"Gostus Smudostrag, the Dusnangul, bu the authority of mine, by the name of Alsmustspås, by the might of fire, sun and day, I hereby declare you the high lord of Slodlurngu. May you shine like sun and may your reign well, regardless of your weird ethics. As we leave this place, you're responsible for it."
Gostus was silent, with serious face.
(https://i.imgur.com/4TGX9rN.jpg?1)
"Okay, pals, spire's down, Hey we got work to do." said Limulsheget. "Let's take a look at the army, shall we?"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 01, 2019, 08:25:24 am

(https://i.imgur.com/WDhuXfp.jpg?1)
"Len, you told me that shamrock's tasty. You must know how to survive in the wilds, can you tell us something about it?" asked Alak.
"You don't know which plants to gather?" asked Len.
"We know, but you know more. Teach us."
(https://i.imgur.com/gk2d6sA.jpg?1)
"I see you have cows here. Look at them. What do you see?"
"They're fuzzy."
"Ye... No!!!"
"They're friends?"
"They're grazing. You see? They're just grazing."
"Are we supposed to be grazing too?"
"Grazing on outdoor plants?" said Urnût. "That's ridiculous!"
"They do that on purpose. It's food like every other. Most of it taste bad, but at cost you won't die. There's really no need to fear dying of hunger near forests and meadows."
"Do tell us!" said Urnût. "Thanks to Olmul, we were grazing on cacti!"
(https://i.imgur.com/38wtNI1.jpg?1)
"Len, that's interesting... Idea, but... we don't have the... Ermmm... Right tag, proportions?" said Alak.
"No need to fear anyway." said Ermis. "We're good on food now, and our dwarves are capable of hunting. We won't need to graze."
Dwarves breathed out in relief.
(https://i.imgur.com/6Ie23p3.jpg?1)
"Don't tell me you don't know how to adapt to environment!" said Len.
"I do." said Olmul. "When I was young, we had to fight vultures in endless struggle for food! But you can't understand that, only Len can, is that so Len?"
"Yeah." said Len. "Everyone's horrified by sole idea of grazing. It's annoying."
"It's terrifying."
"It's for the best!" said Ermis. "Grass is reserved for livestock."
"Can we end this... Food fight?" asked Urnût.
"I would like to, but I need to win!" said Len. "That's for the best!"
"I'll back you." said Olmul. "We shall win together brother!"


(https://i.imgur.com/9Jpd5ca.jpg?1)
The Clash of Cuisine occured at Kudarkalur not a while ago. Defenders of survival customs, Olmul and Len, against... Rest of the world. Razes came to support rest of the world, to protect her pasture from being grazed by non-grazers, for that's horrible humiliation.
The weaponry of defenders consisted of telling facts about nutritional quality of underbrush, and awesome presence of an axe. Deniers came to offense with a mug of beer. That shook Olmul's patriotism, rendering him temporarily inable to fight.
(https://i.imgur.com/7DtUCt0.jpg?1)
Defenders used another trick - free sample of yummy vegetation. Razes ate it all, satisfied, she left the battle. Ermis brought some totally-non-green meal, and her side ate it all before Len, to express their disagreement.
(https://i.imgur.com/VOxN0vF.jpg?1)
Len was forced to disband his faction and go to forest to get some appropriate food. So he went.
"Oh, the new guys are coming." said Alak. "Hey, they are carrying something!"
(https://i.imgur.com/GvrfyBD.jpg?1)
Nel, Nirmek and Solon were truly coming, and they truly carried something, it looked like some brown chunks with few black spots on it. Oströtakåtôz's coat came to mind of Alak, but these chunks were... Smoking?
"Lord overseer, look! We were hunting, look!" shouted Nirmek.
(https://i.imgur.com/hwXTOMS.jpg?1)
"Hunting?" asked Alak. "You, you killed wild beasts with fire? What?"
"Eh... We just... Roasted it!" said Solon.
"Not very well chopped." said Ermis. "And here, it's burned! And this big hole out and out full of ash?"
"It's where it was pierced before putting it on barbecue!"
"The hole's black like if you pierced it with my searing sword!" said Alak. "But give me a chunk. I'll taste it."
(https://i.imgur.com/wrQ2Nnq.jpg?1)
Dwarves tasted the meat.
"Burned." said Ermis.
"Crusty!" said Urnût.
"A dwarf must survive something." Alak said. "Thank you, Nel and fellas, for snack. Keep up with the... Decent work. We're glad you're helping us."
"You're welcome lord overseer." said Nel, smiling.
Then the newcomers went somewhere else.
(https://i.imgur.com/U5vCxMn.jpg?1)
"Weird dudes." said Urnût. "But as long as they fetch us snack..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 03, 2019, 07:31:03 am

(https://i.imgur.com/wAHBSxG.jpg?1)
"So. Are you enjoying your visit?"
(https://i.imgur.com/I84AaR7.jpg?1)
"Surely, but I have question. Where's the toad?" asked Duto.
"It flew to help dwarves or something. It left."
"Left?"
"You said that new age is coming. What's our plan?" asked Cilko.
"We must choose a side and preserve, that's all." said Exalted one.
(https://i.imgur.com/8n5YMek.jpg?1)
"I want to be with that wise toad!" said Duto.
"Not so fast, lad." said Cilko. "What would Exalted one do?"
"Selection is quite wide, every powerful being will probably try their luck... But I know someone who we could back. I don't think he will compete himself."
"What? But the toad... I thought we need them to win!" said Duto.
"I do not care much about what the toad wants." said the Exalted one. "We need to preserve, that's all. Purposes and causes don't matter now."
(https://i.imgur.com/du7PtCQ.jpg?1)
"How can you say something like this?!! You want to preserve! You're just standing here for thousand years in safety, doing nothing, just observing and telling people what to do, and now you're in danger, you just want to make sure you'll be standing here for another thousand years!"
(https://i.imgur.com/MnMz7BA.jpg?1)
One of Cilko's apprentices wanted to pummel him, but Duto swiftly dodged it.
"You're mad!" shouted Cilko. "How could they let you to be a Ñabsizcasser!"
"Am I doing nothing? Just telling people what to do?" asked Exalted one. "What's the toad doing so special then?"
"Sure it tells people what to do as well, but it actually does something!"
"Without Exalted one, we would be nothing!" shouted Cilko.
(https://i.imgur.com/CDC3Fdj.jpg?1)
"Enough!" shouted Duto back. "I'm not going to quarrel with you, I'm leaving!"
(https://i.imgur.com/vBy3YFy.jpg?1)
He turned and went off. The rest watched him.
"Gentlemen, goodbye." somebody said.
(https://i.imgur.com/RqIyMSq.jpg?1)
Udma turned and followed Duto. Tribesmen were shocked to hear Kodolith speak, they didn't stop him.
"That's fine." said the Exalted one. "They're angered, they'll come to beg off us later, you'll see."
(https://i.imgur.com/vCCuwiz.jpg?1)
"Fine?!!" shouted Cilko. "They know the truth and now they're free to..."
Then he hawked and said: "Sorry for the shouting, o Exalted one. What are we going to do now?"
"As I said, we have someone to back and he can effectively back us. And if he sees me, I'm telling you, he'll help us."



(https://i.imgur.com/fXDEZ51.jpg?1)
"So you did it! After all that trying, we're having some Aslezslagka in the army in the end?"
"We are. But majority of them are in Alsmustspås, and since Oströtakåtôz controls it now, there's not much of them."
(https://i.imgur.com/T5g1kNe.jpg?1)
"Captain, the troop is re..."
(https://i.imgur.com/ww86drl.jpg?1)
"It's lord now." said Omot. "Lord Omot Mällunog."
(https://i.imgur.com/y7cviaF.jpg?1)
"Hey, Ommie!" called Limulsheget. "How are you doing with your squad?"
"Getting equipment." answered Omot. "We've got lots of goblins, not so much equipment. You know, we're in desert..."
(https://i.imgur.com/iOzNJNY.jpg?1)
"What about underground beasts? You must have some!?
"Rulasm relied on its wicked underground backers..." said Gostus. "That dark fortress was impossible to siege for dwarves, but we goblins weren't that developed because of how that beast led our nation. Most of our levies are equipped really poorly. But we have few trolls..."
(https://i.imgur.com/LPBw4TD.jpg?1)
"Oh, this looks nicely, what's that?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Kqzz91d.jpg?1)
"Oh, that's some explosive stuff we got from dwarven smugglers." said Omot.
"I thought you don't trade with dwarves..."
"We first kidnapped them, then made them smugglers. Simple."
"Oh, right, you're snatchers." said Limulsheget with not very happy face. "Is it worth for you, being so... Evil?"
(https://i.imgur.com/efJ4VgI.jpg?1)
"They were shaped by that wicked beasts." said Uxzoustug. "In the end, who's sane, has choice. They're still not lost."
(https://i.imgur.com/9pSFX6n.jpg?1)
"Yeah, you're right. Hey, Gostus! Aside from poorly equipped levies, you don't have soldiers? Standing army?"
(https://i.imgur.com/XMzbyzC.jpg?1)
"Our standing army was sent to siege the Mountainhome. We've got reports they had reached it, and were sieging it for few days. After that, no more reports came. Their either dead, or they scattered, or they're retreating, but we can't count on that."
"I get it."
"Maybe it was Zomus who got control of them? Or disposed them if not?" said Uxzoustug.
"By the way, lords of Alsmustspås, where is Zomus hiding?" asked Omot. "Do we know where to strike actually."
Uxzoustug and Limul froze in a stunned pose. Limul got out of it first and started laughing.
(https://i.imgur.com/nFPlY6r.jpg?1)
"You got me there! Hey, Uxzo, they're right, where's Zomus actually?"
"He's on the continent for sure. Apart from that, I don't know. We could scry..."
"Heh, now that we have army it's not dangerous business. Go on."
(https://i.imgur.com/Z8rwzkX.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug withdraws from society...
"Is he going to forge us cool armory?" asked Omot.
"No. He need to concentrate, that's all."
(https://i.imgur.com/PxIo3q0.jpg?1)
"Lord Ongongera, scrying is a dangerous business? Using your powers is... Dangerous?" asked Gostus. "Explain, please."
"Let's say, using our powers in greater extent is pretty exhausting, and using our innate powers, we might get noticed by each other. Got it? Hey, but that's a good clue actually! Uxzo! Uxzoustug!"
(https://i.imgur.com/3FKyv0B.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug returns to society...
"What's up? I've just got his trail, you interrupted me!"
"Why just we don't look for his trails ourselves? I mean, whatever he's done here could help us finding him."
"Well, the trail goes to the Mountainhome, so..."
(https://i.imgur.com/EKkviS5.jpg?1)
"Perfect. So you think he's there?" asked Gostus.
"Yes, and if not, he'll be around, or we'll get more clues there at least." said Limul. "Get ready for battle, boys!"
(https://i.imgur.com/fCZDtbz.jpg?1)
"By the way, why do we have war meeting in a stockpile? It's almost like someone did it on purpose to fill space in this black box you call a fortress, right? Not very sublime. Not at all."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 04, 2019, 08:55:04 am

(https://i.imgur.com/1krMjKt.jpg?1)
"Grab pick and go wreckin', and crushin', and smackin' that one more layer belooooow!!!" sang Nakuth, and the jolly song echoed through the whole tunnel. Nakuth did a few more hits with pick, then he listened and said to himself:
"Sounds like it's hollow. Come on, Nakuth, breach the layer below!"
He hit with his pick few more times. The rocks loosened fell down.
(https://i.imgur.com/rCM7s84.jpg?1)
"A cavern!" shouted he happily. That echoed whole tunnel as well.
(https://i.imgur.com/pHLxFQR.jpg?1)
Then he jumped down, and landed on big white mushroom cap.
"Wow, I can even hear the elk birds! This is what true dwarf needs!"
He looked carefully around himself, and under one mushroom tree he saw moss covering some rocks and on the moss grew...
"Plump helmets!" yelled Nakuth in ecstasy.
Then he heard steps up from his position, dwarves had to be coming! But then he heard another sound... Growling and roaring, combined with stomping.
"Oh, some nasty underground beasts! Better go back..."
(https://i.imgur.com/mYGFOKV.jpg?1)
A group of troglodytes came to the cavern.
(https://i.imgur.com/oxmzAek.jpg?1)
Alak, Urnût, Rikkit, Lolor, and other civilians came to the hole Nakuth dug.
"Nakuth, what are you doing down there?!!" shouted Alak.
"I found plumps, but there are troglodytes down there!" said Nakuth.
When Alak heard word "plumps" he hopped on the cap too.
(https://i.imgur.com/aSVEc8k.jpg?1)
"Lord Alak, what are you..." asked Rikkir.
(https://i.imgur.com/5m7QCpB.jpg?1)
"Didn't hear that? There are plumps down there! Food! Can be eaten raw!"
"Just as Len said!" said Olmul.
"That's not grazing!" yelled Alak. "And we should stop yelling."
(https://i.imgur.com/Bh3QOkQ.jpg?1)
Troglodytes were under the mushroom, trying to gnaw it to ground.
"Hey, armed dwarves there! I order you to jump on this mushroom!"
Dwarves sighed. And jumped.
(https://i.imgur.com/qVscpqT.jpg?1)
"That's Rikkir, Duthnur, Olmul, me, Nakuth the rock-crusher... So Berath, Otad, Kin and Len are at surface if needed... Good!"
"What's the plan?" asked Nakuth.
"Rikkir! What's the plan?"
"Don't fall from the mushroom. If it falls, hold on tight. Get rid of troglodytes, grab plumps. Designate stairs." said Rikkir.
"Briliant! This pleases me!"
And they were standing there, and waiting, troglodytes were gnawing and gnawing.
(https://i.imgur.com/C1yDE08.jpg?1)
"Isn't it exciting, guys?" said Alak. "We're balancing on this perilous mushroom, our destiny..."
"It's boring." said Olmul. "I remember better adventures."
"Spoilsport! You don't know anything about building morale?"
(https://i.imgur.com/BpFE2mi.jpg?1)
"Our morale is gone anyways." said Rikkir. "One of the troglodytes is going to plumps. Drooling."
"Noooo!!!!" shouted Alak. "Somebody do something!"

The dwarfs are starting to panic, seeing plump helmets in peril. The may turn to dorfs if not properly... guided. Help them! Save the day!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on June 04, 2019, 09:09:29 am

If a falling creature lands on another creature, it transfers most or all falling damage to that creature. Flying leaps onto the troglodyte's heads, go!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 05, 2019, 07:07:04 am

(https://i.imgur.com/dyNSGOg.jpg?1)
"So, lord, what now?" asked Olmul.
"That's good question. This is situation most complicated."
Suddenly Rikkir tripped and fell down from the cap.
"Aaaaaah!"
(https://i.imgur.com/7CvvZeY.jpg?1)
"Captain, what are you doing?" asked Duthnur.
"Fools, that's our military plan!" shouted Alak. "Fall in three, two, one..."
(https://i.imgur.com/wiXAUEt.jpg?1)
Dwarves fell from the mushromm like plums when summer ends.
Troglodytes were... Shocked.
Troglodyte latches on firmly!
"Argh! My back!" shouted Nakuth.
"Finish them!"
(https://i.imgur.com/niLEO9G.jpg?1)
They defeated them easily (they had the high ground), but there were some casualities.
"My numb arm is... Numb and badly dislocated now! I can't move it!" said Olmul.
"Heh, I've got rather hard landing." said Rikkir. "Agh, my back! Come here, lad, give me a support!"
"Let's take that plumps! And Nakuth, try to get us outta here!" ordered Alak.
(https://i.imgur.com/bEN8fbQ.jpg?1)
"Hisssss!"
"Hey, that's serpent man! Don't worry fella!" said Alak.
"Hisssssssss!"
"Do you want these plumps? But we need them too!" said Duthnur.
(https://i.imgur.com/IeSQUST.jpg?1)
The serpent man watched them carefully. Then he turned and started hissing and pointing in direction, where the tunnel was extending.
(https://i.imgur.com/c18bFRI.jpg?1)
"Hmm? What do you have there?"
(https://i.imgur.com/E42DxFW.jpg?1)
"Oh no, that's one nasty big cave croc!" said Duthnur.
"Zodostshokmut!" said Alak. "This situation is getting..."
(https://i.imgur.com/RwnvEJO.jpg?1)
The serpent man crawled back, he was apparently frightened to death.
"Olmul, get Rikkir somewhere where he'll be safer! Duthnur and I will take care of this thing!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on June 05, 2019, 07:24:35 am

Oog. Well, it worked... kind of.

Have one dwarf distract the croc with flashy swordplay and whatnot-- being very careful to stay out of range of those jaws-- while the other sneaks behind it... and jumps upon the croc's back, stabbing at the base of its skull!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 06, 2019, 09:11:21 am

(https://i.imgur.com/sQ6LYMq.jpg?1)
"Duthnur! Sneak behind it! Look here, look! Who's got a blazing sword 'ere?"
(https://i.imgur.com/VvCMFEt.jpg?1)
The crocodile was staring at the moving blade. It was extraordinary light for it, weird thing to behold.Duthnur was able to sneak behind, and he leaped on back of the beast.
(https://i.imgur.com/Mcg0oWh.jpg?1)
Duthnur stabs Cave Crocodile 1 in the head, tearing the skin, tearing the muscle and...
Tapping the skull.
(https://i.imgur.com/ruYIDmb.jpg?1)
Crocodile hissed, he shook Duthnur off and opened its mouth widely, preparing to bite the dwarves.
(https://i.imgur.com/js0lIfF.jpg?1)
Alak stabs Cave Crocodile 1 in the mouth, tearing the skin, searing the muscle!
The pain from burned tongue and head wound was enough for the crocodile. It hissed for the last time, it turned and ran away.
(https://i.imgur.com/S0GxGF7.jpg?1)
Duthnur strikes Cave Crocodile 1 in the tail, bruising the skin!
"That'll teach you, beast! Never ever come back again!" said Duthnur.
(https://i.imgur.com/cuT0XQ5.jpg?1)
"You okay?" asked Alak.
"I'm fine. Let's check the rest."

(https://i.imgur.com/Zx09I4J.jpg?1)
"Nakuth, how are you doing?"
"It's bad! But if I got to that rim again, I could loosen some stones and we could climb up there."
"Well, I can't climb with this... Agh! Back." said Rikkir.
"Go collect the plumps, Duthnur! Serpent guy is gone, and I am not wondering. I'll try to think of something..." said Alak, and he slowly waddled through the tunnel.
(https://i.imgur.com/GvAEzil.jpg?1)
Olmul put Rikkir onto moss, and went to Alak. Nakuth was looking up, thinking. Duthnur collected the mushrooms in Olmul's portable container.
(https://i.imgur.com/nSxpnqS.jpg?1)
"Hey, Alak, look!"
(https://i.imgur.com/CjXaUwz.jpg?1)
"Crundles!"
(https://i.imgur.com/KjQb58U.jpg?1)
"Oh, these guys. They can't stand against us, even in numbers. Sometimes you can scare them off by yelling, you know..."
The crundles came closer, their eyes stared at the dwarves curiously.
(https://i.imgur.com/701F9zF.jpg?1)
"Hey, back, back!" shouted Alak and swung his sword.
Crundles looked at the sword like hypnotized, turning their heads, keeping coming closer.
"They like it!" said Olmul. "That's neat!"
"Well, if they won't attack us because of our awesome presence... Whatever."
(https://i.imgur.com/ozFyBKd.jpg?1)
"They're following us!" said Olmul, and laughed.
"Good boys. At least these are obedient, unlike some..."
(https://i.imgur.com/BTVYEz8.jpg?1)
"Watch your back, lord Alak!" shouted Rikkir. "There's horde of crundles behin..."
"I know, they're my pets!"
"What?"
"Can I keep one too?" asked Olmul. "I found them!"
"I'll consider that..." said Alak, with grin most captious.
"Oh, c'mon! Dwarves, that's not fair, when lord overseer isn't sharing crundles! That's not fair!"
"They need training first, and stop babbling! Nakuth?"
"I can't get there."
Alak was contemplating, he looked at the pack of crundles.
"Gimme your pick!"
(https://i.imgur.com/M7562Rv.jpg?1)
"Hey, crundos! The guy with cool sword needs help! You happen to be legendary climbers, nah?"
(https://i.imgur.com/yGfprPK.jpg?1)
The crundles, despite their tiny arms, with strength of united pack lifted Alak, and climbed on the rim.
"Oh, that's the boulder pile! Watch out, you guys down there!"
(https://i.imgur.com/VpPRzr3.jpg?1)
A section of cavern wall has collapsed!
"Hold this, fella!" said Alak and gave one crundle his pick. "You okay down there?"
"It can be climbed, we're saved!" said Duthnur happily.
"Don't you need help with Rikkir? I have regiment of crundles to..."
"No, we're fine."
(https://i.imgur.com/2s5eyhU.jpg?1)
"Hah, some numb dislocated arm can't stop me!" said Olmul.
"Why were you going to battle with numb arm in the first place?"
"I honor an obligation."
Alak smiled. "Good work, Olmul. You're not as loyal as crundles but..."
(https://i.imgur.com/tlfiviC.jpg?1)
"Alak!" called Urnût, coming down from the fortress. "I've got a pick... Ah, you're save... Watch out! There's horde of crund..."
"They're pets!" said Alak. "They'll be trained into useful helpers, you'll see! And I'm designating one crundle farm here."
(https://i.imgur.com/juE2NQ2.jpg?1)
"Ah, after all this, it looks like plumps are back on the menu, boys!"
All dwarves got +1 good thought. They went up, straight to the kitchen.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 08, 2019, 05:24:57 am

(https://i.imgur.com/ntwuN21.jpg?1)
"Okay. So you brought bag of plumps, that's great." said Ermis. "And bunch of little hungry maws, that are going to sponge on us?!!"
"Calm down, it's worth it!" said Alak and smiled. "They're teachable! I taught them how to kick out querulous citizens from my office. And to not eat the cat. You'll see, they will be blessing to our fort. Now, I need to make a new noble honorary title, chief crundle keeper!"
"You and your weird thoughts! Keep them for yourself!"
(https://i.imgur.com/tfTaAlp.jpg?1)
"I think Urnût would be a good chief crundle keeper! He's constantly hanging with the nobles anyway."
"It'll be a honor, Alak, but who'll be leading the planter group?" asked Urnût.
"That's true... Let's say... Muz."
(https://i.imgur.com/qQCkcBZ.jpg?1)
"What?" shouted Berath. "Why Muz? Why not me?"
"You're a minor noblewoman! But he looks most like... Common folk. He has the spirit!"
"It'll be a honor, lord overseer." said Muz. "But what does this function do?"
"Eh, it's more a honorary title, not really a function. But you can yell at planters if they are misbehaving."
Muz grinned, he turned and went to plump fields, to find someone misbehaving.
(https://i.imgur.com/pS5nnMj.jpg?1)
"By the way, find Adur and show him these crundle guys. He's the best animal trainer here."
"Wouldn't he need your sword in order to train them?" asked Nakuth.
"Oh no need for that, they're already influenced by our culture and manners!"
"How's that?"
"They were on break!"


(https://i.imgur.com/uxowiG5.jpg?1)
"Okay, so... Crundles!"
Crundles weren't really paying attention.
(https://i.imgur.com/rC3alyT.jpg?1)
"Eh... This is cat, you see? You don't eat it."
When crundles saw the cat, they were drooling, and staring at Urnût.
"Cat eats vermin. See?"
He showed them some dead rat.
"You can eat the vermin. You should!"
(https://i.imgur.com/QszlQFG.jpg?1)
He threw the rat on ground, crundles ran towards it and great battle for few mouthfuls of meat occured.
(https://i.imgur.com/5HGTB3A.jpg?1)
"So, Urnût..." said Kin, coming to this newly established crundle colony. "How does the training?"
"They know what they should and shouldn't eat, so we're getting somewhere. But it's a wild bunch, I start to understand Alak at this... Overseeing business."
"Whatever. So they are hunting vermin now? Couldn't they help me with woodcutting, like hauling logs or..."
"They're too small for that. We'll see later, when there'll be more of them."
(https://i.imgur.com/t8O3QQH.jpg?1)
"Maybe they could help me with food distribution!" said Otad.
(https://i.imgur.com/ArL0GSy.jpg?1)
"Absolutely out of question!" said Ermis. "Crundles should be forbidden to manipulate with food in any way. I must tell it to Alak, some new laws need to be approved!"
"He has prohibited crundle export." said Urnût. "Some dwarves wanted to smuggle them. If they excel at something, it's protecting Alak and his office. Maybe if we taught them to not eat plumps and forbidden meals..."
"Impossible!" said Ermis.
Alak came in.
(https://i.imgur.com/aGcrcIm.jpg?1)
"Oh, aren't that mah good boys?"
"They are!" said Urnût. "They aren't attacking other livestock now."
"Good. I want you to treat them as friends, as they're now part of Kudarkalur."
"I'm friend with them!"
"I'm... Passing acquaintance?" said Kin. "Is that the word?"
Ermis was silent, with angry glance.
"You'll get used to them."
Nakuth came in, gasping.
(https://i.imgur.com/GOiLbYO.jpg?1)
"Lord overseer! Muz is... I don't know, like if he was under some spell! Controlled by unknown forces!"
"What? To the crops, now!"


In this thrilling moment, let's look somewhere else.
(https://i.imgur.com/rRSCDSk.jpg?1)
Meanwhile...
(https://i.imgur.com/pMbJBGQ.jpg?1)
Udma has just woken up. But Duto wasn't near...
(https://i.imgur.com/BnLA5tp.jpg?1)
The Kodolith stood up, he looked here and there, he saw him sitting by edge of the mountain, in silence, staring forward. He hasn't turned cacatonic, but he looked devastated.
(https://i.imgur.com/PS3pMqq.jpg?1)
Udma came closer. He looked at him.
(https://i.imgur.com/6fn5A5q.jpg?1)
"I don't know whom to believe, Udma. I'm not sure with anything anymore. What if everyone's just lying to us?"
(https://i.imgur.com/q8NztC3.jpg?1)
Udma sat too, next to Duto.
"All that time I was doing my job, it feels now... Like it was for nothing."
"Where's the purpose? What should we do?"
Udma drew something in the damp soil with hilt of his blade.
(https://i.imgur.com/cRjxotS.jpg?2)
"A rock?"
Udma frowned.
"A toad?"
Udma nodded.
"Well yeah, it can answer all these questions, but is it right?"
Udma shrugged.
"Weren't we too hasty? What if...
Udma didn't do anything.
"You know, it's pretty weird, talking to a person that can't respond. You know what are we going to do?"
Udma wiggled his head.
"We're go after the toad. We can't go back... Not now. The toad's by dwarves. We know some, don't we? Those who traded cats with us, settlers! We'll go there, that's good deal, isn't it?"
(https://i.imgur.com/uO6NC81.jpg?1)
Udma chuckled. He stood up, Duto too.
(https://i.imgur.com/4gTL1fV.jpg?1)
They went on, to the fortress of Kudarkalur.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 10, 2019, 09:32:53 am

(https://i.imgur.com/Hf9LPuZ.jpg?1)
"So, you Fâel guy, we're gonna take a look at Zomus, right? But carefully."
Fâel clucked.
And so they flew. They flew to the west by the mountains, where the fortress should be. It wasn't that far from Exalted one's hideout, and by air was the travel much more comfortable. Pity you, dwarven adventurers, on your tiny legs!
"You know, Fâel, can you do some cooler sound than "Bok bok!" ?"
Now imagine chicken roaring, that was the new sound Fâel was doing.
"Oh nevermind. Stick to clucking."

(https://i.imgur.com/yasxnCX.jpg?1)
"Oh lookie there, that must be the Mountainhome! But it's burning and smoking around... Let's land there, on the walls! And no clucking now. It's so dark... It's not even evening yet. Zomus must be here!"
(https://i.imgur.com/kPQSgaH.jpg?1)
"Scattered dwarven gear, rubbles... Some horrible fight had place here... Seems we're too late."
(https://i.imgur.com/U7IByBc.jpg?1)
"Night creatures are crawling everywhere! But where are the dwarves? Hope they're not dead already!"
(https://i.imgur.com/auEeQJ3.jpg?1)
Suddenly, a beam of weird green appeared from sky, falling to ground. A cloud of dust appeared, and the beam vanished. Soon the cloud disappeared too, revealing a goblin in long coat.
(https://i.imgur.com/2iNZWi1.jpg?1)
"Oströtakåtôz? Don't tell me there's more of them."
(https://i.imgur.com/MUg83vK.jpg?1)
Oströtakåtôz said something to night creatures, they nodded. They all went together into the fortress.
"Is he going on a visit or what? This is very, very weird. And bad."
(https://i.imgur.com/1csYYkV.jpg?1)
"Okay, Fâel, seems that we're too late indeed... Let's get out of here." said the toad, and it climbed on the cockatrice.
(https://i.imgur.com/OrZzrdb.jpg?1)
Fâel took off, but then, they heard incessant cackling from back.
(https://i.imgur.com/nR7yGqe.jpg?1)
A great swarm of winged bogeymen chased them!
"Oh noes, we've been spotted!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Vxymvdj.jpg?1)
Toad looses a croak, loud and powerful!
Some of the bogeymen were pushed back by force of the thunder croak, some were pushed in the wings, they started spinning and falling down.
(https://i.imgur.com/fZU47gC.jpg?1)
Fâel was fast, but the cloud of bogeymen was getting closer every second.
"Gah, what to do now? I can't croak them all back!"
(https://i.imgur.com/LEcFH2Y.jpg?1)
Toad spits a torrent of water!
The water hits the bogeymen in the wing! Bogeymen is propelled away!
"That's too slow, too slow!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Hrx5p6h.jpg?1)
Then it looked on Fâel.
"It's up to you, friend!"
Toad looses a croak, loud and powerful!
Some healing mist appeared, Fâel bathed whole in it. It was a powerful syndrome, raising all his physical attributes. The bird felt enormous strength in his wings, and started flapping faster. And faster.
(https://i.imgur.com/teWqCSV.jpg?1)
Soon the cockatrice flew like windstorm, leaving wind behind, slowing down the bogeymen. Toad and its feathered fellow gained in speed, and were effectively escaping from foul night creatures. Cackling was fading away.
"Look, there's sun over here! We made it! Yippee!"
(https://i.imgur.com/cTjVtGz.jpg?1)
The sun was slowly settling down, but bogeymen from the Mountainhome couldn't pursue them anymore. They were away from the root of evil, above green meadows, but they had no time to lose.
The toad was gasping, happy and troubled at same time.
"Fâel, Mountainhome is lost, and worse, that foul Ogurxusmzûk made his lair there. We must warn and help the closest dwarves. To Kudarkalur!"
"Bok bok!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 11, 2019, 12:26:39 pm

(https://i.imgur.com/UToxiPT.jpg?1)
"Phew, sun's settling down. We stop here, squad!" said Ïlon.
(https://i.imgur.com/YbnuWTb.jpg?1)
"Great. Where's dinner?" asked Neth. "Alåth, what did you..."
"Yeah, yeah! Rabbits. I shot two rabbits. Have you gathered some... Eh... Spices?"
"I've got caraway seeds." said Adur.
"I've got night troll loot!" said Gemesh. "But nothing to eat."
"Hmph, two rabbits between... Five dwarves?" said Ïlon. "Not really dividable..."
(https://i.imgur.com/KVbluqr.jpg?1)
"A rabbit can be divided into eight pieces, so that's sixteen, for five dwarves... How much is that? Or should we use proper dwarven anatomy?"
"I would call you dorfs, if you were mere civilians. Let's use good ol' dwarven anatomy. I am captain, I want upper body."
"Hey, I wanna upper body!" shouted Neth.
"You can have it, there are two upper bodies in two rabbits." said Adur.
"Can't you count? I want it too!" shouted Gemesh. "You don't count with me?!!"
"We count with you all the time, and it's not fun!" said Neth. "Let's not use dwarven anatomy, let's just chop it in pieces of more or less the same size?"
Dwarves nodded, with Alåth's knife they chopped the meat.
(https://i.imgur.com/SasKF5Q.jpg?1)
"Let's cook already, soon it'll be too dark." said Ïlon.
"I would roast it..." said Alåth.
"No!!! You'll take pot and you'll cook it! That's order!" shouted Ïlon.
(https://i.imgur.com/vSwzoMy.jpg?1)
Dwarves sighed, as this really doesn't suit dwarven preferences. And thoughts.
"What's this? A mutiny? Okay, okay! One shall be roasted and one cooked! And no compromises further!"
(https://i.imgur.com/60SBzrW.jpg?1)
Smoke of the campfire rose to the night sky. Five dwarves were chewing their dinner. While not too lavish, but they didn't complain.
Suddenly...
"Captain! If my ears don't deceive me, we're surrounded by incessant cackling!" said Neth.
"I must insist! It's hissing!" said Adur.
"No, it's both!" whispered Alåth.
"You remember that chaos in the Mountainhome? Big bogeymen flying in our halls?" asked Gemesh.
"I think you're right." said Ïlon.
Cackling was louder and louder. In the darkness, they didn't see anyone. But soon, light of the campfire revealed some figures, three tall, with pointy ears and vicious blades...
(https://i.imgur.com/6Blfi0Z.jpg?1)
"Oh, not these again! One fight was enough!"
(https://i.imgur.com/NGjECvf.jpg?1)
"We're really surrounded, captain. What now?"
"We won't give in to the night. Fight we must, and fight we shall! To arms!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on June 12, 2019, 08:48:10 am

Hoo boy.

How many soldiers do we have, and what are they wielding? How many enemies do we see, and what are they wielding?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on June 12, 2019, 10:01:18 am

Looks like 5 dwarves . . . 1 hammer, 1 axe, 1 sword, 2 spears. Also 3 shields & 3 helmets among them.

The bogeypersons are harder to see in the shadows.

From what I've heard, fighting near a campfire is best done in a way that uses the fire to block one of the possible approaches (such as from behind). It's more dangerous than, say, having your back to a wall because you might accidentally dodge into the fire. On the other hand, if you can get your enemy to dodge into the fire then they're stuck until they burn. Unfortunately I don't know much more than the general theory.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on June 12, 2019, 10:22:37 am

According to the wiki and my own experiences both, campfires are-- for whatever reason-- completely harmless to dodge into. (That doesn't mean we can take the campfire for granted, though; Quaksna has allowed real-world logic to trump DF-logic when reasonable in the past, and he'll likely do so again.)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 12, 2019, 12:43:49 pm

Oh sorry guys, forget to clarify. Here you have info:
Ïlon - Sword 'n' shield, armored chest and limbs.
Neth - Big axe, protected head, leg wound.
Adur - Spear, shield, relatively unprotected.
Alåth - Crossbow, knife, relatively unprotected.
Gemesh - Crutch, lacks one leg.

As for the enemies, they don't have armor at all. But they all have blades, and they are night creatures. At the moment, you see six of them.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on June 12, 2019, 02:06:26 pm

I must have read an incorrect (or out of date?) adventure manual then. My bad, carry on.

Against numbers like this, I'd guess disabling blows such as legs or wrists. The biggest problem is that the party appears to be surrounded; it'll be tougher to break free even if we put a few on the ground. But maybe make it a running battle if we can? Ïlon has the best armor here, he needs to be the "doorman" if we try. If we're lucky he could enter a martial trance while the others get some room.

_{If we're not so lucky it'll be the unprotected dwarves who trance and refuse to move.}

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 13, 2019, 09:17:47 am

(https://i.imgur.com/7StaccB.jpg?1)
"We can't get through. We must fight them all, it seems!" said Ïlon. "This is going to be tough."
(https://i.imgur.com/nBm5b64.jpg?1)
The night creatures stopped walking and started running. With inhuman, ingoblin, indwarven strength and agility their legs ran, Alåth was already aiming his crossbow.
(https://i.imgur.com/EIIozYF.jpg?1)
The flying -steel bolt- hits the Night Herald in right lower leg!
The shot effectively spoiled his charge, but rest of foes  was already struggling with the dwarves.
(https://i.imgur.com/sSsn2Ro.jpg?1)
Adur had his spear advantage, and a shield, so his opponent, even with his horrible strength, couldn't hit the brave dwarf.
Neth handled the fight well, Alåth was parrying blows with his heavy crossbow, but his foe was much faster.
Ïlon had to fight two at once, luckily not very experienced ones.
(https://i.imgur.com/IrtI7c9.jpg?1)
Night Herald punches Alåth in the upper body, bruising the skin!
Alåth falls over!
"We must activate martial trance!" shouted Gemesh.
"How do you want to activate martial trance, huh?" shouted Neth back.
(https://i.imgur.com/OzGPYxf.jpg?1)
Gemesh strikes Neth with wooden crutch in the head but the blow is deflected by +steel helmet+!
"Argh, what are you..?!!"
Neth was now seeing blurry for a while, and his anger pumped him to the max.
Neth enters a martial trance!
(https://i.imgur.com/7Qu1LHd.jpg?1)
Gemesh falls over.
Ïlon knocked one night herald to the ground, so had enough time to counter the second one.
Neth was running towards Alåth, as his opponent was preparing for final blow.
(https://i.imgur.com/Bxxl1VE.jpg?1)
Neth slashes the Night Herald in the lower body, tearing the muscle!
Neth was slashing like a berserker, Ïlon cornered his foe, Adur was getting exhausted.
(https://i.imgur.com/QmT6saX.jpg?1)
Neth and Ïlon slashed till their enemies turned to ash-like powder.
Neth jumped directly to next night herald available, Ïlon did the same. Alåth, not in such life danger anymore, was standing up. Gemesh tried to stand up too, but it's hard with just one leg.
(https://i.imgur.com/frskAVw.jpg?1)
Alåth saw that one of the night creatures is crawling towards Gemesh, he aimed and fired.
Night Herald blocks the flying steel bolt with wooden shield!
Neth cornered another foe, bringing him down. Adur managed to strike his opponent, but his stamina was worse and worse.
(https://i.imgur.com/txLczRU.jpg?1)
The Night Herald slashes Gemesh in the upper body, tearing the muscle! A major artery was torn!
"Argh! For th... Sake o... Fun... Bring 'em... d..."
Gemesh bleed to death.
Neth saw it, immediately running to avenge his friend. Ïlon brought down his opponent, and was running to help the rest. Adur was slowly falling under all blows and slashes of his foe.
(https://i.imgur.com/QzWnORp.jpg?1)
Neth slashed the Night Herald over and over, Adur was cornered, and thought his fate is sealed, but Alåth was coming to help.
(https://i.imgur.com/5WL2OTR.jpg?1)
Alåth bashes the Night Herald with +steel crossbow+, bruising the skin!
Adur stabs the Night Herald with -steel spear-, tearing the skin and bruising the muscle!
(https://i.imgur.com/ECjwF7A.jpg?1)
Alåth, Adur and Ïlon brought the last night herald down. Neth was silently standing by Gemesh's dead body.
(https://i.imgur.com/bUbdtq9.jpg?1)
"So it's over." said Neth quietly.
"He was a friend." said Alåth. "I'll miss him."
"He was honorable member of Udirizden. He shall not be forgotten." said Ïlon.
(https://i.imgur.com/7zdj2KI.jpg?1)
New figures appeared in the darkness. A tall, chubby eyeless yellow something, with some sort of steed with crimson horsehair, and weasel-like creature. They were all furiously snorting, coming closer to dwarves.
"Oh noes, more of them!" shouted Alåth angrily.
"They're far, we might not need to fight them. Or shall we?"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on June 15, 2019, 05:39:20 pm

The party is too banged up, they should scamper as Plan A.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 16, 2019, 11:09:47 am

(https://i.imgur.com/8dx2Sgv.jpg?2)
"Let's get outta here!" ordered Ïlon. "Once somebody told me, you can't escape the night. We'll see!"
"So we just grab the loot and..." started Alåth, but Neth frowned at him under his big helmet.
"How you can think about loot when Gemesh is dead?!!"
"Neth's right, loot from all night troll lairs aren't worth Gemesh's remains. I'll pick him up." said Ïlon, and he did as he said.
(https://i.imgur.com/QXyZcQC.jpg?2)
"Alåth, cripple them little bit so they won't catch up with us!"
(https://i.imgur.com/hhU7Qmt.jpg?1)
The flying steel bolt hits the Night Steed in right upper leg!
(https://i.imgur.com/uBsnBuj.jpg?1)
"Have you ever missed in these fights?" asked Adur.
"Nope!" said Alåth with a smile.
(https://i.imgur.com/jGLBwPh.jpg?1)
The yellow night troll and the steed were slowly creeping, the weasel beast was running on four, and it was getting closer.
(https://i.imgur.com/aeLqUc4.jpg?1)
Nearby, two figures could be seen, one standing and one lying. The standing one shook with the other one.
"What's up, Udma?"
(https://i.imgur.com/vHUFZ9G.jpg?1)
"Oh, are those... Dwarves? Soldiers? They're apparently on retreat! What's chasing them?"
(https://i.imgur.com/slkwDK5.jpg?1)
"Stand aside, tribesmen!" shouted Ïlon in language of men. "Let us get through, creatures of night are attacking!"
"Can we help you somehow?" asked Duto.
"Help would come handy, we're tired and exhausted!"
"Udma, give them support! Go!"
Udma was standing there, staring at Duto.
"Haven't you heard?!! Go and give them support!"
Udma nodded, he came to Adur, he lent him his arm so he could walk better.
(https://i.imgur.com/MwGemgA.jpg?1)
"I'll handle this. Run, and don't look behind." said Duto, and he blocked the path. Dwarves did as he said.
(https://i.imgur.com/Z2mCcJS.jpg?1)
Weasel Beast pounces at Duto...
(https://i.imgur.com/R3Gdxhg.jpg?1)
But Duto jumps away!
(https://i.imgur.com/vxaF2Ol.jpg?1)
Duto squeezed the night creature with his leg, pummeling it over and over.
(https://i.imgur.com/uv1VXn6.jpg?1)
While he was punching it, the other beasts were getting closer.
(https://i.imgur.com/KVeT5Zv.jpg?1)
Dusk Brute misses!
Duto had to stop squeezing an dmove attention elsewhere.
(https://i.imgur.com/mb1PTSG.jpg?1)
Dusk Brute tries to punch Duto but he jumps away!
Weasel Beast pounces!
(https://i.imgur.com/r6B8BZd.jpg?1)
Weasel Beast bites Duto in upper body, tearing the skin and bruising the muscle!
Weasel Beast latches on firmly!
Duto grabs Weasel Beast with right hand!
(https://i.imgur.com/xfoBUum.jpg?1)
Duto throws the Weasel Beast!
The spinning Weasel Beast collides with an obstacle!
The Dusk Brute falls over!
(https://i.imgur.com/IK2DH1w.jpg?1)
"Shouldn't your kind friend..." asked Alåth.
"He said don't look behind, move on, squad!" shouted Ïlon.
(https://i.imgur.com/6oZwlZA.jpg?1)
Duto is surrounded by night creatures.
(https://i.imgur.com/4bEZe0k.jpg?1)
Duto is surrounded by incessant cackling.
(https://i.imgur.com/a172Q3o.jpg?1)
Duto is swallowed by darkness.

...

(https://i.imgur.com/zfeGZ4S.jpg?1)
But the dwarves managed to get away. And they saw sun dawn...

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 18, 2019, 09:20:52 am

(https://i.imgur.com/qVMnBDo.jpg?2)
"So that's it. He just keeps sitting at this workshop, drawing some stuff." said Nakuth, pointing at Muz.
"I see. Let's take a look at his works of art!" said Alak, and he came closer.
(https://i.imgur.com/4n9Jwao.jpg?2)
Muz had widened eyes and widened smile and he overall looked like if he was drugged or something. He was muttering weird words.
He has drawn some pictures with ash on parchments,  it looked like boulder with rectangles,triangles and circles on it. On another parchment was goblin eating a cheese, with words written above the picture. It said: "Beware mortals, for culture shall perish." On another sketch were boulders and logs rolling down from a hill, with dwarf running under the hill and crundle standing on it.
Then Muz suddenly turned to the first parchment and updated the artwork. He drew pyramid made of logs under the boulder, and crowds of crundles going to the boulder from every direction. "Acöbkegeth, Acöbkegeth..." he muttered.
"It must have hidden deep symbolic meaning." said Vúsh. "But who knows what."
"I may be able to read it..." said Zeg, and took a look at the parchments, Urnût doubtfully watched him.
(https://i.imgur.com/rF3BEb1.jpg?2)
"So? What do these mean? What's his deal, what does the madcap want?" asked Alak.
"I think he lost his mind." said Zeg. "Doesn't make any sense to me!"
"He really looks like someone's controlling him. Heard stories about such dwarves, he should revert to normal as soon as it's finished."
"He was collecting stuff from all over the fortress..." said Olmul. "But not my soap. Outrageous!"
"And what did he collect?"
"He's got wood and stone here..." said Urnût.
"Well, one could get that from these pictures but what does these rectangles and circles mean? I'll go contemplate to my office."

(https://i.imgur.com/2wJtZQ6.jpg?1)
"Hah Fâel, we made it!  We're in Imkegethonol"
"Bok bok!"
"Come on, just few flaps of wings and we're in Kudarkalur."

(https://i.imgur.com/Dalce6R.jpg?1)
Dwarves were labouring as always, but marksdwarf Otad spotted the bird.
"Beasts! Beasts are attackin'!"
"Don't worry dwarf, it's me!" shouted the toad. "Don't shoot, and don't rouse this cockatrice."
(https://i.imgur.com/pKuWUIH.jpg?2)
Otad stopped aiming, looking at toad with suspiciously.
"Where's your boss? Have to say him something really, really important."
"He's in his office. The one with that throne, looooong dining table, two stools, without boulders. Cats can be spotted there."
"Thanks! I'll leave the bird here."
(https://i.imgur.com/CPM2Lbd.jpg?1)
Toad entered the cave.
"Looks better than last time! They finally hauled that boulders away. Diligent are these dwarves, that's good."
It fairly tapped on the door, but no one heard that.
Toad looses series of croaks, toadish and generic!
(https://i.imgur.com/mhHQwQm.jpg?1)
Alak opened the door.
"Oh, hello Luslemnod! What brings you here? Come in, come in!"

(https://i.imgur.com/sdqxLjp.jpg?2)
"Something to eat? We've got lots of vermin from our crops..."
"Thanks, I'm fine. Hey, you have crundles here! Neat! I am coming with bad news from the Mountainhome."
"Hm?" Alak moved his head closer.
"It was no goblin army from Stothoaslud! Well, it was them but they weren't the winners! It's a lot worse! The Mountainhome is now in hands of Zomus!"
"Zom-who?"
"You were in Alsmustspås, that guy in black coat, hooded..."
"Ah, this one! What? So that rumours of bogeymen flying in day are true?"
"I fear, yes, they are. I was there. He already made a darkness shield to shelter his minions. But now, he's got place to hide, access to underground, everything he would want! And I saw another guy from Alsmustspås going there, chatting with guards!'
"Well... That's.." Alak wasn't sure what to say. "Definitely bad."
(https://i.imgur.com/pcLkUcY.jpg?2)
"We must stop that beast!"
"I would love to, but..."
"But what?"
"I've got a fortress here... Settlement to run. Besides, what could I do against someone of that power. Is he mortal anyway?"
"Well... By your mundane means, he's immortal. But I'm telling you, if that darkness come here, your "settlement to run" will become nothing. If we won't fight against evil, where's some purpose? Accept evil? Rather die trying to fight it."
Alak looked at his sword. He saw his own face, reflected on the polished searing blade. He closed eyes.
"You're right. It's... The right thing to do. You told us that already. Act so that outcome would be better. But what to do in this situation? Like, some example?"
Toad grinned.
"You really don't know, or you're lazy to think? Well then, we sho..."
"Wait a minute." said Alak. Then he stood up and shouted: "Nobles! Come 'ere!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Ti5ihVC.jpg?2)
Urist, Lolor and Rikkir came to the office.
"You called, lord?" asked Lolor.
"I called. Gentlemen, we're going to save the world."
"Great." said Urist.
(https://i.imgur.com/3UiGTZo.jpg?2)
"To save world, our kingdom, ourselves. It will be hard, but we must do it. We must take on lord of the night."
Nobles stared at Alak with suspicion.
"Is it... Our problem?" asked Urist.
"It is your problem!" shouted the toad. "It's Zomus, the one who conquered the Mountainhome, who destroyed homes and families, and we must bring him down!!!"
"Fine, fine!" said Lolor. "But, what can we do?"
"Don't ask such nonsensical questions!" said Alak and winked at the toad. "Luslemnod has a plan!"
(https://i.imgur.com/NlWQnzN.jpg?2)
"I haven't a plan yet, but I know some facts you should know." said the toad. "We could raise an army, there are those who'll fight for our cause. But Zomus is a creature of higher class, and something you can defeat yourselves. Luckily, I'm of higher class too, and I can help you."
"Why don't you just go there and beat him yourself?" asked Lolor. "Haven't you power to defeat him?"
"He has army of night creatures there! I can't go alone, that'll be worst mistake we could do! We must unite ourselves and defeat him together!"
"We can fight night creatures, but what about him? If he is "of greater class"?" asked Rikkir.
"That's the point. We can't dispose him by your mundane means, he'll just return every single time. The bound between this world and his, eh... Like... Supernatural part is too strong. When a "mortal" dies, his soul will move to another world. Creatures like him won't... So easily."
"See the problem here. So we can't dispose him like we dispose people?" said Rikkir. "But then, our means of fight are useless!"
"Actually, it's not. You can still weaken him. By beating him on all his aspects, we can eventually render him weak enough, so I can banish him whole, out of this world, and he won't bother us anymore."
(https://i.imgur.com/86LYl0O.jpg?2)
"So that's why we need you? I'm starting to get it." said Lolor.
"Good, good! I must avoid direct duel with him, he knows lots of powerful spells and secrets. You weren't there during the siege?"
"No." said Urist.
"He has his own night creature form, that he shifts to when fighting in "mundane" terms. And this his form has a vulnerable spot. It's adamantine!"
"Ahh, I see your point!" said Rikkir with a smile.
"How many adamantine does your kingdom have?"
"You know, our kingdom... We haven't mined much adamantine. The mines and shafts were collapsing few days as we started them, like if someone sabotaged it."
"Oh noes, that's... Not what I expected. I think adamantine would come really handy in this war." said the toad.
"You wanna me to mine some?" asked Alak. "We have revealed a cavern, I can give orders to everyone to mine ore, smelt ore, forge picks, and off to depths they go!"
"Industry can help a bit. But that's... Too slow. We must strike while he's not too powerful yet..."
"Haven't you that toad union? Can't you invite helpers from there?" asked Lolor.
"I have, and they'll help us, but not someone on my power level, unfortunately. They're handling... Similar problems elsewhere."
The toad was silent for a while, then it grinned and said: "There are many ways to obtain adamantine, though..."
(https://i.imgur.com/20EmM4e.jpg?2)
Someone knocked on the door.
"Enter!"
Len came in.
(https://i.imgur.com/EUChv7A.jpg?1)
"I wanna ask you, mister Alak, what about the adventurers going with me..."
"Ahh... You know, we have now... Different concerns, but..."
"What does this lad need?" asked the toad.
"I want to find my lost lord and restore his lordship over hamlet of Copnutgashi."
"A human lord? Why not? Would he support us?"
"If we manage to bring him back, I think he'll be glad, so yeah!"
"Good. Eh, where were we? Ah yes, adamantine."
"You can... Move us to layers below!" said Rikkir.
"That's pretty exhausting, to move someone here and there, I wanna be as fresh as possible for the war... Send letters to other fortresses, that we have plan to crush Zomus and liberate the Mountainhome. Their help can come handy. I'll leave this realm and I'll try to get help from ours, hope it'll be worth it."
(https://i.imgur.com/2f3xX5q.jpg?1)
"Write to Belbezstodir and Emenkegeth, that we're developing plan to reclaim the Mountainhome, but we need supplies and supporters. Lolor, give it to your kea and send it." ordered Alalk.
"My kea?" asked Lolor.
"Oh don't play this on me, I know you have a pet kea! I caught it stealing an anvil in the hallway!"
"Right..." said Lolor. "She'll get there, hopefully."
"And for us, we're continuing our normal lives, till further instructions!"
"So... That's outcome of this world-saving meeting?" asked Rikkir. "Wait till further instructions?"
"Yes. You know, after all, it's not so hard to fight evil!"
"Okay then. I'll find someone to go with you." said Alak. "To our plans, successful shall they... Oh wait, where's mah mug? Forget it."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 20, 2019, 09:27:41 am

(https://i.imgur.com/ED6G5UP.jpg?1)
"So. Here we are, ready to war." said Limul. "Mountainhome is far to the north, that'll be looong and boooring way. Hah, but Zomus can't stand a chance! We have an army to counter his, and we're two, and he's alone."
(https://i.imgur.com/pLjBRjZ.jpg?1)
"Thanks for recapitulation. Are you marching with us, Gostus?" asked Uxzoustug.
"Sadly, I can't, there's work to do here. But Omot ans lords will go with you. Hope you'll be successful."
(https://i.imgur.com/b2wAdlT.jpg?1)
And so the army marched, marched towards the Mountainhome, where great battle was about to take place. Meanwhile, another army was assembling, under banner of the Exalted one.

(https://i.imgur.com/uUsD80K.jpg?1)
"Both elves and other tribesmen by my side, splendid." said the Exalted one. "Last time I saw Zärseîl during scrying was in Dimshascuggán. Who knows where's he now. Anyway, we have men ready to fight, should it be needed..."
(https://i.imgur.com/R4Ndo2f.jpg?1)
"Who's this Zärseîl? Some kind of deit..." asked Ebeca.
(https://i.imgur.com/iY3KIYB.jpg?1)
"This fine fellow." said Exalted one and pointed at statuette on his table. "During the time of our glory, he was truly someone in the world, lots of civilizations looked up to him."
"Right then, o Exalted one, but where are we heading, if we don't know where he is?" asked Cilko.
(https://i.imgur.com/X3BH1He.jpg?1)
"Nowhere. We must know safely where to find Zärseîl, we can't march not knowing where. Be patient... Wait, what's this?!!"
"Huh, what?" asked Ebeca.
(https://i.imgur.com/KARaqbg.jpg?1)
Exalted one gestured over a little pool and muttered some spells. The pool started to swirl, and when the surface of water becalmed, it revealed an image, a place under the mountain they stood upon.
(https://i.imgur.com/rRA8DQw.jpg?1)
Four dwarves were marching there, with Udma.
(https://i.imgur.com/8K0USo6.jpg?1)
"Is the... Kodolith siding with some random dwarves he met right now? Where's his rebelling friend?"
"O Exalted one, we can't leave it this way! Let's go down an..."
(https://i.imgur.com/06EjqOF.jpg?1)
"We're not going anywhere. You shall lead armies down there, I'll stay here."
"Wha... But you're the Exalted one! You coul..."
"No. I'll be lot more useful here. As for the Kodolith... Let him be."
"But he has seen you!"
"He won't speak, he's a Kodolith."
"These punks are nowadays doing just as they please! But okay, I'll obey." said Ebeca with a deep sigh.
Exalted one came back to the pool.
"I must scry more. I must know more! Even when it doesn't seem so, we're in big danger. An..."
"What about your race?"
"Too few of us. Can't fight directly. We weren't as lucky as... The others."
"Fine, fine. I'll take a closer look at this... Army."

(https://i.imgur.com/j8Vz9SO.jpg?1)
"So you, tribesman, now that you want help us on this journey... Tell us something about yourself!" said Ïlon.
Udma pointed at his covered mouth, and slowly wiggled his head.
"You're mute?" asked Alåth.
Udma wiggled his head again, he banged his left arm, then raised it with two fingers pointing up, and then bashed his chest. Dwarves apparently didn't understand the gesture.
"You know how to speak and you don't? Well, at least you can't complain like these guys..." said Ïlon and smiled. Then he saddened, as he looked at Gemesh's dead body.
(https://i.imgur.com/CXlsC2P.jpg?1)
"You must sure miss your friend too. He saved us... Some random passerby saved us and stood against all those bogeymen alone..."
Udma was silent, staring at ground, as they walked by the mountain. Then he raised his head, did the bashing gesture again, but this time, he didn't bash his chest, he raised left hand towards Ïlon.
They stared for a while at each other, then Ïlon raised his hand too, and they shook them. Udma then headbutted Ïlon gently. Don't know if you can imagine gentle headbutt, but it just occurred.
Alåth, Adur and Neth came to Udma, and greeted him this way too.
(https://i.imgur.com/X9zUzGL.jpg?1)
"So, welcome to the team!" said Ïlon. "The thing is, if you can't tell us your name, how should we call you?"
"The brave guy called him Udma. Is Udma your name?." asked Neth.
Udma nodded.
(https://i.imgur.com/PV0A8Y4.jpg?1)
"We're going to fortress of Emenkegeth, okay?" said Ïlon to Udma. "We have friends there. It's far away, but we're mighty warriors!"
Udma showed them his bronze blade.
"You're mighty warrior too? Great!"
"What about some shorter break, captain? I mean, we hadn't rested much that night." said Neth.
"Though it's a rare occurrence, I agree with you. Let's regain strength, we have a long journey ahead!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 22, 2019, 08:42:47 am

This is outrageous! Ôvok was just going to travel between realms, and it's nowhere to be found! I looked everywhere! In the rutherer's maw, under cape of Limulsheget, in the pasture of crundles... everywhere! Must press harder on this search... I'll show you at least some pictures.

(https://i.imgur.com/WokzJnW.jpg?1)
Ôvok mentoring.
(https://i.imgur.com/G5Sflyh.jpg?1)
Ôvok enjoying its innate powers.
(https://i.imgur.com/uzLPqZF.jpg?1)
Limulsheget and his golden nails.
(https://i.imgur.com/0L6xJ1M.jpg?1)
Omot Mällunog
(https://i.imgur.com/NL6i9ne.jpg?1)
Ïlon Urirlînem
(https://i.imgur.com/L6wgEzY.jpg?1)
"I am the Alsmustspås."
(https://i.imgur.com/NhDGyDE.jpg?1)
Urist, not happy about being blamed.
(https://i.imgur.com/vujNq1p.jpg?1)
"I'll be back... Soon..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on June 23, 2019, 05:13:24 pm

D'aww those doodles are well worth the hiatus! We look forward to your return. :)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 24, 2019, 08:49:38 am

It seems Ôvok lost its physical form while travelling between the realms... Looks like old Q'uaksna has to save the day. Let's take a look, how such magical toad physical form is done.

Step 1.
Q'uaksna is opressed and pressed in the screw press of society. This leads to many negative effects, including boredom. Q'uaksna gets angry and calls forgotten beasts.
(https://i.imgur.com/ARi9lcl.jpg?1)
These beasts can't wait to take part in this notable process.
(https://i.imgur.com/2GKQomg.jpg?1)
Step 2.
Seems like some of them aren't sharpened and fit. To make them worthy, we let Deler Rítemen fight with them. Now they're prepared.
(https://i.imgur.com/W4jUJWk.jpg?1)
Step 3.
Deler Rítemen bites the paper. We'll navigate the beast carefully to shape the exact shape we need. In this case, a toad body.
(https://i.imgur.com/22Isldd.jpg?1)
Now we have a toad body.
(https://i.imgur.com/FT8YVNy.jpg?1)
Step 4.
We'll use extracts from certain types of forgotten beasts we need, and brush them over the toad. We want to make an openable mouth, so we'll color it red.
(https://i.imgur.com/ENdRj3F.jpg?1)
Step 5.
We'll decorate the part further, to make it more cool. Now it looks like a toad. But since we want a cool toad with openable mouth and legs like the old one, we must proceed to next parts.
(https://i.imgur.com/lB3ghU4.jpg?1)
Step 6.
Deler will bite off a mouth part. It's too big, so he'll bite it till it's just enough for the toad.
(https://i.imgur.com/7gwbIFg.jpg?1)
Step 7.
We'll color the mouth, red from one side and brown from the other. Then we'll decorate it, and use sticky FB extract to glue it to the body.
(https://i.imgur.com/uCYoeET.jpg?1)
Step 8.
Ôvok is rejoicing : "Hooray!"
(https://i.imgur.com/IH43Drn.jpg?1)
Step 9.
Now we need the legs. We'll bend the paper, so Deler can bite off two nearly identical parts.
(https://i.imgur.com/T5bYnwF.jpg?1)
I ordered him to bite off long legs, so we can bend them in the fashion of frogs and toads.
(https://i.imgur.com/oCWvs5f.jpg?1)
Front legs can be shorter, we don't need to bend them that much.
(https://i.imgur.com/kI49mYN.jpg?1)
Step 10.
We'll color and decorate legs. Don't waste FB extracts unnecessarily, they're not easy to acquire!
(https://i.imgur.com/sYAyZ0n.jpg?1)
Step 11.
We'lll bend them just as we need.
(https://i.imgur.com/qBo8j1j.jpg?1)
Step 12.
We'll glue them to the toad body. They fit, fortunately.
(https://i.imgur.com/TxFtNYu.jpg?1)
Dear dorfs and dorfesses, Ôvok is ready to continue its journey!
(https://i.imgur.com/wh3pTXB.jpg?1)
We'll put it in protective barrier so it can stay safe until Q'uaksna gets out of the screw press of society. So much for the process, new story episode ahead!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 24, 2019, 08:53:13 am

(https://i.imgur.com/OFEZk2e.jpg?2)
"Ah, finally at home! Sweet is this place, where plump helmets are growing just below the sun..."
(https://i.imgur.com/9E1TmhP.jpg?1)
The frogs and toads around bowed.
"Lord Ôvok, we've been waiting for you."
"Really? What's the matter?"
"We don't know, lords do."
(https://i.imgur.com/qgB1w71.jpg?1)
Ôvok came to a cliff, with frog statue on it, where party of toads, toad men, frogs and frog men waited.
"Oh, why are we assembled like this? Something happened?"
(https://i.imgur.com/7E9WFV1.jpg?1)
The assembly was silent, staring at ground, not sure what to say. One toad finally spoke:
"Rëîm is not coming back. It left this world for good."
Ôvok was shocked, stunned, paralyzed, numb, all those nasty effects you can imagine. After a while it started to wink.
"How? Someone..."
"No." said one frog councilman. "It left voluntarily."
(https://i.imgur.com/APQDJzR.jpg?1)
"Wha... But... I need help!"
"Sorry Ôvok. Rëîm is not returning."
"And is there some Âsem who can go with me?"
"Uprisings are happening in many realms, everywhere. They're occupied. Sorry."
(https://i.imgur.com/Roo1BEr.jpg?1)
Ôvok saw everyone is mourning, but it couldn't stay. It had work to do.
"Phew, with these conditions... Let's make... Another plan..."
Then it turned.
(https://i.imgur.com/fL5oVAy.jpg?1)
"Would you be at least so kind and scried area near Zomus? I need every single information. Because now... Dwarves are going to take the major part in this."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 26, 2019, 05:11:10 am

(https://i.imgur.com/i2N997d.jpg?1)
"So? Are they going..." asked Alak.
"Our master left the world. They're not going to come." said Ôvok. "Hope other dwarves won't abandon us..."
(https://i.imgur.com/P7ugWPs.jpg?1)
"But how are we going to stop him, then?" asked Rikkir. "If I get it correctly, your plans can't be accomplished."
"You get it correctly, Rikkir Baktuskugik. I have some amphibian men and followers nearby, I'll call them. But it's too few. I'll stay here for a little longer, let me think."

(https://i.imgur.com/6ksI4QT.jpg?1)
The toad has left, contemplating. It was slowly wandering the halls, after a while it got a good thought.
It croaked before door of Lolor's office.
"Enter, Luslemnod!" called Lolor.
"I can't reach the handle! Won't you help an old, short, clumsy toad?"
(https://i.imgur.com/REeeyd9.jpg?1)
Lolor opened the door, Ôvok swiftly hopped in.
(https://i.imgur.com/cw9ADcY.jpg?1)
"What brings you to my place?"
"You my have solution to our problems, you know!"
"Really? Why I? Just because I'm manager?"
"Oh, don't be silly. I do know things. I know the others here don't..."
"Is this some kind of threatening?"
(https://i.imgur.com/9b5B5xk.jpg?1)
"Why don't you use the power and knowledge you have for good cause? You have things at disposal others don't have."
"You know, it's hard when half of all dwarves in this civ hates you!"
"If you are afraid of that, I can give you protection if needed..."
(https://i.imgur.com/mxaNauR.jpg?1)
"I must consider that. What's the deal you have on mind anyway? Why do you need help from me, and not someone else?"
"The deal is, to effectively breach through caverns. I know you excel at this stuff..."
"And what if I'll just do this job secretly? Without... Like... Blowing our cover?"
(https://i.imgur.com/SDXIg5i.jpg?1)
"Do as you please, if you manage to do that!"
"I'm master at managing things. Just tell me what caverns do we need to connect. And I'll need help from my pals, we should notify them."

(https://i.imgur.com/0I3haS6.jpg?1)
After while of planning, the toad went out of the office. Alak was standing in the hall.
(https://i.imgur.com/peaqn2q.jpg?1)
"I hope you wasn't eavesdropping 'ere?"
"Don't worry Luslemnod, I wouldn't do that! But, you know, you're good at talking with people, wouldn't you like to talk to Urist as well? The guy troubles me... And Muz! He's just drawing some sketches, no one understands his objectives."
"If you think it'll help... I'll do my best!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 27, 2019, 08:55:48 am

(https://i.imgur.com/ozBxGg2.jpg?1)
Alak sailed in soap workshop.
"Olmul!" he called.
(https://i.imgur.com/3TSsxG8.jpg?1)
"Right 'ere, boss!" said Olmul.
"This is call-up! Call to arms!"
"What?"
"You and Berath are going with Len to find that mad lord."
"Great. We three only?"
"You three only."
"Fine. I'll fetch them and we're off."
(https://i.imgur.com/PQnkJjP.jpg?1)
Alak watched him, as he was leaving the workshop.
"Is he so bored here? Let's go to Muz."

(https://i.imgur.com/Py3abpH.jpg?1)
Alak entered little clay cave, where Muz was working. He was working furiously, parchments he had drawn on weren't in the place. He still muttered name Acöbkegeth over and over. Urist was standing by him.
(https://i.imgur.com/x0tkmjH.jpg?1)
"I gave him few gemstones Nakuth had found and I had cut. He grabbed them and sat here, maybe he's got everything he needs." said Urist.
"Hope so. Wonder what he is gonna craft. Maybe... A rock salt mug, with gemstones on it!"
"Or something like a string for a lute which is valued more than an actual lute, thus unused. I met such guy once."
 "Yeah, dorfs will be dorfs. You are a jeweller, huh?"
"Always appreciated gems, love to make artworks from it. So colorful and shiny..."
(https://i.imgur.com/IRtdhDa.jpg?1)
"You were born in the Mountainhome?"
"Yes, I hated the complex hallways. Only the few floors under surface were okay. I was living in Belbezstodir, after these... Goblin attacks. Hoped I could finally rest here, and then this toad came!"
They both chuckled.
"We're going to be okay. Don't worry. I won't let Kudarkalur fall."
"Eh, every fortress is destined to fall..."
(https://i.imgur.com/HxFNfdF.jpg?1)
Nakuth sailed in the room, gasping.
"Oh c'mon, what's up again?" said Alak, with annoyed face.
"Some dwarves have problems in the caverns!" shouted Nakuth. "We must go help them!"
"Let's go, then." said Urist.
(https://i.imgur.com/rmlHHR3.jpg?1)
The three dwarves ran from layer to layer, since Nakuth already made stairs to cavern ground, they got right there.
(https://i.imgur.com/xdSXGxY.jpg?1)
"Oh no, you reddish guys again!" sighed Alak.
"Oh, lord overseer, it's terrible! Sections of cavern walls are collapsing!" said Nel. He was trying to not shout, but he looked very frightened. A loud bang could be heard, followed by cracking of rock. "And down here is... There's..."
"Who's down here?" asked Alak.
"Lolor's trapped! The rocks sealed him off!"
(https://i.imgur.com/57BqmQZ.jpg?1)
A section of cavern roof has collapsed!
"Shafts are crumblin'! Shafts are fallin'!" whispered Nakuth, trembling. "Doomsday's comin'!"
Elk birds and cave swallows were heard, they flew over heads of the dwarves, trying to find way out of the cavern.
(https://i.imgur.com/9u7VeL5.jpg?1)
"What now?" asked Urist. "This whole thing may fall on us!"
"Call Luslemnod! Nel, run up and call the toad! In the meantime... I don't know. Ideas?"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on June 27, 2019, 09:14:42 am

Hm. Obok mayyy just be able to solve all this himself, but in the meantime...

First off, get everybody out of the caverns-- if the whole thing collapses, we want as few dwarves inside as possible. Next, find the most skilled miner this fort has to offer, and have said miner determine if it's even possible to free Lolor without sending the rest of the cavern tumbling down.

If it's determined that Lolor can be safely freed, have the miner work out how much force will be necessary to do so. Can the obstructing boulders be moved by means of dwarfish pick alone? Or will larger implements be necessary? If the boulders are especially large, perhaps the shaft of a woody mushroom could be used for leverage...

Once a means of freeing Lolor is determined, get the miner out of there and send in a squad of dwarves to execute the necessary labor. Send only the bare minimum necessary to complete the task in speedy fashion, and select if possible the least useful (but still competent) dwarves around.

Once again, Obok may decide to try and fix everything himself. If he does, get out of there and let him do his job. If he asks for help, grant it.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 28, 2019, 06:25:20 am

Oh guys, this is terrifying. I may throw tantrum any moment now. It seems i need to make army of toad stuntmen.
Before I go nuts, here you have some random sketch:

(https://i.imgur.com/IPzSkmy.jpg?1)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 28, 2019, 08:49:45 am

Got four toad stuntmen, and special container for them, hope they'll last longer than their predecessors. Anyway, the show can go on!

(https://i.imgur.com/KQDzDYH.jpg?1)
"Okay, guys, sorry to say it, Lolor must wait for a while! Run to the fort, bring the toad and more miners!"
(https://i.imgur.com/5Hxhqsp.jpg?1)
Dwarves left the crumbling cavern, they ran quickly to stable layer. Urnût with a pick and the toad were already waiting there.
"What's happening?" asked Urnût. "Horrible sounds are coming from below!"
"Cave-ins. Lots of cave-ins." said Urist. "Lolor's trapped in another cavern, sealed away from our tunnels."
"What? Quick, dwarves, no time to lose!" shouted the toad.
(https://i.imgur.com/wglqi2i.jpg?1)
"What are we going to do?" asked Alak. "You have some decent solution? If we stay there for too long we'll be crushed!"
"If we can't risk saving Lolor, we should wait, though it does not sound cool... How strong is the barrier, that sealed him?"
"Three wagons long, how high I don't know." said Nel. "If the cavern base survives this, we could get there somehow!"
(https://i.imgur.com/4mhG8th.jpg?1)
"Aren't any crundles of ours down there?"
"No, they're annoying Ermis in the kitchen." said Alak. "This is... Terrifying. We need to save Lolor but we must wait?"
"When did this happen?" asked Nakuth. "Usually, caverns aren't doing this by themselves!"
"We were collecting stuff down there with Lolor..." said Nel.
(https://i.imgur.com/n2vt22n.jpg?1)
The toad knew perfectly what happened. But it could not tell, neither send dwarves to inevitable death.
"Hope his cavern is stable!" it said. "Where's the miner boy, he was right there!"
(https://i.imgur.com/iVqSaED.jpg?1)
Nakuth came from below, he had left to take a look at the cavern.
"Guys, it's not so bad. Roof is stable, falling rocks are decently small but they've completely crushed the mushrooms!"
"Lolor's not stupid, he can cope in harsh situations, but I'm still worried!" said Alak. "Hey, do you hear that?"
"What?" asked Urnût.
"Nothing. The banging and crashing is ceasing..."
And truly. All those nasty sounds couldn't be heard anymore.
"Okay, now it's safe to do something!" said the toad. "Come, dwarves, show me where Lolor should be!"
(https://i.imgur.com/02e5TAt.jpg?1)
"Wow, it was boring, but you were right after all! Again..." said Nakuth.
"Patience is sometimes the key."
"Sometimes?" asked Alak.
"If you'll never dare to do anything in fear of failure, congrats, you just lost purpose."
"Oh. But we haven't lost purpose, I guess?"
"No. With what we knew, we acted right. If Lolor's alive or not... It's not your fault. You can't know everything, you must work with the little you know. It's hard, but worth it."
(https://i.imgur.com/4nZJnqV.jpg?1)
"It was behind these rocks!" said Nel. "But who knows, what is behind the wall now! The cavern may be elsewhere, or may not exist anymore!"
"Courage, dwarves."
The toad looses a croak!
(https://i.imgur.com/5AehgRs.jpg?1)
The croak echoed through the cavern, then toad opened its mouth, and breathed out some magical mist. The mist quickly disappeared, but dwarves were already feeling some sudden load of strength.
"Get through!"
(https://i.imgur.com/jYQI1zx.jpg?1)
The dwarves were hitting the rocks with pickaxes with miraculous strength, after few hits they crumbled to pieces, and smaller rocks were hauled by the dwarves, who got severe good thoughts from this uplifting experience.
(https://i.imgur.com/YvEM8rA.jpg?1)
"I'm sorry to say it..." said Nel. "There definitely wasn't this many rocks before. And this large. Maybe the cavern have crumbled to another layer..."
"No! That can't be!" shouted Alak. "We'll remove all these rocks! Come on, we'll..."
"I'm not sure that'll be of any use..." said the toad sadly.
"We shouldn't have waited!" said Nakuth. "We could have saved him!"
Urnût heard with his keen ears some noises coming from below. He tapped with his pick on the rocks that fell and sealed the shaft.
The noises ceased, when Urnût stopped banging with pickaxe they started again.
(https://i.imgur.com/WEAi7vH.jpg?1)
"Someone is answering!"
"You mean... He's alive, after all?" asked Alak.
"Great. Get dwarves here, to mine this rubble. And some to guard the miners. I'll be givin' you some support." said the toad.
(https://i.imgur.com/Sut5W2U.jpg?1)
"Haven't you heard, civilians?!! To work, go, go, go!"


(https://i.imgur.com/Y4GPjBI.jpg?1)
"Oh great, they're up there. Luckily." thought Lolor. "Now to get out of this perilous situation..."
(https://i.imgur.com/ifeoy9i.jpg?1)
Lolor pulled his limbs and managed to free himself. He hadn't anything broken, but it hurted like being in HFS alone, surround by locals.
(https://i.imgur.com/bfVXguK.jpg?1)
"I can't just sit there, who knows what's lurking here! I got pretty deep, I can feel dwarf best friend in the air... One tunnel on left, one on right. Hmph..."

Since Lolor is alone now, you can control him like in interactive webcomic. Or let him be, waiting...
By the way, you have now access to his thoughts and memories...  ;D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on June 28, 2019, 09:37:11 am

Hm. Complications.

Roll around in some cave-in dust to mask our smell and dull our clothing. Assess surroundings. How far away are our buddies? How long will it take them to reach us? Are there any visible threats in the area?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 28, 2019, 01:03:07 pm

(https://i.imgur.com/fhx5J2h.jpg?1)
"Man, this cave-in mess is just everywhere! Wondering I'm not choking yet. It doesn't seem like something's here, but, in a cavern, no one can be sure..."
(https://i.imgur.com/ooUc1va.jpg?1)
"Hmmmm... I made a vertical corridor, pretty high, connecting many layers. A unnatural deep pit, but it got clogged with rocks! I can't tell from how high these pickaxe noises come, but I can't reach it myself for sure!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on June 28, 2019, 01:08:23 pm

Roll around in the cave-in dust to mask our smell and clothing. Then get away from underneath the shaft-- if our buddies break through, we don't want 'em sending rocks crashing down on top of us!

Here is probably the safest spot this cavern has to offer, for now. Keep our back to the wall, have a couple escape routes planned out in advance, keep our eyes and ears open... and try not to draw too much attention.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 29, 2019, 08:41:08 am

(https://i.imgur.com/Xnvstx8.jpg?1)
"Okay, I'll just go..."
(https://i.imgur.com/YgYS02S.jpg?1)
"I'll sit in this dirty hole and I'll wait. Not very exciting, better than getting crushed or eaten. Oh boy..."


We'll let Lolor wait, let's look what's happening in the meantime...
(https://i.imgur.com/aY9XVy1.jpg?1)
"How long now?" asked Neth.
"Loooong way." said Ïlon. "Don't tell me that stop was too short for you. Hey, here! That's a nice place!"
(https://i.imgur.com/NYaqz7a.jpg?1)
Alåth removed Gemesh's coif from his blonde head.
"Who should equip it?" he asked.
"You take it. Your shots saved us from lots of troubles." said Ïlon.
(https://i.imgur.com/7bU4GVt.jpg?1)
Adur cut off pieces of his long shawl, and covered Gemesh's still face in it. Together they dug a hole and placed the dead body into the ground, and buried him.
(https://i.imgur.com/Swkb3Ei.jpg?1)
On the top of his grave they placed a round stone, with decorated ends of Alåth's crossbow they engraved name of the dwarven veteran.
"We'll miss you, Gemesh." said Adur.
They remained there for a while in silence.
"Alright. Gemesh can rest in peace, but we can't. Let's move on." ordered Ïlon.

(https://i.imgur.com/n8wygVE.jpg?1)
And so they went. They passed around mountain of the Exalted one, and went their way, swiftly towards fortress of Emenkegeth. Soon they came to a river, not very big one, more like a brook.
"Great, water!" said Alåth happily.
"Water's okay, but what about booze?" asked Neth.
Ïlon stopped, because he just realized the problem.
(https://i.imgur.com/b7FhLgL.jpg?1)
"Gah, Neth, you're right again! We haven't drunk in ages!"
Udma searched for something under his cloak, but didn't find the thing desired. He shrugged.
"Oh, look, what's that!" whispered Alåth, pointing at something.
(https://i.imgur.com/Dr92r0j.jpg?1)
They saw a long-haired figure, sitting on a stone on the shore, shrouded in glittering cloth.
(https://i.imgur.com/6TIwuk4.jpg?1)
"Is that... Some kind of fairy?" asked Neth.
"Hey, I don't know. Udma?" said Ïlon.
Udma scratched his head, then he shrugged again.
"Nah, fairies should be recognisable!" said Adur. "Let's go and see!"
"Okay, but cautious, and weapons drawn." whispered Ïlon.
"Like if we ever sheath them." said Neth. Ïlon gave him annoyed glance.
(https://i.imgur.com/M6e6zMJ.jpg?1)
They crept slowly on their bare feet, as the only boot was buried with Gemesh, honorably. They all copies moves of Udma, as they preconceived he's most skilled in ambushes. And they were right.
(https://i.imgur.com/O3C0Ehv.jpg?1)
Not a one sound they did, nevertheless, the figure turned.
He was babbling something in goblin.
"Obuxo Gnuutâ kapö tergnutgub?" said Neth.
The goblin facepalmed, he looked very triggered, he sighed deeply and opened his mouth again.
(https://i.imgur.com/rAhy8Pq.jpg?1)
"Dwarves!" he shouted in dwarven. "First kobolds, then some beastmen, and now dwarves!"
"Oh, he can speak dwarven!" said Adur.
"Must be weird, then." said Ïlon.
(https://i.imgur.com/QR7Fz0X.jpg?1)
"Weird?!!" shouted the goblin, absolutely out of patience now. Dwarves decided, whoever he is, better not to pick fight with him now.
"Terribly sorry, mister, we ran into misunderstanding!" said Ïlon. "I'm Ïlon Urirlînem, captain of Udirizden. This is Udirizden, and this is Udma, our good ol' friend. Who happen you to be, dear mister?"
When the goblin heard that he can start talking about himself, he reversed the wheel of thoughts.
"Good afternoon, or what is it, captain. I am Ongngnuutgub Snukoukkar, the Zutulxor, one of the five lords of Alsmustspås. I used to be fairest being in the whole Alsmustspås, now I'm just... Fairest being here. Other lords got mad and they plunged the realm in chaos. Otherwise, it's not so bad... But I'm stuck here!"
"How was that freakish name again?" asked Alåth.
(https://i.imgur.com/CXlpb6M.jpg?1)
"Wait, wait." said Ïlon. "You say that some goblin magical realm is in chaos?"
"Yeah, and who knows how's it now, I can't get there, the way is shut tightly, I tried." said Ongngnuutgub.
"This could be it! Maybe that horrible darkness that swallowed the Mountainhome is connected with this!"
"Darkness? Like night, bogeymen, turning goblins into pale strongmen? That's Zomus. Yep. Definitely him. At least this guy isn't in Alsmustspås anymore... He was very unoriginal when it came to colors."
(https://i.imgur.com/SCwkq3Q.jpg?1)
"So this... Zomus, right? He's one of the five lords, you say? Pretty bad." said Alåth.
"Lords of Alsmustspås... That's a big deal, eh?" said Neth.
"Let's be honest, when you're trying to cooperate with four different sphere-aligned beings... They even threw out one nice glitterin' golden wanderer!"
"Sphere-aligned? You can cast spells or something?" asked Ïlon.
"I can. Depends how difficult ones."
"Can you give us something to drink?"
"You've got a brook right here."
"Oh, I mean like... Wine, or beer, or rum, or..."
"And why? You just keep me occupied with chatting!"
(https://i.imgur.com/OBjVmYK.jpg?1)
Ïlon scratched his head, then he said: "And what are you going to do anyway? If you're so helpless right now..."
Ongngnuutgub frowned. He waved his arm, and a little berry appeared on his palm. Then he crushed it with some cool magical effects, and the juice turned to pleasantly smelling liquid.
He moved his hand to front of dwarves.
"Puny mortals, lick."
"Gah, gross! I won't lick booze from your filthy goblin hands!" said Neth, and he got a bad thought.
"Don't you have some... Container?" asked Alåth. "It's terrifying."
"Hey, I won't waste my power because of your weird preferences!" said Ongngnuutgub angrily. "Lick or let be!"
(https://i.imgur.com/chpwuYC.jpg?1)
"You can brew fruit so easily?" asked Adur.
"Yeah, that's not that hard."
"I've got a bowl, let's find another fruit."
"Good idea." said Ïlon. "Come, Ong... Ognugn... Zutulxor."
"Why should I help you?" asked Ongngnuutgub.
"We need your help. If you want to stay jerk forever... Do as you please. Or be actually useful. You're wizard!"
"Ack, you got me there. So... Where are we heading?"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on June 30, 2019, 09:42:23 am

(https://i.imgur.com/qiB3aDe.jpg?1)
"Guys, *hic*, you heard that? Someone *hic* stole our greatest relic, severed leg of Tarmid *hic* Ugokkirun!"
(https://i.imgur.com/8IhN02E.jpg?2)
"Tha *hic* s terrifying!"
(https://i.imgur.com/fFWoWX7.jpg?1)
"Shhhhhh*hic*! Do you *hic*that?"
(https://i.imgur.com/oFhqoVJ.jpg?1)
"Da da da dum, Tarmid's back, boiiiiis!"
(https://i.imgur.com/IuJx3od.jpg?1)
"*Gasp* *hic* It's Tarmid!"

It's too important moment, I just had to share it. Come, dorven brothers, and rejoice, for Tarmid was lost, and has been found!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on July 02, 2019, 06:30:43 am

(https://i.imgur.com/UenMPQd.jpg?1)
"Heeeee-roooooo-iiiiism and nothing mo-o-ore!"
"Are all of your dwarven songs like this?" asked Len. "Not that our are any better, but still..."
"Why did you guys in Copnutgashi learn dwarven?" asked Berath. "You broke prejudices about foreign barbarians!"
(https://i.imgur.com/K3zRaGm.jpg?1)
"Hey, languages are pretty good thing to learn! You can chat with locals. And uncover that their songs don't make sense!"
"Huh, how do you mean it, don't make sense?" said Olmul and frowned a little bit.
"And they sang muscles, really? Is that meaningful?"
"You know "And they sang muscles"? But that's in traditional dialect!"
(https://i.imgur.com/flofcek.jpg?1)
"That's even biggerin' the weird effect of the song." said Len with a smile. "Anyway, I've got my choppah, and you've got pig sticker, you've got blade... It would be pity to not use that pig sticker to stick some pig, you know! If you don't like grazing..."
"There are boars in this forest?" asked Berath.
"Boars are everywhere! And they just keep nuzzling my beautiful grass plot!"
"You've got a grass plot? I thought they banished you or something..." said Olmul.
"They couldn't. I banished myself in advance. Just for case."
"And your great warrior skills, isn't that just developed woodcutting?"
(https://i.imgur.com/wV3hrou.jpg?1)
Len turned back and frowned.
"What's up with you guys? You're talkin' like if I was nuts! I'm not nuts! Though they form majority of my diet, I'm not!"
"Hey, calm down!" said Olmul. "Of course you're not nuts! We are just used to troll our fellow travelers!"
"Are we?" asked Berath. "You are! I don't get it, you don't mind grazing, yet you still don't understand him! This will be jolly journey..."
(https://i.imgur.com/5Jtq8L4.jpg?1)
For a while they were silent, angrily staring at each other. Then Olmul felt guilty, so he started conversation again.
"What were you before you became a rebel, Len?"
"A woodcutter."
"Oh, I forgot. My bad. What about these... Eh... Guards in your hamlet! You know, Rane Eguleba the Mothrorjoddo and his fellas. What view you have on them?"
"They're fine, but they're just too loyal. They stand by the side of lord Dazelosric all the time, I had to look out for them. I tried spread my thoughts and opinions throughout the hamlet, unsuccessfully. Then kiddos called me names, like "The Mad Master Splint Shredder", better got out of there. So here I am."
(https://i.imgur.com/rSAaStF.jpg?1)
"Hope we won't meet another ogre..." said Berath. "That thing was nasty!"
"Hope we'll meet some frogos! Those were adorable!" said Olmul.
"You mean that big-mouth flat lizard things?" asked Len. "Yeah, they're waddling around Copnutgashi sometimes... Better not trifle with them, they're slow but very strong."
(https://i.imgur.com/kfswmm9.jpg?1)
"What is this??? Some hippie sorcery! Bin growing from a tree! This must be enchanted forest!" said Olmul.
"Excuse me, hippies?" said Len, scratching his head.
"Elves, you know." said Berath.
"Ahh... No elves around. But nowadays, anything's possible..."
(https://i.imgur.com/pfcUtaN.jpg?1)
Then there was another while of silence. Olmul noticed that...
"You know any travel games?" he asked.
"Marbles?"
"Not marbles! Like, I don't know... Betting on animals, and so!"
"You're that bored? You need to bet on animals? What you dwarves don't need for survival!"
"Are you insulting potato beer?!!" yelled Olmul.
"Definitely not, I love potato beer. I'm just not used to travel with dwarves, you know..."
(https://i.imgur.com/P932wdI.jpg?1)
"You'll get used to!" said Berath. "On the other hand, with Olmul, you can never be sure."
"Too bad for me, then!" said Len with a sigh.
They continued their way to northeast, where Len, as he claimed, saw lord Oli alive.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on July 02, 2019, 06:39:00 am

(https://i.imgur.com/4o5Y5Ck.jpg?1)
"Just as I thought. Loooong and boring journey." said Limulsheget. "At least they gave me this cool gear!"
"This is a conquest, not adventure." said Uxzoustug. "If we manage to defeat Zomus, what shall we do with the Mountainhome?"
"I think when we defeat Zomus our... Your task here is done. Then, it'll be problem of Gostus. He wanted to be ruler of goblins... I would personally return it to dwarves, but I don't think goblins like that idea..."
"That's right, they're trying to conquer it over and over... Even when victory should bring peace, they won't stop. Hey, and what are you going to do if we succeed?"
"I'll keep this cape for sure. Well, I think I'll earn my place in Alsmustspås, finally, won't I?"
"Oh yeah, you'll do."
(https://i.imgur.com/CUI1rRe.jpg?1)
They were staring forward for a while, on the army camp. Uxzoustug was thinking, then he asked his companion.
"How old are you? Or, how much older than we are?"
"Oh boy, that's couple of years... I think, like... Four generations before? Yeah, something like that. World used to look very different back then."
"How did you manage to stay here for so long? Nearly all the older ones were banished by the newcomers."
"Nearly all, except for the capable ones." said Limul with a smile. "Well, it wasn't easy. You finally become a mover of this world and suddenly you're surrounded by some puny younglings, that'll spoil your work you're workin' on for centuries!"
(https://i.imgur.com/BzA0oJu.jpg?1)
"And do you have some friends of... Your age?"
"Maybe. Haven't seen them in decades. Also, I'm short of fans, and I don't like it! But I'm getting used to it..."
(https://i.imgur.com/eN3pheF.jpg?1)
"That's why you infiltrated to our pantheon? To gain goblin fans?"
"Sort of. You know what's funny? Out of all these new sane races, I thought dwarves were the last ones that would help me, and their help had... Wide range of effects."
"Maybe it's another Age of Dwarves that's coming."
(https://i.imgur.com/RaKbxP6.jpg?1)
"Heh, wonder what toads are doing."
"Toads?"
Limul looked at Uxzoustug with suprise in his face.
"You don't know toads? Tarone the Great? Rëîm the trickster toad? Nothing?"
"Ehhh... I guess not. Never heard that before."
(https://i.imgur.com/turswqE.jpg?1)
"It's pity that people keep forgetting important stuff..." said Limul with a sigh. "It's important to learn from what passed... So that the same mistakes won't be repeated. It's okay to make mistakes. As long as you can take something from the experience..."
(https://i.imgur.com/ubvMSdj.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug closed eyes, and contemplated. He had many things on mind, what would be if Rulasm wasn't freed, if Razes hasn't insulted Ongngnuutgub...


If they accepted Limul...

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on July 17, 2019, 05:12:32 am

(https://i.imgur.com/MFnUAQj.jpg?1)
Hello there, guys, the DF +Papercrafts+ team sends their regards from vacation! I can't make episodes for the time being, I thought I could fetch some inspiration and stuff, make army of figures... Well, I got some nice thoughts, but due to high temperatures paper's kinda soggy here, so papercrafting is poor... I must sustain on doodles...


Yeah, after avalanche of mad posting, here's our first long pause. But don't worry, as soon as I get back, I've got something prepared for Lolor...

Merry holidays, Bay 12 Forums!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on July 27, 2019, 05:49:23 am

(https://i.imgur.com/C1sUbf2.jpg?1)
"Eh, guys? Anybody in here? Man, this is annoying, everyone's down in caverns again! It was just a little rumbling, who cares? Earth's rumbling all the day lon..."
(https://i.imgur.com/PIo4LAn.jpg?1)
"Oh, Muz! Where are all the materials we hauled here? Muz? Muz, do you hear me?"
(https://i.imgur.com/aUZ9gVa.jpg?1)
"Hah, he fainted after that artifact rush. Let's take a look what have you crafted..."
(https://i.imgur.com/5Wj3dAR.jpg?1)
"It's... A box? Rock box? With something inside..."
(https://i.imgur.com/Vt8Y6VN.jpg?1)
"It's straw! So it's a nest box! Acöbkegeth... Get it! Hah! Nice work. Man, you stuffed all pretty stones you found there, eh?"
(https://i.imgur.com/7ZDajNY.jpg?1)
"Let's tell Adur we have a nice and ceremonial nest box! Finally our birds can lay something... I'll just open the back door..."
(https://i.imgur.com/V0jUHE3.jpg?1)
"Argh! Help! This is an assault! Stupid little crimson drakes!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Zk4aDev.jpg?1)
"Ow boy, your prophecies have been fullfilled! Phew... Pets or not, I'm going to tell something to Alak about these little pests!"


Meanwhile, down, down, many layers underground...
(https://i.imgur.com/I5oYwQS.jpg?1)
"I'm waiting. And waiting. And wait I shall and wait I will. Oh come on, speed up a little bit, miners!"
From the tunnel, voices were coming closer. Two voices, one manly, another deep and growling.
"Where's the rat and the bat?" asked the manly one.
"We lost 'em in struggle with that jabberer, boss!" answered the growling one. "Who knows where they are now... What's the plan anyways?"
(https://i.imgur.com/o2wgeTp.jpg?1)
"Gah. stupid voices, now I'm curious! Well, thank you!" thought Lolor. "I'll just peek a little..."
(https://i.imgur.com/uVsJ9yS.jpg?1)
There were three figures, passing through the tunnel. One plump helmet man, one gorlak, and one... Dwarf! He was old, bare-chested, with unkempt hair and long beard, a very damaged bronze pickaxe.
"The plan is simple." started the dwarf. "On the other side of this shaft should be Eser and his serpent boys. They'll join us, and we can carry on!"
(https://i.imgur.com/cbE0ij0.jpg?1)
"They don't see me..." thought Lolor. "But... It's a dwarf! Argh, what should I do?"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on July 27, 2019, 07:30:22 am

Welcome back! :D

We could continue to hide, but we risk getting our head smashed in by yonder disgruntled dwarf if he spots us! Better to step out, and explain ourselves as best we can. Hopefully this guy isn't feeling too homicidal today.

...Hopefully.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on July 27, 2019, 08:35:22 am

(https://i.imgur.com/FrxCJmX.jpg?1)
"Well, we should better get going!" said the gorlak. "Caverns are full of nasty things..."
(https://i.imgur.com/JQjsVvk.jpg?1)
"Run, run!" said Lolor, climbing up from his hideout. "Roof may fall on our head any minute now! Run!"
"Dimple plumps, who are you?!!" asked the dwarf, surprised. He stroke a defensive pose.
"Watch out!"
(https://i.imgur.com/v8RozYP.jpg?1)
Many rocks fell down onto the boulder pile, scattering them. The party barely dodged onto safe ground.
"The dusty dwarf is right, let's run!" said the gorlak.
(https://i.imgur.com/HaVjNLP.jpg?1)
They heard rumbling. Afraid of another cave-in, they ran as fast as they could through the tunnel. The plump helmet man was doing strange squishy noises.
"Noble dwarf, without you there, we could have been all crushed! What's you..."
"Shut up, we're not in safety yet!" cried Lolor.
(https://i.imgur.com/eUv4ZJh.jpg?1)
Lolor started coughing. He breathed cave-in dust for some time, he wasn't looking very well.
"Otin, help him!" ordered the dwarf. Plump helmet man gave Lolor support, until the rumbling stopped.
(https://i.imgur.com/dqOEuJ7.jpg?1)
"Whoa, *cough* thank you!" said Lolor.
"We thank you!" said the gorlak.
"Okay, I guess we can introduce ourselves." said the old dwarf. "I am Id. This is Bufut and Otin, my companions. Who are you?"
Lolor was... Thinking. How should he introduce himself?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on July 27, 2019, 12:37:47 pm

"My name is Lolor, I'm part of a dwarf fortress that's been newly founded somewhere above our heads. After two cave ins, though, I'm not sure I can get back they way I came down."

Since they aren't wearing Official Fan Club Members Only Cloaks, don't mention anything else just yet. But maybe try to steer the conversation toward topics of club interest. And they have cooperation among species, is this the cavern that the toad wanted to breach??

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on July 27, 2019, 12:49:42 pm

Quote from: mightymushroom on July 27, 2019, 12:37:47 pm

"My name is Lolor, I'm part of a dwarf fortress that's been newly founded somewhere above our heads. After two cave ins, though, I'm not sure I can get back they way I came down."

Since they aren't wearing Official Fan Club Members Only Cloaks, don't mention anything else just yet. But maybe try to steer the conversation toward topics of club interest. And they have cooperation among species, is this the cavern that the toad wanted to breach??

+1

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on July 28, 2019, 06:26:31 am

(https://i.imgur.com/x3Gij0l.jpg?1)
"My name is Lolor, I'm part of a dwarf fortress that's been newly founded somewhere above our heads. After two cave-ins, though, I'm not sure I can get back they way I came down."
(https://i.imgur.com/eZjLIBr.jpg?1)
"New fortress? Just above?" said Id, astonished. "You hear that? We can finally escape these caverns!"
"Eh, these caverns are our home!" said Bufut. Otin nodded with his broad cap.
"Oh, I mean, to civilization! Stop living like savages!"
(https://i.imgur.com/rwRXIA0.jpg?1)
"There are more dwarves down here?" asked Lolor. "How?"
(https://i.imgur.com/DzijCKK.jpg?1)
Id sat down on a rock, puffing. He stroke a storytelling pose.
"When I was little boy, mother told me stories... About the past. She told me about halls encrusted with gold, taverns full of plump helmet wine, engravings on every wall..."
"Sounds like Mountainhome." said Lolor. "But you're exaggerating."
"Oh, I was never there myself, you know! Our ancestors lived there. But... Our ancestors were miners. And then, some mad organisation murdered the king and sealed the tunnels, trapping them beneath. "Beware of dwarves wearing red!" mother told me. And then the miners wandered, they had picks, so they went wherever they wanted..."
Lolor nodded, silently. He could have been scared, he wasn't.
(https://i.imgur.com/fAQjbyp.jpg?1)
"And Id's family came this far!" said Bufut. "What about that mad organisation? You never told me much about them!"
"Mother said they were fiery wizards, scorching their foes to ash, and that they had some powder that when ignited, went BOOM!!! They called themselves Kâdoli... Wait."
Now Id has turned to Lolor.
(https://i.imgur.com/YNStjsP.jpg?1)
"You're Kâdolite!"
Lolor chuckled. "Yeah..."
Id's eyes were hopping here and there, widening and shrinking.
"Oh noes, here we go..." whispered Bufut and made with Otin few steps back.
Then Id opened his wrinkled mouth.
(https://i.imgur.com/aTLSGFC.jpg?1)
"Woohoo!!!"
Everyone gasped.
(https://i.imgur.com/UhZ7Tnp.jpg?1)
"I saw a dwarf from legends! I saw a wizard! I spoke with a wizard! Can you show me magic? Can you show me that miraculous powder? Ca..."
"Shhhh. Don't shout." said Bufut.
"I thought you'll blame me for trapping your ancestors!" said Lolor. "People tend to do that in the first place..."
"They may had trapped us, but you'll free us again!" said Id, smiling.
"Well, as I said, I can't go back! The passage is blocked, filled with boulders. Friends are digging through it, but it'll take some time..."
"What about Eser?" asked Bufut. "He's still waiting."
(https://i.imgur.com/8kLUx8q.jpg?1)
"You're right!" said Id. "We must meet him, tell him about this, and distribute the information to rest of us!"
"How many of you?" asked Lolor.
"Well, every dwarf at least. There's... Ummm... Something about ten of us. The rest are tribes who oppose Wõrv."
"Who's Wõrv?"
"Leader of the amphibian men. They're mad, want to kidnap us all and use us in some weird plan..."
(https://i.imgur.com/bbgPChF.jpg?1)
"Kidnap?"
"We're stuck underground!" said Bufut. "Caverns are harsh, my friend. Everyone's that useful count. And dwarves are especially useful."
"There's light... Are we close to magma pools?"
"Yep!"
(https://i.imgur.com/PPbw07D.jpg?1)
They saw four figures standing before them in the tunnel. They all had tails, three of them arms. There were serpent men, and a helmet snake.
(https://i.imgur.com/83YeNqZ.jpg?1)
"Took you long enough..." said the tallest of them.
"Cave-ins." said Id. "This dwarf, Lolor, helped us. He's a wizard!"
"Interesssting..."
"This is Eser? He looks very... Civilized. Like, not savage at all." said Lolor.
"I'm Essser indeed."
"You have metal gear... And cloth?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Dyc7HSt.jpg?1)
"Mine!" hissed the one with the cloth. "Ssstep back."
"Where are the others?" asked Id.
"Jabberer ssstormed our camp." hissed Eser.
"That bird again!" said Bufut. "It's the same old bird!"
"Anyways, any valuable informations?" asked Id.
"Wõrv'sss men ravaged through kobold town, they took Deilik."
Id has turned red, started grunting and spitting on ground.
(https://i.imgur.com/nn0pVg0.jpg?1)
"Who's Deilik? Is he someone important?" asked Lolor.
"Who hasss Deilik, hasss alssso koboldsss on hisss ssside." said Eser.
"How's that? Kobolds are on no one's side. Maybe stray eggs, but kobolds like a nation..."
"He talks." said Id.
Now Lolor bursted out laughing.
"Hah! Kobold! Talking! That was a good one. Hey, but this is too much light for a cavern. Hope the cave-ins didn't let magma where it shouldn't be..."
(https://i.imgur.com/b4MS5Br.jpg?1)
"You have sssomething on heart?" asked Eser, and turned back towards Id.
"Lolor is from a fortress, that lies above us." said Id "If we manage to get there..."
Eser was thinking.
"Interesssting..."
"Hey, did you hear that?" said Bufut.
(https://i.imgur.com/d2sNMbP.jpg?1)
"Hear what?" asked Lolor.
"Six legs colliding with floor, occasional seventh bang, much louder than the legs."
(https://i.imgur.com/mlqtHby.jpg?1)
"Oh, I see."
(https://i.imgur.com/wKZqgxW.jpg?1)
A gigantic one-eyed ant. It has large mandibles. Its crimson scales are sleek and smooth and set close apart. Beware, for it has noticed you!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on July 28, 2019, 09:35:07 pm

Oh dear. Superdorf is the fighter, not me. *Then why am I still typing?* Um, I guess go for the eye? I see one spear there, and one pick. The other weapons are a club and a hammer, I think? But to reach the eye you'll have to get one of the fighters on top of that thing and I've no idea how you'll manage such a trick.

*Don't ants have natural climbing ability? The ones who invade my house sure do, I hope this one's too big to hold itself up or they're really in trouble. It'd be pretty funny, though, if the crimson ant tried climbing above them and fell onto its back, vulnerable. Not everything has to be an epic fight with half a dozen close calls.*

*And if Lolor really does have some magic powder, this is as good a time as any to be a wizard.*

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on July 28, 2019, 09:59:35 pm

Quote from: mightymushroom on July 28, 2019, 09:35:07 pm

Superdorf is the fighter

This somehow makes me very happy. :))

Quote from: Quaksna on July 28, 2019, 06:26:31 am

A gigantic one-eyed ant. It has large mandibles. Its crimson scales are sleek and smooth and set close apart. Beware, for it has noticed you!

This... less so.

We must know: how good of a miner is Id?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on July 29, 2019, 05:04:54 am

(https://i.imgur.com/qs1QuqB.jpg?1)
"Yikesss."
"Well, this is maybe the worst thing that could happen." said Id.
"Not the worst!" said Bufut. "I heard about golden eagle with four wings that spits..."
"Id, are you a good miner?" asked Lolor.
"I'm the greatest miner that ever lived." said Id, striking menacing pose. "And warrior! You know, these professions are coming along very well! Have you tried to mine something in a martial trance? The thrill, the..."
"Okay, okay. That's enough."
(https://i.imgur.com/RyeXDxI.jpg?1)
"I am insssisssting, don't attack that beast." hissed Eser. "My men aren't ssso ssskilled yet. If Id isssn't sssome beassst ssslayer..."
"I am telling you, we have a wizard with us!" said Id.
"Wizard? Well, what kind of power do you wield? How are you ussseful? Ssshow us."
"Unfortunately, I have only one pouch of the powder left, so no blowing the beast to oblivion today..." said Lolor.
Id got a bad thought. He was looking forward for it...
"Apart from that, I can ignite stuff."
"Ignite ssstuff?" asked Eser. "Boysss, think fassst, it'sss getting clossser!"
(https://i.imgur.com/38uj0wl.jpg?1)
"Well, you saw fire imp or fire man, nah? Something like that. The problem is, I can't corner it with fire, it can climb. I can't set it on fire now, it has chitin armor. I could hurl a fireball..."
(https://i.imgur.com/B1zAbfM.jpg?1)
"Scorch the eye!" said Bufut.
"That's another, though lesser problem. I must hurl the fireball. I'm not grand master thrower... Or I could send a firejet. But we need to engage it first, get close to it!"
"And what about cave-ins?" asked Id. "We could cause one, where the walls are damaged!"
(https://i.imgur.com/tLAvg0K.jpg?1)
"We would have to get past the beast, back the way we came! And stop planning, it's here!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on July 29, 2019, 06:57:13 am

Huh. We've got kind of a... strange assortment of allies to work with here, but maybe we can figure something out...

Id says he's "the greatest miner he ever lived"? Maybe that's empty boasting, but I'm gonna take him for his word.
Have Lolor blast "Wazantski" in the eye with a firejet. Then have Id rush in and drive his pick into that thing's brain while it's off-kilter (blinded? Stunned?) from the firejet.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on July 30, 2019, 06:11:18 am

(https://i.imgur.com/IJEmL2U.jpg?1)
"Hey, don't stand here like dorfs on break and do something!" cried Lolor. "Id, climb on that beast and smash its head!"
"You heard, boysss, climb there too..." hissed Eser.
(https://i.imgur.com/YJJvzKV.jpg?1)
The ant made a sudden charge towards Otin, and knocked Eser down on the ground. Confused helmet snake crawled under the beast. Serpent spearman grabbed closest leg and climbed. Id did the same.
(https://i.imgur.com/liUjhXn.jpg?1)
Soft fungal body of Otin stood no chance against big, sharp mandibles.
Otin was struck down...
Serpent knife user helped Bufut, who was biting the beast in lower leg. Lolor was slowly and carefully coming closer. Id and the spearman were already on beast's back.
(https://i.imgur.com/2ijkMAs.jpg?1)
Lolor mutters an incantation and a jet of fire comes from his palm!
The ant was making angry ticking noises. Knife user went to help Eser. The beast squeezed Bufut with its giant leg. Id and his companion rushed towards head.
(https://i.imgur.com/StAp0fZ.jpg?1)
Angry ticking noises were getting more and more intense. Bufut was panting, lying on ground. It seemed the beast can't see anymore, fortunately for the party.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZvY2SBL.jpg?1)
Id stood on the head, serpent man was just behind him.
Id strikes the forgotten beast in the head with his xBronze Pickaxex, but the blow glances away!
"Quickly, drag your leader away, if the beast falls, it'll crush you!" shouted Lolor.
The ant wasn't paying much attention to its foes now, except unlucky Bufut who was squeezed again.
(https://i.imgur.com/V6LHdrg.jpg?1)
The ant was blindly staggering around the place, knocking both serpent men again.
Id strikes the forgotten beast in the head with his xBronze Pickaxex, but the blow glances away!
"Oh c'mon! I'll mine this! I will!" shouted Id.
Id has entered martial trance!
Bufut was knocked unconscious.
Helmet snake bites the forgotten beast in the right back upper leg!
Helmet snake latches on firmly!
(https://i.imgur.com/IcRe2Ww.jpg?1)
"Eat this!"
Lolor hurls a fireball!
Id strikes the forgotten beast in the head with his xBronze Pickaxex, shattering the chitin!
(https://i.imgur.com/U0S2PXe.jpg?1)
The ant swallowed the fireball, and started to wildly shake its head. Id fell down, the spearman was balancing with his spear, but he fell on the back of the beast.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZErFZNK.jpg?1)
Id grappled with his pick over the hard mandible, and was swinging to left and right.
"I made a hole between the scales, Lolor!" shouted Id.
Lolor was thinking for a brief moment, then he came forth.
"I'll climb over you."
"What?"
(https://i.imgur.com/GR9Q68e.jpg?1)
Lolor jumped climbed over Id, knocking him down in the process. But he managed to grab the mandible, and now he was hanging there.
The serpent spearman stood up again. He was stabbing in the hole Id made.
The rest of party tried to crawl away.
(https://i.imgur.com/MDJCB9B.jpg?1)
The beast wasn't stupid, and felt that something is touching the mandibles. So it decided to snap. Lolor saw the other mandible getting closer to his hand... It's almost there! What now?!!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on July 30, 2019, 07:36:15 am

Have Lolor jerk his hand away and hurl a fireball, if he can.
Have Id drive his pick into "Wazantski"'s brain, through its eye.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on July 30, 2019, 07:52:21 am

I started a suggestion where Lolor attempts to hurl Id back up at the expense of his hand, but Lolor already said he's not accurate at throwing. Agree with not getting hand futilely chomped. Id isn't up there, but the brave spearserpentman is: Have whats-r-name drive their spear through its eye.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on July 30, 2019, 08:17:11 am

Quote from: mightymushroom on July 30, 2019, 07:52:21 am

I started a suggestion where Lolor attempts to hurl Id back up at the expense of his hand, but Lolor already said he's not accurate at throwing. Agree with not getting hand futilely chomped. Id isn't up there, but the brave spearserpentman is: Have whats-r-name drive their spear through its eye.

Why not both? Everybody gangpile the eye!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on July 30, 2019, 09:17:02 am

(https://i.imgur.com/SEIpYo9.jpg?1)
Thankfully, the ant moved one leg close enough for Lolor to get away from the deadly grip of mandibles. In second hand, he prepared fireball. Id got to this leg too, and climbed up.
"Everybody gangpile the eye!" shouted Lolor.
Lolor hurls a fireball!
(https://i.imgur.com/OGHMtr4.jpg?1)
"Agh! I missed!" cried Lolor, and lost ground under the legs, so he quickly grabbed antenna.
Id ran up, before the ant would raise his leg.
(https://i.imgur.com/tBL5XZi.jpg?1)
Id and the serpent man gangpiled the eye, and they got deeper under the chitin. With every strike, the beast was paralyzed for the moment.
"Great, step back!" said Lolor, as he climbed on the head too, soon he stood on mandible.
(https://i.imgur.com/iEx60G2.jpg?1)
Lolor mutters an incantation and a jet of fire comes from his palm!
The flame went all the way down through the hole. The beast collapsed.
(https://i.imgur.com/6HsYgCY.jpg?1)
Bufut was struck down.
Lolor fell down, but he didn't hurt himself. Eser wasn't so lucky, giant leg of the ant has pierced his chest.
(https://i.imgur.com/mP855uc.jpg?1)
The rest of the party climbed down.
"We did it! We defeated a forgotten beast!" said Lolor.
"Yeah!" said Id. "Seems I'm really greatest miner that ever lived after all..."
(https://i.imgur.com/I3omWgr.jpg?1)
"Eser! You okay?"
"I won't lie to you, Id." hissed Eser. "I really, really wanted to take you hossstage and sssell to Wõrv... Heh... Thingsss don't alwaysss go asss planned, maybe it'sss better thisss way. Pleassse, take care of my men. Men, tell hisss friendsss about that fortresssssss..."
Then he breathed out for the last time.
"I'm sorry for your pals..." whispered Lolor.
"Oh, that's okay. You'll get used to this, especially in caverns..." said Id. "We'll do as he said."
(https://i.imgur.com/kGCmich.jpg?1)
"So... Take that serpent with you, it's alive... Go to every camp and get them here!"
(https://i.imgur.com/FNF41j6.jpg?1)
"Hm. I guess we're going back. The chasm might be already mined out... Come with me, Id." said Lolor. And so they went.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on July 30, 2019, 10:00:20 am

Hooray! We won! ...Kind of!
I'd not known Lolor could do that. It's nice to know he's not completely useless in a fight.

It's almost a pity to leave "Wazantski" behind. He was a beautiful piece of papercraft.  :)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on July 30, 2019, 12:27:44 pm

Quote from: Superdorf on July 30, 2019, 10:00:20 am

It's almost a pity to leave "Wazantski" behind. He was a beautiful piece of papercraft.  :)

It still is, it wasn't damaged in any way. Due to canon toad belief, everything's possible.

It was fun to make, since it's really and completely 3D it's maybe the only forgotten beast I made that has desired size, scaled to papercraft dwarf. At one point I thought I lost it too, but it's luckily big enough.  ;D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on July 31, 2019, 06:01:33 am

(https://i.imgur.com/HCnSOED.jpg?1)
"I danced my daily dance, I visited Adur and the livestock, I hauled a boulder all the way to the mason's, I caught all the crundles, I think... And everyone's still down there in the caverns! Man, what a day..."
(https://i.imgur.com/vkCl2Ps.jpg?1)
"Excuse me, gentle dwarf..."
(https://i.imgur.com/oALdRze.jpg?1)
"Can I speak to Mr. Lolor, please?"

(https://i.imgur.com/Kapwy7j.jpg?1)
"Oh come on! How's that every stranger want to speak with Lolor! What about other dwarves? Are they still a thing? No one cares!"
Lord Dazelosric was looking at Zeg's lamentation with patience.
"Sorry, noble rider. I... I'm just freaking out at the moment. I'm sort of noble here, may I ask who you are?"
(https://i.imgur.com/wFUVb27.jpg?1)
"Lord Alle Dazelosric of Copnutgashi. Your dwarves traded lots of food with us."
"Oh, nice to meet you, lord Dazelosric!"
"Now where were I... Oh yes. Where is Lolor?"
(https://i.imgur.com/9Hk0oDN.jpg?1)
"I heard he fell to underground chasm, or something like that."
"So he's not... Available?"
"Definitely not, dear lord. Maybe dead. I don't know."
"That's a pity... I'll wait."
Zeg was scratching his beard, thinking, then he said: "Certainly it would be terrible to leave someone outside, when he can go inside. Would you like wine with something?"

(https://i.imgur.com/V7FdDHo.jpg?1)
"So this is Kudarkalur... Nice place. I couldn't live underground, but it's very... Aesthetically pleasing."
"Our dwarves are doing really good. One magical toad motivated us, it's with rest of dwarves in the tunnels."
"Magical toad? I read something about them. Why is everyone in the tunnel? To fetch me Lolor?"
Both laughed for a while.
"Certainly, your lordship!"

(https://i.imgur.com/vFiQywZ.jpg?1)
"These... Crundles you have here..."
"Yeah, they're little naughty..."
"I like them. You think it's possible to buy them?"
"Well, our overseer Alak is very fond of them, so I don't really know."
"I see. I'll ask him myself."
(https://i.imgur.com/Cds2gV8.jpg?1)
From back door to the kitchen, Otad has shown up, with platter for the guest.
"Plump helmet wine, potatoes with rock nuts!" he said, as he put the meal on the table.
(https://i.imgur.com/llDbJyO.jpg?1)
"Thank you, kind cook."
"That honor's not mine, I'm just mere waiter, your lordship. Enjoy your meal!"
(https://i.imgur.com/EWGaDAE.jpg?1)
"Mushroom wine? Haven't tasted that before..." said lord Dazelosric, he took the mug and tasted, he apparently enjoyed it.
"I'm glad that rumbling and crashing from beneath has faded, they could return soon..." said Zeg.
"Why don't you check it out? You don't like caverns?"
"Let's say my tribal duties and caverns don't go along well. I need to be near the surface. I'm in charge of local tribesmen."
"My butler is a former tribesman. I like to take foreigners as servants, they're contrasting with my porcelain tableware!"
They laughed again.

(https://i.imgur.com/L4m3asl.jpg?1)
"You know, your lordship, you're pleasure to speak with. You should go visit us more often... By the way, why is there only you and your horse here? Shouldn't you have... Like... Guards? That contrasting butler?"
"I can take care of myself, don't worry. Mhhmmm... Hey, I know these potatoes, they're from Copnutgashi, aren't they?"
"What's up with you and Lolor, your lordship?" asked Zeg. "May I ask?"
"You may ask, but I won't answer, sorry friend." answered lord calmly.
"Heh. You're exactly as secretive as the other strangers!"
"Tell me about them."
"You may ask, but I won't answer!" said Zeg with a grin.
Lord chuckled.
"Fine. I'll tell you what's my deal with Lolor, you'll tell me about the other strangers. Fine?"
"Fine."
Then there was silence.
"You go first!" said lord Dazelosric.
(https://i.imgur.com/GLICKel.jpg?1)
"Fine. Once, two dwarves came, both were wearing red with sewn golden decorations, much like Lolor. They wanted to speak with him privately, he recognised them, he agreed, so we agreed too. That's all."
"Hmmmm... Oh, my turn. Lolor was my former servant, and I have a score to settle with him."
"Well, I don't know much about him! Alak does, and he says that he's not dangerous. Still, I'm curious, you know..."
"He's manager here, right?"
"Yeah."
"Managing, that was always his cup of tea."
"So you know him well?"
"A bit. He's southerner, as you can see, and he was wandering before working at my place. He wasn't speaking too much, you know, ideal butler."
"I feel strange powers around him."
"You do?"
"I do."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on August 01, 2019, 07:44:32 am

(https://i.imgur.com/pEUjyQz.jpg?1)
"Lord Urtormuk!" shouted Omot, he ran to the two leaders and bowed.
(https://i.imgur.com/Q4cr370.jpg?1)
"What's up, Ommie?" asked Limul.
"We're getting near the first fortress, Belbezstodir. There are hillocks in nearby. Shall we raze and loot them?"
"Out of question!" said Uxzoustug immediately. "We came here to reclaim one particular fortress, banish Zomus for good and go home. Understood?"
"But... We're in war... Men need..."
(https://i.imgur.com/pKj5Dl1.jpg?1)
"Oh, nice try." said Limul. "You're goblins! You don't need to eat, what's your problem?"
"No time to lose with unnecessary actions. Right? Great, you're dismissed."
(https://i.imgur.com/t7RaOZP.jpg?1)
Omot bowed and went away again.
"Goblins will be goblins..." sighed Uxzoustug. "Ong, were the old races like this?"
"Depends which." answered Limul.
"Which were you hero of?"
(https://i.imgur.com/9i00uBd.jpg?1)
Limul was thinking back.
"Not just one race. I don't want to talk about it, it recalls times when I sat on a bronze throne, big like forgotten beast, with jaspers, garnets and amethysts in it..."
"Oh, sorry then."
(https://i.imgur.com/RGkNiHU.jpg?1)
"That's okay. Heh, I'm wondering how it's going in Stothoaslud. What are the goblins doing there right now?"


Stothoaslud
(https://i.imgur.com/FPdB9BQ.jpg?1)
"Okay, goblins. Back to work! We have fortress to rebuild."
Goblins sighed, they thought that Uxzoustug's arrival will bring them redemption, not just tyrant swapping. One guard dared to open his mouth.
(https://i.imgur.com/jfHouyr.jpg?1)
"But master, the Urtormuk himself said that..."
"I don't care what Urtormuk said, he's out of reach now! And don't dare to mention them again, we lost so many strong goblins and trolls to win their war! At least I got rid of many annoying nobles..."
"Aren't you afraid of speaking like this?" said the other guard. "He may punish us all terribly! We should rather..."
Gostus got triggered, and he drew scimitar.
(https://i.imgur.com/XvGLCnD.jpg?1)
"I am the master! I am telling what we are going to do! I don't care there are those fools outside, they're not going to bother me! They're not! Shut up, or I'll cut out your heart and I'll throw it to beak dogs!"
Guards were silent already. Their glowing eyes were angrily staring through visors of their helmets.
(https://i.imgur.com/NPaLFqs.jpg?1)
Gostus wanted to leave the site, but group of goblins blocked his path. They wore long coats, capes, cloaks and robes. The one with the longest hair spoke:
(https://i.imgur.com/DF2WcYp.jpg?1)
"I see lord Sasneuzod as well as Ongongrera aren't in your concern... What about the others? Are we getting elevated influence?"
Gostus frowned.
(https://i.imgur.com/3OFmDpQ.jpg?1)
"I don't care! I am your master, your obeying me, understood?"
The group frowned.
"Master or not, you're not greater authority than lords of Alsmustspås. We won't serve someone, that denies truth. Evidential truth we all saw."
"That simplifies things, I thought I would have to banish you. Go! Leave!"
(https://i.imgur.com/EAJ6ZYQ.jpg?1)
Then Gostus turned to goblin workers.
"And if any of you ever mention that nonsenses, you'll have to deal with mightiest goblin in all of Stothoaslud!"




(https://i.imgur.com/C9rUAtR.jpg?1)
"Abandon our heroic lords? Never!" said the highest follower of Ngoruboxox.
"What does he think he is?" said another. "He's just a goblin, lesser than Rulasm! Even than Rulasm! That filthy beast at least didn't persecute us..."
(https://i.imgur.com/7qm74Eb.jpg?1)
"We all saw them, with our eyes, we spoke with them, they... They even coronated the new master! Yet he is doing like nothing of that happened!"
"This mustn't stay like this!" shouted another. "If everyone will behave like him, soon they'll fabricate excuses! I know it! This is how mortals deny supernatural..."
(https://i.imgur.com/ClOtsRQ.jpg?1)
"We should call a worst disease one could imagine, and let him suffer!" said one follower of Oströtakåtôz.
(https://i.imgur.com/KxVOK3o.jpg?1)
"Shut up, you puny branch of disease wizards! Or go try elsewhere!"
"I have an idea!" called one shrouded Ngoruboxox's follower. "The lords have descended on our realm, we saw Ngorubnestro, so our lord must be here too. Why don't you we call him? He's lord of death, Gostus won't stand a chance!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Onm2OHj.jpg?1)
The rest of pale clothed goblins thought for a while. Then the highest of them said: "Mark of death? That's... Pretty wicked. I approve this! For the sake of our nation..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on August 03, 2019, 03:04:15 am

(https://i.imgur.com/H1sTD2e.jpg?1)
"Good morning, Len!" said Berath.
(https://i.imgur.com/4trabk0.jpg?1)
"Eh... What's goin'... Oh. Good morning. Where's Olmul? Olmul!"
(https://i.imgur.com/lUcSAAC.jpg?1)
"Olmul! Stop setting up traps all over the camp, we don't need them!"
(https://i.imgur.com/okeC63j.jpg?1)
"But I want a fierce frogo guy!"
Len sighed, they ate some dry moss for breakfast and went on.

(https://i.imgur.com/tjKgTxf.jpg?1)
"Shall we visit those iguanas again?" asked Olmul.
"Iguanas? They live near coasts, we're heading north!" said Len.
"We should be careful, last time we met an ogre..." said Berath. "What other bad things live in this... Munsogsil? Was it?"
"Oh, I've been not there, I heard only the worst about that area..." said Olmul.
(https://i.imgur.com/3lOJqT8.jpg?1)
"You heard right, it's cursed place." said Len, nodding his head. "Travellers say that those who ventures into that swamp, their intents become corrupted, they get terrifying strength and will guard the swamp forever. Some say that some wicked wizards mastered this foul magic, and can curse whole armies to become their thralls forever... Horrible fate. Only greatest of heroes were able to stop these dark lords and lift the curse away, and the soldiers could finally die, in peace..."
(https://i.imgur.com/BOoUf2o.jpg?1)
"Yeah, heard something about that, too. I heard they are trying to figure out how to raise dead bodies to fight for them again! Hah! Summoning spirits, okay, but raising dead... That's a joke!"
"Luckily, no dark lord was spotted for decades..."
(https://i.imgur.com/koOVGrP.jpg?1)
"What about that dragon?" asked Berath. "You told us about dragon your lord failed to slay."
"Well, it should be still alive, lurking somewhere..."
"Thanks, I feel completely safe."
(https://i.imgur.com/GEmzgQ0.jpg?1)
"What's up again? You asked, I answered."
"Of course, but for sake of our confidence, some things..."
(https://i.imgur.com/KVi9mtP.jpg?1)
"Hey, here's something!" said Olmul, pointing in front of himself.
"What does it mean, something?" asked Len.
"A horseshoe!"
"What?"
They came closer. It was truly a horseshoe, without any rust on it, apparently freshly forged. Suddenly, they heard rustling nearby.
(https://i.imgur.com/4y1aI5y.jpg?1)
"Take cover!" ordered Len, and the party hid themselves.
(https://i.imgur.com/lHTaZlF.jpg?1)
A man in apron has shown up. Black short hair and beard, his hands and face had bits of ash on it.
"Blacksmith!" whispered Len. "I know this guy, he won't harm us, he's friend."
(https://i.imgur.com/acyesmz.jpg?1)
Len went out of hiding and waved at the man. The blacksmith smiled and came forth too.
"Oh, you found it!" he said happily.
"What, the horseshoe?" asked Olmul. "Yes, we did, you're welcome, mister."
(https://i.imgur.com/UqkQPs1.jpg?1)
"Who are these dwarves?"
"They're helping me on my journeys." said Len. "This is Olmul and this is Berath."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Tod. You know, lord went to take a ride, but he returned as quickly as he departed, he lost a horseshoe. A nice new horseshoe, that would be pity, I thought, so I went to find it. Thanks!"
"Wait, wait. The lord is not here?"
"Nope. He said he may be gone for few days."
(https://i.imgur.com/c28E89V.jpg?1)
Len thought for a while, then he revealed a wide grin.
"That's... Perfect."
"Len. Aren't you thinking what I'm thinking you're thinking?" asked Olmul.
"Hm?"
"You wanna sneak to the mead hall and check out if your crazy conspiracies were true!"
(https://i.imgur.com/vQRDdjZ.jpg?1)
"What? No. No no no." said Len. "Well, yes, but... Not with that crazy conspiracies part. You don't get this? This is wonderful opportunity! We may find out what the lord is hiding!"
"I would be careful about that." said the blacksmith. "Rane and his men are guarding the house. If you want to do whatever you want to do, it's not gonna be that easy."
"I'm not afraid of Rane!" cried Len.
"Hey, listen Len." Olmul said. "We agreed to find some wild man, not to break into someone's manor and get ourselves in..."
"But imagine the thrill! The exciting atmosphere! The hard decisions, the perilous situations!"
"He's trying to lure movers of the universe on his side!" said Berath. "Somebody stop him!"
(https://i.imgur.com/XG1SU1V.jpg?1)
"Well, it would be a thrilling adventure for sure..." said Olmul, tedding his long beard.
"Oh c'mon!"
"So what? Are we going or not?"

Let the Bay Watchers decide!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on August 06, 2019, 03:40:50 am

(https://i.imgur.com/KVtoM5R.jpg?1)
"And then I said to him: "Just look at your hair, dunderhead! And your pock-marked coat, if you want to be master of the universe, you must wear something less... Nosy, you know?". Why are you so far behind me, guys?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Jifm7M0.jpg?1)
Dwarves were patiently standing gossip of Ongngnuutgub. But now they had just enough. Ïlon, as a squad representative, poor guy, took the burden of negotiation on his back.
"You know, Ongnugbn... Ognnung... Goblin, we're really grateful for that beverage you gave us, but... Could you please stop talking about yourself?"
Ongngnuutgub turned back at them.
(https://i.imgur.com/tgw8aZ0.jpg?1)
"Hey, and what you want to do? Have you got something better than listening to mine adventures and misadventures?"
"You've been just talkin' about your argument with some other selfish goblin." said Neth. "Not sure what's adventurous on that..."
"Well, we can play some dwarven travel games..." proposed Alåth.
"Games?" asked Ongngnuutgub. "Dwarven games? Sounds like... Fun?"
(https://i.imgur.com/3v5U7fu.jpg?1)
"Oh yes, there are many ways how to enjoy yourself on travels. Before we met you, we were betting on animals!" said Neth.
"I don't know local wildlife well. Maybe some other game?"
"Or we can hunt and then make crafts from the prey, and have a competition!"
"Watch out! This is pretty steep slope... And no! That would slow us down too much..." said Ïlon.
"We can declare a deadline!" suggested Alåth.
(https://i.imgur.com/DFvnx1p.jpg?1)
"Or we can just move on, get to Emenkegeth as quickly as possible and have fun there. You know, in a fortress, there are many ways to entertain dwarves. Building a magma flooding system, building atom smasher above the sump, building atom smasher somewhere else..."
"I... Don't think I understand your games." said Ongngnuutgub. "Your sense of fun is... Weird?"
"How do you goblin wizards enjoy yourselves?" asked Adur. "Besides talking."
(https://i.imgur.com/1XlB15H.jpg?1)
"I like catching wisps and trapping them into cloth. Do you have any wisps here?"
"Hey, captain! I would love to have wisps on my cloth! Just imagine, how cool would be our uniforms!" said Alåth.
(https://i.imgur.com/WhqINUa.jpg?1)
"You have the right shade of blue..." said Ongngnuutgub. "You have good preferences. I could do something with that!"
"Wait. Are you some ascended tailor or what?" asked Ïlon. "I'm confused."
(https://i.imgur.com/eNSqsxI.jpg?1)
"Making aesthetically appealing objects, that's how I do!"
"You don't want to have cool uniform with dancing wisps?" asked Alåth.
"Squad, you're trying to drive me nuts, aren't you? That Gemesh's coif has bad influence on you!" shouted Ïlon.
(https://i.imgur.com/g2dC4eS.jpg?1)
"Look at Udma, he's silent, obedient, he hasn't the right shade of blue and he's completely happy!"
Neth and Alåth sighed.
"He just wants to practice craft! Be extravagant! Think abstractly! Those are basic needs..." said Neth.
(https://i.imgur.com/MsXhvgL.jpg?1)
"One more word and you're unconscious, your gear is confiscated and you're left alone in the wilds!"
This time, they didn't sigh.
(https://i.imgur.com/VNMXPBK.jpg?1)
"He's pretty benevolent. You should see how goblins are punishing..." said Ongngnuutgub and raised his eyebrows.
"Zutulxor, have you got some mute spell? Just in case, you know..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on August 06, 2019, 04:00:17 am

I can't quite tell what kind of fun Alåth is talking about here. I'm pretty sure Ongngnuutgub can't either, and this amuses me greatly.  :D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on August 07, 2019, 07:12:40 am

(https://i.imgur.com/7a8NkLW.jpg?1)
"Move, move!" shouted Alak. "If you're tired, go to Luslemnod! Dig! Haul! Dig! Haul!"
(https://i.imgur.com/xUGGZEz.jpg?1)
"I'll tell you, these sudden mandates are pain in the neck." said Vúsh to Urnût. "I know you don't care anymore, but don't let the cave adaptation get you!"
"Cave adaptation isn't a disease!" said Urnût out loud.
"You're vomiting and being dizzy!"
"That's absolutely..."
"Silence!" cried Alak. "We need to get through the barrier as fast as we can. I heard some hissing and clicking down there, hope Lolor's safe!"
(https://i.imgur.com/6fuVmGA.jpg?1)
"Just a one... More... Hit..." tuned Nakuth to himself, as he was striking the boulders, but he really did one more hit and loud cracking started echoing through the tunnel.
Nakuth layed his ear on the floor, and said full of joy: "We made it! It's falling, the passage will be usable again!"
"Hope Lolor isn't directly below..." said Alak. "Everyone step back!"
The dwarves stepped back a few steps, because the boulders in front of them started to move. But as it is with cave-ins, no one should underestimate them. Urist lost solid ground under his legs, and fell down with the boulders!
(https://i.imgur.com/BYSKL88.jpg?1)
"Urist!" cried Alak and ran to the edge of the passage.
(https://i.imgur.com/fpkJ09W.jpg?1)
Urist luckily managed to grapple with his axe, so he was hanging on the wall.
He couldn't be reached by dwarves. Alak turned to the toad.
"Luslemnod! Do something!"
Toad sighed.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZG5zafB.jpg?1)
Toad looses a croak, mighty and terrifying!
"Fine." it croaked, took off and flew towards Urist.
(https://i.imgur.com/eES9l8V.jpg?1)
The poor bookkeeper felt his sweaty hands slipping down the helve, but the toad got there in time, and breathed magic mist on him.
(https://i.imgur.com/bE3vuFQ.jpg?1)
In the meantime the dwarves brought a long rope, they ran to the edge with it and slowly and carefully lowered it towards Urist.
(https://i.imgur.com/8iRCPla.jpg?1)
He, with support of the toad, managed to release the axe and grab the rope. Then they pulled him up.
(https://i.imgur.com/oWgcdUC.jpg?1)
"Are you okay?" asked Alak, worried.
"Yeah, I'll be fine." said Urist. "But tell me, how are we going to free Lolor? This is a pit, not passage!"
(https://i.imgur.com/DJLZ900.jpg?1)
"We'll take care of that." said Urnût. "It'll be easy to make a circular staircase leading down at the edges."
"And there's tetrahedrite on the walls!" whispered Nakuth with his eyes glittering.
"Tetrahedrite can wait, we came here for Lolor!" said Alak. "Thanks, Luslemnod."
"You're welcome!" croaked the toad, panting. "But don't make me do it again! If not necessary of course..."




(https://i.imgur.com/cndgh73.jpg?1)
"Hey, did you hear that?" asked Lolor.
"That was some bang!" said Id. "Many boulders must have fallen!"
"Maybe they get past the rock plug in the passage! Let's speed up little bit!"
The two dwarves ran on their short legs,  trying to get to the upward passage.
(https://i.imgur.com/RRFZxiA.jpg?1)
The wall next to them started cracking, they stopped and looked at it.
"What's this?!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/Np8Tjl6.jpg?1)
A loud bang was heard, the wall broke, a gap has shown up in the wall, and huge cloud of dust came from it.
(https://i.imgur.com/eLsparz.jpg?1)
As the dust was settling, a figure was revealed.
(https://i.imgur.com/SyY6DjO.jpg?1)
"Ziril?!!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on August 08, 2019, 06:12:52 am

(https://i.imgur.com/GXEcUQk.jpg?1)
"Ziril?!!"
"Wha... What are you doing here?"
The dwarf remained silent. Behind him, some voice spoke:
"The question is, what are you doing here..."
(https://i.imgur.com/DVaFPAl.jpg?1)
Another figure came from the gap.
"More wizards?" said Id. "How much of you..."
"You told this hermit..."
"He knew legends anyway." said Lolor. "Where were we?"
"Gimme a sec... Oh, yes. Why are you blowing up caverns without telling us first?"
"Sorry, Alak needed my kea for other uses, so the message was delayed. But I wrote, that I'm going to blow up some caverns, come and help me!"
"We should had at least emergency meeting or something... Oh, nevermind. Hope you hadn't exposed your fortress to some nasty threat..."
"Like a forgotten beast?" asked Id. "We just slew one. I must say, you wizards come handy! You've blown the caverns up, Lolor? That would explain a lot..."
"You slew one?" asked Ziril. "Nice. Can we leave these tunnels already? Now that we found each other..."
(https://i.imgur.com/kpYpIhU.jpg?1)
"Oh yes, come with us! Citizens are digging through a passage in order to save me, let's go towards it!" said Lolor.
The four dwarves went, Id explained to friends of Lolor how are things going in this unnamed underground area.
(https://i.imgur.com/xTSgiuH.jpg?1)
Soon they came to a huge pile of boulders, lots of them scattered around the pile, too. Now they were safe, at last...


(https://i.imgur.com/27pwny3.jpg?1)
"Splendid work, Alak! And miners... I thought I'll be stuck down there forever..." said Lolor. "Thanks, you saved our lives..."
"Oh, lookie there. Red crazed club again. What are they doing there?" asked Alak.
"We, mister overseer, went to save Lolor as well. You helped us greatly in the process! We owe you thanks as well..." said Ziril, very genteelly.
(https://i.imgur.com/RJIfoSE.jpg?1)
"And who's this half naked miner?" asked Urnût. "Another of your friends?"
"This, dear fellows, is Id, great miner and warrior." said Lolor. "He and few other dwarves are trapped in these caverns, struggling for survival. Thanks to you, again, they can finally leave these tunnels."
Id was told to not speak a word about wizardry and hurling fireballs, nor the powder. So he said just: "And we slew a forgotten beast! You should have seen us, that was something!"
"They're pursued by some Wõrv guy..."
The toad, till now just smiling and nodding, froze for a moment.
(https://i.imgur.com/7lsYl4s.jpg?1)
"Wõrv you say..." it croaked. "I heard about him..."
"You did?" asked Id. "He's terrible overlord that needs to be stopped!"
"He's in our toad group..."
Everyone looked at the toad, some confused, some furious, some worried...
(https://i.imgur.com/8D5VBgh.jpg?1)
"So I think I'll calm him down. Yeah, he's one of those of us who doesn't care one way or another... That's wrong. I'll speak to him..."
"There are more dwarves here?" asked Alak. "That would explain that atelier and that whole Rigòth thing."
(https://i.imgur.com/6nihGMO.jpg?1)
"You saw Rigòth?" asked Id, gasping.
"He's dead. He made his own coffin and engraved the cavern he was trapped in."
Id was silent for while.
"He was my childhood friend. Can I visit this grave of his?"
"Go ahead." said Urnût. "Up the staircase, first turning."
(https://i.imgur.com/NgLrSQq.jpg?1)
Id ran up immediately.
"I'm so happy you're alive!" said Alak. "Come, let's go for a feast!"
"Feast will do." croaked the toad. "Now your fortress has access to metals, food, new citizens... Hope we'll keep up with the good work..."


(https://i.imgur.com/yqfhbQJ.jpg?1)
"He didn't answer some letter?" asked Zeg. "That's all?"
"The business is pretty serious, so I came to see him in person." answered lord. "Mmm, this purple stuff is pretty good!"
"Hey, do you hear it?"
"Like a regiment marching? That sound?"
"They're returning!"
"Finally! I'll finish this later, if you don't mind."
(https://i.imgur.com/TtmXCGc.jpg?1)
Lord Dazelosric stood up and stroke a triumphant pose, his favorite. Then the chamber door opened, and dwarves started coming in.
(https://i.imgur.com/IarqCGX.jpg?1)
First was Alak, then Urist, then Lolor, then his friends... When Alak saw lord Dazelosric, he widened his eyes and stopped, those behind him bumped into him.
When lord Dazelosric saw Lolor and two another red clothed dwarves, he widened his eyes too.
"Yikes." he slowly whispered.
(https://i.imgur.com/NtDYuAM.jpg?1)
Zeg turned to him, and was puzzled by his sudden change in face. He stood up too and said to everyone: "I see you were successful, that's great! Now, that you're back here everyone, lord Dazelosric has come to see L..."
Lord Dazelosric nudged him, and he spoke no further. Then the lord adjusted his blazer, and continued himself: "I came here, well, as you know, we have plenty of food, you have other useful things, I came to propose a trading partnership between Copnutgashi and Kudarkalur."
Zeg nudged lord back, gave him puzzled, angry glance and shrug. Lord gesticulated everything is just fine.
"Trading partnership?" asked Alak. "Wonderful idea! I am lord Alak Zilirdural, local overseer. Take a seat!"
"Nice to meet you, lord Alak!"
(https://i.imgur.com/D4kgA8f.jpg?1)
Alak sat down on his throne, blissful, and said: "Urist and crundles are staying here, rest of you, leave the room."
So they went out. The three Kâdolites were mumbling something to each other.
(https://i.imgur.com/KY1YLrY.jpg?1)
"That's the lord?" asked Ziril.
"Yeah, and I would bet that he came for me." said Lolor. "Keshan, Ziril, you must stay here for the time being."
"I absolutely don't like it, but I agree." said Keshan. "I saw three other members here, what about them?"
"I'm doing my best to prevent them from revealing susceptible information. They're just bad at keeping secrets."
(https://i.imgur.com/MmftEYs.jpg?1)
"At least someone's here with you." whispered Ziril. "But the lord troubles me. What does the overseer know?"
"Just that there's an order, I'm in it, we seek no harm and we have our goals. He doesn't want to know more, besides, we're friends, he isn't dangerous. He may even support us in the future!"
(https://i.imgur.com/GyASAGp.jpg?1)
"I see. Good. We'll stay here. For the time being."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on August 10, 2019, 06:46:24 am

(https://i.imgur.com/N0mh1iX.jpg?1)
*meditating noises*
(https://i.imgur.com/u2W2ufF.jpg?1)
"Phew. Hope this Zärseîl guy is strong enough." muttered Ebeca to himself. "Hey, you! Wálim, is it?"
"It is." said the Tâdi guard.
"How much of you are on this mountain? How many warriors?"
"Few."
"How much?"
"You heard the Exalted one. We're not going to fight, you are."
(https://i.imgur.com/vl0E7nJ.jpg?1)
"Fair enough." said Ebeca sarcastically. "I don't get it. You're great, you're powerful, you're handsome... What about us? Who are we?"
"You? You were raised for this in the first place."
Ebeca widened his eyes. "What?"
"We're dying out. The world is not ours anymore. We do not have the power anymore. You do. And you can protect the few of us and the old ways that remained. And hope remains, that maybe someday..."
(https://i.imgur.com/sNmIRSN.jpg?1)
"Old ways? What does that mean?"
Wálim chuckled. "You've just taken over our culture. That's it. We used to protect animals and trees in the past... Though not this... Intensely."
Ebeca frowned. "What are you trying to imply?"
"I'm not telling you're the bad ones. This realm is harsh place. If it keeps you alive... But eating sane creatures might be..."
(https://i.imgur.com/pNuDxgj.jpg?1)
"Say it! Just say it!"
Wálim didn't say anything.
"Are we waiting for all the tribes there are to came here or what? We're waiting for too long. Why are we going to take action?"
"You'll get used to it. Many of us didn't take cation for hundreds of years."
Ebeca was thinking. "I still don't get this. What is the Exalted one trying to achieve? Just survive and wait for better times? Sometimes, you have to take cover and wait, but this..."
"He's broken person. Too broken by now."
"He was under great deal of stress for a long time?"
"For a long, long time. He hasn't gone insane, but is obsessed with preserving, and won't change so easily."


(https://i.imgur.com/CZGMga7.jpg?1)
"The night is getting closer and denser every day..." whispered the Exalted one.
"Of course it is, with that Zomus being just few hilltops away. Shouldn't we dispose of him?" asked Cilko.
"That toad will do that for us."
"That's pretty... Intriguing."
"But I feel another great power sources, moving slowly towards us."
"Really? And who or what's that?"
"I can't quite say. I need them to be closer."
(https://i.imgur.com/7CHOctc.jpg?1)
"What will you do if you survive the new age, o Exalted one?"
"That's a question. I can't quite say either. If there will be right conditions, then we may come out..."
"I fear, with this attitude, there will be never "right conditions"."


(https://i.imgur.com/pVmAfpd.jpg?1)
"Army is my problem? Well, let's assemble it, then!"
(https://i.imgur.com/ThOH26w.jpg?1)
"Brothers and sisters! The Exalted one has enslaved us in order to protect himself! He's weakened, and manipulates us to servitude! But this must end now! Join me, and together we can overthrow him, and establish new age! But not that age the coward wants, but The Age of Elves! Join me!"
Some elves ran to him immediately, some turned and left, some wavered.
(https://i.imgur.com/FaT8sOt.jpg?1)
"Everyone who helps me can feast on his flesh."
Since tribal commoners viewed Exalted one as some kind of deity, this offer was tempting for them...

(https://i.imgur.com/LV8mrVA.jpg?1)
"Who's there?" asked Wálim.
The group did not answer.
"Ebeca, it's forbidden to take commoners on this mountain!"
"Shut his mouth. Forever." ordered the druid. "This night shall be known as Night of Glory!"

Your enemies - bunch of mad elves sent off to engage you so the rest can slip through. Namely one archer, one javelin thrower, two spearmen, one with a glave. More coming behind them.

(https://i.imgur.com/aaoavTy.jpg?1)(https://i.imgur.com/13hpq4E.jpg?1)

Your troops - Wálim - hundred-years old sentinel of legendary mage who basically prepared for fighting his whole life, warrior of your dreams! Feel free to use crazy dorf tricks.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on August 10, 2019, 08:41:23 am

Fight! Fight! Fight!

Dodge about; don't ever allow more than one fanatic to engage us at a time. If our weapon is made of some kind of metal or metal-like substance then use it, otherwise just use targeted scratches. Try and stab/claw their throats out if possible; otherwise just go for cripple shots. A few quick scratches to the Achilles tendon should down these lunks nicely...

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on August 10, 2019, 10:00:16 am

(https://i.imgur.com/5LWLM5Z.jpg?1)
Wálim charges!
The elves are surprised by ferocity of Wálim's assault!
(https://i.imgur.com/i3t9qJj.jpg?1)
Wálim swiftly stabs the Elven Spearman 1 in right lower leg with his -bronze spear-, tearing the muscle!
This spearman is effectively crippled now. The bowman is preparing his shot.
(https://i.imgur.com/QKtHXru.jpg?1)
As Wálim turns, he kicks the Elven Spearman 2 in the upper body, but the attack glances away!
Yet, the Elven Spearman 2 falls over!
(https://i.imgur.com/KggJQjF.jpg?1)
Elven Bowman shoots a wooden arrow but the shot is blocked by *wooden shield*!
Wálim charges and stabs the Elven Bowman in the upper body, penetrating it whole!
Elven Bowman was struck down, and the druid sees, this is not gonna be easy.
(https://i.imgur.com/AfHQdVU.jpg?1)
Ebeca raises his staff and mutters something, strange power fills the place! Wálim loses concentration for a brief moment.
Wálim tries to stab the Elven Javelin Thrower, but the shot is deflected by grown wooden buckler!
(https://i.imgur.com/IMsIW4Z.jpg?1)
Wálim kicks the Elven Javelin Thrower in the upper body, bruising the skin!
Elven Javelin Thrower falls over.
Elven Spearman 2 stands up.
The elf with the glaive would like to strike, but Wálim is far too fast for him.
(https://i.imgur.com/N1Msaki.jpg?1)
Ebeca completes his spell, and is quickly running under the archway with his bodyguards.
Vines grew out of Wálim's shield and shaft of his spear, and tangled his arms! He can't properly use them now!
(https://i.imgur.com/o6eDdMt.jpg?1)
Wálim turns and bashes Elven Recruit with his stuck -bronze spear-, bruising the skin!
Elven Recruit falls over.
(https://i.imgur.com/lbfytbN.jpg?1)
Wálim kicks the Elven Spearman 2 in the upper body, bruising the skin!
Elven Spearman 2 falls over!
Wálim looks around. Every elf is now on the ground, one dead, one crippled, three knocked down, but Ebeca has made it past the archway! Wálim wants to run and reach him, but hears growling behind him.
(https://i.imgur.com/JIfzcgN.jpg?1)
The fight here isn't over yet. And more animals and more elves are coming. And his arms are still tangled! What now?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on August 10, 2019, 07:03:20 pm

Welp, it seems to me the druid is the biggest threat here, so-o-o...
Charge him. Bite his throat out.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on August 11, 2019, 09:16:45 am

(https://i.imgur.com/RFTQ5sm.jpg?1)
Wálim ran to the mountaintop to catch Ebeca before he can get there. The druid was aware of thet, and sent his bodyguards to slow him down.
(https://i.imgur.com/5if4UpJ.jpg?1)
The bodyguards jumped before the running Tâdi. The impact truly stopped Wálim from running, but left both of guards dizzy.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ez4M38p.jpg?1)
But it was enough for the giant cougar rider to catch Wálim.
(https://i.imgur.com/wG618vI.jpg?1)
And that wasn't all, the warriors previously knocked down got on their feet and ran to the fight, too.
(https://i.imgur.com/qOfaGuU.jpg?1)
The Giant Cougar pounces, but Wálim jumps away!
Cornered, couldn't use his arm, he decided to make a little sacrifice.
Elf Rider stabs Ebeca in upper left arm with his +grown wooden spear+, tearing the skin and bruising the muscle!
(https://i.imgur.com/k7UTnhe.jpg?1)
The hit also cut off the tangling vines, so Wálim shook off his shield, to prevent further entangling, and stroke back.
Wálim punches the Elf Rider, knocking him down!
(https://i.imgur.com/CPB4Bng.jpg?1)
Then he scratched vines off from his spear, and charged nearmost elf.
Wálim kicks the Elven Sniper, bruising the skin!
Elven Sniper falls over!
Wálim stabs Elven Sniper in upper body with his -bronze spear-, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
Major artery was torn!
Reinforcements got there, and with remaining elves tried to corner Wílim once more.
(https://i.imgur.com/8U9AbqS.jpg?1)
The Giant Cougar pounces!
The big beast pushed Wálim to a rock.
Elf Rider stands up.
(https://i.imgur.com/ayWISXQ.jpg?1)
Wálim claws Giant Cougar in the neck, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
An artery was torn!
Wálim knocked the beast down, and since it was animal, its instinct suggested retreat. In the process, one of the bodyguards was knocked down as well.
(https://i.imgur.com/EUyZEXy.jpg?1)
Wálim stabs the Elven Javelin Thrower in the lower body, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle, spilling the guts!
Elven Javelin Thrower falls over!
Elven Javelin Thrower falls retches!
Elven Spearman misses!
(https://i.imgur.com/laQwBc6.jpg?1)
Elf Rider stabs Ebeca in upper right arm with his +grown wooden spear+, tearing the skin and bruising the muscle!
That enraged the warrior greatly.
(https://i.imgur.com/TkYUCJ7.jpg?1)
Wálim punches the Elf Rider in the head, giving him a headache!
Elf Rider stumbled backwards. Giant Cougar was by its senses again, and looked for a spot, where to pounce.
(https://i.imgur.com/eyxHLVB.jpg?1)
Wálim stabs Elf Rider in upper body with his -bronze spear-, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
Major artery was torn!
Elves were losing morale. They were shaking and didn't dare to attack.
(https://i.imgur.com/fgDCaJU.jpg?1)
Wálim stabs the Giant Cougar in lower body with his -bronze spear-, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
(https://i.imgur.com/FsBHvJo.jpg?1)
Wálim kicks the Elven Raider, bruising the skin!
The elf stumbled backwards, knocking him and one his ally on ground.
(https://i.imgur.com/j5hHbUX.jpg?1)
Wálim easily finished them off. But it was clear that the druid must have reached the Exalted one, and some of his troops might have slipped through.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on August 13, 2019, 03:09:53 pm

Victory! Kind of! (I sense a trend here.)

It's nice to see not all fey-folk are crazy around here. Or at least, that some of 'em are crazy in the good way.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on August 18, 2019, 12:20:02 am

Heh, this is nice, on my birthday the views counter hit 10000. Thank you all who are watching this!  :)

Now, I am preparing a summer camp for kids with friends, so lots of work to do, lots of psalms and songs to learn... You won't probably hear of me for the rest of holidays. I'll try, maybe I'll manage to finish chapter 4 to the very end... Let's do some papetcarfts!

Again thank you all, Bay 12 Forums and the others, enjoy the holidays till you still can!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on August 18, 2019, 11:23:37 am

Heyy, happy birthday! ^-^

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on August 21, 2019, 07:17:53 am

(https://i.imgur.com/EM88ZoX.jpg?1)
"Exalted one, this is end of your rule!!!" yelled Ebeca.
The old king slowly turned towards them, with glance most annoyed.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ufvnqks.jpg?1)
"That's what you want to do? You want to kill me? The one who taught you everything you know? The one you made you what you are?"
"Don't try, you won't convince us with your lies for a second time. Elves, attack!"
(https://i.imgur.com/qDCDY6F.jpg?1)
Exalted one opened his cloak, revealed ☼adamantine spear☼, undulating like surface of a lake. and stroke a menacing pose.
"Come on, then!"
Elven warriors charged in their fanatical fury. The Exalted one looked at them, his eyes started glowing.
(https://i.imgur.com/wtjRnR4.jpg?1)
The elves suddenly couldn't feel nor control their bodies, and fell. Then he widened his eyes even more, sounds of cracking bones could be heard, and the warriors screamed in great pain, helpless. Druids resisted the spell, but their apprentices were very fatigued after that.
(https://i.imgur.com/ARV3yWL.jpg?1)
They muttered their own spells, wines and thorns started to rise from the ground, but a mere glance of the Tâdi king was enough to banish them back.
(https://i.imgur.com/DLKx2rW.jpg?1)
Elves that were coming as reinforcements have seen that, they rather turned and ran, far away from this place. Wálim saw that, and ran to the mountaintop as quickly as he could.
(https://i.imgur.com/Gob8B8B.jpg?1)
Ebeca still had confidence, and sent two giant beasts against the Exalted one. The beasts pounced, but landed few steps before the target, struck by awe.
(https://i.imgur.com/RQYp7RC.jpg?1)
Druids muttered some spells to encourage them, but they were no match for the king.
Then the Exalted one opened his mouth and spoke an incantation. The night sky got even darker, as grey clouds appeared there.
(https://i.imgur.com/FpiGax4.jpg?1)
He then pointed with his ☼adamantine spear☼ towards his foes. Several lightning bolts struck, only the druids remained.
(https://i.imgur.com/KhKAuQn.jpg?1)
"I read his book of secrets!" shouted Ebeca. "I know how to defeat him, if he gets me, we're lost!"
Of course he lied, but the druids didn't know. They all muttered spells and made a barrier around Ebeca.
(https://i.imgur.com/P7ZhaY8.jpg?1)
As they were vulnerable, they were immediately smitten by bolts.
(https://i.imgur.com/ijKbMOF.jpg?1)
Ebeca survived, but now he was alone. And he realized, he's pretty much doomed.
(https://i.imgur.com/otor07s.jpg?1)
The Exalted one threw his weapon, pinning the wicked druid to the ground. He came closer to him, squeezed him with his foot and pulled out the spear.
(https://i.imgur.com/Glsd2p6.jpg?1)
"Fool..." the king said. "This was the worst thing you could do. Not only you didn't achieve anything, but you weakened the army, too..."
"You haven't achieved anything for the past centuries..." whispered the elf.
Exalted one cut druid's throat with his claws, and let him die there. He then looked at each druid corpse, at the signs they had tattooed on their chests.
(https://i.imgur.com/3CIlhmg.jpg?1)
"I'm cursing these five tribes, you shall be hated and shunned by everyone..."
(https://i.imgur.com/1kK5tR0.jpg?1)
Wálim arrived, panting.
"My liege..." he said.
"I'm done with them." said the Exalted one. "Come here."
(https://i.imgur.com/1tJQCh8.jpg?1)
He put his hands on Wálim's wounds, they stopped bleeding, crusts formed there immediately.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ztwln8r.jpg?1)
Cilko has shambled his way to mountaintop, too. He wanted to say something, Exalted one interrupted him.
"Fools, look at what they have done..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 02, 2019, 09:09:15 am

(https://i.imgur.com/Z6Y28dp.jpg?1)
"So you'll send your wagon periodically, with every visit I'll tell you what I would be interested in next time..."
"Deal!" said Alak and sealed parchment in front of him. "Lord Dazelosric, now we're official trading partners."
(https://i.imgur.com/5lb1ffm.jpg?1)
"I look forward for our future." said the lord. "Well, I'm done here, then. Farewell, Kudarkalur!"
(https://i.imgur.com/wMH5knO.jpg?1)
"Hey, Alle!" called Zeg, running to the lord.
(https://i.imgur.com/SscArm1.jpg?1)
"What's up?" he asked.
"What was that all about? First you told me something, then you told them something another..."
"Things got complicated. I would be glad if our private talk can stay private. Bye, Zeg, I'm off!"
(https://i.imgur.com/g9x39GM.jpg?1)
The tribesdwarf watched, as the lord and his stallion are vanishing over horizon. He shrugged, turned, and went home.

(https://i.imgur.com/DnxJWR1.jpg?1)
Lolor carefully knocked the door.
"Is the nobleman gone?" he asked.
"Yeah, we're done, everything's signed, sealed." Alak answered. "Come here, just you. Your friends'll wait."
(https://i.imgur.com/lBzbvlg.jpg?1)
Keshan and Ziril stayed at the hallway, Lolor entered. Urist, who was somewhere in corner bookkeeping, came forth too.
"Take a seat." said Alak.
(https://i.imgur.com/W9VLkWp.jpg?1)
When Lolor and Urist were both on their places, Alak gave them glance most blissfull, and he whispered:
"Dear fellow nobles, I've got plan how to become king of dwarvenkind!"
Lolor and Urist moved their heads closer.
"I'll marry a princess!"
Urist widened his eyes, Lolor started giggling.
"What's funny?"
"Nothing..." said Lolor. "Your plans are truly masterful, genial!"
"I think so."
Urist started giggling too.
"You don't believe it?"
"Well, the princess is in Emenkegeth, now when goblins and night creatures are all around..." said Urist.
"Why would the princess, or, more like the king wanted to agree? By the way, we're not even completely sure who's king now!" said Lolor, Urist was nodding.
Someone knocked on the door, then they opened. It was Rikkir.
(https://i.imgur.com/zvpUH1U.jpg?1)
"I can walk myself again, you see? Now, have I missed something?" he asked.
"Alak wants to marry a princess." said Lolor.
(https://i.imgur.com/eCFah7G.jpg?1)
"And why not? I would marry the princess!" said Rikkir and sat down. "Many benefits come along!"
"It's not that simple..." said Urist.
"The plan is flawless!" said Alak, raising his fist. "With help of the toad, we will save the day and become heroes, and we'll live happily ever after! By the way, Lolor, has your kea returned? Or any other messages from other fortresses?"
"Sadly, no." said Lolor.
"Why isn't the toad here, at the council?" asked Urist.
"Luslemnod has full schedule. After this I ordered one teraphy for our good bookkeeper..."
Urist facepalmed.
"Fine." he said. "But only because you're the overseer!"
(https://i.imgur.com/tpSoqyv.jpg?1)
He stood up and went out, but he bumped to Zeg on the doorstep.
"Watch out, I'm carrying treasures!" said the tribesdwarf. "Look at this!"
(https://i.imgur.com/SpTbTGK.jpg?1)
Alak stood up and shouted: "Who knocked Muz unconscious?"
"Oh, he's just exhausted. Look, he made this!"
The nobles curiously looked at Acöbkegeth.
"That's a crundle coop? Why is it so small?"
"It's not a coop and it's not for crundles! It's a nest box!"
"Look at the little gemstones! Pretty!" said Lolor.
(https://i.imgur.com/PkKsuTF.jpg?1)
"What did you mean, not for crundles? Apparently, it's perfectly for them!" proclaimed Alak. "Take it to Urnût, he'll know where to put it! And let someone have a look at Muz, okay? Good. Alright, people, that's enough for today. You're dismissed!"


(https://i.imgur.com/LG4fY8Y.jpg?1)
"So, Urist. First of all, what's your problem?" asked the toad.
"Nothing at all." said Urist confidently.
"I don't believe that, everyone has a problem."
"Well, I am not going to tell you."
"Why not?"
Urist scratched his head, thought for a moment.
"It's sort of... Forget it. I don't have a problem!"
Toad contemplated, like on some engraving.
"Diagnosis is very bad."
"Huh?" said Urist and moved forth a little bit.
"You're gonna die."
(https://i.imgur.com/UrKgRv6.jpg?1)
Urist stood up.
"Not now, silly!"
(https://i.imgur.com/IrJ1oFg.jpg?1)
Urist sat down.
"You're trying apparently to forget about your past problems."
"That's... Right."
"That's okay. The thing is, past is no more, and you're being weird."
"Weird?!!"
"You can't just hide and do nothing till you die. Cacatonic dwarves do that. You can't write off yourself, no matter what you did. You can change and be better!"
"It's not really about what I did..." said Urist.
"You're traumatized. Got it."
Urist wanted to say something, the toad didn't let him.
(https://i.imgur.com/iPHejLw.jpg?1)
"You needn't to tell me anything. Alright, keep your secrets. But now, stand up, and do something, when the world needs you. Okay?"
Urist nodded.
Toad smiled, it turned, wanting to leave.
"About that... Helping..." Urist said.
Toad turned back.
(https://i.imgur.com/F3tI1XS.jpg?1)
"I dropped my axe down there!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on September 02, 2019, 09:50:13 am

Heyy, welcome back! The antics of your paper-dwarves remain as entertaining as ever. ^-^

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 03, 2019, 06:08:29 am

(https://i.imgur.com/U3oA6Qp.jpg?1)
Near old lair in Stothoaslud, voices echoed throughout the desert...
"O thou mighty..."

"O Fang of the Desert..."

"O Blade in the Sky..."

"O thou everlasting..."

(https://i.imgur.com/s83TmzX.jpg?1)
"O Wind of the West..."

"O thou Sandstorm..."

"O Golden Queen..."

(https://i.imgur.com/UAHkTOU.jpg?1)
"Enough! I hear and I lisssten. What have you brought?" answered hissing voice.
"O Blade in the Sky, we brought you a servant, dwarf of dark skin, may he serve your everlasting highness!" said one goblin.
Great figure stood up from a throne.
(https://i.imgur.com/VeSdlWs.jpg?1)
"Puny good-for-nothingsss!" it shouted. "I have enough of your ssslavesss and food offeringsss! I asssked for magesss! Do you have magesss? No! Go and capture me sssome!"
"We're still searching!" said another goblin, trembling in fear.
(https://i.imgur.com/kNEyp9K.jpg?1)
"O Golden Queen, a pale wizard was spotted with his company, coming toward us! Should we..." asked some scout goblin.
(https://i.imgur.com/DBhUzoW.jpg?1)
"That'sss jussst the deathmassster, leave him be. Besssidesss, you wouldn't capture him anywaysss, puny good-for-nothingsss!"

(https://i.imgur.com/fFdzjVp.jpg?1)
"You stay here." said the deathmaster. "I'll go myself. Beware, these crazed fanatics may try some pathetic scheme, be vigilant."
(https://i.imgur.com/wOilwyh.jpg?1)
The master slowly walked past all the goblin worshippers, who watched him carefully. Then he straddled some distance before the throne.
"Welcome, deathmassster..." hissed the being. "Why have you come?"
"We're going to call Ngoruboxox. To use the Mark of Death on the goblin overlord." said the mage.
"Ssso old Rulasssm is truly dead after all... Interesssting... You want me to take over?"
"No, I'm asking if you're interested. You have many arcane devices here... After all."
(https://i.imgur.com/nlBgbmz.jpg?1)
"No way!" hissed the Golden Queen. "I'm not going to ssshare with you..."
"I taught you secrets of death..."
"In exchange for you not experiencing it. If thisss isss all you want, go away. I can defeat sssome goblin massster myssself. But that'sss not what I want..."
(https://i.imgur.com/xx5lqaU.jpg?1)
"Fine then." said the deathmaster, annoyed. Then he turned and left.
"Everyone'sss proposssing me ssslavesss and food... Nothing ussseful."
(https://i.imgur.com/LyCZGcu.jpg?1)
One fanatic came from some staircase below, he stood up before the throne.
"O Golden Queen, one of the devices is doing something!" he said.
"Which one?" asked the Queen.
"The third from left!"
"I don't remember the order! Dessscribe it!"
"Eh..."
(https://i.imgur.com/iePYFJt.jpg?1)
"Forget it, I'll take a look myssself. Puny good-for-nothingsss..."

(https://i.imgur.com/eWZeeud.jpg?1)
"Ssso... Which one? Thisss one?"
The goblin nodded.
(https://i.imgur.com/IoWnT9F.jpg?1)
It was strange large apparatus, made of bronze and copper, with precisely cut gems laid in little holes. Some of the plates had runes inscribed on them, unfamiliar to goblins, dwarves, elves and men alike.
"The old arcane receiver... What was it doing?"
"I... Well..."
(https://i.imgur.com/hfsHDi3.jpg?1)
The Queen scrabbled on surface of the device, upon reaching one long part she pointed in its direction. It faced a rock wall, little symbols were engraved in the stone, radiating heat.
(https://i.imgur.com/7OtMsDX.jpg?1)
"Fressshly burned out..." mumbled the Queen. "Bring me the map, the one in front of the sssecond loot pile."
"The one in northern or southern hallway?"
"Sssouthern."

(https://i.imgur.com/z8vLjqo.jpg?1)
After a while, the goblin, gasping and panting, returned with a parchment in his hand.
"Gimme"
The Queen looked at the symbols on the wall and the parchment. Then her eyes widened, her serpent tongue was coming rapidly back and forth, making pleased hissing noises.
"Thisss isss jussst awesssome!" she hissed.
"And what, o Fang in the..." started the goblin.
"You're definitely not the one I'm telling thisss..."
(https://i.imgur.com/A471azg.jpg?1)
She looked at herself, and started flapping wings. Nothing happened.
"That your food. Bring me that slim-down elixir!"
"Slim do..."
"By Goldenhorn, find sssomeone who knowsss where it isss!"
The goblin left, the Queen waited again. In the meantime, she compared the map and the burn out symbols, still fascinated.
(https://i.imgur.com/d82g8JC.jpg?1)
This time, not the goblin, some human covered in light cloth came. He had a potion in his hand.
"At leassst sssomeone'sss not puny good-for-nothing." she said and took the elixir. "Now go away, nasssty thingsss are going to happen here."
(https://i.imgur.com/cuHsoH5.jpg?1)
The human left the chamber to the hallway, where the goblin also waited. They heard gasping and vomiting. Then the Queen came out.
(https://i.imgur.com/BuIfSRv.jpg?1)
"Clean the messssss." she hissed to the goblin. "You come with me."

(https://i.imgur.com/onFq40Y.jpg?1)
"I'm leaving for... Asss long asss I need. I'm sssealing the core chambersss, but ssstill, jussst in cassse, keep eye on the dunderheadsss ssso they won't make messssss. Underssstood?"
The human nodded.
(https://i.imgur.com/Yz7PHUk.jpg?1)
The Queen spoke no more word, she took off and flew away, to north.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: delphonso on September 03, 2019, 08:18:51 pm

PTW. Keep up the good work here!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 05, 2019, 08:34:11 am

(https://i.imgur.com/SrogWIi.jpg?1)
"This is outrageous! How could you do this to me?!!" cried Len.
"It's for your personal good." said Olmul. "We can't go play hide 'n' seek in lord's manor."
(https://i.imgur.com/tCpdpQz.jpg?1)
Len was still grumpy, from the meeting with the blacksmith till now. Dwarves had hard times with him... They weren't saying anything.
Berath came to Olmul and whispered to him: "Do you th..."
"I hear you!" called Len.
"Don't be silly!" said Olmul. "We'll find your lord and everything shall be okay, you'll see!"
(https://i.imgur.com/47qtho8.jpg?1)
Since they were concentrated on cheering Len up, they didn't notice many figures, hiding behind nearby vegetation, very visible they were. Simultaneously, they all jumped and blocked the path.
(https://i.imgur.com/C7vkwXJ.jpg?1)
Len and the dwarves stopped, they saw the band is armed.
The shortest and frailest of them made a step towards our party.
"Give us all your riches!" he said, or, more like, he squeaked a little bit.
(https://i.imgur.com/pDNlIbQ.jpg?1)
"We don't have any riches!" said Berath.
(https://i.imgur.com/uDP6yCG.jpg?1)
The band froze for a moment. They turned towards each other and consulted for a moment. Then they turned back.
(https://i.imgur.com/E4MQyWg.jpg?1)
"Give us all your weapons!" said the bandit speaker.
"No way!" said Olmul. "If you wanna rob us, come and try it!"
(https://i.imgur.com/BdAAUrv.jpg?1)
The bandits wanted to make another quick session, the speaker stopped them.
"Okay, you asked for it! Feel our wrath!"

Analysis:
(https://i.imgur.com/qHDRokV.jpg?1)
You're clearly outnumbered, but you have experienced adventures.
Olmul - Swordsdwarf. Pretty skilled.
Berath - Spearsdwarf. Not so skilled, still fair warrior.
Len - He said he's one man army. Let's see...
Enemies:
They appear to have generally poor gear, but let's be honest, you don't have good armor either.
Their leader has some dagger, buckler, spaulders, protected upper legs.
Then there's one brute with big shield and bronze seax thing.
Some elf with spear, greaves, protected neck and shoulders.
Tribal brute with nothing but mace.
Dwarf with axe, greaves and breastplate.

Assemble the tacticians!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on September 05, 2019, 08:46:16 am

Hooray, a fight! This'll be fun.

---

Numerous our enemies may be, but have they the nerve for this? Let's find out.

Everybody gangpile one guy, and dismantle him as quickly and as messily as possible. Scream blood-curdling war-cries, gnash your teeth in berserk fury, whatever-- the point here is to get the message across to the rest of the bandits that we are not worth messing with.

If our enemies aren't fleeing in terror by then, repeat as necessary. We're more skilled than any one of these bandits; if we just stay close to each other and pick out individual targets we should be mostly OK.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 05, 2019, 09:30:17 am

(https://i.imgur.com/FwHBvzc.jpg?1)
"Waaaagh!!!"
The party charged the nearest thug. He wasn't afraid, unlike some others.
(https://i.imgur.com/eI6huzP.jpg?1)
Berath tries to stab Thug 1, but the strike is blocked with +wooden shield+!
Thug 1 misses!
Thug 1 tries to slash Len but the strike is parried with -iron axe-!
The elf and the dwarf weren't scared of fighting, and charged back. Olmul stood in their way.
Elf Recruit tries to stab Olmul but the strike is blocked with wooden shield!
Len was a good warrior indeed, he stroke with precision and dodged swiftly.
(https://i.imgur.com/OUk45FL.jpg?1)
Thug 1 slashes Berath in the right lower arm, tearing the skin and bruising the muscle!
"Ack!" cried Berath, stumbling backwards. Len just waited for thug's opening to deliver blow.
Len slashes Thug 1 in the neck, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
Many nerves have been severed!
Thug 1 falls over.
Dwarf Recruit enters a martial trance!
"Uh oh." whispered Olmul, seeing his fury. The dwarf noticed his numb arm, and thought that would be perfect spot.
Elf Recruit tries to stab Olmul but he jumps away!
Dwarf Recruit tries to slash Olmul but the strike is blocked with wooden shield!
Cracking of wood came with the blow.
(https://i.imgur.com/95WkgoE.jpg?1)
Elf Recruit tries to stab Olmul but he jumps away!
Dwarf Recruit tries to slash Olmul but he jumps away!
When he jumped all way back, Len and Berath moved their attention to current threat. The speaker and tribesman weren't really doing anything.
(https://i.imgur.com/WHxihlv.jpg?1)
Len slashes Dwarf Recruit in the lower right ankle, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
The blade of the axe went deep in the flesh, not severing the foot, but still crippling the furious dwarf.
Dwarf Recruit falls over.
The elf saw his last companions are trembling in fear, he shouted: "Avemika!", jumped over our party and ran away. The tribesman ran away too.
(https://i.imgur.com/PJKqaZu.jpg?1)
"I'll never surrender!" yelled the last bandit. "Wait, I surrender!"
The party surrounded him.
He moved his arm swiftly, trying to stab someone, but Olmul was faster.
Olmul slashes the Bandit Leader in the right lower arm and the severed part sails off in the arc!
(https://i.imgur.com/TeY6aIb.jpg?1)
"You're cornered, no more tricks." growled Olmul.
"Okay, okay!" cried the bandit. "Just don't kill me! Please, I'll do anything! I'll give you my earrings!"
"We don't care about some earrings..." said Len.
"Golden? I would care about golden. I must insist..." said Olmul.
"Earrings not enough?" asked the bandit. "I have more! More loot! Please, don't kill me! I can help you!"
"So what are we doing?" asked Berath.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on September 05, 2019, 09:36:41 am

We're telling this guy to keep his filthy lucre, and never to trouble us or any other law-abiding folk again!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 06, 2019, 01:19:58 pm

(https://i.imgur.com/O2dToT6.jpg?1)
"We don't want your money. We want something more." said Len.
"I'm your lifelong slave!" yelled the bandit.
"Really?" asked Olmul, with pleasant glance.
"Keep your filthy lucre!" said Berath. "We won't kill you. But you must promise us you'll never ever rob and you'll never ever bedevil respectable people again!"
"I listen and I obey!" said the bandit, bowing to the ground. "What's lucre, anyway?"
"Hey, I want a lifelong servant!" said Olmul.
"You can't trust this guy. Even if he lacks one arm." said Len.
(https://i.imgur.com/jkFGyuk.jpg?1)
"At least their greaves!" insisted Olmul. "We could make good use of it!"
"Okay, okay! Take it, if you want so much." retorted Len. "Come on, we have still long way ahead!'
(https://i.imgur.com/JGp6GWr.jpg?1)
"Wait! I must equip it first!"
"Let's..."
"Hey, and what about the breastplate?"
"Waagh!!!"



(https://i.imgur.com/6wmDV8E.jpg?1)
"How's the arm?" asked Olmul.
"Gettin' better." answered Berath. "What about yours?"
"Still numb. Phew, this reminds me of my past adventures..."
"What were you doing back then?" asked Len.
(https://i.imgur.com/8RyQZ47.jpg?1)
"When goblins kidnapped me, they carried me with other children to their desert domain. First few years I was serving the taskmasters at their homes. When I grew up, I, my arms and beard, the goblins saw it and sent me to sandstone quarry. We immediately sticked to some big dwarven boys... There weren't many spots with stones in Stothoaslud... The desert, you know."
(https://i.imgur.com/IJ1Y2tV.jpg?1)
"How many years were you enslaved?"
(https://i.imgur.com/D3vtHZg.jpg?1)
"Erm... Six, seven? We rebelled at least four times, it was hard to steal gear, I'm glad I survived till the successful try. Near the quarry, there was a statue of a knight, big, brawny goblin, with fire under his feet. The goblin slaves told me he's gonna free us one day. Interesting stories they had..."
(https://i.imgur.com/9qfVilX.jpg?1)
"Once, I managed to sneak into a pub, there was some goblin in pock-marked coat, he got into argument and put a spell on his opponent. He turned pale and started sweating and coughing, guards sent beak dogs against the mage."
(https://i.imgur.com/VbnfsiB.jpg?1)
"You saw wizards?" asked Berath. "You never told me."
"Not many. I believe they were persecuted. We all had to bow before some kind of idol, they called it Akudul. I hated it. They knocked down all the knight and wizard statues later, we called the event Dasnurodan. But back to the story."
(https://i.imgur.com/oDqFm90.jpg?1)
"Fourth try, I broke free. We were three, I, one-eyed Tad and Dozo. I was called Ustaber back then, for goblins never caught and punished me. They punished hard, cut out tongues and worse. We had one rule, don't get caught. And we didn't get caught that uprising. We wandered the desert, trying to escape from goblin domain..."
"Ustaber Angsikel... Wow. Your story is like travels of Rane..." said Len. "He isn't bragging, though..."
"I'm not bragging! I'm telling a story, entertaining you! Goblins never fed us, we tried to describe them hunger, for nothing. We had to get food and water ourselves. There wasn't many taskmasters aware of dwarven needs... In the desert, we had to eat every animal or plant we spotted in order to survive. Once, a giant gila has shown up. It has bitted off Dozo's leg, and injected it's venom to his body, crippling him. Poor guy, he died in next sandstorm, falling into pit, we couldn't bury him. That was last drop for Tad, who started throwing tantrums."
Olmul uncovered his chest. There was a scar, not very deep one, still visible, going from his right shoulder to left knee.
"Ouch." said Berath.
(https://i.imgur.com/kdRUWvB.jpg?1)
"Ouch indeed. Fortunately he wasn't very aware of what he was doing, and he forgot he was trying to kill me, so I ran away, still a pity, once such a good friend... I never saw him again. Don't remember what came next."
(https://i.imgur.com/m0SGwGa.jpg?1)
"One goblin guy found me in the desert, and took me to his hideout. He told me later I was behaving like wild animal. I served him and his friends, that's where I learned how to make soap. This one was hunting and butchering animals. He always gave me meat and fat, and kept all bones. Weird guy he was."
(https://i.imgur.com/22SiNQw.jpg?1)
"Once, he asked me: "Don't you want to be deathless?" And I was like: "Hey no, I wanna die." Still bad thoughts from the desert. Then the guy banished me again to desert, but this time, I managed to get out myself. Then I headed towards my homeland."
(https://i.imgur.com/IWyRMO9.jpg?1)
"Your life sounds pretty much like fairy tale to me!" laughed Len.
"Well, your lives sound like fairy tales to me. I had to rob, mug, steal, kidnap to achieve something in the goblin society. You were on your farms, eatin' your crops, happily ever after. How glad I was when I found Ermis, I could go on travels again, for adventure and trade this time. Yeah... It was lots of work, adapt to dwarven culture again... But here I am. You know, times will come, when you'll just want to end everything. All the suffering... But life... Life is worthwhile, and it always shall be."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 07, 2019, 04:04:20 am

(https://i.imgur.com/Xi4PO0q.jpg?1)
"Alak! Belbezstodir answered!" shouted Lolor, as he swiftly ran towards the overseer.
Alak turned, with eager expression in his face. The toad was nearby, it hopped close to both dwarves.
(https://i.imgur.com/FnLPLfY.jpg?1)
"What do they say?" he asked.
Lolor gave him the letter, it was still sealed.
Alak broke the seal and read. His eyes were moving rapidly, after few lines they turned red and started hopping. As he finished, he threw the parchment onto ground.
"Outrageous! How dare they!" he yelled.
(https://i.imgur.com/y0wmrwO.jpg?1)
Lolor frowned, picked up the letter and read it too.
"That's bad." he said slowly.
"Bad? Bad?!!" shouted Alak. "Outrageous! They laugh at us! Dimwits! Dimwits and cowards! They laughed at me when I planned building fortress in Imkegethonol, and now, when I need help and the whole realm is in peril, they're making fun of it as well?!! Stupid count!"
"That's what people do..." said the toad. "Sad it is."
"We can hope Emenkegeth will be more... Apprehensive." said Lolor.
(https://i.imgur.com/0optFgA.jpg?1)
"We can't rely on this!" said Alak. "It's hopeless! I can tell them over and over, we have a magical toad, it's gonna be alright, but some outcome, please? Dorf, this world..."
"That's why we must clean it up before it gets polluted even more!" said the toad. "But I agree, if kingdom's attitude is like this, it's hopeless to get help there! So we must turn elsewhere!"
Both dwarves turned and asked simultaneously: "Where?"
The toad was thinking, trying to scratch it's head with its toady feet.
"We don't have army! We don't have power! We..." cried Alak.
Kin, who was just hanging around, turned and walked towards his leaders.
(https://i.imgur.com/082FmaG.jpg?1)
"You don't have army..." he said. "Not even much beer. But you have us. Point in direction of our enemies, and I'll chop them! A lot."
(https://i.imgur.com/OhnfydY.jpg?1)
"Yeah!" said Zeg, who came up, just passing through, now he stopped. "We're not afraid."
"I am not doubtful about that..." said Alak. "But..."
"Bring the cave dwarf here!" ordered the toad. "I should interrogate him."
(https://i.imgur.com/NO4DDCN.jpg?1)
Zeg went. It took a while, to fetch him and pull outside, he vomited twice in the upmost hallway. But, just afterwards, he was standing in front of councilmen, listening.
(https://i.imgur.com/3KV3ue9.jpg?1)
"You told me there are networks of little civilizations in caverns. Oh, I should convince the Wõrv one to help us, there we go. Heh. But back to you. Are you numerous?"
"We have like, eh... Four, five tribal groups, some crafty secretive individuals..." said Id.
"Great. Are they able to unite under banner of Kudarkalur?"
"They are struggling for own survival, so, yeah, they would be glad to belong somwehere."
(https://i.imgur.com/jyF3DBF.jpg?1)
"Fine." said the toad, and started crawling inside. Near Lolor, it stopped and whispered: "I need to talk with you privately."
Id, apparently eavesdropping, whispered: "Me too!"
Toad frowned and looked at him, it waggled at him with finger, and the three entered the fortress, heading to managing quarters.

(https://i.imgur.com/9tnDbav.jpg?1)
"Oh, you've got colleagues 'ere! Very well. Miner, you stay outside... For now." ordered the toad.
As soon as Id was gone, the toad hopped on table and started.
(https://i.imgur.com/7gRU9tr.jpg?1)
"So, tell me... What was that about?!! I thought you'll just blow up a downward passage leading to magma sea, not blow up two cavern layers!"
"Yeah!" said Keshan. "Dear Sákrith, brilliant plan!"
"Calm down!" said Lolor. "It wasn't my fault! The powder... Malfunctioned!"
"My powder malfunctioning?!!" growled Ziril. "That's a joke! I'm high master alchemist!"
"Anyways, you wanted to have that passage, Luslemnod. And I'm curious, why?"
The toad jerked. It thought it's asking questions there.
(https://i.imgur.com/msYD69j.jpg?1)
"You know... There's adamantine! And adamantine, as we know, is cool! How do you call it, caddy?"
"All you wanted is adamantine?!!" yelled Lolor. "Are you aware of..."
The toad nodded, Lolor stopped yelling.
"We must mine it safely. It's slow and stuff, but breaching the gate is not worth it."
"I hope so." said Keshan. "We can protect dwarvenkind against perils of caverns, but not armies of underworld!"
"Wasn't that why you disposed that king once?"
They all three nodded.
(https://i.imgur.com/7eHr1ED.jpg?1)
"Don't worry. Though the cave-ins and earthquakes weren't planned, we achieved what we wanted to. I think your order could help greatly in warding off the darkness, don't you think?"
"Everything that threatens dwarvenkind is to be stopped!" said Ziril.
"What about that Âsem you're lookin' up to... Eh, you know, Kâdol. Can you... Contact him somehow?"
The three Kâdolites scratched their dense dwarven beards.
"We could perform a spell at the magma sea." said Ziril.
"We need the scrolls for tha..." started Keshan, but Ziril has shown him parchments under his cloak, so he shut up.
"I don't know your... Eh... Pantheon well. Do you think dwarven Âs... "deities" would be helpful?"
"Kâdol definitely." said Lolor. "The rest... I don't know, they're constantly mad at each other."
"I was afraid of that. See? It would be no problem if everyone was willing to help... That's the power of virtue and unity. Well, I guess I'll leave you now, and move for the Wõrv thing. Goodbye."
The three dwarves waved simultaneously. When the toad hopped away, Id came in.
(https://i.imgur.com/l3covqv.jpg?1)
"So, Id. What's on your heart?" asked Lolor.
"I wanna be wizard just like you!" he said with wide smile. "Will you teach me? Please!"
The three looked at themselves and chuckled.
"That's not so simple... It takes many years to master... How old are you?"
Id scratched his head, then counted on his fingers, muttering something, then he shrugged.
"I was afraid of that..." sighed Lolor. "But you're trustable, we could take you in our order."
Id leaped and clapped his hands, he was really enthusiastic about wizardry.
(https://i.imgur.com/0QBr7fF.jpg?1)
"You may die before you'll get experienced enough to be a sorcerer, but still, you'll be big help for us. Marker!"
Ziril searched his cloak from inside, and took out small pouch, Keshan drew a small knife.
"Raise your arm! No, the one you're using, the right one! Good."
Id raised his right arm. Keshan shaved his armpit, then each of the three dipped their fingers in the pouch and came to Id one after one, muttering something in ancient dwarven dialect, and drawing him some kind of mark on the shaved armpit.
Then they approached him for the second time, and each of them burned their part of mark with a little thin firejet.
(https://i.imgur.com/2oZGxje.jpg?1)
"You'll have to pick a order name." said Ziril.
"That's right. How should we name you?" asked Lolor.
Id thought, but he couldn't come up with a nice, fire-themed name, so the three helped him a bit.
"You'll be... Sarvesh."
Id nodded, smiling, his eyes flickered.
(https://i.imgur.com/gmCULI7.jpg?1)
"Okay. Welcome, Sarvesh, in the order of Kâdolites."
"Now that you're in our order, there are obligations coming with it." said Lolor. "You shall call your new brothers and sisters their order names, and us three, you'll address as "Kôn" <order-name-placeholder>."
"Fine..." said Id, wiping a little tear from his eye. "What's your order name?"
"From now on, I'm Kôn Sákrith to you."
"As you wish, Kôn. How long it takes to become a Kôn?"
The three laughed.
(https://i.imgur.com/Q2cK7nO.jpg?1)
"Now listen." said Lolor. "Great Kâdol gave us the power of flame in order to protect the dwarvenkind. It's noble task, and we're not to misuse our power nor social position!"
Id, now Sarvesh, nodded.
"The order matters are just for the order only. You may use your order name outside, but no secrets of ours shall be known for them! That you're Kâdolite hasn't to be secret, but you're not to brag and show it, unless needed. Understood?"
"Understood. What now?" he asked.
"Your first assignment is to come with us down, to the magma sea. There..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on September 07, 2019, 06:51:13 am

Hm. I get the sneaking suspicion that Obok has other reasons to be seeking out adamantine... now what would a magic toad want with the blue metal?

Oh. Wait. What if Obok wants to have words with the underworld?  :o

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 07, 2019, 08:25:18 am

Quote from: Superdorf on September 07, 2019, 06:51:13 am

Hm. I get the sneaking suspicion that Obok has other reasons to be seeking out adamantine... now what would a magic toad want with the blue metal?

Oh. Wait. What if Obok wants to have words with the underworld?  :o

Sneaking suspicons are everywhere... But yeah, everyone's keeping secrets as well. Guess we'll have to trust the little guy for now.

As you could see, in terms of drawing, I was very productive yesterday.
Since all sketches don't belong in the "Olmul's past" section, here you have the rest.

(https://i.imgur.com/jpAeEEX.jpg?2)
(https://i.imgur.com/HXrHQwt.jpg?1)
Two new friends, who enjoy nudging each other, and Kôn Sákrith.

Whatever wants Ôvok to do with adamantine, let's turn our attention elsewhere. Someone's apparently having big plans as well...

(https://i.imgur.com/JFuuolR.jpg?1)
Tommorow's gonna be wild...
You don't want to miss it...

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 08, 2019, 07:21:23 am

(https://i.imgur.com/qhn4iXL.jpg?1)
"Wálim?"
"What's up, wizard?" asked the Tâdi.
"You're full time guardian?"
"More or less... I don't see family often but as you could see, for a good reason. Man, I was just while before chatting with that druid, I would never see this coming..."
"Come here!" called powerful voice from the mountaintop. "I see him, it's Zärseîl, I can see him!"
The two immediately ran up.

(https://i.imgur.com/gLi7Qk9.jpg?1)
"He's coming to the valley, with another Âsem!" said the Exalted one, with a smile, they hadn't seen him smiling for long, long time.
"That's wonderful! How far are they?" asked Cilko.
"Soon they'll cross dwarven villages, but... Wait. What is this?"
(https://i.imgur.com/RRBwkVW.jpg?1)
They heard flapping of wings. Exalted one knew he hasn't any bird of this size.
"Something another is coming towards us!" said Wálim, striking defensive pose.
Soon, it landed.
(https://i.imgur.com/f1V095E.jpg?1)
"What on earthly realms is that?" asked Wálim.
The being opened its wings.
(https://i.imgur.com/5x8I0ZP.jpg?2)
"Finally I found you..." it hissed.
"How could it find us?" asked Cilko.
Exalted one frowned and turned to Ebeca's corpse.
(https://i.imgur.com/LbJh3mq.jpg?1)
"You see what you done?!! For a moment he broke my concentration enough for the ward to come off!"
(https://i.imgur.com/k3VwWme.jpg?1)
The being drew two large wavy blades.
"I didn't come to lisssten to your chatsss... I came for your treasssuresss!"
The three stroke menacing poses.
(https://i.imgur.com/VsnqnXq.jpg?1)
With speed of lightning, the being charged them, bashing Cilko and Wálim with it's wings, propelling them away.
Exalted one gazed upon his foe, his eyes glowed, but nothing happened.
(https://i.imgur.com/THwjDlg.jpg?1)
"Curse you, mage hunters! How is it you still exist?!!"
"How'sss it you're ssstill alive?" hissed the Golden Queen.
Exalted one saw he must fight the mundane way.
(https://i.imgur.com/2BtPu1k.jpg?1)
Exalted one misses!
Golden Queen misses!
(https://i.imgur.com/y0ox71H.jpg?1)
Golden Queen tries to slash the Exalted one but he jumps away!
Exalted one tries to stab the Golden Queen but she flies away!
(https://i.imgur.com/O1nA5Py.jpg?1)
Wálim, who wasn't completely knocked out, stood up and charged the Queen.
She opened her eyes wide, green spirals were spinning round in them.
(https://i.imgur.com/ce46um1.jpg?1)
Wálim closed eyes and collapsed, like unsupported cavern floor.
Golden Queen slashes but the strike is parried with adamantine spear!
(https://i.imgur.com/GmBjybe.jpg?1)
But Exalted one lost hold of it, it flew away from his hand.
Golden Queen slashes the Exalted one in the upper body, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
An artery has been torn!
(https://i.imgur.com/hHOTLR5.jpg?1)
But right before her eyes, the skin immediately sealed again, like if there never was any wound.
"What'sss..."
Exalted one muttered a spell, the spear lifted and leaped back to his hand.
(https://i.imgur.com/9plLPAg.jpg?1)
Exalted one slashes the Golden Queen in the right wing joint and the severed part sails in the arc!
(https://i.imgur.com/7JiVdeC.jpg?1)
As the blade of the spear touched the flesh of the Golden Queen, the stub that remained in the place of wing was immediately covered with blisters and disgusting mould.
(https://i.imgur.com/8xjHMR3.jpg?1)
Exalted one tries to stab the Golden Queen but the strike is parried with pale metal blade!
Golden Queen tries to slash the Exalted one, but the strike is parried with adamantine spear.
They both were gasping, the Queen was hissing angrily, and tried over and over to hit him.
(https://i.imgur.com/ohh1E1J.jpg?1)
Exalted one stabs the Golden Queen in the left hand, piercing it!
Golden Queen loses hold of pale metal blade!
(https://i.imgur.com/7g3lWid.jpg?1)
Golden Queen snatched with the now empty hand on the spear and held it tightly.
(https://i.imgur.com/wb0AS68.jpg?1)
Golden Queen slashes the Exalted one in the right hand and the severed part sails in the arc!
As the spear was loose, she threw it with the severed hand away.
Exalted one kicks the Golden Queen in the right eye, mangling it beyond recognition!
(https://i.imgur.com/rbCxetH.jpg?1)
The Queen pushed her large, heavy body on the Exalted one, squeezing him.
"Die."
(https://i.imgur.com/jWO5oOT.jpg?1)
Golden Queen slashes the Exalted one in the neck and the severed part sails in the arc!
The Exalted one was struck down.
The Queen was bleeding, lacking one wing and eye, panting intensely. But she won.
"Finally. Your treasssuresss ssshall be mine... You took the power of flight from me, but it wasss worth it..."
(https://i.imgur.com/oTdRihC.jpg?1)
She picked up the jewel from his head, and inspected closely and carefully symbols, inscribed on the gold.
"Yeah, thisss could come handy... Now the ssspear..."
(https://i.imgur.com/BhxvY2G.jpg?1)
She crawled towards it, grabbed it and inspected with pleasure.
(https://i.imgur.com/28fLpB3.jpg?1)
"Finally... I can barely believe thisss..."
(https://i.imgur.com/mcEhFgp.jpg?1)
"What? What isss meaning of thisss?"
Cilko chuckled.
(https://i.imgur.com/nNNDDFq.jpg?1)
"Where isss the true ssspear?" shouted Golden Queen. Then she looked around and saw that Wálim is gone.
"I don't know who you are, but the spear is beyond your reach now..." said Cilko. "I don't know where he'll take it. I gave hi..."
(https://i.imgur.com/vnxHSEI.jpg?1)
Cilko was struck down.
"If it'sss ssso, you're ussselessssss to me." she hissed, as she pulled her blade from body of the old wizard.
(https://i.imgur.com/TXdjE1X.jpg?1)
"But that doesssn't matter, I have ressst of his treasssuresss! Let'sss find the booksss firssst..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 12, 2019, 05:52:26 am

(https://i.imgur.com/4zuDZ0B.jpg?1)
"Look, mountain ridge!" said Ïlon happily. "Udirizden, we made it! Emenkegeth within reach!"
"Woohoo!" shouted Neth. "Gemesh, boy, if you could see us!"
"He may, why not?" said Ongngnuutgub. "Great. I supplied you with beverage, and now..."
"No need to part ways, friend!" laughed the captain. "You're our friend, and ally of the Mountainhome! Let's go for a feast, I am inviting you."
"Well..."
"Look, I insist. You helped us. Now let's celebrate we made it all the way, shall we?"
"Yeah, feast would do! Come, Ongy..." said Neth. "It'll be fun... I mean, you'll enjoy it!!
"Fine, if you insist. It's for the best." said Ongnguutgub.

(https://i.imgur.com/xLK5580.jpg?1)
Refugees and locals weren't very surprised by their arrival. Everyone was seeking shelter in the fortress, renowned soldiers and peasants alike. If Ïlon hadn't Udirizden crest on shield, they wouldn't even recognize them, they looked like band of poor noble outlaws. Udma has drawn some attention, but everyone was open-mouthed when they saw Ongnguutgub.
(https://i.imgur.com/sX1k4kl.jpg?1)
There was a warrior, missing pieces of armor, just like them, scarred, he looked very bold and he was smiling, even in hard times like this. Ïlon spotted him, and went towards him.
"Stukos!" he called. The warrior turned at them.
(https://i.imgur.com/enxwPXC.jpg?1)
"Good ol' Ïlon!" said Stukos. "And your men! And some... Other guys?"
"This is Udma, lone wanderer, and this is Ongnguutgub, some wizard guy. He can make good wine, you know..."
(https://i.imgur.com/Mi4rrd3.jpg?1)
"Weren't there at least fifteen of you back at the Mountainhome?"
"Oh yes, we lost a lot. But life's going on! We're gonna hold a feast, you going with us?"
"Why not?" chuckled Stukos. "We can call the king and have a word with him as well."
"The king is here?!!" asked Ïlon, widening his eyes.
"See, captain?" said Neth. "We didn't lose him at all. He was chillin' at Emenkegeth the whole time!"
"Not really." said Stukos. "He arrived just few days ago. Anyways, he's here, safe and alive."
"I was a king..." whispered Ongnguutgub. "Beautiful king. Now I'm just beautiful..."


(https://i.imgur.com/y4sCq4L.jpg?1)
The party entered a tavern in the mountain fortress. The king was already there, they all bowed, expect Ongngnuutgub.
(https://i.imgur.com/Jmufp3E.jpg?1)
"Dwarvenkind, hail! Long live the king!" called Udirizden simultaneously.
"Cheers." said Ongngnuutgub, raising his arm.
"Ah, my friend Ïlon." said the king, pleased. "Welcome to Emenkegeth. You'll have to tell me everything you saw, fine? But now, bring the food!"
Servants brought few big wheels of cheese, some griddlecakes and stews.
(https://i.imgur.com/1JZZr0w.jpg?1)
The king came to Ongngnuutgub, puzzled.
"What is this... Glittering goblin doing here?"
"He's a friend." explained Ïlon. "Ongnuh... Ognung... Onnogu..."
"Ongnguutgub, Snukoukkar, the Zutulxor." said Ongnguutgub.
"Ah. I guess that's okay? Fine. Take a seat."
(https://i.imgur.com/hEEOLEs.jpg?1)
Udma wasn't sure how dwarven etiquette looks like, so he didn't sit down.
Dwarven steward asked him: "Who are you, warrior?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Q3gtC4R.jpg?1)
"He doesn't speak." said Neth. "Come, Udma. Nobles sit there, folk here."
Udma sat down to Stukos and rest of the squad.
(https://i.imgur.com/N3YEWng.jpg?1)
Ongnguutgub quickly took a place near the king, but no one objected, for his flickering was so dazzling, it was no doubt he's very important person.
"Is he going to... Eat, when he's goblin?" asked the king.
"That's right, I don't need to. But give me your best shot and I'll be pleased."
King laughed dwarvenly, he beckoned the steward, who left to the kitchen.
"So Ïlon... How did your journey look like?"
(https://i.imgur.com/AxPrwaF.jpg?1)
"We were pursued by night creatures. Werebeasts, trolls, bogeymen, some cursed goblins, too."
"They're called night heralds, lad..." said Ongngnuutgub. "I don't like them. They seller their goblin beauty..."
"You now more about our enemies? We were pursued as well, speak, sir Zutulxor!" said the king.
"It's an old spell designed to older races, but Zomus, their leader, ya know, adjusted it to goblins. They can make a pact with a Anutormuk, it'll grant them some powers in cost for something else... That's pretty much it."
"We fought them. The skilled ones are pain in the neck, but we managed to beat them... We lost one dwarf there..." said Ïlon.
"We were ambushed many times!" said the king. "Lucky we that we made it. This... Zomus must be really, really powerful..."
"Zutulxor is something like him, I mean, by nature."
"Is it so?"
Ongngnuutgub nodded.
"Yeah, Töbogxubngesp, that's right."
(https://i.imgur.com/DCyNzGz.jpg?1)
"So you could defeat him with ease?"
"Nope. Definitely not with ease. I could spell clash him, and, if lucky, banish him for good. But... That's not your problem. He hasn't that big army. Those goblins that sieged your capital, the ones that repelled he most likely killed and those who joined him turned to night beings. The bigger problem is, he has lots of power sources to drain from in this realm. Just look around, under right conditions bogeymen show up out of nowhere, night trolls and werebeasts, more numerous than enough... This realm's tainted, and that suits him!"
"You want to tell me he can control any night creature?" asked the king, frightened a little bit.
"Control? No. Bind? Yeah, any. He's Anutormuk, after all!"
"What can you bind?" asked Ïlon.
"Do you have any beauty-aligned creatures 'ere?"
"Maybe unicorns..." started king.
"Oh no, I'm not the war-type. I can fight, but I'm not suited for it so much. You would need Uxzoustug, yeah, that guy could wipe floor with Zomus! Wonder where's he now..."
(https://i.imgur.com/43zpm32.jpg?1)
Steward sailed in the chamber, with a scroll in his hand.
"A letter... Letter from Kudarkalur!"
Everyone stood up.
Steward gave the parchment to the king. He briefly looked at the seal.
"Truly... I thought Alak was joking! Let's see what's we have here..."
He read and read, then he took all the nobles aside, they went to private chamber.
(https://i.imgur.com/Bn48C5t.jpg?1)
"He wants to get the Mountainhome back, here he wrote: "The plan is set, we would appreciate any supplies, troops, materials you could provide..."
"Alak." said Ïlon. "Has a plan?"
"Gimme!" said Ongngnuutgub.
(https://i.imgur.com/5Y3E3E4.jpg?1)
Steward has shown him the letter.
"Let's see..."
The goblin was humming, the dwarves were waiting, worrying about Alak's sanity.
"Don't know how you see it, but hey, he's got a point."
"What?!!" shouted the king.
(https://i.imgur.com/dTLG75v.jpg?1)
"This could work, I would back this definitely..."
"Alak hasn't any war experiences. He can't just ask for an army from his superior!" said Ïlon.
"And what are you dwarves going to do? Hold to the last moment, then let the kingdom die? Why do you think he's asking for help in the first place?" said Ongngnuutgub. "I admit, I would have better plan, but I like their plan more than remaining 'ere with growling booze-gobbling pygmyes!"
(https://i.imgur.com/uLaRcT6.jpg?1)
"How dare you!" said the king, and wanted to hit him, but Ongnguutgub vanished, reappearing behind him.
(https://i.imgur.com/EejVZkK.jpg?1)
"They know how to fight supernatural stuff. You don't. Sorry, Ïlon, I'm off to this Kudarkalur. Right now!"
He left, didn't forget to slam the door.
(https://i.imgur.com/jTNMBMn.jpg?1)
"Well, that's good point, on the other hand..." said Ïlon. "We didn't wage war with night powers before..."
"So Alak has bunch of wizards, okay!" said the king. "Still doesn't make him the boss."
"Of course not. But maybe we should get some wizard help too. If we're not willing to send him some help..."
"What does he expect, some materials, supplies, soldiers? I can give him a few, but few won't pass through in these hard times! And sending plenty, well secured caravan? That would be madness in this situation!"
"I don't agree with everything, but we're always under the king's banner. Udirizden at your bidding."
"Good. You'll stay in Emenkegeth, we need every capable soldier here. They're trying to assassinate me, maybe they'll come to siege this fortress..."
(https://i.imgur.com/ryUPpbW.jpg?1)
"What about... Wizards? And couldn't we ask unearthly guardians of dwarvenkind for help?"
The king gave him sarcastic glance.
"You think they'll come? And here in the kingdom, what wizards do we have? Kâdolites are scattered, in hiding, and if I'll try to get help from them the people will be displeased! What about that tribesman?"
"I don't really know. He doesn't speak, so we don't know anything about him..."
(https://i.imgur.com/Nnnniln.jpg?1)
"I'll contact local count and consult with him, too..."
"What about the other royalty?"
"What remained from royal family is here, safe I hope. Sister and everyone."
He looked at paintings on the wall above door.
(https://i.imgur.com/T6uWWBM.jpg?1)
"My first brother died, my second brother died... I won't. I'll get our kingdom out of this!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on September 12, 2019, 07:49:15 am

It's fun to see how you turn simple objects into backgrounds. That's, what... a chessboard and a coaster? But here they become a mighty throne-hall and its secretive inner sanctum!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 14, 2019, 03:49:52 am

(https://i.imgur.com/jlPqmLk.jpg?1)
"Kizbiz? Are you there?" asked Lolor, knocking.
"Enter..." she said slowly.
Lolor opened the door. Kizbiz was lying on a bed, she looked very tired.
(https://i.imgur.com/vXKJrdx.jpg?1)
"Final months, eh? Just wanted to inform you, I managed an order for three red shawls, okay?"
Kizbiz nodded. "I'll take a look at that."
Lolor nodded too, and left to the caverns.


(https://i.imgur.com/5qIdp5K.jpg?1)
"Are we ready?" asked Lolor.
Kâdolites nodded.
"Aren't we asking Urnût or Nakuth to help us with the digging?" asked Id.
"No, Sarvesh. The area is not secured. It would be dangerous. For now, the toad wants few chunks for few weapons. Rest of miners can dig tetrahedrite or something."
They descended all the way down. Miners already made staircase around Urist's pit, but not further. That was no problem for the dwarves, as there was no other steep passage.
(https://i.imgur.com/tsIMFon.jpg?1)
"Behold, the magma sea!" said Id.
"Haven't seen it in a while." said Ziril. "Alright. Let's find safe vein."
They carefully walked on the obsidian encrusted shore, and they saw glittering blue thing somewhere afar.
"There!"
(https://i.imgur.com/wfYmABR.jpg?2)
It was a pillar of raw adamantine, and part of it was on the stone platform, enough of it for our dwarves.
"Ooh, adamantine! It's so beautiful..." gasped Id.
"Never saw it before?" asked Keshan.
"I did, but never mined it. It was far too dangerous this deep. Speaking of which... What's the plan?"
"Ziril! Safety instructions!" said Lolor.
(https://i.imgur.com/y2Xn8TS.jpg?1)
"Look boy, it's simple." said Ziril, smiling. "The vein is hollow in inside, and if we don't wanna die, we mustn't break through. So before every hit, you'll tap a little and listen. Once it'll sound like asrer, dig at another spot. Okay? Magma creatures will leave you alone, they'll recognize your fire mark."
(https://i.imgur.com/8JRpYyS.jpg?1)
"That's... Useful! Okay!" said Id, and went on mining.

(https://i.imgur.com/WTIlQgn.jpg?1)
Id was left mining, three masters moved closer to the sea. Ziril has prepared some ancient scrolls and pouches. He threw one to Lolor and one to Keshan.
They all dipped their fingers into red powder, and mutually drew each other marks on their faces, around mouth, around eyes and on the forehead. Their palms were red as well after the procedure.
(https://i.imgur.com/iIhM6Pb.jpg?1)
They stood in a row, facing the magma sea. They raised their colored arms, and chanted in ancient dialect. Id looked briefly what they're doing, he saw they tongues were on fire as they spoke.
(https://i.imgur.com/IislIoc.jpg?1)
Trembling, he rather kept on mining, how Ziril instructed him. Some chunks came loose. He smiled, and mined another thick layer.
After the first chant, Keshan and Lolor placed their hands on Ziril's shoulders, as he threw fistfuls of powder in the magma. It started to gurgle, and crimson smoke was coming from the sea, it could be smelled all across the cavern. Then they chanted again.
(https://i.imgur.com/W9wfklX.jpg?1)
Id mined out more chunks in the meanwhile. He again tested if he can dig further by gently tapping the vein, and listening. He heard another sounds besides his pickaxe and chanting, he heard weird screeching, very unpleasant to his ears, otherworldly and horrible. He was trembling and sweating, but didn't want to interrupt his friends, so he mined on.
(https://i.imgur.com/vnzYYNy.jpg?1)
The magma was gurgling like boiling water. Blinding light filled the whole cavern, then the beams withdrew to source, a bright figure, standing on the magma.
(https://i.imgur.com/pAFfh3N.jpg?1)
As the light faded, the figure darkened, and Id could see, it was a strapping dwarf, with dense black beard and hair, red and golden clothes, skin like ash and flames in his eyes.
The three masters bowed their heads low, Id did as well.
(https://i.imgur.com/4zbU5dx.jpg?1)
"You've called me and I stand between mortals. Why did you call me?" asked the being, with deep thundering voice. "No one did that in ages..."
"Oh, great Kâdol, great evil is tearing our kingdom apart. By advice of Luslemnod, toad sorcerer, we called you, so you'll help us in retaking the Mountainhome." said Lolor.
"I see. Is it the night guy everyone's taking about?"
They nodded, but were surprised.
(https://i.imgur.com/kw4xqXZ.jpg?1)
"You know how it looks in my realm? It isn't really pleasant. We lost one of us to the monster just because he wanted to beat him alone! Everyone's holding grudges against everyone else. I don't really know if I'll get along some toad. But, let's try it. Lead the way."
They wanted to go, when Kâdol noticed Id with chunks of adamantine.
(https://i.imgur.com/67UNi7c.jpg?1)
"You're mining adamantine?!!" he growled angrily. "Kâdolites. Mining. Adamantine?!! What is this madness?!!"
"We have everything under control." said Ziril. "The toad is aware of everything. It's suspicious toad, but still. It's trustable."
(https://i.imgur.com/d504qpO.jpg?1)
"I hope so!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 17, 2019, 08:11:20 am

(https://i.imgur.com/VKwRE0E.jpg?1)
"Let me pass, let me pass!" called the toad. "For I'm power of ancient, clear the way!"
(https://i.imgur.com/YW17Ir9.jpg?1)
Amphibian men let the toad pass. It took a few steps, then it turned back.
(https://i.imgur.com/DTPTlLr.jpg?1)
"I need to speak with your leader! Lead the way, lead the way!"
(https://i.imgur.com/alZ62vX.jpg?1)
Guards obeyed, and took the toad to some big tent, further leading to little cave.
"There is a toad, wanting to speak with you!" said one of the guards.
(https://i.imgur.com/ohZZEKU.jpg?1)
The leader turned at them.
It was a bulky amphibian man, with maroon cape and golden buckles. A brawny kobold bodyguard stood next to him.
"A toad?" he asked.
"Yeah, you're blind?" said the toad. "Thanks, guys, you can go. You're Wõrv, I presume?"
"I am. Why are you here?"
"You're doing nasty things to cavern people!" croaked the toad angrily. "That's not okay at all!!"
"I have big plans. If they don't assimilate, they're my foes. By the way, you told me to do so."
"What?!!" said the toad, outraged.
"A toad of yours had made a pact with us..."
"Which one? I'll make sure it's punished appropriately!"
"Why so?" asked Wõrv. "It's for good of our people!"
(https://i.imgur.com/oocrg54.jpg?1)
"It's not just you and your people! And that's why I came too. By the toady authority, I am mobilising your tribe to help us retrieve the Mountainhome!"
Wõrv looked at our toad open-mouthed.
"Wha... What? Who cares about dorfs? They're nasty pests that break into your tunnel, steal your stuff, hunt on your grounds..."
"Our goal is not to make everything how it suit us. Our goal is to un-taint our world as much as we can. You remember?"
"That's not what he said to me."
The toad was trying to grunt.
"It's up to you. I can't force you to join us. Forcing opposes goodwill. If you want to be the bad guy, it's your thing. But when you'll day, everyone'll rejoice 'cause there is one evil less in this realm."
It crawled away. At the entrance to tent it called: "If you changed your mind, send a letter or something."
(https://i.imgur.com/jDQ0G51.jpg?1)
Wõrv sat down. And contemplated.


(https://i.imgur.com/Tpe5dYk.jpg?1)
Before toad left the camp, it sailed in, swiftly and silently, into one particular tent.
"Is here the Deilik guy?" it whispered, as it entered.
A little figure in front of it nodded. The toad came forth to take a look at him.
(https://i.imgur.com/OaWhJqW.jpg?1)
It was kobold, shorter than the others, in maroon cape, with shiny metal band on his head.
"I guess you're not happy here." the toad croaked.
"You guess right." said Deilik. His voice wasn't like of other kobolds. It wasn't so deep as dwarven, but had certain dwarfiness in it.
"Maybe I convinced the big frog boss to stop doing nonsense and start doing something useful."
"That would be great."
(https://i.imgur.com/KXEnJUc.jpg?1)
The toad thought for a while, then it said: "If I freed you, in case he wouldn't agree, would kobolds support us?"
The kobold thought for a while.
"If you free me, no matter how, we're with you."
(https://i.imgur.com/Ki839Yh.jpg?1)
"Excellent." said the toad with a wide grin. "Excellent..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on September 17, 2019, 09:28:34 am

I smell an army of kobolds in the making!  :D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 18, 2019, 07:17:41 am

(https://i.imgur.com/VvZy5FW.jpg?1)
"Oh lookie there. We're here." said Limulsheget with a grin. "That's the rock block made out of rock blocks, with labyrinth underneath dug in a rock. Dwarves are truly imaginative."
"Darkness is all around these mountains..." said Uxzoustug. "I don't like it."
"Does it mean bogeymen will assault us?" asked Omot.
"Not when I am around. Still, be careful. Zomus is not to be underestimated."
(https://i.imgur.com/PXae6gz.jpg?1)
"Shall we build siege engines?"
"Ong is our siege engine."
Limulsheget chuckled. "Might be so, but what about you? You would be perfect fireball."
"I think I'll have to do something about this night ward in the first place."
(https://i.imgur.com/nPaNFyz.jpg?1)
"Not a single battering ram?" insisted Omot. "I know dwarven traps and mechanisms, if our enemies figured out how it works... But you're right. With one lord of Alsmustspås, and some golden big guy, this is going to be piece of cake!"
"Don't forget we're fighting against another lord of Alsmustspås. And really treacherous one. Keep your eyes open."
(https://i.imgur.com/ahbt3U5.jpg?1)
Limulsheget suddenly jerked.
"Did you feel it too?" he asked.
"What? Magic? Magic is everywhere."
"Not like Zomus. This was like some... Something familiar... Something bad must have happened..."


Mean-while
(https://i.imgur.com/qIWI7SE.jpg?1)
"Hoohoo, thisss isss ssso fassscinating... With thisss knowledge, I'll be unssstopable! Pity the ssspear isss gone... Sssoaked with blood of thousssandsss of wicked onesss, that'sss weapon worthy enough for me!"

(https://i.imgur.com/aOFf1hh.jpg?1)
"What's happening? Why hasn't Cilko returned yet?" asked pretty much everyone in a big tribal crowd, pushing on their leaders.
"We are forbidden to enter this mountain!" said one Ñabsizcasser. "I or someone could take a look, but it's not worth the cleansing..."
"We saw elves marching there!" objected the crowd. "They know what's happening, and we shouldn't?"
(https://i.imgur.com/8E4AT5W.jpg?1)
One of Cilko apprentices ran from the mountain down to his people, gasping, panting heavily. He coughed blood, and they saw he has big wound on his chest.
"Mitacespi, great!" said the Ñabsizcasser. "Hear, Abo Alho!"
(https://i.imgur.com/upN5J8y.jpg?1)
The apprentice could talk only a little for his wounds. But he managed to tell enough.
"The elves overran the... mountaintop..."
Sutad was among the tribesmen, he was in charge of feeding the army. He took care of the Mitacespi. He was worrying for his friends, Duto and Udma, ever since they left. Now he was worrying the most.
(https://i.imgur.com/eWxuFsz.jpg?1)
Every Xemfedem assembled near the Ñabsizcasser, and planned what to do. Then the Ñabsizcasser came forth his people.
(https://i.imgur.com/y3AnEKw.jpg?1)
"We are to protect the Exalted one." he spoke.
The crowd started warcrying, raising their spears, clapping and stomping. The Ñabsizcasser danced his battle dance, and the tribal army charged to the Mountaintop.

(https://i.imgur.com/o6fomBR.jpg?1)
"Illusssionsss, powersss of the foressst... Useful are thessse ssspellsss..." hissed the Golden Queen, pleased.
Then she heard warcry. She turned, and saw all the tribesmen.
(https://i.imgur.com/3yPyety.jpg?1)
"What'sss thisss?"
"What's that?!!" called the tribesmen.
Those who had knowledge of myths knew, that Exalted one used to fight some winged serpents.
"It's an enemy! It's stealing ancient treasures of the Exalted one!" shouted the Ñabsizcasser.
"Ssstep back, humansss!" she hissed. "Exalted one? Isss that the pale wizard? With a ponytail?"
Tribesmen truly stopped, they were struck by some strange awe coming from the being.
"I don't know who you are, but thisss is not your busssinessssss!"
(https://i.imgur.com/9fxFgks.jpg?1)
Sutad saw her wounds and missing wing, also a blade, not perfectly clean.
"It must have fought someone!" he called.
"Yeah, I ssslew sssome big birdsss when in air... Then that bold king grounded me... He couldn't even regret that, that'sss how fassst he went down!"
"No..." whispered the Ñabsizcasser. "Liar! Monster! Slay it! Slay that beast!"
He started to dance, and gave courage to his fellows. They charged.
(https://i.imgur.com/lINHD3o.jpg?1)
The Golden Queen raised her head the highest she could and stared at them. Her eyes flashed green and white. The tribal army fell one by one to ground, asleep.
(https://i.imgur.com/CCOGkZi.jpg?1)
"Didn't sssomebody essscape? No? Great. Thessse got me unprepared, I could trick them or sssomething, duh! With thessse illusssion ssspellsss, many possssssibilitiesss come in consssideration..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 19, 2019, 07:53:08 am

(https://i.imgur.com/yMZslyj.jpg?1)
Our three adventurers were swiftly and silently marching towards their destination. Believe or not, they didn't know what to say, they were out of topics, and Olmul out of songs. But he had still one trump prepared.
"How far?"
"Shut up." retorted Len. "I hate that question. We're getting nearer every day."
"Great." said Berath. "Journeys shouldn't be so long..."
"Oh, you're not that accomplished journeydwarf!" said Olmul. "Mountains are worst. Even through desert, we were travelling quickly, but mountains... Bad thing. I like tunnels. Nice, paved, engraved tunnels, under the fortresses..."
(https://i.imgur.com/CzPNGN5.jpg?1)
"In how many tunnels you were, accomplished journeydwarf?"
Olmul stopped and thought.
(https://i.imgur.com/NdU5LUD.jpg?1)
"Well... One. But as you can see, it was experience of lifetime!"
"I don't have engraved tunnel leading to lord Adrenolok, sorry!" said Len. "Besides... Whoaaa!"
(https://i.imgur.com/LpZ0aPc.jpg?1)
The man fell through a hole in the ground. Both dwarves looked through it, they heard grinding and the hole shut itself with stone desk.
(https://i.imgur.com/VTUvcii.jpg?1)
"Argh, what's this?!!" growled Olmul. "Len? Len! Can you hear me?"
"He apparently can't..." said Berath. "This is bad!"
"You don't say!"
The dwarves searched the area around the now sealed hole. Our axeman, meanwhile, has found himself in dark hallway.
(https://i.imgur.com/cVLEU4u.jpg?1)
"Gah, my back!" he whispered. Then he looked around.
(https://i.imgur.com/hPXSYXP.jpg?1)
He was between two walls. In one direction, the path turned, in the other, it branched out in two directions. He saw bones scattered on the floor, some of the paved blocks were little bit higher than the others. He also heard grinding and weird blowing, deep and hard.
(https://i.imgur.com/b0luyuC.jpg?1)
"Looks like some mad dungeon..." he said to himself. "Where are the dwarves? I must get out!"

(https://i.imgur.com/4gZX5zV.jpg?1)
"Hey, that looks like entrance of some kind!" called Berath.
"Truly!" said Olmul. "Let's go get our friend back!"
They went down. They passed through short hallway and came to crossroad, branching out to left and right.

(https://i.imgur.com/kaxXK79.jpg?1)
Where should they go?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on September 19, 2019, 09:10:41 am

An old habit of mine when exploring dungeons is to start to the left. Not sure why left, but being consistent helps me remember where I've been.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on September 19, 2019, 09:33:42 am

Quote from: mightymushroom on September 19, 2019, 09:10:41 am

An old habit of mine when exploring dungeons is to start to the left. Not sure why left, but being consistent helps me remember where I've been.

Sure, why not? Left it is.

I do wonder exactly what we're looking at here... some kind of minotaur labyrinth maybe?  Something like that.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 19, 2019, 12:50:53 pm

(https://i.imgur.com/Gu2pJ5z.jpg?1)
The two turned left, and went only few steps forward, because the path turned again almost immediately.
"Look!" whispered Olmul. "That's human blood, if I'm not wrong!"
"Could be Len's." whispered Berath back. "We should move on..."
(https://i.imgur.com/4lqykaT.jpg?1)
They followed the trail swiftly, but silently. The path curved again, and led them to another crossroad, similar to that they were by before.
(https://i.imgur.com/e4BrgrK.jpg?1)
"Oh, that's a dead guy. Phew." whispered Olmul.
"He looks weird..."
(https://i.imgur.com/Y1wdUoU.jpg?1)
It was human body, of normal size, but the green robe was quaintly large, so he appeared very big. The robe was torn on his chest, and old dried up blood was all around the hole.
On his head he had brown mask, cracked. It was shaped like head of a dragon.
"Never saw anything like this." wondered Olmul. "No goblin branch of wizards I ever saw was close to this."
(https://i.imgur.com/mY0eBEA.jpg?1)
"I'll grind your bones into porridge!"
shouted thundering voice, deep, growl-like.
Both dwarves stroke defensive positions.

(https://i.imgur.com/xbfuaBU.jpg?1)
"What was that?" thought Len. "Ouch, my back!"
He wasn't limping, but walking caused him pain, so he proceeded most comfortable way he could.
(https://i.imgur.com/ev8gJeX.jpg?1)
"A dead end, you gotta be kiddin' me. Some horrible beast is locked down here with me... What's this... Leather?"
(https://i.imgur.com/gSPFqsv.jpg?1)
Snorting and blowing was becoming more and more intense. Len leaned on wall and prepared his axe.



Tip of the turn: You can control Len as well, but you don't know how far is he from the dwarves, nor where is he at all.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on September 19, 2019, 04:16:47 pm

Dead end... minotaur coming... one thing to do!

Len: Make as much noise as possible, so as to alert the others to our presence. When the minotaur arrives, try and dodge around it, then dodge away from it as it attacks. Our goal here isn't to kill it-- it's to buy time for our allies to arrive.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 20, 2019, 05:49:39 am

(https://i.imgur.com/FKTCgmy.jpg?1)
"Okay. Seems I have to do this, after all..."
(https://i.imgur.com/VC1zuFy.jpg?1)
"Heeeeeeey!"
(https://i.imgur.com/cIFxjG5.jpg?1)
"Whoa, that was fast! That's some big woodchop..."
Minotaur tries to hack Len but he jumps away!
(https://i.imgur.com/CiKdt3j.jpg?1)
"That's Len!" shouted Olmul. "It comes from here, this way, quickly!"
(https://i.imgur.com/6dawdv5.jpg?1)
Minotaur tries to hack Len but he jumps away!
Minotaur tries to hack Len but he jumps away!
"It's no use!" laughed Len.
(https://i.imgur.com/1ZjbSjP.jpg?1)
"A sword. But no trace of Len..." sighed Oluml.
"I hear that terrible grunting!" said Berath. "And... Swinging of some kind. Left!"
(https://i.imgur.com/qi8ukLA.jpg?1)
Minotaur tries to hack Len but he jumps away!
Minotaur tries to punch Len but he jumps away!
(https://i.imgur.com/Y7EUqJF.jpg?1)
Minotaur tries to kick Len but he jumps away!
Minotaur tries to hack Len but he jumps away!
Len was becoming tired, of jumping all around.
(https://i.imgur.com/DwJFsra.jpg?1)
"Ack, this is loooong hallway!"
"But he's definitely on the other side!"
(https://i.imgur.com/KFhjOHO.jpg?1)
Minotaur tries to hack Len but he jumps away!
Minotaur tries to hack Len but the attack is deflected with -bronze bracer-!
Still, the impact was very powerful, the force pulled the whole arm and dislocated his shoulder.
Len groaned.
(https://i.imgur.com/YSAwDh0.jpg?1)
"Fear not, here we come!" called Olmul.
"That's some beast." said Berath. "Trapped now!"
"Stop babblin' and strike!" shouted Len, angry.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on September 21, 2019, 03:55:52 pm

Excellent! Now then...

Len: Keep dodging about; draw the beastie's attention.
Olmul + Berath: While the minotaur is distracted by Len's antics, sneak up and shank it in the ankles!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 22, 2019, 12:17:46 pm

(https://i.imgur.com/AhtBPNl.jpg?1)
Minotaur misses!
Minotaur tries to hack Len but he crawls away!
Olmul misses!
(https://i.imgur.com/EX29Zrw.jpg?1)
The minotaur wasn't very smart, so he kept attacking Len. But, as Len was tired, with his painful back, he didn't managed to jump very well. He fell to the ground, and the minotaur tried to take advantage of it. But our heroes were faster.
Olmul slashes the Minotaur in right lower leg, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle! A sensory nerve was severed!
Berath stabs the Minotaur in left lower leg, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle! An artery was torn!
Minotaur falls over.
(https://i.imgur.com/12AP1q1.jpg?1)
The minotaur couldn't stand now, so he used his left arm to balance, and maintained his mobility.
Berath misses!
Minotaur tries to hack Len but he crawls away!
Len touched wall behind him, and knew, there's no escape now.
(https://i.imgur.com/HAV8xFV.jpg?1)
Minotaur gores Len, bruising the skin!
Len wasn't any chubby peasant, he just fitted between his two pointy horns.
Len slashes the Minotaur in the neck, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle! An artery was torn!
(https://i.imgur.com/ujZVFco.jpg?1)
Then Len collapsed, so did the minotaur.
Berath stabs the Minotaur in upper body, tearing the skin and bruising the muscle!
Olmul slashes the Minotaur in upper body, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
Berath stabs the Minotaur in upper body, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
(https://i.imgur.com/ibna9I9.jpg?1)
The Minotaur was struck down.
"Phew... You okay, Len?" asked Olmul.
Len apparently wasn't okay. He was gasping and panting intensely.
"Good, no cut wounds, just bruises... Man, that beast pushed me hard! My guts..."
Len retches.
Len retches.
"Give him a support, poor guy he is." said Berath. "Let's take a look around."
(https://i.imgur.com/FWe8XCJ.jpg?1)
"You saw this guy?" asked Olmul.
"Huh, who's that?" asked Len back. "No, I didn't. Looks like some cultist or something..."
They searched the hallways, to no purpose.
(https://i.imgur.com/phgLnWw.jpg?1)
"Gah, this is awful! Such nice labyrinth and no treasures in it..."
"Don't worry, we'll just..." cheered him Olmul. "Set up camp, and..."
"This will take some time, ouch..." said Len, trying to move his dislocated shoulder. He looked truly miserable.
"You think you'll make it to that... Northern area?" asked Berath.
"The woods aren't far now. I'll try... Ouch..."


Copnutgashi, the mead hall
(https://i.imgur.com/KB7BVws.jpg?1)
"Rane!"
(https://i.imgur.com/sXnjcwj.jpg?1)
"You called, lord Dazelosric?" asked the hero.
"I called, and I have assignment for you."
"Speak, I hear and obey."
(https://i.imgur.com/VSP59HP.jpg?1)
"Great. Your task is, you'll find this troublemaker, Len Erdipatri, and bring him to me. He's up to something. We can't risk a rebellion, so... I would like to keep eye on him... More than I was."
"I see. If it's your will, I am on to catch that contumelious peasant!"
"If you want, you can take rest of guards with you. I don't need them right now."
"Oh no, I can't put Copnutgashi in danger. For the sake of my honor, I am going on my own."
"As you wish. Go!"
(https://i.imgur.com/vJ9Gwr8.jpg?1)
"First Lolor and now this woodcutter. Gah... Make me coffee."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on September 22, 2019, 04:51:13 pm

Hooray, everybody lived! Except the minotaur. Which is as it should be.

Len's in for a little incarceration, it seems... here's hoping this Dazelosric fellow's just paranoid-crazy and not murderous-crazy.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on September 22, 2019, 05:42:48 pm

I'm hoping Rane the Hero catches up to Len & dwarves just as they find the old king everybody else thinks is dead . . . and since there have been hints of necromancy at work, well . . . maybe they'll be glad for an extra warrior even if he is arresting them. ;D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 24, 2019, 02:15:03 pm

These assumptions makes me feel... Good!

As chapter 5 is coming to the end (oh, how fleeting life is), I have one more battle in my sleeve, and prepare yourself well, for it's going to be biggest battle there ever was in this thread...

But, for it's going to be so epic and stuff, I need to get prepared too. And that's gonna take time (Prepare to be ambushed in few days). Now, when I got back into that wretched screw press of society again... And I got my first serious organist assignment... Not so much spare time.

I must laugh, seeing the rate I shot posts at the beginning of this story. Now I'm inspired elsewhere, rate has come down. And old Q'uaksnas gettin'... Older. Well, this post is big, and it would be sad if you didn't get anything from it, so I'll at least thank you all.

Thanks goes to all contributors, especially Superdorf and mightymushroom, but also methylatedspirit, snow dwarf, The_Saladman, scourge728, Willow Luman, Mad Monkey, High tyrol, NJW2000, Cathar, Delphonso, anyone who ever posted to this thread, took part in battles or suggested, or just wrote PTW. It means so much to me. Thank you. I thank you, and Deler and Tarmid too, of course. You're keeping this thread alive.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on September 29, 2019, 08:28:46 am

(https://i.imgur.com/a0Gulnr.jpg?1)
"Oh look, he's not greeting us on the ramparts!" said Limulsheget. "This is going to be legendary battle, he's not acting accordingly!"
(https://i.imgur.com/IA2Qa2Q.jpg?1)
"No wonder he's hiding himself, he's vulnerable. Prepare the army." ordered Uxzoustug.
(https://i.imgur.com/vhBVxsL.jpg?1)
Omot deployed squads of soldiers, everyone was ready to fight.
Horrible screeching and screaming was heard from the fortress.
(https://i.imgur.com/mqiovdI.jpg?1)
Then, cloud of bogeymen flew above the walls, then down to attack the army. Those who had no wings climbed the walls down.
On ramparts, night heralds were waiting, some had bows and aimed.
(https://i.imgur.com/WvTqnz2.jpg?1)
"Go on, Ong." said Uxzoustug. "He's not gonna open the gate himself..."
Limulsheget nodded, took a deep breath, raised his hands, towards the fortress.
(https://i.imgur.com/wudmotB.jpg?1)
The bogeymen scratched and kicked with their supernatural agility, but goblins were holding well. With numbers, they managed to take some down.
(https://i.imgur.com/LPzcl9t.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug raised his sword, it set itself ablaze and shone like a beacon. The darkness faded a little bit, some of the bogeymen vaporised in the light.
The fortress rumbled, blocks were slowly jumping to edge, some fell out.
(https://i.imgur.com/gkMCJQs.jpg?1)
A figure, other than those around has shown up on the walls, in long coat and raised arm.
Limulsheget stopped muttering his incantations and said: "Look, he's here! Took him long enough!"
(https://i.imgur.com/ilZOSsw.jpg?1)
"Oströtakåtôz?"
Uxzoustug jerked and lost concentration for a moment.
"What? How?" he asked. "What's he doing here?"
(https://i.imgur.com/TWwbJv4.jpg?1)
Some wicked spell permeated throughout the army. Goblins started to cough, retch, and faint.
"Ong! Stop sieging and shield them!"
Limulsheget nodded, and muttered another spells. The former faded, but one chain of the raised bridge broke, and the other didn't withstand the weight alone. The bridge came down, only to reveal another unpleasant surprise.
(https://i.imgur.com/cn1h8Bi.jpg?1)
"Oh, not this thing! What is happening? How's this possible?!!"
"Shouldn't be the pale guy keeping it in a pasture?" asked Limulsheget. "Shouldn't it obey him?"
(https://i.imgur.com/Xi9lhi2.jpg?1)
"This thing does not obey." said Uxzoustug. "This thing just gobbles mortals, only thing you can do is to shackle it... Oh, now I got it. They must have made some pact between themselves!"
"This complicates things!" whispered Omot. To his men, he shouted: "Hold on! We'll take it down!"
(https://i.imgur.com/0uLKDrA.jpg?1)
Then he turned to Limul and Uxzoustug again. "Take it down!"
Uxzoustug wanted to lower his sword, Limul stopped him.
(https://i.imgur.com/KOvZJw9.jpg?1)
"No no no. You stay here and turn off that bogeymen thing, this beast demands opponent of larger size."
"But what about the disease spell? I can't hold them off both! What shall we do? Me or you? Bogeymen or Oströtakåtôz?"



What's the strategy?
Both Limul and Uxzoustug can ward off some threat. They can literally shape the world in way they like, however, the more significantly they do, the more fatigue they get, and you don't want them too exhausted.
Goblin army will obey your orders too, should it help you with your brilliant battle plans.

Analysis:

Uxzoustug, legendary fighter, can cast fiery and light stuff without fatigue risk. Fully armored and armed.

Limulsheget, he's big and strong, has a horn, his tail is partially shielded. His sphere is wealth, not sure how that's useful in battle. Maybe to transmute someone into gold or something.

There are trolls, infantry, beak dog cavalry and rutherer at your bidding, alongside the heroes.

Your opponents are attacking in many ways:
Night ward : Spawns bogeymen and gives strength to night creatures. Uxzoustug can almost negate it, but it'll engage him completely.

Night creatures : Night trolls and night heralds, coming from the fortress. They're not as numerous as your army, though.

Oströtakåtôz : Weakens your troops. Can be spell clashed.

Aspdosusmat : Giant beast that devours everything mortal. Dangerous like a vault boss (technically, it's a vault boss, not guarding a vault at the moment).

Zomus hasn't shown yet, so he's probably inside the fortress.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur - BATTLE ONGOING!
Post by: Superdorf on October 02, 2019, 09:35:14 pm

Hmm. I'm not much good at tactics on this scale... still, let's see what can be done.

Limul can basically change the world as he sees fit, yes-- subject to fatigue, and centralized around wealth and gold-transmutation and whatnot? Alright... so have him transmute a significant portion of Aspdosusmat's brain into gold. If this works, try it on Oströtakåtôz too.

(If I'm right, this should effectively remove at least one of our enemies from the equation with minimum fatigue risk on Limul's part. Good deal!)

If Oströtakåtôz survives Limul's transmogrification, sic everybody on him. Trolls, goblins, gods... whatever. Otherwise, sic everybody on the nightward-- that thing is bad news.

I'm hoping if we take the biggest things out of the equation first, we can mop up the fodder with relative ease. Then we'll just have to take on the demon...

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur - BATTLE ONGOING!
Post by: Quaksna on October 03, 2019, 07:00:18 am

(https://i.imgur.com/m9eBIuh.jpg?1)
Aspdosusmat struggled with the rutherer, its size and battle ferocity gave it upper hand. It has bitten through back of the other beast, piercing through vital organs.
The Rutherer was struck down.
Goblin army was step before the bridge, but the giant wolf blocked their path. Most of bogeymen had already dissolved.
(https://i.imgur.com/t1KzDAi.jpg?1)
"Uxzo, keep shining! I'll handle this one..."
Aspdosusmat misses!
(https://i.imgur.com/qYDy1Ke.jpg?1)
Aspdosusmat aimed for Limul's head, but hit the golden horn, and couldn't click its teeth.
(https://i.imgur.com/y35N9Sb.jpg?1)
Limul then wrestled the giant beast, and managed to get his hands on its head. He shouted some words nobody was able to understand.
Aspdosusmat froze, and fell to the ground.
(https://i.imgur.com/sbijBfO.jpg?1)
"Now for you, disease guy! You casted us out of Alsmustspås! You're finished, you understand?!!"
He shouted the same spell for the second time.
(https://i.imgur.com/Htm1drA.jpg?1)
The goblin lord gestured with his right hand. Apparently, he resisted the spell, continuing casting his own.
(https://i.imgur.com/FdcT23M.jpg?1)
Limulsheget grabs troll with his right hand!
"By thunder, fall!"
And he tossed the troll over the ramparts.
(https://i.imgur.com/A6SRXUc.jpg?1)
Oströtakåtôz jumps away from the spinning -troll-!
Night Heralds around him took care of it, and threw its body down on the siegers.
(https://i.imgur.com/BKMlbKE.jpg?1)
That gave them wonderful idea, to throw everything else on the siegers. They pushed big, loose blocks from the ramparts, down over the edge.
(https://i.imgur.com/gZJTKhO.jpg?1)
"Get inside! Get on the ramparts, storm the fortress! And defeat that freakin' wizard!" shouted Limul.
(https://i.imgur.com/QeFPu57.jpg?1)
"Time for some serious spell business!"
(https://i.imgur.com/FAyyZE8.jpg?1)
Both Limul and Oströtakåtôz started shouting ancient words, area around them was blurring, for the amount of power flowing there, as both powerful beings were trying to knock out each other.
(https://i.imgur.com/eCdvPFD.jpg?1)
"Wait, Ong! I'll..." said Uxzoustug, but was quickly interrupted.
"Shut up and shine! They're not in the fort yet!"
(https://i.imgur.com/srlfhZG.jpg?1)
"Must... Go... On..."
(https://i.imgur.com/vDtTjfq.jpg?1)
Blisters and ooze has appeared on Limul's tan skin. Their shouting ceased, their muttering faded.
(https://i.imgur.com/t6gHQ7H.jpg?1)
Limulsheget falls over.
"Fine. Go... Get him... Ugh..."
(https://i.imgur.com/AGQZzjg.jpg?1)
Oströtakåtôz retches.
Oströtakåtôz retches.
Oströtakåtôz retches.
"Hah... Here you go, ya filthy..."
(https://i.imgur.com/137XYsL.jpg?1)
Oströtakåtôz stands up.
"Wha... What's this?!! I just..."
"He's the one with control over Alsmustspås, he must draw his power form the other realm!" shouted Uxzoustug, pretty angrily.
(https://i.imgur.com/n86F7FH.jpg?1)
As goblin soldiers, trolls, Aslezslagka, everyone was pouring into the fortress, a horrible darkness, dense like swamp fog, black like nothing they saw before, flew from the entrance, circled few times above the army, and headlong came down to the ground.
(https://i.imgur.com/XDdmc03.jpg?1)
"He's here."
(https://i.imgur.com/6PN8D7S.jpg?1)
Now you will know why you fear the night.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur - BATTLE ONGOING!
Post by: Superdorf on October 03, 2019, 11:06:53 pm

Oh dear.

Right then, we're focusing everything we've got on the newcomer.

Do we have archers? Ballistae? Anything like that? If so, have any such troops fire at the demon's wings and torso. We're hoping to ground and perhaps weaken it, to make the next part easier...

After a volley or two, have our light-flame-type warrior-- Uxzo, was it?-- engage the demon directly. He'll try and blind it with a fireblast to the face--as strong a blast as he can safely produce-- then move in to slash out the demon's legs from under it! Like felling a tree... if it works.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on October 06, 2019, 09:48:41 am

(https://i.imgur.com/upAVHt5.jpg?1)
"Everyone, turn back... We need to get rid of this one..." whispered Limul, in between intense coughing.
Soldiers obeyed, and hurried to attack the giant Night Lord.
Zomus grinned, and breathed dense black fog.
(https://i.imgur.com/lujGC4v.jpg?1)
"It's just you and me, Urtormuk."
Uxzoustug dashed forward with speed of a lightning bolt.
(https://i.imgur.com/Hz3PbqA.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug slashes Zomus in lower body, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
(https://i.imgur.com/V7owFtu.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug slashes Zomus in left upper leg, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
(https://i.imgur.com/t77XryP.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug slashes Zomus in right lower leg, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle and chipping the bone!
(https://i.imgur.com/B9VwhWh.jpg?1)
After these three immediate slashes, Zomus turned into pure darkness again, in order to get further from Uxzoustug. He managed to do that successfully, and stroke a menacing pose.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZYOLNjp.jpg?1)
Goblins got the idea both lords of Alsmustspås are in that big black cloud, but couldn't locate Zomus exactly. Aslezslagka managed to navigate to their enemy, but we're not so successful in attacking.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZT0qf1s.jpg?1)
Imagine a werebeast, night troll, bogeyman, all in one big beast. That's what Uxzoustug had to fight, but being legendary fighter himself, he did well.
Zomus claws Uxzoustug in upper body, but the hit is deflected with searing spaulder!
(https://i.imgur.com/qeTYiTv.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug stabs Zomus in upper body, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
Zomus kicks Uxzoustug but the kick is blocked with searing shield!
Uxzoustug slashes Zomus in the right wing, tearing it apart!
(https://i.imgur.com/vdsfHLt.jpg?1)
Zomus misses!
Zomus tries to claw Uxzoustug but he jumps away!
Uxzoustug misses!
Uxzoustug tries to stab Zomus but he flies away!
With wing torn, he crashed as soon as he took off.
(https://i.imgur.com/rIDBfnj.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug slashes Zomus in the neck, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
(https://i.imgur.com/CQ1A4VG.jpg?1)
Oströtakåtôz muttered some new spell and turned towards Uxzoustug. He felt sudden weariness, his armor pushed him down to the ground. But that didn't stop him.
(https://i.imgur.com/P3cdb3u.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug slashes Zomus in the head, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
Uxzoustug misses!
Uxzoustug misses!
(https://i.imgur.com/VelZfvU.jpg?1)
Zomus kicks Uxzoustug in the head, bruising the skin!

Uxzoustug is propelled back by force of the blow!
(https://i.imgur.com/4Z6bHbz.jpg?1)
Zomus punches Uxzoustug in upper body, bruising the skin!
Zomus kicks Uxzoustug in the lower body, bruising the skin!
(https://i.imgur.com/vege3Cl.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug slashes Zomus in upper body, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
Zomus was striking Uxzoustug with barrage of kicks and clawing, yet, even when now it looked bad for the siegers, nothing broke his determination to win this fight.
Uxzoustug slashes Zomus in the neck, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
Uxzoustug stabs Zomus in the head, tearing the skin and tearing the muscle!
(https://i.imgur.com/Uon8WUp.jpg?1)
They were both panting, on knees.
(https://i.imgur.com/MrNKNUF.jpg?1)
Zomus Anuzosla, the Ustroakon, the Ogurxusmzûk has transformed!
When Uxzoustug saw he's in his normal form, he swiftly dashed towards him again. The Night Lord gestured towards him, knocking him back.
Oströtakåtôz's spell has fallen Uxzoustug on ground, but suddenly, it ceased.
Uxzoustug stands up.
Zomus tried to use some magic again, but Uxzoustug muttered his own incantations now, protecting himself.
(https://i.imgur.com/i4XsxnP.jpg?1)
Uxzoustug slashes Zomus in upper body, tearing the skin, tearing the muscle, fracturing the bone and tearing the lungs! A major artery has been torn!
Zomus falls over.
(https://i.imgur.com/IbOl1pT.jpg?1)
"Die, wicked creature of night!"
(https://i.imgur.com/G2Z4nlu.jpg?1)
Suddenly Oströtakåtôz warped between, and grabbed both of them.
A green flash of light went down from his hands their feet, they fell down, motionlessly.
(https://i.imgur.com/YdZCyTe.jpg?1)
"By the power I wield, you're banished from this world!"

Zomus and Uxzoustug vanished. Everyone could feel, that many of the surrounding magic faded away...
(https://i.imgur.com/JjrBPtg.jpg?1)
The black cloud disappeared, and Aslezslagka looked somewhat confused.
(https://i.imgur.com/lVc4L09.jpg?1)
"Goblins for goblins." said Oströtakåtôz. "I, Oströtakåtôz, am now the one and only lord of Alsmustspås. They are past. The fortress is yours. But before you'll claim it... Get rid of these night and fiery beings..."
(https://i.imgur.com/gy4WoWs.jpg?1)
"Whoa, what..." gasped Limulsheget. "You're not going to obey this dirty leech, are you?"
"Would you rather serve the Exalted lord of Alsmustspås or be slaves to a giant monster... Again?"
Limulsheget was silent. He snapped his fingers, and disappeared, before anyone got to him.
(https://i.imgur.com/Q5tUqh6.jpg?1)
"What are you waiting for?" asked Oströtakåtôz. "I am here to protect you, one tyrant being might escaped, there are lots of others! Drive them away!"
(https://i.imgur.com/7SObEN9.jpg?1)
Without presence of Zomus or Uxzoustug, Aslezslagka and night creatures couldn't stand against the goblin army.



(https://i.imgur.com/3SJvvL6.jpg?1)
"Phew... *Cough* Where... Where am I?"

(https://i.imgur.com/IwEYR46.jpg?1)
"Ah, why should it matter. *Cough* I am lone wanderer, rejected by the world. Again... Oh life, how miserable you are..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on October 08, 2019, 09:01:02 am

(https://i.imgur.com/6pb3FUa.jpg?1)
"So, it's you... Kâdol. Pleased to finally meet you..." croaked the toad.
(https://i.imgur.com/M2tOq0k.jpg?1)
"You're Luslemnod?" asked Kâdol. "You gave them this order, designated the adamantine to be mined out?!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/SNcze9w.jpg?1)
"Easy, pal. We're not gonna open gate to the underworld. I'm aware of..."
(https://i.imgur.com/aaweAqN.jpg?1)
"You won't touch a single pillar!"
Everyone froze.
"If we want to keep evil at bay, why risk so much?"
"You're afraid of the wicked ones, aren't ya?" asked the toad.
"Shut up!" shouted Kâdol. "We can fight them, but why to play with fire?"
"Listen... We'll make only few weapons, okay? That's all, no need to..."
(https://i.imgur.com/7rvZPtg.jpg?1)
"Just few weapons?" asked Alak, a little bit disappointed. "I saw myself in full adamantine plate armor, with crown on the helmet and toads on the spaulders..."
"I'm not going to side with those who don't hesitate to put world in such danger!"
(https://i.imgur.com/FoXe2BU.jpg?1)
"We're trying to get rid of a danger..." said toad. "But I understand you. No point convincing you. Sorry Alak, if we want Kâdol in our team, we must make a sacrifice for it... For the greater good."
Alak was... Well, sad.
"But you'll make me at least one personal sword, right?" he asked.
The toad nodded.
"Well, that'll do!" said Alak, not so sad anymore.
(https://i.imgur.com/LraKpbw.jpg?1)
"My servants have told me of the whole matter. So, you want to eradicate some dark lord in order to save the kingdom and the world... That sounds good to me, but, some practical plan wouldn't hurt." said Kâdol.
"Since we don't have enough troops, we can't perform a full frontal attack, it would be wasted time and good dwarves. We could infiltrate the Mountainhome from below, though..."
"I know there are tunnels, but... I guess Zomus already took control of caverns as well." said Lolor.
"So do I know, but everyone knows there's secret escape route. But no one knows where. Only king and his closest friends." said Alak.
"I highly doubt that someone of this power fell for secret escape route." Kâdol said. "You shouldn't underestimate him."
Everyone was silent, thinking. Urist spoke afterwards, slowly and insecurely.
(https://i.imgur.com/B2R3Ry5.jpg?1)
"I know of king's hidden tunnels..."
"He may know as well now!"
"I think it's worth a shot. He'll underestimate us for sure..." croaked the toad.  "That's what powerful rulers do."
(https://i.imgur.com/AtcJCE6.jpg?1)
"Okay, so we'll just ambush him from wherever he won't see us coming. And then?"
"Primary objective is, destroy his physical form. Once we do, he'll be vulnerable to banishing. Once he's down, night creatures should be clueless, and it'll be easy to reclaim the Mountainhome."
"That makes sense... But where's adamantine in it?!!" asked Kâdol.
"It'll help slay the beast, what's so incomprehensible about it?"
"You want to say..."
"That I'll do the last heroic blow, yeah!' said Alak.
(https://i.imgur.com/ETA3U8v.jpg?1)
"Nothing against you, dwarves, but... You think that you can oppose night lord? This isn't a mere werebeast, cyclops, or even goblin siege. This is trickier..."
"With your help, we can do it."
"Hey, I wanted to say that!" croaked the toad. "Everyone counts. The more the better!"
(https://i.imgur.com/pnW0xma.jpg?1)
Nakuth came to the hallway.
"Gentlemen, some froggies are pleading for audience..."
"Let them in." ordered Alak.
(https://i.imgur.com/LLQ8WPl.jpg?1)
First, two kobolds in copper masks entered. After them came Wõrv and his full armored bodyguard.
"I see more kobolds than froggies... Eh, who cares. Welcome!"
Wõrv bowed nobly. Then he went directly to the toad.
"After recollecting, I came to conclusion, that we're with you."
"That's nice to hear. We're just planning our attack. We want to somehow infiltrate into the Mountainhome, and ambush our enemy unprepared."
"Fine. Give us orders and we shall obey."
"Great. Now, Alak, would you be so kind and notify dwarves we have some adamantine to process?"
"At once." said Alak. "Lolor! Manage orders!"
Lolor sighed and went to his office.
(https://i.imgur.com/Cpz7ejf.jpg?1)
"By the way, Urist, it seems you know a lot about Mountainhome..."
"I know where the levers are hidden, where traps are located, and I have some keys. That's all." said Urist.
"You sure had to be prominent man once..."
"This stuff just comes handy."
(https://i.imgur.com/jXTEMQ9.jpg?1)
"I can't believe it. Yesterday, we were a little settlement with few dwarves and some toad, today, we have underground tribes and even guardian of dwarvenkind on our side! Speaking of which, I see what your Lolor club is so special. Which makes everything even better!"
"Don't proclaim victory so early." said the toad. "Even with all this, we don't know how many trumps has Zomus prepared to use."
"Yeah, yeah... Are we ready for mobilisation?"
(https://i.imgur.com/WbDZwvA.jpg?1)
"I see you're very eager, Alak. That's great, but..." said Kâdol. "We're not quite finished with planning. There's a whole lot of decisions before us..."
"I would like to know how's Berath and Olmul doing... With that lord thing..."
"It's just good we have some backup, just in case." croaked the toad.

(https://i.imgur.com/gXziS64.jpg?1)
"No, no! I won't return to the army, I won't!" yelled Otad.
"But..."
"No buts! My allegiance is to the kitchen!"
"But what about the glory?" said Rikkir. "Toil and troubles have place in war, yes, but... The glorious victory, the heroism!"
"We should smelt weapons and make pots out of them! I'm not going to fight again. Ever."
(https://i.imgur.com/tVpIBxS.jpg?1)
"And what are you going to do? You were member of Udirizden, a proud soldier, nearly your whole life!"
"I'm waiter. And I believe, one day, I shall be cook."
"Okay, let's make a deal. You'll be field waiter, yeah?"
"But..."
"No buts!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on October 08, 2019, 07:38:37 pm

The antics of Alak and his underlings remain as entertaining as ever. ^-^

Also glorious victory against demonic powers! ...Kind of!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on October 12, 2019, 06:55:50 am

(https://i.imgur.com/Szwxyar.jpg?1)
Wálim wandered the wilds, without any plans, any goal, staring to nowhere.
(https://i.imgur.com/se1egSu.jpg?1)
He sat down, closed his eyes, and breathed, slowly and deeply. Wind was blowing between blades of grass, whispering something. The Tâdi warrior opened his eyes, and stared at the dancing vegetation.
"Oh, you don't say." he said. "I would like to find the elven ignoramus that stole my bird. I could've been past those hills there by now... Eh, what now. Guess I'll have to keep going."
(https://i.imgur.com/3zxt2p1.jpg?1)
He stood up moved on. He set up a direction for no reason, he just wanted to be as far from his former home as possible.
(https://i.imgur.com/kqB4blU.jpg?1)
At end of a meadow, he saw a tree, lone tree on this plain, pretty much resembling Wálim's cool mind right now.
"Oh, finally!"
(https://i.imgur.com/oHV8f0a.jpg?1)
Wálim ran quickly to the tree, and embraced its trunk. In silence he remained few seconds in this pose, then he scratched its bark with his claws, and covered the spot with his palm.
(https://i.imgur.com/q8Su7ij.jpg?1)
He looked up, between the branches, searching for bird nests. There weren't any.
Wálim frowned a bit. He tapped on the tree, and went on.
(https://i.imgur.com/pgXQNMn.jpg?1)
As he was wandering, he examined the spear he was holding carefully. It was human sized spear, made of the best of adamantine. Very ornate, covered in runes, undulating. The blood smears that were on its tip had withered and fallen off. When he held it in his hands, they we're shivering.
"Heard about this before." he said to himself. "Slayer of the underworld kin, or something."
Then he turned back, in direction of the mountain.
(https://i.imgur.com/ydKTlEr.jpg?1)
"That snake thing mustn't ever get it in its filthy hands."


On that very mountain
(https://i.imgur.com/pPf18mR.jpg?1)
"Duh duh duh... Let'sss sssee... Age of Erfinû... Age ended when Erfinû died. Wow, didn't know that."
(https://i.imgur.com/jqzbAng.jpg?1)
"There are corpsssesss of lesssssser racesss ssscattered everywhere. What on earth wasss that wizard doing here? Purging elvesss? There are thingsss I can't quite get. But the ssspear! That'sss a ssshame..."
(https://i.imgur.com/uHeN2bf.jpg?1)
"If I had my damned wing, I would fly back to dessert, and ussse my devicesss! Now, I have to ssstay here. Or..."
(https://i.imgur.com/sv5lIRp.jpg?1)
"Heh. Raid!"
(https://i.imgur.com/DHMiDrv.jpg?1)
"Let'sss try thessse healing ssspellsss."
The Golden Queen closed her pierced palm, and muttered something. Her eyes shone, and tiny beams of light were coming from little gaps between her scales.
When she opened the palm again, only few bits of the mould fell off.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZHjp4Ei.jpg?1)
The Golden Queen retches!
The Golden Queen retches!
"Âsssemei sssmite that ssstupid ssspear!" she hissed angrily.
(https://i.imgur.com/RgqS0Iu.jpg?1)
"Thisss'll take sssome time... I mussst be more careful, few more fightsss and I'll be ssscarred like Vaërgil the Deathless... Now..."
(https://i.imgur.com/1cRmqmg.jpg?1)
"What to raid? I saw some dwarven sssetlementsss in vicinity..."


In that very dwarven settlements
(https://i.imgur.com/OhnMtTv.jpg?1)
"Sooo... Let's take a look at this. You're commander of this army?" asked Oströtakåtôz.
"I am." answered Omot.
(https://i.imgur.com/vBLKNJY.jpg?1)
"Very well, then. Make sure a message is sent to your capital, demanding more soldiers."
"At once."
(https://i.imgur.com/S8p0Ts5.jpg?1)
"Omot, is it? Omot, tell me, what's happening in the realm? I can feel chaos flowing through the air... I wasn't told much."
"First, this Uxzoustug and his giant friend arrived in Stothoaslud, to the dark fortress. I don't know what happened then, they barely escaped with lead taskmaster Gostus, as the fortress came down. Uxzoustug then coronated Gostus our new master. Then, we assembled army and went here to eliminate Zomus, without any unnecessary distractions."
(https://i.imgur.com/cxyXwzG.jpg?1)
"I see... I hope you realized now you're serving primarily me, secondly some Gostus. New master... So the old, wicked one, must have been killed... That's Uxzoustug's work for sure. But he can't bother us anymore, heh! They did me a good service... Anyway, I need to finish what that incompetent wretch Zomus wasn't able to finish, that is, get rid of the dwarven king."
(https://i.imgur.com/GBpjb5b.jpg?1)
Omot took a step towards Oströtakåtôz, waggling his ear.
"I'm listening."
"Not now, we need a plan. I doubt you have any capable assassins... You're dismissed."
(https://i.imgur.com/e2H1J1h.jpg?1)
As Omot went away, Oströtakåtôz muttered something to himself.
"Stupid golden giant, should banish him immediately it was possible... But he can't harm me now, fortunately. Both Ongnguutgub and Ngoruboxox must be in this realm. Defeating Ongnguutgub is going to be piece of cake, and Ngoruboxox isn't going after me... I should take advantage of this when I still can!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on October 19, 2019, 09:21:42 am

(https://i.imgur.com/XUlTQ1R.jpg?1)
"North, northern forest..." repeated Rane in his head over and over. "I heard there's bandit camp somewhere! Wouldn't surprise me if he cooperates with them!"
(https://i.imgur.com/IfV916O.jpg?1)
"Ready or not, Len Erdipatri, here I come! I on four hooves of my tough steed, you on your two legs, won't outrun me! Haha, justice will be served!"



Stothoaslud

(https://i.imgur.com/V8r5yKc.jpg?1)
"Gah, how could I be so stupid!"
(https://i.imgur.com/LN4gmjB.jpg?1)
"I let them all go... Just like that! They're dangerous! Should've disposed of them when I could... What are they up to? Nothing pleasant, definitely!"


(https://i.imgur.com/rCT28hx.jpg?1)
"Why isn't it working?!!"
(https://i.imgur.com/K2anDG0.jpg?1)
"We did just as it stands in the formula! And yet..."
"Shouldn't we ask the serpent?" asked fellow death wizard.
"No way! Crawling to her everytime I need something... No! Besides, she wouldn't help me. Had she ever? No!"
"But how are we going to mark Gostus, then?"
(https://i.imgur.com/bycXvho.jpg?1)
"We must try again. Or..."
"Or?"
(https://i.imgur.com/YvNCn2c.jpg?1)
"Ah, nevermind. I doubt there's better Deathmaster than me somewhere... Other than Ngoruboxox himself. For now, let's keep trying, and let's hope nothing will go in our way..."



Completely elsewhere
(https://i.imgur.com/j7Eta1f.jpg?1)
In some damp, cellar-like room with few torches lighting the dark area, a figure was pussyfooting, impatiently. They had mask on their face, flames in their eyes, sword by their waist.
(https://i.imgur.com/7Pz47yZ.jpg?1)
After a while of waiting, squeaking of some wooden hatch cover, another figures, similarly looking went down by stone stairs.
(https://i.imgur.com/ozbwz0A.jpg?1)
Each took a place near the first one, not randomly, each one found a spot, like if it belonged to them from times immemorial. It looked like if they were trying some theater play.
(https://i.imgur.com/TQ4NWQl.jpg?1)
More and more were coming and assembling, then, a last one came, in long green robe, red cape, massive golden mask in shape of a dragon, breastplate and some adornments, shining and glittering in the weak light of the torches. Some of the assembled trembled before this one.
(https://i.imgur.com/Bwbfl1e.jpg?1)
The apparent leader closed a circle of people by occupying last spot.
"We shall begin." he spoke, with deep voice, deep like the ocean. "Speak, I listen."
(https://i.imgur.com/YZB6gAY.jpg?1)
One elf in a cloak did a step forth.
"We planted spies in Aÿewamame, as planned. They were recently appointing new druid..."
"And is new one appointed? They made it in time?"
(https://i.imgur.com/SSUhlpK.jpg?1)
"No, sir. It's yet to be done..."
"Then you or some of the spies are in for it."
"As you wish."
"Good. Anything else? From the outside?"
(https://i.imgur.com/ktbv6Pp.jpg?1)
A warrior, covered in scale armor, went forth.
"They rooted us out of Opocjirdo, in the north. Some were just banished, some killed. Therefore, we have no one there."
The leader was taking deep breaths, thinking.
"Take over by force. No point in hiding there."
"It shall be done, master."
(https://i.imgur.com/NChP4cl.jpg?1)
The leader thought again, slowly turning from one of his subjects to other one.
"Keep doing whatever you're doing. If no one has to say anything, I will."
Everyone returned to their spots in the circle, and listened.
"You know of this settlement recently founded, eh, how was it... Kudallålur... Kudarkalur!"
Those who paid attention nodded.
(https://i.imgur.com/xgu6enw.jpg?1)
"We did some research on them, and it could be useful to us. Like, a lot."
"Why do we assume so?" asked some member.
"There are crundles there. Swarms of them. That's right, they have trained crundles!"
"Lesser spawn!" "Attuned creatures!" "Intriguing!" "How did they...?" mumbled the attendants.
"More importantly, the fortress has huge complex of caverns beneath itself, already breached, accessible..."
"Should we..." asked the armored warrior.
(https://i.imgur.com/NmWg2n6.jpg?1)
"No. Not by force." said the leader. "Not that we aren't able, but the fortress is... Extraordinary. There are magical creatures of great power, and Kâdolites..."
One attendant chuckled.
"Heh, our mythological enemi..."
"Shut up!" shouted the leader. "Jokes aside. They're competition, indeed, and currently they have maybe all current masters of the order at this particular place... So, no. No attacking. For now, just plant spy there... Maybe more... We have some dwarves or cavern people?"
(https://i.imgur.com/RogORri.jpg?1)
A short, dense-bearded member nodded.
"Fine, it's your problem now. You are responsible for the operation."
(https://i.imgur.com/5TlttVL.jpg?1)
"Why don't we beat Kâdolites and take their secrets? What are they against us?" asked one attendant.
"And you, record keepers, shouldn't you have these Mitacespi magic of the tribesmen acquired by now?!! Where are they?!! Not yet?!! Then shut your cheeky maw!"
The record keeper quickly turned his eyes towards ground, and silently moonwalked to his spot.
(https://i.imgur.com/RkBZJYY.jpg?1)
"Why do we need crundles from some dwarven fortress.?" asked another attendant. "We could have those from elsewhere, and..."
(https://i.imgur.com/lbB364x.jpg?1)
"Because it's will of Alir Sutargalir, and it's not just about crundles, but about the fortress itself! And because you have odd mask and your opinion doesn't matter! Another questions?!!"
No answer.
(https://i.imgur.com/QjhmmqV.jpg?1)
"Everyone understands what to do? Fine. We shall end this session, I listen no more. Leave."
(https://i.imgur.com/rN89YZ8.jpg?1)
The attendants scattered. The leader, leaving, turned back for the last time.
"And get hands on that labyrinth in north, finally!  It would be perfect site for us, better for sessions than this cellar!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on October 26, 2019, 09:28:10 am

(https://i.imgur.com/JIr6YLJ.jpg?1)
"And so we meet again..."
(https://i.imgur.com/qpxKY0j.jpg?1)
"We do, Rikkir the skull-chipper. However, when we met last time, I was a mere apprentice, now I am a master!"
(https://i.imgur.com/UFenxjG.jpg?1)
"Well, you look awesome for sure, lord overseer!"
"Yeah, I do!" said Alak. "Nel deserves something equally awesome for forging this! But till now I was fencing just in coat, I am not used to this... Weight!"
(https://i.imgur.com/LsLoPLZ.jpg?1)
"Oh. That's Alak? Man, glorious!" croaked the toad. "Come, you two, the big day is near! And don't worry, you'll get used to. You'll have to, after all."


(https://i.imgur.com/51B0aom.jpg?1)
"Guys, Alak ordered these arms to be made, should you have to defend the fortress. I am leaving it all here, fine?" said Nel, dropping a large pile of stuff on the floor.
"If it won't magically appear in drawer with kitchen tools, fine." said Ermis. "Could you take these with you? Some supplies for the journey. I don't know how many you are, but the more the merrier, huh?"
"Definitely. Thanks! By the way, that anvil is cool. Where did you buy it?"
"That's a looong story."
(https://i.imgur.com/vQMiPxi.jpg?1)
"No time for long stories. Solon, you're coming with me."
"To war?" asked the dwarf.
"To war. That'll be fine test of your abilities. If I'll find you worthy, I'll teach you next secret. Come, they're assembling the soldiers already."

(https://i.imgur.com/JRckf1g.jpg?1)
"Militia. Ready?" asked the toad.
(https://i.imgur.com/nyL8QkW.jpg?1)
"Ready and waiting for orders." nodded Rikkir.
"Great. Kâdolites and Kâdol?"
(https://i.imgur.com/HcnCcQq.jpg?1)
"No, we're waiting for..." started Kâdol, but was interrupted, as someone opened the door and sailed inside. It was Ziril, holding many little pouches and bottles in his hands.
(https://i.imgur.com/MkDscbt.jpg?1)
"Here we go! Ready!" he said, and distributed it between his men.
"Caverns?" croaked the toad.
(https://i.imgur.com/oNhJGjV.jpg?1)
Wõrv nodded. Behind him stood serpent men, kobolds and plump helmet men alike.
"Nobles?"
(https://i.imgur.com/GJhtSa7.jpg?1)
"I'm here." said Alak. "Where's Urist? Ah, I forgot to send for him. I'll fetch him..."

(https://i.imgur.com/USVxXr4.jpg?1)
"Look, friend, I know that you know how to swing an axe, not only we got it back from beneath, but our dear dwarves made you something... More!"
Urist was smiling, actually. Alak wasn't used to see him like this, pleasantly surprised.
(https://i.imgur.com/tgPJGKI.jpg?1)
He led him to some room, there was a stand, with large piece of cloth on it, covering whatever was standing there.
(https://i.imgur.com/SWDZTu0.jpg?1)
Alak removed the cloth, and under it, a copper armor suit!
Urist widened his eyes, stumbled, fell on his knees and started sweating intensely.
(https://i.imgur.com/0IiuvJh.jpg?1)
"You okay?" asked Alak.
"Yeah, just a little... Dizzy..."
"I'm sorry, we don't have time for dizziness. We must go! Give me your arm."

(https://i.imgur.com/QB4sZsW.jpg?1)
"What's with him?" croaked the toad.
"No idea." said Alak. "Militia, you will be giving him a lead, till he's okay. And you'll carry his armor suit, till he's ready to wear it."
"You're going already? This isn't just some strategy session?" asked Urnût,. "What about us, who stay here?"
"That's up to you, friend! You're going to be overseeing in my absence."
"As... You wish."
(https://i.imgur.com/nfp0Ki2.jpg?1)
"Zeg, you're not sending any tribesmen with us?"
"Our only warrior fought just fat fish all his life. And I... They need me here." answered the Zegmatul.
"Fine. Just get along with Urnût."
"Couldn't... Couldn't Kin go instead of me?" asked Urist.
"Nope! On travels, there's beer shortage."
Urist sighed, and started to equip his copper armor, to ease burden of his friends.

(https://i.imgur.com/veuvSoL.jpg?1)
Squads of soldiers were coming and coming from fortress entrance, on sides citizens were standing, waving at them. Zeg danced some wild dance and chanted.
(https://i.imgur.com/92cWeMH.jpg?1)
Militia and Urist were at the front, Alak, with the toad on his shoulder behind them, then Wõrv and cave people, Kâdolites were last.
(https://i.imgur.com/4KZglD2.jpg?1)
"You have dance in your sleeve for every occasion, huh?" said Urnût to Zeg, grinning.
"No. Not for planting beans and eating -dwarven sugar roast-. And arguing over eloquence, but that's because it has mad choreography. And I don't have sleeves. Wanna learn to dance, ya dropout?"
"Not now. I order you to milk Razes."
"Nope. I am a noble, you know."
"You're slacker, you know."
"Don't try to trigger me, blondie."
"Where's your trigger? I have intense need of triggering it right now. You seem to be switched off."
"Forget it. Where's some bucket?"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on December 17, 2019, 10:24:31 am

(https://i.imgur.com/3d6fqdB.jpg?1)
"Were 'ere, my friends. This is the forest!" said Len.
"That's nice..." grunted Olmul. "How... Big is it?"
"Pretty big. Sort of border between central lands and Wintervale."
"You said you had seen lord Adrenolok a year ago... How can you be sure he's still here?" asked Berath.
"Yeah, maybe he was just moving somewhere else!" said Olmul.

(https://i.imgur.com/9RXscCC.jpg?1)
"I said, I saw him and he saw me and he was waving his arms, running around, and as soon as he spotted me, he ran away. From me! He didn't want to be seen, apparently."
"Maybe he was secretly travelling!"
(https://i.imgur.com/MR1WdFj.jpg?1)
"Oh, shut up! When you ask mayor for quest he also tells you: "It was last seen...", then you get to the site, it's burnt to ground, goblins around... It's the only clue I have!"
"What if he isn't here?" asked Berath.
"Then we'll move on, to Wintervale!"

(https://i.imgur.com/udWkJ3G.jpg?1)
"Careful, pal." whispered Olmul. "We might all be experienced adventurers, but hey, we're not gonna survive in Wintervale. Not in this state, not with you limping behind."

(https://i.imgur.com/KiLPEAs.jpg?1)
"You promised you'll follow me to glory and death, huh? That's vow of an adventurer. Look, I don't want to... Hey, I just want to..."
He sat on the ground.

(https://i.imgur.com/XNZic6I.jpg?1)
"It's difficult, dwarves! You were the first ones that started listening to me! You were the only ones who believed poor lumberjack who wants justice to be served! And now, you wanna leave me? After all we've gone through?"
Silence.

(https://i.imgur.com/Z0Dj22N.jpg?1)
"Of course not!" Olmul said. "But... We're dwarves! We enjoy... To complain, you know... A preference... Gah, fine. Wherever you go, we follow. To glory and death!"





Once upon a time, once again, in Stothoaslud

(https://i.imgur.com/quJtZAR.jpg?1)
"You know, master... When you said there's not a mightier death wizard than you... What if there is one?"
"Nonsense!" grumbled the Deathmaster. "That serpent? I taught her everything she knows! And don't remind me of that...."
"Not her. Someone completely different. I studied old scriptures..."

(https://i.imgur.com/kGQUm1b.jpg?1)
"I did too! Damn, I was Deathmaster for almost hundred years! I haven't found anything! And it's just a matter of time till that pesky overlord will attempt to root us out by force!"
"But we could defeat them, couldn't we?"
"Shut up! Your inexperience speaks out of you. We can't stand against the whole nation!"
"We did by the times of Rulasm..."

(https://i.imgur.com/79W1KJr.jpg?1)
"But Rulasm just pushed us out, and then stopped caring! This guy's a madman!"
The younger wizard was thinking.
"Maybe... The Golden Queen has some older records..."
"Why do you insist on me licking her boots... Eh, I mean... Tip of her tail! No way! What kind of Deathmaster isn't able to cast Death Mark? Not me!"

(https://i.imgur.com/bOXLJVA.jpg?1)
"Not you... I don't think so. Maybe I'll have to take things into my own hands..."





(https://i.imgur.com/TCJH7np.jpg?1)
"Look, brave and fearless army!" croaked the toad from Alak's shoulder. "We're getting closer every day!"
"You don't say!" rumbled Kâdol from back there. "We're marching. By the way, where's that land shrouded in darkness? Where are all those bogeymen, flying in swarms? Is this the catastrophe you keep babbling about?"

(https://i.imgur.com/MK3EeuD.jpg?1)
"You know... That's weird, actually. When I flew over here on that cockatrice, eh, it would come handy now, well, the land was really submerged in night back then! And we were chased by its spawn... What is going one?"
"I'll tell you what's going on, someone's just freaking out!"

(https://i.imgur.com/bGxsMU1.jpg?1)
"Watch your tongue, buddy. I am not lying, nor freaking out. The Mountainhome fell to hands of Zomus, I've seen it all!"
Kâdol didn't say anything. He went to speak with his dwarves.

(https://i.imgur.com/jMUMHB4.jpg?1)
"Dear Alak, this fiery beardo is troublesome asset in our army! If anything goes wrong..."
"I am starting to fear as well." nodded Alak. "Apparently, the only reason he ever joined us in stat Kâdolites called him... Well, let's keep him calm. Is it normal, for you... Power guys to be so... Unstable?"
The toad closed eyes and nodded.

(https://i.imgur.com/RC5oj9q.jpg?1)
"These days, I feel strong disturbance in the world. I fear one thing..."
"What could you be afraid of? You can literally fix the world by your will!"
"We could. If only we were united... But what I had thought of, is, this new age that is coming, will be end to us."
"How's that?"

(https://i.imgur.com/FbhKxqx.jpg?1)
"You know... There were high, higher and powerful forces and powers before us, that eventually got interested in things beyond this world... And left it. Their servants were forces and powers of lesser nature, more prone to mistakes. A whole hierarchy of forces and powers. But the higher are becoming less numerous in this world... I think the same thing is happening with us, like me, Kâdol, Zomus... Whatever. But this time, I feel... No more will come to renew our number. Age of myths will end... And world will be on your shoulders."
"That's... Interesting. I was thinking about Urist..."

(https://i.imgur.com/aHC0a3L.jpg?1)
"Worried about him?"
"Yeah."

(https://i.imgur.com/ptUZjm6.jpg?1)
The toad turned back and hopped in the opposite direction.
"Gotta speak with the cavern people. Lead the way yourself now, okay?"
Alak nodded.

(https://i.imgur.com/dWtDGXn.jpg?1)
"Wõrv? Wõrv!"
"Ack, it's the moralistic toad again... What do you want?"
"You spoke about a pact between you and some of my brethren... What kind of deal is that?"

(https://i.imgur.com/1YydOfp.jpg?1)
"They didn't tell you? Erm..." croaked Wõrv. "Well, let's say, it's a sort of... Challenge? My tribe will pass a trial, and they'll make us a major race, simple enough."
The toad wasn't apparently getting anything.
"Wha? Slow down. A challenge? A major race?"

(https://i.imgur.com/EUxcIQr.jpg?1)
"You know, like dwarves, or kobolds... Yeah, that's what he said. So I'm preparing our realm for that trial, whatever shall it be."
"Did... Did the toad that offered you this, did it claim godhood?"
Wõrv nodded, with proud smile.

(https://i.imgur.com/eiRDpLE.jpg?1)
"Shoot..." whispered the toad. "I thought we're the ones that should be responsible for uniting the world... Yet we're falling apart ourselves. I'll have to have a serious talk with this wannabe god..."
"What's wrong about it?"

(https://i.imgur.com/z57YK4D.jpg?1)
"Fool!" croaked the toad angrily. "That was happening in times of ancient, I thought we got over it already. You.... Can't just proclaim yourself superior over the world, no matter how powerful you are... We're not gods!"
"We don't have gods on our side?" asked Wõrv.

(https://i.imgur.com/ELzDBBi.jpg?1)
The toad didn't say a word. It went directly to Alak.

(https://i.imgur.com/t1waW9p.jpg?1)
"We must speed up. We must reach the Mountainhome, before we start killing each other!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on December 17, 2019, 10:52:19 am

Yay :D

Obok has some pretty strong opinions about deification, it seems. I wonder if he'd say the same of Limulsheget and his compatriots?

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on December 18, 2019, 09:53:48 am

(https://i.imgur.com/dBGjnXe.jpg?1)
"Man, this throne's... Good!"
"Lord overseer, Muz reporting!" said Muz, coming inside.

(https://i.imgur.com/cazLki9.jpg?1)
"I listen." said Urnût, stood up. "Eh, maybe a little too glorious for me.. What did you... Ah, report. Speak."
Muz took a deep breath and stroke majestic pose.

(https://i.imgur.com/yIKozHQ.jpg?1)
"I've been observing the fields... And many interesting facts I saw! Plump crops are grown, ready to be gathered and stored!"
"Nice!" said Urnût.
"Apart from that, I hath also noticeth..."
"Lil' faster, please."
"We await the calf in spring, next year. Geese are too noisy and are waging a war over nest boxes with crundles. Crundles were successfully trained as militia regiments, so they gained upper hand in this conflict quickly."

(https://i.imgur.com/DR1mtVe.jpg?1)
"Good, good." said Urnût. "Thanks for your report. Adur deserves something for animal training... What about the tribesmen?"
"Vúsh believes we planted the crops facing wrong direction. We should re-plant them before they'll get cursed, she says."
Urnût sighed.
"Well, here we go again..."

(https://i.imgur.com/hmyhSRS.jpg?1)
"Lord overseer, a stranger was spotted in the woods!" called Kin, rushing into the room.
"Stranger?"
"A dwarf!"
They all ran above ground.

(https://i.imgur.com/81mDbjv.jpg?1)
"Oh, really! And she's coming towards us! Hey, come here! Who do you happen to be?" asked Urnût, waving.

(https://i.imgur.com/3ETBokL.jpg?1)
The dwarf came forth. Sturdy woman, in worker's clothing, glove on one hand.
"My name is Îbmat. I heard about a fortress in this land, so I came here. I want to join your cause."

(https://i.imgur.com/ib31yU3.jpg?1)
"Oh, that's a great! Come in, come in!" said Urnût, with his kind smile, taking her inside.

(https://i.imgur.com/h1kmh0x.jpg?1)
"So, what can you do, how can you contribute to our settlement?'
"I am a carpenter."
"Good, go to Kin, he's the main and only wood cutter, that one with black beard. He'll tell you what to do. Welcome to Kudarkalur!"





(https://i.imgur.com/LLw0dBU.jpg?1)
"Well, thisss isss sssomehow peculiar, isssn't it?"

(https://i.imgur.com/ssiEyC7.jpg?1)
"All thessse hillocksss, empty. I thought thisss wasss the land with dwarven capital!"

(https://i.imgur.com/lZQOWkO.jpg?1)
"Thisss one fortressssss remainsss. Have they essscaped there, all of them? Let'sss go and sssee..."


(https://i.imgur.com/5h0rxCV.jpg?1)
"What's that?" called watchmen on ramparts. "We're under attack of some beast?"
"Ssstothoasssludiansss? Goblinsss? You've gotta be kidding me..." thought the Golden Queen.
"Identify yourself!" shouted the goblin guards.
"Where are the dwarvesss?"
"Identify yourself!"
"What'sss going on here?'

(https://i.imgur.com/JUwJO9b.jpg?1)
Oströtakåtôz has shown up on the ramparts.
"Who are you, blissster-coated wizard?' asked the Golden Queen. "I feel your power all the way down here!"
"I am Oströtakåtôz, master of all goblins! Who are you? You must be one of the elder creatures!"
"Call me whatever you want. Where are the dwarvesss?"
"Gone. The fortress is ours. But their king escaped... Why do you care?"

(https://i.imgur.com/XS8erwl.jpg?1)
"I wanted to find sssomething ussseful... Guessssss I have to fight you inssstead of the dwarvesss..."
Goblins stroke defensive poses, but Oströtakåtôz gestured them to stop.

(https://i.imgur.com/CrHwojY.jpg?1)
"What kind of useful stuff you seek?" he asked. "Wealth? Weapons?"
The Queen stopped crawling.
"Ssspellbooksss, ssscrollsss, artifactsss..." she hissed.
"If you do something for me, I'll give you whatever spell thing I find here. I don't need your mundane knowledge anyway..."
"Ssso you mussst be an Âsssem, then..." said the Queen and thought.
After a while, she raised her head.

(https://i.imgur.com/zokZ6JA.jpg?1)
"What sssort of sssomething you need to be done?"
Oströtakåtôz chuckled.
"Let's say I want to see that dwarven king dead. He hides in some northern fortress, as far as I know. You can raid it there, if you wish, and take whatever you need... Then feel free to come back and collect your bounty here as well."
"How far?" asked the Queen. "If you fix my wing, that wouldn't be an issue anymore."

(https://i.imgur.com/xx2HLn7.jpg?1)
Oströtakåtôz said a spell. His eyes flickered. A wing has formed, the mould fell off and the wound was cured.
"I sssee you mean it, o Oströtakåtôz... Consssider it done."

(https://i.imgur.com/1giIQUp.jpg?1)
Then she took off and flew away, the goblins watched her, with vile smiles...

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on March 03, 2020, 09:27:38 am

(https://i.imgur.com/nA8h4WL.jpg?1)

"I've got a son! I've got a son, everyone!"

"What's the noise..." grumbled Kin.

(https://i.imgur.com/qxlH9ni.jpg?1)

"I've got a son, mister woodcutter! I've got him!" shouted Zeg happily.

(https://i.imgur.com/x08K6NN.jpg?1)

"I've got a son, Razes!"

"Moooo!!!"

(https://i.imgur.com/4TD2xWT.jpg?1)

"Let's go party! Come with me! I'm throwing a party! Come! Come!"

(https://i.imgur.com/2f7VJbu.jpg?1)

"You've got food 'ere, Urnût!!" called Ermis. "Urnût!"

(https://i.imgur.com/2XQzo7I.jpg?1)

Urnût entered the throne room with pick axe in one hand, tetrahedrite chunk in other, his face black from the cavern dust.

"Hey, wash your face first! You're an overseer!"

(https://i.imgur.com/3oiJ2ol.jpg?1)

He went to nearest barrel, opened it and splashed the liquid inside on his head.

"That's Kin's beer, for love of...!"

(https://i.imgur.com/hVQbD0j.jpg?1)

Urnût went to his throne.

"I order barrels to be labelled. By the way, why hasn't Otad served the meal today?"

"I don't know, I haven't seen him in the kitchen today. Why, I don't know."

(https://i.imgur.com/WiZ4fV7.jpg?1)

"It has come to my attention, that Zeg and Kizbiz have the child already..."

Ermis was recollecting thoughts for a moment.

"Oh yes, the party! I've noticed, too. Wait, Otad abandoned kitchen and went to party? He's in trouble... Man, Alak's gonna be mad! We must..."

"Alak was already benevolent enough to let Kizbiz rest more than one tick during her pregnancy! And let them party. This is first kid in Kudarkalur, after all, isn't it?"

"Fine. I'm off to my chores."

(https://i.imgur.com/C1ImqNl.jpg?1)

Ermis turned and went to kitchen, but Urnût stopped her.

"Wait, wait." he called. "There's a party in the tribal district."

"Yeah."

"Every single citizen is attending."

"Yes! I'm trying to explain it to you the whole time!"

Urnût was thinking.

(https://i.imgur.com/dQ56gkv.jpg?1)

He jumped off his seat and went to the door of the hallway.

"Then we must show ourselves too! That would be rude, not showing up on a party! Let's go Ermis!"

The old cook sighed.


(https://i.imgur.com/SG9cFuB.jpg?1)

"Congratulations, Zeg!" said Urnût. "Your son got the honor to be historically first child of Kudarkalur!"

"Oh, you're right! Heh..."

"I'll get us a beer."

"That won't be..."

"I insist! I'm getting us a beer! Or wine!"

"No, I already had some today. Don't want to be dizzy, ya know, dancing's difficult..."

"Zeg Erlinmatul the Zegmatul, I order you to drink!"

(https://i.imgur.com/51d1O2F.jpg?1)

Zeg smiled, made a indifferent gesture, and let Urnût go. Then he turned at Adur.

(https://i.imgur.com/l9hXHDf.jpg?1)

"Adur, when is the next trading trip to Copnutgashi?"

"As soon as Lord overseer orders so. The wagon is ready."

"But it takes some time, with wagon, doesn't it?"

"It does."

"Well, then you shall go on your own, and invite the lord, Alle Dazelosric here! He's a friend."

"As you wish."

(https://i.imgur.com/l7ZCChb.jpg?1)

"Is that the blonde human?" asked Kizbiz. "The one you were talking about."

"Oh, yes! A great guy, you must meet him too... And you too, Duthal. You need to meet uncle Alle, the finest of uncles!"


(https://i.imgur.com/xTTHxiV.jpg?1)

"Alak still burdens my mind..." said Urnût to Ermis. "Will he live to see this? Or won't he ever return?"

"You think too much, Urnût." said Ermis. "Alak survived struggle of goblin deities involving giant birds, fiery spirits and some forgotten beast-like wolf. He'll be okay."

"We don't have any skilled soldiers here..."

"War is not here in Kudarkalur. No need to worry..."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Superdorf on March 03, 2020, 12:23:39 pm

Aw yes! Wonderful to get a glimpse of happy peace-time in Kudarkalur. :)

Quote from: Quaksna on March 03, 2020, 09:27:38 am

"Alak was already benevolent enough to let Kizbiz rest more than one tick during her pregnancy! And let them party. This is first kid in Kudarkalur, after all, isn't it?"

Your casual references to DF player culture continue to amuse. Of course dwarves count time in ticks-- why wouldn't they? :))

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on March 11, 2020, 10:16:28 am

(https://i.imgur.com/ANwKr9h.jpg?1)

Knock...

(https://i.imgur.com/S7ngwLD.jpg?1)

Knock...

"This part of desert is even more empty I thought..."

(https://i.imgur.com/2vExpU2.jpg?1)

A man came to the cave entrance.

"What do you seek, wizard?" he asked.

"Is your mistress here?"

"Not your business."

(https://i.imgur.com/z6ewnjJ.jpg?1)

The goblin stroke a vicious pose.

"I'll make you speak!"

The man chuckled.

"No offense, I would prefer be hurt by you than mistress..."

The goblin saw he won't break this servant.

(https://i.imgur.com/0BneY3M.jpg?1)

"I need some... Help?"

"Again? I thought your master is rather prideful..."

(https://i.imgur.com/N2ybPx6.jpg?1)

"Oh yes, he is, but I can't just sit and wait till he manages to come up with something. He's way too stubborn to admit something's over his abilities... So I seek help instead. Come on, we're both minions, why not help each other?"

"We are, but unlike you, I have anything to offer."

The wizard saw he's starting to sway him, and pressed on.

"Don't say that! Listen, do your mistress know about some... Other Deathmasters?"

The man thought.

"Well, she had sealed all libraries and laboratories..."

(https://i.imgur.com/QqlrsGS.jpg?1)

"And you? Don't you know about someone or something?"

The man was thinking further, recollecting his memories.

"She is constantly babbling about some old legends... Guess if she shared with us, why shouldn't I with you?"

"Yeah, why? Tell me what you know."

"She mentioned countless times some... Eh, what was the name... Vergus... Vaerg... Ergil? The Deathless. Some "The Deathless" guy."

"Who is he?"

"She claimed he became so advanced in death magic, he couldn't be killed. Well, he was, but it was no use. Or something like that. Some soulbounding or... Hey, I don't know. Legends..."

"So he should still live?"

"Mistress said he was thrown into underworld by... Someone... But if he really was that powerful, don't see how that could have stopped him."

(https://i.imgur.com/ubopCNr.jpg?1)

"Perfect. Well, thank you, mister, I appreciate your willingness to talk. Farewell."

(https://i.imgur.com/Ie7MScq.jpg?1)

...

"What I've got myself into..."

(https://i.imgur.com/YXDbevs.jpg?1)

"Now, Omot, I've got perfect plan how to make this land obey!" cackled Oströtakåtôz.

"Hmph?"

(https://i.imgur.com/FZ21ePX.jpg?1)

"I'll develop a disease, that will completely morph whole areas as I shall please!"

"You mean, like these wizards, sending foul clouds, mists and fogs that corrupt everything they'll creep to...?" asked Omot, a little concerned.

(https://i.imgur.com/iwIAM5J.jpg?1)

"Except way more effective! Hah, nothing's going to stop me! And now, that this Sîlanära offered to assassinate the dwarven king... Everything is just set for me! This realm shall fall beneath me, and then others, and I'll be the greatest Âsem there ever was!"

He's got some goblin attitude, thought Omot, as his new master talked on and on.

(https://i.imgur.com/eVKdMlr.jpg?1)

"By the way... Have you figured out these dwarven trap systems?"

"We're still trying. Nothing like our fortresses, though..."

"Well, you better try harder. There might be traps we don't know about... I don't want our troops getting stuck in their own fortress... What about these magical creatures around?"

(https://i.imgur.com/P1yEW4v.jpg?1)

"They're mostly disposed of. But..."

Moment of silence.

"What again?" asked Oströtakåtôz.

"If these are from Alsmustspås, and you claim you already conquered it, how do they don't obey you?"

(https://i.imgur.com/w1OyiSc.jpg?1)

"I can't rely on them!" barked the wicked master. "They're all that's left from my greatest rivals, and that's why they need to be taken care of! But do not worry... I'll summon an army from Alsmustspås soon. Army so powerful, all kingdoms of this world shall fall to my feet. But before they're here, I need you goblins. As soon we have more troops, you're going to plunder other dwarven fortresses."

(https://i.imgur.com/UW8xpMg.jpg?1)

"And the world shall be mine!!!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on March 15, 2020, 06:13:57 am

Happy birthday dwarven papercrafts!

That's right, today it's one year since this creation of this thread. I don't feel like writing another five-paragraph tribute to spectators, so I'll just say, I thank y'all and let's finish this. There will be a lot of fighting now, like, a lot, at multiple places with various numbers, so brace yourselves! Now...

(https://i.imgur.com/KwtnaOf.jpg?1)

"So, this is it?" asked Alak. "Through this cave, we can use tunnel leading directly to the Mountainhome?"

(https://i.imgur.com/OYlaVo1.jpg?1)

"In case the fortress isn't completely shut from inside." answered Urist. "It shouldn't be, though, if the Mountainhome was captured, the royalty must have tried to escape through this very tunnel. If whoever is in the control of the fortress now figured out how to secure it using the dwarven mechanisms..."

"It's a matter of time, then..." croaked Ôvok.

(https://i.imgur.com/vfpEA4q.jpg?1)

"No sealed doors can stop us!" growled Kâdol.

The toad sighed.

"For the last time, this is not a full frontal assault! We don't know what we're fighting against, so we must remain stealth as long as..."

"We don't know?" asked Otad the crossbowman. "This presents a problem..."

The toad lost words.

"No doubt, the closer we get, the more things get unclear..." said Keshan.

Alak stepped forth.

(https://i.imgur.com/wKeeODk.jpg?1)

"Whatever." he proclaimed. "We must exploit this opportunity and strike while they don't see it coming."

"We could get through army of mortals with ease and swiftly, then finish off the leader!" grumbled Kâdol. "They don't stand a chan..."

"I thought you were not gods..." said Wõrv, grinning.

(https://i.imgur.com/yeN4SDp.jpg?1)

"Gah, we can't just draw attention with spells!" croaked Ôvok angrily. "If there's truly one of us we're fighting against..."

"Then he might sense us anyway!" barked Kâdol.

(https://i.imgur.com/rXT92J2.jpg?1)

Meanwhile Urist pulled out an ornate key underneath his armor, watching everyone arguing with each other. Alak nodded towards him, Urist put the key in a hole deep in some crack, and slowly turned his hand. A loud click interrupted that fighting bunch.

(https://i.imgur.com/CBU1rWi.jpg?1)

Alak turned the last time towards his soldiers, and entered the cavern without saying a word. Militia and the toad followed him, the rest did too at last.



A few layers below an hanful of ticks after...

(https://i.imgur.com/ZSPJWmt.jpg?1)

"Shh! Shh! Sh sh sh!" whispered Urist. "Here we go!"

There was truly the bottom of the fortress, with staircase inside. Few goblins were on watch around.

(https://i.imgur.com/jStcHY1.jpg?1)

"I see." whispered Alak back. "We must swiftly and silently dispatch these and infiltrate the fortress!"

"Should I shoot 'em down?" asked Otad.

"There might be much more inside..." said Ziril.

"Don't might the might in the sentence. Just go." croaked the toad.

(https://i.imgur.com/aRQo6MD.jpg?1)

"You ironclad heavies shouldn't go forward just yet. That would alarm them..."

"Well, what then?" asked Alak. "What can we do that isn't alarming?"

"Told you..." whispered Kâdol.

"Wõrv, you have sneaky cavern people with you. Catch them off guard, we'll help you finish them."

"Make sure they can't reach the entrance before us, lock them somehow." advised Rikkir. "Also, cavern people shouldn't look like big deal for 'em."

(https://i.imgur.com/HAyC1R6.jpg?1)

"Fine." said Wõrv. He gestured towards his kobold henchmen, ordering them to follow other of his troops. Id went with them, being at least Expert Cavern Stalker.

(https://i.imgur.com/aFoCdrI.jpg?1)

Soldiers carefully crawled from rock to rock, trying to get as close as possible to the guards. And then... They stroke.

(https://i.imgur.com/FNW3YQv.jpg?1)

With help of Otad's shot, and some lil' flares from Kâdolites, they dispatched them easily, yet the goblins managed to shout out, and the troll roared as well.

(https://i.imgur.com/fzzjgSp.jpg?1)

"No time to be lost. Up, up, up!!!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on July 30, 2020, 01:36:33 pm

(https://i.imgur.com/J8JdWZ5.jpg?1)

"Well, this is more like it, isn't it?" asked Ïlon, looking at remnants of his squad, fully armed again after a long time "Udirizden is restored to its full glory!"

"Also we have shoes now." said Neth.

(https://i.imgur.com/XTJICiF.jpg?1)

"Let's find Stukos and get some orders..."

"We were just on watch!" said Alåth. "And new orders will be watches again! Why can't we... Like... Hunt down night creatures, like we used to?"

"Now we're in army again, lad. And we should be glad we're not under siege... Hey. What's this?"

(https://i.imgur.com/vKiU6p2.jpg?1)

In the middle of the hallway, that was brimming with life the last time the squad was there, now was silent, all the dwarves lying in ground.

"They're... Sleeping?" said Neth, poking them with his axe helve.

"All of them. Civilians and soldiers alike..." reported Adur, also examining this strange phenomenon.

(https://i.imgur.com/9klDoSu.jpg?1)

"It's almost like if someone cursed the whole fortress..." said Alåth "Let's roll dices before we'll..."
"Cursed?" asked Ïlon. "That's not good. Quickly, to the throne room!"

(https://i.imgur.com/MsquFkq.jpg?1)

"Look, royal guards are knocked out too!" whispered Adur.

"I don't hear any steps. It's all quiet..." said Ïlon.

Udma interrupted his thoughts, gesturing that he can hear something.

(https://i.imgur.com/aiTC8Jh.jpg?1)

He sneaked slowly towards the entrance, with finger on his mouth.

Our brave heroes peeked over there.

(https://i.imgur.com/YKx3lGl.jpg?1)

They saw a terrifying silhouette, a tall creature they've never seen before.

"Look, it has blade!" whispered Alåth. "It's gonna murder the king!"

(https://i.imgur.com/rPEVK0V.jpg?1)

"Let's go and strike it down!" whispered Neth, wanting to take a step forward, but his captain stopped him.

"You saw what that thong did to everyone around? This is no ordinary assassin!"

"But we must confront it!" stated Adur. "Or you want to rely on Alåth's shot?"

(https://i.imgur.com/SGRtqsj.jpg?1)

"I can try and snipe it... Let's roll!" whispered Alåth, pulling out of his clothes two pyramid dices.

"Where did you get that? asked Ïlon. "That's from a shrine?"

Alåth nodded. "Helped me countless times. I always roll before a battle. Wanna try it too?"

"Whatever, just let's do something already!" insisted Neth.

Battle time!

It's going to be battle after battle now...

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Yellow Pixel on July 30, 2020, 04:49:41 pm

I wasn't expecting that today. Thank you for the fun moment ! I'm sure the next parts are going to be epic ! :D

(Wow ! I'm a Bay Watcher now !)

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on August 02, 2020, 02:08:08 pm

(https://i.imgur.com/HaDn0eU.jpg?1)

Alåth rolled without hesitation.

"Seven and a star." he said.

"What does that mean?" asked Neth.

"Should be some sort of blessing, I think..."

"You don't know?" whispered Neth angrily.

The assassin stoped crawling. It raised their head and started sniffing.

"What is this beast?!!" whispered Adur.

(https://i.imgur.com/tXgp7kt.jpg?1)

The being crawled again, and the noise was getting louder.

"It's going towards us, no doubt." whispered Ïlon. "We have one shot, we'll ambush it!"

The rest of the squad nodded.

(https://i.imgur.com/hZHffoT.jpg?1)

As soon as the being crossed the doorstep, they leaped themselves towards it!

(https://i.imgur.com/J7dW8ig.jpg?1)

The serpent turned their head towards Adur and bashed him with their enormous wing, flinging him back.

Neth tried to slash it, but the being parried the axe with their pale blade, and gazed at him with its flickering eyes.

(https://i.imgur.com/Na9iqqJ.jpg?1)

Neth fell to ground, motionless.

(https://i.imgur.com/wdkkUO2.jpg?1)

Ïlon slashes The Assassin in the upper body, tearing the muscle!

The being tried to bash him with wing too, but the captain dodged it.

(https://i.imgur.com/9qSf8s4.jpg?1)

The assassin used their gaze again, and Ïlon fell to the ground, too.

Alåth saw he was alone. Or was he?

(https://i.imgur.com/AvDyyOO.jpg?1)

Udma stabs The Assassin from the behind in the upper body, tearing the muscle and bruising the bone!

As the being jerked from the pain, Alåth shot.

(https://i.imgur.com/OruRFYD.jpg?1)

The -steel bolt- hits The Assassin in the left eye!

The being started screaming and cursing in languages unknown to dwarves. It clapped it wings together, crushing Udma in between.

(https://i.imgur.com/SdApboH.jpg?1)

Alåth took cover, as he watched the blind beast furiously turning left and right, gesturing with hands. Lightning, fire and mist were coming out of their mouth, as it tried to smite whoever remained near.

Then it threw away the pale blade towards Alåth, trying to deduce direction from footstep noise, but missed.

(https://i.imgur.com/OlOqXgY.jpg?1)

It placed their hands onto their empty eyes. Green glow emitted from their scaly fingers, blood stopped pouring from the wound, and it sealed itself. The eyes, however, were not fixed.

(https://i.imgur.com/v1JF3f0.jpg?1)

The being fell to ground. And wept. Alåth didn't care.

(https://i.imgur.com/v6UkCju.jpg?1)

He tried to get away, scared off by all the magic showcases.


(https://i.imgur.com/bq1R6Ph.jpg?1)

The assassin stood up again, still babbling in their languages. It found the walls of the hallway by touch, turned back and crawled forward to the throne room.

(https://i.imgur.com/zugidj4.jpg?1)

It felt Udma beneath it's tail, who was still breathing. It put their hands on him, and felt he's still alive.

(https://i.imgur.com/foBLWoS.jpg?1)

It groped for his neck, clawed it, and left bleeding. When he was on verge of death, the being casted a spell. Udma stood up, but not as his former self, but some enchanted thrall.

(https://i.imgur.com/qFyOZOC.jpg?1)

"Lead..." the assassin hissed. Enslaved Udma stood up, and took the being towards the throne room.

(https://i.imgur.com/N3g6lo9.jpg?1)

Alåth saw all of this from distance. He tried to wake up his friends, unsuccessfully. He didn't want to risk another shot. Hopeless, he ran off. And as he tried to escape, he could hear the king's gasping echoing through the hallways. And then... Silence.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Yellow Pixel on August 02, 2020, 05:03:07 pm

The sequence of the first pictures was perfect! When Udma attacked the Golden Queen from behind, I didn't saw it coming. But he has become undead and evil! :( But maybe there's still a way to save him ? I really liked the character: he was expressive even if he couldn't talk and he seemed to be a good person.

And Alåth was truly blessed when it shot the big snake in the eye, but now he will be suffering from guilt for the rest of his life...

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on October 10, 2020, 10:00:05 am

(https://i.imgur.com/GbNjJkx.jpg?2)
"No, I don't!" barked Urnût. "I don't need Kin in the mines! He should be outside, cutting trees, he's the only woodcutter 'ere! Mines and woodcutting, don't get along, you should know that!"

"You can't go underground just like this!" said Ermis. "With all the beasts lurking down there! Oh, you'll thank me later, you'll see! Besides, you're the overseer now!"

"I know, right? So it is my will to..."

(https://i.imgur.com/vDgra91.jpg?2)

"I mean you shouldn't mine at all! All the management went to war, and you're still wobbling to labor, why?"

"Nakuth's shift is over, now it's my turn!"

"Where is he?" asked Kin. "Shouldn't he have returned by now?"

"Oh, you know how he loves striking rocks, I bet he got stuck there blissfully crushing those..."

"He didn't." whispered Urnût.

(https://i.imgur.com/2eq4MaG.jpg?2)

Kin and Ermis looked below the ledge they were standing on. The old woman gasped.

(https://i.imgur.com/kO3jpoE.jpg?2)

There were moving figures scattered all over the layer, of many shapes and sizes. Upon closer inspection, our dwarves saw kobolds, troglodytes, amphibian men, trolls... And motionless body lying between them all, with a copper pickaxe nearby.

But there was something the dwarves didn't recognize. Creatures of average size, holding weapons, with large carved masks made from the underground shroom trees, and black tattoos, that felt kind of familiar... They must be dwarves, too!

"Who are those?" whispered Ermis, shivering.

(https://i.imgur.com/hzam1AM.jpg?2)

"Zeg might know." Urnût uttered. "They look like or tribesmen, yet different... Why did they kill Nakuth?"

"Worse, how are they commanding all those creatures?" whispered Kin.

(https://i.imgur.com/AvaOznp.jpg?2)

As much the dwarves tried to be silent, the army of creatures has noticed them. As soon as they did, they started climbing upwards.

"Those aren't friends, by any chance." said Urnût. "Quick, bring me Zeg, and armed dwarves capable of fight, burrow the rest! This is citizen alert, go! You stay here, Kin!"

(https://i.imgur.com/Ofaf93p.jpg?2)

The creatures were advancing quickly. Urnût thought he might destroy the stairs and stop them with a cave-in, so he rushed towards them.

"Protect me! Do not allow them to climb up here!"

(https://i.imgur.com/8omaXtk.jpg?2)

The miner loosened some of the stone, and sent it rolling down the stairs, but the gaps were filled with new critters and warriors rather fast.

"This isn't working, back, fall back!"

(https://i.imgur.com/Hrwiw4E.jpg?2)

The two dwarves ran back the corridor leading to Kudarkalur. Kin turned back one last time, and saw the overwhelming numbers of their enemies. And something towering above them all.

(https://i.imgur.com/RoO3dq7.jpg?2)

A pale gigantic figure, with eyeless face, and symbol on its forehead. It was the last thing Kin has seen, before leaving the cavern, and it certainly wasn't a pleasing look.

(https://i.imgur.com/Xnmdeqz.jpg?1)

Meanwhile, Ermis has gathered a group of dwarves as planned.

"Masks, you say?" asked Zeg. "How did those look like?"

"Ask... *pant* Ask Urnût!"

(https://i.imgur.com/X9XhcZX.jpg?1)

"Ah, there you are! So few of you, though? Where's the fisherman?" asked Urnût.

"He was by the river, he'll come later! Now, what's going on down there?" asked Zeg back.

"An army of underground creatures, and some tribal dwarves in their ranks! They had tattoos like you do, and masks, and..."

"Tan skin, but bleached by the dim caverns." said Zeg. "I know. Those are our mythological foes, if you will. The other tribes, that rejected the beauty of the outside world and sheltered themselves from light forever! Oh, they'll slaughter us without hesitation."

"We won't let them reach the fortress without a fight! Quick, haul the boulders across the corridor, make a wall! I have a plan, you must barricade yourselves here, I'll prepare a cave-in at the cinnabar cavern."

"The museum?" asked Muz.

"I hope we can trap them there, stop them at least for some time..."

"They have a ogre." said Kin. "The damaged stairs won't hold them back too long..."

"Then there's no time to lose!"

(https://i.imgur.com/sfn6KZM.jpg?1)

"We won't let Kudarkalur fall!"

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Yellow Pixel on October 10, 2020, 10:53:33 am

All proud warriors! :D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on October 11, 2020, 12:52:31 pm

(https://i.imgur.com/RmoEVoE.jpg?1)

"Master, master, we have been ambushed!"

(https://i.imgur.com/x61uShJ.jpg?1)

"What?!!" shouted Oströtakåtôz. "What do you mean by that?"

"A number of dwarves and underground pests alike has infiltrated the fortress!"

"But... But it's sealed!"

"They got past! We don't know how, they're in now!"

"Well don't just stand here! Go stop them!"

(https://i.imgur.com/tmyr0R4.jpg?1)

"You, Omot! Gather as many troops you need and dispatch the enemy force!"

"At once, Ukustmôklo."

(https://i.imgur.com/E7adICQ.jpg?1)

"Wait... I sense... No way..."

(https://i.imgur.com/RfsHCgf.jpg?1)

"Seems I'll have to deal with this myself!"

(https://i.imgur.com/5TPNh2Y.jpg?1)

"Push through, hold on!" cried Alak. "Wõrv, get your troops to the front line, don't stand back, Zodostshokmut!"

"There truly is one of us, hiding there!" said Kâdol. "Guess you were right after all..."

(https://i.imgur.com/clMb3zt.jpg?1)

"Scorch them, help the soldiers!" croaked the toad.

"Nonsense! We two have to keep our powers intact, reserve them for the boss!"

The toad thought over it, smiled and nodded. Finally, the firebeard is cooperating, he thought. But tension between Wõrv and Alak grew.

(https://i.imgur.com/OYMRI3o.jpg?1)

"They're just skirmishers, they can't hold the line themselves!" the amphibian man barked. "If you don't want to lose your precious dorfs..."

"Doesn't mean you can't use them right now, for crying out loud!" barked Alak.

(https://i.imgur.com/PfENBH1.jpg?1)

Despite the arguing commanders, the dwarves and Wõrv's underlings held the line well, Urist especially, while Kâdolites were bombing the enemy from behind. Regular goblins were falling fast, but trolls were giving our heroes problems.

(https://i.imgur.com/HApBMYU.jpg?1)

After a while of fighting, a moment of respite. New goblin soldiers stopped coming, and Alak could advance deeper into the fortress. But the battle took its toll. Nirmek fell, alongside with two amphibian men, a kobold, and Duthnur was rather badly wounded. Rikkir didn't come out unscathed too, but was able to continue the fight. And he did need to, for another wave of goblins was coming.

(https://i.imgur.com/HvWwXgL.jpg?1)

"What if he himself comes?" asked Rikkir. "That fabled "boss" of theirs?"

"Don't burden your mind with that. He won't stand a chance against the two of us, should he try to cast a spell on you, the toado can counter it, and I'll smite him!" said Kâdol.

"Wait a tick..." Alak whispered.

(https://i.imgur.com/67DYE7v.jpg?1)

"That's the bloody bandit that cut off the route in Tetistinen! Oh, once I'll get to him..."

"Spread the trolls!" ordered Omot. "They have some fiery trickery taking on multiple targets!"

(https://i.imgur.com/guw7jv1.jpg?1)

"Bomb them!" cried Alak. "Take the trolls down, they want to surround us full circle!"

"There's not much left!" shouted Lolor.

"Go and toss it, we need it now!"

(https://i.imgur.com/n8TZSLl.jpg?1)

With a blast, one troll went down. But the enemy force managed to reach the heroes, and it looked bad. Kâdolites ran out of bombs and went to firejet the foes instead. That did well, but the dwarves were still overwhelmed.

(https://i.imgur.com/8rqPfH0.jpg?1)

Duthnur quickly fell, and some more kobolds, too. Urist was keeping the goblins back, but the last troll standing targeted him.

With ferocious charge, he trampled over the warrior, and began bashing him.

(https://i.imgur.com/e5wCMva.jpg?1)

Kâdolites attacked the troll, but Urist was lying motionless, just occasionally jerking, and trying to say something.

When Alak saw him fall, he entered martial trance, and went for Omot. He threw off his two guards relentlessly and began clashing with the goblin.

Omot was dodging successfully, but his martial abilities did not overpower the furious dwarf.

(https://i.imgur.com/70RmBFw.jpg?1)

Alak slashes Omot in the neck and the severed part sails off in arc!

When he turned back, all the enemies were lying on the smoothed stone floor, red and cyan blood on their spots. He ran to Urist.

(https://i.imgur.com/juZKoTp.jpg?1)

"I... I..." the crushed axedwarf uttered, and then passed out.

"No..." said Alak. "Luslemnod, do..."

"He's dead, I'm sorry." the toas croaked. "There's nothing we can do for him."

Rikkir was standing next to him, with bend back, panting heavily.

"He fought well." he said. "But we must go on. There might be more of them..."

The militia commander looked like he's going to join Urist anytime soon.

"At least give strength to Rikkir!" Alak pleaded. "Save what you can!"

Toad was going to say something, but Kâdol interrupted.

"I suppose you could do that. Hm? That ain't much big of a deal."

The toad gestured and let loose a powerful croak.

Rikkir stands up.

"Let's go, the battle is not won yet." the macedwarf said.

"What about Urist?" asked Alak. "We can't leave him beh..."

"We did every other fallen..." said Ziril. "Nothing's gonna happy to him..."

"But..."

(https://i.imgur.com/N8PEDfr.jpg?1)

Kâdol sighed, and picked the copperclad axedwarf up.

"Move now, move! I'll handle this!"

Alak's spirits were lifted a bit, so he went forth. But not a minute of progress has passed, Kâdol put Urist's body down.

(https://i.imgur.com/NF1Hxi9.jpg?1)

"Watch out. He's coming."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Yellow Pixel on October 11, 2020, 01:57:25 pm

Quote from: Quaksna on October 11, 2020, 12:52:31 pm

"Watch out. He's coming."

... and he has the power of an entire army!

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: mightymushroom on October 11, 2020, 03:35:59 pm

I am surrounded by death. It is terrifying.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on October 12, 2020, 08:09:41 am

(https://i.imgur.com/gAkg0e7.jpg?1)

"Great work, move it, move it!" Urnût was calling from distance.

"How's the trap?" Kin called back.

"Not well, need more time!"

(https://i.imgur.com/lQhK2uc.jpg?1)

"Here they come, dwarves, here they are!" cried Zeg.

"Hold them back! At all costs, just don't let them through!"

(https://i.imgur.com/Nyuxjnl.jpg?1)

Soon the corridor was filled with creatures.

Troglodytes couldn't figure how to cross the boulders, and weren't that problematic. Kobolds weren't much of a threat, either. Trolls haven't reached the barricade yet, but the masked dwarves had. When they saw Zeg, they entered murderous rage.

(https://i.imgur.com/g1N1ViG.jpg?1)

"Not good." said Zeg. "Where are our army crundles? They would certainly be useful now!"

Adur the animal keeper whispered something to him.

"Ah."

"Why can't we use crundles?" asked Urnût.

"Guess what, they're not ready. Would probably flee to the caverns..."

Urnût was thinking, between the loud bangs of his pickaxe striking the ground.

"Ermis, go up. Send me here whoever could help."

(https://i.imgur.com/uadL7I1.jpg?1)

Ermis nodded, and ran back above ground, panting.

(https://i.imgur.com/4m4zHnl.jpg?1)

The defenders of Kudarkalur started running out of luck. Once the enemy dwarves reaches the barricade, spears of our heroes stopped being such an advantage, as they had them, too. Îbmat got injured, so did Kin and Adur.

"They got through! Run! Run!" screamed Muz, and started to moonwalk back.

"Stay still, you fool!" shouted Zeg, right before he got hit by a stone axe.

Then, the trolls arrived, and the stone wall was no more.

(https://i.imgur.com/M411iFM.jpg?1)

"Agh... We must truly retreat now... Urnût! We're coming towards you!

Urnût was trembling, as he didn't think the cave-in is ready to be executed. But they had no choice.

The dwarves were fleeing from the battle, but the enemy force was fast enough to catch up with them. Kin turned back, only to see the foes right behind him.

(https://i.imgur.com/bulX8aC.jpg?1)

"Blast 'ye!" he muttered, and stopped running. This confused the dwarves, but Zeg pushed them forward.

"Go, go! Don't look back!"

Kin has entered a martial trance!

(https://i.imgur.com/sYtNUgH.jpg?1)

The one dwarf stood up against all of the enemies. One dwarf has stopped the overwhelming force from reaching Kudarkalur. Getting hit from all directions, but didn't back a bit.

(https://i.imgur.com/j7lOB41.jpg?1)

He fell, onto a pile of kobolds, vile dwarves, and a troll. But he bought the heroes enough time.

(https://i.imgur.com/1Oxzlsp.jpg?1)

The warriors finally crossed Urnût, who was still working on the trap.

"Stand back. This could work." the miner said.

(https://i.imgur.com/8AsOFij.jpg?1)

When the enemies have crossed the line, he stroke the rock beneath him, terrible rumbles followed. He stroke a few more times, and the cave floor began to move, slide down.

(https://i.imgur.com/a9DMuHy.jpg?1)

A section of the cave has collapsed!

(https://i.imgur.com/WkzV3BX.jpg?1)

The enemies standing there fell to their deaths, those behind were forced to stop.

(https://i.imgur.com/RuDwQ9K.jpg?1)

Urnût was standing there, too, though. He managed to grab the ledge, but his sweaty hands were slipping. Zeg gave him a hand, and pulled him out. They didn't waste any time, and ran off to the fortress, planning what to do next.

(https://i.imgur.com/axmagQW.jpg?1)

"That went well enough..." said Muz. "But poor Kin..."

"Only if you could fight like he did, then we might stand a chance against this invasion!" said Zeg. "What can we do, now?"

"Isn't there some sealing mechanism in Kudarkalur?" asked Îbmat.

"There isn't even a mechanic, and now we pay because of it." said Urnût. "Our only chance is to block the corridor manually, and whole."

(https://i.imgur.com/HMjDUFa.jpg?1)

"We could drop a hallway, couldn't we?" asked Zeg. "That shouldn't be too hard, and if we'll save the fortress, totally worth it!"

"If only Alak and our soldiers were here... But that is a good idea. We'll give it a shot."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Yellow Pixel on October 12, 2020, 02:15:03 pm

And now for more spectacular crushing! :D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on October 13, 2020, 12:28:28 pm

Be ready for a few jumps back and forth between both fortresses.

(https://i.imgur.com/CmsHNbM.jpg?1)

A foul green mist started creeping over the hallways of the Mountainhome. As it reached our heroes, they started sweating, coughing, blisters and warts appeared on their pale skin.

(https://i.imgur.com/83za2Ck.jpg?1)

The toad started channeling a protective spell, trying to disrupt this horrible disease.

"Show yourself!" growled Kâdol.

(https://i.imgur.com/ClVhg65.jpg?1)

The toad successfully dispelled the vile fog, and revealed Oströtakåtôz. He was rather shocked, seeing that there are two of his kind against him.

(https://i.imgur.com/FbhwcX7.jpg?1)

Kâdol went straight to action, shooting firejets at the enemy. Oströtakåtôz was try to dodge or block them, but he received a number hits.

Hopelessly trying to turn the tide, he gestured and sent a spell towards the toad.

(https://i.imgur.com/eQEvRJN.jpg?1)

"Aaaaah!" the toad croaked, pushed by a powerful force, sliding across the chamber.

(https://i.imgur.com/l2OtvP5.jpg?1)

It was too late for Oströtakåtôz. Kâdol cornered him.

"Fool... I am the Alsmustspås..."

(https://i.imgur.com/TcPvz0x.jpg?1)

The dwarven lord of fire crushed him with his two blazing fists, burning his body to cinder.

(https://i.imgur.com/0I5yTUQ.jpg?1)

Simultaneously, the toad and Kâdol chanted:

"By the power I wield, you're banished from this world!"

And the presence of the Oströtakåtôz, the Ukustmôklo, was no more.

(https://i.imgur.com/XpWmw19.jpg?1)

"The day is won! The Mountainhome is ours!" shouted Alak.

"But only a handful lived to see our victory, that is, if we truly won." said Lolor. "What if there are still goblins out there?"

Alak thought for a moment.

"There is indeed way too few of us... Where is Wõrv?"

(https://i.imgur.com/4EG05TX.jpg?1)

"Here, haul away this one, it's loose!" ordered Urnût.

(https://i.imgur.com/w88tTm2.jpg?1)

"Grab it at the other side, Vúsh... There!" said Zeg, as they tried to lift the boulder. "Great, let's move!"

(https://i.imgur.com/rSOUzlM.jpg?1)

"Oh come on, a little bit further!"

"Let me catch my breath..." said Ermis. "I ain't the hauler I used to be..."

"What is going on here?" a voice spoke.

(https://i.imgur.com/4KfQXEN.jpg?1)

"Alle?" said Zeg.

(https://i.imgur.com/hOTPqbj.jpg?1)

"I thought there is a party going on! No one's at the entrance, there's dead silence all over the fortress... So what's going on?"

"Were at a war, sir." said Ermis. "Below us, a neverending horde of cave critters is pouring into the fortress."

"We manage to cut them off with a pit. But they have an ogre." Zeg explained.

The lord was nodding, listening carefully.

"You need to seal the fortress, then."

"We want to. Our substitute overseer Urnût is currently preparing a cave-in that should shut the corridor once and for all."

(https://i.imgur.com/dBQITXq.jpg?1)

"How many soldiers do you have at hand?"

"Currently, three. They're guarding the tunnel just in case. Till the cave-in."

"Only three? I better lend them a hand. Where are they?"

"Straight, then downwards." said Vúsh.

"Be careful!" called Zeg, but the lord already vanished from his sight, not wasting a tick.

(https://i.imgur.com/ij86XCL.jpg?1)

"Hello there, mister Urnût! I am going to help you in the fight."

"Oh, lord Dazelosric! Well, I'll take any help I can!"

"When is the cave-in ready? I'm curious."

"Want to damage the floor on five more spots. Can't say how long it will take."

"I see. Good luck!"

(https://i.imgur.com/AOsvwSk.jpg?1)

"Why are they sending over the pit one guy at a time?" said Îbmat. "They have a bloody ogre at disposal!"

"You shouldn't be complaining, as long as we're still alive, it's fine by me!" said Muz.

Regardless of the unused potential of the enemy forces, the three watchmen were exhausted, sweat and blood dripping from them.

(https://i.imgur.com/yf4axXy.jpg?1)

"Greetings, dwarves! I am here to aid you in the fight!"

The dwarves exhaled in relief.

(https://i.imgur.com/EAvlDqJ.jpg?1)

"Go to your master. I'll take it from here."

"What?!!" asked Muz. "We can't leave a man alone here, you don't know what you're dealing with! This is an invasion!"

"Return to the fortress, and tell your master to drop the hallway as soon as the trap is ready."

"But..."

"Trust me. I'll make it out in time. Now go!"

(https://i.imgur.com/T7WSrA6.jpg?1)

The enemy realized holes in their strategy, and sent the ogre forth.

"Here we go..."



(https://i.imgur.com/BYM3Q4Z.jpg?1)

"And you are surprised?" growled Kâdol. "You thought we could trust the green scum?"

"Haven't seen him since we last fought with the goblins..." said Rikkir. "He's... Just gone..."

"You thought he wasn't a traitor? You thought he was genuinely help dwarves to reclaim the Mountainhome?"

"I..." said Alak.

(https://i.imgur.com/z0eHC5c.jpg?1)

"Why do you think he came here only with bodyguards and few skirmishers? You think that was all he could offer?"

"Why didn't you tell us earlier? You knew this?"

"I did not. But it is clear as day now... Why do you think an underground warlord residing right below your fortress would trick you this way?"

(https://i.imgur.com/aftjjBr.jpg?1)

"Why did you leave him there?!!" screamed Zeg.

"For the last time, it was his wish! It was his plan!" said Muz. "He said he'll return in time!"

Loud banging and crashing noises were coming from below, sending chills through the dwarves.

"The ogre will tear the poor man in pieces, fools!" cried Zeg. "I'm going down there!"

The tribesman ran off, towards the stairs to the caverns, but soon came to halt, stopped by an unexpected seeing.

(https://i.imgur.com/BEAh5oY.jpg?1)

It was the lord, coming from the opposite direction. His blade stained with blood, his hair messed up by the underground dust, and his expensive clothing dirty. Apart from that, he looked rather sound.

"Stop right there and turn back." he said to Zeg. "You can do the cave-in, mister Urnût."

"How did you..."

"Do it, quick."

(https://i.imgur.com/8cA4zWY.jpg?1)

A section of the cavern has collapsed!

The dwarves saw briefly field of corpses, with a gigantic pale one on top, being buried underneath loose stone, till it all disappeared, like if no dwarf has ever struck the earth there.

(https://i.imgur.com/mNVLv4F.jpg?1)

"We did it! Kudarkalur is saved! We made it!" Muz rejoiced, and the other dwarves with him.

"Alle... I don't know what you did down there, but you're gift from the gods." said Zeg.

(https://i.imgur.com/8sbYPQ4.jpg?1)

"Lord Dazelosric, Kudarkalur is forever in debt for you." said Urnût. "I'll make sure lord Alak..."

"I was glad to help out. Now, where is lord Alak. Or... Lolor for that matter? Did they fall repelling the invasion?"

"They're on a mission to reclaim the Mountainhome. We hope they'll return soon..."




(https://i.imgur.com/fEuEkQp.jpg?1)

Despite their target was vanquished, the dwarves were quite upset, disturbed by the implications of Kâdol's speech.

"Is there something you are hiding from us, toad?!!"

"What do you mean by that?"

"You brought that traitor into our camp."

"I did not plot anything... Why do you think this is my fault? I did not..."

(https://i.imgur.com/WJeohf0.jpg?1)

"Friends, there is no victory for us. As long as this toad stands among us."

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Yellow Pixel on October 14, 2020, 09:43:00 am

Oh! The foul green mist spreading like strips of wrapping tissue... Nothing that could stand against Ôvok, the magical toad! And the mighty Kâdol with his scorching fire was indomitable and thus made short work of the pestiferous goblin! However, his impusilvity brought him to accuse Ôvok to be in league with Wõrv, this vile bastard! How could he unjustly blame a toad, such a cute and gentle jumping animal?

Talking about Wõrv: now I understand the big W on the head of the pale ogre, it's the symbol of this blasted cave lord! What did he think, that he could take Kudarkalur and the Mountainhome in one go? Then what, the whole universe?! Anyway, all things considered, this story part has been much fun! :D

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Quaksna on October 14, 2020, 10:12:28 am

(https://i.imgur.com/Vmnwkhb.jpg?1)

"Why would you assume such a thing?!!" the toad croaked. "I came to help you, help you reclaim what's yours, not seize it for myself!"

"I don't believe you."

A moment of silence.

"Kâdol..." said Alak. "Luslemnod has nothing to do with Wõrv's betrayal.

"How do you know? It's a toad."

(https://i.imgur.com/T9jhm4m.jpg?1)

"Is that all your reasoning?" the toad asked. "I tried to unite us, but if you're unwilling to..."

"Your idea of an union is a lofty one. But there are things you should never mix together."

"I wanted to help you."

"That's admirable. Still you're an obstacle."

(https://i.imgur.com/WQ2NVAV.jpg?1)

The lord of fire leapt towards the toad, igniting his fists. He blinded everyone in the room by his flames, only Luslemnod was able to resist it, and the three Kâdolite masters. A clash began.

"Why are you doing this? This shall not be to anyone's benefit." wept the toad.

"I disagree."

(https://i.imgur.com/bGrF6GC.jpg?1)

The toad was overpowered by Kâdol, and vanished in the fire.

"By the power I wield, you are banished from this world."

(https://i.imgur.com/4KxHzn6.jpg?1)

When the dwarves recovered from the shock, the toad was no longer there.

"You monster!" Alak screamed. "Why?!! It wasn't our enemy!"

(https://i.imgur.com/Qfp6ptU.jpg?1)

"It was a friend..."

Alak turns berserk!

(https://i.imgur.com/kSAZueG.jpg?1)

The overseer tried to charged the lord of fire, but he easily propelled him, back with a force wave.

(https://i.imgur.com/i9ecghK.jpg?1)

Alak stood up, unsheathed his other sword and tried it again.

(https://i.imgur.com/oIKRNVo.jpg?1)

And again.

(https://i.imgur.com/WOcil21.jpg?1)

"How can you do such things?" another angry voice shouted. But not from the militia ranks. From Kâdolites. It was Lolor.

(https://i.imgur.com/AIjhTMH.jpg?1)

"Stop it! They both helped us, and you dare to treat them this way?"

(https://i.imgur.com/IefbFwI.jpg?1)

The manager hit Kâdol. As soon is hands touched him, though, a sudden pain went through his body.

(https://i.imgur.com/5PmERwa.jpg?1)

Tongue of fire swirled and danced all over him, and he fell down, with a dying breath.

(https://i.imgur.com/STX5ZrH.jpg?1)

It was a lot to process for the other dwarves, only Alak tried to relentlessly attack Kâdol, while he was constantly being flung back. The militia watched their crazed overseer, too scared to intervene. The overseer did cool down because of fatigue, when another Kâdolite disrupted the silence.

(https://i.imgur.com/MzrUUVh.jpg?1)

"Why did you kill Sákrith, is that what you do to those who rightfully defy you?!!" cried Kôn Keshan. "I'm not serving that kind o..."

(https://i.imgur.com/5imAXF5.jpg?1)

And he met the same horrible fate. Ziril sighed.

(https://i.imgur.com/9D4PaUa.jpg?1)

"Alas, I am once again the last remaining Kôn. Are you happy now?"

"Those two wouldn't be of use with that attitude." Kâdol growled. "They sealed a pact, those are the rules!"

"Why don't you kill these as well? They're not going to bow to your will."

(https://i.imgur.com/xQG3xrh.jpg?1)

"Because we're not toads, right?" Alak said, panting. "We're dwarves, you don't mind dwarves... Is that right?"

"He does have a point, Kâdol."

(https://i.imgur.com/q0QMjLE.jpg?1)

"Well, I thought they may cooperate. But seems I might smite this one as well!"

(https://i.imgur.com/gqX0oxi.jpg?1)

"Don't. You've done enough wrong. I'll take it from here. For years, I've been keeping the order alive. Now, it can properly rise to its former glory..."

(https://i.imgur.com/je3yMiz.jpg?1)

"You're both disgusting!" screamed Alak, and went back to his murderous rage.

(https://i.imgur.com/NyUT8Zk.jpg?1)

Kâdol tossed him back without a thought, but Ziril did not like that.

"Send them away. I can't watch their pain any longer... Send them away."

(https://i.imgur.com/UT527jt.jpg?1)

Kâdol casted a spell, moving Rikkir, Otad and Alak outside the fortress.

(https://i.imgur.com/Ud6QqgM.jpg?1)

"We're going to need new wizards for our new realm." Ziril said. "Come forth, Solon and Id."

"May I... Well..." said Id, trembling. "Upon reconsideration... Can I leave? Well..."

(https://i.imgur.com/st3kFcM.jpg?1)

"Sadly, you've seen what happens to those of us who try to leave. I'm sorry."

"Very well then, I guess... *sigh* Give... Give me the secrets, if it has to be..." whispered the old miner, without the fascination and wonder he once had. He never regained it.












(https://i.imgur.com/NrZ95LI.jpg?1)

"What if he was right? What if the union was a lost cause?" asked Rikkir.

Alak was silent.

(https://i.imgur.com/lzPzD6q.jpg?1)

"Let's go home." he spoke at last. And the three of them left the war-torn place.

The End                               

(https://i.imgur.com/FV267AA.jpg?1)

Thanks for reading.

Title: Re: Dwarf Fortress +Papercrafts+ : Tales of Kudarkalur
Post by: Yellow Pixel on October 14, 2020, 01:40:44 pm

Aargh! Ôvok has been banished from the world, Alak is utterly distraught and his army is broken... What a horrendous end! But at the same time, one can never expect the gravity of war outcomes. So it's sad but not unexpected!

I suppose also that owing to the kind hearts of our dwarven heroes and the teachings of Ôvok, a spark of solidarity and goodwill will survive at Kudarkalur. And maybe someday, possibly with an alliance of the dwarves, Ongongera (the golden deity) and Wálim (the protector of the now deceased Exalted One), they will reclaim the Mountainhome for good and overthrow its new ruler, the brutal Kâdol?

Be that as it may, these Tales are epic and I enjoyed them a lot!