Story - The Hollow Vault
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600 Spring, https://youtu.be/YHd7KfvGFPo
After a journey over land to the green expansive edge of the Jungle of Words , our dwarfs stop to consider their options, before them lies more greenery and the possibility of ambush from opportunistic eleven war bands or the more stout option, setup an outpost, here atop the braces of Libaeyi, The Green Spikes. Legends tell of a time before when the mountain titan Simo Peltfur the Umbar Shafts once stalked the valleys.
"This shall be the site of Ugoshubbul the Hollow Vault, so unpack the your axes lads, I want this top clear before the day is out" cried Tongue. After which Tongue then turned and walked back towards the wagon. It should be noted that it wasn't uncommon for Tongue to become separate or wander off apart from the dwarven during the expedition and no one paid mind to her manner, however Tongue felt that surely a wordsmith was of greater use to this hopelessly gathered expedition party, then those without skill in wood cutting cutting wood. Tongue looked across and considered suggesting that perhaps Prodder and Brewer should either chop or hack at the trees rather then what ever they were currently trying to do.
Tongue turned to the beasts, having an ability to converse with all manner of creatures and beasts had its uses in such times as was now, As it could be an age until the basic trench would be dug out and the remaining stores hauled into a safe hole.
Still acting under the wishes of the goddess Zirith (deity of Sky, Sun, Fire and Metals) Tongue had no one to miss her back in the mountain homes of the Knowing Lance, and the prospects of finding a non-height challenged companion improved her mood greatly, It was not that Tongue wished for such a relationship but, simply she did not find comfort with those of her own race.
Digging into a pack she removed her edict, Journey to western reaches, begin trade and supply arms to the Western Elves to support their war with the Eastern Elves and hope that the two civilizations weaken themselves enough to die out.
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600, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2TLzsALHII
The weather cleared as the earth works began. Hammer eyed the local chert stone as inferior to that of the mountain homes variety however it would do for now. "This chert pot is lovely" stated Hammer, placing a new chert pot in the stockpile, "pity you couldn't do the same with the jug then hey?" gruffed Milker, kicking the newly made chert jug lightly. And Milker was correct, while Hammer was a decent crafter their concentration had been lacking during the work and the quality had suffered. "never again" vowed Hammer. For to be a great crafts dwarf she must always work for greater quality of work.
Meanwhile Mr Listenedsilvers or Brewer has he was known began his daily worship of Ms Palacecoal. Who is none other then a dwarf three young his junior, noth other then a dwarf known to us as Milker.
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600, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYlTxEyGL8g
"The brute" shouted Tongue from upon the northern wall. Below one of the stray dogs, the cream one with aqua eyes is bulled by a deer. "To arms" A horn blows and the alarm raised as dwarfs rush to take up weapons untested against imagined deadly and dreaded foes. The dwarfs storm towards the gates "who?" "what?" "how many?" cry the dwarfs. Though before them, standing atop the wagon is Tongue. The party still before their expedition leader. Her boots newly stained with kitten fuilds and pink flesh of some sort. "The deer dies today" she cries and the confused dwarfs charge into the surrounding brush hopeful to come across the expected demonic deer.
However the deer is a deer, and though over exerted, the deer then leads the dwarfs into a chase across the eastern escarpment. Tongue stumbles, "damn cat" is attempted and in her fury Tongue lashes out to strike the cat, the stray cat attacks the expedition leader but she jumps away! into the path of, the deer.
Turning towards the oncoming deer, Tongue readies to strike. Huh! within reach Tongue punches the deer in the right rear hoof with her left hand, but the attack glances away and her left hand now is sore.
Finally after a minor chase the deer is brought down under the weight of five dwarfs with Tongue plunging her face into the deer's neck, biting and tearing the muscle, "Again" cry the dwarfs as they turn for the second deer. Though this one flees into the fort to hide. "revenge" cries Hollow Vault, Carpenter cleaves her Copper battle axe and the deer explodes into gore, "the third" "the third" chant the others together, "death is nothing" states Milker, and again Carpenter attacks, three strikes and the deer explodes into gore.
And then the dwarves turn towards an even greater threat... "migrants?" questions Carpenter.
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600 mid summer, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTyOAIq0mUc
"Migrants" "Yes, damn migrants" "No doubt with news of the mountain homes then?" discuss Chickener and Carpenter. "And what to do with them?" asks Carpenter... "We can hear you" states Shearer, "Oh" realise the duo. "Yes more mouths to feed, minds to dull, and as always skilled in crafts not supported or required. Exactly what dwarfs expect from nobles were thinking, I can't be sure." states Tongue. "I see you've been given the title wordsmith then" mumbles Chickener.
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600 Autumn, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL7vitTqyGs
"Planter is being moody" mumbles Prodder, "I know" states Chickener blankly, "she threw me out of my workshop and then claimed all the leftover pine logs".
Suddenly Planter enters the hall way, a small figurine in her hands and a vaguely pained expression across her face, "I dont' understand" she states ... The Figurine is of Vucar Lessonearthen and Rakust Postglided. Both queens of The Knowing Lancers taking titles each in 428 and 553 respectively. Though that does not matter any to the now furious Chickener. "This artwork is of the highest quality I have ever seen and yet you, you, a dirt turner." Cries Chickener "How could you create this treasure" ...
Later Chickener returned to her workshop, with yet another order of bins, barrels and buckets. Getting back into the flow of productive behavior ... "and damn these new migrants as well" shouts Chickener as she turned to her work, slamming the fungiwood door ... almost productive behavior
Alert! BossBait, Bait and Bait rush to the source of the noise quickly, "we heard a shout and a bang" they explain readily, "Ready to do our duty Captain" states Bait. "Yes I can see that" eyes BossBait sharply "..and your sharing armour aswell then?" again BossBait eyes Bait. "yes sir" states Bait, if a least little nervously. "there's enough for each of us" replies Bait raising his left copper boot. Bait nods in support.
"yes though, isn't it meant to be one set of complete copper armour for one single dwarf" asks BossBait.
"ah I see what you mean" replies Bait, raising his right copper boot. "but, then again, everyone is probably attached to their bit already" states Bait looking down at his left copper boot in affection.
"oh, I can sort that out" grins BossBait raising his Copper Battle Axe. Bait looks at Bait "uh" ... suddenly they both turns and quickly retreat to back to patrolling the walls. BossBait laughs from the first time in a long while.
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600 Winter, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yq_pNJrk_8
"What is that construction?" Milker asked Tongue, pointing toward the oak floor grates above them.
"It is called a sky light" stated Tongue, evidently unsure of herself as well. "you mean to see the sky, like elves?" questioned Milker, who evidently would never trust an elf even a portion of the distance she could throw them. "correct" replied Tongue, unaware of Milker's dislike of elves. "why would anyone want to do that?" puzzled Milker. "At least none of its fungiwood" quipped Prodder, "oh yes" answered Tongue and the conversation changed to that of the inn.
Still talking about what they'd rather be drinking, either Ale or Grape fluid, Prodder and Tongue arrived at the The Outrageous Pepper - dwarven inn within the heart of The Hollow Vault. Before them is Brewer, talking to a oddly dressed dwarf. "Your hammered" states the newcomer clearly then punch line of a joke, the dwarves and humanoids laugh with amusement, "well its about time we had some new jokes" said Prodder to Tongue, Tongue nods in agreement though stops when he notices Brewer's frantic hand waving. "help me" he mouths, the new comer embraces Brewer "And isn't this creature a pretty dwarf". The humanoids roar with agreement and drink.
"wait til he realises that Brewers the only male in the fortress" winks Prodder to Tongue, "perhaps we can check on the cat butchering?" suggests Tongue, and they leave together. On the way out they pass a newly made chert figurine of Tongue Copperbuds embracing two wren men. She blushes.
Its the final evening of 600, while many dwarfs are asleep in workshops, halls or corners. As no bed rooms have been constructed, a single dwarf is about, Bait safe in the hold of the fortress, looks across the stockpile for a likely place to sleep, here and there she notices odd items of interest though, and none more so then a yak bone figurine of human created by Butcher. Commemorating the Rise of the human Kimen Spellhealed, the Abyssal Obscurity as an enemy of The Knowing Lancers during the early spring of 446, The figurine shows The rampage of Eshonfikod, Goodglaze occurring. Kimen Spellhealed the Abyssal Obscurity, tainted by the Zebra Monster curse and capable of consuming and slaughtering those of dwarven and donkey kind alike, in that order stands beastly.
... now wide awake, Bait shivers, there is a reason why dwarves fear the baying of zebras in the night...
(http://imgur.com/aHmksJR.png)
The Were-Zebra, Kimen Spellhealed, the Abyssal Obscurity with friend, Were-Moose. thanks to volio for the sketch
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601 Spring, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh3jTBEl2J4
A vile force of darkness appears from the East. Tongue and BossBait seize the levers sealing the fortress from within. "Guard the wall. Make ready" however the horde settle and wait beyond the reach of even Nomalod Stafflimb the war bow. "this is no good, why do they wait?" whisper Bait to Bait upon the Eastern Wall nether known for their intellect and yet both realistic enough to know that action will be demanded and that their bodies will be required shortly.
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601 early autumn, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs6IAuReX1E
The bridges have raised, the fortress sealed and the host from The Scalded Hell resisted. Still no action beyond the first engagements. The fiends from The Scalded Hell stand waiting beyond the defenders reach. Atop the main wall stands BossBait alone, looking south towards the mangled forms of Planter and Brewer, BossBait stacks their head. Below crawls Planter, coughing greater amounts of blood as he suffocates, slowly lossing the battle to draw breath into his shredded lungs, "Death... I am not upset by this" cries Planter with his last breath.
"They shall pay..." vows BossBait turning to look down at the dwarves assembled within the walls, armed with odds, ends and a fists. it ahead is to be a bloody battle though, BossBait was still unsure on who's blood it would be. "I know that you all journeyed here for various reasons, why just look to Planter, once known as Mr Passclasp from The True Palace, with a handsome wife Iton Athelshem ... he's dead now ... but, not to worry as so I believe is his wife too come to think of it." stumbled BossBait. "... but, now the brace needs us, needs your strength" sings BossBait getting the feel of this speech stuff and raising a Copper Gauntlet.
"needs our blood, more like it" mumbles Bait to Cutter. Cutter heaves her Copper Battleaxe.
.. And so out they streamed two squads, Meat Shield and The Fishers. Though the battle lasted a short while every dwarf got a hit in for Planter and Brewer and then as the victorious dwarfs returned inside they found GearHauler the mechanic, just recently journeyed to The Hollow Vault and now a corpse with a meaty plup where the head should be ... struck down by goblin Ngokang, Devilpanted. Gearhauler caught in the open had charged the crossbow welding goblin, dodging copper bolts only to be brained and then struck down, above soars a tiercel peregrine however, alone under the open sky died Gearhauler.
Now truly Gica Authorpower of The Scalded Hell feel wrath and those of The Scalded Hell would learn to know fear. The Hollow Vault will prepare, The Hollow Vault will have gifts ready next time ...
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562, The True Palace in Curlrocks
Adasdodok, Passclasp embraces his loving wife the stout Iton Athelshem, Ringplank. Packed and ready to journey with the next expedition, he stops to pray at the local shire to Rakas Stettadotil, Taxjade associated with trade and wealth. Surely this next expedition will be profitable enough so that once settled Adasdodok could then send for his wife to join him. Sadly then in 583 Iton Athelshem was struck down in Bridgeivory while under protection of dwarven group, The Trampled Oars. That day, the Wicked woman Iquila Sablephantoms made an enemy.
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601 mid winter, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uvlLObV4iU
"Dwarves" cried Fikod Bulwarkboard, newly settled as a fellow resident of the Hollow Vault as a mercenary.
"Another migrant" whined Cutter, "Not just any dwarf" remarked Weaver hauling a bed into the maw's first bedroom, "that is noth other than Kadol, Axedwarf, Slayer of skunk and wife of Tekku Craftsgroups, the mad mayor of The Hame of Lights." "The mad mayor of Hame of Lights?" questioned Cutter. "The same, tale states that he went crazy and killed a few fellows, subsequently was then elected mayor, spending all his time researching ways to gain immortality." "and the rivals?" "future test subjects" "ah.." the conversation went cold for a moment..
Later, within the inn Fikod meets a fellow survivor Kadol Atheltilesh, Ringertrusses, a citizen of The Bust of Waxing besieged for the last 42 years by goblins, undead and were-zebras. Kadol's sideburns are clean-shaven. His very long double braided mustachio dips into his goblet of wine, "Ugoshubbul has fallen" whispers Kadol "The White Mirrors are blood and gore with no word yet of Monon Roughmansions I fear the worst" "have heart" pleads Fikod, "your wife is alive and well, you sent her to Hame of Light did you not?" "Aye though, there has been little news... " "...excuse me?" peeked Rakel. "GOBLIN!!! GOBLIN, IN THE FORTRESS!!! ALLARMM!!" Rakel Pillardrilled, seized his XXX and then was seized himself by Bait, Bait, Bait and Fadol. "WAIT" cried Tongue "That's my goblin." Bait, Bait, Bait and Fadol turn thrusting the goblin forcefully towards Tongue. Their jaws then drop as Tongue first embraces and then apologizes to the goblin.
Suddenly there was a cry "ELVES, ELVES ARE COMING !!!" Bait, Bait, Bait and Fadol turn to Tongue.
"Not mine" replied Tongue to the un-worded question. The Dwarves Charge.
(Digger attacks Cutter, no idea why though, will edit it in later if you've ideas please comment to help)
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601 winter, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrYARbwxEQ4
"A fine machine" said Booker stroking the walnut beams of the catapult, Arranged to launch stones into the pit it truely was a machine of beauty. However, Booker questioned the reasoning of these nobles sometimes "why would those elf heads keep such a beauty in the darkness to throw stone into another hole?" it seemed pointless. "To throw a stone into this hole, you elf head" replied a voice after a moment. "what?" whispered Booker staring at his beautiful machine come alive. "to throw a stone into this hole, you, elf, head." repeated the familiar voice with special care taken to pronounce "you elf head". "now open the damn door" shouted the readily familiar voice, still Booker wasn't the sharpest pick at the vein but, a dwarf digs anyway as they say "what? ... Ah" stated Booker looking over the lip down at Tongue.
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601 winter, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-mCO2T7R0g
poink, poink, another grape bounced off BossMarks's helm though, still they remained stock still, "whatevers the problem?" questioned Rakel^see Rakel the beast slayer . "AH GOBLIN!!" cried a patron carving knife in hand, "MINE" shouted Tongue. Suddenly BossMarks whirled and with a swish of their cloak had disappeared into the maw housing estate. trailing some dwarfs though, many simply returned to the drink unfinished at hand. The music began and the singing started with CAKE! by Weaver.
later...BossMarks stepped out of the workshop into the cavern that is the maw, heaving Enamkatdir, Puritynourisher a copper war hammer. The head is designed with the image of Kubuk Letmoscubor, Cobaltworkers the baroness dwarf of The Knowing Lancers 577, in copper. "Here, this is yours" stated BossMarks to BossBait a smile of intelligence and finality on BossMark's face "I no longer fear death"
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602 Early summer, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZzO4w1B8OU
Tongue looked down at her leather boots, blood and clay caked on as another layer before her an elf stood in a thong, this was not the company that she had envisioned apon setting out from the mountain homes almost two years ago.
"Let me extend greetings to your people. There is much to discuss. Bunnygrotto has fallen to The Lies of Praise, Refugees have fled from the region, however an army of The Contingent Witch-Scourge descended upon them before they could reach safety and those have been bled before the goblin Orar, Heavenbrave."
A slight chuckle escaped from Bait, suddenly busy with his Copper gauntlet.
"Ah, and you wish for arms and supplies to support the expected infux in the local territories, feed the refugees and so forth?" asked Tongue avoiding eye contact and trying to look everywhere but, at that thong. "Murder is part of the natural order" replied the elf. "Slaughter is not"
Booker waited by the rear exit, already before him where Digger, Miner, it was only Tongue who was running late. "damn the wordsmith!" cried Digger angrily "probably is wasting time having fun with those pretty traders" mumbled Booker, turning to the miners Booker laid out their plans, afew storage points for ammo and a outer barricade to fire ballista and less trees. The dwarfs smiled, Booker pointed to a point on the layout "wrath requires patience, let Gica Authorpower come"
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602 midsummer, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z2fO4qMrWc
The werezebra Mame, Tuberoots Cinaminemo Ireci Yudo, Thrower of Avalanches has come! A large zebra twisted into humanoid form. It is crazed for blood and flesh. Its eyes glow orange. Welding a llama wool robe, the beast catches Machiner and Melter out in the open, buckets of fruit are smashed in the initial assault along with gnashing of teeth, Mame bites and tears the herbalists apart, their bodies shredded the werezebra bays a challenge to The Hollow Vault. The decision is required, the call made, the squads are armed and dwarfs pour out of the fortress into the coming onslaught. BossBait armed with the gleaming Enamkatdir, BossBait raises her weapon and cries "I do not fear the baying of zebras in the daylight" and strikes with the Copper Warhammer and battle ensues...
...suddenly there is a break as with all battles, many dwarf ish parts litter the ground and it appears that they have not been success in bringing a quick solution as it was with the last werezebra. Whoosh, Mame breaks from the brawl rolling to escape the clutch, a quick rush, the werezebra slews Booker in a single strike, then striking Setter a devastating blow and it charges Cooker, the cook. But Cooker freezes, surprised by the ferocity of the werezebra's onslaught, they collide as a mass of limbs and tumble into the dry ditch. Bitten and crippled Cooker strikes at the monster atop of him but, the werezebra jumps away.
A cry goes up to seal the fortress, to late, the danger is released. Bolts fly missing the werezebra as Mame disappears inside to the trading depot tearing apart the stationed war dogs in a quick one, two movement. There is luck as suddenly the werezebra's llama wool robe become lodged firmly in the chest of Milker, the werezebra pulls on the embedded llama wool robe, the werezebra strikes Milker, the milker in the head, the injured part explodes into gore. The llama wool robe must be of good grade as the robe stays within the chest of Milker, and then quite unexpectedly the werezebra transforms into ... an elf lord. Well now then, those of The Hollow Vault extended their greetings that all elf kind can expect at The Hollow Vault from now on...
"Revenge" cry those of The Hollow Vault but, Mame the elf flees for the rear exit, still open.
"I must withdraw!" cries Mame. A bolt flys through the space recently vacated by the elf and with a spurt of speed the elf reaches the bottom floor of the spiral only to be turned back by more dwarves. Late for the battle, they now seek vengeance against the monster that has slaughtered those of the fortress. Mame the elf turns and heads back upward escaping bloodshed for a few more moments. Ahead is a child, the elf moves to the side to pass but, the child copies the elf's movement. They collide.
The child reaches up, gasping Mame's hand and removes Mame's left arm at the elbow.
"I must withdraw!" cries Mame the elf, turning to see a familiar dwarf stroll towards him.
"I must withdraw!" sobs Mame, yes, a friendly face and known face.
"I must withdraw!" Mame stumbles towards a friend, Mame knows Tongue.
Tongue raises her Copper pick and prizes the neck apart from the elf lord.
http://imgur.com/gallery/WqmoTBR
The remains are left on the floor as a mix of blood and spatter, dripping down onto the ramp below, Mame the elf's lower left arm, neck and mutilated corpse lie neatly as a pile.
Later ... Before the fortress lies the cost of the defense, the price paid by Berdugan, The Earthen Shovels stuck down by the Mame the werezebra and ex-elf. Whole squads of Bait and Marks lie torn. Dwarfs of standing, Machiner, Melter, Biter, Tanner, Mechanic, Banger, Stoner, Prodder, Carpenter, Butcher, Booker, Setter, Cooker, Kitchener, Drinker, Digger, Brewer, Bowyer. Broken and butchered.
Tongue looks up into the sky, above flys a Barn owl.
Survivor Bait shivers, there is a reason why dwarves feared the baying of zebras in the night...