Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 15, 2009, 07:02:07 pm
Welcome To
Severedcoils
(https://i.postimg.cc/mkGC5FZf/pit.jpg)
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Severedcoils
(https://i.postimg.cc/mkGC5FZf/pit.jpg)
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"Severedcoils 'I' or 'II?' Which should I read first?"
'Severedcoils' and 'Severedcoils II: The Reckoning' are two separate stories being told concurrently to form a single narrative from two perspectives. This gives you, the reader, some options as to how to tackle this story:
Fortress Mode: 'Severedcoils' (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=43395.0) is the original Dwarf Fortress community challenge, still in progress. In 'Fortress Mode,' read 'Severedcoils' first, learning all the backstory behind the fortress and all the events leading up to the cast of Severedcoils II being sent on their adventure. 'Severedcoils' is currently paused at a point in time in which the adventuring party is scheduled to arrive back, and will resume when the stories converge. Read 'Severedcoils' first up to & including page 54, when the stories split, then read 'Severedcoils II' to see what's happening in another part of the world. Feel free to jump back and forth between the stories from this point on, using the dates at the top of each post to guide you chronologically. (Concurrent storytelling does not begin until Chapter II of SCII)
Adventure Mode: 'Severedcoils II: The Reckoning' (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=179153.msg8323565#msg8323565) is a DnD 5e adventure about an adventuring party sent to collect magical treasures by the caretakers of Severedcoils - but for what purpose? And will the party find more than they bargained for? In 'Adventure Mode,' skip 'Severedcoils,' and read 'Severedcoils II' first; This will simulate the perspective of the real-world DnD players, who don't know the history of 'Severedcoils' and are learning as it's revealed to them, bit by bit. In this path, 'Severedcoils' becomes a [F]orbidden source of mystery, which might be a more enjoyable experience for new readers. Read 'Severedcoils II' first, and avoid all links to 'Severedcoils' until such time that the adventuring party is welcomed to read it themselves by means of a big, plot-related reveal.
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STOP! If you are one of my players in the Dungeons and Dragons 5e campaign, this thread contains MASSIVE SPOILERS you should not know about yet. It'll come up at the right time! For now, please turn back.
This story is now effectively the background history for Severedcoils II - The Reckoning (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=179153.msg8323565#msg8323565), a DnD 5e campaign built and presented using Dwarf Fortress. Both stories are in active progress, and events coincide between them in real-time, using dates as reference.
What does this mean?
-See above for instructions on how to consume this story. There are two different ways to read it: Fortress Mode (read 'Severedcoils' before 'Severedcoils II'), and Adventure Mode (read 'Severedcoils II' before 'Severedcoils'). For new readers, starting with 'Severedcoils II' might be more interesting since it treats the history of 'Severedcoils' as the source of a mystery.
-These two threads are telling the same story from two different perspectives. The players in 'Severedcoils II' are [F]orbidden from reading 'Severedcoils' for now, so they only know what's been shared with them in their game/their thread.
-Because Dwarf Fortress progresses time very quickly, and a DnD adventure (the action, anyway) typically takes place over a few days, that means right now the bulk of the story is being told in 'Severedcoils II,' and it is the more current story.
-'Severedcoils' will continue to see updates either in the interim between adventures (when the party is assumed to be traveling for several days, that gives me that much time to work with in DF), or when the party is actually visiting Severedcoils. Both threads will continue to tell the same story from two different perspectives. However, due to the nature of how time passes in these games, that means 'Severedcoils' will frequently be left on hiatus between adventures - so rather than wait for updates, go ahead and start 'Severedcoils II' when you reach the end of this thread, since that story is being updated actively.
Post by: kilakan on October 15, 2009, 07:50:51 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 15, 2009, 08:14:10 pm
Spoiler: "Welcome to Severedcoils!" (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Location Stats (click to show/hide)
?? ?, 200, ?-Winter - By Zon Rimtarothil
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Zon Rimtarothil spat out her dwarven wine, creating a plump helmet-scented Mist that her drinking partners found pleasing.
"Wot's 'a matter, drink too strong? Mayhaps we sh' shave yer beard!" Obok Zirilkivish, mayor, and his hammerer guffawed. A few other patrons at the Hairy Beakdog overheard, and laughed as well.
Zon flushed. "Of course not! No drink can best Zon Rimtarothil, regional fisherchamp! 'Twas your proposition that choked me."
"Proposition? Nay. Orders 's more like it. Straight from King Minkot Zanegamkol, his highness'-self. 'E 'adn't ordered you to do it, mind, but 'e ordered me t' find some'n with the prickleberries to." Obok's hammerer snorted in derision at his master's remark.
Zon heaved a sigh of relief, and sat back in her chair. She wiped her beard with a XXPig tail ragXX and dared another swig of wine.
Fishing was a decent job, and one she was proud of. But she wasn't happy with it. Zon had always longed to be good at something that she could create and show the world. Fishing didn't exactly do that, since the products of her labor would soon be eaten and forgotten. She feared being forgotten in the world, and though she knew little of the history of the World of Typhoons, she wanted to be part of it.
Out of nowhere, Mayor Obok had requested her presence at the place he was well known to prefer doing his business - the tavern, of course - leading her into this predicament.
"You got nothin' t' worry about, Zon! I already 'ave th' perfect spot picked out f'r ya."
Obok laid out a map and some other documents for Zon.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Nice mountains, a chasm, jus' ou'side our borders, a brook... a nice chasm f'r yer mission... plus, our prospect'rs say there's a magma pipe b'low! Not sure where, but you'll be ready t' smelt away a' soon a' ye find it! An' 'ere's th' best part!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"No stinkin' goblins! See? Crossed out ye so many times because there aren't any. That's why we love them red lines - to cross stuff out. A lot. Absolutely not one goblin t' worry about honorin' yer warriors with. Yup, that's what it says. Ye jus' got t' worry 'bout them tree-huggin' elves. Make a few crossbows out of 'em an' they'll leave ye alone!"
"Look, Obok--"
"Look, Zon. Fishin's a dead end job, and I know 'at's how y' feel about it. You could end up fishin' yer whole life. This's yer only chance t' make somethin' of y'self... if ye catch my meanin'."
Zon frowned. If she ever had to catch another fish again, it would be the death of her. She gingerly picked up and reread the king's orders, set before her by the mayor.
To Mayor Obok Zirilkivish:
There are those among me who wish to take my throne. They make demands of my loyal subjects, getting in the way of progress and my will. I speak, of course, of the Barons, Counts, and Dukes of Subetrovod. My subjects live in fear of them, leaving them no time or energy to fear me!!
My orders are simple and just, and you would do well never to question me about them. I need you to find a dwarf capable of founding an outpost where these nobles will summarily be disposed of. This operation is to be kept a secret between you, me, and whomever you deem worthy of this task. Dispose of all others who find out.
Their consorts, however, are to remain alive and well cared for. Annoyances they may be, they hold no real power, and thus do not threaten my crown. Consider the community a rehabilitation clinic, where we sever these consorts of their marital coils and then keep them happy until such a time that they choose to leave on their own.
Do not fail me, Obok. My records indicate you're about due for reelection...
Mountainking Minkot Zanegamkol, Lord of Subetrovod, "The Swift Arches."
No. She couldn't. Fame be damned, this was too much for Zon. Fishing wouldn't necessarily be her end... on the contrary, she could migrate to a nearby community and leave! She could... could......
Obok plucked the king's orders from her quivering hands. He procured a quill pen from his ≡giant cave spider silk vest≡, dipped the end in Zon's wine, and scratched a single line onto the orders. Then, he slid the parchment back across the table. The hammerer glared at Zon as she inspected Obok's amendment to the orders.
This operation is to be kept a secret between you, me, and whomever you deem worthy of this task. Dispose of all others who find out.
"So, Zon... Are ye up for it?"
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 15, 2009, 10:36:35 pm
By Zon Rimtarothil
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I survey my surroundings. (http://mkv25.net/dfma/poi-19105-embark) Red and loamy sand, no extreme elevations (except of course for the chasm), lots of ponds... Sounds keep coming out of that chasm, indicating some kind of life, but they aren't close. We should be safe for the time being.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Six companions, twelve animals... Twelve? I could have sworn we had... Oh, there they are. Three two-humped camels and a horse. They must have been standing behind the cats when I counted.
More than enough food and booze to keep us going while we get set up. Well... Let's get started.
"This looks like a good spot!"
"'S good a spot as any, m'lord," said Fikod, one of the miners assigned to the expedition.
I blushed. I've never been called 'm'lord' before, and it almost made me forget what I've been challenged to do here. "Right... well... Could you start digging into the mountain here? Let's get some rock over our heads as soon as possible."
My six companions stared blankly at me.
"Um... right, you need orders. Sorry, this is all so new to me!" Damn it, I'm showing weakness! They'll never respect me! *Ahem.* "Now, I want you to carve a hallway into this rock! 20 squares in, then head towards the sand. We'll place a farm when we get there."
That got them working. This will take some adjustment. I suppose I don't need to write down every single order I give, so I'll wait until something important happens. For now I'm going to go fishing. I know what I said back at the tavern, but hey, stick with what I know best, right?
27th Granite
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Progress is going well on the fortress. Four farm plots, alternating plump helmets and pig tails, and rooms being carved for workshops. I have a plan for the entryway, so I need to leave some room around it.
'Twas a good thing I went fishing right away... I've already caught twelve turtles. Our moody dwarves won't go without shells!
Alas, we do have a bit of a problem...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
One of the cats wandered off and killed a giant rat. It didn't make the local ratmen too happy.
This is a big problem... I only brought two cats, so I no longer have a breeding pair! I hope some migrants bring a few more, otherwise we'll be having vermin problems down the line.
Spoiler: "OOC" (click to show/hide)
Post by: quinnr on October 15, 2009, 11:05:47 pm
Post by: martinuzz on October 16, 2009, 04:09:22 am
Post by: skaltum on October 16, 2009, 07:50:49 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 16, 2009, 05:16:54 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 17, 2009, 12:32:20 am
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Autumn already? It seems we've only started. I haven't had the time to write these past few months, what with the swift progress.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Apart from fishing, I've become a fine wood cutter, in fact I feel about as competent with an axe as I do fishing with my bare hands. Catching turtles and chopping trees follow the same principle, really. There are also plenty of webs showing up higher in the mountain, so I know there's a cave spider around... We're going to need to create some traps for it. Somebody's even gone and collected a few webs... which is nice, but I do hope they don't find themselves caught in one!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The other workers are really beginning to fall in line. They follow my orders easily and without question. Oh, if only they knew what we're doing out here...
I've ordered several 7x7 rooms to be carved out. It seems a very good all-purpose size for a room, if I do say so myself. Within these are temporary masonry and carpentry workshops which we'll use until we have proper bedrooms for ourselves. Once the miners carve a proper hallway, those rooms will probably all become food stockpiles.
Upstairs, we have the beginnings of the crafting level. Two craft workshops and a jeweler have already been established. Fikod happily volunteered to take ownership of the jewel shop and has already cut and set several sunstones. They seem to be appearing all over the place around here. Eventually, we'll get to some of the other gems I spotted within the chasm - bone and milk opal, and emerald.
I've come to trust each of these dwarves as friends now. Urdim Lärimňnul helps me with the fishing and keeps the stills flowing with wine, Ast Numzasit is our farmer, our miners Fikod Rigňthishen, Rigňth Ĺmbim, and Asob Momuzzokun have proven themselves reliable, and our mason, Obok črithkodor... well, he's very capable, but does he have to share the name of that damnable mayor?
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 17, 2009, 12:56:31 am
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The traders have arrived! Let's hope we have enough encrusted rock crafts to make good use of them.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I count over our trade goods. Have I miscounted again? No, I'm sure of it... Something has made off with our yellow zircons. Blast! If only we had the manpower to move it indoors... It was probably that rhesus macaque I spotted earlier.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
As I approached the caravan, I noticed a very unusual sight indeed! Asob, possibly the shyest lady of our bunch, was talking with the traders!
Asob and I like to joke about how our little band seemed to have been named after us, whether intentionally or not. Obok gave us the name "The Crypts of Castles." My name is Zon 'Castleweakened,' and Asob is called 'Cryptsieges.' What are the odds? We've had only a little time to chat between work, but from what I've gathered she doesn't much like crowds - and the trade depot being our designated meeting area, it seems the last place she'd be! She was separated from her parents during the New Granite's Day Parade as a wee child, and spent the rest of her childhood in an orphanage. 'Tis very sad, but seeing her overcome those fears by herself to go establish our first trade relations...
Part of me wants to intervene, because I'm afraid she won't make the right choices... but I'm sure she would hate me for it. I suppose I'll wait and see...
Ten mugs, five harps, five toys, and nine other crafts got us a full bin of leather, a bag each of plump helmet spawn and cave wheat seeds, a cat cage to replace the one that stupidly attacked a rat several times its own size, and a giant cave spider silk thread. I wonder about the silk... We already have some and this was a huge investment, but then I see their faces and I understand. She wants the traders to know that they will always make profit here if they bring the good, costlier silk. Besides, it can be turned around into something more expensive later. Impressive, Asob.
"Excuse me, but are you the manager here?" The trade liaison hails me.
"Yes, ma'am! You're talking to the Zon Rimtarothil, regional fishing champ and outpost manager of Zursulbalad!"
She looked around at the ponds outside, then snickered. "This region? My, I bet that was a thrilling competition, hoo hoo!"
"Well, now! There's no need to be rude!"
"Sorry, some say my humor takes some getting used to. I meant nothing by it. My name is Unib Tunrithlut, and I will be your liaison to the mountainhome."
"Splendid. Speaking of which, do you know when we might be expecting immigrants?"
Unib narrowed her eyes and looked at me down the bridge of her nose. "Why? This place getting too hard for you to handle already, hoo hoo?"
"Was that some of your award-winning humor as well?"
She began to answer, and then--
"Zon! Zon, come quick! I've found something!"
It was Asob's voice. Oh, wonderful! Perhaps she's found some gems, maybe something a bit more precious than sunstone?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Oh, dear...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 17, 2009, 11:58:57 am
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"Unib, PLEASE. This is kind of important right now!"
"But I have important matters too! And as long as I stand right here, you HAVE to pay attention to me, hoo hoo!"
This woman is incorrigible! I've ordered a wall to be built in the opening to that pit, meanwhile I pick up my axe and stand by, ready to fight whatever comes in. All of us received special training before embarking - every one of us is a skilled swimmer, but I took special lessons in axe combat to guard us from harm.
So here I stand next to this hole in the wall, batmen and cave swallowmen flying around while troglodytes and cave spiders lurk below... and Unib steps right in front of me, putting her back to the hole!! Poor Obok came by to patch up the wall, but there was Unib standing right where the new wall needed to go!
"Honestly, do you think this is funny? You're going to get somebody hurt! Move!"
"But I have important matters of trade and commerce to speak to you about! I won't let you out of my sight until we have this discussion!"
"Really, now. Oh, hm! Look at this crack over here!" I moved to the other corner of the room. "It's so big!"
Unib shuffled her feet, staring at Obok, standing confusedly by with alunite in his hand. "Um... I'm not falling for it! You just want me to move so that you can get this wall replaced and ignore me for the rest of the day!"
"You've been following me for three days now!!" Come now, Zon, that wasn't very ladylike... but it was very, very dwarflike. I tug my beard and try again. "But seriously, this crack over here... Do you think it's the beginning of a new faultline? There's a chasm nearby, I hope it's not going to open up and swallow us whole!"
"Um... Really? Maybe I should take a look..."
Unib came over - and Obok, bless his heart, immediately set the stone in place and constructed the wall. Unib looked for the crack, found none, turned to see the wall firmly in place, and then pouted at me like a little girl.
"It was for your own good, Unib. A batman was likely to snatch you up and drop you into the bottomless pit! I don't want this to be my last time seeing you!"
"Really? Does this mean we're... friends?!"
I just frowned at her and walked off. I need to cut some damn trees to blow off some steam. This was going to be a long season.
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24th Sandstone, 201, Mid-Autumn.
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The traders left without Unib. I can't blame them, really. She's been at my heels since she arrived, talking my ear off and sharing with me every little pet peeve that she's acquired over the course of her entire life. Unbelievable!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Ack!! The traders ran into a pack of ratmen! This is horrible!! How will the mountainhome ever trust me if they don't get out alive?! I can't bear to watch!!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Oh...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Huh... Nobody told me ratmen were total pushovers.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Looks like they hacked a batman to pieces, too. I think I can relax a little. The cave spiders seem to be taking out these flying pests here and there as well, so I don't feel too threatened. All the same, maybe we should get some crossbows.
I've ordered two butcher shops, two tanner shops, and changed the direction of our main hall since we clearly can't move east. A chasm, a bottomless pit that was a complete surprise, and a magma pipe still waiting to be found... The mayor truly picked this place with nobilicide in mind.
Spoiler: "OOC" (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 17, 2009, 05:55:28 pm
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Our first migrant wave is on our way! I begin counting the new arrivals. I'm starting to enjoy counting things, it seems! Let's see... One, two, thr--
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
What? What?! The migrants are under attack!! Oh, curse me for underestimating those vile winged creatures! I grab my axe and head outside.
"Gwah!! Zon, save me!!" Unib cowers behind me.
"Tun! Tuuuun!!" One of the migrants is screaming his name. A gem setter, I'm later told. He was only the first.
I run outside to see a farmer being chased by-- egads, it's huge!! A giant bat is closely tailing one of the new farmers! I try to wave her down, to get her to draw the creature near me as I pray to Armok that my (Steel axe) is enough to fight this thing. She doesn't notice, and instead runs right for the brook where it strikes her down.
I stake a post in front of the fortress, when Unib taps me on the shoulder. ((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1754-liaisonknowsherpriorities)((Movie)) I turn, and she offers me a quill and some documents. (https://youtu.be/p4qlhxn7Woc)
"Wha... what are you doing!!"
"Zon, I love you like a sister, but... I really feel as if now is the right time to discuss our trade agreements!"
"Are you out of your mind?!"
"Look, the sooner I get out of here, the less chance I have of being killed by Azinidos, 'Watchcalls' the giant bat!"
"Azin... you named it?! You're insane, you know that?!"
"Just sign the documents, please!!"
I've never seen another dwarf so frightened in my entire life. Maybe the bat had eaten its fill, and if signing some documents and sending this woman on her way would save a life, perhaps I should get it over with. I made my requests, and handed the documents back to Unib.
"Noo, stay away!!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Another peasant being chased by the bat... leading it right towards the gate! I ready my axe...
"No! Go the other way!!" Unib shouted and waved her arms at the peasant. "Don't bring it over here!"
The peasant changed direction and headed up the hill, away from me and the front gate. A sickening scream followed only moments later.
"Unib!! Damn you, have you got the bones of an elf in you?! You've just sent that peasant to his death!"
"But it might have come over here!"
"That was the plan! I'm holding an axe!!"
"Your plan was to lure it into the mouth of your settlement?! If it got inside, it would have killed us all!"
She was right... And here I was, cursing this poor girl for being a coward. But she had a point. At least now, the bat would leave us alone. No more dwarves had to die today.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
...Except for one more peasant.
"What the hell!! You idiots, stay inside!!"
Everyone stopped and stared. Asob spoke up.
"But, Zon... We need to collect our dead! They deserve a proper resting place..."
"Collecting your dead is forbidden!! Collecting items from your dead is forbidden!! If you go out there, it'll be your final resting place too!"
She shrunk back, like a wounded animal. I felt it in my heart that I had stung her badly. The others didn't look much happier. They all went back to work, looking a little dazed. Even Unib had finally shut up.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Five deaths already, and we haven't even made it through three full seasons. Eight migrants tried to arrive this season, of them only four made it. In this, I've learned that counting isn't always so enjoyable...
Post by: skaltum on October 17, 2009, 06:03:28 pm
Post by: LegoLord on October 17, 2009, 06:27:47 pm
Was that a GCS in the bottomless pit?
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 17, 2009, 06:55:27 pm
Oh, you might have noticed some graphics problems in a few screenshots. One of my image files was screwed up because I accidentally re-saved it in Photoshop. This has been corrected.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 17, 2009, 07:38:07 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I had a horrible time sleeping last night. Unib took over Urdim's bedroom to wait in while I slept. Apparently, she needed time to finalize some documents and have me sign off on The Swift Arches' requests of us. I don't think she slept at all... in fact, she came in several times through the night to ask if I was done sleeping. What is with this girl?!
I wake up, order the miners to widen the main entrance in preparation for my defense plans, and pick up my axe to do some chopping.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A bowyer's shop is created on the craft level, along with stockpiles for ammo, weapons, and armor. Meanwhile, I make use of the leather shops I had constructed below and request two full sets of leather armor to be made. I make sure to leave a few rolls of leather in case one of us becomes possessed or something.
Another thought occurs... Eventually, we're going to find that magma pipe, and when we do we're going to need power for some pumps later on. I have our miners dig up a few more levels and create a gear room near the surface. It's little more than an empty room with a hole in it for now, but I plan on creating a network of windmills pushing power down a few central axles. The first of these - a proof of concept, if you will - will be used to power a mill or two in the room next to the bowyer's shop.
Unib is still following me... Fine, I've had it. I drop my axe with a clatter, hold out my hands for the documents, and look them over. Apparently they want shields and earrings, and a few other things. I sign the documents and hand them back to her.
"It's been fun, Zon!" Unib patted her papers down on the floor to straighten them out. "Ah, if only I had more time to follow you around and watch you work. You're fascinating, you know that?"
"Um. Yeah. Well, hey, before you know it, next year will be here... you'll be back... and I'll get to lose a little more of my mind!"
Unib cocked her head, then laughed. "Oh! I thought you were serious there for a second! It seems my poor sense of humor is rubbing off on you, hoo hoo!"
"Joking. Yeah, sure. Don't get eaten by Azinnietoes, or whatever the hell you called it."
"Azinidos. You know, Zon, it's very important to give your enemy a name. It drives you to vengeance."
"Vengeance isn't always a good thing..."
"It is when it expedites the death of a dangerous animal! Don't dawdle, giant bats are no laughing matter!"
"Ah. Well... Bye."
Unib hugged me without warning. Sighing, I patted her on the back, then watched her leave. Finally she was gone. Her words, though, got me thinking. It's time to get some weapons and take out that winged rodent.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 17, 2009, 09:40:38 pm
Post by: martinuzz on October 18, 2009, 04:04:30 am
Very promising, still liking it!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 19, 2009, 08:06:02 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
That toga-snatching sonovabitch is going down. Crossbows are made, I have my axe handy...
But then, a thought occurs. No... Death in battle is too good for this hellion. Why waste the potential? I know how I can put that monster to good use, and then I'll dispose of it later.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I just have to catch it first. Classic puppy-chained-behind-a-cage-trap - a tempting snack too easy to pass up. Bat swoops in, cage comes down, we poke it with many sticks, toss it in a dungeon, maybe feed it our enemies, life is good. I discourage the dwarves from naming the puppy.
While that project simmers, I instruct the miners to carve a few lines into the rock between our industry level and our quarters. I need to find that magma pipe, and I'd prefer that we struck it from the top rather than the bottom. I have a strong feeling that it's on either the far eastern or western side of our boundaries.
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7th Slate, 202, Mid-Spring.
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Some elves came a little while ago. I didn't think it was important enough to write about at the time, I just got a bin of cloth, some seeds, and a groundhog. Why a groundhog? I don't know, in case we need something to butcher later on, but that shouldn't be a problem since we have so many puppies to spare I used one to bait a trap... which is still empty, by the way. I think I need to set up a few more of those.
That's not why I'm writing, though. More migrants have arrived, and hopefully these ones don't run into trouble on the way... in fact, let me grab my axe real quick and I'll escort them.
...aaaand wow, twenty-one migrants, and every single one made it into the fort. Splendid!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"A'scuse me," a child at the back of the group came up to me. "Are you Zon?"
"Why, yes I am! What a cute young fellow you are! What's your name?"
"Uhh... My name is Ineth. Sorry, I dun talk to strangers."
I blinked. "But... but you came to talk to me."
"Ooooooohhh. That a'splains it..."
Actually, that didn't seem to explain anything to the poor child, as he chewed on a finger and stared perplexedly at a passing toad. I rolled my eyes and was about to head back to the fort, when I noticed something in Ineth's hand. It bore the seal of the Swift Arches.
"Excuse me, but is that for me?"
"Huh? Oh... oh ya! That's why I talked to you. Here you go, pretty lady!"
Ineth handed me the scroll in his hand, then skipped along merrily behind the group. I read it on my way back to the fort, but cringed when I realized who had sent it.
Dearest Zon,
How are you? It's me, your estranged sister Unib! Or at least that's how it feels, hoo hoo! Don't you miss all those adventures we had? Remember the time you chopped down that tree and left the log on the ground for someone else to pick up? That was so dwarfy of you, hoo hoo!
I told Obok you were having a wonderful time out here, but could use a hand keeping up with the place. He said that figures, but he didn't answer me when I asked him what math had to do with it. He thought you'd enjoy having plenty of fishers at your fort, so he sent along plenty of dwarves from the fish market you used to work at to keep you company! After all, you need some competition out there if you truly want to keep your title as regional fisherchamp!!
Here is a rundown of the dwarves I've sent: 1 Animal Trainer, 1 Butcher, 1 Carpenter, 2 Children--
"Oh for Armok's sake, the poor twit listed them alphabetically," I muttered.
2 Farmers, 1 Fish Cleaner, 1 Fish Dissector (ew, gross!), 1 Fisherdwarf, 1 Fishery Worker, 1 Furnace Operator, 1 Hunter, 4 Peasants, 1 Planter, 2 Weaponsmiths, and 1 Woodcrafter. I hope they suit you well, and I can't wait to see you again in the autumn!
Love you like the sister I had, but lost to a tragic magma incident,
Unib Tunrithlut, your favorite liaison to the Mountainhomes!
P.S.: How's Azinodos Kezkíg Zoluth doing? I thought I'd improve its name for you in case you haven't taken care of it yet. Did you know that in Human, that translates to "Watchcalls the Connection of Combating? Obok said he'd send his hammerer if you can't deal with it yourself. Isn't that sweet of him? Have you fed it lately?
I crumpled the note, threw it on the ground in disgust, then pressed it into the mud with my boot. Then I tore off my leather armor and threw it to the ground as well. Predictably, my new peasants are clamoring for the armor pieces to put them back in the bin where they belong. Typical.
As I walked to the nearest tree to chop, something in my mind wasn't sitting right. I was ecstatic to have so many new arrivals, so what was wrong? Some of them could even help me out with that bat... like the new Hunter, for example! I wonder where I could find him... or her, I haven't even met any of these newcomers yet!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: LegoLord on October 19, 2009, 09:04:01 pm
Post by: quinnr on October 19, 2009, 09:07:35 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 19, 2009, 09:48:11 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Zon!"
"Asmel."
"C'mere and look at this char I caught! It's HUGE!!"
I glanced briefly at the raw char in Asmel's hand. The side of my mouth twitched. "That's one of the fish that I brought with me last year. You caught that fish out of a barrel."
"Yeah, but it's bigger 'n any fish you caught around here!"
"In my first week I caught twelve turtles. Twelve. Go look in the stockpiles and see how many are there now. There are ninety-three turtles in those barrels."
"Last I checked a turtle i'n't a fish."
"Fine, then look at the rainbow trout and the shad."
"'T'ain't much to look at."
I gritted my teeth as Asmel laughed. Obok must have known of the rivalry between her and me. I've never figured out what I had done to slight her. Asmel was just always like this, constantly trying to outdo me and get on my nerves. Others say she's compassionate, but I've never seen that side of her. You know what her favorite thing to say was? 'Our company has a wide range of fisherdwarves from Asmel to Zon - and that's not alphabetical, that's in order of skill.' Or 'A comes before Z, so ask Asmel first and Zon last!' Oh, Asmel... if only you were a Baron. I've got a nice bottomless pit for you to inspect...
"So I hear you're claiming yourself regional fisherchamp here in these wastes, too? Sheesh, talk about pride."
"Actually, I've given up on fishing. I'm a woodcutter now."
"A woodcutter? HA!! I bet you're just intimidated because mayor Obok sent all the pro fishers out to this dump."
I chucked my steel axe into the ground, the blade catching hold in the dirt so that the handle stayed at the ready. "Fine, Asmel. You're here to catch some fish? Go catch some damn fish, then. I hope you get eaten by a carp!"
"Carp are too good for this trash pile, Zon! Hahahaha!!!"
I turn, grab my axe, heft it just a wee bit too close to Asmel's face, and walk back towards the fort. I need a nice, tall mug of dwarven ale-- Oh, that's right... Asob traded the last of our mugs to the elves. Glorious. Guess I have to strain it out of my beard.
"Hey, Zon! Look!"
"Asmel, for the love of Armok, lay off already!! I don't want to look at your stupid fish!"
"No, look up!!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
It happened. Azinodos found the entrance to the stronghold. It swoops straight for Asmel. She screams and starts to run. I holler for the peasants I just recently assigned as Marksdwarves - by recently, I mean right before my conversation with Asmel. I don't think they've even picked up their gear yet...
Asmel tries to circle around Azinodos, but it cuts her off. It catches her head in its powerful jaws and crunches as it slashes at her body with its powerful wings. Somehow, she struggles free before it kills her, but her head is horrifyingly misshapen, her skull broken by the giant bat, and her right arm and upper body are gashed... She's running away from the fort. I've seen this five times before, and they never get away.
"Asmel, don't run - fight!! Wrestle it if you have to!"
I didn't really mean it when I said I hoped she was eaten by a carp... Armok knows I'd never truly wish death upon a fellow dwarf, even one I hate as much as Asmel. I know she's already gone... but damn it, I can't bear to watch her die running away.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1763-giantbatthreatensfort)((Movie))No more messing around... This is personal now. (https://youtu.be/GkCwgSfwwww)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 19, 2009, 09:49:58 pm
Nice, you should turn this into a book.
Actually, I'm working on a sci-fi novel when I'm not playing DF. So, yeah, that accounts for the long posts ;)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 19, 2009, 10:38:38 pm
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I'll never forget that sight. That horrible thing, turning from a calf it had just killed and locking eyes with me, screeching that terrible sound. It flew straight at me like it had just escaped hell, claws raised, and I just... swung. I timed it just right, I swung my axe straight down, I caught its head with the blade and knocked it to the ground. It bounced and rolled over and over, coming to a stop, and just... just made this ugly, awful wailing sound as it tried to crawl away on its broken wings. But no, Azinodos... You've killed too many of my kind to forgive. I put it out of its misery with one more slice - not for its sake, but for our safety in knowing Azinodos is gone for good.
The giant bat is dead. I killed it. I... with my axe, dripping with blood. Vengeance is served... and my fellow dwarves are safe. Unib's words ring again in my ear...
"You know, Zon, it's very important to give your enemy a name. It drives you to vengeance... It is good when it expedites the death of a dangerous animal!"
I let my axe fall to the floor. The recruits stand uneasily behind me.
"You... go... Go shoot at the targets over there... It looks like they were just finished. And get this woman into a casket."
"We don't have any caskets..." I don't even know who said it. My ears were buzzing with the heat of my first kill - an extremely dangerous first kill, at that.
"Then make six, top priority. Go get the hunter, too. We're creating a tomb to those who fell to this beast."
"What about the bat?"
I narrowed my eyes at the disgusting creature. A smirk betrays me as I bemusedly think of the plans I had for that thing once I caught it. Even tamed, it wouldn't be safe to set free around the other dwarves, but it could have been loosed inside the bottomless pit. No doubt it would have killed every living thing inside within half a month. A new plan is in order, then.
"I want its hide."
Spoiler: "OOC" (click to show/hide)
Post by: Firnagzen on October 19, 2009, 10:40:49 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 19, 2009, 11:10:55 pm
Hrng. You have a title for your novel yet? I'd keep an eye out for it, if the quality is anything like your writing here.
It's called Krythe. I'm maybe halfway finished with it, just having a little trouble keeping motivated with writing it at the moment. Actually, this challenge is turning out to be an excellent writing exercise for me, so hopefully I'll get moving on it!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 21, 2009, 10:06:29 pm
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Summer came and went without incident. The elves didn't even bother to show up, that's how boring it was. Just as well, all they did last year was sit in the depot and smoke their rope reed for a month. Stunk up the whole fort, it did. I've started counting our stocks... It's taking me a while, and Asob keeps telling me if I stay down here all summer I'll grow plump helmets from my ears! I suppose it's time to take a little break and document our progress.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A crypt has been carved for those who fell to Azinodos. Remarkably, we found the remains of every dwarf that was taken by that flying monstrosity... Even if all we could find were bones, it put the others at ease knowing that they had a good place to rest. I'd like to have the room smoothed and engraved, but... well... from what I understand about barons, they hate it when the working class gets ritzy burial arrangements. I think even this is pushing it, but as long as we don't formally call it a crypt we should be fine. And anyway, by my patron god Kovest they deserve it. Some of the others have reported seeing Tun's and Asmel's ghosts in there, but I'm sure they don't mean us any harm.
Speaking of Azinodos... I canceled my orders to make leather armor from its hide. Why? Simple. The leatherworkers... they just aren't experienced enough to make a good quality suit. So, I've forbidden its hide until the workers gain a little more experience. I've done the same with the meat, until the cooks get a little more experience under their belt. Azinodos is an important part of our history, and I don't want this messed up. I already missed the bones, no idea where those got to...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Asob's right, by Armok. The first year has been rough for us all. I'm trying to lighten up on the orders to let everyone relax a little bit. I've found a cat that actually loves plump helmet wine as much as I do, if you can imagine that, so I've adopted him and named him Sĺkzul Zaskab, or "Crystalnames." Isn't he cute?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Oh, and... oh dear, I'm blushing... I'm currently seeing Ast, an adept grower and competent brewer. Ast was one of the original seven who started this expedition with me, our farmer. Would you believe he smuggled one of our last mugs from the elves just before they left, and then brought it to me full of plump helmet wine? He's such a sweetheart! He also likes to admire my fine seat, the devil!
Ahem... excuse me, I need to keep this professional. More on progress!
We've moved the masonry and carpentry workshops deeper inside to make more room for food. We've almost filled the first stock pile already! We also found some bituminous coal, sitting right out in the open. This is great! We can get a head start on our glass and metal industries until we find that magma pipe.
Speaking of which... We've been digging a lot on the eastern side on level -4, but no signs of magma yet. Maybe I'll start a few more levels down for the next attempt.
The puppy traps haven't caught anything yet... yes, there's two now. I guess wild animals don't find puppies tasty? Weird, I thought everyone loved the taste of barrel-aged puppywurst.
At this point, a random pickaxe flew into the room and landed on my table. The pickaxe was covered in blood. In walks Asob with a big snarky grin on her beard.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Guess what? I mined you some batman bones. It came down out of the sky, almost like Azinodos! And there was Bujit Quispeptamed, and he was all like--"
"Bujit Quispawhaaaaaaat??"
"I know!! Humans have such funny names, right? And he was all 'Aaaaahh!!' and I was all "Raauuugh!!" and I killed it with that pick!"
We both laughed easily. Asob was still somewhat reserved and tended to avoid crowds, but in this room she felt at home. Even though batmen really aren't much of a threat on their own, I felt the need to encourage her out of her shell for others. After all, she is the town broker!
"Oh! I need to get back to that guild representative. I think I left him waiting outside. Seeya later, Zon!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: "OOC" (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 22, 2009, 04:49:03 pm
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How very frustrating... A little while ago, Fikod brought to my attention that way back in Spring, he noticed a kobold running off with a stack of steel bolts. Considering we don't have steel bolts, this only could have come from the human caravan! Why hadn't Asob told me of this? Either she didn't notice, or was afraid I would be angry... but if that were the case, she should understand that I would be more angry for not being told! I may need to question her on this on some later date.
This was actually brought to my attention some time over the summer, so I had two war dogs chained to the entrance to intercept any other thieves. I also helped them construct some walls and a roof around the dogs to give them some protection from arrows. It's not much, but it will keep them alive a bit longer.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The problem, however, is that stupid boulder I failed to spot earlier! The dwarven caravan tried to come just now, and because the boulder blocks their path to the depot, they turned their wagons around and left. This is horrible! As such, I'm re-planning the path. We can't afford mistakes like this...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We also had our first mood today and took over a masonry shop. He's already begun construction... it's not much, it only involves two rocks and a piece of leather. Ah well.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Thief! Thief!!" I heard Medtob Elleststâkud call out. Soon, another was reported-- two thieves? I wonder how many more there could be... Medtob tackled and quickly disposed of the kobold he spotted, but it looks like the other will escape.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Obok finished his artifact - a statue valued at 9000 dwarfbucks. "The Rose of Friendship..." Ah, Obok, if only you knew of the 'accidents' that need to be arranged here in the future. This place wasn't meant to be friendly... Anyway, this looks like a good statue to put in the dining room of a widowed consort later, so we'll keep this safe for now.
A third thief bumped into a donkey and was chased down by Bomrek Tatineth, one of the two weaponsmiths. It almost got away, too; it made it all the way to the edge of our boundary, but Bomrek grabbed it by the collar and pinned it down for good. Honestly, they carry daggers but they seem to hardly use them! These little pests are humorous, at best.
Speaking of humorous... what's gotten into the laborers? They're giving random resident batmen names?? I quickly check the records for any deaths, and see that the batmen aren't titled, just... Are we now consorting with these batmen? I shake my head and return to my counting.
Post by: quinnr on October 22, 2009, 06:43:10 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 22, 2009, 08:57:41 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
îton Dastototin, our new sheriff, got his new rooms kitted out. Likot and Tholtig, Animal Caretaker and Furnace Operator respectively, are smoothing his room in their spare time.
Meanwhile, I've so much time in this pen that is my office that I've officially donned the garb of the Clerk. It's just as well... I mean, so far I've served this fortress as a fisherdwarf, a woodcutter, an axedwarf defending the citizens from the giant bat menace, giving orders, and taking stock. Over time I've learned to take comfort in numbers.
"Oh, is this your journal? Can I read it? What have you written about your new beaux?"
"Unib, stop it!" I yank the fortress logs away as she tries to grab for them. "Can't you see I'm busy?"
"Yes, you're counting! I can help too! One, two, three, four..."
"Stopitstopitstopit-- ....No, you've made me lose count again!!"
In walks Oddom, one of our weaponsmiths. He has some startling news for me.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I spat out my dwarven wine, creating a plump helmet-scented Mist that my company found pleasing - but only for a moment. "You what?!" I bellowed.
"Oh, hey, y'know, it's like I said. A goblin snatcher bumped into me, y'know?"
"Did you, y'know, try to catch it??"
"Oh, hey, well, y'know, I chased him for a little while, but he was pretty fast, y'know? He got down the hill an' I decided, y'know, to hell with it! He's gone, y'know?"
"He's not gone, he's going back to where he came from so he can try again later! What if he took one of the kids??"
"Well, he didn't."
"He might next year! Or next season, even! Oddom, you couldn't chase him downhill?!"
"Oh, well, y'know, hey, once he got goin' there was no stoppin' him, y'know? 'Sides, I decided I needed a drink, y'know?"
"Oddom... you've met Asob, right? The fortress broker? Last month she took down a batman by herself. Saved the human diplomat from soiling himself, she did. You are a weaponsmith, and you can't chase a goblin more than a few yards?"
"Hey, y'know, I just make the weapons, I don't use 'em..."
"..."
".....y'know?"
Unib and I looked at each other. Clearly, we were in agreement. "Oddom," I said, "I have some new orders for you. They're very specific. Do you think you can pull through?"
"Oh, well, y'know, hey, gee, I dunno, how specific are they?"
"Very specific... but simple. You ready for it?"
"Oh, y'know, gee, hey, yeah, well--"
"Go and shave your beard."
Oddom stared at me uncomprehendingly. His face turned as red as a wild strawberry as he looked between Unib and me, both of us staring resolutely back at him.
"You want me... to... y'know... shave the beard?"
"Both of them," Unib frowned. "Cowards don't have a right to them."
Defeated, dejected, and heartbroken, Oddom slumped his shoulders and sulked out of the office. After he left, I pounded my fist on the arm of my chair.
"He's a weaponsmith! You'd think he'd at least know how to fight!"
"Doesn't he ever test the tools of his trade?" Unib crossed her arms.
I picked up my new pet kitty, Geshud Mistęmmebzuth, and scratched her behind the ears. I love Sĺkzul so much that I just had to get him a mate! And then they'll have kittens! Oh how I love cats for their aloofness. "That's not what upsets me, Unib! A goblin was sighted in the area! Mayor Obok assured me there weren't any goblins in this area! He even showed me these documents to prove it!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Unib shook her head and put a hand on my shoulder. "Um, you do realize the -------- beside the goblin means they are present and violent towards you right? If the word 'goblin' isn't there at all is when they aren't present."
"Eh?? I thought the red dashes meant there were no goblins! You know, like a 'Do not enter' sign!'"
"Oh, is THAT why there are little red dashes carved into the door to your kitchens?"
"Trust me, those signs are for your own good... unless you like watching puppies being butchered. Mmmm, puppywurst..."
Unib gave me a shocked look and backed away from me. Hmm... maybe I'm wrong about eating puppies?
"Oh, stop, I was only joking." I lied, but if I had to deal with Unib following me around for another season then I'd prefer she didn't do it horrified of me.
"Oh... haha! You had me going there, Zon."
Hours later, I received disturbing reports about Oddom... The workers are saying he's sitting in the trade depot, mumbling incoherently in a fey tongue... Oh dear, have my words sent him into a mood? He hasn't claimed a workshop yet, but... oh, drat, he's a weaponsmith! We don't yet have a metalworking shop... Or an anvil... And it's the middle of winter! There's nothing else to do but to order the guards take a perimeter around him and wait for the inevitable...
Spoiler: "OOC" (click to show/hide)
Post by: martinuzz on October 22, 2009, 09:11:40 pm
As for the meeting;
If you draft your broker, he will still be on conduct meeting job....
But: You will need to put him off duty to effectively conduct the meeting. When on duty, he will never finish the job.
Actually, drafting the broker (or Outpost leader, if the dwarven Liaison is the one needing a meeting), and putting him off duty is a quick way of getting the meetings done. Make sure there are no other military dwarves off duty, or there will be sparring instead of talking.
Post by: Glacies on October 22, 2009, 09:45:11 pm
Post by: LegoLord on October 22, 2009, 10:15:17 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 23, 2009, 11:29:51 am
I realized something on the way home for lunch that made me laugh... Oddom is camping out in the trade depot because that's where I put my first meeting area. It's mid-winter, meaning he'll probably snap early- to mid-spring. And guess who will be visiting the trade depot then?
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 23, 2009, 05:18:42 pm
The fortress currently has available three marksdwarves and the sheriff, who is a flaildwarf. There will be more openings soon since my metal industry is getting off the ground and I'll soon have some more weapons and armor to work with.
Post by: LegoLord on October 23, 2009, 05:46:30 pm
Post by: Tirin on October 24, 2009, 02:37:42 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 24, 2009, 04:02:01 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 24, 2009, 04:26:44 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"îton, report! What is Oddom's status?"
"îton? I know not this îton! My name is Legon, sah!"
"What? When you migrated here, you told me your name was îton!"
"Must've been someone else, sah!"
"...Huh..." Confused, I struck the name 'îton' from the records and replaced it with 'Legon.' These silly dwarves must have run out of batmen to name, and now they're renaming each other! "I'm not familiar with that dialect... Anyhow, your report please!"
"Sah! I am ecstatic to report that my room was not up to specifications, we need other drinks besides dwarven wine, and we need a well!"
"Too much wine? A well? You're telling me you'd rather drink water than dwarven wine?? Are you possessed or something?!"
"The others say it too, sah. We need more varieties of booze!"
"Fine, fine. And I'll get a well installed, too. As for your accomodations, I think those are just about nearly finished! Just a little more smoothing is all. You can move in any time you like!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Ah, nice! Excuse me, I'm going to go take a nap."
"No, not yet! What about Oddom?"
"Who? Ohh, the weaponsmith! He's still sulking in the trade depot, sah. Keeps staring out down the hallway outside, waiting for the traders. He keeps sayin' 'Elves bring anvils, don't they? I'll take a wooden anvil if I have to, just get me an anvil!'"
"Has he cut off his beard yet?"
"No, sah. It's still flowin' in the breeze like always."
"Well, please stand guard beside him. If he snaps, you know what to do."
Legon saluted. "Aye, sah!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Legon left. Unib, for probably the twentieth time in the day, proffered me her trade documents, and for the twentieth time I've brushed them away and resumed my counting. Twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty.... twenty? Wait, that's not right-- ARGH!!
Post by: LegoLord on October 24, 2009, 05:01:14 pm
I hate roaches. I do like cats, too.
I got the name Legon by looking through the dwarven language file, looking for something similar to "lego" - it means "wanderer." It doesn't fall under any of the normal dwarven name 'symbols' (categories of related words), so you probably haven't seen it before.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 24, 2009, 05:56:50 pm
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((Movie)) Looks like Oddom didn't last long enough to say hello to the elves. (https://youtu.be/OSqOhWwnGyw)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Damn, I was actually kind of hoping he'd strangle a couple on his way out... Legon performed her first task well - she never even left her spot, she just pulled Oddom down and beat his insane skull in, then resumed standing at her post while Stâkud dragged his corpse away...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
...And then had a baby to replace the dwarf she'd just beaten to death. Talk about dedication! She deserves a medal, but since I don't have any of those I'll give her a statue instead.
I've designated a rather ambitious digging project for the new wells. I could have simply put one outside (and I may still do that), but knowing there are goblins around we'll need an interior well room for sieges. Nine wells will be installed... is that too many? I don't think so.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
((Map)) And thus begins a new year. (http://mkv25.net/dfma/poi-19349-depotmovedagain)
Post by: The Architect on October 25, 2009, 01:57:14 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 25, 2009, 03:03:35 pm
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Elves are on their way... I'm half-tempted to move the trade depot outside to keep their filth where it belongs, but it's too much effort and they aren't worth it.
The guard dogs also sniffed out a pair of goblin snatchers. One got away... the other, not so lucky.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Make that three snatchers, two dead. I give respective nods to Stâkud Buzatoslan and Nomal Stâkudduthnur, both Farmers, as they carry their prey to the refuse pile. I decide not to go hard on Edzul Zonkegeth, the Weaver, for letting his get away. I don't want another incident like what happened to Oddom the weaponsmith, and anyway Edzul put up a pretty decent chase.
Asob pops out of the stairs, drops her pick, and rubs her hands nervously at the elves.
"Well, Asob? It's showtime."
"Yes, well... Elves are very stingy. I hope I don't offend them."
"Offend them if you have to! You need to show them who's boss. Just don't offer them any wood and you'll be fine."
The elves were already picking through the craft bins brought down, full of stone toys and mugs and instruments. Asob nervously made her way toward them and began conversing. Amazing. She's a totally different person when it's just her and me speaking. Put her in a crowd, and she shakes more than a purring maggot on a XXpig tail threadXX.
"Good morning," Asob says to the elves.
"Greetings. My name is Liyě˙i Apasifita. We are enchanted by your more ethical works. Let us trade." One of the elves snorted as he glared at one of our wooden bins. Another snickered, as if someone had told a joke.
"Yes, well... can I interest you in some mugs? How about some instruments?"
"Is this not all you had to share last year?" The elf frowned down upon her.
"Well, yes! You can expect the same quality of craftdwarfship here at Severedcoils, heh heh..."
Both of Liyě˙i's companions snickered, and Asob began to look very worried. "We come bearing wood that has been cut with care, from trees painstakingly felled by elven +Alder Battleaxes.+ It takes several of these wooden axes to chop down a single tree, and we do it out of respect to our mother forests."
"Well, you should try steel some time! Takes it right down, and you can use it again for the next!"
Oops. The three elves glared daggers at poor Asob, who looked like she wanted to shrink away into a puddle.
"We also come bearing multitudes of (Rope reed cloth). We trust you will buy a lot of it, as it is of high value and we come expecting great profits from you as in the past."
"Well, we don't really need wood or cloth. We have silk all over the place, and--" Asob stopped herself short, remembering her last mistake. "Yes, well... Didn't you bring any berries or seeds? No sunshine or wild strawberry wine? No exotic animals?"
"Phah," Liyě˙i spat. "Cheap stuff. We're businesselves, not petty merchants. Those items aren't worth the trouble hauling them."
One of the other elves picked up a «+Basalt drum.+» It is encircled with bands of green zircon. He let it fall from his hands with a clatter. "It's just as well, Liyě˙i. The dwarves want to trade us junk, let us give them junk."
"Now, now, Apasi, we wouldn't want to sell the dwarves short."
The elves are laughing. Asob is making a plaintive gesture. By now, other dwarves were starting to gather. Legon tensed her grip on her flail and on her baby. Vabôk Lullpaddles, one of the marksdwarves, stood near as well.
And then... Asob's face burned red. The pressure of all those around her, expecting her next move, must have triggered the same courage that had brought her to single-handedly take down the batman who attacked the human liaison last year.
"Very well," Asob's voice was dark and full of hatred. "You want to give us cloth and wood? Fine. We'll take all of your wood, and two bins of (Rope reed cloth.)"
"Ah, very good," said the elf condescendingly. "And how many of your rocks do you wish to give us in exchange?"
"You misheard me, Liyě˙i. I said we'll take them."
I opened my mouth to protest, but it was already too late. And, after all, they had insulted our craftdwarfship several times. The elves looked to each other, startled, then noticed the gathering of dwarves around them. Legon stared back at them, as Vabôk trained her Oaken crossbow at the elves.
"Take what you wish," Liyě˙i said after a pause. "We cannot stop you." With that, the elves drew their muskoxes around and slipped past us, disappearing into the forest. Asob still stood, burning with rage for a while, then wordlessly retrieved her pick and went back to carving the baron's chambers.
Looks like it's time to build up a military... and hey, since we still have all of our crafts, we're that much closer to purchasing an anvil from the humans next season. The workers celebrated Asob's courage by giving names to the resident caveswallowmen.
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25th Slate, 203, Mid-Spring
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More migrants, and we propel ever closer to the point of requiring a baron. It occurs to me that in the midst of day-to-day life, our mission has become something of a dream to me. As of yet, I still can't imagine myself arranging the death of a fellow dwarf, but if I don't...
"Twenty new migrants, bringing our total population to fifty, sah! We're officially a village now!"
"Legon," I address the sheriff as she approaches. "I thought counting was my job?"
"Ha, very good sah, but it is a sad dwarf that can't count a few heads. Listen, with all these newcomers, crime becomes an ever-increasing concern."
"Crime? When have we ever had a criminal in our fort?"
"Need I remind you, sah, of the insane weaponsmith?"
"No, you did a very fine job of handling him yourself. And that wasn't exactly a criminal, it was a strange mood."
"And with more heads come more strange moods, sah! And with more moods and less capable dwarves to guard them--"
"Alright, Legon, you've made your point. More guards it is. But I don't want my dwarves becoming fearful! You're going to receive equal parts of wrestlers and marksdwarves, alright?"
"Wot?! You don't intend to give us proper dwarven weapons?"
"I don't want the workers hurt so badly they can't do their jobs! There will be a military with proper weapons to defend us, and you can keep your flail. Is that fine?"
"...Yes, sah, that'll do."
Legon left. I could tell she was annoyed, as she was already appraising the newcomers to see which potential wrestlers had the broadest shoulders. That wasn't important right now, though. Twenty newcomers means we need to carve more rooms, make more beds and doors... and get that well project done!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Speaking of the wells, they've been delayed because we've crossed a wealth of material in the path of the water. Not to mention dolomite, we've dug up more bituminous coal, bloodstone, and - my favorite gem - carnelian! To make the most of this, we've dug out the walls to access the veins, built an access route to each side of the water ditch, and walled it off so that we don't flood the resources. It will be worth it, even with the delay to the overall project.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 25, 2009, 10:06:49 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Every day, I grow to love this site a little more. It has tetrahedrite en masse, plenty of bituminous coal, native copper, native silver that we can see but haven't yet reached... carnelian, of course! But best of all, we've just discovered native aluminum! This will be perfect for pleasing those unruly consorts.
To reward the workers, I think it's time to finally get the wells under way. I order the final stretch of clay to be channeled and wait for the water to fill our reservoir...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
...and, done without a hitch! Wonderful! Let's get this area smoothed, put some doors on it, and we'll be set.
The human traders from Pesor Siti - or as they call themselves, "The Confederacies of Targeting" - came to trade. Asob's shell has finally cracked, and she managed to get two anvils, a good lot of black bear and carp leather, and some booze. She also got several blocks of cheese, and sent them straight to the kitchens for cooking to be turned around and sold for more stuff. Oh, and it looks like she snagged a flail as well! Legon will have someone to train with after all.
I heard Fikod shouting something. "The traps! The traps have caught something! Come and see!"
He must mean the dog traps! Eager to see what we've captured, I head outside to look--
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"An ambushes! Curse thems!"
"Leave it to us," Legon roared. "Right, volunteers! Stand at the ready! Show me wot you've got, so's I can tell which of you are fit for guard duty!"
((DFMA 1)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1776-firstambush) ((DFMA 2)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1777-entrancedancescaretactics) ((Movie)) A wrestler is lost to the first conflict... Meanwhile, the guard dogs are lost, and the civilians employ a rather odd, yet effective defense... (https://youtu.be/nT8tqSvvUsk)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I can't believe I didn't already have this set up, but a new crypt has immediately been designated. This will be filled with the fallen heroes of Severedcoils. I can't imagine needing a room bigger than this, right?
Post by: LegoLord on October 25, 2009, 10:12:50 pm
Oh, and what joy! A flail! (those are better than what I had before, right?)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 25, 2009, 11:05:17 pm
(https://i.postimg.cc/RV3xRPpH/flail.jpg) (http://img132.imageshack.us/i/flail.jpg/)
Post by: Lord Dakoth on October 26, 2009, 04:49:13 pm
If there's still an unnamed marksdwarf left, could you name him "Barduk" for me?
Eagerly awaiting the next update.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 26, 2009, 09:03:09 pm
16th Galena, 203, Late Summer
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Ah, come in Bëmbul."
"It's Barduk."
I cocked my head at the marksdwarf standing before me. "Barduk? Why did I think your name was Bëmbul?"
"'Dunno, it's always been Barduk. Mayhaps a cave lizard's run off with your ear?"
I tug my beard in annoyance. Is my hearing really giving out? I make a mental note to update the records when I return to my desk. "Anyway, Barduk. I wanted to congratulate you on your work last month fending off the goblins. I understand you're the only marksdwarf who landed a killing shot!"
"Oh, yes! Asno Scrapedincests the goblin, he called himself." Barduk hefted her Highwood Crossbow with pride. I must admit I'm envious of her (giant bat leather gloves), as I'm still waiting for a dwarf with skill enough to work Azinodos' foul hide into a proper suit of armor. "Put a steel bolt right between his eyes, just like threading a needle with a Pig tail thread."
"Yes... at any rate, I'd like to keep you in the regular military. I think you'll do better keeping the goblins out than keeping the consorts in line."
"Consorts? What--"
"Err, nothing, nothing! Haha, just a joke. Anyway, you should rest well knowing that your fallen companion, Ustuth Thîkutlek, rests in a crypt built specifically for the heroes of our fort. He even has a statue!"
"Um... Beg'n your pardon, but isn't that Ustuth's rotten corpse out there in the yard?"
I look and, to my horror, saw she was right. "Wait, what?! But then, who took the coffin in the new crypt I just had dug out??"
"Oddom, the weaponsmith that went insane."
"That was ages ago! Goodness, that coffin was meant for Ustuth!"
Barduk frowned and raised an eyebrow at me. "Beg'n your pardon again, but I don't see the problem. Every dwarf needs a good, solid resting place. Especially one who sacrificed himself for a dream that could not be realized. Or do you not not appreciate the arts of the moody dwarves?"
Ugh, forgot she was a worshipper of Asën. The god of arts and crafts. Tsk... Arts, schmarts, I say. If I'm supposed to give a ratman's arse about the cabinet Melbil Ushuldatan cobbled together out of groundhog bone, you can forget it.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Asob says the darn thing only sells for 2400 dwarfbucks! Honestly, that's the lamest artifact I've ever seen! I do have to wonder, though, how Melbil carved an entire cabinet using just two bones... Best not to get into an intellectual discussion with Barduk and upsetting her. "Well... A new crypt shall be carved for the military, then."
"Good! I'm as happy as a cat with a hedgehog in its mouth."
"That's... That's a cat that sounds like it would cancel storing item in stockpile. Too injured."
About a week later, the new crypt is designated. To make sure there's no mistake, I make sure to personally bring Ustuth's bones myself.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZRqMqR1d/zonpaulbearer.jpg)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Meanwhile, the workers have elected Sigun Kelalud the Butcher as mayor. If this isn't foreshadowing, I don't know what is!
Oh, wait, yes I do! Let's put that ugly groundhog bone cabinet inside the baron's quarters! Now this is foreshadowing!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
((Available dwarves for claim:
2 Marksdwarves, regular military.
2 Wrestlers, regular military. One is training to be a macedwarf.
2 Crossbowdwarves, Fortress Guards.
2 Wrestlers, Fortress Guards.
Coming soon: A pair of swordsdwarves.))
Post by: Lord Dakoth on October 26, 2009, 09:38:56 pm
May I suggest that you have a trapdoor-bridge made out of platinum that dumps the baron into magma?
That way, you wouldn't have fifty sets of noble clothing lying around.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 26, 2009, 11:03:13 pm
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I chopped off the left hand and left lower leg of a batman that came too close, dumped it in the pond, and proceeded to go fishing right over its corpse.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Geshud Mistęmmebzuth, cat, approves.
Meanwhile, the militia find the new barracks our masons have built for them.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
It's an open roof, and located near what will become a fortified defense tower. This should keep the regulars from getting cave adaptation.
Meanwhile, we lost another stupid hunter - Thîkut Mengngalák - to a groundhog. It rushed him and pushed him into a pond, where he drowned. Sometimes, I wonder if it's possible at all to get good help around here. We'll have to wait until we have a drought to dig him out of there... After all, he took a (Steel cap) and a (Bronze crossbow) with him. At least he didn't have any friends...
The dwarven caravan from Subetrovod has arrived, which means - of course - another visit from Unib is right around the corner. Oh, joy.
Why am I feeling so grim, you ask? Well... see for yourself.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The baron's death trap is under way. Already, it hungers. A giant cave swallow ambushed ďngiz Luslemmosus, legendary miner and recently appointed mason. The regulars tried to defend him, but the giant cave swallow struck a mortal wound before they were able to kill it and he bled to death. Zuglar the marksdwarf killed a batman named Kumil Pagedvoices, and Imush the flaildwarf-in-training killed the giant cave swallow. He named it just before he killed it. Honestly, I never got into the whole naming your enemy thing, I just don't understand the appeal.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Actually, this is Imush's fourth kill. Well done... I'll see to it she receives special consideration later.
"Zon!"
"Ack!" I clutch the fortress logs to my chest as Unib sneaks up behind me.
"What are you doing inside that bottomless pit?? I just saw a dead miner dragged out of there! What could you possibly want in there?"
My heart is pounding! What if she finds out? I remember my orders... Those who find out are to be 'dealt with.' As annoying as Unib can be, I... I can't imagine killing her should she learn my secret. Oh my goodness, I just realized... I would miss her if something were to happen!
I'm not even a dabbling liar, but I try my best to come up with something. "Oh. That. I thought I saw a giant cave spider inside when we first breached the wall. I wanted to catch it. It was foolish of me, I know."
Unib eyed me carefully. "Why were you sending masons in there?"
"To build a trap. Err, for the spider, of course!"
She stayed silent for a long time. Nervously, I adjusted the grip of my (Steel battle axe). "Well, you're at least going to give him a proper burial, right?"
"Of course! Every dwarf needs a good, solid resting place. What, you think I'd forget this?"
"Very good. Did you at least give a name to the miner's killer?"
"Ah, yes, Imush the future macedwarf did. What was it again... Tubesocks?"
Unib sighed. "Zon, how could one such as yourself be so undwarflike? You walk the walk, but you must have lived a sheltered life."
"What can I say? There isn't a lot of room to be dwarfy in fishing. Glad I've moved on from that job. I mean, I still catch turtles from time to time, but managing is so much more fulfilling!"
Unib nodded slowly. "Well, be sure you treat your fellow dwarves with respect. They work for you, and they deserve it."
Something about Unib's behavior continued to leave me unsettled. "Are you feeling alright, Unib? You're naggier than an old mother hen today!" I giggled.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Unib stamped her foot and glared at me.
"Whoa! It was just a joke, you know? What's going on?"
"Ah... a joke, heh heh... yes, well, let's get on with the documents, shall we?"
"Unib..."
"Zon, please. If you're too busy, then I'll just have to talk with your mayor instead. I'm on a very busy schedule."
I blinked. She was obviously quite antsy, tapping her foot impatiently and inspecting the engravings on my floor closely.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I snorted. "So much for that sisterly love you were gushing about only a year ago. Sigun's room is next door to your left. Careful with the door, it tends to smack people in the arse when they've overextended their welcome."
Unib looked absolutely crushed. "Oh, Zon... I'm sorry. I--"
"I said get out."
Defeated, the diplomat sulked toward the door, where she lingered. "This place... it's changing you, Zon. And I think I know why. I can't prove it yet, but I hope for your sake that I am wrong. And if I'm not, then I hope I can stop you before you do something unforgivable. Good day."
With that, Unib disappeared into Sigun's office, where she stayed discussing documents and things for several hours. I picked at a notch in my axe blade, pondering. I was tempted to forbid the door and starve them both... suppose she was telling him her suspicions? But no, that would be premature. And on the plus side, she's a diplomat. Perhaps she could help me find a way out of this fate before I commit the unthinkable?
Grimly, I look upon the pit which my workers have mindlessly built their way into. I wonder what they think of it... for that matter, I'm not even sure of everyone who was involved who saw it. Obviously the militia, and a few others to take the miner's things... I'd better become a good liar, and fast.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 26, 2009, 11:06:22 pm
Bahaha, better make it a Bauxite cabinet. Unless you're doing the spike method, but magma is so much cooler.
May I suggest that you have a trapdoor-bridge made out of platinum that dumps the baron into magma?
That way, you wouldn't have fifty sets of noble clothing lying around.
The last post should give you half the picture as to how the death trap will work. The other half of the puzzle is hidden in the latest archived map.
I assure you, there will be no trace of said nobles when the trap is executed 8)
Post by: The Architect on October 27, 2009, 01:06:13 am
Post by: Thief^ on October 27, 2009, 05:42:11 am
Post by: Quietust on October 27, 2009, 11:24:32 am
The last post should give you half the picture as to how the death trap will work. The other half of the puzzle is hidden in the latest archived map.
I see a peculiar-looking room designated 9 Z-levels directly above the lever...
Quote
I assure you, there will be no trace of said nobles when the trap is executed 8)
Smash them with a cave-in, then let the remains fall into the bottomless pit? Sounds sufficiently Dwarfy.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 27, 2009, 04:03:10 pm
Try to grab me a wooden mace from the elves if they have it, and decorate it with something dwarven, preferably in elf-bone. Then sic me on some elves. Of course this may all only be possible when they siege you, but I'm looking forward to that.
Gee, you sound an awful lot like a baron! Let me show you this sweet lever over here. Mind the batman droppings on your way out to the edge of that narrow platform. ;D
Post by: The Architect on October 27, 2009, 05:27:32 pm
LEGO! BRING THE HAMMER!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 28, 2009, 05:48:50 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"'id I ev' tell ye 'bout th' time I killed a troll wif' m' bare hands?!"
"Yes, Falk, for the hundredth time," Archibold the flaildwarf waved the drunkard away, but he persisted. "And for the hundreth time, I must remind you there has never been a troll at Severedcoils!"
I was inspecting the work of the masons on the barracks, and decided to stop and watch the guards and militia train for a while. I smiled bemusedly at the exchange of Falk and Archibold.
"It was on th' way 'ere! You should'a seen it! It cam' down fr' the sky wi' big ol' wings, screamin' all deathlike!"
"Trolls don't have wings, and the dead don't scream! You probably killed a cardinal or something."
"'Ey, you any good a' wrestling?" Falk's crossbow fired prematurely, but fortunately it wasn't loaded.
"Yeah, but what does that have to do with--"
"Teach me how t' wrastle. I wanna see wha' you c'n do... I prob'ly 'ave a few point'rs m'self!"
"I can see your pointer quite clearly, and wish you'd put it away. Besides, you're a marksdwarf. Ha! It'd never work between us."
"C'mon, babe, lemme show you m' -char bone bolt[2]-!
"[2]? Is that all you got? Honey, give it up. Until you overindulge a bit more you're entirely too sober for me. You smell like a human!"
I laughed, then left. This is the first time I've laughed since Unib's arrival. During her stay, she's done just about everything in her power not to look at me. I've waved at her, got her to look over at me by mistake, and then watched her kick a cave lizard into the bridge pit and continue forcing herself not to look my direction. A few times, I've intentionally walked down the hall towards her, just to see her try to walk without looking in front of herself. She tripped once, but refused to let me help her up.
Asob fell in step with me. "She's still not speaking to you? What in the world could you have said to her?"
"Don't ask." Please, don't, I thought silently to myself. I don't want to have to think about getting rid of Asob as well. "She was getting too nosey about things that aren't her business and I got upset with her. That's that."
Asob nodded. "The workers have moved ďngiz Luslemmosus the Miner to the new crypt, does that cheer you up?"
"No, sadly, it does not. ďngiz's death was a careless mistake on my behalf."
Asob fell silent for a while, and her steps started to slow. I started to walk a little past her, and suddenly she gripped my wrist tightly. "I know! I'll make you something!"
"Asob, that's not necessary. You're a Legendary Miner and an Expert Appraiser, not a--"
I stopped. Asob had a wild, fey look in her eye, and I knew immediately what it meant.
"Nonsense! I'll build you... I'll build you... hold on, I've got it! Be right back!"
Wildly she scrambled about the fortress, gathering Garnierite and Rhodolite and Highwood. Oddom's crazed face creeped back into my mind, and I worried greatly for my best friend. I'm not ready to get used to tragedy just yet!
Fortunately, we had everything she needed. I was a little surprised at the result...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Asob calmed down. She had clearly become a Skilled Mason from her efforts. "There! What do you think?"
"You made a bed out of Garnierite... that's... very unique!" Uncomfortable, actually, is the word I was searching for. But it was certainly something you don't see every day, so...
"Are you going to put it in your room right away?"
Oh, curses. I must become a better liar! "Um... well, actually, the quality is so grand that I don't feel worthy sleeping on such a fine artifact! This is something, um, better suited for a noble! Or a noble's consort!"
"You don't like it, do you."
"I'm getting scoliosis just looking at it."
Asob laughed. "I know, right? I thought you'd appreciate it for its irony!"
Curse you, Asën. You claim yet another of my dwarves. What do you have against practicality, anyway?
Post by: Lord Dakoth on October 28, 2009, 06:09:29 pm
How close are you to 80 dwarves?
Post by: LegoLord on October 28, 2009, 06:12:58 pm
LEGO! BRING THE HAMMER!Eh? My dwarf uses a flail, not a hammer!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 28, 2009, 11:17:06 pm
Post by: Thief^ on October 29, 2009, 03:09:37 am
I like how Falk's profile says he's had two drinks lately and has still complained of thirst. "Occasionally overindulges" would seem to be an understatement!
Post by: martinuzz on October 29, 2009, 07:10:37 am
Small request:
Could you include the pictures in full size in the story posts?
It would make for easier reading, not having to click and load the images.
I don't know if that is possible in imageshack. I use www.photobucket.com.
I copypaste the IMG code to the thread. If it stretches out the text too much for your taste, you can put spoiler tags around it.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 29, 2009, 11:29:26 am
Post by: The Architect on October 29, 2009, 12:42:29 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 29, 2009, 05:34:09 pm
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Severedcoils has met a stroke of good fortune. I've been leaving random cave traps around in areas where wild animals are often reported migrating to get a meat and leather market going. Unlike our dog traps, these ones are unbaited and left in more or less random locations. One of these traps was set in the path of some wild mountain goats early in the second year. Well, guess what we caught in it?
A giant eagle.
This is an amazing capture! If we can catch a second, we can defend our fortress with a swarm of flying, winged vessels of doom. We probably won't even need a military by that point! And the meat and leather off of those things is pretty good value...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Another benefactor in the form of local wildlife! A kobold thief was caught and devoured by a ravenous pack of wolves. I quickly forbid my citizens from looting its body in case the wolves turn on them.
Is this a sign, Kovest? Is this a reward for making progress on the baron death trap? Are you giving me a signal that this is a worthy quest? It must be... and it dawns on me that this is not my fate, but rather my destiny, like it or not. I wanted to have an impact on our nation, didn't I? With all of the barons of the Swift Arches dead, the king will reign unopposed, his might unquestioned and infallible. Is this what I really wanted? I tremble at the thought...
I daydream of our guards patrolling the halls in ¤giant eagle leather armor¤ as I continue to oversee the construction of the barracks and guard tower. The floors are coming along nicely... I'll designate some Fortifications soon, but not until the workers have a little more room to work.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The wolves, again, aide us by sacrificing themselves to alert us of danger! I gather my one cats and make sure they stay indoors with me.
Wait a second... One cats? Didn't I have two??
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
What, what, what?!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Oh. No. You. Didn't. Now it's freaking personal!
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1780-ambushwinteryear3) ((Movie)) To arms, dwarves!! (https://youtu.be/EUDW26T2GBI)
Post by: LegoLord on October 29, 2009, 06:34:14 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 29, 2009, 07:54:53 pm
Post by: Lord Dakoth on October 29, 2009, 08:15:00 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 29, 2009, 09:11:09 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
It's been two weeks since the goblin attack. My leg... I can't really feel it any more. I wandered around for a little while... started to walk towards my cat, but I knew it was dead. Could only see it better when I got closer. Then I started to walk towards my bed... but then decided not to. Don't know why.
I'm getting blood all over the page... whatever. Maybe I was too quick to think Kovest wanted this of me. This is why I've never been more than a dubious worshipper... I think I get a handle on things, and then as soon as I start to put faith in something it's taken away, leaving me with more doubt.
I stand here and watch the dwarves bustling in and out of our entrance... And I look at Legon, their sheriff, still clutching her two crying babes, unconscious. She hasn't had a drink in a long time. Neither have I, but I don't feel thirsty yet. Just drowsy.
I stand and stare at my reflection in the pond. I've spent my whole life near a body of water, always fishing, always pulling things out... and yet, no matter how many times I'd sink my line, I'd never pull up anything that really fulfilled me.
Wait, my leg, I can't stand... I'm delirious, aren't I... Yep, losing it here.
I want to sleep so very badly, but what if I never wake? Would it make a difference to these dwarves? Day in and day out, they continue to follow my old orders, or they insist on hunting, or fishing, or gathering things... even after I've forbidden them from retrieving items from the dead goblins, still they ignore me and Legon. They don't care. They don't care if we die.
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6th Opal
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
They finally brought Legon to her bed, but left the babies. Tried to crawl to her, but ended up in the bridge pit instead. Thankfully, we left it at 1 z-level deep and left it dry. The exit is forbidden, so they can't hurt themselves anymore.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I ask for the dwarves to bring me booze. They don't understand or ignore me. Fine. I order them to save me by designating a drink pile all around me and ask that drinks be brought to it right away. The dwarves immediately bring barrels of rum and ale to the pile, but they don't help me drink it. The barrels are just out of reach. Can't they see my leg? Do they realize how they torture me now? They won't help me unless I fall asleep, will they? And yet I can't, for some reason.
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13th Opal
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The pond so inviting. Still ignored. Twelve dwarves idle right now, and they throw a party. So very weak. So very thirsty. Booze all around me, but out of reach. Isn't there a single dwarf in this wretched hole that cares that I'm very near death?
Feeling faint. Okay, Kovest, I give up. Your riddle eludes me. Slipping away now. I'll see you in person soon, then maybe you can explain the joke to me.
Goodbye, nobody. Guess I'll just lay down and wait for death. It's obvious no one is willing to tend to me.
Wait... somebody is carrying me... to my bed. Maybe I was wrong...? Could it be...?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Asob... thank you..." I mutter as I slip into unconsciousness.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 29, 2009, 09:46:06 pm
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Hello, Zon. This is Asob. Your journal fell out of your pocket when you collapsed, and... well, it opened to a page where you had written my name, I got curious, and... If you're reading this, then consider this my admission that I've read your journal. Well... that should be obvious, really, since I'm writing in your journal now!
I'm not afraid to tell you that I now know what's really going on with the baron pit and your mission from the king, because I trust you won't kill me for learning your secret. I support you all the way on this. My mother was a weaponsmith and was unable to meet a demand of a greedy baronness who always demanding platinum items, but there was never any platinum. She turned her hammerer on my mother even though she had no relevant skills, and the hammerer killed her... and then, my father turned melancholy and eventually rested himself at the bottom of a lake. I know I told you I was separated from my parents at the New Granite's Day parade, but... to be honest, I didn't want you thinking my past would cause me to run off and do, well, what it is that you're doing.
You don't have to worry about me, Zon. We all need friends, especially when we have to go to dark places - we need someone to be there to pull us out. I've never told anyone this, and I've been meaning to tell you but you were changing a lot over the past months and I got scared... oh, I'm rambling again. Sorry, I ramble a lot... but you knew that. I want you to know that you can trust me, so I'm going to keep your journal up to date while you're recovering. I know how upset you'd be if you lost track of our progress! And when you wake up, I promise you'll find that nobody else knows your secret.
Unfortunately, you weren't the only casualty of that fight, and you weren't the worst. Legon was shot with a crossbow bolt, piercing her lower back and lower spine. I'm afraid she won't be able to walk again... But worse, I'm afraid, was the fate of the third baby she carried into battle.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Speaking of babies, the two who fell into the pit are looking a little thirsty. I opened the door so they could get out. I hope they'll be OK!
I had the masons build fortifications on top of the training yard. I think that's what you intended, right? I know how you like everything to be practical, so I modified your original design a little bit. I've spaced the fortifications out with walls between every other space. I thought this would help to protect the marksdwarves a little better since the enemy will need to be a lot more precise in order to hit them.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
črith started acting strangely and took over one of the shops. How weird! It isn't very often at all that jewelers take on strange moods. I wonder what he'll create?
Meanwhile, the miners have finally found the magma pipe! Isn't that great? They haven't yet breached it, but the stone in the far south-western corner of our boundaries are pretty hot so we know it's there. I'm working on getting the miners above it so we don't flood the place. There's also a vein of gold near the magma!
Oh! And Dôbar Ushulloddom killed a Sasquatch! We have no idea where he found it... I don't think any of us had ever seen it before, until he carried its corpse inside. How weird is that?
Hmmm... I feel like I'm forgetting something in the excitement. What could it be?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
OHNO OHNO OHNO ZON PLEASE DON'T BE MAD I SWEAR I DIDN'T MEAN TO!! I've never run a fortress before, please don't kill me! Ohno ohno ohno ohno...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
ohno ohno... ohhey! What a beautiful hatch! Asën would certainly be proud of such craftdwarfship. I know you already have three ordinary hatches lying around, and I think I know what you're planning with them... but this should definitely be the centerpiece. I know you'd agree!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Aw, how cute! Zon's cat dropped a dead cave spider at the foot of her bed. Isn't that sweet?
((Map)) And finally, Spring is here! (http://mkv25.net/dfma/poi-19458-trainingyard)
Post by: Firnagzen on October 29, 2009, 10:15:32 pm
Brilliant writing, though.
;)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 29, 2009, 11:17:51 pm
Half delirious, dying of thirst and bloodloss and he writes it all down. I'm impressed with his fortitude. :)
Brilliant writing, though.
Not only that, but she spells every word correctly. She's a legendary clerk, after all - she can't afford to make mistakes!
Post by: martinuzz on October 30, 2009, 05:50:09 am
Thanks for taking up my suggestion for the pictures!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 31, 2009, 04:16:22 pm
-------------
Poor Legon woke up and found out about her children... She's throwing a tantrum in her bed as we speak. I wonder what we can do to cheer her up?
The elves came back. As expected, they brought the good stuff. Aside from three bins of Rope reed cloth, I also finagled lots of seeds, dye, some ropes, a pet cougar, and two wooden spears for sparring, all for a few pieces of re-worked goblin clothing.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Personally, I'm really proud of this! It sold for almost 2,000 dwarf bucks.
Meanwhile, the elves tried to pawn this off on me...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Ok, first of all elves... does my ass look big enough to fit inside a large thong? How rude! Second, I bet those hanging rings of masterfully worked Pine are good for a masterfully worked chafe.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The workers are starting to become suspicious of our intentions, Zon, but at least we have the upper part of the trap complete. I must say, it looks quite dashing with Isakodom, 'Splatterbasin' the Rhodolite Floor Hatch as the centerpiece. Next comes the hardest part: rigging up those hatches to the lever.
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5th Slate, 204, Mid-Spring
-------------
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Zon!" A strange dwarf wearing only a cloak, mittens, a hood, and nothing else approached me. "Kikrost Ĺblelthestar, Dungeon Master at your service! I've heard rumors that you've caught a rare specimen here." She rubbed her hands together gleefully.
"Actually, my name is Asob. I'm the village broker. Zon is resting an injury she obtained while defending the fortress. I'm running Severedcoils in her place."
"Oh, that's too bad. Well, anyway... about that specimen..."
"Yes, we have a giant eagle caged near the kennels. It's been surprisingly calm, doesn't make a lot of noise, but--"
"A giant eagle!!" Kikrost jumped, knocking her hood off. "I don't need these kinds of thrills or risks in life!"
"But I thought your job was to tame exotic animals..."
"It is! Gah! This is too exciting!! Stop it!"
I backed away and let Kikrost do her thing. What an odd dwarf... I decide to do some mining. You left orders to dig out long lines of rock for some exploratory mining, Zon. We've already found the magma pipe, so I guess you want to find the underground river, too? I pick away at the wall and find...
Oh...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
OHMYGOD OHMYGOD OHMYGOD OHMYGOD!!!!
Post by: Thief^ on October 31, 2009, 04:27:08 pm
Post by: Argonnek on October 31, 2009, 05:28:41 pm
Post by: martinuzz on October 31, 2009, 07:43:50 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 31, 2009, 08:14:05 pm
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Mining in the area of the adamantine was immediately suspended. We aren't ready to face whatever lurks within. Instead, I turn our attention to the magma pipe
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We broke through the top of the magma pipe, which is... well... better than breaking through the middle or the bottom! I set a lot of mining orders in anticipation of two major magma projects - an obsidian farm, and channels for some magma smelters and forges. It will be a while before we're able to make use of these since the pipe is so far from the main fortress...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The humans arrived, and along with them the usual kobold thieves. The first had its left upper leg torn off by a stray dog.
More migrants arrived, bringing our population up to 76. The baron will arrive very soon, but the death trap is still incomplete! I think I've overextended our workers... hopefully the new migrants will be able to help finish the trap.
Thurtig Gúradil, Furnace Operator, was taken by a mood and claimed a Craftsdwarf's shop.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Archibold the flaildwarf comes storming into the fortress. Ecstaticly, she starts yelling.
"Ho! Isn't there a dwarf here strong enough to take me on? You fall before me like goblins! I pity you!"
I frown, somewhat worried at this. I take a peek at the barracks and am horrified by what I see!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Urist Bardummon, a new arrival and already an experienced swordsdwarf, lies in the yard with a broken left lower leg and a bruised left knee. In similar condition is Datan Kűbukidok, a newly appointed guard with a right knee and right lower leg.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The quarters aren't looking much better... Aside from Zon, Legon, and Dôban the Ranger who was injured by a wolf, there are three others injured. Both of our brand new speardwarves and another guard, all with broken legs.
Immediately, it becomes clear how this happened. Archibold snatched up an (≡«-Iron flail-»≡) from the human caravan and immediately put it to work on our military.
"Archibold! You're responsible for this?"
"Nay, they're responsible! They should be stronger fighters to stand up to me!"
"You've disabled half the military! What if we're attacked by goblins?"
"I'll take 'em all myself!"
"Fine, Archibold, have it your way... Go stand patrol outside so the others can train without having their legs smashed!"
"Aye, if any goblins dare come near, I'll chase 'em out first! C'mere, you little green rodents!!"
I shake my head as Archibold runs outside to her new post. With so many big projects going on at once, we can't afford this many injuries... What do I do, Zon?
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 01, 2009, 02:04:09 pm
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One of the weavers became quite bold while collecting silk last week. Udib Uristnakuth was attacked by two batmen in the bottomless pit, and he jumped off the edge to attack one of them! Fortunately, he landed on a ledge just one level below, strangled one to death, and broke the ankle of another before it flew away. He suffered a broken left lower leg and lower body, but surprisingly he healed both injuries at the turn of the season! That's the fastest I've ever seen broken bones heal...
Zon looks healthier! Zon now only has a broken right lower leg. I'm afraid I can't say the same for Legon... I don't think her lower spine will ever heal. What should I do?
Meanwhile, we did some trading with the dwarven caravan. They really wanted toys this year, so we made lots! This one in particular, normally only worth 310 dwarfbucks, sold for 1,677!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
See, Zon? You're engraved on it! You're famous now! Your image is engraved all over the walls here, too, even in your own room. Haven't you noticed? I don't understand why you write about feeling like you haven't made an impact on the world.
I finally take a break to meet with Bujit, the human guild representative with the funny name. My, are we really that busy around here? He must have been following me around for months, and I never noticed!! Kinda creepy, so I decided to hide from him by sticking myself between a pump, a wall and a pond where he couldn't reach me. While I was there, I decided to operate the pump.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Now, we should have some muddy land to build an outdoor farm on! Just as well, we have an incredible amount of seeds for outdoor farms.
Eventually, I had to get myself out of there because I could clearly hear Archibold as she was pacing around in front of the fortress, shouting out her kills.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
While impressive, it got pretty old after the fourth time through the list.
Endok Dakostang claimed a Mason's workshop and created Stňkďdmasos, 'Impaledtalk,' a pretty basic Native Copper statue.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
It's... well, what can I say, not all art is very good, but I commend Endok for his efforts nonetheless. It should hopefully make a noble very happy!
Post by: skaltum on November 01, 2009, 02:05:19 pm
Post by: Lord Dakoth on November 01, 2009, 05:06:18 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 01, 2009, 05:18:11 pm
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Bujit is still following me. Now I understand how you feel about Unib... Can't he see I'm busy?
"Miss, if you please, we must finish these documents!"
"Can't it wait? We're clearly in the middle of a very long magma project. I need to help the miners, and... what's that?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Another ambush, but... this one's different! ((DFMA 1)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1787-ambushwinteryear4) ((DFMA 2)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1788-ambush2winteryear4) ((Movie)) Is that a human I see?? (https://youtu.be/dYPgGA7_VvE)
"Bujit! What's going on? Why are humans attacking?"
"Don't look at me! They aren't from Pesor Siti, 'The Confederacies of Targeting!' Never would we ally with the goblins!"
"Then who would?!"
"There are two other human civilizations nearby - Dur Boki, 'The Empires of Rasping,' and Acobahal, 'The Coastal Kingdoms.' I suppose these humans could have originated from either, but ultimately these humans have been assimilated by the goblins of Smosmzulakm 'The Released Sins.'"
"...Y'know, you don't have to re-translate dwarven into human for me. I'm a freaking dwarf."
"I know, it's just a habit." Bujit makes a plaintive gesture. "I wonder what's brought the attention of so many ambushes? What would cause humans to ally with goblins?"
What, indeed, I think to myself as I reflect upon the vein of adamantine I discovered earlier. I keep my mouth shut for fear of letting on about it.
Archibold finally wakes up from her nap and comes running outside. "Challengers! I hear challengers!"
"Too late," I grit my teeth. "They're already dead, and they took Erush Melbilbab Anurbekar Zas, Reg Fashdumat, and Thob Nilgim with them. If you'd have gotten here earlier, you could have saved them!"
"Or, you could have pulled them back and waited for me to wake up! Ever think of that?"
"Invader's don't wait! If you want invaders to fight, then why don't I let you fight the caged ones?"
"Good! You very well should! Bring them to the yard post haste, me and the militia will take care of 'em!"
How arrogant! "You'll have your way, then, Archibold. Bring all the prisoners to the training yard, and link their cages to a lever! Block the room with doors so that no one can get in or out during this exercise."
Many cheers from the dwarves. I blush. Again, I don't know what's come over me! When pressed, it's as if somebody else takes over, and my shyness disappears. Actually, I feel as if I've become less shy over time, perhaps from taking command of the fortress.
Meanwhile, another thief shows up, but escapes.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Um... Excuse me, but that thief looks completely cornered here. How in the world did it get by?
While we're waiting for the cages to be set and linked, the miners set about widening many of the commonly used paths and digging out some new routes to cut down on travel time. The lower levels are starting to look like a complicated maze. How exciting!
By the 23rd of Obsidian, the prisoners' cages are all set. The militia is lined up in the training yard, marksdwarves standing by overhead.
"Alright, you lot," Archibold yells. "The best way to know your foe is to tear them apart and look at 'em from the inside! Are you ready?!"
Archibold gives the signal. ((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1789-prisonerexecution) ((Movie)) I nod to Sigun the fisherdwarf, and she pulls the lever. (https://youtu.be/ehKV_vATKFM)
I receive word that the our magma projects are ready to begin as soon as we tap the pipe! ((Map)) Just in time for Spring! (http://mkv25.net/dfma/map-7343-severedcoils)
Post by: LegoLord on November 01, 2009, 06:59:42 pm
Post by: Grendus on November 01, 2009, 07:41:43 pm
Name: Grendus
Occupation: soldier
History:
Not the usual immigrant, actually an exile. Despises nobles (particularly the hammerer and tax collector) with a passion. Though he won't say, rumor has it that the dent in his head (which isn't brain damage, a deformation of the muscle over his right eye) was caused by fight with the hammerer. The hammer killed his wife after she delivered a single amulet forbidden by a mandate from the tax collector to the trade depot. In a berserk rage, he attacked the hammerer, who broke his head, but he managed to break the hammerer's arms and killed him/her with his/her own hammer. He managed to join an immigrant party before the hammerer's corpse was found, convincing them he was a guard.
Post by: Quietust on November 01, 2009, 09:16:06 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 01, 2009, 10:50:35 pm
-------------
No change in Zon's condition... Hopefully she gets well soon!
I cancelled the tapping of the magma pipe just in time as I realized an oversight. We need to install fortifications to block out nasty fire imps! How awful that would have been if we'd have tapped it without those...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
An artifact rope was created! Um... good work? Oh, who am I kidding... If only more dwarves around here were followers of Asën, and knew the true meaning of art. I wonder if the hatches on this image are representative of the many hatches that were created as part of the obsidian farm? We scrapped that part because hooking up 16 hatches to a lever would have been simply overkill and unnecessary, so we have all these spare hatches lying around... I wonder if this was created to call attention to my folley? Come to think of it, "Doctrinespurns" itself sounds like a somewhat anarchistic title. Oh... oh my, what to do? Do the others hate me? Do they plot behind my back?
Um... OK, calm down Asob. Remember, if anyone gives you trouble, you can just make them pull the lever.
With a little direction, we're able to fit the Fortifications without getting anyone stuck. I thought about installing a pump to get the magma over to its final destination more quickly, but in the end decided against it. There would be too much reconstruction involved to get that working, and we don't want to risk pushing the magma up through the forges! Everything looks to be in order, so I give the orders to channel away.
The elves came again... nothing but wood and cloth. Fortunately for them, we're actually really short on wood at the moment because everyone was busy dragging dolomite out of the magma duct, including the wood cutters. That stuff is too valuable to let it just get melted like that!
Unbelievable... their entire caravan is worth 501 dwarfbucks. Can you believe it? I successfully trade for their entire load with a single (narrow giant cave spider silk sock). Pathetic. Enjoy your one sock, you thong-toting elves... What's wrong? Your other foot cold? Well, maybe you should have brought along another cougar to breed with the one we bought from you last year!
Speaking of exotic animals, we still haven't caught a second Giant Eagle to breed with the first. I decide to have a word with the dungeon master.
I find Kikrost in the kennels where the Giant Eagle is caged. I can't believe my eyes... she's somehow managed to teach the Giant Eagle to hold a mug and drink dwarven beer!
"Er... I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"
Kikrost and the Giant Eagle both turn to look at me. "Oh, Asob! We were just talking about you! Have a seat."
Meep. "It was talking about me? Ohmygodwhatdiditsaydoesithatemeisitgoingtoeatme?!?!"
"Hey! I don't need this kind of excitement in my life, so calm down! No, she's not going to eat you."
"Ah... she? That's good, that's actually what I came to ask you about."
Kikrost raised an eyebrow at me. She clucked at the Giant Eagle, who ruffled her feathers at me. "Nope, sorry, 'fraid she's only into other eagles. And male ones."
"What?! Ohmygodnothat'snotwhatImeantatall!!"
"Gah! You almost made me spill my beer! This is entirely too much excitement in my life right now!"
Ok, Asob... where's that latent reserve of courage when you need it? Time to get a handle on this situation. "Kikrost, what do you think are the chances of catching another male for this one? We'd definitely like to have a clutch of these to keep around the fort."
Kikrost stroked her beard. "Well, how did you catch this one? Didn't you use bait or something?"
"Well... actually, we did leave baited traps to catch a giant bat, but we never did catch one. This eagle, on the other hand, actually found itself in one of our groundhog traps by chance."
Kikrost clucked at the eagle again. This time, it reared its claws and squawked at me.
"Meep."
"Beg your pardon?"
"Oh! Sorry, that meep was meant to be kept internal. Pay it no mind."
Kikrost sipped at her beer. The Giant Eagle clucked away, and Kikrost seemed to be listening. "Uh huh... you don't say?... yes, I hear you."
"Um... what's it saying?"
"She says she wouldn't mind nesting with another wild eagle. It need not be tame. Her chicks would then be tame, and we could start a breeding program?"
"Hmm... that sounds risky, though, don't you think? What if something attacks her while she's out?"
Kikrost laughed. "Oh, Asob, don't you know anything about reproduction? ((Wiki link))Creatures breed through spores! (https://dwarffortresswiki.org/index.php/40d:Meat_industry#Breeding) All we need to do is chain her up somewhere deep within the fortress where her and her chicks will be safe, and as soon as a male flies overhead she'll get pregnant. In fact, we've probably already missed a few opportunities by leaving her in this cage!"
"I had no idea it was that easy! Well then, we'll set to work building a roost for her right away!"
"Might I suggest you line it with statues? A Giant Eagle is no common prize, and you wouldn't want her to get angry or bored..."
I shudder, and immediately set the miners to work carving out a room specifically for the nursing of Giant Eagle chicks. The miners have been looking for things to mine since the magma project ended, anyway.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
And where else does one put an exotic animal but within the dungeon master's own quarters? After all, they seem to get along fine, so they should make great room mates! I decide to do the same with the cougar, too, and made the room into a sculpture garden for everyone to enjoy! Other exotic pets we have will go here too.
Udib Uristnakuth surprised us all again in his quest for collecting silk webs. A wolf attacked him, and he single-handedly wrestled it to the ground and killed it. I think by this point, Udib is a competent enough wrestler that he can more or less handle himself against most predators. Nice!
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1st Felsite, Late Spring
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More migrants! This puts our population at 93! And... huh. No baron. Curses... I guess I devoted too much dwarfpower to the magma project and didn't produce enough wealth. Well... we'll devote our energies to production this year to get the first one.
"Excuse me," a very recognizable voice confronts me. "Are you Zon Castleweakened?"
I turn and see a peasant... but a very peculiar looking peasant, at that! "No, I'm sorry. My name is Asob. Zon is bedridden with a broken leg and I've taken over in her place. Can I help you with something?"
"Not unless Zon has entrusted you with the details of her mission..." This last part was whispered sinisterly.
I take a closer look at the peasant before me, and... uh.......
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"OHMYGOD OHMYGOD OHMY--"
"Pipe down, will ya?! No one is supposed to know I'm here!"
"OHMYGOD OHMYGOD OHMYGOD!!!"
The king grumbled. "I suppose I'll wait until you get this undue enthusiasm out of your system."
I took several deep breaths before I could address him. "Your majesty! What brings you here?"
"Well, Asob, to be quite frank, Mayor Obok advised to me that he didn't think Zon Castleweakened was cut out for this task. One reason I've come is to supervise her in her mission - or you, whoever it is that's doing this. Secondly, I've heard rumors that a certain precious metal was discovered under these hills."
My heart thumped in my chest. "Oh... you mean..."
"What else could I mean? Tell me, how much of it have you mined?"
"I... well... we... stopped mining it as soon as we found it...?"
"What?! Why? Have you any idea the worth of that stuff?!"
"I do! But it's rumored to house monsters, and our military isn't well enough equipped to handle them..."
"Well, then you'd better get it equipped, and you'd better start mining it soon! Now, show me to my chambers."
Though we hadn't set aside a room specifically for the King, we actually had two spare consorts' chambers in anticipation for the beginning of the project. I assigned King Minkot to one of them and, as expected, it wasn't yet good enough for his tastes. Looks like the challenge begins with getting Minkot's quarters up to specs...
Fortunately, we had two artifact statues on hand - Istbar Babin, 'The Rose of Friends' the basalt statue, and Stňkďdmasos, 'Impaledtalk,' that ghastly Native copper statue...
Each of these went into his dining room and throne room, respectively, and in his bedroom lies Azuzmozib Kebontishak, 'Somberswallows the Odorous Typhoon' the Galena bed - the bed that I crafted myself.
King Minkot's rooms easily shot up to Royal quality in no time, but I wish I could have said the same for his Royal Mausoleum...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Every stupid statue in the fortress wasn't enough, and then we threw in some masterwork armor stands and finally after four gem windows it was enough. Oh, if only we'd trained the blacksmiths beforehand... we'd better start doing that now.
His demands burned through the entire stockpile of high-quality chests, cabinets, armor stands, weapon racks, statues, and artifacts that were going to be placed in the baron consorts' rooms to keep them happy. It's almost like we're back at square one...
Dôbar Ushuloddom the Hunter was finally killed by Datannär the wolf, thus ending his animal killing spree just shy of the 60 mark.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Dôbar befriended animals like goblins befriend hygiene: with extreme prejudice.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 01, 2009, 10:52:43 pm
You are aware that surface soil doesn't need to be muddy for farming, right? Only underground stone requires mud, and underground soil only needs mud if you intend to fertilize it with potash (aboveground soil accepts fertilizer even when dry).
Yes, but there were several tiles of Dolomite in that area - in fact, about 25% of that area was unusable after some excessive trampling by immigrants. You can see two tiles of it in the SW corner of that screenshot.
Post by: Quietust on November 01, 2009, 11:38:23 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 02, 2009, 09:26:34 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I grumble mildly at the militia working outdoors. It would seem assigning many wrestlers to the town guard was a good idea, because they're all training with the regular militia and turning them all into wrestlers. I say this is good because their proficiency with the weapons they've been given is also rising, so Armok have mercy on any poor sod who disarms one of our military dwarves.
I assign a TON of craft and food orders to try and attract the attention of our first baron. I feel like a giant cave spider, leading an ant man into my web...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The magma is flowing slowly toward the reservoirs. I estimate they'll be ready by Autumn. We might even be able to construct a few workshops by season's end, even if they wouldn't yet be operational.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I don't trust the humans after the incident last winter... So, I give orders to finish the defenses outside the gate that Zon started. I'm not really sure what it was she was starting, actually... looks a bit disorganized to me.
"Asob."
I turn and see--
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Zon!! Ohmygodyou'reawakeandyou'rewalkingthisisgreat!!!" I leap forward and give Zon a great big hug.
"Yes, I've had a good sleep. I would have figured the entire fortress would have killed themselves in a tantrum spiral by now, but from what I hear from Ast you've been doing a pretty good job."
I blush... and continue scribbling in Zon's journal while the conversation continues. "Yes, um... we had some accidents at first, but--"
"No need to explain. I've heard about the babies... but I've also heard about the magma, the certain blue rock that King Minkot won't stop bothering me about... Oh yeah, why in the world did you let him in here?"
"What? You expected me to turn him away...?"
"You could, you know... have him pull the lever."
I give Zon a positively shocked expression. "Wha... you were unconscious! How, how, how did you find out--"
"I told you. Minkot won't stop bothering me. He keeps asking me what I'm going to do with you if the secret gets out."
I gulp. "Um... oh... well... what did you tell him?"
"I told him we won't need to worry about that. I trust you. You were the only one who bothered to drag me to my bed after I laid injured near the pond for over a month. Would've liked that a bit sooner, but, hey, better late than never, I guess? And here we are, a year later, and nobody seems to know about the secret but you, me and the king."
I breathe a sigh of relief. "Which, by the way, is done."
"Mm hmm. I've already inspected it." Zon began to pace-- immediately, I noticed a distinct hobble as she favored her left leg. Oh, Zon... "It's very good. You've clearly improved upon my design, but in thinking it over we might need to make a few more adjustments. I guess we won't really know until we test it, right?"
"I don't think His Majesty has seen it, unless he's been doing some wandering."
"He hasn't. Which is good, in case he gets to be a problem... anyway, I think you've been holding onto something of mine?"
I look down at the journal, my hand still furiously documenting this exchange as it takes place. "Oh! Um... right... you want it now, then...?"
"Right as soon as you finish that sentence, yes."
Post by: Lord Dakoth on November 02, 2009, 09:38:24 pm
I look down at the journal, my hand still furiously documenting this exchange as it takes place.
Ahaha. I lol'd.
Did you read the wiki article about Barons (http://www.dwarffortresswiki.net/index.php/Baron)?
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 03, 2009, 12:26:36 am
It's fine, though. I'd rather have a little extra time to get the magma forges and smelters operational anyway. I spent pretty much all of Spring crafting everything I could, so I'll be really surprised if I don't get one this season.
Post by: Grendus on November 03, 2009, 10:34:40 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 03, 2009, 10:47:23 pm
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I hobble down the halls of the fortress, astounded by Asob's rapid progress. I'm actually very impressed at her work in the lower levels... rather than letting her artistic side get the better of her, she stuck to cold, hard practicality. Tunnels dug in the absolute shortest path possible for quickest travel! The magma ducts are nice and straight! They don't twist around into knots and span multiple levels! It just gets the job done. Too bad it's flowing so slow...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Oh, here's the problem. Poor Asob must have forgotten about her obsidian farm! Every dwarf knows you only need the magma to be two Urists deep to get obsidian, three if you want to be sure it isn't all going to evaporate. Let's dump some water in there right away to plug that up - with less space to travel, the magma should fill up the forge vents quickly!
I send Tirist Unibiseth, a Stonecrafter to go and pull the lever to drain the pond into the magma. I notice this, along with the weird zoo and the king's gaudy crypt, is one of the few places where Asob did a little splurging in Asënism. The water drainage is simply bizarre looking! Why couldn't she have just kept them in straight lines? Now I see why we have so many Armok-damned hatches in the mechanism stockpile... ah, oh well. Let's just see how it works.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1795-obsidianfarmfailure) ((Movie)) Ugh... Not well, I'm afraid. (https://youtu.be/ioLkOq6nk7Q) Well, the problem is obviously that hole in the floor that the water reaches before getting a chance to spread out. We can send someone in to patch that right up later.
Tekkud Usirudil, Stonecrafter started gibbering in ancient elven and took control of a craftsdwarf shop. Shouldn't call it elven, really... it's feyspeak, the rotten elves simply stole it from them and butchered it into their own XXelven languageXX with vomit covering.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I am most disturbed by reports of humans appearing in goblin raiding parties... even more disturbing is the sight of one Eslo Tumwister, Human Maceman and guard to the Pesor Siti merchants, chasing and killing a pack of wolves in our territory. What gives him the right to just go around killing our wildlife?! They're running away from him, not towards... I'd like to hear him try to give a self-defense plea. Besides, those wolves killed a kobold (and, apparently, an overzealous hunterdwarf just last season) for us. They're good protection, so long as the workers don't get too close.
Just as soon as I say this, îton Shigósreg, Trapper, fails to cram a wild wolf into a cage and has his head ripped clean off. His hunting dog, Ingish Ozormebzuth, goes to his body and sits pensively nearby. Well... I guess I can't always be right. Another coffin goes into the crypt.
As the merchants are unloading, I notice a peculiar sight... Unib is still following Sigun around. It's summer... Hasn't she made off with our trade agreements yet? She notices me staring, and hurriedly digs out a copy of our requests to show to Sigun, which I'm sure he must have seen about twenty times by now. Does she even know what the Swift Arches is requesting anymore? She only has, what, two months to get back to them with our reports. I remember her being here when I got my injury... She might be spying on us. I seriously think we'll need to deal with this problem in the future...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Tekkud finishes his Basalt idol, engraving some world history trivia onto it. My guess is he's kissing the king's bearded ass. Whoops, clumsy me, remind me to
I turn my attention again to the trade depot and balk. I count one axeman, two pikemen, two macemen, two hammermen, one bowman, one crossbowman, one spearman, one lasher, and twelve merchants. I've never seen a caravan so well armed in my life... Are the surrounding lands becoming hostile? I was sure the dwarven kingdoms were strong here when we embarked! Are they simply paranoid about the goblin raiders? Are they part of a goblin raiding party themselves??
I pull Asob aside as I catch her on her way to the depot. "Asob, a lot of these men look dangerous... are you going to be alright?"
"Relax, Zon! I can handle it. Besides, if they try anything weird, we have a capable military to handle them."
"If you ask me, they look pretty evenly matched for us... and I don't like evenly matched in the middle of our fortress."
"You worry too much. The humans in the goblin raiding party weren't from Pesor Siti."
"So they told you..."
Asob sighed. "I have my pick, OK? I've killed a batman on my own before, it's no big deal."
She left to go trade. Idiot! Comparing humans to batmen is like comparing water to magma! By the way, the obsidian creation is still moving very slowly. Not even half of that area is solid yet.
The toils of the craftsdwarves really shined at this year's human expo. Here's a fine specimen of dwarven craftsmanship, which sold for 2,170 dwarfbucks:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I was somewhat upset with Asob, though, regarding another oversight. She had several dwarven syrup roasts made for trading, but forgot to forbid them! The hungry dwarves got into them and whittled away the stacks, putting good profit to waste. On top of that, there was a small collection of extraordinarily well-decorated mechanisms that went straight to the trade pile. Ah well... it's certainly better than the fort bursting into flames because she forgot to put up a wall before tapping the magma vent, or something. We made some good profit from a collection of giant cave spider silk crafts, though.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Ambush!! Goblins and humans again!"
Those sick bastards! They started with the poor hunting dog that had planted itself in the spot where Dâtan fell! Are they trying to get at our loot, or just make us miserable?!
Predictably, this group heads straight for the northern puppy trap. The human is caught in a cage, but before the first goblin from that group can reach the dog, a second ambush party reveals itself by attacking the same dog just seconds before the first party reaches it! What bizarre timing... The caged human pikeman is replaced by yet another human pikeman. Moments later, we catch another human in the southern puppy trap. Hey, it's good to know these humans are as dumb as the goblins they're leading...
The human traders from Pesor Siti, the Confederacies of Targeting, have by now heard what's going on. They never actually put their weapons away, but they now wield them openly, determined to defend themselves. I am immediately convinced that the humans leading these goblins are not connected to Pesor Siti. Their shared expressions of fear and hatred are more than convincing enough.
I draw my axe, gather my armor, and hobble over to stand beside the rest of the militia. The others turn and look at me in awe.
"Zon," Archibold says, "Leave this to us. We're professionals. You need not threaten yourself in this battle."
"Bah!" I say. "I've raised this fortress from its birth, and by Armok I'll die defending it. I've got a bone to pick with Kovest as it is, so if death meets me this day, all the sooner to sit down with him over a mug of dwarven wine!"
"Hey." Ast Numzasit, my dear lover turned speardwarf, pokes me with the butt of his spear. "Be careful out there, will ya?"
"I can't make you any promises." I give him a wink. "See you on the other side."
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1796-ambushsummeryear5) ((Movie)) We rush headlong into battle, meeting the enemy halfway. (https://youtu.be/8LlRiCr9tY0)
After that was said and done, a kobold thief picked the wrong time and the wrong lock to pick and ended himself skewered at least eight different ways. Squish.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 03, 2009, 11:52:16 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
For whatever reason, the workers have begun calling me Afentumam, 'The Skinny Morals,' because I took the front line and killed four goblins that battle. I guess Kovest doesn't really want to talk to me yet. The dwarves still laud Archibold as their hero, even though he didn't kill even a single goblin. Whatever. I don't really care about anything anymore.
The obsidian is becoming a tragic waste of time, so I'm stopping it short. Rather than filling the forge and smelter reservoirs sooner, it's brought the flow to a dead stop. The water is evaporating faster than it can form into obsidian. I've never made obsidian before, so I had no idea it would take this long. Maybe we'll patch up that hole and try again in a moment.
"Hey, Zon!"
It's Asob! "Hello, Asob. How'd you do with the humans?"
"Pretty well, but I wanted to ask you something. How come you didn't request any of the dwarven syrup roasts for the depot?"
"Eh? We still have those?"
"Yeah, they're still sitting over there by the dye shops, forbidden."
"Dye shops?! Asob, why in the world would you put those roasts over there? I never would have thought to look for them there!"
"They aren't even in barrels... I kind of thought you'd be able to smell them? They're so heavenly!"
Sigh. "Ok... we need to fix those stockpiles a little, then. I would think you'd want to put dye near the dye pile, don't you agree?"
"That's too obvious! And plain. And boring. Why not make it a little more adventurous? It's funny in an ironic sort of way!"
"Your irony cost the fort 36,867 dwarfbucks in potential wealth!"
Asob slumped her shoulders. "Meep."
"...Meep?"
"Dammit! That was an internal meep that snuck out. Disregard it."
"Asob..."
"Alright, fine!! I'll go pull the stupid lever! Will that make you happy?"
"Asob, it's alright. We'll just sell them to the Swift Arches next season. Not a big deal. Just saying, I like to keep things practical around here."
"But... I thought you liked what I did with the fort while you were bedridden...?"
"I do! There's just a couple of things--"
"A couple?! Like what??"
I took a deep breath. "Asob... it's fine. Not a big deal. Just calm down, OK? Why don't you go back to mining now that the traders are gone? You did well, and that's that. I just need to make a few changes because... um, because I'm picky. Alright?"
"Yeah... yeah, I guess. Ok, I'll find something to dig up. Bye!"
I sigh. I thought she got more confident over the past year, but it seems to come and go. She did have to deal with a rather large crowd of humans just a little bit ago, so maybe that's what triggered it. Ah well.
King Minkot is ecstatic. Turns out the statue room with chained exotic beasts was an excellent choice! He really seems to enjoy the tastefully arranged statues and restraints. I should have complimented Asob when I had the chance, but... too late now, maybe another time.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I hope she doesn't mind the modification I made to her obsidian sprinkler design. While the patch did help the water drip more evenly onto the magma, it comes out a very slow trickle. Hm... more modifications will be necessary to make this work right.
Post by: Quietust on November 05, 2009, 05:32:20 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 05, 2009, 09:15:43 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 05, 2009, 11:34:34 pm
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((Movie)) By Kovest, it works!! (https://youtu.be/W08xGNrqmhE)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A school of local shad were the first to witness version three of the magma sprinklers. Mmmm... cooked shad.
It worked much better... almost too good, in fact. As soon as the entire room reached a depth of two Urists, I ordered the floodgate be closed. Unfortunately, it's so far away from the fort that the room filled almost entirely to four Urists by the time it was done - any more and it would have been impossible to mine out the obsidian. But, hey, now we have a bit of a swimming pool. Our miners and gatherers will get some valuable swimming experience!
"Zon, what have you done!?" Uh oh. Asob noticed.
Well, whatever. The truth had to come out sooner or later. "I decided I didn't like waiting an entire season to fill a room with water? It's the diagonal passages that are making it so slow - water pressure doesn't work through diagonal gaps. Sorry, I had to mess up your art a little to make it happen..."
"But that was my signature to the fort..."
"Look, I'm sorry, but it wasn't practical!"
"Sorry? You're sorry?"
"Asob, I swear, if you're going to get all teary on me--"
"Zon, I love it!!"
"....Beg pardon??"
"I created a work of art to serve a function, and you've improved upon it! A collaborative work! Aesthetic personality and practical functionality in harmony! It's a little asymmetrical, but-- ah! I get it, Zon! A criticism of artistic vision when it clouds the view of productivity - and yet, in defacing art, you have created a new art in deconstruction! You're a genius, Zon!!"
"Uhhh... so, you like it? Great! So I don't have to make you pull the lever, then?"
Asob laughed and hugged me. Ugh, I never will understand the way Asën's followers think, and it seems there are a lot of them around here. Ah well.
Autumn comes, and I frown disdainfully at the magma. It hasn't gone any farther into the reservoirs than it was in early summer! In fact, it's retreated some!! I don't get it... the obsidian farm is solid, there's far less space for the magma to go... so, what? Don't tell me it's evaporating before it gets over there...
There's an even worse problem... the obsidian farm is a failure. No one will go near the water because it's too deep. Of course they won't drown, they just don't want to get wet! Ugh!! I guess I need to divert the water, but where to?
Hmmm... the ponds outside give me an idea. Maybe it's as easy as creating an outdoor pool and letting the water run outside to evaporate. Let's give that a try...
Meanwhile, Lorbam Roderiden, Cook, gets all spacey and heads for a crafts shop. Huh, wonder what a cook is going to make... probably just some trinket. Lo and behold, he's another worshipper of Asën. I decide to mess with his head by continually forbidding the cheapo items he's bringing to the shop, then mass-forbidding all cheap gems and cloth. There we go... now he's got some giant cave spider silk and green zircons in there.
"Cave in!! Watch out!!!"
The ground shakes from across the fortress. The pond!! I turn my attention away from it for one second, and what happens?? I prepare for the worst, anxiously awaiting the reports for which legendary miners we lost...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
...What the? The circle of earth that fell just narrowly missed Asob Sefollibash! What are the chances? This dwarf needs a new name! I'll come up with something later...
"Hey, Zon, whatcha doin' now?"
"Hi, Asob! Check it out. More art meets practicality! I'm digging a round pond. It could have been square, but I took the extra time to turn it into a circle! Whaddaya think?"
Asob crossed her arms and frowned. "Eh... a circle isn't really all that exciting, you know. It isn't very creative..."
"...Beg pardon?"
"You didn't even put that much thought into the planning... I mean, how could you forget that digging a ramp destroys the floor above it? No wonder it didn't stay up!"
"Ok, well, how about this? We carve around the block that fell, but leave the grassy floor above? Trees will probably still grow on it, so it's kind of like an indoor island!"
"Eh, but it's only one level down... Hey, what if you dropped that land a few levels deeper, surrounded it with water, build a bridge out to it, and make a meeting area out of it? Wouldn't that be great??"
"A meeting area way out here? Um, thanks, but that's far from functional. But even I have to admit, the rest of the idea sounds interesting..."
"Great! We can put your tomb there! How's that sound?"
"...How does death sound? Um, unpleasant. But sure, why not. When we have some more time, we'll drop that thing lower."
"Ok, ok-- OOOH!! Lorbam finished his artifact!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"See, Zon, now that's art! You could learn a lot from our cook!"
Armok damned Asënites...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 06, 2009, 05:53:46 pm
Post by: The Architect on November 06, 2009, 08:37:13 pm
Post by: Argonnek on November 06, 2009, 10:32:42 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 07, 2009, 12:26:00 am
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The giant eagle gave birth to three chicks!! I've been watching the skies closely for months and didn't see a single eagle fly by, so I'm wondering how she became pregnant... but, no matter! Three chicks means we can officially start breeding them, and soon they'll rule the skies of Severedcoils! I organize a party in the roost to celebrate.
"SIEEEGE!!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Twelve goblins... One lasher, one wrestler, and the rest are all hammergobs. Doesn't seem like very many, but they're well-armed. This could be troublesome... I pick up my axe and my gear, but Asob stops me.
"Zon, you can't go to battle again!"
"Why not? I welcome death in battle!"
"But if you progress too far down the path of the warrior, you may be tempted to forever leave your post as manager! Who will run the place?"
I almost say 'You, Asob,' but I see the doubt in her eyes and can't bear to place the task upon her. She's right. Should I become an elite or a champion, managing will be impossible for me. I sigh and sit back to watch the fight, wishing I could take part in the slaughter.
Predictably, the first thing they target is one of the puppy traps. Unfortunately, it was the lasher who reached the cage first. Of course it would be the weakest of our foes! No matter. This only makes the battle sweeter for us. I mean, our warriors... I really wish I could join them!
"Fear not!" 'Archibold' calls out, "I'll show these goblins why they call me a champion! Come, add your names to my kill list!"
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1800-siegeautumn205) ((Movie)) The combatants rush toward each other while the marksdwarves are off getting drinks... Wonderful. (https://youtu.be/cCbuFDaVc9A)
Post by: Quietust on November 07, 2009, 12:40:14 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 07, 2009, 12:50:34 am
I actually almost lost Zon when this started... no idea why, but when she went idle she decided to mope around the north west corner of the map (where wolf packs are commonly seen) for no reason at all, so not only did she have a long way to travel back to the entrance, but there was a chance the enemy could have spawned right on top of her.
I'm also really not sure why so many dwarves have "doesn't care about anything anymore." They're all ecstatic, they have a wonderful statue garden to keep them occupied, my first fort has seen worse tragedies than this one... Zon I can understand, being too tough to fall unconscious to a mangled leg but too injured to get a drink from a barrel that was placed in the same tile she was, and forced to stand in one place for an entire month until thirst finally made her pass out. But what's Archibold got to be depressed about?? I need to check the relationships more closely to figure this out.
Post by: Quietust on November 07, 2009, 11:17:48 am
Post by: Grendus on November 07, 2009, 04:12:38 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 08, 2009, 05:26:55 pm
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Asob insists that the Obsidian project be postponed until her idea for my crypt is realized. Though the thought of having trees growing and light shining over my head several levels beneath the earth makes me shudder, I also think it's appropriate that my crypt be kept far, far away from the other dwarves. I've learned that I can trust them not because they are trustworthy, but because they're all too stupid to question anything outside of their orders. This was evidenced, of course, by their refusal to help me to my bed or even to get a drink when my leg was mangled - not because they were evil, but because they were too busy to care. All of them, with the possible exception of Asob, are short-sighted fools.
Some cage traps are set up in front of the gates. I don't believe in weapon traps, they're too easy. Nor do I believe in huge fields of cage traps that no enemy could pass. However, I feel it is necessary to set at least a single line of cages in front of the main gate. It could make the difference between the fort's survival and its demise... also, more prisoners means more treats for the militia. Besides... I've been having a terrible dream lately. About... well, it's not important right now. This is the fortress log, not my personal diary.
Asob did some trading with the dwarves. One of the most notable trades was a *«-groundhog leather quiver-»*, heavily decorated with an image of Thob Hammertwist the dwarf being struck down by Luthi Archbeloved the human maceman during last year's ambush. Normally 2,120 dwarfbucks, she managed to get 8,374 db of worth out of it. This is, of course, excluding the extravagant dwarven syrup roasts which always dominate the sales. I just appreciate the crafts better because they often contain poignant marks of our history.
...What am I saying? I'm starting to sound like an Asënite!
Edzul ŕlilrimtar, Guard, suffocated in the barracks. Wouldn't you know it, Archibold was his killer. That champion is becoming more and more of a nuisance as time passes... Edzul's body is placed in a clear glass coffin in the military crypt, alongside his fellow comrades who are encased in green glass.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 08, 2009, 05:43:57 pm
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Erush Eddudlikot, one of our rangers, came running to me, out of breath, face stricken with panic.
"Zon! Zon, there's.... something..." I couldn't even make out what she was saying, as she was panting too heavily.
"Spit it out, Erush. What is it?"
"Saw... something... coming... this way..."
"What? Another siege? We already fought one this season."
"No! Worse... worse!!"
"What??"
The next words out of her mouth made the hairs of my beard stand on end.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Everybody inside!! Military, to your posts! Prepare yourselves for the worst!! Wall off the gate so the caravan can't leave!"
The traders from Subetrovod, the Swift Arches, looked at me in shock - as if they didn't understand the danger they would be in if they left now! No matter, there wasn't time to explain. I prepared the military to stand by near the gates. But then, I had an idea...
The new cage traps! What incredible timing!! It's extremely risky, but... it just might work!
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1803-adragonapproaches) ((Movie)) I pull the military back further inside and wait... (https://youtu.be/7ugzUTcH-_I)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: Lord Dakoth on November 08, 2009, 06:49:43 pm
Wouldn't it be lucky if you got a breeding pair? It CAN happen.
Post by: Quietust on November 08, 2009, 09:04:08 pm
Post by: Grendus on November 09, 2009, 01:16:13 pm
Post by: LegoLord on November 09, 2009, 02:50:07 pm
You may want to check in legends. If that dragon has killed a dwarf before, even if you tame him with the DM, he'll still be hostile (and now trap immune). Also, the dragon pillbox doesn't work as well as you might think, since dragons won't breath fire unless they can path to their target.It only works like that if the dragon has had any kills since arriving at your fort. I have done this before, as have others. That's how I once got a uber-long-named dragon at one HFS fort to help me fend off the clowns.
Post by: Thief^ on November 09, 2009, 02:52:20 pm
It only works like that if the dragon has had any kills since arriving at your fort. I have done this before, as have others. That's how I once got a uber-long-named dragon at one HFS fort to help me fend off the clowns.Sure it wasn't out of embarrassment over being caught so easily after so many other kills...
Kidding, of course.
Post by: Quietust on November 09, 2009, 03:13:18 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 09, 2009, 07:49:34 pm
Anyway, quick status update... I've got a pretty bad fever, so this either means more or less updates for the next week. Not really sure, depends on how I'm feeling. If I can drag myself out of bed, I might do something tomorrow.
Post by: martinuzz on November 10, 2009, 05:10:22 am
In those 10 years, I had no room for a military, so all my civilians got either picks or axes to kill undead (I play on 3 terrifying biomes, the undead just don't stop coming), or goblin ambushes with.
As a result, all my civilians have full battle titles, and pretty kill lists.
They also all have the 'does not care about anything anymore' trait.
(actually, it goes from 'hardened individual' to 'getting used to tragedy' to 'does not care about anything anymore')
I never knew that it might effect behaviour other than not caring about losing their babies, friends and parents anymore.
But now that you mention it.. I do notice that my 14 founding dwarves take quite a lot of breaks, even though there is more than enough alcohol to be had all year round.
Still, I think the does not care trait is one of the best to get. If all your dwarves have it, tantrum spirals become a whole lot more unlikely. I had 3 masterpieces get stolen in 1 season, and their creator was still 'ecstatic'.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 10, 2009, 02:43:31 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Dodók Oddemmeb, Wrestler and Swordsdwarf, came hopping by on one leg on his way to bed.
"Zon! A word, please."
"What is it? I'm very busy." I tried to hobble on by, but he hopped in front of me regardless.
"I want you to take down the cage traps in the front gate. They're undwarfy, and they cost me a spectacular death in battle by the dragon Nelare Fedíofi Fonenelare!"
I looked Dodók up and down. "You would do battle with Nelare with a broken left foot? You can hardly get yourself to bed. Surely, there would have been many spectacular deaths by that dragon, including the caravan from the Swift Arches. If she had killed you, we never could have tamed it, and it would be a menace even while tamed."
"Bah!! A death by the fiery breath of Nelare would have been worth it all. Don't you know anything about Nelare Fedíofi Fonenelare?"
I sighed. The one god worse than Asën had to be Logem, god of history lessons and lectures. "Be right back," I said, as I left him, filled my mug with some dwarven wine, then returned. In that amount of time he had taken only two more hops toward his bed. "'K, why don't you lesson me up on this dragon?"
"Nelare Flickersizzles the Glowing Silvers is a dragon. She is one of the only ones of her kind. In year 1, she settled in Cloisterheart, where she would later come to hoard several items that she stole from the civilizations around her. She had a penchant for stealing leather earrings and bone scepters, strangely enough. Her first kill was Enina Mortalwaxes the elf with dragonfire in Worldcrabs. She then attacked Legendecho, a kobold settlement, and shortly afterward Paddlednightmares, a goblin tower. She then turned her attention back to the elves, attacking the treehome of Packedfins and killing several. Her onslaught wasn't yet over... she moved onto Sidepearl, a human village, and razed several buildings, including The Curled Keeper and The Breakfast of Scars.
"Several foolish elves and humans attempted to attack her single-handedly, none of them successful. In 149, the human Olo Riddlecloudy and the dwarf Olin Paddleshocked confronted Nelare together in Cloisterheart. Olo was struck down, but Olin escaped - but only to come back and fight the dragon again later, and though defeated again, managed to escape a second time.
"In 164, Nelare was confronted again by an elf, this one by the name of Themiyi Seizureisland. Though the elf escaped, the conflict cost Themiyi her right eye. A few years later in 170, Nelare burned a human to death in Paddlednightmares--"
"Hold up," I said. "I thought Paddlednightmares was a goblin tower? So are these the humans that have allied with the goblins?
Dodók started to look delirious, perhaps from the pain. Maybe I should offer him a seat? He continued rambling, as if not hearing me. "In 174, Nelare was attacked by three dwarves - Kivish Fellwheel, Ingish Floorwonders, and Uvash Reliccharmed. Ingish's mouth was ripped open, Uvash was struck down, and Kivish escaped unscathed. She would be attacked again later by the dwarf Stukos Basementabyss. Nelare tore off Stukos's right lower leg, yet somehow she managed to escape with her life."
"None of those dwarven names sound familiar to me, Dodók. It doesn't sound like this dragon has a history with The Swift Arches. Is this true?"
Dodók started to look faint. He then rattled off a few more facts about the dragon before passing out onto the floor.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
His wife, Rith Hollowseal, immediately came by to scoop him up and away to his bed.
I watched after him as he disappeared down the stairs in his wife's arms. Humans in Paddlednightmares... I'll have to ask him later when he's better to see if there's a relation between them and the ones we're seeing with the goblins.
Post by: Lord Dakoth on November 10, 2009, 04:05:27 pm
I'm guessing that you haven't gotten a Baron yet? Bummer.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 10, 2009, 04:32:29 pm
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I slept on Dodók's words and realized that he was right. Rather than confront this threat head on, we cowered behind a wall of cages. My shame knows no bounds. Hence, the cage traps have been removed. The next vile beast that comes knocking on our door shall taste steel.
I started to make a pillbox for the dragon in the bridge pit, but then realized that this would be a foolish maneuver. The trap has never been used before, and its design would fail against heavy enemies. I instead hold onto our new pet. Perhaps we should station it near the adamantine and begin mining...
Asob herself cut the final piece that would collapse the circular pond area that she wants to be my tomb. The miners then widened the pit to fit more water. Apparently, it hasn't occurred to Asob that cave adaptation has caused countless miners to vomit all over my future grave...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We've also made components for a screw pump out of green glass to pump the magma closer to the forges. I'm tired of waiting; that reservoir should have been filled a year ago.
Just as I place the orders for the construction of the pump, another migrant wave approaches. 9 more migrants... and... what? Still no baron?!
Something must be missing... I'm positive we've met the requirements! Plenty of stone jobs, wood crafting, food, gem jobs, crafting... Exported wealth is almost at 150,000... What's going on??
The pump turns out to be a failure too... It looks like the pump keeps recirculating the same magma through itself. This is my first time dealing with magma, but even so it's getting frustrating! I begin the arduous task of continuously re-ordering the mining of a tunnel through warm rock.
((Seriously, I'm getting concerned here. This is the first time I've had a fort that didn't get its baron immediately at 80 pop, and I know I've reached the requirements!))
((EDIT: UGH, I think I know what happened... One of the incoming migrants decided to stand still at the edge of the map, which in my experience tends to stop other incoming migrants from arriving behind him. I didn't notice until Winter, so I might have actually lost the rest of the migrant wave. But then again, the Baron is usually the first dwarf you get in a wave, so... I dunno.))
Post by: Grendus on November 10, 2009, 05:00:17 pm
Post by: LegoLord on November 10, 2009, 06:34:10 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 10, 2009, 06:53:20 pm
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Udib Uristnakuth withdrew from society and grabbed up several rolls of giant cave spider silk... that is, after I forbid the regular stuff. I'm pretty excited to see what he makes, actually... so far, it looks like it might fetch a pretty penny. I continue to forbid cheap items as he grabs them, but he refuses to use any gem but milk quartz. Really? Go ahead and pick the most worthless rock in the entire fortress, then. You don't even like milk quartz, so why does it have to be milk quartz?? We got some yellow diamonds from the dwarven caravan last season, why don't you use those??
The new magma tunnel has been dug out. This tunnel should allow the magma to be pumped farther down the shaft so that it's less likely to wind up back inside of the pump. Maybe this will finally get those reservoirs filled?
One of the latest migrants, an Elite Wrestler by the name Lorbam Absamthîkut, pretty much walked into the barracks, kicked a little dwarven arse, and immediately became a Champion. How do you like that? I prefer our warriors to be armed, but perhaps there's some merit to letting one Wrestler of great repute into the ranks.
Thirty-four goblins showed up to siege us again. It was divided almost half-and-half between wrestlers and pikemen, but there's a Goblin Hammer Lord and an Elite Marksgob. No humans this time, but this is still pretty ugly.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1806-siegewinter205) ((Movie)) Kovest, guide our steel... (https://youtu.be/Zx1o0UA_TSU)
Besides a boatmurdered load of war dogs-- I mean, a boatload of murdered war dogs, we only lost one other dwarf. Wouldn't you know it... it was Ast. My lover, of whom I've written very little about. We often chatted about how we would one day die together on the field of battle. If only Asob hadn't talked me out of combat, that might have happened today... The day he told me he would rather take up a spear than sow another seed, I praised him. Well... so long, Ast. Looks like you'll be meeting Kovest sooner than I. Save a seat for me at his ¤«¤Black Bronze table.¤»¤
I was doing pretty well with getting over Ast's death, until Udib showed up, coddling his new artifact in his hands.
"Hello, darling Zon! I'm sorry for your loss, but you see, the fates... they told me of this event, and I immediately set to making this for you..."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"What. The. Hell."
"Ah, I see you are speechless! Surely, one such as yourself cannot pass on a gesture of such beauty, such eloquence! You cannot resist my charm, yes?"
"A thong, Udib. What dwarf has ever worn a thong. This is an elven undergarment."
"A one-of-a-kind garment, for a one-of-a-kind girl! Don't you want to kiss me?"
"You chauvinistic, twisted, sick son of a female war dog. My lover just died not even fifteen minutes ago, and you're already making a move on me. And you do it by trying to give me lingerie?!"
"Ah, no, see, you misunderstand, my dear! An item of such fine quality is a specimen of fine taste."
"Fine taste."
"Er, yes."
"You put an image of King Minkot's face in turtle bone on the inside."
"That... that I can explain. See--"
"Why is his nose so long?!"
"That thong is worth 111,800 dwarfbucks."
"I-- ...really? Well, that changes things... sort of."
"So, then... can I get you a drink?"
"Tch... please. If you hadn't become a Legendary Weaver out of this, I'd have you pull the lever."
"...Oh, the obsidian lever? It's a very nice lever, yes, yes. Say, you know what that lever reminds me of? My-- hey!"
I snatch the thong from his disgusting little hands and slap a big ol' "FORBIDDEN" tag on it. "I know some humans who would probably love this. Thanks."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Nelare has been posted near the bridge successfully. She doesn't seem to mind us at all. Kikrost the Dungeon Master has been throwing a fit all week about how bringing the dragon inside is far, far too much excitement in her life. Nonetheless, she's done a great job of taming her. This isn't where she'll stay, though... when we get around to digging out the adamantine, she'll find a more permanent home down there.
Speaking of permanent homes down there...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Looks like somebody made it to my grave before I did... and even before it was finished. At ease, Ast.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 10, 2009, 06:57:01 pm
Is the stuck migrant a military dwarf? If so, either undraft him or set his squad to stand down. That should do the trick.
Yeah, it was. And yes, I know this trick, but unfortunately something drew my attention away from the wave and I missed this until it was too late.
I've read that even with the requirements, it can take up to a year before the baron actually arrives, even through a few fruitless migrant waves. Even though I'm sure I did everything, I went into the job manager and ordered up 25 beds, 25 doors, 25 rock crafts, and then I set Prepare Lavish Meal to Repeat, and manually set up more than 10 gem cutting/encrusting jobs. I did the same thing two seasons ago, except not with the job manager.
Post by: Quietust on November 10, 2009, 10:42:46 pm
"You put an image of King Kovest's face in turtle bone on the inside."
I assume you meant King Minkot there...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 11, 2009, 12:14:07 am
"You put an image of King Kovest's face in turtle bone on the inside."
I assume you meant King Minkot there...
A common side-effect of a fever is confusion ;D Thanks for the catch.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 11, 2009, 09:03:23 pm
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((Map))Spring is here, and not a moment too soon. (http://mkv25.net/dfma/map-7407-severedcoils)
Winter came and went rather uneventfully. We caught some wolves, which is nice, but it just doesn't scream "giant eagle," you know? They'll get chained up in the zoo eventually to breed anyway. I'm sure we'll find something fun to do with a pack of hungry wolves. Pit them beneath the bridge, probably.
Most of the season was spent experimenting with magma, and I've made a real mess of things. Nobody got hurt, thankfully, but trying to push magma that distance is a serious headache! Two separate pump configurations failed, and then I threw my hands up in the air and said "Screw it, let's tie it to a windmill!" So, that's what we're doing.
Oddom Tunmegid, a recruit, suffocated in the barracks, but was quickly replaced by a new baby and a new champion. This reminds me that I need to make more clear glass coffins.
King Minkot decided to throw a party at a green glass statue, delaying the windmill for a few days. Me, I'm not really a party person. I decided to go out for a walk. Alone. I needed to do some thinking.
What, Kovest? What is this great mystery you want me to seek? It's clearly around here somewhere, otherwise you wouldn't have seen to my miserable existence out here. Goblins waiting in ambush, giant bats tearing apart the first newcomers who just wanted a home, distrust and lies around every corner... why? What? When am I going to find the answers to these questions? Is there someth
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 11, 2009, 10:41:54 pm
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((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1809-zonsambush) ((Movie)) Everyone is still talking about Zon's epic battle. (https://youtu.be/6svx2yyWu7U) And who wouldn't? I mean, come on, most dwarves would have been crushed outright! But not Zon. She single-handedly killed four goblins and scared off the rest! Ok, well, I guess she had a little bit of help from Tosid íkthagthob the fisher, but he did little more than distract a macegob with his face... still, it was long enough for Zon to catch up and clobber one more! She now has 10 kills to her name, 8 of whom are goblins.
Zon dropped her diary again to go rest her moderately wounded upper body and lower spine, and since then has been too busy getting the magma windmill working to even ask where she left it. So, into my safekeeping the journal goes.
Zuglar the marksdwarf, injured in the last goblin siege in Autumn with a mangled left upper leg, woke up briefly with amnesia. He thinks his name is 'Tirin' now. Let's hope his wife 'Barduk' doesn't mind...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Meanwhile, that Champion Wrestler died in the barracks today. I always thought he was arrogant... I told Zon we should have given him a weapon and trained him properly, but 'No,' she said, 'It's for science!' I still don't get what that means. Also, take a wild guess who killed him. That's right... Archibold. Seriously, she needs a time out or something!
...Wait a minute... The brewers are cancelling their tasks because they're out of distillable items? Shouldn't we have a bunch of-- OHMYGOD OHMYGOD OHMYGOD!! Where's all of our food?! 5 rhesus macaque, 4 shad, 6 rainbow trout, 119 turtle... ugh, I'm sick of turtle...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Look at that. Very, very little of that isn't turtle shell or turtle bone. That's the entire refuse pile.
...and we have no plants! What the... what... how... what?!
Ok, don't panic... Nobody's starving yet... At least I caught this now. Zon must have been too busy getting the magma working to notice, so I'm going to have to take the reins a little here. I swap some job orders around to dedicate a couple more formers, and relieve them from their hauling duties. At least we don't actually need to brew for a while. Geez, look at all that booze... 1,758 drinks available!
"Eureka!!" I hear from across the hills. I look out across the valley and see... yes! The windmill is turning!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
...Wow. That... filled up in a flash. Um... Oh, geez. My design failed utterly and left us forgeless for years. Zon takes over, dwells on it for a little while, and BOOM! Reservoirs full. She's going to be so mad... um... Zon, I'm sorry, I snuck your diary into your room and left it on your -Gabbro Table- where I'm sure you'd find it because I was afraid you'd be mad! Don't make me pull the lever!
Post by: Quietust on November 11, 2009, 11:00:54 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 11, 2009, 11:06:20 pm
Post by: Firnagzen on November 11, 2009, 11:37:46 pm
Wait. That's not a bad thing.
Post by: Grendus on November 12, 2009, 11:07:57 am
At least you realized this when you had a hundred or so food and more booze than you can possibly drink. You'll be fine, just don't panic and both turn and reverse, either increase the number of dwarves harvesting, reduce your farmer's tasks so all he does is plant and harvest, or increase the space to store food.
Post by: Thief^ on November 12, 2009, 11:17:20 am
Few comments - if most of your refuse stockpile is food, either your farmer has too much to do or you ran out of food storage space. Assigning more farmers probably won't help, as they'll yield lower stack sizes. You either need places to harvest to or you need more time to harvest.No, no, the refuse stockpile is mostly turtle bones/shells, not food.
Post by: Quietust on November 12, 2009, 11:19:36 am
Post by: Grendus on November 12, 2009, 04:52:16 pm
Few comments - if most of your refuse stockpile is food, either your farmer has too much to do or you ran out of food storage space. Assigning more farmers probably won't help, as they'll yield lower stack sizes. You either need places to harvest to or you need more time to harvest.No, no, the refuse stockpile is mostly turtle bones/shells, not food.
Ahh. Sorry, I'm used to the Mayday Graphics pack (though turtles are coming out as little green gems for some reason... the shells are normal though), those symbols looked kind of like rotten food from the mayday pack.
I'd recommend hauling those turtle bones and shells inside and making them into crafts or decorations for other items - put your bone carvers to good use. Just be sure to set aside a few shells for strange moods.
Shouldn't be too much of a problem, actually, since the fisherdwarves seem to be bringing in more than enough turtles. Shell is usually only a problem for fortresses (like mine) that see fisherdwarves as a waste of time.
Post by: The Architect on November 12, 2009, 08:42:42 pm
By the way, where's my dwarf? I understand if I can't kill things with an elf-made, elfbone-decorated mace, but do I even have a dwarf? ;-(
Post by: Lord Dakoth on November 12, 2009, 09:51:04 pm
Until then, I recommend decorating everything in sight with turtle shell.
Post by: Grendus on November 12, 2009, 10:50:44 pm
Would you rather have your rough green gems shaped like turtles? I'm not a big fan of the pack, but to each his own. Just be sure to switch it back for your fileupload in the succession game :)
By the way, where's my dwarf? I understand if I can't kill things with an elf-made, elfbone-decorated mace, but do I even have a dwarf? ;-(
Do people actually upload more than just the save for succession games? Seriously?
I don't think KenboCalrissian has gotten an immigrant wave for a while, seems like there's been a lot going on. But yea, still waiting on a hammerdwarf here.
Post by: The Architect on November 13, 2009, 03:13:34 am
Do people actually upload more than just the save for succession games? Seriously?
I don't think KenboCalrissian has gotten an immigrant wave for a while, seems like there's been a lot going on. But yea, still waiting on a hammerdwarf here.
Too bad about the immigrants. As far as the upload, yes: we had the orc mod on there and some players (not to mention any names including the guy who disappeared mid-turn) have corrupted DF files or a heavily modded version of the game, or just can't quite figure out how to edit it to match the save.
Post by: Grendus on November 13, 2009, 12:07:02 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 13, 2009, 01:10:49 pm
Architect, your dwarf is 'Archibold,' and she keeps killing off the other dwarf champions. It's like she's Highlander and wants to be the only one or something. And, funny story, she tends to always get to the battle last and the only kills she gets these days are rhesus macaques and other dwarves.
While we're on the subject, I keep forgetting to mention... Legon, you can pick a different dwarf if you want. I've chosen to keep the sheriff laid up with her permanent injury to reduce the number of severe beatings on my dwarves when the mandates start (which is also why every guard is either a marksdwarf or wrestler). Sorry to take so long to mention it!
And... Oh crap, Grendus! I totally missed your request from a while back, but I found it! I don't think I even have warhammers in the fort right now, but that's not a problem now that the forges are operational.
I don't think I'm going to have enough time to get in a good play session tonight, but I have a couple of ideas about why I don't have a baron yet... In at least one previous fort, I got the baron, hammerer, and tax collector within a few game days (read: within 5-15 minutes) of forging coins - something I haven't tried with this fort yet. It may be superstition, but I'm getting really annoyed that the barons haven't started yet. Another thing I'm wondering about is my prisoners. Does anyone know if they consider them parts of an ongoing siege and won't try to enter? I saw someone recently posted a bug about histories considering a siege to be ongoing if you have captives (I think it was Lord Dakoth?) Maybe this is a bug that carries over to noble spawns as well.
(Editted from the fuuutuuure: Archibold's dwarf is female)
Post by: Quietust on November 13, 2009, 02:40:14 pm
Post by: Grendus on November 13, 2009, 03:16:42 pm
Don't mint coins. Ever. That mechanic is more broken than the bones of Archibold's last sparring partner.
Post by: LegoLord on November 13, 2009, 04:50:27 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 13, 2009, 06:25:00 pm
Post by: The Architect on November 13, 2009, 07:31:40 pm
Post by: Quietust on November 13, 2009, 09:48:12 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 13, 2009, 10:25:04 pm
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Asob warned me we were critically low on food. I check our stocks, and realize something... this fort has been almost entirely vegetarian since day one! It's time we changed that. We butchered some horses, two-humped camels...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
...and rhesus macaque. I've always wondered where they take the little trinkets they steal... I imagine rhesus macaques might have a small hovel where they hoard this stuff, but I imagine it would be pretty hard for an adventurer to find.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The magma forges and smelters are under construction. The smelters are actually already smelting away, and the forges are ready as soon as we decide what to forge. First order of business should be to get our warriors upgraded to plate mail.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I'm bored, so I decide to test the military by releasing the hostages while they're unprepared. Locked in the barracks were a speardwarf, two macedwarves, an axedwarf, and a champion wrestler guard, as well as their war dogs, so it was hardly a problem. Lost two of the war dogs, though... hm, ok, so we butchered a couple of dogs this season too.
"Ah, splendid! An impromptu execution for my arrival! Wonderful! I see you'll do nicely."
Who the heck.... Oooooh!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: Argonnek on November 13, 2009, 10:34:28 pm
Got that from a sig somewhere...
Post by: The Architect on November 13, 2009, 11:55:46 pm
HIDE THE WOMEN AND DROWN THE CHILDREN! THE BARON HAS ARRIVED!
Got that from a sig somewhere...
eyes... hurt... post, drive it off the page.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 14, 2009, 12:23:00 am
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19 migrants, plus the Count (he immediately changed his title upon entering the gate... typical), his consort, the hammerer, and the tax collector.
I soon found Tholtig the Count and his entorage in the bestiary/statue garden (which, by the way, now contains a mating pair of wolves and a grizzly bear). Tholtig was prying open the giant eagle's beak, inspecting her critically as the beast reared and screeched in protest.
"So, these are the hideous beasts you've been raising here? Hmph... You could have done better. Why can't you catch a unicorn?"
"Because these are Untamed Wilds. Unicorns aren't native to this area. You can't train them, anyway."
"Foul little dwarf, are you questioning my knowledge?" Tholtig procured a (narrow giant cave spider silk sock) that he apparently stole from one of the stockpiles and wiped his hands on it.
I'll be damned if I'm going to let some stuck-up noble in a purple coat talk to me like that. "Oh, I'm sorry, I mistook you for a Count! Forgive me, but our fortress already has a Dungeon Master. We only need one know-it-all of the animal kingdom."
"Zon!"
Of course. King Minkot, to the bloody rescue. Not surprising, he spends all his time in here anyway. Heck, if I didn't know better I'd think he was hanging out and conversing with the animals like Kikrost. "Zon, this is no way to treat an honored guest! Tholtig, it's good to see you again!"
"Likewise, your majesty. I trust you're keeping this... humble county in line?"
"Oh, no no... that's your job! That's what I pay Counts to do, right?"
"Ha, yes... of course, the menial labor will still be taken care of by your slaves here, yes?"
"Of course, of course... Zon, why don't you show Tholtig to his room? You know... the one you prepared specially for him?"
"Oh, I'd be more than happy to, your highness." I turn and start walking towards the door. "Tholtig, right this way."
"Would you be so kind to escort my lady, Inod, as well, little shrew?"
"Oh, but Tholtig, you've never introduced me to your lovely Consort! Inod, was it?" The King took her hand and kissed it several times, and she giggled and tittered and blushed like a little elven girl. "If you'd be so kind, I should like to get to know her personally..."
Tholtig stood, dumbfounded, wringing the (narrow giant cave spider silk sock) in his hands nervously. "Um... Yes, um... yes, alright, I... I suppose that is most agreeable. Ah... I mean, by your majesty's wisdom..."
"Oh, come off it, Tholtig!" His wife, Inod, shooed him away. "You don't know how to have any fun. Go and find someone to unpack my things for me, won't you?"
Tholtig strolled out the door with me, hiding his defeat. "Don't worry," I said to him as we went down the stairs, "His Majesty wouldn't try anything funny with all those other dwarves and animals around. I mean, not unless your wife's into the weird stuff."
"Just show me to my room... Ew, is that giant bat blood spatter on your left eye?!"
I stop. "One thing real quick. Here." I thrust my (Steel battle axe) into his awkward hands.
"Augh! What are you doing? Careful, I can't get splinters in my well-manicured hands!"
"Just as I thought... never held an axe in your life. Just had to be sure."
"Now just you wait one minute--"
"We wouldn't want to get you the wrong weapon rack! I had a really nice, elegant, useless looking one commissioned for you, but then I thought 'What if he's been in battle? He might want a more rugged, fierce, well-used-looking gabbro rack, not some expertly crafted, well-decorated *«¤Aluminum weapon rack¤»*."
"...Well-decorated, you say?" He's really going at that (narrow giant cave spider silk sock) now... the way he's pulling at it, it's about to become a x(narrow giant cave spider silk sock)x. "Does it... does it menace with spikes of ivory? Is it encircled with bands of giant cave spider silk?"
"Masterfully woven giant cave spider silk."
"And- and- is it studded with gold?!"
"On the item is an image of Tholtig Greatkeys the dwarf and dwarves in gold. Tholtig Greatkeys is surrounded by the dwarves. The image relates to the ascension of Tholtig Greatkeys to Count of Severedcoils in 206."
"Ah... yes... yes! It's perfect! Take me to it! Please!"
Oh, but Tholtig, I'm not done teasing you yet. "This way."
I lead him down the hall to the consort's bedroom. "This is where your wife will be staying. As you can see, the entire room is engraved, she has a ¤Gabbro cabinet¤, a ¤Basalt coffer¤, a ≡Basalt armor stand≡..."
"My, it's all rock!"
"And she'll have the privileged honor of rooming right next door to King Minkot! How about that?!
Tholtig winced. "Don't you have metal furniture?"
"You do. Come, let me show you her dining room!"
"Enough! I would like very much to see my rooms, at once!"
I smirk. "Oh, of course! You'll love them so much, why, you won't ever come out! They'll be the last rooms you ever see!"
We walk up and down the intentionally winding hall to his room. "Why is this hall so twisty? Is it really necessary?"
"That's what we call deterrent. I'm sure you want bothered as little as possible in your new home! But oh, the people! They'll always be coming to your door, begging your attention, wanting your opinion on things and bothering you. But wait... to get to your room, they'll have to think of walking up and down this hallway and say 'Eh... You know what? I'd rather just wait until I see him later."
"That... well... that does sound rather... thoughtful?"
"You're welcome!"
Finally, I bring him inside to his hovel, which compared to his wife's room might as well be a refuse stockpile.
"What... what is this? What is this?! The bed, the chest, the green glass throne... they're all of base quality!"
"Yeah, but get a load of that ≡Basalt table!≡ Too good for you, eh?"
He looked around a little more and-- yes, that's the face of disgust I was waiting for. "Oh my god! Is that... a cabinet made of groundhog bone?!"
"Two groundhog bones! Get a load of that dwarven miracle!"
"This is an outrage!! What is this madness?! What happened to my weapon rack?"
"Oh, sorry! Guess I forgot to mention... this is your foyer! I haven't shown you your room yet! This way."
We get outside to the bottomless pit. Standing before him, the narrow platform and its lever beckons.
"Wha... gracious, this looks awfully dangerous!"
"Nonsense! This is your bathroom!"
"...My bathroom?! Why, it's... it's... gigantic!"
"Yes! Now, just imagine how big your throne room is!"
"Look at all this space! My, that hole goes on forever!!"
"That's the drain to your new shower!"
"I have my own shower?"
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1814-dwarvenbaptismchamber) ((Movie)) "Go ahead! Try it out! Pull the lever!!" (https://youtu.be/Wi9tv4u7xnE)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Inod has already heard that her husband was lost, but does not know how. Wow... the king must be moving in on her fast! He must have presumed the mission was successful and broke the news to her early.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I pull the lever a second time to reset the trap. Somehow, it is soothing. Like... I have made a sacrifice to Kovest- nay, Armok himself, and I sense that he is pleased with me. The first victim of the dwarven baptism chamber, and certainly, not the last. I think the tax collector will be next... we don't need an economy, we can do without. Don't know about the hammerer, though...
Look at me. I've just committed murder and it doesn't phase me in the least. I don't understand myself... and yet... in another way, I do. This fortress has seen many trials and failures under my lead, all leading to this moment and others like it in the future. And I'm at peace with this fate. I have but one regret:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Tholtig didn't notice the mist from the dwarven baptism chamber.
Post by: The Architect on November 14, 2009, 12:30:01 am
Yes, <3. IT has finally begun! And with interesting, well-composed narration!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 14, 2009, 12:48:34 am
< .......... 3.
eyes... hurt... post, drive it off the page. ;)
Post by: The Architect on November 14, 2009, 06:50:04 am
Post by: Quietust on November 14, 2009, 02:00:42 pm
I think the tax collector will be next... we don't need an economy, we can do without.
Unless you've set ECONOMY:NO in init.txt, the economy is already active and can never be turned off. Besides, the economy is started by the baron, not the tax collector (though the tax collector seems to be the one who actually enforces it).
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 14, 2009, 02:29:08 pm
I'm not sure what to do with the hammerer or tax collector, then. It might be worth the challenge to keep the tax collector, unless he starts demanding coins. The Hammerer definitely makes things more challenging, so he's probably staying.
Post by: Quietust on November 14, 2009, 04:33:04 pm
Post by: The Architect on November 14, 2009, 04:34:35 pm
Questions: if you kill the hammerer, will a new count bring another? I assume they won't if the hammerer is still alive, but realistically speaking, if the hammer really does personally serve the count each one should bring a hammerer.
Post by: darkflagrance on November 14, 2009, 05:02:34 pm
Put him in a pit, and make a story about torturing the malicious sadistic pet of the baron?
Questions: if you kill the hammerer, will a new count bring another? I assume they won't if the hammerer is still alive, but realistically speaking, if the hammer really does personally serve the count each one should bring a hammerer.
The hammerer is not linked to the Count; he/she is independently appointed by the king.
Post by: Quietust on November 14, 2009, 05:11:10 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 14, 2009, 05:21:39 pm
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"Well done, Zon," said Minkot Reliccounsel the King. "Inod and the workers have no idea what happened to her husband. Better yet, she is still quite content."
I nod silently, sipping my mug of dwarven wine. He, with his +clear glass goblet+ of longland beer, stared intensely at me- oh, how clumsy, I forgot my formalities. I turn the nod into a bow. "Your grace, I am honored by your compliment."
"There will be more coming, and the same will need to be done with each. This... doesn't bother you?"
"Why should it, your highness? Twenty-two dwarves have given their lives for the well being of these lands. Why shouldn't a few Counts?"
"Your ruthlessness is exceptional... precisely the kind of dwarf we need for the job! And with Tholtig gone, my throne rests a little more securely. We could use one such as yourself as a leader. Why don't you take Tholtig's place as Countess of Severedcoils?"
I think long and hard, and choose my words carefully. "I am honored to be considered for such a position, your majesty. I welcome the responsibility over the surrounding County, but I must respectfully decline its title. I am not interested in power. I am quite content as City Manager and Hoardmaster of this fortress - I need nothing else."
The King laughed heartily. "Good answer, good answer! Had you accepted, I'd have made you pull the lever! Now then... I'm going to go and refill that pond. You set more varied tasks into motion to attract another Count. And remember! See to Lady Inod's demands."
"What of the tax collector?"
"Keep him around for a while. If he starts asking for coins, then he can pull the lever. The Hammerer stays, too. Somebody needs to keep the workers in line, and with your sheriff laid up there's no one around to do it!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
True to his word (on rare occasion), Minkot himself is refilling the reservoir for the noble shower. I guess he needs to be able to say he had a hand in the next one's demise. Oh, well. I set about some tasks, as ordered, and prepare a room for the next.
I also turn off the rent to each of the bedrooms. It's not fair to the dwarves... they've been working out just fine without money. They're clearly motivated enough, why do they need something superficial like money to convince them to work?
I start thinking about the future and realize that keeping Consorts happy is going to be a challenge that a mere statue garden can't solve on its own. We're going to need a mist generator. I set into motion plans to construct one near the main stairway, where everyone will pass it regularly. Fifteen grates, a floodgate, some pumps, and other accessories will be required... and, hey, that fulfills part of the next Count's bait, so even better.
((Note: I set room rent to 0 with the .init. Rent seems to me like an unnecessary distraction. Since the challenge is to accumulate as many consorts as is feasible, I'm OK with things that present a challenge that could make it more difficult (i.e. the Hammerer) but not things that are just plain annoying. If there are objections to this mod I'll turn it back on.))
Post by: Quietust on November 14, 2009, 06:28:15 pm
Post by: Grendus on November 15, 2009, 12:21:55 am
Post by: Pandarsenic on November 16, 2009, 01:44:02 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 16, 2009, 08:53:24 pm
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Who do these people think they are?! Summer rolls in, and we get two export bans... Sigund the Mayor says we can't export earrings - which is great, because that was the #1 most requested items from the humans this year, and they're right around the corner - and the Tax Collector follows suit by banning export of Trifle Pewter items. Pff... honestly? We don't even have Trifle Pewter items, nor would we be dumb enough to run an economy on it. Seriously, I think he just had to say something because the Mayor was getting his say.
This is only the beginning, unfortunately... As more consorts take up residence, there will be more mandates, more demands, more complaining, more tantrums... I wonder how long the fort will last. Inod still doesn't have her tomb up to specs yet, so I'm expecting some kind of demand from her shortly.
There are two main projects going on right now. We extended the southern stairwell down a few floors, but we're also creating a multi-level fountain to go right next to the stairs. Dangerous, I know, but the flow of water won't be continuous. It will be floodgate-controlled via a lever and a pressure plate.
Second, we're adding a new floor to the defense tower just outside the gate. This floor will be a roost for the giant eagles. When invaders approach, we'll pull a lever to let them out and wreak havoc. That'll teach those goblins!
Also, I decide to do something about some of the cryptic paths Asob carved in the lower levels. Navigating those corridors is such a headache! I think her intent was to minimize damage dealt by moody dwarves should one go insane... makes sense, actually. If every stairway went straight up and down through the fortress, and somebody went nuts, they could get anywhere in a heartbeat, and that gives them opportunity to do massive damage. I guess this also goes for whatever's lurking just behind the vein of adamantine... I'm pretty sure she intentionally lengthened some paths to give the guards time to reach an internal threat. The one-tile corridors are clearly intended for traps, but I'll reiterate my feelings on weapon traps... but depending on what's behind those walls, I'm prepared to recant that view if needed. I decide we have to have some quicker paths, but I'm not going to sacrifice the work she did for security either, and have the miners carve out some new stairways for the magma forges.
I suppose I'm not in a big hurry to look for that river. We have a plentiful source of internal water with the brook-fed wells, though wood is getting a little scarce. There are more pressing matters at hand, however, so locating the river falls by the wayside.
Asob came into the room bawling about something. I thought we were over this awkward social phase for her? No sooner than I write this down do I see her face and know it's something worse.
"Alright, alright... What's with the water works?"
"Don't say water!! I want to make a mandate... ban all water from the fortress! All of it!! Drain it off somewhere!"
"Uhhh... why?"
"Because water is a vicious, baby-killing monster!! Another baby drowned on my watch!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I recall, now, what Asob had written in my journal shortly after I succumbed to my injury. Legon's two children, in crawling after their mother, accidentally found themselves in the pond after Asob unlocked the door to the pit they had fallen into. This would be the third drowned baby on her watch... I can see why she's upset.
"We were mining out the obsidian... Reg Eralfath, the Miner, put her baby down for a second and she slipped into a channel that had filled up with water! I was right there... I could have done something if I'd have noticed faster!"
"Now, now, don't beat yourself up... Who's the baby's father?"
"Reg Isanmörul, Cheesemaker. And his older sister is the child Thob Kollolor."
"Wait, his mother and father are named Reg?"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I laugh at the coincidence. Asob gives me a queer look...
"You're... laughing? Zon, a baby drowned! How can you laugh at that?!"
"Huh? No, I'm not laughing at the baby drowning. It's the parents' names!"
"How could you laugh at all?!"
"I--..." I stop. There aren't words. And yet, my mind races. For the first time, I see in full view what this venture has truly done to me. Have I really become so heartless?
"Will you stop writing for a second and take a look at yourself?? "
"I can't do that. I need to chronicle everything that happens--"
"Why? Were you ordered to?"
"...No, I just want to. It will be important some day."
Asob slams my door against my wall loudly. "Wake up, Zon! There's more at stake here than this petty mission!"
"I wouldn't yell that where King Minkot can hear you..."
She stands in the doorway, fists clenched and quivering. A shout comes from down the hall; the humans have arrived for trading. She lingers a while longer. I start to say "I'm sorry," but she leaves to meet the traders just as I begin to speak.
I spend a few hours flipping through the pages of my journal, noting the changes that have taken place in me over these past six years, and I start to wonder... was I ever really doing it because I was ordered? Or is there something else that drives me? Most importantly... is it consuming me?
Asob's right about one thing... I do write a lot once I get started. I'll get the baby's green glass coffin in place, and then I need to do some silent reflection. Assuming I'm not ambushed again like last time...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 16, 2009, 10:03:29 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Asob replaces Sigun as the new mayor of Severedcoils. I'm happy for her, even if she's presently not speaking to me. I think it's funny that someone who's deathly afraid of crowds actually managed to become so well liked by the people. Plus, it means Sigun's annoying earring mandate is over! Let's just hope this new power doesn't go to her head...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
As much as I try, I can't truly leave my love of fishing. There's something about these ponds that I really like... even though the only thing we ever catch here is turtle, and I know I could simply set a pond designation near the brook to catch some other varieties of fish, it's convenient. Plus, I can see everything that enters and leaves the fort.
črith Kadolbal, our legendary Gem Cutter is ambushed! He does something either noble or stupid and runs far away from the entrance to the fortress, leading the ambushers away and giving us time to set up the militia. I hate to lose a legendary Gem Cutter like this... I mean... poor črith!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
črith puts up a good fight and even manages to incapacitate two of the four goblins in the ambush, while the other two flee! Sustaining injuries from a speargob, he flees the battle, leaving both with a mangled leg apiece as well as several other injuries, while suffering from a moderately damaged head, right upper arm, left hand, and stomache. Smart move, leaving before you had anything broken! The militia rushes out to finish off the crippled goblins. Though he didn't kill either himself, črith deserves special recognition for his efforts.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Sigun, the former mayor, finishes simply the nicest looking low boot I've ever seen - and the most expensive artifact we have! It comes to 135,600 dwarfbucks. Now, if only he thought to make a pair of boots... best of all, we now have a legendary armorsmith!
The adamantine is looking even more tempting... We could craft masterwork adamantine armor... no! Not yet... we need to test the birds, first. No sense endangering the fortress when we may already have a working battle plan...
Post by: Pandarsenic on November 17, 2009, 07:19:03 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 17, 2009, 11:19:00 pm
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"Zon, I don't like being led around like this!"
"You can open your eyes in a second, Asob! I want you to be surprised."
"This better be good, if you really think it's going to be enough for me to forgive you!"
"I promise. And... we're here! Open your--"
"I could smell the bestiary from 20 Urists away."
"...Congratulations, you ruined the surprise! Open your eyes, already!"
Asob opened her eyes, and was greeted to my... err, apology.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"...Um, what am I looking at here?"
"The bestiary, of course! The giant eagle and her chicks are here, and so is the cougar and the two wolves. But! I've just added a grizzly bear to the north wall, and restrained a deer right in the center of the room, between all the dangerous predators!"
"..."
"...Well?"
"No."
"What? No, see, it's an artistic expression! The irony is that they're all tame, so while they aren't going to hurt each other, you can see the hunger in their eyes! Don't mind the horse and the groundhogs, they kind of just wandered in on their own. "
"You're horrible."
I sigh. "There's just no pleasing you, is there?"
"You're horrible."
I throw my hands up. "At least Inod likes it... I thought you'd appreciate my modifications to your art, like with the obsidian."
"But see, that's why you're horrible... at understanding art!"
"...Beg pardon?"
"See, it's obvious you were trying to modify my work again because it worked the first time! And it's obvious you were going for dramatic irony with a twist on the 'Circle of Life' - sorry, Zon, but the great artist Odil Rigňthishen already beat you to it. And when art is obvious, it isn't any good."
"Odil Craftpassions, huh? Wait a second... Rigňthishen? Is she related to--"
"Fikod Rigňthishen, our miner! So, you're starting to regain that compassion for your fellow dwarf! I can't fault you for not having a great aesthetic sensitivity, big deal. You tried, and I appreciate the gesture. I forgive you, Zon!"
"Great! Now then... how are we doing with the fountain project?"
"We need more grates. The masons are all being slow about it, on account of their attention being divided by the giant eagle roost."
"Ah, right... that. Well, we'll just power away at those in the meantime."
"Oh! Do you want to hear my first mandate?"
"What? Oh, right! I forgot to congratulate you on being elected mayor."
"Thank you! My first act as mayor: Export of beds is prohibited!"
"...Beds, huh. Well. I guess you should make sure a certain broker knows that!"
"That's me, silly. Or did you forget?"
"...No, I knew. I was making a joke."
"Ugh! Your jokes are worse than Unib's!"
Unib. Now there's a name I hadn't heard in a while. Now that Asob is mayor, she'll get the special treat of meeting the merchant liaison of The Swift Arches. I wonder about her... is she still on her plot to uncover what we're doing here? The King himself is here to oversee the mission! Would she really dare continue her investigation right under his nose?
((Commentary))
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
))Post by: The Architect on November 17, 2009, 11:24:11 pm
Post by: Quietust on November 18, 2009, 12:03:45 am
Unib. Now there's a name I hadn't heard in a while. Now that Asob is mayor, she'll get the special treat of meeting the merchant liaison of The Swift Arches. I wonder about her... is she still on her plot to uncover what we're doing here? The King himself is here to oversee the mission! Would she really dare continue her investigation right under his nose?
Unfortunately, since the King has arrived at your fortress, you will never see Unib again - the arrival of the King turns your fortress into the Mountainhome whether triggered by Adamantine or wealth, and the liaison does not visit the mountainhome ((s)he actually becomes the royal Advisor).
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 18, 2009, 12:32:46 am
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A vile force of darkness has arrived!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Lots o' goblins, Zon! Today we'll taste victory! It matters not how many goblins--"
"Eighteen wrestler gobs, twelve axegobs, two goblin axe lords including the decorated Olngö Dospoem Tokxemösmlo Smaxa, the Old Perfection of Accidents, six bowgobs, and three guards, one of them titled as well - Song Ulatu Olngöraslost Snuna, the Monstrous Counsellor of Fortunes."
"Uh... How do you know all of that?"
"Because Olngö is a local leader, and Song is their damn ruler. The other axelord, Song Ozautes, is another local leader. They freaking mean business this time."
"Oh. Wow. Dibs on Song! You hear me Archibold? Back off and let us get a few kills this time!"
Grendus picked up a hammer that she just now started learning to use and headed out to the field. I'm glad Grendus is feeling confident about this. I'm pretty worried, to be quite honest. We're going to be taking casualties, that's for certain...
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1823-bigsiegeautumn206) ((Movie)) I sigh and designate some coffins at the masonry shop, and watch the battle unfold. (https://youtu.be/CAmcWTOvh2M)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Grendus... Oh, to be taken so soon before your rise to glory."
"What? I'm right here."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Eh? But... this is Grendus' corpse!"
"No, no. I'm the other Grendus. I see how you could get us confused, we both wield hammers."
"...Eh. You know what? You guys go ahead and keep renaming yourselves however you want. Hey, at least you have four kills, that's more than... err... First Grendus had. I'm going to count and bury the dead..."
"As for me," Archibold chimed in, "I'm going to go count and piss upon my dead! Top of the list, shall we?"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Before she finished listing off her seven rhesus macaques, Archibold fell over in pain. Apparently, she hadn't noticed her broken right lower arm. She's quickly carried off to bed.
"I'll help!" Imush the marksdwarf came stumbling down the stairs. "Where'd everybody go? Those goblins have some kind of newfangled magic darkness or something?"
"What are you-- AUGH!! Your eyes are missing!!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Imush, too, is lead off to his bed. He kept swearing he felt fine, but... ew, that's an image I won't soon forget!
Olngö got away, but we killed both Songs, the local leader and the ruler. Archibold killed both, but strangely enough she changed the translation of the ruler's name to Roarspiders the Umbral Bar of Continents... Huh? Can champions do that? I check the logs and... oh, wait, there was another goblin named Song with a long title that I had overlooked. Nobody else is claiming the kill for the goblin leader, so it must have been a war dog.
Post by: The Architect on November 18, 2009, 12:40:02 am
Post by: Quietust on November 18, 2009, 01:07:14 am
Post by: Firnagzen on November 18, 2009, 05:36:59 am
Post by: Quietust on November 18, 2009, 08:59:25 am
Durn't grey mean bruised? That just means he got two black eyes and went to sleep it off.
Light gray is "lightly injured". Dark gray is "gone", whether cut off or torn out. If you compare that screenshot to the others, it's fairly easy to see that it's dark gray.
Post by: Grendus on November 18, 2009, 09:35:23 am
Great update.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 18, 2009, 01:04:53 pm
One easy way to see if the Ruler got killed is to check your (c)iv screen - if he's dead, he won't be in the list anymore.
He is definitely dead, and has been replaced with a different ruler. He also shows up dead on my units screen and I've even found his corpse. My question was "Who killed him?" and after probably 30 minutes of searching the kills on my living and dead soldiers I couldn't find his name. So... he had to have been killed by a dog.
Post by: Quietust on November 18, 2009, 01:10:46 pm
Any "important" unit will flash similar to a Legendary dwarf (though at a different rate), and their corpse will also flash the same way (at least until it rots away).
Post by: elizar on November 18, 2009, 04:08:18 pm
One easy way to see if the Ruler got killed is to check your (c)iv screen - if he's dead, he won't be in the list anymore.
He is definitely dead, and has been replaced with a different ruler. He also shows up dead on my units screen and I've even found his corpse. My question was "Who killed him?" and after probably 30 minutes of searching the kills on my living and dead soldiers I couldn't find his name. So... he had to have been killed by a dog.
Save, make a copy of the folder, abandon and check the legends. Then you can find out who killed Song.
Post by: The Architect on November 18, 2009, 07:47:47 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 18, 2009, 09:15:21 pm
Post by: martinuzz on November 18, 2009, 09:38:12 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 19, 2009, 06:19:51 pm
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To put the goblin mystery to rest, I decided to visit Dodók, the history expert/swordsdwarf/wrestler - or as he was now called by the dwarves on account of his five goblin kills plus a macaque, Dodók Oddommeb Olonilbĺd Uker, and by Bujit the human guild representative (who so boldly interrupted the siege with his demands for our shopping list), Dodók Cloisterinches the Geared Guile of Waving. He seemed to know quite a bit about goblins the last time I spoke to him, so maybe he could help me straighten things out here. I found him on our drawbridge, on his way inside for a drink.
"Dodók! We meet again."
"Meet? Huh... I see you every day, Zon! You have a funny way of meeting people!"
"Err... Yes, well, you know how it is."
"No, I don't."
"...No, that's... that just a figure of speech, Dodók. There's nothing really to know."
"Oh."
"Aaaanyway. I was hoping you could tell me more about The Released Sins. Mostly, I'm curious to know about the leaders who came to fight recently."
"Ah, yes. Their sieges officially came to be recognized by King Minkot as a war just last year in 205, known as Okuzo--"
"'The Angry Conflict,'" Bujit Quispeptamed, Human guild representative, so boldly butted in from out of nowhere. "'Tis a good name for a war."
You can tell a follower of Asën didn't think that one up, I wanted to say, but held my tongue. Chances are the name was the King's brilliant idea.
"This latest siege is known as Etosp Kudo--"
"The Siege of Growling!" Bujit literally bounced with glee. Dodók's hand moved toward his (Steel short sword)...
"Yes, Bujit, very good. Your teacher would be impressed that you have learned our language so well. But, if you would be so kind, I'd like very much to hear Dodók's story. Besides, shouldn't you be finishing those trade agreements with Asob?"
"Oh... well, I seem to have lost track of her. I'm told she makes frequent reports to you, so I thought I would follow you until she comes by, and then we can finish those agreements."
"That's... wonderful, Bujit. How very smart of you. Isn't he smart, Dodók?"
"Please, can I get on with my story?!"
"Of course! Who, again, were the leaders of The Released Sins?"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"This attack was lead by the goblin Song Ozautes Zospuzak Slaku, the axelord--"
"Song Roarspiders the... the... hrmm..."
"Umbral."
"Ah, yes! Roarspiders the Umbral Bar of Continents!"
"...May I continue??" Dodók waited, but Bujit remained perfectly silent for several moments. "Good. Of course, as we all know because a certain someone was shouting it loudly, Song bled to death after Archibold Bridgebolt the Equivalent Ram of Artifacts cut him down."
"Aw, you didn't say it in dwarven..."
"One more word, and I swear--"
"Ignore him, Dodók. Please, continue."
Dodók readjusted his scabbard and pressed on with his tale. "Grendus the dwarf was killed by the goblin Tode Witchfats, who was later defeated by none other than Archibold... Vabôk Lullpaddled the Craterous Machine of Citadels, one of our marksdwarves, killed five goblins this battle, but alas, he was struck down by the goblin Atu Hategulf."
"I know, I saw that part. What I'm curious of, most of all, is what happened to Song Ulatu Olngöraslost Snuna--"
"Song Glazedflies The Monstrous Counsellor of Fountains?"
"It's 'Fortunes...' So sorry, perhaps you should get a refund on those goblin language lessons?"
"Oh, him," Dodók continued, forcibly ignoring yet another interruption. "A dangerous axelord, but he held no special rank. He died ingloriously in the jaws of the war dog Monom Perplexedwhips - unfortunately, Monom was immediately after shot and killed by the goblin Smuntsu Demoncaught."
"Ah..." I was so sure that was the leader! I must have got one Song confused with another... What kind of a Legendary Clerk makes clerical errors?!
"Well, that settles that mystery..."
"By the by, Zon... Have you had a moment to count the dead? It seems we lost quite a few soldiers this time."
"Sorry, I'm afraid I haven't. There are a total of seventy-five corpses, including all dwarves, dogs, and goblins. It's a lot to sort through. Rest easy, though, Dodók. They'll all soon find their resting place in the crypts. At least we got one of their local leaders."
Dodók grinned. "Only one? I counted two."
"Hm? I know for a fact that Archibold killed Song Fiendfought, one of the two local leaders who came to this fight."
"Aye, and the very first goblin to fall in battle!
"But I was pretty sure Olngö Dospoem Tokxemösmlo Smaxa got away."
Dodók and I both waited for Bujit, who stood there, scratched his head, and shrugged.
"... The Old Perfection of Accidents?"
"I had no idea on that one, sorry."
Dodók laughed. At me, not Bujit, who was lucky to still be alive after butting in so many times. "Well, well, who's that goblin I see over there in yonder puppy trap?"
"No! Are you serious?"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"So! What should we do with the second of two goblin local leaders from The Released Sins?"
Post by: The Architect on November 19, 2009, 06:26:41 pm
But, not to be greedy: I vote an arena show, for all the people, where I take him on bare-ass naked and he has full equipment.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 19, 2009, 08:21:07 pm
Post by: Lord Dakoth on November 19, 2009, 09:05:50 pm
If you're in favor of torture, you could dig a small pit, fill it with 2/7 water, and put a whip weapon trap in it. The goblin is then slowly whipped to death as he flounders in a puddle of his own blood.
Post by: The Architect on November 19, 2009, 10:32:55 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 19, 2009, 10:49:17 pm
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Eight soldiers and guards dead in the last attack... This was by and far the worst we've ever had. The militia's crypt has been filled, and needs to be expanded for future interments.
The main focuses right now are replacing the lost warriors, and getting that fountain built to make the workers happy. We need to do everything possible to prevent tantrums.
A kobold shows up and tries to steal something. Udib Uristnakuth spots him - what luck, Udib is already skilled in wrestling! Udib decides to try and take down the kobold, and...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Are you kidding me?! A skilled wrestler, not to mention legendary crafter, killed by a kobold!! How?! Talk about a lucky shot... wow, that's one more grave I need to fill.
This season is looking to be extremely bleak, and it's only just begun... We've already received word that no one even considered making the journey to such a cursed death-trap this season. That's fine and all, we really don't need any more heads, but to be considered a death trap!
...Ok, you got me. It is a death trap. For Counts, anyway! Others shouldn't be alarmed by that...
Another kobold unfortunately finds himself face to face with Dumat Amudthob the Woodcutter and is chucked several Urists away. Persistent little things... Maybe we need to be a little more careful with kobolds. I never thought them to be dangerous at all until Udib was killed by one.
Shorast Cudďstolon, Cook, begins a rather complicated looking artifact, so far involving twelve separate components, mostly bone, shell, and leather.
"Eeeek!!"
Asob?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A kobold stumbled into Asob! She ran up into the guard tower to get away from it, but... it's chased her up the stairs!! They really are getting more aggressive! Fortunately, part of the wall hadn't yet been constructed and there was actually a thin path onto the mountain beside it that she was able to escape through. Apparently, this just happened to be the same escape route the kobold wanted. I'd have told her to attack it, but... well, we lost one legendary to a freak kobold accident just now. I don't want to risk the same thing with Asob. We let this one get away...
Right now there are seven injured dwarves resting injuries. I take this time to grab an assortment of unneeded personnel and recruit them for training. The champions are assigned posts to reduce the number of training injuries.
Imush has been demoted to a peasant. He can't do us much good as a marksdwarf if he's blind... and narcoleptic. He keeps passing out every so many steps, but he won't rest. Speaking of marksdwarves, I set an ammo pile within the guard tower. I noticed several marksdwarves left the tower and ran into battle after running out of bolts, and I want to prevent this.
To my surprise, Shorast finished a stone mug artifact, called Mostoditur Kovest Likot. At first I think it's a religious artifact devoted to my god, Kovest, but I check my notes and recall that Shorast is a woshipper of Nikot the Ray of Robustness, god of... err... fat beams?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
...Like ...which end do I drink from? This thing isn't even recognizable as a mug anymore. I'm afraid I'm going to cut my lip on menacing spikes of turtle shell and groundhog leather if I even try to drink from it... heck, where would I even hold it? And why on earth is the exact same piece of history on the artifact twice? This is why I just don't get art. I kind of like the name 'Pearl of Ink,' but as Asob would say, the irony is too obvious.
Post by: The Architect on November 19, 2009, 11:14:10 pm
Job: The Blind Prophet
Is one of my best dwarves. I used pump operating and record keeping to end the narcolepsy, and how Tiresias kicks some serious ass. Thinking of turning her into a civilian champion for kicks (I named her Tiresias before I realized it was a she).
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 20, 2009, 12:33:36 am
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The workers have been complaining of tremors all week. I've thoroughly checked the halls and, as expected, the cut of our dwarven picks have been smart and sure. I can find no structural faults in the mines, and the only thing we've been digging is the pile of obsidian. I don't know, I haven't noticed anything. Everyone is on edge, though.
There's a lot of narrow iron armor to melt down, so I assign three magma smelters to repeated melting. I also commission several more full sets of armor for the new recruits. I fear I've recruited a bunch of slackers... all this time, and none of them are in a full set of leather yet, even though we have plenty to go around.
Thoom.
Huh... felt that one. So they aren't imagining it...
Count Tholtig found a way to make an annoying demand from beyond the grave... or rather, from several leagues below. I found that one of the coffins in the military crypt was assigned to him, even though there was no body to be placed inside. What the hell? This must be Inod's doing. Annoyed, I order the coffin removed, and a new one placed in Inod's crypt, which is then immediately claimed by the dead Tholtig.
Thoom.
...Uhm... ok, that was a big one. I decide to see what's going on.
Outside, I notice the majority of the workers are staring out toward the south west. I push by to see what--
Oh...
Thoom.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1826-titowned) ((Movie)) Kikrost the Dungeon Master shouted. "The titan Anetha Caquiaritha Noletha Eyo has come!" (https://youtu.be/4auA1M6ifSY)
"Pah! And you were worried," I laugh. "Come and get me when a real threat approaches."
Amusingly enough, the kill went to Athel 'Wringfenced' Ulzestustuth, one of the brand new swordsdwarf recruits. I have a good feeling about that one...
The obsidian is harvestable now. Not much left, then we'll have to refill the reservoir with magma. I thought for a moment about sticking the goblin cages inside the reservoir and watching the goblins panic as the magma slowly creeps up on them, but then I decided I'd rather see them fight five giant eagles and the dragon. In case that doesn't go as expected, I keep one of the male giant eagles restrained next to the female we already had.
The stairway fountain is coming along smoothly. It will span four z-levels, is floodgate-controlled, and arranged such that water will constantly rise and fall through floor grates, generating mist that will seep through wall grates into the stairway. The floodgate, all the pumps, and all the grates are in place. We're just waiting on the mechanisms to get linked up and the gear assembly that will draw power from the windmill above... though now that I add up the power requirements, we'll definitely need another windmill to get it moving.
Post by: Quietust on November 20, 2009, 09:55:02 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 20, 2009, 12:30:04 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 21, 2009, 11:05:37 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 22, 2009, 12:33:37 am
-------------
One of the guards - Goden Gébaralĺth - suffocated to death in the barracks. The death count for this year continues to rise...
There's a lot of construction going on right now, and work is divided between the stairwell fountain and finishing the giant eagle roost. The obsidian is almost totally carved out, we just need it moved out of there now.
Urvad Dodókäkil , Olin Geshudibruk, and 'Other Grendus' Thusestcilob all became champions within a short time. Most of the export mandates have ceased, and we haven't had any demands in a while. Thank goodness...
...Wow, wouldn't you know it. The very second I finish writing that sentence, Inod requests two black bronze items. Simple enough... I order up two black bronze instruments, but suspend one. The way I see it, the longer she's waiting for the order to be completed, the longer I get to wait to hear another silly demand.
"Well, Asob," I hear Bujit saying as they pass, "It's been a pleasure, but I must be on my way. I've stayed far too long as it is."
"Oh, so soon? It's as if you just got here!" I don't know if Bujit can tell, but to me, Asob was clearly lying through her teeth. I grin and walk over to them.
"Oh, but Bujit, can't you stay just for a few more moments? We're about to unveil the mist project!"
"Well... I suppose I'm already so late, what's another few moments? Is it ready now?"
"All we have to do is pull the lever!"
Asob looked horrified, and started waving her hands and shaking her head and mouthing 'No!' behind Bujit's back. Oh, Asob.
"Yes, that lever over there in the dining room will open the floodgate below."
Asob mouthed the word 'Oh, that one!' and calmed down.
"The pumps are already running, there's an emergency shut-down pressure plate below set to reseal the gate at a depth of five... it's all ready to go!"
"I've seen so much of its construction while I was here following Asob! This is so exciting!"
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1827-stairwaymistgenerator) ((Movie)) I give the order to pull the lever and watch... (https://youtu.be/Sp6AMztp6Fs)
It's not as effective as I had hoped... Ideally, mist would be coming from the main floor, but unfortunately we have a stockpile overhead so the water can't be brought high enough. There is plenty of mist on the second, third, and fourth floors, though it seems some small puddles are forming on the floors below. I order the lever pulled again to stop the flow of water before the puddles become larger, but leave the pumps running. I'm sure it will even itself out eventually, and the slight flooding will stop.
Fortunately, our guest Bujit doesn't seem to notice these flaws. He appears absolutely astounded!
"What do you think?" Asob asks Bujit. She, too, seems to be ecstatic at the sight of the mist.
"The architecture of dwarves never ceases to amaze... something like this could never be accomplished in the grand halls of The Confederacies of Targeting. There would be too much red tape and paperwork to approve something like this, not to mention the safety inspections!"
"Bah! A few deaths make the project even more worthwhile. It's a shame no one got killed in this one!" It's now my turn to lie. While this would normally be my point of view, last season brought more than enough death to the fortress... eleven dwarves in total, if my math is correct.
Bujit did that weird thing humans do where they grab your hand and shake it around to Asob and me in turn. I don't see how they find this pleasant in the least, but I grin and bear it. "Again on behalf of the Merchants' Guild, let me bid farewell to you and your stout dwarves."
Bujit departed. Asob and I stand and admire the mist for a while longer, relishing the fruits of the labor that was put into it. The mist generator will go a long way toward keeping the fort's denizens happy.
As we stand there, we're both shocked to see a very soggy Edzul Zonkegeth, Weaver, stand dripping before us.
"Zon, nothing to be totally panicked about yet, but there's a pretty sizable amount of water coming out of those grates in the wall..."
"Really?? Blast! How much?"
"Um, it's starting to flood the lower levels..."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Where is all that water coming from?? I know we didn't let in that much! Ugh... right down the new stairwells. Ok, cancel the construction of the stairs below that level and take off the door near the bottomless pit. The water is going to have to drain into there."
"But... isn't that door blocking the entrance of cave swallowmen?"
"Well, put up another wall grate! And put some doors around that area to force the water into the pit. It isn't too deep, so the doors should still be passable. We'll set up a more permanent solution on the lower levels when we get down there."
"Doesn't that mean water will constantly be falling down those stairs...?"
"Look at yourselves! You're all covered in mud and blood and vomit! You stink! You all need a shower anyway, and this is one way of accomplishing that."
Edzul hurries on to relay my orders. Unfortunately, it seems the water is moving just fast enough to make the building sites for these new features too submerged to complete, so I'm forced to kill the gear powering the pump stack for now. Since it's already off, we might as well forego the temporary drainage arrangements and work towards something more concrete. What a shame... well, I'm sure it will still work once the excess water drains out.
Part of the problem is the placement of the emergency pressure plate... it's behind the pumps, and never seems to reach a high level of water even though a lot is coming in, so because I relied on that we let too much water in. Maybe if the reservoir drains enough, we can get someone in there to move it to a more appropriate location.
...Oh, for the love of... Now I see what happened!!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
That damn pressure plate went off and re-opened the floodgate after we shut it with the lever! Augh!! So stupid... well, OK, this definitely calls for a more robust drainage system, because we're going to see some definite flooding of those stairwells the next time we turn on those pumps.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 22, 2009, 01:20:08 am
-------------
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A drainage tunnel is dug just below the servants' quarters and right behind the mayor's office, and the pumps are turned back on. A wall grate keeps the cave swallowmen from coming in, and another access route with dual doors leads to a large collection of cave spider webs. Truth be told, it could have been done on the floor above the quarters, but I was serious about these workers needing showers. I'll be the first to admit that I'm filthy, and I don't like it.
Fortunately, the pump draws water so quickly that only one to two Urists ever sit on that pressure plate at a time, and thankfully, it's right next to the door. We have an opportunity to remove the plate!
At the same time, I notice the water has already regulated itself. When we turned on the pumps, the water headed for the edge of that pit pretty quick, and then came to a stop. Then, it took an entire month for the water to reach the edge of the pit, and then it very slowly began to trickle down the walls. Looks like the workers don't need to worry much about those showers...
Finally, we constructed a pump near the wells for the blind peasant (and ex-marksdwarf) Imush. He keeps falling unconscious everywhere in the middle of his tasks. Archibold, showing a rare moment of compassion, suggested we build an exercise machine to help him build his stamina, and then maybe he wouldn't keep falling asleep everywhere.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Lňr Olonměshos comes out of the leatherworking shop with a really nice looking leather buckler. Now, this is the kind of artifact I need to see more of; the kind with a practical purpose, and especially one with a military purpose! It even has a picture of The Mournful Plaits the low boot, as if the mere image of that platinum boot will grant the buckler extra protection. Way to be... ugh... impractical, and maybe possibly a bit daft.
Post by: skaltum on November 22, 2009, 08:29:58 am
Post by: Pandarsenic on November 22, 2009, 09:25:34 pm
While I'm editing this post though, I might as well add that I FREAKING LOVE this fortress. When will the next map of the whole thing be released?
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 23, 2009, 12:15:38 am
When will the next map of the whole thing be released?
Next update. I just hit 1st of Spring today and the maps are already exported, they just aren't uploaded though. I didn't narrate because I was showing somebody the game and they got pretty darn interested, even though nothing interesting happened anyway.
Glad to hear you're enjoying it :) Who knows, I might even dig out the map generation seed, since personally I find it to be a very interesting location. Magma pipe placed conveniently close to a brook, bottomless pit, chasm, HFS, underground river with waterfall (somewhere, still haven't discovered it), red sand, two types of flux, both types of natural coal... the only thing it's missing is a GCS, otherwise it would be as good as Dwarf Heaven.
Post by: The Architect on November 23, 2009, 08:43:28 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 23, 2009, 01:18:41 pm
Seed has been added to the first post, which also contains embark information to help you find the spot.
Post by: The Architect on November 23, 2009, 02:30:37 pm
When I have finished with this experiment map (includes fluid logic and a volcano inside a fort inside a volcano) that will be a cool place to check out. Generated with any mods?
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 23, 2009, 05:01:22 pm
Post by: Lord Dakoth on November 23, 2009, 09:49:48 pm
This is perhaps the most interesting fort "blog" that I've ever read. The diabolical characters combined with your excellent narration make it a lot of fun to follow.
Post by: Quietust on November 24, 2009, 10:19:44 am
My current fort has 4 large mist generators, each composed of 24 screw pumps. The entire setup consumes close to 1500 power - the fort's main power system has 22 water wheels and also powers 2 pump stacks (1 for filling the magma tank under the forging area, and another to keep the water tank full).
Post by: The Architect on November 24, 2009, 09:50:49 pm
The work of a genius, abusing statues like that. Haha! And I thought there was no use for the (object falls between layers) bug! I have an interesting and frustrating instance if it right now within my volcano castle. Half my solid obsidian walls have obsidian rocks sitting on them between the layers. It could be avoided if I took more time with it, but I'm not THAT patient. It may be repaired later but still it's a damn funny/annoying sight right now. Another fun one is inaccessible body parts thrown up on top of fortifications. At least they rot.
It would be cool to see more of your inventions and ideas implemented and shown off.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 24, 2009, 11:28:52 pm
Oh, update tomorrow evening promised! Sorry for the delay, it really has been a busy weekend +2 days...
Post by: The Architect on November 24, 2009, 11:54:12 pm
I've done that before by deconstructing floors above fortifications. I seriously thought the fortifications had deconstructed when I first saw rocks where they should have been.
Oh, update tomorrow evening promised! Sorry for the delay, it really has been a busy weekend +2 days...
Yay having a life! I love it. College did it for me, never had much of one in highschool. Don't apologize to us for being more than a computer nerd; it's great to be a rounded person with things to do.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 26, 2009, 12:00:40 am
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((Map)) I take some time to update the sketches of our fort layout. (http://mkv25.net/dfma/map-7518-severedcoils) A lot of digging took place last year, but the entire past winter has been dull. I was very tempted to release the eagles on those goblins, but I don't think the giant eagle chicks would survive the fight. We'll wait a while... Let the goblins sweat it out. Let them watch their soon-to-be-killers grow into adults.
I did have a lot of time to think on my experiences here. Particularly, I've reflected upon my dubious relationship with my religion, and for other religions for that matter. Reading previous entries in this diary, I am ashamed at my relentless attacks upon the gods of our world - gods whom, I realize, I know very little about!
I had another talk with Dodók Cloisterinches the Geared Guile of Waving on the matter. I've come to respect him as a well-educated historian as well as a titled, sword-wielding killing machine. Though a faithful worshiper of Logem, he unfortunately knew little about other religions, but he at least knew the names of each god worshiped here in Severedcoils and what they represent. Something, I meekly admit, that even I hadn't taken the time to learn.
Kovest, my god, is the deity of wealth and trade. That explains how I've managed not to anger him without even knowing what he did... my practical, profitable nature served him well even without my realizing it. The infamous Asën is not a deity of art at all; his domain is metals. I must remember this the next time I rely on the steel of my axe in battle... it's a wonder my blade hasn't failed me with all the blasphemy I've spoken of him! Limul, a name I hear very rarely around these halls, is associated with mountains. King Minkot's deity of choice is Nikot the Ray of Robustness, a god of fortresses and lightning. Strangely enough, this describes the king quite well... Last but not least, we have Dodók's god (and one that for some reason is popular amongst the military) Logem, whose dominion entails minerals and jewels.
It would seem I have a lot to be thankful for from them all, even if they don't always seem to be present... I wish they'd give me some kind of sign of their presence, then maybe I wouldn't be as dubious.
Udil Vucaradil, a Farmer, gave birth to a girl today. That's great. We need less mothers in the military... and out of the mines, for that matter.
The obsidian pit has been cleared, so I order the plug opened to allow more magma in. Ugh... It takes forever for a dwarf to walk over there, but it will take even longer to fill the room to at least 2. The magma is filled, and the water is poured over it. This time, we use the lever that's in the dining room, and there's much less spillover.
Other dwarves are making use of the pump near the wells, so I have a few more constructed. Might as well make an exercise room out of it. After all, it keeps the dwarves busy, and I hate to see a lot of idlers. But first, I need to get more blocks and more screws.
The elves will be coming soon. I enter Asob's office to make sure she's prepared.
"Asob? Are you here?"
No answer. Huh, I wonder where she is. I start to leave through her bedroom, and that's when I notice something sitting atop her ¤Basalt cabinet¤ - a green book with human lettering. It has the seal of Pesor Siti, our human merchants. Hm! I flip open the cover, and see that it is a book of histories and records. It must have been left behind by Bujit Quispeptamed. I recall again the attacks we had from the goblins who were lead by humans. I turn the next page, and... no. I decide that I shouldn't go further. Asob is my friend, and I know she'd be pretty mad about this invasion of her privacy. I close the book and leave her room, making a note to ask her about it later.
I notice something odd happening in the barracks... Two guards, Bëmbul Medtobók and Endok Amast, have been wrestling for days. Both are thirsty, but they won't let up! What on earth are they doing? Do they plan on wrestling until one or the other is killed? Come on, I don't need to replace another guard... Instead, I decide to cave in the wall around them. Maybe that will knock them loose.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Oh dear... Unfortunately, the wall I needed to remove first created a popular path for the militia, and there were several nearby when the floor collapsed. What's worse, the King himself triggered the collapse, so he went for a little ride!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Somebody's cat took the brunt of the cave-in. Further inspection reveals damage to the cat's spleen, throat, upper spine, and lower spine. Everybody else survived without a scratch. Bëmbul Medtobók and Endok Amast immediately go off to get food and drink after wrestling each other for two solid weeks straight. Honestly, do I need to babysit my guards or something?
The elves come. I see people carrying only a few bins containing crafts, which is all that is necessary. We get all that we need from the elves by giving them only four giant cave spider silk amulets. I missed Asob, she's already come and gone from the depot.
Taking a closer look at the barracks, I notice something odd... how much basalt is lying in there?? After putting the wall and floor back together, I count ten more pieces of basalt lying in and around the barracks, some rocks stacked atop one another.
Wait... In total, one wall and two floors were deconstructed, causing a third piece of floor to fall. That would total four rocks. After the dust settled, there were many rocks scattered. The wall and three floors have been replaced with the stones that were lying around, and yet there are ten more rocks on the ground. What... how...
BLOODY ARMOK, I HAVE CREATED MATTER!! It must be the sign from the gods I asked for!
...Wait a second.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
SCIENCE!!!
Post by: Quietust on November 26, 2009, 01:16:05 am
BLOODY ARMOK, I HAVE CREATED MATTER!!
Actually, you just knocked down the rocks on the upper level. Take a look at your map snapshot and observe the 10 loose stones between the two sections (what I can only assume was originally a wall that was then deconstructed).
Post by: Pandarsenic on November 26, 2009, 01:18:19 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 26, 2009, 02:02:34 am
22nd Granite, 207, Early Spring
-------------
Several kobolds and goblin snatchers appeared, but thankfully no ambushes yet. Bëmbul the guard proved himself to be totally inept... he bumped into a kobold, and then he froze in place for a good solid minute and a half, just watching the kobold run away. Grr! I order him to shave his beard - and have the hammerer stand ready, in case he drops a tantrum.
I, myself, chase down and kill a goblin snatcher. That's twelve kills for me. Eat your heart out, Archibold; I'm not even wearing armor.
Reg Eralfath is assigned the duty of metal extraction for purposes of the adamantine experiment. The masons simply would not build the floor out of the ore, so maybe they'll build it from wafers.
Meanwhile, a second test is conducted to see what happens when we drop a floor made from a green glass block--
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
An ambush! Curse them, I'm trying to do science here!!
"Alright, dwarves!" Other Grendus takes command, as Archibold is absent yet again. "You know the drill! Stay here in the box until you see the yellows of their eyes! They're all the way on the other side of the mountain, so we've got a while to wait. Steady, st--"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1835-ambushspring207) ((Movie)) "--oh! Where did you come from, you sneaky green bastards?!" (https://youtu.be/cHJdPKkevK0)
Tekkud Lenodmeng, the Tax Collector, put out an order for two Trifle Pewter items. I ordered up some flasks right away to shut him up. Last time we waited around, Inod put out two export mandates. Sheesh...
Back to the experiment, Athel Zegrigňth, child of Dodók Cloisterinches the Geared Guile of Waving and Rith Hollowseal the Guard, triggers a cave in involving the green glass block. Alas, searching the ground only turns up a single green glass block and an unconscious Athel. Let's not tell Dodók that I used his kid for science...
Unabashed, I order up some adamantine wafers to try again. No one is getting around to it for a while, but I guess this can wait.
Aaaaand in the midst of the ambush, I completely forgot about the obsidian. The entire plot is flooded 7/7 and is currently draining into the area around my soggy crypt. Beautiful.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Actually, now that I get a better look at Asob's design I realize that this was always her intent. The runoff from the obsidian farm would create a circular pond around the crypt, turning the plot of Outside Light Above Ground land into an underground island.
Asob... That reminds me about that book I found in her room... Conveniently, I find her hanging out in her dining room admiring some fine engravings.
"Hello, Asob!"
"I never understood why the symbol of the Swift Arches is querns..." Immediately launching into artistic criticism, Asob doesn't take her eyes off of an engraving entitled 'The Passionate Girder.' I try not to think too hard about that title. "Querns are so lazy. They're basically just millstones without power, right? It's like we're saying 'Hey, we're the Swift Arches! We can't be arsed to do anything the right way, we'd rather stay in the stone age.'"
"It's not much better than the one we voted for when we founded the Crypt of Crowns. Tower-caps, really? Are we elves or are we dwarves?"
"That vote was mostly Fikod the miner's doing. I didn't vote for it either, but they still got the majority. Anyway, what did you want, Zon?"
"Well, last week I came looking for you to remind you to trade with the elves, and I noticed a book lying on top of your cabinet. It was green and had the symbol of Pesor Siti on it."
"The Confederacies of Targeting? Yes, Bujit left it behind. It's his book of records. He keeps track of everything we traded for in there."
"And he left it? Sheesh! How long's this guy had his job?"
"Not much longer, I'd suspect!"
"Have you... you know..."
"Read it? No. Wouldn't it be rude?"
I sigh and scratch my beard. "Very much so. And I'm not going to lie, it could even be damaging to our relations with Pesor Siti if they found out we read it. But I want to get to the bottom of the goblin bands who were lead by humans."
"Why? Humans haven't been seen in the goblin groups in at least two years. Clearly, something has happened to break their alliance."
"I wouldn't count on it... Don't you care for the fortress? If there are clues within, it could protect the fort."
"...Ok, I admit it. I tried to read it, but... I can't read human."
I blink. "You... can't read human."
"Nope, not a word of it."
"And you've been signing trade agreements with the humans since we embarked here."
"Bujit was kind enough to read them to me!"
I close my eyes and take several deep breaths. Asob doesn't need to see my angry side again...
"Wow, that's a neat trick. You can write in your diary with your eyes closed?"
"Asob. Hasn't it occurred to you that Bujit might not be reading you what's on the page, and just telling you it says something else so you'll sign it?"
"What? Oh. Oh! Oohhhhhh..." Asob slumped her shoulders and started to walk out of the room.
I grab her by the left upper arm to stop her. "No, Asob, don't pull the lever. It's not worth it."
"Yeah, but who knows what agreements I've gotten us into?"
"Do you have copies?"
"...No, Bujit keeps them."
"Asob!"
"Alright, I'm going!"
"Stop trying to leave to go pull the lever already! Sheesh... in that case, I really think it's necessary we look into this record book. We need to get an idea what these guys are like to find out whether they're the type to pull our beards over our eyes."
I retrieve the book from her ¤Basalt cabinet¤ where it still lay. As I re-enter her dining room, she forbids the door so no one can walk in and see us snooping about.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The first thing I notice is a list of all of Pesor Siti's towns...
Ithevbale, "Closetpastimes", a town
Owner: The Anguished Coalition, humans
Parent Civ: The Confederacies of Targeting, humans
Leader: Lelgo Prankgift, human
64 humans
1 wagon
Istrabelom, "Twinklehumor", a town
Owner: The Society of Meshes, humans
Parent Civ: The Confederacies of Targeting, humans
Leader: Gipest Wealthssmile, human
101 humans
4 muskoxen
4 wagons
3 donkeys
2 mules
Uzuret, "Beeshooves", a town
Owner: The Group of Truth, humans
Parent Civ: The Confederacies of Targeting, humans
Leader: Cil Temptedrooters, human
96 humans
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! What are you doing, Zon?!"
"What do you mean?"
"You're copying Bujit's records!"
"So? Is that a bad thing?"
"...I don't know. Personally, I'm quite concerned about this writing addiction of yours."
"Wha-- it's not an addiction! Let me get back to this, I'm looking for clues."
Areisha, "Goodcherishs", a town
Owner: The Council of Jacks, humans
Parent Civ: The Confederacies of Targeting, humans
Leader: Nushrat Sabredance, human
88 humans
6 wagons
2 donkeys
2 mules
Arthapika, "Spineknit", a town
Owner: The Red Dates-Fellowship, humans
Parent Civ: The Confederacies of Targeting, humans
Leader: S thra Touchbastions, human
68 humans
Githaaggung, "Flaggulf", a town
Owner: The Girlish Councils, humans
Parent Civ: The Confederacies of Targeting, humans
Leader: Mo¤ol Spinessprings, human
51 humans
Daspan, "Sackwork", a town
Owner: The Society of Tempests, humans
Parent Civ: The Confederacies of Targeting, humans
Leader: Ciko Crazytruss, human
85 humans
Josuerod, "Musicracks", a town
Owner: The League of Wildness, humans
Parent Civ: The Confederacies of Targeting, humans
Leader: Uram Hopperfires, human
52 humans
"Huh," I mutter. "Some of these government names sound a little funny."
"How do you mean?"
"Well, come on. 'The Anguished Coalition?' 'The League of Wildness?'"
"'The Girlish Councils?'"
"No, not that kind of funny. I mean disturbing."
"... 'The Girlish Councils?'"
"...You've got me."
Threteltoke, "Fatalround", a town
Owner: The Council of Consideration, humans
Parent Civ: The Confederacies of Targeting, humans
Leader: Teme Laborspiral, human
46 humans
Nikomceshca, "Critterobeyed", a town
Owner: The Sloppy Councils, humans
Parent Civ: The Confederacies of Targeting, humans
Leader: Nebo Daubnut, human
87 humans
Oburodoh, "Lunchowns", a town
Owner: The Past Crystalline Council, humans
Parent Civ: The Confederacies of Targeting, humans
Leader: Tista Orderquick, human
69 humans
Boshkucari, "Cruxboot", a town
Owner: The Coalition of Nourishing, humans
Parent Civ: The Confederacies of Targeting, humans
Leader: Imec Faithhelped, human
24 humans
Zursulbalad, "Severedcoils", a mountain fortress
Owner: The Crypt of Crowns, dwarves
Parent Civ: The Swift Arches, dwarves
Leader: Asob Cryptsieges, dwarf
"Huh... There must be some mistake. Not only does he have our fortress listed under the wrong section, but he has you down as our leader."
"Well, Zon, I am mayor. Technically, I've outranked you for a while."
"And yet, you still take orders from me. How does that work?" I give Asob a playful smile, but I don't think the joke went over well with her.
I turn the page. Oh, this looks like familiar material - religions. What a coinc--
"Zon? Why'd you stop?"
"This... this definitely needs to be recorded. We have a problem here."
...Zas Shootdips (b.49, Reign Began: 169), Inherited from father, Married (d. 72)
1 Child -- Ages: 143
Worships Stot Flagcuddles (38%)
The Confederacies of Targeting, Humans
Worship List
Sitsu the Maze of Fogs, deity: darkness
Lerdi the Midnight of Terror, deity: murder
Stathra, deity: travelers, revelry
Sewat the Poison of Menace, deity: torture
Bese, deity: marriage, pregnancy
Quamun Veiledperplexes, deity: trickery, the night
Sathar, deity: gambling, fortresses
Usmen, deity: thralldom
Rubsit, deity: disease, laws, order
Nushrat, deity: oaths, loyalty
Ruler List
The Belted Birds, Elves
Worship List...
"Huh? Where's the Ruler List for Pesor Siti?"
"That's not what-- wait, I thought you couldn't read human?"
"I'm reading what you just wrote in your diary over your shoulder."
"Oh. No, look at their gods! All but a few are inherently evil!"
"Oh. Oohhhhhh... OHMYGOD OHMYGOD OHMYGOD OHMYGOD!!!!"
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 26, 2009, 02:11:01 am
BLOODY ARMOK, I HAVE CREATED MATTER!!
Actually, you just knocked down the rocks on the upper level. Take a look at your map snapshot and observe the 10 loose stones between the two sections (what I can only assume was originally a wall that was then deconstructed).
Shhhh... Zon's on the path to enlightenment. Let's not jar her mind with sound logic ;D
Post by: Lord Dakoth on November 26, 2009, 02:23:09 am
Post by: Doomshifter on November 26, 2009, 02:23:20 am
I prefer the Science explanation.
Post by: Pandarsenic on November 26, 2009, 03:49:01 am
Post by: Grendus on November 26, 2009, 10:54:54 pm
This is actually reminding me a lot of Nist Akath, where random events tend to form wild conspiracy theories. Very interesting.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 27, 2009, 12:00:50 am
'Other Grendus' has five kills - he killed one humie in 204, one gob in 205, two gobs in 206, and one gob in 207, which would have been from the latest ambush. Your title is now "Furyroofs the Imprisoned Taxes."
By the way, it is incredibly important to note that in my histories install, after abandoning Severedcoils the dwarves from The Crypt of Castles formed a new government called 'The Fleshy Fountain.' I wish I was kidding.
Also, one of the gods from another of the human civs I've been in contact with, 'The Empires of Rasping,' holds a very peculiar dominion. I'm waiting to reveal that in narration, though!
Post by: The Architect on November 27, 2009, 12:15:49 am
Don't get excited, no update tonight. Just a few comments as I'm digging around through histories... still trying to find the source of the human-lead goblin attacks.
Wait, you're serious about that? I thought it was just part of your characterization and storytelling. Goblins kidnap other races during world generation, and those individuals become a part of goblin society. There's nothing to research. At most you might find the log where a specific human was captured, if those events are even recorded. Those humans exist as "Prisoners"/slaves within the goblin society, but they can lead military squads.
Post by: Doomshifter on November 27, 2009, 12:46:53 am
Don't get excited, no update tonight. Just a few comments as I'm digging around through histories... still trying to find the source of the human-lead goblin attacks.
Wait, you're serious about that? I thought it was just part of your characterization and storytelling. Goblins kidnap other races during world generation, and those individuals become a part of goblin society. There's nothing to research. At most you might find the log where a specific human was captured, if those events are even recorded. Those humans exist as "Prisoners"/slaves within the goblin society, but they can lead military squads.
In my latest fortress, EVERY SINGLE SQUAD has been human-led. And there's always been a single elf every year. The elf always ends up in my cage-traps and in the POW camp, awaiting the completion of my wonderful arena =w=
Post by: The Architect on November 27, 2009, 01:02:33 am
You know, I can't decide if my small number of sieges is due to one or both of the civs (orc or goblin) being far away and taking forever to arrive, delaying the time that the other sends a siege, OR
if it's just my imagination due to the 10fps I'm currently experiencing (HFS is KILLING me!)
Just so you know, it's sure as hell not wealth-related and my pop is over 140 thanks to births.
I am curious as to whether anyone can shed any light on that, and also curious as to whether a cave-in will smash SoF's. And as soon as those *@!#$!@ elves run out of good critters to bring me, I'm going to cut every damn lag-inducing tree down on my map! I have thousands no doubt, and I can only cut 100 or so a year... so I pick out a small section and hack it right after the elven noble has finished. Anyone know if the counter goes on during his visit, and if so does it count in the last year's total or the new year's total?
Post by: Quietust on November 27, 2009, 01:04:52 am
Furthermore, if they were born within the goblin civilization (e.g. two prisoners married), then they will have Goblin names, otherwise they will retain their original names. In my first successful fortress, I captured a dwarf Hammer Lord named "Zom Űrerkutsmob Ngoru Dedge", and he turned out to be a Local Leader - looking in Legends mode, two dwarves (with normal Dwarven names) were abducted from their civilizations and later married within the Goblin civ, and all of their children had Goblin names.
When you fight those abducted from other civilizations, said civilizations may then appear within your (c)iv list.
Anyone know if the counter goes on during his visit, and if so does it count in the last year's total or the new year's total?
The new counter appears as soon as you negotiate a limit, and the old one doesn't go away until you discuss your previous agreement. Note that you don't have to accept a tree-cutting quota - if you decline it, it'll make them unhappy, but it'll allow you to cut all the wood you want for the rest of that year (not exactly certain, but it's likely they'll be less angry about you refusing a quota than you accepting it and then violating it).
Post by: Grendus on November 27, 2009, 11:46:54 am
Don't get excited, no update tonight. Just a few comments as I'm digging around through histories... still trying to find the source of the human-lead goblin attacks.
Wait, you're serious about that? I thought it was just part of your characterization and storytelling. Goblins kidnap other races during world generation, and those individuals become a part of goblin society. There's nothing to research. At most you might find the log where a specific human was captured, if those events are even recorded. Those humans exist as "Prisoners"/slaves within the goblin society, but they can lead military squads.
If a goblin civ conquers a human civ, the goblins may have a lot of humans in their society. In one of my forts, every single squad was human lead. I was selling human skull totems to the human traders (which, I believe, was against their ethics but they never complained). Current mechanics for civ takeover merely have the two civs merge, as opposed to options like xenocide, slavery, serfdom, rebuilding, etc.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 27, 2009, 01:54:38 pm
Of course I know that gob squads can be lead by captured humies/dwarves/elves. I'm researching for the sake of the story. I find that the addition of actual world history is adding a lot to the flavor of this narration, so I'm not willing to settle for "Oh, they must have been captured." I want to find out WHO captured them, WHERE they came from originally, and WHAT HAPPENED to their relatives.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 27, 2009, 10:00:04 pm
-------------
"Ew, get it away!"
"Augh, stupid cave swallowman!"
"Save the children!!"
I walk into the clothing industry area and notice a commotion.
"Hey, what's all this about? Something about a cave swallowman?"
Cog Zocoldomas, dyer, threw his cave spider silk thread to the ground. "There's a cave swallowman here!"
I hefted my (Steel battle axe) over my shoulder. "Well, well! Where is it? I'll cleave its head clean off!"
"Over there," pointed the craftsdwarf ThÎkut Ninurkol. "We can't get our work done with it around!"
I walk over towards the wall where the assorted crafters were pointing. "Where? I don't see it."
Udil Vucaradil, Farmer, shouted "I's on th o'er side o' th' wall! I's 'orrible!!" Udil held her baby Mebzuth Febiden high in the air. "Take m' babe an' keep 'r safe!!"
"Whaaaat?!"
The jeweler îton Munčstlorbam interpreted "She said it's on the other side of the wall, and you should take her baby to make sure she stays safe."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"On the other-- are you kidding me?! That cave swallowman can't reach us! You aren't in any danger!"
"Oh, no Zon, we aren't worried about it attacking us," said ThÎkut. "That cave swallowman is committing a depraved act! It's whispering naughty words through a crack in the wall!"
"...Seriously. You've learned to speak their language?"
All four dwarves shuffled their feet awkwardly. Mebzuth the baby chewed on Udil's beard. "Well... not exactly," said Cog, "but if we could, we're sure it would be talking dirty to us!"
"Moi babe d'n't need t' b' 'earin' such bad sp'ch! She gon' gro' 'p t' b' th' l'g'n'd'ries' conv'rs'tion'list ev'r!"
"...Ok, really, Udil, maybe you should let the father Urvad Dodókäkil raise her if you want her to 'grow up to be the legendariest conversationalist ever.'"
"Wow, you understood her that time? I sure didn't..." îton furrowed his brow.
I take a peek through the crack, and see the beady eye of the cave swallowman Melbil Matchedhammers peeking back at me. He started scratching at the wall and clucking and chirping.
"Well, I don't know what it's saying, but you're right in a way. That sound is awful.
"What should we do, Zon?" asked ThÎkut.
I thought a while, then smirked. "Oh, I have an idea. You'll just have to wait and see."
Actually, this experience has given me two ideas. The workers are clearly easy to upset... sure they're ecstatic now, but I begin thinking of the distant future. Some day, these halls will be filled with consorts giving demands, and at some point we won't be able to accomodate them all. Rioting will erupt, and soon everyone will be at each other's throats.
I begin a secret project... This must also be kept secret from the king. I'm hesitant to write about it now. Perhaps I'll wait and let the results reveal themselves as the project unfolds...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
'Scuse me, bumped into another snatcher with my axe. Now where was I...
I forgot to make pipes for the exercise room, so I ask for several more of those. Freaking Tekkud the Tax Collector jumps on the bandwagon and asks for two more trifle pewter items. Seriously, this guy is more work than the count consort! More goblets, coming up... while they're at it, I see that the smelters are used to create more trifle pewter bars. The way this guy goes along demanding things made of them, we're bound to run out!
Imush the blind peasant makes a valiant effort at operating the pump, but can't seem the find the handles and decides to sleep on it instead. Poor Imush... he was a pretty decent marksdwarf when he had eyes.
"Cave swallowman! Yargh!!"
Asob Momuzzokun is yelling about the cave swallowmen too? Ugh, what-- oh!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
One of them actually did get inside! It must have got in through the weaver's access into the bottomless pit. Asob charges him, but Tekkud Usirudil the legendary stonecrafter reaches him first and kills it. Asob goes back to smelting, a new job she's opted to take on. Meanwhile, I decide it's time to start mining out the granite layers for cassiterite. We're going to need tin if we're going to make trifle pewter, and right now we don't have any source of it.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Oh, wait... found it! Hmmm... further inspection shows that there's a patch cropping out of the bottomless pit, too. Looks like we'll be good as soon as we tap into those veins!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Nomal Ibelurist reports a rare gem cluster containing both lapis lazuli and red flash opal! Now that's interesting... I've never seen two gems so close together before! I wonder if this is a sign from Logem, the god of minerals and jewels...
"Speaking of that," Asob interrupts.
"Asob! Are you reading over my shoulder again?"
"That, and I'm practicing my ambusher skill. Pretty good, huh?"
"Pretty good... for a broker."
"Har, har. Speaking of that, um, you should stop that science experiment where you keep having Dodók's kid intentionally cave in things. He's getting mad."
"But Asob, don't you see? I created matter! What if I could do that with adamantine?!"
"Actually, you just knocked down the rocks on the upper level. Take a look at your map sketches and observe the 10 loose stones between the two sections from what I can only assume was originally a wall that was then deconstructed. Come to think of it, I think I even helped deconstruct that wall!"
"Eh? No, but... but... stone... blocks..."
"Zon, I know you struggle with this, but you can't force it. Give it time. What makes you so doubtful, anyway?"
"Hum, let's see... Goblins killed my cat and my boyfriend, a giant bat killed six migrants before coming after me--"
"But you were dubious even before we made this trip out here. Surely, it must be something--"
"Something no one will ever know, and we'll leave it at that."
"...I see. Just remember, out of the entire fort, you and I are tied for most friends!"
"Most? I only have six friends..."
"Zon, 80% of the dwarves here have no friends. Most are lucky to have even one. The only dwarves in this entire fortress to have three or more friends are the King and the original seven who embarked here."
"...Oh... have I really kept everyone that busy?"
"There's a lot to do around here, I don't blame you."
"I kind of do."
"Well, at least you have your kick-ass underground island crypt!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"...Um, had. There was kind of an accident."
Asob shook her head. "You work yourself too hard. I always see you either fishing or chopping trees! Don't you ever get tired?"
I sigh. "Yes, I suppose... but there's walls to fortify, and booze to brew, and a river to find, and goblins to fight, and my secret proj--"
"Secret project? Oooh! Let's grab some wine and you can tell me all about it!"
"You and your strawberry wine... Somehow, Asob, that's really fitting for you."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 27, 2009, 10:01:05 pm
-------------
Hello Zon's diary! Zon needed to take a vacation, so I'm sitting this one in. I think she might be fishing over her future grave... kinda macabre, there. I hope she's coming down with a mood!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
No, no, no! The mist generator went empty! The water must have evaporated out of the system... blast it all! Well, not all things are perpetual... I'll have to have someone pull the lever and let the right amount of water in again.
Zon's cave swallowman solution is ready for testing, too.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Here, birdy birdy birdy...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A fey mood strikes an armorer! What luck! Hm, wait a second, didn't we have a piece of adamantine laying around somewhere? Yes, we have exactly one bundle of adamantine wafers! I forbid all metal in the fortress to force Zulban to use it as a base... after that, I unforbid only steel. I don't know if armor decorations count toward protection, but I know that fancy decorations aren't practical in battle.
This is so not my style... I mean, I've always DREAMED of seeing a proud dwarf riding into battle wearing solid gold plate mail, with hanging rings of Horn silver, encircled with bands of tin, and menacing with spikes of carnelian... on the item is images of beds and crosses... but Zon would be mad if I let something like that happen. It's impractical, and anyway, it's likely to get the wearer hurt. Even I wouldn't sacrifice a fellow dwarf's safety for the sake of art... well, unless their sacrifice of safety was the theme of said art... oh, blast, this is so hard to do! Stand firm, Asob... This is a rare opportunity. You can't give it up for petty vanity.
...Huh, he hasn't started... what's going on?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Meep.
Post by: Lord Dakoth on November 27, 2009, 10:16:37 pm
By the way, there's a messed up image link in the last post.
Post by: Quietust on November 27, 2009, 11:34:52 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 27, 2009, 11:37:14 pm
Not sure when the next baron is coming. If nothing happens by 15th Felsite, I'll be worried. I hope the caged goblins aren't stalling the next one...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 28, 2009, 01:51:18 am
-------------
"Sheesh, I can't take my eyes off you lot for a minute! Asob, what kind of mess did you get us into now?"
"It's not my fault! Zulban's down at the forge screaming for adamantine!"
"Ah, geez... either we deal with an insane dwarf, or a pit full of who-knows-what. Assign the champions down here. Leave the rest of the military upstairs - summer is only a few weeks away, and I'm expecting a siege. Hey, is that my dragon?"
The hammerer brushes by with Nelare Fedíofi Fonenelare, the surprisingly content dragon. "Zon," Asob explains, "I know you wanted dearly to execute the goblins with the dragon, but this takes precedence. The dragon could prove to be an invaluable defense against whatever's inside."
"Oh boy... how much do you think he needs?"
"From the way he's screaming about it, I estimate that Zulban needs three adamantine wafers. Well... he has one, so I guess we need to mine out two more urists."
"Sure, two urists here, another three there, and before you know it..."
"But Zon, think about it! If he's demanding three batches of wafers, the armor he's planning has got to be pretty good! There's a really good chance he might make plate mail!!"
"And the chances we're going to find something we don't like?"
"Zon, I can't believe one such as yourself would get so worked up over this."
"Then why did you order the dragon to be restrained down here? Look at you, you're scared too! You know something's going to happen."
"Look, Zon... There are rumors, nothing more! Still, we might as well take necessary precautions--"
"Rumors?! I'll tell you the kinds of things that lie behind--..."
"...Zon?"
"Nevermind. The dragon and our champions are fit for the challenge. Besides, it looks like we got lucky and started on the outer edge. I doubt we'll break it this time. Go ahead."
Asob - and the others standing by, for that matter - stared puzzledly at me. Rigňth Ĺmbim, one of our fellow miners who originally made the journey with us to Severedcoils, stood warily with (Copper pick) in hand. Asob nodded.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Silence. The halls did not respond to our tools on their walls as they had oh so many years ago. I heaved a deep sigh and relieved 'Other Grendus' and Urist Bardummon from their posts.
"Just get those to the crafts shops, then immediately to the smelters. Cancel all other jobs if you have to. Do not let Zulban go insane." I set an obsidian stockpile at Zulban's feet so that when the time comes, he'll have the best stone available. Then, I turn and leave with much on my mind.
This only hastens the need for my secret project... but the adamantine artifact, indeed, is the most important thing right now. Asob and I both work very hard to ensure the tedious task of strand extraction is done - it takes half the month, but it gets done. Asob herself smelts the last adamantine wafers, and no sooner does she finish than does Zulban come shoving past her - picking them up with his bare hands while they're still hot! The aroma of charred dwarf flesh fills the forges, but Zulban doesn't even seem to notice. This work will forever scar him - he's just lucky the chosen smelter was adjacent to his forge, and it was a very short distance to carry them. After getting the third batch of wafers, he shoots straight for the wood pile. Two more logs, a rough gem, and two-- alunite?! Come on, I had the haulers specifically leave you with a pile of obsidian! You want to use alunite?! Ugh... such potential, such waste.
I reassign the mining jobs I had previously ordered and wait for the secret rooms to be carved out. I try to think of a lie to tell the miners as to the purpose of these new rooms, but can't. I just simply won't explain it at all.
Summer comes... and no new counts have arrived. I catch King Minkot's eye for just a moment - impatience, bloodlust, murder - yep, just as I thought. Why should I be to blame for the counts not coming? Maybe they heard about what happened to the first one, I don't know.
-------------
9th Hematite, 207, Early Summer
-------------
Exactly one month since the beginning of Zulban's mood, he begins his construction. By now, most of the fort's denizens have heard of this ambitious project. Many of the children venture down to the magma forge to watch Zulban's work, everyone guessing at what he will eventually create.
Sibrek Kuletnitig, 'Abbeybites,' has a new demand... wait a minute, isn't that the Hammerer?! Apparently she wants a clear glass window in her bedroom... well, what the heck is a window without anything to look at? I think I know what a Hammerer would like to look at behind glass.
The human caravan from Pesor Siti is on its way, chasing some wild wolves away in their wake. I have some questions for Bujit when we get a chance to speak... well, okay, that would be after Mayor/Broker Asob has a chance to speak with him.
On 14th Hematite, a roar of cheers erupts from the magma forge. Could it be?
"Zon!" 'Barduk' the marksdwarf nearly tripped over a cave lizard on his way to fetch me. "Zulban's completed his masterpiece! It's... it's... it's amazing! You've got to come look, right now!"
I push my way through the growing crowd that's rushing down the stairs to gaze upon Zulban's latest work.
"Zon!" It's Asob, this time. "Zon, I can't see! Is it plate mail? Please tell me it's plate mail! He used three pieces, it has to be!"
"Don't get your hopes up, Asob! For all you know, it could be a boot!"
Zulban holds up his artifact for all to see. Oh! It... wow!
There's a thud nearby. I look... Asob has fainted. 'Tirin' picks her up and fans her face until she wakes up. She looks up at the artifact again, and her eyes practically bug right out of her head.
"That... that thing... oh my... carry the 1, times... um... UM..."
"Asob, what are you going on about?"
"That thing... it's easily worth... nearly 1.5 million dwarfbucks!!!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Whaaat?! No way!"
I push past the crowd to get a better look at the item.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
As I look upon it, I feel both elated and heartbroken. It's worth so much, and yet... it could have been worth much, much more. If only we had a spare yellow diamond lying around, or we had an obsidian stockpile closer to the forges... if only more pieces could have gone into it! I'm extremely disappointed that it didn't become plate mail... for that matter, I'm not even sure if the fact that it's adamantine makes it a better buckler. I suppose I shouldn't have hyped it so much... it's still a really, really nice buckler.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Our created wealth also jumps thirty percent in one shot. How do you like that?
'Archibold' is already carrying Troubledcalm, the legendary grizzly bear leather buckler, so the next appropriate champion gets it - 'Other Grendus' graciously accepts the adamantine buckler. Let's hope she doesn't lose it!
Post by: The Architect on November 28, 2009, 02:25:56 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 28, 2009, 11:12:04 am
Post by: martinuzz on November 28, 2009, 11:13:29 am
In my current fort, I have one champion wielding an artefact buckler AND an artefact shield, both adamantine. He is legendary armor user / shield user / wrestler, and grand master hammerdwarf.
The odd thing is, he is still listed as 'hammerlord', even though he is a champion. I can equip him with a hammer, he will take it in his hands fine, but somehow, he does not use it. He does not gain any more hammer skill. So I just had him drop the hammer, and he fights with the buckler in his right, and shield in his left hand. Renamed him to Shieldbasher.
He is seemingly completely invulnerable to damage. My pumped up goblins (size 10, damblock 5) can't seem to hit him, he blocks/dodges everything, including bolts fired by elite marksgobbos. He is not good at propelling goblins over a long distance, like my artefact hammer wielding dwarf, but he gets the job of single handedly taking out a squad of goblins done just fine. Hurray for artefact shields / bucklers!
Post by: Quietust on November 28, 2009, 12:30:25 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
One of the disadvantages of discovering Adamantine - once you find it, moody Metalworkers (weaponsmiths, armorers, blacksmiths, and metalcrafters) will accept nothing else. Other moody dwarves that just want to decorate their artifacts with metal, however, will still use whatever metal is closest.
Post by: The Architect on November 28, 2009, 03:16:36 pm
Post by: LegoLord on November 28, 2009, 11:14:21 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 29, 2009, 02:24:40 am
That doesn't seem right. I'm pretty sure I have seen my weaponsmiths screaming for metal bars and had to force them to use adamantine as a base material just recently, and thanks to that stupid garnerierite vein I pierced the clown car without ever finding adamantine beforehand. So since year 2 of my fort, we've been in adamantine. On the other hand, I have had one guy yell his head off for adamantine wafers. Will have to come back with more info; maybe I'm wrong.
It could be that the dwarf said "I want metal," but secretly picked a preference, and adamantine happened to be that preference. This has happened to me twice in this fort - once just now, when the dwarf walked past obsidian, basalt, dolomite, and gabbro in favor of alunite that was at least 80 tiles away, and again earlier for a dwarf that refused to use any gem other than milk quartz.
In the case of adamantine, I'd call it a bug because it's a little confusing to have "I want metal" sometimes mean "but only if it's adamantine" when there's already a specific preference for it.
Post by: The Architect on November 29, 2009, 04:38:22 am
It could be that the dwarf said "I want metal," but secretly picked a preference, and adamantine happened to be that preference. This has happened to me twice in this fort - once just now, when the dwarf walked past obsidian, basalt, dolomite, and gabbro in favor of alunite that was at least 80 tiles away, and again earlier for a dwarf that refused to use any gem other than milk quartz.
In the case of adamantine, I'd call it a bug because it's a little confusing to have "I want metal" sometimes mean "but only if it's adamantine" when there's already a specific preference for it.
Does the dwarf "Like Alunite"? If not, then the alunite was just closer in z-levels. DF does goofy things when choosing items, like neglecting a stockpile built against the side of a workshop in favor of items in a shop 2 z-levels above and a 15-tile walk away. I have indeed had experience with dwarves refusing to use any materials but their preferences/likes, but there are two reasons I think your stated scenario is very unlikely:
1) A dwarf with a preference for a material will eventually give in and use others in that genre before going mad; this is entirely different from "I NEED ADAMANTINE WAFERS!"
2) A dwarf can't have a preference for spoiler material.
Sorry for the lack of quote, but it didn't seem necessary as the post was right below Quietust's. In fact it was his statement that I was answering; it doesn't seem to be true in my experience that weapon/armor moods only accept adamantine as a base material once discovered.
Post by: Pandarsenic on November 29, 2009, 04:51:24 am
Post by: Quietust on November 29, 2009, 12:14:45 pm
1) A dwarf with a preference for a material will eventually give in and use others in that genre before going mad; this is entirely different from "I NEED ADAMANTINE WAFERS!"
2) A dwarf can't have a preference for spoiler material.
1. Not true - if a moody metalsmith has a preference for a type of metal, he might decide that he wants to use that specific metal, and if he's Fey, he will scream for that specific type of metal ("I must have trifle pewter bars!"); if you don't have any, he will go insane before accepting another type of metal.
2. My sources say otherwise (http://www.bay12games.com/forum/index.php?topic=6895.0). In fact, in my current fortress, my first Baron had preferences for both crystal glass and Adamantine, both of which were completely impossible to make (no HFS or rock crystals); sadly, he never got a chance to mandate the production of Adamantine items as he decided to start with crystal glass (and was promptly executed).
Post by: The Architect on November 29, 2009, 03:11:46 pm
Supposedly dwarves can't have a preference for something you don't have or can't get by trade in this version, or at the very least cannot demand it. This is documented, the most easy source being the wiki. If you didn't have rock crystal that doesn't prove that it is not on your map, and if you can trade for it then you can have demands for crystal glass. I would suspect you had a hint of adamantine on your map if a noble had a preference, but if not then he would never, ever demand it. For instance: if you have even a single patch of sand located at the bottom of an undiscovered underground pool, you can have demands for glass items.
Edit: Sorry again for derailing your topic, Kenbo. Still enjoying the writing, keep it up!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 29, 2009, 04:32:57 pm
Post by: Quietust on November 29, 2009, 05:54:12 pm
Post by: The Architect on November 29, 2009, 09:48:35 pm
Just asking for logic. It was supposed to be pretty light actually, not abusive at all. But it seems without tone of voice things can easily be misconstrued on a forum.
Post by: Quietust on November 29, 2009, 09:58:44 pm
Enough of this.
Post by: Pandarsenic on November 29, 2009, 10:00:08 pm
Post by: Grendus on November 30, 2009, 12:31:43 am
Wow though, artifact adamantine buckler. And my dwarf got it, awesome. Wonder when the epic battle with the [REDACTED] will be.
Post by: The Architect on November 30, 2009, 03:17:37 am
Post by: Grendus on November 30, 2009, 09:21:00 am
Post by: The Architect on November 30, 2009, 06:34:31 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 30, 2009, 10:05:22 pm
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"Zon!! My throne room, now!!"
I walk down the hall towards the king's chambers, my head held high. Passersby cower away from me as if I have the plague, as if the king's anger might rub off onto them and find their skulls under the hammer as well. Me? What have I got to be worried about? I'm sure King Minkot has a little steam to blow off, and I'm pretty positive I know why, and it isn't my fault.
I step into his chambers. He is standing in the corner, frowning at his ≡Basalt,≡ +Gabbro,+ and clear glass weapon racks. Probably wondering why I didn't have ¤Aluminum weapon racks¤ installed for him. He paced back and forth, appraising the flaws in each one with great scrutiny.
"Do you know why I need five weapon racks in my quarters, Zon?"
"Probably because of all the battles you were in, your majesty."
The king stopped mid-pace, and narrowed his eyes. "You speak often with the historian Dodók Cloisterinches the Geared Guile of Waving. I am certain, then, that you are aware that I have not been directly involved in combat."
I consider, briefly, taking a seat on the edge of Somberswallows the Odorous Typhoon, the Garnierite bed crafted by Asob, but again I am disgusted by the name of the horrid thing. "You are correct, oh wise one. Your mother was Domas Ulzestvucar, known by the humans as 'Wrungurns,' a farmer in the colony of Staffrhythmic, and later an animal dissector, and later still a guard of The Axe of Strikes. Your father was Libash Etostsazir, 'Containbridged,' and he became a ranger in Staffrhythmic in 44, and became King of the Swift Arches in 163. You were born in 164, and followed in his footsteps to become a ranger by 179."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"You know me better than I do, Zon. I am pleased to see that you've taken such great interest in my past. However, it will take more than that for me to forget your insults."
"Alright, forgive me for mentioning your lack of combat. I meant nothing by it."
"That's only your most recent insult-- not counting your neglecting to call me 'your highness' just now!"
"Sorry, your majesty, you didn't let me finish."
"Mmm... Zon. I am beginning to suspect you are growing... insubordinate of me. Would this be an accurate assessment of our situation?"
"Your grace, if I may speak freely?"
"You may."
"You have given me but one order - one order this entire time. Murder the barons and counts and dukes, and keep their consorts happy. I have done this with dignity and sealed lips. None know of what happens in that bottomless pit."
"Oh, ho! Don't they? What of the masons who built the narrow path? What of the mechanic who personally assembled the lever and hatch mechanisms? What about the weavers who daily venture in and out of the bottomless pit for silk, only to gaze down upon that platform and wonder about its purpose? It is my opinion that you have done nothing to obscure this project's visibility from the public."
"Of course not, your highness. This is intentional. You see, if the laborers do not sense that I have something to hide, then they will suspect little. I hide the trap in plain sight, and the people do not question it. Surely, something that is so easily found couldn't be put to such gruesome use!"
"Hrmmm... I do not like your logic, Zon. There are murmuring. This I know, for I speak to the workers each and every day. There are many rumors about its purpose, and some have even guessed correctly - I, personally, have been called upon time and again to lie to them and convince them otherwise. I tell them it is a holy site, and one day a grand hero will travel here to cleanse the lands of goblins once and for all. They shall enter the chamber and pull the lever to receive the anointment of Limul - should Limul reject the would-be hero, they are dumped into the bottomless pit, never to be seen again. The true hero will be one who stands after his blessing of rain."
"That's a great story, your royal smartness, but now if a noble survives, the people will expect them to become their hero."
"That sounds like your mess to clean up, Zon Rimtarothil."
He abbreviated my title on purpose! He can't do that! I... I earned that name! With sweat and blood and steel, I protected this home with my life! He can't just remove Afentumam from my name... can he??
"This, however, is even less a grievous insult than the one which wounds me most. You have failed to produce a corpse this year, Zon! How do you explain this?"
"May I speak freely, your highness?"
"No. I shall suffer no further disrespect from the likes of you. You shall give me sound reason, and you shall do so with the respect I deserve."
The king kicked the clear glass weapon rack against the wall. It clattered to the floor, and he seemed genuinely surprised when it didn't break. Unsatisfied, he approached me menacingly. "You listen to me, Zon Rimtarothil. I am your King. You do not speak to me like a commoner! You do not embarass my presence with your XX(cave spider silk clothing)XX and your underhanded, smart-mouthed tone!"
"You were asking about your five weapon racks, your highness," I interrupt him with perfect timing between sentences - just before he was either going to order me to bow to him, or to be executed. "They are symbolic of your parents and siblings, am I correct?"
"My-- what? What are you talking about? I am an only child - the only heir to the throne of The Swift Arches!"
"But, your majesty! You are the fourth child of the great King Libash Etostsazir and his wife Domas Wrungurns! You have two sisters, Dodók Daggersaviors and Erush Portalbeaches, who are both very old and wise yet still alive."
"Stop at once..."
"And of course, your elder brother Medtob Sensedstockade, born only four years before you. I wonder, though, why they have been removed from your personal records. It's all right here..."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"So help me, Zon, you will take these secrets to your flooded grave!"
"I swear it, your majesty. You have absolutely nothing to fear from me. These halls confine your secrets, and take it from me... there isn't another soul amongst The Swift Arches willing to keep those secrets from the public for you, or to protect your throne without question of your controversial mission."
"And how do I know you won't betray me?"
"Because I have no interest in your power, your majesty."
"No, I know you don't... power isn't what drives you, Zon. It's fame. From the beginning, it's always been about being remembered as something more than a fisherdwarf. And who in the lands is more famous than the King himself?"
"But my lord, I am quite content-- nay, ecstatic with the level of responsibility I currently have. I needn't any more."
"Pray then to Limul that you do not find your way under my suspicious eye again, Zon Rimtarothil. Good day."
The farewell bow is the one gesture I can't marmot my way out of, and I make a pretty good show of doing so before exiting the room.
"Hi, Zon!" Asob, of course, bounds down the hall to hug me. "Hey, you're not dead or on the way to pull the lever, are you?"
"You. Drink. With me. Now. We need to talk about some new arrangements." Before she can protest, I haul Asob along to the drink stockpile to grab our favorite wines.
((Commentary))
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: riffraffselbow on November 30, 2009, 11:12:40 pm
dunno if you've seen this before or if you're just acting in character, but:Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Nomal Ibelurist reports a rare gem cluster containing both lapis lazuli and red flash opal! Now that's interesting... I've never seen two gems so close together before! I wonder if this is a sign from Logem, the god of minerals and jewels...
(http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/941/15071580.jpg)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 01, 2009, 12:46:39 am
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"You need to be more careful, Zon. What are you doing making such powerful enemies??"
"Nevermind that... There are far worse threats lurking below us than the King."
"You mean..."
"Adamantine."
I gulp down the rest of my dwarven wine, which was more than half of the +Alunite mug.+ Asob fidgets with her -Birchen cup,- having barely sipped her strawberry wine.
"Zon... is there really something lurking behind those walls?"
"Oh, believe me... there is. And as greed overtakes this fort, and as moods continue to drive crafters to wanting more, we'll get closer. I've seen it once before. Very few of us abandoned the fortress in time. The rest..."
"Oh my..."
"I was traumatized by the things I had seen. Somehow, after years of hydrotherapy--"
"You mean, having someone dunk you repeatedly underwater?"
"...Yes, that... somehow I've managed to... repress those memories. But it cost me my faith... after what I had witnessed - whatever it was - I... just haven't had the same trust in the gods."
"You mean you don't remember what you saw??"
"I remember blood... lots of blood, and death, and screaming. And... no! Don't make me recall it..."
"Alright, alright! Um, let's talk about something else then! So what are these arrangements you were talking about?"
"The arrangements! Right. They're almost complete, actually. You've probably noticed a modification to your dining room recently..."
"Not really, no. I've been sleeping in my old 1x2 and eating in the main dining hall. For old time's sake."
"What? Why would you do that?"
"Um, because the sound of all that construction you have going on right beneath me is too noisy?"
"Oh... sorry. Well, you're going to love what I've been doing down there! Come on."
We venture to Asob's dining room. My dining room contains the same modifications, but I start with hers.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"The hardest spot was picking the right spot for the hatch. Every square urist in this room is engraved, and I didn't want to ruin any! But I noticed the engravers haven't touched the rock beneath your table and chair, so I moved the chair aside to put in a hatch."
"A hatch? Well, where does it go?"
"I'm glad you asked!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Wow! Is this what I think it is?"
"Yep! Secret bunkers, built right into our dining rooms. If things get too dicey, we just hide out in our own private rooms and wait it out. There will be stockpiles of food and booze, masterpiece furniture to keep us happy, and the entryway will be secured with a retracting bridge over a small pit!"
"What if we fall into the pit?"
"I'm going to drop a pick inside each one. That way, if we or anyone else we think is safe to keep falls in, we'll allow them to dig themselves out!"
"And, um... why do the rooms have to be separate?"
"Well... look, above all else, I'm fearing a tantrum spiral. Some day, theoretically there will be too many consort demands for us to keep up with, and the whole place will break into a riot. Many of our friends could be killed, and... well, I don't want us to hurt each other if we go mad."
"Aw! That's thoughtful. But we shouldn't be the only ones with these bunkers. You need to build several individual bunkers for important workers, like miners and farmers."
"Yes, in due time. Look, Fikod Rigňthishen is digging the pit right at this very moment!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Crud."
Knowing I'm likely to forget later, I shoot a hurried order for Fikod to build a bridge across the gap so that he and Nomal Ibelurist the Engraver can get back across. I race upstairs and take a look at the field of battle.
"Wow... two squads to the west, and one north, south, and east of us-- they came from all sides."
The goblins have come in nearly double the force of the siege of Autumn 205. There are seventy-one invaders total as opposed to the last siege's forty-one... There isn't time to count every single rank. I hurriedly recruit some of the workers. There are plenty of obsidian swords by now, so I give them those. I keep the recruits inside the gate, protecting the caravan. We needn't waste their lives unless absolutely necessary.
Archibold, just recently out of bed from his injury, runs up to me as if his leg was never broken. "Zon Rimtarothil! Humans are reported amongst the enemy again!"
"What did you call me?"
"Err... Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam. I thought you were never truly attached to that name...?"
"Nevermind, it isn't important at the moment. Somehow, I knew we weren't done seeing humans amongst the goblins, but this is the first time they've appeared during a siege - and hey, would you look at that, they've come while the humans of Pesor Siti are here trading with us. What a coincidence."
"Dodók Cloisterinches the Geared Guile of Waving says that they all come from Smoszmzolak, 'The Released Sins.' I say I'm running out of space to put notches on my (≡«-Iron flail-»≡)!
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1844-71goblinsiege-part1) ((Movie)) "Then make some room on your Steel high boot! Just get out there and bring me some goblin bones!!" (https://youtu.be/CmseRInPXTw)
There's a lull in the fighting. Enough time to count bodies... Five dead on our side, including three champions... oh, no... thirty-eight other corpses, but this includes dogs and goblins. Twenty-one invaders still on the loose, again not counting the six we now have caged. Many, many injured on our side. Reports indicate the goblins are still coming.
"Everyone regroup! Here come the rest of them!!"
We wait for quite some time. Another puppy trap is set off by a group of mostly speargobs and lashers. We watch them come very close to the gate, stall a moment, and then change their mind and turn around.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1845-71goblinsiege-part2) ((Movie)) Archibold screams. "Don't let them retreat! Show them no mercy!!" (https://youtu.be/ROaghRLwBSw)
Enraged with battle vigor, and glee for their hard-fought victory, the militia come back hooting and hollering.
"Aah, if only there were more goblins to kill!" 'Other Grendus' laughs.
"Oh, but there are. The birds have been eyeing them up hungrily for quite some time now..."
The militia grin and nod in understanding. ((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1846-71goblinsiege-part3) ((Movie)) Once and for all, Olngö Dospoem Tokxemösmlo Smaxa, goblin axe lord and local leader, is put out of our misery. (https://youtu.be/VL1VAn9uPcQ) Only four major players remain amongst The Released Sins - their ruler, two high priests, and one with the peculiar rank of "Goblin."
"So, Archibold," Asob inquires, "how many kills are you up to?" I find this surprising, considering her writings about Archibold before. Perhaps she's had a change of heart?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Fifty-six notable kills and seven rhesus macaques... Included are both local leaders of The Released Sins."
"Hm? You don't sound as enthusiastic about it as you used to."
"Yeah, well..." Archibold solemnly wiped some guts off of Kobembetan, 'Troubledcalm,' the grizzly bear leather buckler. "When I hit fifty, I kind of realized that it quit being fun somewhere around thirty-five. I mean, there are only so many ways you can snap a tibia... splattering goblin brains in a brilliant spray of purple and grey matter just doesn't have the same thrill as it did the first time, y'know?"
"Oh, no! You're not thinking of retiring, are you?"
"I couldn't. I have a reputation to live up to, people who aspire to fight like me. I'm an inspiration from the fortress, and for once I'm not trying to be an arse about it. A fortress needs heroes to drive others to become heroes themselves."
"Well... in that case, you'd better go back to playing the crowd!"
"Ah... yes, yes, that part never does get old! Fifty-six, everybody!! Who's gonna top that?! I'll tell ya! Nobody! Hahaha!! Round of drinks for everybody! Meet ya in the statue garden - let's try to get that grizzly bear drunk again!"
In celebration, the workers re-elect Asob Momuzzokun as mayor of Severedcoils! This calls for a round of dwarven-- err, make that strawberry wine! Oh, wait... they're already getting rounds. Well, whatever, I'll take two then.
((Commentary))
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 01, 2009, 12:47:47 am
dunno if you've seen this before or if you're just acting in character, but:Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Nomal Ibelurist reports a rare gem cluster containing both lapis lazuli and red flash opal! Now that's interesting... I've never seen two gems so close together before! I wonder if this is a sign from Logem, the god of minerals and jewels...
(http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/941/15071580.jpg)
A lot of my acting in character is drawn from my own experience, so yes, that really was the first time I had seen two gem clusters together. Seeing three is even better! What gems are those?
Post by: Pandarsenic on December 01, 2009, 03:52:27 am
Post by: The Architect on December 01, 2009, 06:39:39 am
Archibold is going to die of Retirony, isn't he? ._.
Not a chance! Of course if I wanted my dwarf to be the ultimate badass I'd request a sword user from Kenbo, but I don't see Archibold dying to anything less than a megabeast or perhaps a lucky fireball. On the note of "true champions", my favorite little swordmaster has 92 kills without participating in any more battles than the other champions. It's amazing what one guy with the ability to instantly sever limbs can do! No one else will even get close to that count. I may remove all of his armor and dump him in the arena with a half-dozen named orcs and goblin local leaders and a Titan and a Dragon and see what happens. Still looking for that dragon. And with the Dwarf Companion I can team them up against each other, etc.
I recommend Dwarf Companion if you want to check out just how badass your dwarves really are. For instance: my starting miner is now at miner skill 28: that's legendary +18, even though after +5 it has no effect beyond stat increase. You can see all kinds of coolness with it, and cheat if you are so inclined. I loaded it to end an endless fall bug.
How would you feel about people writing little side stories or goofy narrations between your legit reporting, Sir Calrissian?
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 01, 2009, 01:00:36 pm
Quote from: The Architect
How would you feel about people writing little side stories or goofy narrations between your legit reporting, Sir Calrissian?
Like, fanfiction? That sounds awesome, but please do it in a separate thread - if you want to link to it whenever you make an update, that's fine. I'd like to keep the flow of the story intact for the sake of future readers.
Generally, I'm cool with the level of commenting on the story we have right now - in fact, I encourage the feedback. Seriously, if there was absolutely nothing going on between posts, it wouldn't be worth it for me to put the amount of time into an update that I do - notice that the updates are getting longer, even though much less time is passing in-game between them. That's partially due to having FPS of 25, but it's also because I'm seeing overall that this style of narration is working out. I'm OK with seeing game tips every now and then, too. Also, I recall a long time ago (like, page 2) somebody mentioned fanart. I definitely don't have a problem with seeing that in this thread since it's more than likely to enhance the story rather than deviate from it.
Things that generally aren't related to the core story, like in-depth conversations about game mechanics, I would prefer separate threads for them. You're more than welcome to post a link to a new thread if you want. On occasion, I do this myself, for example I posted in the Questions thread about the deflection bonus on the artifact adamantine buckler. I just haven't been linking back to them; I probably will in the future. Fanfiction falls under this category since I won't consider it canon, but I'd love to see it anyway - and if it's particularly well-written, I might make references to it in story, in which case those references would become canon ;)
(By the way, reminder for Legon: You can choose a different dwarf if you want to name another. I'm not sure if you missed me saying this earlier, but I intend to keep the sheriff in veggie state to protect my dwarves from justice harm)
Post by: Grendus on December 01, 2009, 02:35:32 pm
Archibold is going to die of Retirony, isn't he? ._.
Not a chance! Of course if I wanted my dwarf to be the ultimate badass I'd request a sword user from Kenbo, but I don't see Archibold dying to anything less than a megabeast or perhaps a lucky fireball. On the note of "true champions", my favorite little swordmaster has 92 kills without participating in any more battles than the other champions. It's amazing what one guy with the ability to instantly sever limbs can do! No one else will even get close to that count. I may remove all of his armor and dump him in the arena with a half-dozen named orcs and goblin local leaders and a Titan and a Dragon and see what happens. Still looking for that dragon. And with the Dwarf Companion I can team them up against each other, etc.
Not bad. My current strongest dwarf was Zefon. The save crashed and I didn't have a backup, so she's lost to time, but she had over 300 kills to her name including the killing stroke on a GCSQ from Dig Deeper. She tended to end up with a lot of kills, she was the leader of the squad "The Long Merchants" who were my default squad for patrolling against ambushes and snatchers. Most noteable was the time when, with a mangled right leg from battling one group of bow orcs (killing 7 and crippling 4 more) she hobbled back across the map with her two remaining Merchants to join my other squad in battling the hammer and spear orcs. While shrugging off the pain of a mangled leg, she killed the two elite orcs, smacking one so hard he exploded 20 urists away. All without her baby shield getting hurt. In another amusing anecdote, one time she chased a goblin master thief across the map to get her baby back. Two squares from the edge, she finally caught up and curbstomped the goblin - one hit kill. I may just not have seen it, but I swear never got a head from that guy.
Post by: The Architect on December 01, 2009, 05:52:02 pm
So I take it a little short journal in between updates from Archibold to keep the flow going wouldn't really be desirable. In that case I'll stick to reading. I wasn't planning on adding to or modifying the plot, just some humorous private thoughts of your most favorite homicidal maniac. If you do want to open the floor for that at some point, I could spoiler them and note that they aren't cannon each time, but I really don't want to go into creating a separate thread.
Post by: riffraffselbow on December 01, 2009, 07:03:24 pm
indigo tourmaline, cat's eye, and heliodor.dunno if you've seen this before or if you're just acting in character, but:Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Nomal Ibelurist reports a rare gem cluster containing both lapis lazuli and red flash opal! Now that's interesting... I've never seen two gems so close together before! I wonder if this is a sign from Logem, the god of minerals and jewels...
(http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/941/15071580.jpg)
A lot of my acting in character is drawn from my own experience, so yes, that really was the first time I had seen two gem clusters together. Seeing three is even better! What gems are those?
so yeah, not *especially* valuable ones, but definitely better than average (Cat's Eye and Heliodor are 20x and the Tourmaline is 25x. For reference, Diamonds and Star Rubies/Sapphires are 60x, regular rubies/sapphires/emeralds are 40x, clear glass is 5x, crystal glass is 10x, etc etc
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 01, 2009, 09:26:25 pm
No update tonight, and I don't know about tomorrow. I've been getting hit over the head with some crazy deadlines at work lately... today I worked from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM with unpaid overtime, with half of that time spent trying to track down a bug for a customer that ended up being because they jacked up their database somehow.
Post by: Kyronea on December 02, 2009, 12:15:37 pm
Post by: The Architect on December 02, 2009, 06:38:52 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: Grendus on December 02, 2009, 07:59:36 pm
Also, I can't help myself. I'm putting off studying for exams... think I'll copy The Architect.
Thoughts of 'Other Grendus'
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: The Architect on December 02, 2009, 10:49:07 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 02, 2009, 11:17:10 pm
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Trading went sort of too well with the humans... I've sworn off trading the goblin items if they haven't been worked over by the craftsdwarves. Not only is it undwarfy, but it hurts our exported wealth. We did this in the early days of Severedcoils to build up a stockpile of metal bars and materials our grumpy consorts would need, but now we generate so much wealth of our own that this is no longer necessary. I've been weaning us off of narrow items pretty steadily over the years - the last two years, we traded almost none, and this year so far we have traded nothing that wasn't a product of a dwarf's work. And yet, we made so much wealth from giant cave spider silk crafts that we didn't even need the several large dwarven syrup and quarry bush leaf and cheese roasts. They're sent back to the stockpiles and forbidden - maybe the Swift Arches will want them in the autumn.
For some time, I consider building walkways over the main entryways to the fort. The purpose would be to create a square and fortify only the inside; that way, marksdwarves can shoot into this central square without harm from behind. It would also link the barracks with the guard tower, and currently they're a really long distance away from each other in terms of walking distance. The problem, however, is that this will create an 'inside' area underneath the walkways, and dwarves taking refuge following the 'stay indoors' order will end up standing along the outer rim of what would become the main battlefield. Hmm...
"Help! Why is there a cave swallowman in my room?!"
Oh dear, is that Tekkud Lenodmeng, the Tax Collector? Where's he settled, anyway? I completely forgot about him.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Ooohh... I must have placed him in the baron's room in the interim! The tax collector successfully strangles the cave swallowman to death, then turns his attention to the strange door in the rear of his room.
Just as his hand touches the nob, I shout "That door is forbidden! You can't go through there, and neither can anyone's pets!"
"Why? What's back there?"
"Um..." I think a while, then recall the one thing he absolutely detests most. "Fire snakes. Hordes of them. You don't want to see it."
"Eww!! Fire snakes? Why are there fire snakes behind that door??"
"Because everybody absolutely detests them, and no one wants to get near enough to get rid of them. Why, do you want to get rid of them for us? That would be great."
"Eww, no! I won't dirty my hands for something like that!"
"Why? You killed the cave swallowman so easily, what's a fire snake to you?"
"A fire snake is the most vile creature in all of the World of Typhoons! Why, it is so low, it cannot even crawl, for Logem - of whom I'm a faithful worshipper - did not see fit to give them arms or legs!"
Sheesh. Talk about dramatic! "Oh... well, too bad. Guess the door has to remain forbidden, then."
"I'll say! Are you sure the door is low enough to the ground? I don't want any snakes slithering underneath and biting me in the night!"
Tekkud can keep the baron's death room for now. Somebody might as well be using it...
The puppy traps are reloaded with groundhog pups. I realize that dogs are more valuable as war dogs, and there really isnt any reason for us to have ground hogs in the first place. When meat runs low, we butcher horses and camels. Why in the world do we have groundhogs?
Speaking of animals, there sure are a lot running around these days... There's litters of giant eagle chicks, wolves, groundhogs, and two-humped camels on the loose right now. I'd really like to cage them, but I also want to see us get a fair number of each of these animals. Besides... an old friend from before I moved here told me she used to live in a fort that used wolves as part of a goblin trap. I'm intrigued and want to try it, but first I need to acquire a lot of wolves.
I set the furnace operators to work smelting specialty metals for the nobles. We need Trifle Pewter and Black Bronze... ugh. Two of the most worthless metals, and we need to smelt a bunch of it.
The secret hideouts are nearing completion. Furniture, food and booze in separate stock piles, and the bridges are made. Let's check the progress...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Um... oh, I guess it's not so secret anymore. Maybe carving out that garnierite vein will keep the workers guessing? 'Clearly, a noble wouldn't settle for having a big misshapen hole in the side of the room,' I'll say. I hope that works...
Post by: The Architect on December 02, 2009, 11:28:56 pm
Post by: Pandarsenic on December 03, 2009, 12:02:54 am
Why don't you wait to satisfy their demands by smelting bars? You know that works, right? I keep all my aluminum ore raw now thanks to a highly annoying noble who likes aluminum things. Wants 2 aluminum items? I smelt two bars! Or make a set of mugs if I have no ore left.
Post by: The Architect on December 03, 2009, 12:14:03 am
Is that a qft or something?Why don't you wait to satisfy their demands by smelting bars? You know that works, right? I keep all my aluminum ore raw now thanks to a highly annoying noble who likes aluminum things. Wants 2 aluminum items? I smelt two bars! Or make a set of mugs if I have no ore left.
Post by: Pandarsenic on December 03, 2009, 12:28:41 am
Post by: The Architect on December 03, 2009, 01:50:06 am
Pretty much yes.
Cool! I feel so gratified.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 03, 2009, 01:19:49 pm
Why don't you wait to satisfy their demands by smelting bars? You know that works, right? I keep all my aluminum ore raw now thanks to a highly annoying noble who likes aluminum things. Wants 2 aluminum items? I smelt two bars! Or make a set of mugs if I have no ore left.
To me, that feels like an exploit. So does selling raw narrow clothing, I know, but since the entire point of the challenge for some reason isn't panning out as fast as I'd hoped, I feel like I need to set other challenges along the way.
Post by: Grendus on December 03, 2009, 05:03:03 pm
You seem to speak from the point of view of someone who has read the thread and knows the whole plot ;)
Kenbo commented on there being a rumor about the nature of the room, but you're right about mentioning the king. I wasn't paying attention. It's edited now, better fits a paranoid dwarf who's heard rumors.
Post by: Pandarsenic on December 03, 2009, 05:05:16 pm
Why don't you wait to satisfy their demands by smelting bars? You know that works, right? I keep all my aluminum ore raw now thanks to a highly annoying noble who likes aluminum things. Wants 2 aluminum items? I smelt two bars! Or make a set of mugs if I have no ore left.
To me, that feels like an exploit. So does selling raw narrow clothing, I know, but since the entire point of the challenge for some reason isn't panning out as fast as I'd hoped, I feel like I need to set other challenges along the way.
I always just figured it was the nobles being too dumb to tell the difference... ._.;
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 03, 2009, 06:00:30 pm
Post by: Quietust on December 03, 2009, 07:50:33 pm
Why don't you wait to satisfy their demands by smelting bars? You know that works, right? I keep all my aluminum ore raw now thanks to a highly annoying noble who likes aluminum things. Wants 2 aluminum items? I smelt two bars! Or make a set of mugs if I have no ore left.
To me, that feels like an exploit.
I personally think it's acceptable, specifically because nobles can mandate the production of pig iron or bismuth items, where smelting is the only way of fulfilling them.
Post by: riffraffselbow on December 03, 2009, 07:51:34 pm
also, can't you make furniture out of bismuth, quietust?
Post by: The Architect on December 03, 2009, 09:44:57 pm
Nope. Can't make a blessed thing out of it, coins/studs included.
But you can make magma-safe bridges out of your pig iron bars! Not that it counts for production purposes but it does put the crap to use when you have no flux. I've got a pile of it from importing and hoping to request flux from my liason, before a garnerierite vein right through the HFS ruined my dream with a HFS queen.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 05, 2009, 05:50:24 pm
I'm not saying updates are coming to a dead stop, but they're definitely slowing down, and unfortunately the quality probably won't be as good since I won't have as much time/energy to devote to them. Hopefully things should calm down by January (I'll have a little more than a full week of vacation to spend by then too, so that will be great for updates), so just bear with me a while.
Sorry to slow things down even more than they already are. Hopefully I get another baron soon, it feels like this challenge should be much farther along by now. I'm thinking I probably should have abandoned at start and reclaimed with 70 dwarves to get a head start on it... I've never reclaimed a fort though, so I don't know how well that would have worked.
Post by: Pandarsenic on December 05, 2009, 09:19:57 pm
Post by: The Architect on December 05, 2009, 09:47:50 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 05, 2009, 11:32:04 pm
-------------
Our 'secret' bunkers are coming along nicely. I see that the workers have their priorities straight, of course; The drink stockpiles are almost full, while the food stockpiles are pretty much still empty. As the barrels come in, I forbid them, ensuring that we'll have drinks. Everybody knows about the project by now, and many are coming down here to take the booze. Fortunately, nobody's questioning the odd location and the bed rooms and dining rooms they need to walk through to get to them... some are also enjoying the dining rooms.
I designate a path for some water so that we can get wells. Only after they're dug, I realize I forgot to force the water through a crack to depressurize it, so I have some walls constructed to make it happen.
I notice a lot more activity around the drink piles than expected. I check to see why and... huh.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Apparently, the workers have discovered a more efficient way of stacking barrels. Now why couldn't they do that upstairs?
Oh, and we finally fulfilled the demand of Sibrek Kuletnitig, the Hammerer. You want a clear glass window in your bedroom? We deliver.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
What good is a window if it doesn't look at anything? I did Sibrek a favor and had somebody drop a hoary marmot skull behind the glass, right next to his bed. Watching. Always watching. While you sleep, Sibrek. It will never stop watching you...
Obok črithkodor, one of the masons who originally embarked here with us, had a run-in with some wolves while trying to refresh a cage trap that caught one of them. Fortunately, he escaped unscathed, and they didn't appear interested in him anyway.
I came to my room and found a note on my +Basalt throne+ from Asob.
Hi Zon!
The bunkers are coming along really nice, but construction sure is dirtying the place up! Could you please make me 2 tin items to offset the mess that the diggers and haulers are making?
Thanks a bunch!
Asob ☺
I crumple up the note in disgust. Really, Asob, do you think you're a baron or something? I'm starting to think this Mayor business is getting to her head - and she knows it's a bother, otherwise she'd have asked me directly rather than scratch an engraving in my throne to tell me to do it! I grumble and order up some tin flasks at the forge. While I'm at it, I notice a startling lack of picks and order up a pair. These will be needed for the pits beneath the bridges in the entryways to our bunkers.
Sheesh! Even Pesor Siti's representative, Bujit Quispeptamed, is in the spirit of making demands!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Not just any musical instrument... green glass musical instruments! What a bizarre request, and from a bizarre source. I am later told that they are to be special showpieces for an orchestra ordered for the promotion of human local leader Lelgo Kudpakadi, a human Master Lasher. We'll be sure to forge lots of glass drums. I'd be surprised if they get more than one use from them! I hope he realizes we don't have any decent glass makers around here...
No sooner than the tin flasks are made than does Inod mandate the construction of three picks. Heh... what, did she hear that I was already making two, and decided to one-up me? Sheesh... I add one more pick to the queue to shut her up.
We celebrate the turn of autumn with the execution of the prisoners of the last siege.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
This should keep morale up until the inevitable siege...
-------------
16th Limestone, Early Autumn, 207
Right on time... and again, the goblin siege prevents the caravan from The Swift Arches from arriving. I was really hoping for another shipment of giant cave spider silk, but it wasn't meant to be.
Eight hammergobs, thirty wrestlers, one axegob, eight swordgobs, one guard, ten bowgobs, six lashers... sixty-four goblins total. I was hoping the deaths of their leaders would have reduced the size of their attacks! At least they're all coming from the south-east this time.
...Hmm, something doesn't seem right though.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I knew it! At some point, we encountered a new goblin civ - this is the third one yet! I ask around quickly, and many confirm that the Dungeons of Dye had been in contact with us at the beginning of Autumn, but not the beginning of Summer. So... maybe Dodók Cloisterinches the Geared Guile of Waving was wrong, and that siege last season was actually from the Dungoens of Dyeing? You'd think they could at least wear a flag or something so we can tell them apart.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
This is all we got? Oh dear... we had a lot of injuries last season. I didn't realize so much of our military was down! I wonder how we'll fare...
Hold on a second... Is that Udil Nefekdastot standing out near the pond? Why is she disobeying my orders?!
"Udil! Get in here unless you want to get killed!!"
"But I'm attending a meeting!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Attending a meeting?! With who, your untimely demise??"
"With Logem! I am a dubious worshipper, but he's explaining some things to me!"
"Oh, well that's just great! Could you kindly ask him to save the revelation until after the siege?!"
"Sorry, but you know how gods are! He's right here in the water, and I don't know if he'll be there when I get back! Funny thing, he looks exactly like me!"
"No, actually I don't! Get over here now-- and bring your axe!"
"...You're putting me on duty??"
"Do you want to die a hero, or an idiot??"
I recruit and station Udil the untrained carpenter deep within the fortress... and then unrecruit her. Honestly! The stupidity of some dwarves! Talking to her reflection in the water and thinking its her god??
The goblins are getting much, much smarter. The bowgobs take to high ground that doesn't have easy access, but has a great vantage point on the enclosure where the warriors are stationed.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1862-siegeautumn207) ((Movie)) I hurry and move the soldiers onto the first drawbridge; we'll have to rely on a slightly different tactic this time! (https://youtu.be/VCyrhumQLD8)
Archibold chases down the remaining goblins from these packs, surely aiming to maintain his lead in highest kill count. Meanwhile, the group of swordgobs and some wrestlers appear to remain indecisive. One of them was shot down by one of the marksdwarves, and the rest decided to huddle together near the gopher they've slain. Maybe they're keeping warm with its corpse. Most likely, they plan on fleeing as well.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1863-siegeautumn207-part2) ((Movie)) I decide not to let that happen. (https://youtu.be/tyXlY4y9C7Q)
'Other Grendus' is lauded for killing seven goblins in this year, bringing is kill count to eleven. He's now tied for third amongst champions. Archibold's kills for the year 207 have risen to a staggering twenty-seven, and his total kill count is sixty-six notable kills and seven rhesus macaques.
It seems that Barduk the marksdwarf is responsible for the early kill of the swordgob party, bringing his total to three.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 05, 2009, 11:38:19 pm
It seems that you handicapped yourself by using a civ far from your site of choice. Given the time it took just the first baron to show, you're in for a hell of a wait each time.
Are you sure it's not stalled by having prisoners in cages? If it really is because I'm far away from my civ (it's still within the territory, but it's on the outer edge), I'm sort of tempted to start over... or do something else with this fort.
Post by: Pandarsenic on December 06, 2009, 02:31:06 am
I crumple up the note in disgust. Really, Asob, do you think you're a baron or something? I'm starting to think this Mayor business is getting to her head - and she knows it's a bother, otherwise she'd have asked me directly rather than scratch an engraving in my throne to tell me to do it!
Zon... crumpled up an engraving on the throne?
Daaaamn.
Post by: LegoLord on December 06, 2009, 07:30:23 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 06, 2009, 12:18:16 pm
I crumple up the note in disgust. Really, Asob, do you think you're a baron or something? I'm starting to think this Mayor business is getting to her head - and she knows it's a bother, otherwise she'd have asked me directly rather than scratch an engraving in my throne to tell me to do it!
Zon... crumpled up an engraving on the throne?
Daaaamn.
Normally I'd go back and edit, but you're right - that sounds pretty badass. I'm going to leave it ;D
Quote from: LegoLord
Hang on, has the dwarven caravan come since the last baron died?
No, but I've had sieges in both autumns so that's not likely to be relevant.
Just curious, why are you asking?
Post by: LegoLord on December 06, 2009, 04:11:33 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 06, 2009, 04:30:22 pm
With three goblin civs on my civ screen now, chances of the attacks lightening up aren't very good. I haven't checked histories lately to see where the last two sieges came from, but if they're now alternating between goblin civs then I have a lot of delays ahead of me...
Post by: LegoLord on December 06, 2009, 04:49:06 pm
Oof... thanks a lot, goblins!! So, on top of possibly having a long wait for the baron to actually reach the fort, chances are he/she probably hasn't even left yet because of the dwarven caravan being held up.Actually, it's probably just the goblins, not distance.
You could try having sieges disabled when autumn starts until the caravan arrives. That'd eliminate the grind from the challenge.
Post by: Firnagzen on December 06, 2009, 07:37:16 pm
What good is a window if it doesn't look at anything? I did Sibrek a favor and had somebody drop a hoary marmot skull behind the glass, right next to his bed. Watching. Always watching. While you sleep, Sibrek. It will never stop watching you...
I, uh. That is awesome.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 07, 2009, 12:54:12 pm
Oof... thanks a lot, goblins!! So, on top of possibly having a long wait for the baron to actually reach the fort, chances are he/she probably hasn't even left yet because of the dwarven caravan being held up.Actually, it's probably just the goblins, not distance.
You could try having sieges disabled when autumn starts until the caravan arrives. That'd eliminate the grind from the challenge.
Well, if no one objects, I'm willing to try it next year. I'm kind of proud of how this siege turned out so I don't want to revert the save to beginning of season, but then again the challenge kind of depends on it...
Easiest way to do it is call a vote. Would you, the readers, rather I revert the save to start of autumn with sieges turned off to get the caravan, or play it as it lies?
Post by: Thief^ on December 07, 2009, 01:07:05 pm
Post by: Quietust on December 07, 2009, 02:03:00 pm
"Rumors?! I'll tell you the kinds of things that lie behind [the Adamantine]--...".
Is this just a statement about the general horrors that lurk within, or does Zon happen to know exactly which type of clowns are hiding within the funhouse?
Because if she does know, she's not the only one...
Should you find it necessary to dig out more adamantine (in case further moods require it, and they very likely may), I would advise using the trick of smoothing the walls and carving fortifications to reveal the tiles beyond - the fortifications can be mined out to get the stone, and clowns won't path through them (though they may cause a lot of lag nonetheless).
Post by: Lord Dakoth on December 07, 2009, 05:53:19 pm
I'd keep going, and do it next autumn.Ditto.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 07, 2009, 07:52:41 pm
Looking back at an earlier update, I noticed the following quote by Zon:
"Rumors?! I'll tell you the kinds of things that lie behind [the Adamantine]--...".
Is this just a statement about the general horrors that lurk within, or does Zon happen to know exactly which type of clowns are hiding within the funhouse?
Because if she does know, she's not the only one...
Should you find it necessary to dig out more adamantine (in case further moods require it, and they very likely may), I would advise using the trick of smoothing the walls and carving fortifications to reveal the tiles beyond - the fortifications can be mined out to get the stone, and clowns won't path through them (though they may cause a lot of lag nonetheless).
No, I have no idea what's in there. Truth be told, this is my first time dealing with HFS, so I'm trying to be extremely careful about it. I've tried to keep Zon's statements about her HFS experience as generic as possible so they could apply to any flavor. Why, is there some clue about what's inside that I've missed?
I wouldn't have thought of the fortification trick... and so far, neither has Zon or Asob, so it would be really odd for them to suddenly think of it. So for an added challenge, I'm going to wait until the Philosopher that you've claimed arrives to tell me to do this ;) Speaking of which, where is that guy?
((FYI, this is me just now getting home from work, where I arrived at 7:30 AM. Update unlikely, it takes a couple of hours to get a good story segment posted and I'm likely to pass out before then))
Post by: Quietust on December 07, 2009, 09:33:00 pm
The Philosopher is claimed to arrive at around 100 population, usually around the time the fortress becomes a County. Chances are, you might not get him/her until you become a Duchy, though even that can take a long time (Rhymestakes didn't become a Duchy until the population was close to 200).
As a possible explanation as to why a Philosopher would be able to solve practical (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipYkuCZ2IYI) problems (as opposed to stuff like "What is beauty?"), perhaps (s)he realized that it would be more useful to broaden one's horizons. Perhaps said knowledge was gained at a previous (abandoned) fortress where the technique had been used.
Post by: Grendus on December 08, 2009, 05:25:20 pm
Post by: The Architect on December 08, 2009, 08:53:06 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 08, 2009, 09:40:30 pm
-------------
Oh, so much blood!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A testament to our almost flawless victory over the goblins. If only we could paint the entire mountainside red!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
It's a shame we've embarked on red sand. It makes it hard to see the blood.
During the siege, I had the miners dig out a few more square rooms near the craft shops and the forges. These will become stockpiles for armor, clothing, metal ores, and such. Purely administrative work, nothing interesting going on here...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Huh, for some reason a bunch of war dogs and a puppy have gathered around Nomal Ibelurist to watch him gather sand. There are six war dogs, one is standing on top of the other, and both are standing on top of Nomal. I... I think I'm going to walk away and find something else to look at.
After I'm done vomiting over the scene, I assign the stray work dogs to owners. I hadn't realized we had so many war dogs just wandering around unowned!
It's apparently puppy season, since three war dogs simultaneously gave birth to puppies! Weird, I didn't know dogs could synchronize like that... must be the whole 'breeding through spores' thing. It also must be wolf season, because somehow we've managed to catch three wolves using the same cage trap this season. Alternating between leaving it sit in a good spot and stationing military to scare the wolves away seems to be yielding high results!
Asob requests even more Tin items. Seriously! I don't even know where she's been all this time. I've seen her hauling animals around all season, but she hasn't stopped by to visit in a while. Maybe she's just really busy... making demands. Really, I'll be happy when somebody else gets elected. No offense, but getting demands from her of all people really gets on my nerves.
There's some exploratory mining going on. I'm still in search of that underground river.
But first... a final testament to our dwarves. ((Movie)) Let us honor their might with the fire of our greatest victory, the captured dragon Nelare. (https://youtu.be/_cM8XtzevHY)
Post by: Lord Dakoth on December 08, 2009, 10:05:51 pm
I would like to suggest that the next megaproject have something to do with glass. Lots of glass.
Post by: darkflagrance on December 08, 2009, 11:00:13 pm
Post by: Quietust on December 08, 2009, 11:53:26 pm
Wait till you meet the Baroness Consort with a fetish for Crystal Glass and Adamantine, and constantly demands [Item in Room].
I had one of those in my last fort, though it was the Baron, not the Consort. Especially annoying because Rhymestakes was in the middle of a tropical forest, nowhere near mountains, and there were no rock crystals. I built a very special execution chamber for him and his wife.
[edit] Out of curiosity, what do you plan to do when a Consort issues an impossible mandate (crystal glass, or perhaps exotic animal leather items) and Zon gets sentenced to be hammered? With the number of Consorts you intend to collect, it's not a question of if, but when...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 10, 2009, 01:03:06 pm
[edit] Out of curiosity, what do you plan to do when a Consort issues an impossible mandate (crystal glass, or perhaps exotic animal leather items) and Zon gets sentenced to be hammered? With the number of Consorts you intend to collect, it's not a question of if, but when...
That's already taken care of. Zon is Superdwarvenly Tough as a result of being in combat several times and counting inventory. The pump room is essential for working my dwarves up in toughness so they can survive the hammerblows. Asob, her backup, is up to Extremely Tough now, so she could use little more time exercising. The pump room still only has two pumps because I don't want to delay production any more than necessary, but I'll install more later.
Now that you have me thinking of it again, I may forge a silver war hammer, forbid the Hammerer's hammer and all other hammers in the fort, and force her to pick up the silver one. Better yet, I'll probably take a wooden hammer from the elves - same damage output, but it's more fun to think of the hammerer running around the fort with a wooden paddle.
Post by: elizar on December 10, 2009, 01:59:44 pm
Could I claim a dwarf? :P My only requirements is that the personality includes Greatly appreciates art and natural beauty. or Can easily become absorbed in art and the beauty of the natural world. and make him/her an engraver. Elizar if male, Eliz if female.
Post by: Quietust on December 10, 2009, 02:50:53 pm
Now that you have me thinking of it again, I may forge a silver war hammer, forbid the Hammerer's hammer and all other hammers in the fort, and force her to pick up the silver one.
That may get tricky, since the Hammerer doesn't seem to seek out a war hammer when not currently wielding one - you might have to wait until someone is actually sentenced to receive hammerstrikes before the Hammerer will attempt to fetch a new weapon, or you may just end up with a Hammerer that forever dispenses justice using fists.
Also, do not underestimate how much damage a steel war hammer can do in the hands of a Great Hammerdwarf - even in full armor, 5 hammerstrikes can still deal serious damage, as seen here (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-169-hammerstrikesonsteel).
Post by: Grendus on December 10, 2009, 10:03:45 pm
[edit] Out of curiosity, what do you plan to do when a Consort issues an impossible mandate (crystal glass, or perhaps exotic animal leather items) and Zon gets sentenced to be hammered? With the number of Consorts you intend to collect, it's not a question of if, but when...
That's already taken care of. Zon is Superdwarvenly Tough as a result of being in combat several times and counting inventory. The pump room is essential for working my dwarves up in toughness so they can survive the hammerblows. Asob, her backup, is up to Extremely Tough now, so she could use little more time exercising. The pump room still only has two pumps because I don't want to delay production any more than necessary, but I'll install more later.
Now that you have me thinking of it again, I may forge a silver war hammer, forbid the Hammerer's hammer and all other hammers in the fort, and force her to pick up the silver one. Better yet, I'll probably take a wooden hammer from the elves - same damage output, but it's more fun to think of the hammerer running around the fort with a wooden paddle.
Hate to burst your bubble, but elves don't use hammers. They bring bows, swords, and spears, but no hammers. And I don't think the hammerer will pick up a new hammer if you get rid of his/her old one. Just make sure to get rid of the steel warhammer, that thing can easily kill. You could also arrange for the hammere to have an "accident" - non lethal, but crippling. Or you could seal the hammerer in one of the panic rooms. He'll be able to live in there for years...
BTW: love the skull behind the glass. Brilliant.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 12, 2009, 12:07:22 am
-------------
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Vabôk Dodókibel, former planter and now legendary woodcrafter, met with humiliation today as a fey mood wiled him to create this thing. What a disgusting, cheap--
"Zooooon!~" I heard in a singsong voice.
Oh, great. "Yes, Mayor Asob, what would your royal majesty like this time?"
Asob skipped over to peek at my diary. "Oh, no Zon! You've missed so much detail! You can't just make such a brief, passing mention of one of the chronicles of our history!"
"You actually like that dried out chunk of wood?"
"No, it's hideous. But that doesn't stop it from being an important part of our culture! Haven't we accomplished quite a bit since your last writing?"
"Not really... I mean, there's a lot of stuff under construction, but I normally don't write about that until it's done. Besides, I thought you were concerned about me writing too much, and now you want me to write more?
"I demand that you write more!" Asob did a little bounce, as if happy with herself.
"Seriously, Asob, what is it with you and these demands all of a sudden? You're getting to sound like a noble!"
"I'm a mayor! That makes me a noble, right? You got my note I left on your table, right?"
"Yes. I crumpled it."
"Crumpled it? It was written in stone!
"I'm mighty, what do you want? A physics lesson? Anyway, hope you're happy with tin bars. Cassiterite isn't easy to come by around here; so far we've only come across two veins, so you're just going to have to live with tin bars. You're lucky we have that."
"Well, just wait until we get demands for things we don't have, like crystal glass! What'll we do then?"
"I don't know... King Minkot's orders are to keep the consorts alive, so we're going to have the take the hammer blows and hope they aren't fatal... maybe we can fool Sibrek out of her steel, or lock her in one of the bunkers until the consort forgets. You were just joking about that diary mandate, right?"
"No, no, no! You need to write about what we've been doing this season! Your last update was so brief, I hardly thought it was worth taking the time for it!"
"You've been reading my diary??"
"It was sitting on your +Basalt throne,+ I didn't think you'd mind!"
"Who gave you permission to just come in and start messing with my stuff?"
"King Minkot, of course."
"Of course.... fine, I'll show you what we're working on, even if it's not complete. Since you demanded so nicely..."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We're aggressively searching for that underground river now on level -2. When we reached the brook, I decided that we need to wall off the exit points before proceeding into the next hill to keep siegers from getting in. This provides the added bonus of giving us safe fishing spots in case we're ever trapped underground for a long period of time.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The giant eagle roost is getting impractical to build and it just feels unreliable to me, so I'm trying a different approach. Now, we're building a box out of kimberlite that will house caged wolves, giant eagles, and whatever other vicious animals we can find. When the goblins come to our door, we'll pull a lever to open their cage and the floodgate, releasing dangerous critters all over the battlefield.
This is a variation of a wolf trap created by a friend from Cometnet, a fort from another continent. In her version, the wolves were kept underground and protected by a lever-controlled hatch, and the cages could be fed through underground passages. Personally, I prefer having only one entrance to the fort, and I've held firm to this rule since the beginning. I might be tempted to break it, however, with the next construction.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We've channeled out many of the access ramps south of our entrance, and we're building a wall at the edge to prevent archers from firing down onto our troops. The siege this season revealed a very dangerous threat to our fortress by giving the enemy archers this huge advantage, so we need to take that advantage away from them.
This wall might eventually be used as part of a walkway between the two guard towers, but this presents two problems to me. Number one is that this would connect another entrance to the fort to the outside world, one that leads directly into our food and booze stockpiles. The other, which I find more serious, is that the overhanging area would create a shaded zone that the workers might think is 'inside,' so when I give the orders to stay inside some might take shelter in the little strip of grass beneath the walkway. It would be very nice, however, to not only connect the two crossbowdwarf towers, but line the inside with fortifications to allow crossbowdwarves to fire in on attackers from more angles.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The bunkers are more or less complete. We even have a well in each one! The only thing left is to link the lever to the bridge in the southern room, and to get some picks into the bridge pits. There seems to be too much work to do for the time being, and nobody is moving those picks down there where I need them! After all, we're still cleaning up from the mess left from two huge sieges in a row.
Finally, Vabôk Dodókibel decided to horn in on the fame of 'The Deified Furnace' the adamantine buckler by putting two images of it on this stupid piccolo. There's been no end to the ridicule from the other workers about it, and I don't blame them - and for once, Asob and I are in agreement over a piece of art!
"Nicely written! Now, we need two more tin items, please."
"What?! I've fulfilled that order for you three times already!"
"Zon, we can never have enough tin."
"Tin is practically worthless! How much of it do you want?!"
"Well, we don't have a prison yet. You should make some tin cages--"
"No, I won't! We have eleven unused cages in this fort already; we do not need more! And for that matter, we certainly don't need a prison!"
"But Zon, the consorts will get upset if their justice can't be carried out!"
"I... but... we haven't had a single imprisonment yet!"
"Because there's nowhere to put them, of course!"
"And I'm not about to change that if we don't need to! We'll worry about it later. There are more important things now, and their absence isn't bothering anybody yet."
"Well, ok, just make me some bars then."
"Ugh... if you insist."
((Elizar, none of my engravers appreciate art at all... how about that? You're in luck though, the most recently appointed champion greatly appreciates art and beauty! I'll formally introduce him at the start of the next siege. Let me know if you want something else.))
Post by: The Architect on December 12, 2009, 04:56:54 am
And I greatly enjoyed your update of the story. The little touches like the skull behind the glass and the dialogue over the tin are really entertaining.
Post by: elizar on December 12, 2009, 05:52:00 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 12, 2009, 10:20:36 am
You know that "Stay Inside" actually makes dwarves stay on Subterranean tiles, not Inside tiles, right?
No, and I don't think that's correct. I've had lots of problems in the past with overhanging tiles that were dwarf-built. I had half of a small castle built entirely outdoors, and whenever I'd give the orders to stay inside, not only would dwarves be content to hide inside the building, but some were content to hide under overhanging walkways between towers exactly as described here - in fact, once they reached one of these squares, they would remain there, because there's no way to path to the keep proper without going back inside - and why should they? Their orders are stay inside, and that's where they think they are.
Post by: Quietust on December 12, 2009, 12:46:32 pm
Post by: The Architect on December 12, 2009, 02:12:45 pm
I don't know why, but Woodcutting can be problematic as well. Not sure about Plant Gathering.
Once I figured that much out, it was easier to keep track of.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 14, 2009, 09:10:30 pm
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Friends can be a wonderful thing. They're always there for you, they joke with you and cheer you up, and they make frequent demands for tin. Ah, tin... only base rocks are worth less than you, and yet the ore we need to make you is oh so hard to find. Allow me to list all of the things I would love to make with tin:
""
That was a hard list! I almost couldn't fit everything on it. Doubtless my partner in crime will snoop into my room and read this, casually believing that what's mine is hers. What a spiritful, carefree personality she has. And confident, too, believing that she can do whatever she wants around the fortress without a care in the world! Ah, if only I'd have thought ahead and made the hatches that are connected to the lever out of tin...
Also, Inod wants a black bronze chest in her room, along with two other black bronze items. Well, the chest can count for one. What's she going to put inside it; her ego??
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Not counting the cage that caught the giant eagle, this has been the single most successful trap in the history of this fortress. In Autumn alone we caught five wolves with this one trap! I placed it here years ago because I noticed mountain goats roaming through the area, but in autumn there was a pack of wolves that was content to roam around the area and we caught every single one. Whenever a wolf was caught, I would first send a few of the militia to chase the wolves away, stationing them around the trap but not pursuing. The wolves would move aside, making it safe for one dwarf to haul the cage away next to the kennels where I assigned, and for another to reload the trap. As soon as that was done I'd relieve the guards, and invariably the remaining wolves would move right back into the area and soon we'd catch another. Rinse, repeat, reload.
No sooner do we have her black bronze items constructed than does Inod mandate another pair of black bronze items. Really! What gives? Forget it, we're just making her a couple of bars. I've decided that this is appropriate, considering the eventual lack of materials we'll soon face.
The one good thing I can say about early winter is that on the 15th, we struck Carnelian, which of course is my favorite color. We're doing lots of digging, and still no sign of that river! I really have no clue where it might be, but I would have expected to find it by now. The one place we haven't searched extensively is under the western hills... what an inconvenience that would be! It's bad enough the brook is way over there, what good would a river do if it was in the same place?
We did hit a vein of native copper underground, which is great. So far, we've been getting all of our copper from above-ground veins that were visible upon embark, which tends to be slightly dangerous. The giant bat from our days of yore still haunt my dreams... not so much the bat, but rather the dwarves it killed as they tried to immigrate here. They never stood a chance...
Speaking of not standing a chance, we're not likely to get any more immigrants at this rate. We're still considered a death trap, which is technically true, but not for commoners! Well... except for last autumn. That was our worst year yet.
King Minkot organized a party at a green glass statue. Surprisingly, this is the first time in a very long time that anybody's scheduled a party! The king doesn't do this very often, which from what I've come to understand is extremely unlikely of nobility. I might poke my head in for a spell, or I might not... I'm not sure how I feel about it right now.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We've finally breached the Western hills, and almost immediately Asob reported great success. We found green zircon, a semi-precious gem seen commonly around here but not lately, followed immediately by native aluminum! Time will tell what other treasures lie in wait here.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 14, 2009, 09:22:55 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
ACK!!! Nooo, get away get away get away!!
Post by: Quietust on December 14, 2009, 11:55:45 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 15, 2009, 08:50:40 pm
Post by: Lord Dakoth on December 15, 2009, 09:01:47 pm
Post by: LegoLord on December 15, 2009, 09:10:52 pm
Three years?? Ouch, that's painful just to read. Did you decide to disable invaders?At least roughly two of those years have already passed though, fortunately.
Post by: Quietust on December 15, 2009, 09:33:10 pm
Unless the 3 year estimate already took that into account.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 16, 2009, 05:09:48 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 16, 2009, 06:43:42 pm
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Busy, busy, busy! We've checked level 2 quite thoroughly for that underground river. No sign of it, but we did hit another patch of aluminum and a few other random gems. I see we have a lot of rough gems lying around, so to keep the workers busy I assign lots of gem cutting jobs. I'm careful to leave enough rough gems left in case a mood demands it.
As we cleave through the earth, I notice the dwarves are spending a lot of time journeying to the extreme ends of our mining tunnels to get their stones, metals, or gems, despite closer ones being nearby. Rather than move on to the next level right away, I assign several new paths to be cut to reduce travel time so that the workers spend more time working.
We built another enclosed passage through the brook, connecting the southern and new western tunnels together. Level 2 now contains a giant circle-path with many intersecting passages. Also, I took notice of a stairway that was being used heavily even though it had few exits. New connections are being added on all three dormitory levels to streamline traffic flow.
Unfortunately, all of this has the undesired side-effect of allowing the workers to get their jobs done more quickly, thus leaving more time for parties. Hmm... my ruthless drive for efficiency may be the death of us in the end.
Winter begins to wind down, and I start preparing sketches of the new fort layout for spring. The entire winter has been quiet without a single hiccup, so I don't expect any distractions. I politely forbid my door, take a seat in my +Basalt throne+, slabs of slate in hand, when suddenly--
NEEIIGH!! ¤CRUNCH!!¤
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I push by the gaping onlookers to see the gate trap engaged-- and there, lying unconscious on the pressure plates that trigger them, is Imush Solenstettad, the eyeless ex-marksdwarf. All of his pump work still hasn't cured him of narcolepsy.
The neeiigh, I'm told, was a horse by the name of Sodel Olinemen-- oh, great, it had a name! It was crossing the bridge just as they raised, and the horse happened to be in the one place where it could be crushed by the bridge.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Tekkud Usirudil, legendary stonecrafter, and a giant eagle chick are dusting themselves off in the pit 1 z-level below, lucky to be alive. This suddenly reminds me that I forgot to install spikes in that floor!
I look again at the bridges and notice that something is wrong. The idea was for both bridges to close inward, creating a cage in the middle. And yet, the inner bridge seems to have been incorrectly installed as retracting. Oh, well...
All work is stalled while Imush lays unconscious on the pressure plate. This is the only way into the fort, so nobody can get in or out. Workers take to complaining and cancelling their jobs, probably going to parties... I take to throwing things at Imush to wake him up.
Hours later, he finally stands up.
"Huh... where am I now? Hmm, I'm thirsty. Think I'll go-- whoa, there's no ground there. Where am I??"
Imush takes a step off the bridge into the space that should be a raised bridge. The pressure plate deactivates.
*squaaaw!*
Meanwhile, a giant eagle chick eager to get to her mommy caged in the kimberlite nature trap outside decides to fly over the gap at exactly this moment. The retracting bridge suddenly appears!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Ugh... so much for having a totally quiet winter. Imush and the giant eagle chick are fine, just embarrassed. I look around, but as of yet don't see anyone particularly upset over the loss of their horse. Meh, if they don't care, neither do I. They have plenty of mist and statues and chained animals to console them, anyway.
((Map)) Anyway, spring's finally here. (http://mkv25.net/dfma/map-7656-severedcoils)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 20, 2009, 01:58:38 pm
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The Elven caravan from Elenúaye is on its way. The thing is... there isn't really anything we need.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We have more than enough seed and booze, a fair amount of rope reed cloth which we aren't using anyway, and too many animals. We're pretty self-sufficient by this point; the only things we really need from traders is a variety of metal bars, which the elves don't supply. Nevertheless, there are several items of narrow junk still left in the trade depot, so in the interest of getting rid of it I feel compelled to send it off with the elves.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Aaaaaand one of the elves decided to crawl all the way to the depot, wasting my precious time. He isn't wounded, he just crawls around hissing at people the entire way. It isn't even that dwarves are stepping over him, he crawled all the way from the edge of our borders to the depot!
Nemo Imazadene, one of the elven merchants, catches me watching the peculiar crawling elf as he enters. She approaches with her nose turned up high in the air.
"Ahem... Hasn't anyone taught you it's rude to stare?"
"And hasn't anyone taught that one that it's rude to hiss at dwarves while crawling around on all fours?"
"That's Saló Thécemifava, a controversial revolutionary in our midsts. A recent celebrity, elven tales are woven each day of his latest exploits."
"What's so revolutionary about him? That he acts and smells like an animal? I thought you all did that."
"What's wrong with acting and smelling like an animal? It's better than acting and smelling like rocks..."
I'm about to cleave this elf's head off with my (Steel axe) when Asob intercepts the argument. "Nemo! How wonderful to see you again. We have some wonderful narrow clothing for you, if exotic clothing is in your interests!"
"Ah... yes, that will do nicely! We shall hang their clothing from the trees as trophies of our goblin kills!"
"You mean our goblin kills," I interrupt.
"Hey, you're selling them. Unless there's a contract on them dictating the way we will use our new property, you can't tell us what to do with it!"
Saló Thécemifava crawls up and hisses at me, licking his lips like a feral dog.
"Oh my," Asob exclaims. "Is this Saló, the revolutionary you told me about last year?"
"Yes," said Nemo. "One year and two weeks ago, Saló began his non-sapient diet, proving to elves all across the forests that it is not necessary to eat the sentient to survive. The elven nations are in an uproar about it, as his experiment finely divides the line between those who enjoy eating the intelligent, and those who receive severe indigestion from devouring their thinking kills."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! You mean you've brought a crazed elf starving for sapient flesh inside my fort?!"
"Actually, Zon, it's King Minkot's fort. And it's fine - he's resisted the urge for a year now - he's not likely to snap all of a sudden!"
I feel a tug on my chin. I look down, and Saló the sapient-hungry elf is gnawing on the end of my beard.
"No! Bad Saló!" Nemo pulls from her (large Rope reed long skirt) a purple berry and squeezes it, squirting the juice in Saló's eyes. He hisses and withdraws from my beard.
I grumble. "Yes... well... in that case, I have to go chop some-- err... rock. Chop some rock, yes."
Asob disappears without warning. The elves and I stare baffled at the spot she used to be in, neither of us capable of offering an explanation. A bit later, she reappears inside the trade depot.
"Asob, what did you just do??"
"Huh? I went to get a drink. I needed some strawberry wine."
"Did you teleport there??"
"No, I walked! Silly Zon. Dwarves don't teleport, and if they did, I doubt anyone could even explain how or why."
I shake my head and go outside to chop some rock. Asob proceeds to buy out all of the wood and ropes, the one barrel of Longland beer they brought, their dye, and their barrels, in exchange for half the narrow garbage that was cluttering our depot.
Actually, I wind up asking the other miners about this strange disappearing/reappearing act. If anybody else would have noticed it, it would be the miners, since she spends a lot of her time out-mining even the legendary miners. Fikod is deep in the mines somewhere, so instead I turn to Rigňth Ĺmbim, 'Yawningsling,' one of our original embarking miners who has taken a short break from digging to practice her hobby of making silk crafts.
"Aye, Asob is a fast one! I oft' challenge her to diggin' contests jus' so I can get a look at her style! I've been tryin' to find some sign of her cheatin', or usin' some sort of magical artifact, but I see nothin'! Somethin' ain't right about her, Zon. She's Superdwarvenly Fast, I tell ya! One minute she's diggin' a hole, then she's gone, then she's back with her -Birchen cup- full of strawberry wine, and she's right back to diggin'!"
Other rumors circulate about Asob's strange teleporting power that she seems to have developed, but no one is sure exactly when it started. It took me this long to notice, probably because I've been suspiciously avoiding her the past few months... which I probably shouldn't be doing.
Yet more rhesus macaques swarm in, trying to take some of the goblin loot. I really should let them, just because the workers have been hauling items for half a year now and still aren't any closer to having the yard free of detritus, but it's the principle of the thing! You can't just allow random wild animals to walk in and take things! What does that say about your dwarfiness? I send several militia out to take care of them and gain a little experience. I even kill one myself!
Two new babies are born, and a baby grows to become a child this season. Sadly, no parties are thrown for any of them. As much as I dislike parties, I do think the children at least deserve something in their name for special occasions such as this.
I know! We'll throw an execution!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Welcome to Severedcoils, children!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 20, 2009, 03:57:24 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Elizar, a fine champion with eleven kills including the titan Anetha Grizzlyelder the Numbers of Aging, finds me as I'm felling the tallest rock-- I mean, tree I can find.
"Zon! He's found it! Fikod Rigňthishen found the underground river!"
"Finally!! Where is it?"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"It's on level 2, like you thought, just south of the chasm."
"Figures... I went all the way around our boundaries, and there it is in the last place I thought to look."
"Well, everything is in the last place you look."
"What are you, a freaking philosopher?"
"Well... I, err, thought I'd fill in since we don't have one?"
"Your job is killing things with ruthless efficiency."
"Oh, and I'm very good at that! But I'm also a dabbling philosopher."
"Yeah, ok. If you'll excuse me, I have some mining orders to hand out."
I order some stairs to be dug up and around the damp stones so that we're sure we won't be flooding anything, and...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
There it is! And what a convenient location, too! If I'd have known it was here sooner, much of the fort would have been designed differently, for instance the wells that came all the way from the brook. For now, I can definitely get some pumps working to draw water up into the count execution device so we don't have to lug it up with buckets any longer. We can also increase the water output to make it a surefire kill, and maybe we can even work it into a better waterfall than the one we currently have!
Speaking of waterfalls, the river falls down a two-story waterfall, heads south a short distance, then goes down another waterfall that goes twelve stories before sinking beneath the earth into a bottomless pit. And it looks like there's some native platinum sticking out of the wall on one of the deeper levels!
Post by: elizar on December 20, 2009, 05:24:34 pm
"Well, everything is in the last place you look."
"What are you, a freaking philosopher?"
"Well... I, err, thought I'd fill in since we don't have one?"
"Your job is killing things with ruthless efficiency."
"Oh, and I'm very good at that!
After a rough day at work, this made me laugh. :D
Underground river! The possibilities...
Post by: Quietust on December 22, 2009, 09:12:28 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 22, 2009, 12:55:39 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 22, 2009, 08:33:05 pm
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Műthkat Sibrekshoveth, Engraver cancels Drink: Taken by mood. She takes over a craftsdwarf shop and, unfortunately, grabs the nearest basalt stones instead of the obsidian piled a short distance away. Looks like the new gem stockpile wasn't cleaned in time... oh well! Nothing a little stone forbidding can't fix... or so I think. I've forbidden a great deal of gabbro and basalt in the fortress, and now even though the obsidian is closer she keeps getting cheaper stone! Stupid moods... It gets so bad that I resort to designating most of the available doors to be built around the stairways for future ease of forbidding. Eventually, I give up and let her use her worthless gabbro. At least I've stopped her from using regular cave spider silk...
We caught a second cougar, finally! It remains to be seen whether this one is a female to go with the male we already have restrained in the bestiary. We also caught a hoary marmot... big deal.
The groundwork for a direct route to the baron baptismal chamber has been laid out. I make use of diagonal cracks to reduce water pressure, that way even when pumped the water shouldn't be forced to go anywhere I don't want it to.
Obok črithkodor is becoming insubordinate. I decided to install two weapon traps in the pit beneath the bridge trap, but even though Obok is standing directly on top of one of them, he insists that he cannot reach the construction site. Perhaps it's because he can't stand adjacent to it to arm the trap... what's wrong with standing diagonally from it?? Do I have to dig out a hole and then fill it in with a wall so you can put together the last piece?! Ugh... These laborers should be happy they elect Asob mayor and not me, because I'd be sending the hammer to bust down their doors while they sleep for this kind of behavior.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We have more than 99 bars of nickel lying around. Why do we have more than ninety-nine bars of nickel lying around? It probably has something to do with forgetting that I left a smelting order on repeat for an indeterminate amount of time. King Minkot scolded me ferociously for the mistake, so now I need to find a way to make use of the surplus metal. It turns out that nickel bars make a cheap and effective shield when placed against ground-level fortifications, so that's what I do. After constructing these bars, we have... wow, still over ninety-nine of them. Whoops...
Meanwhile, Műthkat finishes her artifact.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Paintshank! I have to admit, I love the name. It comes off as a decently priced artifact, at a cool 61,200¤. Unfortunately, Műthkat didn't gain any experience from the crafting process, probably because she got all weird and withdrew from society. At least she's still a Legendary Engraver.
I take a look at the trees growing around the fort... wow, they sure are thick. A quick survey finds that caravan wagons can't even get through that thick forest. That's not good... We could chop them down, but that's too mundane. Think of something dwarfier, Zon!
...Hmmm... You know, the thickest part of the forest is sitting directly over the magma vent.......
Post by: Quietust on December 22, 2009, 09:51:48 pm
Also, nickel would be great for training a blacksmith or metal crafter, considering you're up to your armpits in garnierite. Z-Stocks will tell you exactly how much you have (unlike the build menu which, as Zon has observed, maxes out at 99).
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 22, 2009, 10:27:37 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A giant eagle chick perches atop the north gate tower. How interesting... normally, the chicks stay near their mothers, even the caged ones. This one has flown to the highest constructed point near the gate, surveying the land as if waiting for something... it's clearly ready to protect the fortress it grew up in.
It is the beginning of summer. It's the most likely time for a siege. Perhaps the giant eagle chick has spotted something? I take preemptive measures and suspend all outdoor construction and tree cutting. Most of this was being done near the edges of our border, so leaving workers out there could be dangerous. We'll wait until the human caravan arrives before resuming construction.
Flipping through my notes, I see I've forgotten to explain what it is we're building out there. On the southeast corner, we're laying out some foundations for some windmills to pump water from the underground river. In the southwest, we're doing the same, except for magma. There's also a great deal more construction involved in that project, which I'm dubbing the "Smoldering Road."
The caravan from Pesor Siti arrives ahead of schedule. We have so many high quality roasts, I decide we're only going to trade with those this time and see what we get. We likely won't get through half of them! Most of them are made out of cow cheese, quarry bush leaves, and dwarven syrup, so I'm expecting a huge return.
There's definitely something fishy in the air, though, and it's not the barrels of fish brought by the traders. Everything seems to be moving in slow motion... like, everybody is on guard for something to happen. My mother always told me that when the world seems to slow down, expect an ambush. The building orders remain suspended... if no enemy shows themselves by the time we're done trading, I may send scout parties to check out the surrounding lands.**
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Egads, my mother was right! Some goblins jump out and attack a named dog! Fortunately, the owner of that dog passed away years ago, so there's nobody around to miss her. It's such a small force, I only pull away the champions. Well, OK, let's get the marksdwarves in position in case there's more than one ambush party.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A second ambush! I need to learn to keep my mouth shut... Zefon Weavercloisters, the war dog of recruit Medtob Kinmachines, engages the first pack of goblins alone and is struck down. The champions assemble...
But wait! I realize, suddenly, that a small ambush party like this presents ((DFMA 1)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1885-naturecallsfirsttest) ((DFMA2)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1884-ambush2summer208) ((Movie)) the perfect opportunity to try out the nature trap! (https://youtu.be/n1m_8YeHrOg) After routing the first party, three giant eagles and a wolf run into a goblin snatcher and tear it limb from limb.
I'm a bit disappointed, to be honest. We lost one giant eagle and one wolf, and likewise one eagle and wolf each were severely injured. I thought giant eagles were a little tougher than that... well, for this trial the cage only contained eight giant eagles and five wolves. We'll wait until more adults are available before springing the trap again. I'd like to at least double those numbers first. Overall, I'd consider the trial a success simply because we got some usable data out of it.
Asob is making out like a goblin snatcher (well, not the one that was ripped apart by vicious animals) at the trade depot. She talked the humans into buying a single
≡Quarry bush Leaves roast [29]≡ for 20010¤! That one roast was good for all of the metal, cow's milk, dye, bolts, turtles, cow cheese... hey, wait a minute. This year's caravan turned out extremely small!
I catch Asob as she's leaving the depot to ask why. "Asob, what gives? Did you upset the traders last year or something?"
"Huh??" Asob, too, looks to be in a bad mood.
"It really didn't seem like they brought a whole lot this year. What did you do?"
"Look, Zon, I don't think I like your attitude with me lately! Everything's my fault anymore, you write bad things about me in your journal, you haven't talked to me in months--"
"Whoa, slow down! You just going to breeze past the whole reading my journal thing like it's nobody's business? I guess you didn't get the point that I don't like you snooping in on me! I don't know whether you're reporting me to the King, or just plain being rude!"
"Rude?! But... Zon, you're like a sister. I didn't think we had any secrets between us. You really suspect me of betraying you to the King?"
"What's with all these demands and mandates lately, Asob? It's like you're letting nobility get to your head. Or maybe it's like somebody's made you an offer, and you're getting used to the idea... Honestly, who needs all that tin anyway?!"
"You know what? I outrank you. I don't need to take this from you! I could order you to pull the lever if I really wanted, but you know I wouldn't do that. So don't take advantage of that and get in my face with all these assumptions of yours!"
Asob withdraws a note from her +Rope reed vest,+ crumples it up, and throws it at me. It clings to my beard as she walks by in a huff.
As I uncrumple it, I groan loudly. Of course!! What an idiot I am... it's a note I left for her last year. 'Asob, please request as many metal bars as you can from Pesor Siti. We'll need as many varieties as possible to uphold noble demands.'
The math isn't that hard to put together from here... loading up as much metal as they could onto their wagons and horses, the traders had little room left for anything else. I'm such an idiot! I need to cut this entry short so that I can catch up with Asob and try to apologize.
**((Commentary))
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 22, 2009, 10:34:42 pm
Post by: Quietust on December 22, 2009, 11:47:48 pm
As for the small amount of goods on the caravan, that's about what I'd expect - even with 7 wagons, a full load of metal doesn't leave room for much else. I usually just request the base metals and make the alloys myself, leaving room for other trade goods.
There was a point when I didn't know any of this either, but I tend to learn quickly.
Post by: Lord Dakoth on December 23, 2009, 02:34:42 am
Quietust: I don't think I've ever had a miner make a craft artifact. Are you sure about that?
Post by: CognitiveDissonance on December 23, 2009, 07:19:27 am
I want a weaponsmith and/or armorsmith, preferrably male, and name him/her Skuorgs.
Cheers, good writing!
Post by: LegoLord on December 23, 2009, 10:34:32 am
Quietust: I don't think I've ever had a miner make a craft artifact. Are you sure about that?Aye, 'is true. I ha' it happen 'afore, laddie.
Post by: Kyronea on December 23, 2009, 12:14:39 pm
If Műthkat was already a legendary Engraver and she withdrew from society (as opposed to being possessed), then her artifact just made her even more legendary, more than enough to guarantee nothing but ≡exceptional≡ and ☼masterwork☼ engravings (whereas a Legendary+0 will still frequently only hit *superior*). It probably also boosted her attributes quite a bit, so it's not a total loss.Not to mention you could always use more barrels and bins, if nothing else, and nickel works just as well for that as anything else does. Or you could have nickel statues, or nickel doors...
Also, nickel would be great for training a blacksmith or metal crafter, considering you're up to your armpits in garnierite. Z-Stocks will tell you exactly how much you have (unlike the build menu which, as Zon has observed, maxes out at 99).
Post by: The Architect on December 25, 2009, 12:14:04 am
More specifically: the way you played off the crawling elf (probably an amputee) was hilarious. And the wildlife trap was highly entertaining. I really love the way you weave your characters into the story.
And now, a short commentary by that ornery dwarf, Archibold! Warning folks: this one's a real knee-smasher!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 25, 2009, 04:15:04 am
More specifically: the way you played off the crawling elf (probably an amputee) was hilarious. And the wildlife trap was highly entertaining. I really love the way you weave your characters into the story.
I'm honestly very puzzled about why he crawled all the way across the map! I checked his wounds, from what I could tell he had all his parts and nothing was even injured. By my count, there's no good explanation other than a sapient-free diet.
And a newstablet? Everything is coming from Zon's personal diary (which is probably made of granite, I've tried not to think about it too much) so other than Asob's unwelcome snooping her entries are totally private. And I'm totally at a loss as to who he's in love with; well-groomed doesn't describe a single damned soul here, what with the entire population covered in varying amounts of blood and vomit and mud.
Also, happy holidays to everyone!
Post by: The Architect on December 25, 2009, 11:31:52 am
The well-groomed line bothered me too, just call it bad writing. I was a little too lazy at 2AM to iron out the wrinkles. But didn't you enjoy the dwarven prose-poetry? A little disgusting and unsettling, but very dwarven if I do say so myself. I was hoping it would inspire a personality screen posting, and an investigation into whom his poetry was addressed to. Just a little story material if you feel so inclined.
Anyway, Merry Christmas again and thanks for the story! Very enjoyable. The whole noble-killing thing is just a bonus for me at this point; the real treat is your story.
(yes, it's Christmas, we can be way too nice. I'll try to be more of a pain in the arse tomorrow)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 25, 2009, 01:52:54 pm
The whole noble-killing thing is just a bonus for me at this point; the real treat is your story.
I'm glad, since there's been a dismal lack of it. ::) Don't worry, I've hinted at a couple of projects that should keep things interesting (one of them should prove to be particularly
Post by: Quietust on December 25, 2009, 02:28:29 pm
Post by: Skorpion on December 25, 2009, 06:26:05 pm
Post by: LegoLord on December 25, 2009, 10:18:26 pm
Post by: The Architect on December 25, 2009, 11:24:42 pm
Uh, no? The caravan never made it because of sieges, that's why there are no nobles yet.
This is such a strange response. It embodies the lunacy of the forum lately. In no way does it constitute a legitimate contribution to any discussion on the comments it seems to be made in response to.
Anyway, I'm just as amused by comments like these as Skorpion is by the comic failure of the project thus far to achieve its goal: the accumulation of many consorts via noble extermination. Failure to such a degree that its own author has proposed the need for other goals, even other long-term goals, to allow the story to continue purposefully.
The reason for the lack of nobles is completely irrelevant to both comments made directly before this one, and the reason listed doesn't seem to invalidate either one. Why "Uh, no?" and why the repetition of previously posted information? It is almost as if someone were intentionally challenging no one in particular in order to have some fun. At least a quote designating what this is an answer to would be helpful. I felt the need to make this post because this comment and others like it, often made lately, are unnecessary, pointless, and very negative/antagonistic in a forum setting.
Post by: darkflagrance on December 25, 2009, 11:37:45 pm
I did notice that when ecstatic, the amount of mandates a noble issues seems to be slightly lower.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 25, 2009, 11:56:42 pm
Sadly, I have to agree with Skorpion's statement to a degree. I've considered abandoning and starting over several times already because as I play through this, I see no less than a dozen ways I could have performed better by this time.
There are two things stopping me. One is the characters - I'd hate to start over and not be able to write with these characters anymore. Zon and Asob are a great duo (they're very much like the Odd Couple, I've noticed) and I don't really want to start over with new characters.
Secondly, all things considered, starting over wouldn't really help. I have all of the pieces in place to sustain a fort suffering multiple demands for quite some time - have you seen the number of magma forges and smelters I have downstairs? Do you have any idea how many syrup/quarry bush/cheese roasts I have stashed away? Even the fort entrance, though not very dangerous, should be impregnable except against flying enemies, and I have several well-trained champions including two which I suspect are completely invincible thanks to a pair of artifact bucklers.
The reasons for failure so far were a combination of ignorance on my part, and sieges in autumn preventing the caravan from coming and reporting the loss of the first baron to the civ. The former has been covered already by all of your incredibly helpful tips, and the latter wasn't realized until last year - and now we have a solution, simply by shutting off sieges for a season.
All in all, I think the most rewarding thing for me is that even though the challenge isn't panning out, you're all still reading. This thread has carried about the same number of views per posts as other more successful challenges in the story board, even through this current slow patch (good news on that point: I shouldn't have any more 60 hour/6 day weeks for a while, I'm very nearly finished with that huge project at work I was stuck with).
Now that I know what needs to be done for the next season, I can try that and see how long it takes for the next baron to arrive, and hopefully I don't find that I'm also too far from my civilization. Apologies for the dismally slow start, but I'm far from giving up yet.
Thank you all immensely for your support. I'd have stopped caring long ago if not for the feedback I get from everyone.
@darkflagrance: I've noticed penalties for waiting. You start getting more mandates, and maybe it's just me but my consort seems to get more annoyed at other things when I make her wait. When I meet her demands right away, she doesn't seem to notice a lesser's pretentious living conditions, but this does appear on her thoughts when I make her wait. Maybe it was a fluke, I'd have to try it again to see if it's repeatable.
On the other hand, meeting a demand right away almost always seems to mean getting the same demand immediately after completing it the first time.
Post by: The Architect on December 26, 2009, 12:11:18 am
Then again, I have the unfortunate distinction of being among those who find this game (while complex and entertaining) to be in no way difficult, and thus miss out on most Fun. You can't have Fun when the plans are never bad enough to cause failure.
Post by: LegoLord on December 26, 2009, 01:49:13 am
The quote I was responding to was right above my post. Using a quote would just be plain silly, Architect.Spoiler (click to show/hide)
How is it a failure if it can still keep going? That's why I said "uh, no?". Because it's been established that it is likely the lack of caravan causing the lack of baron, merely having the caravan should allow for things to continue, right?
Post by: The Architect on December 26, 2009, 12:21:51 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 26, 2009, 10:09:23 pm
-------------
Inod the Count Consort is shouting from outside again. Again with the shouting... last season she requested a total of six black bronze items, a grate, and a black bronze chest in her bedroom.
"Zon! I have another demand of you! Come outside, if you will!"
"What, dear Inod, could it possibly be this t--"
"Could you remove this puny green monster from my sights at once? It offends me greatly!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Startled by Inod's shout, the goblin snatcher she caught picking her pockets turns and cuts her several times with the (large Iron dagger) in his narrow palm before fleeing. He's long gone before a guard shows up to kill it.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Inod! Quickly, somebody get that consort to her room!"
Alas, the litterings of the previous battle are far more important, apparently, than the health of a fellow dwarf. No less than three dwarves trample over Inod's beaten body in favor of goblin trinkets and narrow giant cave spider loot.
Fortunately, the thief's crimes do not go unpunished! In its escape, the goblin Ngokang Seducedcave ran through the lumberyard where Műthkat happened to be felling trees. Armed with an (Iron battle axe), she caught up with the thief and brought him to justice.
"Hyaa!! Fear the wrath of Műthkat Sibrekshoveth, creator of Logemtizöt Atöl Vod!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Correction... the goblin is brought to extreme justice, having been separated from both lower legs, his left landing in the pond nearby and turning it red with blood, and his...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
His... err... gob dong has been chopped clean off. Yikes... Well, that's one piece of wood the elves won't mind us cutting down!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
On the way to her room, Inod apparently demanded to be taken instead to the barracks to watch the guards and champions fight. She claims she wants entertainment, but I get the feeling she's studying them, trying to determine why no one rushed to her aid the moment she took injury.
On to normal business... I've finally counted all of the nickel bars in the fortress; two-hundred and four in total. Let's put the surplus to use in the form of training up our blacksmiths, shall we? Let's say twenty nickel bins and twenty nickel statues. I know just the place for those statues, too.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I'm distracted by the sudden change in color on the side of the brook. Goblins must carry an awful lot of blood in their legs, if just one is enough to paint that much of the brook red! Even as I write, the blood continues to spread further north, staining more and more of the brook as it goes.
Another snatcher is killed by Asob Enteraxes, a miner that happened to be wandering outside. He took the liberty of vomiting on the corpse of his kill just after dealing the finishing blow. I guess he wanted to make sure that even if the goblin survived, it would have to deal with infection? Soon after, another snatcher is struck down by the woodcutter Atír Stukosromlam, 'Razorcloak.' Hm... that's quite a name! I'm a bit envious.
Oh, and Asob and I are buddies again. She made me promise not to document the conversation, though. I guess she's very worried about how I can't seem to stop writing even in mid-conversation, so we both agreed that it would be more respectful of me to put down the chisel and focus my attention on her while we spoke. The long and short of it, though, was that she was grateful to find that a large portion of the forbidden dwarven syrup roasts found their way into the stockpile in her "secret" bunker, assuring her happiness should civil war break out and we need to take cover. This was no accident; it's one of few ways I know how to apologize, and I'm glad she's accepted.
((Commentary))
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: The Architect on December 27, 2009, 02:31:17 am
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: askovdk on December 27, 2009, 01:40:42 pm
Happy new year and my best wishes for this comming chapters in this epic.
Post by: elizar on December 27, 2009, 03:35:11 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I love your writing, this is just something that has been stuck in my head since your last post, if you don't mind. :P
Also, what is the image of the Civilization. From what I gather The Swift Arches is the mother civ, but I couldn't find any references to the symbol of the civ, nor of the founding group.
Post by: Kyronea on December 28, 2009, 03:52:07 pm
I gotta say, too, that I just adore your writing. I may have been initially attracted by the notion of the challenge, but now I stay for the writing, period, regardless of what happens with the challenge.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 29, 2009, 02:10:27 pm
-------------
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Kyronea twigwound, the dwarf formerly known as Stakűd, came to me with a request today.
"Zon! Hey, Zon! A moment, please?"
"Hm? What is it, Stakűd?"
"No no no, it isn't Stakűd anymore. It's Kyronea."
"What?? Why? Are you in trouble or something? Hiding from the hammerer, are you?"
"Noo, no! Why, what have you heard?"
"...Riiiight. Anyway, what can I do for you, besides strike your old name from the records?"
"As you know, I am a Legendary Grower, but a Novice Cook. But um... Growing's getting old, and I'd like to try some more cooking."
"Hm. Well, we don't really need anything cooked at the moment... even the low-quality stacks of Quarry bush leaf roast and Dwarven syrup roasts are enough to pull in half a caravan each."
"But it would make the others happier to have some cooked meals! At least some biscuits to let me hone my skills, and then when we need more roasts I can get them good enough to pull in a whole caravan each!"
"The fort seems ecstatic enough... but, there's no harm in learning."
"You recently commissioned 20 nickel statues and 20 nickel bins. I can only assume you're seeking to train the blacksmiths. Personally, I think several batches of biscuits will do us a lot of good in the coming seasons!"
"Very well, Kyronea. Twenty batches of biscuits it is. But hold off a moment on that, I'd like a chance to review my cooking orders. I'll let you know when I've validated the order."
"Thank you! You won't regret it!"
I allow all meat, some plants, and all tallow to be cooked, but forbid the expensive stuff from the kitchens. Then, I cave and order up forty easy meals. Both of the existing kitchens are set to render fat until all fat is rendered, so I construct two more where we used to have non-magma forges to get the meals cooked.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The blueprints for Project Brimstone Road are in place. I can't decide on a proper name, though... it seems I find a better name for it with each passing week, with a few notable exceptions... Project Elf-Peever was probably the worst to date! The tower is constructed of Basalt walls and Dolomite floors, because those were the two nearest color tones. But let's face it... once alunite becomes the closer white rock, I'll be switching, because who's honestly going to know the difference? If you're coming from that direction, your attention will be on the scars of magma burn still smoldering the trees, and the ominous looking structure directly overhead, with glowing orange murderholes threatening to spill over hot death if we deem you unwelcome.
It appears we've made a mistake with the walls on the bottom floor, so I order them removed and replaced with Basalt. I like my two-tone motif too much to let it be marred by such carelessness! Likewise, I interrupt the orders for bins and statues to put some iron doors on the line. Four should be good for now, I don't see a need for any more than that.
As a test, I'm ordering sections of the forest cleared at a time while this construction is going on. I want to race dwarven engineering against boring practical means, and get what lumber we can while I'm at it.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I wipe off some sawdust from my purple ≡mountain goat leather tunic≡ and jot some notes on my clipslate as I survey the project as it stands. Imush Flagtaxes, our blind ex-marksdwarf and skilled Pump-Operator (meaning she spends most of her time in the pump room when she's not hauling garbage), wanders around aimlessly before falling unconscious on the yard as usual. It's but a foreshadowing of the terror we'll release upon those goblins when they show up again... oh, and the trees. Damn you, trees.
Post by: Quietust on December 29, 2009, 03:10:58 pm
Post by: Kyronea on December 29, 2009, 06:42:41 pm
Post by: The Architect on December 29, 2009, 07:00:48 pm
Ooh, a Magma trap. I look forward to its completion (and hope that itdoesn'tmalfunctions in some horrible way - I'm not quite certain how it's going to work, but given the full picture, I could probably spot a few problems)...
Just fixing your typo for you.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 29, 2009, 09:59:06 pm
Also, I have absolutely no access to bauxite, so let that paint you a picture of what I've envisioned.
Post by: Pandarsenic on December 30, 2009, 06:19:06 am
Oh, and a recommendation for that pressure plate from earlier - set it as a Restricted Traffic Zone so your narcoleptic dorf will path around it.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 30, 2009, 10:07:12 am
Oh, and a recommendation for that pressure plate from earlier - set it as a Restricted Traffic Zone so your narcoleptic dorf will path around it.
Won't work... everybody has to step across those to get in or out of the fortress. Also, didn't you think the shenanigans were amusing?
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 30, 2009, 12:14:10 pm
-------------
Lady Inod, still laid up in the barracks, is causing a bit of a tizzy.
"And how many kills do you have, Grendus Furyroofs the Imprisoned Taxes?"
"Fourteen and counting, my lady. My first was a human, the rest have all been goblins from there."
"Fourteen! Dearie me, that's a big number! And what of you, Archibold Bridgebolt the Equivalent Ram of Artifacts?"
"Haha! 66 notable kills and 7 rhesus macaques! And you thought 14 was a big number!"
"Goodness, gracious! That is a very big number!"
Elizar interrupts the exchange. "Bah! Number of kills is nothing if you're simply killing them. How many goblins have you strangled to death with a tastefully arranged restraint crafted of their own intestines? How many goblin hides have you pulled inside out and pasted to the archery targets just outside these walls with their own blood, using nothing but your -Steel short sword?-"
"Impressive... but how many kills do you have?"
"11, but that's not the point--"
"But it's the point I'm making! You do not carry any artifacts with you into battle! Olin Fortressash the Slick Smiles has fifteen kills and one macaque, and he gets to wear Leshalmamot, the Mournful Plaits, a Platinum low boot!"
"Mournful is right," Archibold commented. "She complains all the time about its weight! That boot was once measured at 321¬. Imagine lugging that thing around all day, every day, on one leg!"
"Yet she continues to do so for the glory of the Swift Arches! How about that?"
"Bah," Elizar said again. "I don't need artifacts to do that. I create artifacts from goblin gall and vomit! Didn't you see that lovely painting on the wall near the main gate I made out of goblin blood and vomit? I used hair from his scalp as a paintbrush!"
"I did, and I also saw that it was washed away in the recent rain! Anyway, my point is that there seems to be a bit of confusion between the two of you over your artifacts."
Grendus raised an eyebrow. "Who? Archibold and I?"
"Archibold has over five times as many kills as you, and yet you continue to let him carry Kobembetan, Troubledcalm, a buckler made of grizzly bear leather! And yet you wield Arbostsarvesh, The Deified Furnace, an Adamantine buckler! What say you?"
Archibold and Grendus looked at each other's bucklers. "Well," Grendus started, "he seemed pretty happy with the one he already had! Right, Arch?"
At this time, Ineth Olinurol, a child of 'Legon' Dastototin, Captain of the Guard and Atír Stukosromlam, woodcutter, wanders into the barracks. He had been on his way to collect some wild strawberries from the outdoor farm, but distracted by the commotion of the nearby barracks, curiosity got the better of him. It didn't help that Ineth has always been Archibold's biggest fan.
"Of course!" Archibold said proudly. "My ferocity in battle - it is like the fury of the grizzly bear! I have befriended the Stray Grizzly Bear (Tame) restrained in the zoo, despite me carrying around the flesh of a fellow bear as protection! It suits me well."
"Oh, sure... if you're willing to settle for a bear, while your colleague bears the housing of demons at his side."
"Demons??" Ineth exclaimed to himself.
Grendus laughed. "Ah, little Ineth! Here to watch some more sparring? Pay no mind to Inod's talk of demons, my boy. 'Tis but an old wives' tale. Surely, demons once roamed the land and lead the goblins to battle, but they are no more! And the relation between adamantine and demons has never been proven."
"Because all who witness the relation have been slaughtered before they could tell anyone about it!"
"Then how'd you hear of it?"
"...Anyway. I have a new demand. Archibold and Grendus, you must trade bucklers! Then, you will be correctly representing the amount of dedication you have shown the Swift Arches in your killing of its enemies."
"Trade bucklers?! Never!"
Archibold laughed. "Really, it isn't necessary. I'm good enough as it is! The added protection of adamantine is wasted on me, when it could be put to better use with someone else."
"Yeah! You tell her, Archibold!" Ineth cheered.
"Now, wait just a moment," Grendus said as she put her hands on her hips and glared at Archibold. "What exactly are you trying to say here? That I need more protection because of my skill?"
"Did I say that? No, I think it was you who said it, just now!"
"A sparring, then!" exclaimed Inod. "Whoever wins gets to keep Arbostsarvesh!"
"Oh, boy! Let him have it, Archibold!"
As Archibold and Grendus took their places fifteen paces from one another, Elizar knelt down beside the young Ineth.
"Ok, Ineth! I want you to pay real close attention to what happens here today. Combat is an art, don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Concentrate on watching Grendus's movements - Archibold is an efficient killer because he goes straight for the kill zone and leaves it at that, but Grendus has a sense of style to her fighting."
"But I want to watch Archibold!"
The sparring began. Archibold surprised Grendus by swinging her (≡«-Iron flail-»≡) low at his knees, but the attack was blocked by the adamantine buckler! Grendus jabbed at Archibold's shoulder with her -Steel short sword,- but the blow was blocked by the grizzly bear leather buckler! Archibold swung again, this time aiming to wrap his ball-on-a-chain around Grendus's shield, but again the blow was blocked. Grendus stabbed at Archibold's foot to disable him, but could not get the blade around Archibold's grizzly bear leather buckler!
"Elizar, this fight is boring! They just keep hitting each other's bucklers!"
"Ah, 'tis the sharp edge of the brush for artifact equipment. They are Beyond Quality - they only compare to other artifacts. A piece of artifact armor can block almost any blow, especially if it's a buckler or shield - not to mention the wealth they add to the fortress! Beyond that, they are works of art beyond compare. But those amazing enhancements to combat come at a price: the thrill of combat is sacrificed to ensure victory!"
"Brushes don't have sharp edges, Elizar."
"They do when your brush is a sword!"
"So if I create an artifact, it makes people really happy, and the fort gets wealthier. Huh! I should do that."
"Aha... but Ineth, you're just a child! You can't create an artifact."
Ineth stamped his foot into the red sand. "Who says I can't! I'm going to go create an artifact right now! And I don't want anyone bothering me while I do it!"
Grendus and Archibold ceased their sparring as they watched the boy leave.
"I say! Archibold, did you hear that?"
"The sound of a groundhog giving birth?"
"No... what? No! Ew! Ineth has withdrawn from society and is going to create an artifact!"
"Oh, yeah, I heard that. Let's go see what he makes!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Wait!" Inod shouted after them. "What about your sparring? Aren't you going to stay and entertain me?"
Elizar coughed. "I could give you my famous sock puppet performance again, if you like."
"Those weren't socks you used last time; they were the skins of goblin feet!"
"When you think about it, skin is really just a big ol' sock that you live in."
Ineth grabs the three things nearest to him - a turtle shell, rough yellow zircons, and a (Lead bar) from the trade depot just downstairs of the crafts shop he claimed, and begins working immediately. I guess he's more interested in proving that he can make an artifact than making a good one.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Ineth finds Elizar in the dining hall the next day and shows him the crown. "See? Kids can make artifacts!"
Elizar inspects the crown with surprise. "What, already?! We just talked about this yesterday! You mean to tell me you created this in just one day??"
"One in a half, really, but yes!"
Elizar inspected the craftsdwarfship closely. "And you didn't even cut corners... I've never seen an artifact created in such little time! You're a little child prodigy, aren't you?"
"You think Archibold will wear it?"
"Oh, I bet I know who'll wear it..." Elizar withdrew from his X(muskox leather dress)X a tanned, skinned goblin foot and put it over his hand. Using his thumb to move the toes of the goblin hide up and down like the mouth of a puppet, he started speaking in a higher pitch to emulate the puppet's voice.
"Hello, Ineth! I'm King Gobtoe! Want to crown me as leader of Gobfootatopia?"
"Elizar, you're wearing a dress and you're playing with a goblin's foot in public."
"It's ART!!"
I henceforth retract everything I've ever written about Asënites and their strange views of art.
Post by: Quietust on December 30, 2009, 02:34:04 pm
Too bad you'll have to wait ~10 years for that child to grow up before he'll start actually putting his legendary bone carving skill to use (unless you cheat and use Dwarf Therapist to enable the labor on him)...
Post by: kilakan on December 30, 2009, 02:52:56 pm
Post by: elizar on December 30, 2009, 04:07:08 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 30, 2009, 08:12:41 pm
Brilliant, pure brilliant. I had to go relax when I saw the announcement screen and the fact that indeed, groundhog pups had been born.
Fun fact: That entire narrative came out of the posted small block of the announcements screen. The kid took a mood, I thought it was interesting because I've only ever seen that happen once before, I remembered I've been nagging myself to add more community-related content, the note about 'Other Grendus' becoming more experienced caught my eye and so a sparring session became the focal point, and that's how it happened. I just had to work the groundhog thing in there.
The downside is this narration only encompasses at most a week of actual in-game time, slowing down the approach of the anticipated Autumn season just a bit more!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 31, 2009, 05:59:01 pm
Kyronea is right; a better trained cook produces more profit! But you know what produces even more profit? Dwarven cheese roasts! You should talk to our dungeon master about getting a cheese industry going.
10th Galena, 208, Late Summer
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Asob apparently scribbled a note on the top of this page while it was still blank. Where has she been, anyway?? Ever since reports came in about her "teleporting" around the fortress, she's been awfully hard to find. I've only been able to sit down and have a drink with her once, recently, at a party around a green glass statue thrown by one of the children, but she disappeared randomly from that too. Must have picked up a fey spirit somewhere down in the mines, and now it's playing tricks on all of us by moving her about.
We're running low on meat, and high on cats. You do the math. Regarding
Kyronea's cooking proposition comes to mind once again. Asob is right; A well-trained cook working on Dwarven Cheese roasts would be a grand thing. That, indeed, would bring the most profit with the least effort. So, I seek out Kikrost Ĺblelthestar, 'Bustcrimson,' our dungeon master and robed wonder.
Mildly surprisingly, Kikrost is not talking to animals like I normally find her doing; in fact, she was just leaving the forges with a newly-crafted Nickel bin. I am more surprised to learn that she has become recognized as a High Master Furnace Operator and a Metal Crafter of moderate skill!
"Ah, Zon! Thank you for ordering up all of those bins and statues and iron doors! Metal work has become therapeutic for my rattled nerves. For me, metal is the most enjoyable beast to tame; while easier to tame than a squacking, roaring, nervous animal, it still provides just the right amount of challenge. A firm and steady hand is required, lest you get burned, and also a quick hand must keep the metal from taking a mind and shape of its own, but the reward is a treasure that will last many lifetimes."
mew?
chop!
"Kikrost, that's... quite poetic of you! I'm glad you've been ecstatic lately. Listen, I'm thinking of getting a cheese industry going, and--"
A loud clatter startled Zon and several other passing dwarves as Kikrost dropped her -Nickel bin- to the floor noisily. "Cheese!! Are you mad?! Nothing is more exciting than cheese!! Why would you want to go and do something crazy like that?!"
"Um... for profit?"
Kikrost took up a handful of her x+«cave spider silk cloak»+x, formed a pouch with her hand, and hyperventilated into it. I gave her some time, not mentioning that her efforts probably would have been more successful had she used the grizzly bear leather cloak beneath that one instead.
"To make cheese... oh, sweet Nikot the Ray of Robustness, why am I even telling you this? You will need a source of milk."
"Precisely what I wanted to ask you about! I know humans can get milk from cows, or two-humped camels which we have a dozen two-humped camels--"
"No!! There's entirely too much excitement involved in milking one of those! Besides, it's disgusting! You've seen a cow's utter before, haven't you? It looks like a damned tentacle demon! Ask any dwarf in this fort; they wouldn't touch it even if the wages were high and their child was sick and the only cure was cow milk!"
mew?
chop!
"Let's not bring up demons of any sort, ok?? Please? Thank you? Ok. Well, where does dwarven milk come from, then? Surely it can't be any grosser than touching a cow's utter."
Kikrost looked around, making sure nobody was looking. Of course, with the scene she was making, everyone was looking by now. "You really want to know?"
"Yes, Kikrost, I want to know where Dwarven Cheese comes from."
"I don't think you can handle it."
I fold my arms over my chest. It's really hard to keep writing like this. "Try me."
"Well... tell you what. Set some animal traps in the bottomless pit and the chasm. Set as many as you have to spare. Once you've caught a few things, let me have a look and I'll tell you if you've caught one."
"One what? Ew, wait, is this going to be vermin??"
"SHHH!! You're exciting the other dwarves!!"
"I'm incredibly excited!!" exclaimed a nearby Legendary Engraver and apparently also a Professional Furnace Operator
mew?
chop!
"You're not helping, Tholtig Gúradil, Bowelwall!"
"Please stop translating my name into humanese, it's embarassing!"
Kikrost picked up her -Nickel bin- and proceeded to carry it off to the nearest stockpile, shouting back "Oh, and watch out for troglodytes! I think we've outlived all of the resident caveswallowmen and batmen, but you'll have a couple of trogs left to kill!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Construction of the Flaming Path is being interrupted by wolves. What, really? The wolves are below you, dummies! They can't reach you! Ugh... maybe they heard them snarling through the walls or something. I suppose we need to send a few militia out there to drive them off. I try to find the lowest-skilled recruits so that they can gain some real combat experience, but all three of them are sliced neatly in half by a single swordsdwarf named Ilral Ponderpaper.
mew?
I turn and look as 'Kyronea,' our multi-talented butcher/tanner/cook/cheese maker/grower/miller/brewer/milker/food hauler (wow, overachieving much?) walks past with a Stray Cat (Tame) ready for slaughter. The cat looks into my eyes, and I stare back at it.
mew?
'Kyronea' continues down the hallway towards the butcher's shop with the Stray Cat (Tame) in tow. I begin to reminisce about Sĺkzul Zaskab, my poor kitty I had lost to goblins on 15th Moonstone, 203, Early Winter. Sĺkzul, always at my feet where I was likely to trip over him, but also always at my side with a purr and a whisker upturned ever so slightly in my direction. How I miss that cat... 'Kyronea' and the cat disappear into the butcher's shop.
mew?
"'KYRONEA, WAAAIT!!"
(https://i.postimg.cc/cCXg5qdV/damncats.jpg)
((Commentary))
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: Quietust on December 31, 2009, 06:21:53 pm
Kikrost picked up her -Nickel bin- and proceeded to carry it off to the nearest stockpile
Did she? Dwarves always leave their goods in the workshop for some other dwarf to haul away, and dungeon masters don't have any hauling labors enabled.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 31, 2009, 06:34:18 pm
Post by: The Architect on December 31, 2009, 07:54:16 pm
The child / sock puppet / crown affair was particularly amusing.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 31, 2009, 10:18:58 pm
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Boy, what a long summer! I can't believe so much happened in such a short time.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1894-trogfight) ((Movie)) To celebrate the turn of the season, I release the militia into the bottomless pit to take care of the troglodytes. (https://youtu.be/652WJojBU_c) Now we should be able to lay down some animal traps and catch whatever it is Kikrost was telling me to catch!
One of the troglodytes fell six levels down and landed near the noble shower. I send Zefron Katčrith, hammerdwarf, down to finish it off.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
For Armok's Sake, Zefron, it's not a toy! Just kill the damn thing!! Wouldn't you know, it survived hitting the wall and Zefron had to go and hit it again to make sure it was dead. Hammerdwarves... nobody's ever promised them to be efficient killers, but they're often the most entertaining.
We had fourteen wooden animal traps lying about. Honestly, I don't remember having them built, or why we would have constructed them in the first place... but it doesn't matter, they're being put to use now. I tell the workers where to put each one, and then for good measure I order up ten more to be forged of nickel.
Count Consort Inod has healed beautifully this season. Her limbs are no longer looking mangled, but she still has a broken right hand and left lower leg.
Wait... what's that over the hill? Yes! The caravan from Subetrevod, The Swift Arches, is on its way! Now, maybe we can proceed with the King's mission...
"Wow, the dwarves finally came to trade!"
"Gah!" All of a sudden, Asob was right behind me. "Asob! You've got to stop doing that!"
"Doing what? I don't know why everybody's so jumpy around me anymore!"
"Uh, greetings!" One of the dwarven merchants approached us as the others unloaded their wagons. "My name is Adil Emäthsazir, known as Bandedbridges by the humans. We've come to do trade with your fort and perform inspections. May I please speak with your count?"
"Dead."
"...Oh! Really?? A fortress this size without a count? How did this happen?"
Asob butt in to try her hand at lying before I could give Adil a more believable account. "Err... troglodytes! They threw him over the edge. Of the bottomless pit. Very tragic, really. He was trying out his new shower, and out of nowhere a troglodyte attacked!"
"Troglodytes?? Unib never said anything about troglodytes... is the count's consort present?"
"Injured!" Asob piped in again. "She bumped into a goblin master thief's knife repeatedly."
"Whoa, wait," I interrupted. "Unib? As in..."
"Unib Tunrithlut, Duchess of the mountainhome of Boatstested. I suppose you hadn't heard, of course... we apologize for our delay in reaching you! There's been some... trouble... back home, you see."
"Trouble? What kind?"
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news... but King Minkot ventured away from Boatstested a few years ago, suspiciously just as Unib began spreading word of her conspiracy theories about a supposed 'baron deathtrap.' Her claim was that the King ordered the construction of a device that would kill nobles, and their spouses were being held prisoner somewhere to keep from spreading the truth."
I furrowed my brow in confusion at first, but when the pieces started coming together, a dark chill ran up my spine. "You don't say," was all I could muster...
Adil continued. "Unib charged the mayor of Boatstested himself, Obok Zirilkivish, as being an accomplice to the king's crime. At first, people would only mutter the rumors to each other, but Unib literally shouted it from the rooftops, when she wasn't dodging the city guards. And that's when the King vanished..."
"Vanished? He disappeared without any explanation whatsoever?" Asob asked, beginning to look quite uncomfortable.
"At first, we thought Unib had assassinated King Minkot, but some of the guards around the castle broke his confidence and let it slip that they had seen him fleeing the castle, dressed as a peasant."
It wasn't for the adamantine after all... that's why King Minkot hadn't really stressed its production - he wasn't interested in wealth, he needed a hideout!
"The king's departure made him look guilty, and there was an uprising. Dwarves fought each other to the death in the halls, a tantrum spiral the likes of which Subetrevod had never seen."
I caught the eye of a peasant lurking about behind the caravan, loitering near the dining hall. A peasant? But we don't have any designated peasants... unless a child grew up or something, but from here I can't recognize him, what with all that mud and vomit smeared on his face. I'll need to assign him a job later.
"That's when Unib broke up the fighting by throwing Obok Zirilkivish in the middle of an armed, angry mob. She questioned Obok about his involvement, wielding an *«≡Iron scourge≡»*taken from the body of a fallen goblin invader the year before. Every time he didn't answer a question within five seconds, she'd lash him... though horrifying to watch a dwarf do that to another, somehow the fighters were united through her act. But he kept silent, all the way to the end, until finally the mob overwhelmed and murdered him, right there in the hall."
The lurking peasant nodded to himself, as if satisfied. Wait a minute... I've seen those clothes before! That's King Minkot in his peasant disguise! How long has he been standing there?? I started to tremble... Asob's faithful hand found my shoulder.
"It's OK, Zon. We were well away from the tragedy when it happened. We only had to deal with goblin sieges for the past three years."
"And here I thought the sieges were the reason we weren't contacted sooner..."
"Well, they were a contributing factor, yes. With the nation in turmoil, we somehow lost track of your outpost, what with the guard and army working to quell the riots. The last thing we needed was to walk headlong into an area of high goblin activity! We're actually extremely thankful that you've held off the attacks as well as you did... were you not present as a buffer, surely the Swift Arches could have been overwhelmed in its state of panic."
"This is all... so sudden. And Unib has elected herself Duchess?"
"She declared a state of martial law in the King's absence. With Mayor Obok dead, this left her the interim ruling power until the king is discovered and brought to trial."
"Hold on a second!" Asob threw up her hands. "Didn't anybody question whether or not Unib planned to have the mayor killed so that she would end up with the power?"
"Nobody would dare. She's proven herself a far more aggressive ruler than Minkot Reliccounsel ever was, and a far more profitable one to boot. It's the public opinion that they'd rather have her in charge than a cowardly king who runs and hides at the first sign of an accusation."
The peasant-King grumbled something to himself, then disappeared into the dining hall through the door.
"Anyway! I think I've taken enough of your time. I shall let Duchess Unib know that you are lacking a proper leader and have her send another straight away. You should expect one soon. In the meantime, let us trade!"
I only had seven stacks of varying types of cheese roast brought to the depot. I want to get a good feel for what I'm getting into with this cheese industry... seven low-quality roasts of cow, one-humped camel, and two-humped camel bought two-thirds of what I wanted from the caravan, and the few bins of crafts and reworked goblin clothing bought the rest as well as some additional trinkets I didn't really think we need, but bought anyway.
I can't help but wonder, though, about a lot of things... Why didn't Minkot tell anyone he left in search of adamantine? That was his excuse when he got here, and it was a convincing one! Furthermore, Unib's been here on several accounts and has even voiced her suspicions about what lies within this fortress to me. She's seen enough of this fortress that she'd put us at the top of her list.
But... why don't her people know this? The merchants regard us as a city that they've merely lost contact with during the upheaval of the King's position, nothing more. They suspect nothing. Clearly, she has the clout to rally her new nation to battle, so if she wanted she could probably rout us straight off the face of the World of Typhoons. Why is Unib keeping her suspicions a secret from her people?
Post by: Quietust on January 01, 2010, 12:22:40 pm
She questioned Obok about his involvement, wielding an *«≡Iron lash≡»*taken from the body of a fallen goblin invader the year before.
I assume Adil meant an *«≡Iron whip≡»* or perhaps an *«≡Iron scourge≡»* - there's no such thing as a "lash" in Dwarf Fortress, though a soldier who wields a whip/scourge is certainly called a Lasher.
It also seems somewhat fitting that Unib, the Royal Advisor (check legends mode on this one - even though the King arrived due to Adamantine, I suspect the liaison still became Advisor), would decide to ascend to the rank of Duchess.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 02, 2010, 02:41:00 am
I did check histories before writing this part, because I wanted to know who took charge of the Mountainhome when the King left. I was disappointed to find that Legends provides absolutely no detail related to the King's departure, unless I've looked in the wrong places - but even Boatstested, the Mountainhome he left, does not report his departure, which is strange because it does for every other dwarf who's ever came or went. For all intents and purposes, he's still in charge. Same goes for the local government he came from (I'm forgetting the name at the moment).
Most surprisingly, Unib's title hasn't changed. She's still a liaison according to Legends, which makes sense when you consider the player's fort isn't the only one in the world. I guess she's just somebody else's liaison now. To be clear, she's only a "Duchess" insofar as the current story goes. So far I've reported in-game truth as strictly as possible; this is the first exception I've knowingly made, but it makes good sense regarding the story.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 03, 2010, 06:40:37 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Who doesn't want their magma towers painted green with vomit? Ick. When I finally get magma flowing through this thing, remind me to stay far away the first time it runs. The stench will be unbearable.
We've executed the last of the goblin prisoners. No sign of goblins so far this season... hm, I wonder why? No matter, gives us more freedom to build.
Apparently, we're still considered a cursed death-trap, even though there have been very few deaths for a full year. I wonder about the rumors that have left this place about our true mission...
The sounds of cats being butchered one by one are too much to bear... I save yet another from Kyronea, naming it Olin Olonlathon. I know I have too many cats, but I can't help it! I love cats for their aloofness! Next time I order cats to be butchered, perhaps I won't have so many done at once...
The windmill tower meant for the underground river is getting some impromptu upgrades. I'm raising the windmills up one story so that we can turn the second floor into a fortified marksdwarf tower. Goblins tend to enjoy attacking from this angle the most, so a defensive structure here could prove most beneficial. We're also digging a channel around the tower to prevent goblin archers from getting too close.
In channeling, we happened to uncover a cluster of aluminum! How fortunate! There certainly seems to be a lot of this stuff here, which is a great thing. I order it mined immediately.
We've been catching cave spiders all season. Kikrost said this isn't what I'm looking for to produce milk. Great, so what do we do with all these stupid spiders? I'd rather they be set free to spin their webs for the weavers to collect, but for some reason releasing them doesn't seem to be an option. I certainly don't want to tame them...
The season flies by, and already, winter is upon us. Where Summer felt entirely too long, a calm, productive Autumn has breezed quickly by. Both windmill towers - one for the underground river, and one for the magma trap - are near completion. Only a horizontal axle is needed on the former, while the latter still has some work yet left before the windmills go in place. We need to be extremely careful with the tower's construction since we're dealing with magma, so I don't expect it to be finished any time soon.
((Commentary))
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: Lord Dakoth on January 04, 2010, 09:08:07 pm
We've been catching cave spiders all season. Kikrost said this isn't what I'm looking for to product milk.
Just pointing out an error. I don't mean to be anal, but I am somewhat of a grammar Nazi.
That being said, I can't wait for the next baron to arrive! Once the new release comes out, do you think you're going to keep working on 40d, or switch to the new version and start anew? I dearly hope that this fort gets along far enough to fall victim to a massive mandate-induced tantrum spiral.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 04, 2010, 11:03:32 pm
Post by: The Architect on January 05, 2010, 04:35:48 pm
Only one creature can be assigned to a single cage at a time (in the job queue). If you assign multiple creatures to a cage at once only the first animal will be assigned to be caged immediately, but all of the others will be assigned to be released immediately. Same with slaughter assignments: all of your animals will be assigned to be released, as they're no longer assigned to the cage which they occupy, but only one can be slaughtered at a time. So you end up with a bunch of cats wandering around adopting people.
You absolutely have to micromanage, that's all. Oh and if you want to release your vermin, you can move them to a cage one at a time and use a lever. Or you can assign them all to one cage, and all but one will be immediately released and lost (remaining annoyingly displayed in your creatures list forever). You can't contain them; they may randomly wall-walk out of any area you try to use as a silk creation area.
Post by: Quietust on January 05, 2010, 05:08:30 pm
The cage transfer problem (first one gets caged, all of the others get released) only happens if the source cage has been built - if the source cage is just sitting in a stockpile, then all of the creatures will remain inside until it comes time for them to be transferred.
As for slaughtering, the only animals that get let out of the cage are the ones that have actually been tasked, which is 1 per butcher's shop. If you have only one butcher's shop (and the cage is right next to it), you won't have any problems with animals getting released unless the butcher gets interrupted (hint: disable ALL other labors) or for the very first animal in the queue (since, the moment after you designate the animals for slaughter, the closest dwarf to the cage will most likely not be your butcher).
As for vermin, assigning them all to the same cage won't cause any problems unless, as above, they were already in another built cage - if they're still in an animal trap, they'll just be transferred one at a time. Releasing them can be done as mentioned (cage + lever) or, with a bit of activity zone tweaking, you can just dump the vermin out of the traps - once the dwarf drops the vermin on the floor, it'll just start milling around like all vermin are wont to do. If you need to recapture it, just issue a "Capture live land animal" task (at a kennel or butcher's shop) and make sure there's an empty animal trap near the vermin in question (ideally sitting on a conveniently placed stockpile, and even more ideally with all of your other unbuilt animal traps Forbidden so your trapper picks the right one).
Post by: LegoLord on January 05, 2010, 08:15:45 pm
Post by: elizar on January 05, 2010, 08:28:44 pm
What happened was that I had been collecting vermin, but I didn't really saw the need anymore, and since people were getting offended at the vermin in the pantry (tried to get people to eat it) I released it with built cage + lever.
The vermin never left the dot where they were released. After fifteen years of keeping the fort at ten FPS, I gave up.
Post by: Lord Dakoth on January 05, 2010, 09:28:01 pm
Of course, you can always let the dwarves eat the unwanted vermin.
They won't if said vermin are tame.
Ha, dwarves eating vermin in the dining room, and other dwarves getting offended... that reminds me of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21C6x2w9nXg>the restaurant scene[/url] in the Emperor's New Groove. (Yes I know it's in Hebrew, but I couldn't find it in English.)
Post by: The Architect on January 06, 2010, 02:46:47 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 06, 2010, 10:53:13 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 07, 2010, 09:12:19 pm
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"No. No, it's all wrong! This will never work! Who designed this stupid thing?!"
"You did, Zon."
"Bah! Do I look like an architect to you?! Shouldn't someone have corrected me?"
"But you get mad when I tell you how to make things more artistic!"
"I'm not looking for art, I'm looking for practicality!"
"What exactly is the problem again?"
I tug on my beard and let out a sigh. I had requested Asob's help to deliberate over a name for the magma road project (we still haven't thought of one) when she noticed a crucial flaw - one that can't be fixed without possibly a year or more of renovation.
"The pump stack on the magma trap is in the wrong place. It only draws magma up from the second level!"
"So?"
"So?! That means there's only two levels worth of magma to fill the entire trap!"
"Hmm... well, what's going to make it take a full year to fix?"
"There's only two ways to fix this that I can see... Either we deconstruct the whole blasted thing to move it, or we add another pump underneath the stack - but to do that, we first need to pump enough magma out of the pipe to get it low enough for the workers to build!"
Asob laughed. "See, this is what you need an artist for. Your problem is that you're afraid there won't be enough magma to pump, right?"
"Obviously!"
"Well, then! Why don't you just make the top two levels of the pipe wider?"
I blinked. I blinked again. That... "That could actually work! I think... wait... yes! Yes, we could manage that... give the magma some time to fill in the expanded area, and it should be ok! Asob, you're a genius!"
"I know! You should tell me more often. Hang on, gotta get a drink."
Asob vanished, as I have come to accept as usual. Something fell to the ground where she once was, however. Something shiny and blue... microcline? No--
"Adamantine..."
A small shard of the forbidden blue stone lay in the recently vacated spot. Of course! Adamantine has all kinds of unknown properties. Perhaps this is the source of her power? I pick it up and inspect it. It looks like something's inscribed on both sides... probably with another piece of adamantine, considering how hard it is. On one side was an image of a seven-pointed star. On the other was something written in human, no less.
[INVADERS:NO]
Asob reappears, dabs of strawberry wine still in her beard. Instantly, she recognized what I had, and started quivering.
"Oh! Uh... D-did I drop that? I'll just take that back, then..."
She reached for it, but I pulled it away. "Asob, I think you need to start explaining a few things. Like your weird teleporting thing, for one!"
"Oh! Thank Armok, that's all you're talking about! That's pretty simple to explain, actually. I've been putting pieces of pitchblende in my food stockpile."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"...What?? Why?!"
"We found some a while ago! And I've heard it's great in holistic medicine. Keeping pitchblende around food is supposed to keep your weight down and help you look beautiful!"
"What are you, an elf?"
"No, if I were an elf I'd be making my armor out of a tree I hugged too much."
"Asob, look... pitchblende does not make you slimmer and prettier. It's a rock. There's nothing special about it whatsoever! But in case I'm wrong, realize that you're doing this to a public food stockpile that everybody eats from. What if not everyone wants to be slim and beautiful?"
"Who wouldn't?"
I sigh and turn the piece of adamantine over in my hands. "And... this. What's going on here? Come on, I don't keep secrets from you - I can't, after all, because you keep reading my journal!"
"Oh, alright... I made a deal with a fey."
"A fey? Like, when you went into that fey mood years ago?"
"No, not that one. This one only talks to me when I'm near the adamantine."
The hair on my beard felt like it stood straight up. "And... you're sure it's a fey."
"I have to say, its original deal was pretty steep! I asked if it could protect our fortress from goblins, and it said it wanted my soul in exchange. Thankfully, my work as a clerk has taught me to become a Persuader, Flatterer, Negotiator, Legendary Appraiser, and a Competent Intimidator. I talked him down; in exchange for only protecting the fort in the Autumn, I only have to suffer the loss of a loved one to tragedy. Much better, if you ask me."
"Intimidator?! I've never, ever seen you act intimidating before in my life."
"Well, of course not! You're my friend, and I wouldn't do that to you, even when you're mean to me sometimes."
"Well... that's nice of you, Asob. Now, let's get to fixing this magma trap before it goes live."
"Yeah... at least it's not as bad as what you did to the river tower. You realize you dug your channel a level too high?"
"...What! You're kidding! They must have read the blueprint wrong!"
Well, on to actual work. The first thing I do is make sure to block all access to pump stacks with doors - iron doors for the magma tower, of course. Then, I add more designations to the magma project. Pretty standard stuff.
It's the beginning of a new season, and Asob's... charm, which I'm still not happy about, would have worn off if it works the way she describes. I cancel chopping of trees for a while so that no one is caught unawares if goblins decide to attack this season.
I'm interested in the vein of copper exposed outside, so I build a wall around it and have a stairway dug into the fortress. Now we can access the remainder from indoors, where it's safer and faster to access.
Now, on to that stupid, stupid river flub. Where has my head been?? Ugh... All this rushing is causing me to make terrible mistakes. What am I rushing for, anyway? Well, anyway, we can fix that with a U-bend. Nothing to fret over.
The number of idlers keeps rising, so every time I see someone slacking off I set them to masonry to help with the construction.
We get some area dug out for the magma pipe(which of course holds up the river flub workaround). I figure it's easier to make the area full of stairs, that way miners and magma alike can move freely. Unfortunately, I mistakenly order some down stairs dug above area that's actually used for the fortress, so I hastily order that area floored over before we have a nasty spill!
Humm... pitchblende in the food supply... Why am I making so many careless mistakes lately?
Post by: Kyronea on January 08, 2010, 01:56:04 am
Or it would if Dwarf Fortress tracked that, which I'm sure it will at some point but it doesn't yet.
Other than that, pretty interesting updaate.
Post by: Flaede on January 08, 2010, 02:10:20 am
Post by: The Architect on January 08, 2010, 02:44:53 am
Post by: Geb on January 08, 2010, 03:51:08 am
Once the nobles start piling up, this is all going to turn spectacularly bloody. Are there any plans yet for whether to try protecting all the consorts from the effects of tantrum spirals, or just let nature take its course?
Post by: Grendus on January 08, 2010, 01:40:49 pm
Post by: Quietust on January 08, 2010, 06:18:13 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 08, 2010, 08:36:03 pm
Once the nobles start piling up, this is all going to turn spectacularly bloody. Are there any plans yet for whether to try protecting all the consorts from the effects of tantrum spirals, or just let nature take its course?
That's actually a good idea, I hadn't thought of that... I suppose I could lock the consorts in their rooms, I'd need to get a well and some food stockpiles down there though.
Right now, there are two "tantrum-proof" chambers that can be sealed with a chasm'd bridge. They're intended for Zon and Asob, but unfortunately as 2 of the starting 7 they started with a bunch of friends and are the most vulnerable. Fortunately, right now the only people with more than 2 friends are the starting 7 (all of whom are still alive, I think). Almost everybody else has 1 or 0.
Post by: Pandarsenic on January 10, 2010, 06:41:29 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 10, 2010, 04:40:27 pm
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I had trouble sleeping last night. I feel I must confess, because I have been having nightmares about Nelare Fedíofi Fonenelare, when she first attacked the fortress in 205. The same dream plays in my mind repeatedly, and has been ever since her first appearance. Perhaps finally writing it down will help me to cope with this horrible dream?
We were grossly unprepared for that attack when it happened... We had just survived a fifty-plus goblin siege in the Summer, followed by a seventy-two goblins siege lead by humans in the Autumn... and in that same season, Nelare attacked. Despite us having several trained warriors, only a few were left uninjured after those attacks.
In this dream, we hadn't erected the cage traps over the front entrance (and come to think of it, perhaps it was more than coincidence that we decided to place those traps there when we did?) and the only thing we could rely on was the bridge trap. Perhaps the trap would spring, knocking the dragon over and stunning it while our one remaining marksdwarf shot at it? It was our best bet, and once in the pit the dragon would have to walk out through the path we've dug, come back, trigger the trap again, fall again, and repeat until it was finally dead.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1910-zonsnightmare) ((Movie)) In my dream, it didn't work. (https://youtu.be/mIxA4dVkF3o)
Everything was on fire... every one. Someone - I don't know who, their face was so horribly burnt, and I couldn't tell if it was a man or woman - tried to put out the flames on their body by jumping into a barrel of booze, not realizing that booze is incredibly flammable, setting more people on fire. Whoever wasn't killed in the fire died in the resulting tantrum spiral caused by the smoke and loss of so many lives at once.
It feels so real, half the time I feel convinced it really happened... but that can't be, because we're here now, and Nelare was caught in a cage without incident. Well... that's my confession. I'm glad to finally get it out of my beard. Perhaps I'll be able to sleep better now.
Anyway! On to work with the magma project. We have to deconstruct a few floors where I meant to have walls before we can proceed. We've made the connection to the obsidian farm windmill tower... not sure why, honestly it doesn't provide much in terms of faster transportation, but whatever. It felt incomplete without it.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Instructions are given for the next branches of the magma trap. Honestly, I'm not sure how much farther I'm going to have it extend... probably not much more than this. Both windmills are now constructed, but we're far from ready to introduce magma for a test.
To increase production speed, I order some chambers to be dug out of the basalt layers just below the towers. This will give the builders ready access to the stones I've decided to use for the walls. The floors are all dolomite, which is already in ample supply around here. There's so much flux on this map that I really don't mind that we're not using it for steel, not that we've been making steel lately anyhow. The military seems pretty well-armed as it is. There's also a lot of hematite in the area to be mined out, not that we're doing much with iron either!
Hmm... We have an awful lot of iron, after all. I order up sixty iron bins, but have another idea. Perhaps an even more devious way of removing... someone from our presence, without actually killing them. I'll need to perform a test first...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
This is a diagram of what I want dug out directly over the magma pipe. I'll leave the details a mystery for now...
By 17th Moonstone, I decide we're pretty likely to be safe from any sieges or ambushes this season. I re-designate the trees to the south of the magma trap to be chopped.
The month rolls by. Progress on both the magma trap and my new experiment proceed uninterrupted. I notice we have a lot of milk, and begin cheese production for more roasts.
Some rhesus macaques attack just as Asob and three other miners are walking out together toward a dig site - that's right, Asob was walking this time. Impressively, Asob recruited herself and the three miners and charged at the monkeys, slaying four of them before the fifth got away. Not bad... their timing couldn't have been better, and it always helps to get anyone trained for combat when an easy opportunity such as this arrives.
18th Opal, Mid-Winter, Fikod Nekutlibash, the child of Reg the Miner and Reg the Planter, withdraws from society and takes a craft shop. I suppose he was inspired by Ineth's artifact just recently.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Meh. I'm sure Asob would have something to say about ripping off another artifact's style, but Fikod's just a kid so I won't say it.
Miasma starts to fill the butcher shops... too many cats, not enough haulers? Probably because they're all dedicated to building the towers... Well, at least we have mist to offset the stink.
So, about that test. I constructed a 3x3 iron box room directly over the magma pipe, and sealed a cat in a cage inside. I triggered a cave-in to see how far into the magma pipe the rapidly deconstructing room would plunge.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1911-failedmagmaexperiment) ((Movie)) Unfortunately, I also learned that a miner can plunge very deep inside a magma pipe before melting... (https://youtu.be/ARs7vS1231Q)
Asob (not the one I just accidentally sent to the bottom of the magma pipe) rushes over to see what happened. "Zon! What happened? I heard a crash, then a splash, then a scream, and then smelled dwarf hair."
"Science."
"Uhh... Ok, that's great. What the heck did you do?"
"Science."
"Have you lost your mind, Zon?? What was that scream I heard?"
"You heard Science." I turn and walk away, somewhat disappointed at the results.
((Map)) Spring arrives, and as usual I retire to my room to sketch out the lands. (http://mkv25.net/dfma/map-7782-severedcoils)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 10, 2010, 04:43:26 pm
(https://i.postimg.cc/T2CKx6Xs/lavaflow.jpg)
There's now a 3x3 area of "Lava Flow" at the bottom of my pipe, and it's generating "Lava" in a 3x3 column all the way to the top of the pipe.
Post by: Quietust on January 10, 2010, 05:05:13 pm
In fact, if you allow the Lava to flow into a subterranean area, it will become Magma again.
Post by: Lord Dakoth on January 11, 2010, 08:11:29 pm
Other than that, I'm really liking this, especially the massive magma trap.
Post by: Quietust on January 11, 2010, 08:19:43 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 11, 2010, 11:07:58 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 12, 2010, 02:17:18 am
-------------
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Zon' we're not done with this. I'm really upset that you sacrificed one of my miners for some... some stupid experiment! I don't even know what you intended to do with that channel anyway."
"Asob, we're dwarves! All great dwarven constructions are built on a few skeletons. It's like... no construction is considered 'dwarfy' until an accident claims a life. It's Armok's will."
"So, you think that dropping one of my miners into the magma vent was an acceptable loss for your magma trap."
"Of course!"
"Even though your science had absolutely nothing to do with the tower in question."
"Absolutely."
Asob looked up into the sky. "What if a dwarf were to be killed by a giant eagle while working on your tower?"
"Even better! Why do you ask?"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Mörul âstmeng's left upper leg, right upper arm, and left upper arm lay beside his headless corpse on the tower. His head is laying on the grass below the tower, dropped unceremoniously by the giant eagle. Unib's suggestion to name your enemy comes to mind.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Ack! Get off the tower, everyone inside!! Get the marksdwarves over here, right away! And get some champions here, too! We need to shoot this thing down! I want the hide of Sasaremen, Frightenstrong, at my feet!"
Archibold is first to the scene, followed closely by Grendus and Tirin. Perfect.
"Right, you three should be more than a match for that thing! Tirin, move in and shoot! Archibold, Grendus, prepare to retaliate when this thing comes at you! I can't have it holding up production any more than it already has."
"Better leave this one to me, boyos! My kill count hasn't risen in two seasons, and that makes me angry!" Archibold takes point.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1916-gianteagleshenanigans) ((Movie)) The warriors move in and engage Frightenstrong, the murdering giant eagle. (https://youtu.be/Bl3pMFGoTo4) The results are... disappointing.
"What in blazes is that thing doing?!"
"It's backing off, Zon. Giant eagles are smart; it doesn't want to be in range of our crossbows."
"Damn and blast! No enemy of The Crypt of Crowns gets away! Men, get off the tower and go shoot it from the mountainside! Ugh, if only we had some bait..."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
And there they were. The caravan from Elenúaye arrives, and they're headed straight for the Frightenstrong.
"Oh, no... no, no, no, no!" Asob started shouting. "Elves! TURNAROUNDTURNAROUNDTURNAROUNDTURNAROUND!!!"
Sadly, the elves head towards our fort at an angle, closely dodging the attention of the giant eagle. That's two disappointments in a row! Make that three if you count the Obsidian Lane not being finished in time to give them a proper greeting. Hmm... I'm getting closer to a good name for it!
Archibold is first on the scene again. The eagle flies just over his head, circling, waiting to attack. Archibold stares up at it, sneering.
"C'mon, you lousy notch on my flail with wings. You made me come out under the big burning ball in the sky twice today. You're not getting away this time..."
Soon, Barduk the marksdwarf approaches his station near the eagle.
"Wow... it's... bigger than I thought. Makes for an easier target, then!"
Barduk opens fire, but Frightenstrong flies out of range.
"Oops... I missed. Sorry, Archibold!"
Archibold threw his -Steel helm- to the ground in disgust. "Damn you, Frightenstrong! Know this, you winged hellion: No one gets away from Archibold. So help me, the next time you show your face around here, I'm grounding you permanantly!"
"That was kinda weak, Arch."
"Yeah? Well, so's your shooting, Barduk!"
"Oh! Well! That was such a good comeback! I'm going to have to share it with my husband, Tirin! He'll find it sooooo funny! And I'm sure you'll want to share it with your lover, too! Oh, wait-- you don't have one!"
I rush out to the hillside to stop the bickering. "Stop it, both of you! It's gone, but it's still nearby. We need to continue construction after we get poor Mörul's body off of the tower. I want you to stand by in case it returns."
Tekkud the tax collector, claiming traumatization from the loss of our brewer (whom he didn't even know even as a passing acquaintance), demands trifle pewter items. Whatever. Have your worthless trinkets, Tekkud.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
It's been almost a month, and Frightenstrong hasn't come back. I figure it's time to let the marksdwarves off the wall. It might be hard to drag Archibold down...
Also, by the end of the month we only had one kobold thief appear, and it was quickly beaten down. No ambushes or sieges yet. Asob... I really wish you wouldn't mess with whatever's down in those mines.
We're finally ready to cut open the sides of the magma pipe to fill the expansions. Asob and her miners get right on that.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Asob... err... decides to take a nap directly adjacent to the magma vent. Um... what? Reckless, much? Say hello to the fire imps and your dead miner, while you're in there. Just hurry up... I'm trying to get the area walled off!
Oh, wait... upon further inspection, I find she's stuck. I order the walls next to her dug out so that she can escape when she awakes. Well, at least she safely got away before a fire imp noticed her... one came pretty close, too, so she's extremely lucky. Most likely, she was saved by the rapidly depleting depth of the pipe as it drains into the expansion chamber - not having enough magma to swim up to reach her, the imp left her alone, and she was safe. I'm just glad she doesn't roll around in her sleep!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
At least the expansion chambers are filling up quickly. I can't wait to see how the magma trap works when the tower is complete! But there's still a lot of work to do. So far, the work has been straightforward because everything is built off of a straight line of floors. The level above will be a bit more complicated and involve a lot of walls.
Post by: Grendus on January 12, 2010, 01:26:13 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 12, 2010, 03:11:02 pm
The best I could do is cage a bunch of eagles near the tower and release them if Frightenstrong comes back, but even then I don't know that it would work. I didn't think tame animals, aside from wardogs, were aggressive against wild animals, especially their own kind. Anybody have any input on this?
Post by: Lord Dakoth on January 12, 2010, 09:05:35 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 14, 2010, 05:36:27 pm
-------------
Tholtig Bowelwall expressed his extreme hatred for rhesus macaques today by strangling three of them to death, one right after the other. Impressive! I'm tempted to enlist him into the military, but we'd be giving up a legendary engraver and professional furnace operator to do that. Ah, well. Several macaques got away with garbage strewn about outside... there hasn't been time or need to clean up outdoors.
The magma trap appears to be very near completion. I'm not sure if it will need an additional level above where the magma is meant to spill out... I doubt it. I suppose we'll find out once we run the first test!
"Help!" I hear Led Dastotdomas, cheese maker, call out, "There's a fire imp loose in the halls!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
What?? But... I thought I took every precaution to avoid this sort of thing! How did it get in?!
The fire imp chases Led all the way up onto the magma tower, where several dwarves are already hard at work. ((Movie)) Once cornered, she turns and wrestles the fire imp to death with her bare hands. (https://youtu.be/xuDcyyfjmXM)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
That's one strong cheese maker! I'm only glad the fire imp didn't cause more trouble, like setting any of the wooden vertical axles on fire.
I think I've found the vulnerability... there's a stairway right next to the first magma pump we used to power the forges, which is also adjacent to a wooden vertical axle. It's more of a surprise that this didn't happen sooner, really! I immediately order up several iron hatch covers to block off similar vulnerabilities throughout this section of the fort.
"Zon!" I hear the voice of King Minkot
"Yes, King. What is it."
"Put on your game face, Zon. It's time."
"Time for what?"
"Look, over the hills!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: elizar on January 14, 2010, 05:38:33 pm
Another Consort to please!
Post by: Quietust on January 14, 2010, 05:56:00 pm
Post by: Lord Dakoth on January 14, 2010, 05:59:25 pm
Post by: The Architect on January 14, 2010, 06:29:42 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 14, 2010, 06:51:41 pm
-------------
One wrestler, one macedwarf, six peasants, one butcher, one blacksmith, one potashmaker-- I mean mason, one hunter-- I mean mason, one herbalist, one metalsmith, one fisher, one bonecarver, one armorsmith, two stoneworkers, one animal tamer, and two children. These all came along with the latest count, consort, and... a philosopher!
Lolor Ekastathel, the Count, waltzes right into the dining room and stands on a table.
"Ah, Severedcoils! What a quaint county you have here! Well, fear not, laborers! I, Lolor, have come to bring you wealth and prosperity! See the fine dwarves I have brought with me! I have brought along just enough to make this place a Duchy! See? Already, I bring you wealth!"
Grendus bangs her (Copper war hammer) once on Arbostsarvesh, the adamantine buckler. "We've been doing a pretty good job of that ourselves."
Lolor jumps down from the green glass table, completely ignoring the rising concerns of the dwarves around him. He looked around the room, scoffing at the engravings all over.
"Egads, how atrocious! 'The Influential Charity?' A masterfully designed image relating to the ascension of the dwarf Zon Castleweakened the Skinny Morals to leadership of The Crypt of Crowns in the early spring of 201? Who calls this 'masterfully designed??" What kind of a name is 'Castleweakened for a leader, anyway?"
Tholtig Gúradil sulked. "Hey, that's my masterfully designed image of Zon Castleweakened the Skinny Morals the dwarf and dwarves..."
My eye started to twitch, as Lolor Saveringed (as if that's a better name for a leader) paraded through the halls, nitpicking at everything in his way.
"Egads! What's this watery mess doing next to the stairwell? I refuse to walk through so much mud and filth every time I use the stairs!"
"That's our mist generator," I say boldly, arms crossed and beard thoroughly ruffled. "It keeps us happy through the goblin sieges."
"Mist be damned! I demand this wreck be shut down, and the stairs mopped, and-- dear Kovest, you're all covered in blood and vomit! Have you dwarves been working outside?!"
"Here, Lolor, you must be weary from your journey!" Let me escort you to your room. It's right downstairs... we'll take the other stairway, if we absolutely must avoid the mud."
"Oh, we absolutely must do something about your clothing! What's a woman such as yourself doing in XX-cave spider silk trousers-XX?? Have you no shame? Is that giant bat blood spatter??"
"You bet your noble ass it is... but come! Your lovely quarters await! It's fortunate that one such as yourself should be so obsessed with cleanliness - ((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1920-drowningdukedump) ((Movie)) your room is the only one with a functioning shower! (https://youtu.be/cde57YbC6-o)"
I reset the trap and head back inside-- only to find a witness has followed me with the duke!!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Ack! Um... Imush! You didn't see anything, did you?"
"...Ha, ha, real funny! Is that another crack at me missing both eyes??"
"Oh... Um, sorry! What are you doing here, anyway?"
"I had a question to ask of Lolor, so I followed. I was hoping he brought some spare eyeballs with him. I fell asleep for a bit, though to be honest it's kind of hard to tell when I'm awake and when I'm unconscious - it's dark either way. Then I woke up here! Where is 'here,' anyway?"
"Oh! Uhh... you're... in the magma forges! Goodness, Imush, be careful where you step! You might fall into a smelter and get burned by magma!"
Imush raised an eyeless eyebrow. "Wait a minute... the forges have a very particular scent about them. Like magma, and burning rock, and dwarf sweat. Here it just smells... dusty, and musty, and faintly of a groundhog bone... cabinet? What room is this, anyway?"
I was frantically searching my mind for a better lie, and then-- "Oh! You can't tell whether you're awake or asleep?"
"Uh huh."
"Then, clearly, you're dreaming! No such room exists in the fort!"
"I'm dreaming? But my dreams usually make a lot less sense than this."
"The prickle berries said they think your hoary marmot turned midnight blue. You'd better bake some aluminum grass. Here, swallow this giant eagle, and then you can encrust finished goods with donkey tallow."
"Ah, yes, I'm definitely dreaming," nodded Imush. I'll just be on my way then. I wonder where I can find Lolor...
Imush wandered out of the room. Phew!! That was a close one...
As I'm walking out the snaking passageway to the duke's deathtrap, I pass the new philosopher.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Oh, hi. You must be--"
"Yes, yes, of course. One moment, you forgot to reset your lever."
A chill runs through my beard. "I... I did? How did you know?"
"I'm Quietust, the philosopher! I know! And one must never leave their levers unpulled. Excuse me!"
"Um... do you know what that lever does?"
"I assume it must be something completely unimportant and inconsequential, otherwise you wouldn't have forgotten to pull it again! A moment, please."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Quietust rushes on to go and pull the lever again to close the trap. I could have sworn I had already done that... Regardless, I hate to be rude, but I'm of no mind to meet anyone right now, so I sneak off while she's busy.
Post by: Quietust on January 14, 2010, 07:09:45 pm
And my dwarf has also finally arrived. Hopefully Nish is a male Philosopher...
...and it would appear not. Oh well, it's better than nothing. Also oddly appropriate that the Philosopher would be the one to reset the lever, being "Wise" and all (and undoubtedly wise to the whole situation, but wisely playing dumb)...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 14, 2010, 07:11:48 pm
Post by: Quietust on January 15, 2010, 12:36:31 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 15, 2010, 01:15:50 am
Post by: Flaede on January 15, 2010, 01:23:53 am
Post by: Pandarsenic on January 15, 2010, 03:48:59 am
Post by: Grendus on January 15, 2010, 07:27:09 pm
This could take a while.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 15, 2010, 11:18:39 pm
So, as long as I continue to do this, I should be able to get another consort every year.
Post by: The Architect on January 15, 2010, 11:24:43 pm
Hopefully people won't still think your home is a deathtrap by next Spring.
Post by: Pandarsenic on January 15, 2010, 11:43:30 pm
Post by: The Architect on January 15, 2010, 11:55:02 pm
Post by: Pandarsenic on January 16, 2010, 12:03:44 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 16, 2010, 11:00:28 am
Post by: Heliman on January 16, 2010, 04:59:20 pm
Also,
Quote
mew?is totally my new sig.
chop!
Post by: Pandarsenic on January 16, 2010, 06:56:16 pm
Just read through all of your work, Your story is amazing, even if only 2 nobles are dead.
Also,Quotemew?is totally my new sig.
chop!
;_;
Post by: The Architect on January 16, 2010, 07:56:46 pm
Noble death doesn't prevent another noble from appearing, or the migrant wave it comes with. It only prevents regular migrants from coming.
So it's actually a good thing for your purposes.
Post by: Lord Dakoth on January 16, 2010, 09:42:17 pm
Not that drowning them and pushing them into chasms isn't fun, I'd just really like to see some... burning... noble chunklets... that's all.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 17, 2010, 09:23:22 pm
Kenbo, I suggest that you use the next noble to test the magma deathtrap.
Not that drowning them and pushing them into chasms isn't fun, I'd just really like to see some... burning... noble chunklets... that's all.
I think that can be arranged! I'm estimating the trap might be finished right around when the next noble comes, so I could set up something special for him/her.
Also, I think I'm noticing an undesirable side-effect with using disabling Invaders for one season... it feels like the game has reset my enemies' aggression with me. Even though Invaders is on, I'm not getting any ambushes or sieges, just a couple of stray thieves as if it's my first year all over again. Anybody know if this is true, or am I just getting (un)lucky?
Post by: Lord Dakoth on January 17, 2010, 10:16:52 pm
I wouldn't worry about it too much, unless it happens again.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 18, 2010, 02:02:26 am
Except for elves. And humans, even though I enjoy trading with them. I may resort to xenophobia if things get too tame.
Post by: Quietust on January 18, 2010, 09:46:56 am
Out of curiosity, what do you plan to do when a Consort issues an impossible mandate (crystal glass, or perhaps exotic animal leather items) and Zon gets sentenced to be hammered? With the number of Consorts you intend to collect, it's not a question of if, but when...
Which reminds me... what are the preferences of our latest Consort?
Looking back, I just realized that an even worse fate could potentially await Zon - if failed mandates result in the execution of dwarves with lots of friends, an unhappy dwarf could potentially enter a Fell Mood and decide to turn Zon into a bracelet. Of course, it would be utterly tragic if that were to happen. And by "tragic" I mean "hilarious".
Post by: Grendus on January 18, 2010, 10:36:57 am
Post by: Dermonster on January 18, 2010, 12:22:50 pm
awesome
can i has a dwarf?
ill take... hm... i dunno really. you choose.
*notifies*
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 18, 2010, 05:29:39 pm
just read through.
awesome
can i has a dwarf?
ill take... hm... i dunno really. you choose.
*notifies*
I'm going to need a little more than that... Pick a profession and a name, please.
Looking back, I just realized that an even worse fate could potentially await Zon - if failed mandates result in the execution of dwarves with lots of friends, an unhappy dwarf could potentially enter a Fell Mood and decide to turn Zon into a bracelet. Of course, it would be utterly tragic if that were to happen. And by "tragic" I mean "hilarious".
Considering Zon's stance on art, that would be the ultimate insult! Fortunately, I've still maintained a mostly friendless fortress - the only friendships are those I started with in the starting 7. I had one gem setter go Unhappy only because he'd been working on the magma tower, was accosted by fire snakes, and happens to hate fire snakes - but that's it so far.
Apologies for the slow updates, should be able to return to normal sooner or later!
Post by: The Architect on January 18, 2010, 05:33:14 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 18, 2010, 05:37:13 pm
Post by: The Architect on January 18, 2010, 06:23:28 pm
"However, the assault failed due to the villain Archibold ..."
Hell yea b****es.
Post by: Dermonster on January 18, 2010, 07:10:19 pm
derm
hm... Metalworker
Post by: LegoLord on January 19, 2010, 06:52:50 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 19, 2010, 07:51:18 pm
-------------
Somehow, I get the feeling Reg doesn't miss her husband much. She was spotted filling the pond for the very same death trap that killed her husband. She doesn't know about the pond's involvement, does she??
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Come to think of it, Inod wasn't too broken up about losing what's-his-face the first Baron, either. In a way, this realization is a little more disturbing than the act I've been assigned to do.
Ast Dawnedroads, an animal caretaker, withdrew from society. I carefully planned the items she was allowed to use, and she came out of the craftshop with an obsidian earring worth 72,000 dwarf bucks.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Two pieces of raw clear glass... you know, it would have been nice if she'd have started with the clear glass and made a glass artifact. Honestly, from the day we founded Severedcoils I really wanted us to make our way with a glass industry. All of the green and clear glass furniture is proof of that. Yet after all the training I put our glassmakers through, they never seemed to increase in skill, and eventually I just gave up. Maybe I put the wrong dwarves to work in the glass furnaces... ah, well. We have a lot of high-valued food ingredients, so I set our cook to working on some more roasts.
"Oi, Zon! A word?" Solon, one of the metalcrafters, approaches.
"Yes, Solon?"
"Ah, no no, it's not Solon anymore. It's 'Derm.'"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"'Derm?!' What kind of a name is that for a dwarf? Why does everybody want to change their names all of a sudden?"
"Quite simple, actually... I dunno if you noticed, but this fort's startin' to make a name for itself. We had nobody want to migrate here for three years on account of the first baron mysteriously disappearin'. Now, a Count walks in, elects himself a Duke, and vanishes in the same day."
I stare coldly at 'Derm.' "Continue..."
"Well, y'see, the thing of it is, it's startin' to look a little... suspicious. None of us want any trouble though, I mean, none of us have ever had anything terrible happen to us. As long as it's just nobles, I think we can all agree to keep quiet. Some of us are changing our names, though, because we don't want our families associated with whatever's goin' on here -- if somethin's going on, that is."
"That would make more sense if you were changing your last names."
"Actually we though of that, but 'Skuorgs' disagreed. He made the point that if ever called into question, history would see a 'Derm Spatteredgirders' among the ranks. Then, someone would check the name 'Derm' against the Spatteredgirders line, not find any record of a 'Derm,' and be forced to conclude that the records are inaccurate and our family names would be protected by logical inconsistency!"
"Far easier if you were to just change your last name. That, and your old names are probably in my old notes somewhere, so either way that wouldn't work."
"Well... couldn't you just change the name in your old logs? And, wait, did you just commit to record 'Skuorgs'' plan of logical inconsistency??"
"King's order's m'afraid. I need to keep a record of what happens here."
Derm's eyes lit up in a way I didn't like. "So, wait, that book contains the full history of Severedcoils? Like... what really happened to the Baron and the Duke?"
I shot back my most intimidating glare I could muster - which wasn't much, being only a dabbling intimidator. "Reg requisitioned an order for something gold a little while ago. Perhaps you should get down to the forges and see what you can do..."
"Gold? Oh, boy. Is this goin' to happen often? You had us smelt all the gold we found into bars... shoulda just left it raw!"
"Relax, Derm. There's seventy-eight bars left. We'll just stop using it for crafts and save it for requests. It'll last us a while. In the meantime, we can start exploring the underground for another vein, but first we need to get rid of all this stone lying around! I keep stubbing my toes on them, and it's slowing work down."
"Finally! Well, I'll go make some... flasks? Goblets?"
"Goblets, please. Thanks."
Derm goes on her way. I'm worried now about the safety of this journal. Stupidly, I let slip that our entire history is contained here! Now there might be bandits among us who may attempt to steal it... I'll need to keep it on my person at all times.
Post by: Dermonster on January 19, 2010, 08:38:27 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: The Architect on January 19, 2010, 08:41:06 pm
Jorurnal of "Derm" Spatteredgirders
...I shall keep all of my ideas here from now on.
...Leave no evidence of my plans, whatever they will be.
Post by: Dermonster on January 19, 2010, 08:51:54 pm
Eat this as soon as possible to commit to memory.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 19, 2010, 09:17:42 pm
-------------
The human caravan from Pesor Siti is on the way. I unforbid ten stacks of roasts - this alone should be more than enough to pull the entire caravan. If not, there's plenty more where that came from. At this point we're creating more wealth just for the fun of it.
"Ah, Zon," the wise Quietust flags me as I'm ordering the roasts to be moved to the depot. "A word, please?"
"Hm, I'm becoming quite popular all of a sudden! What is it?"
"During one of my daily meditations and wanderings about the fort, I stumbled across a tame dragon tied up near what appears to be adamantine! But, alas, there is very little of the precious metal mined out. So I must wonder, what is the dragon guarding if you aren't giving it the opportunity of something to guard against?"
"If you're asking me to have more of the adamantine mined, you can forget about it. There's no need for it. We have all the wealth we could ever want, our soldiers are well-trained and well-armed... and that stuff spells death to the fortress if we take too much!"
"Only if you mine it carelessly! Should you find it necessary to dig out more adamantine (in case further moods require it, and they very likely may), I would advise using the trick of smoothing the walls and carving fortifications to reveal the tiles beyond - the fortifications can be mined out to get the stone, and clowns won't path through them (though they may cause a lot of lag nonetheless)."
"Clowns? Lag? I don't understand some of your wise-man talk... but it is a good suggestion, I'll give you that. Still, I don't see the point. Personally, I don't want to see beyond those walls, and I don't want any more of that cursed rock in my fortress. Sorry, but it stays there."
"At least put the dragon to better use! A dragon such as Nelare is a rare catch indeed, and could be put to great military use! Why don't you set her upon the enemy?"
"Too much fallout! That flame breath will cause far too much damage to our own military and animals. It's better that she stay down there, where she can only be of harm to whatever danger lurks down there."
Angry shouts from outside... as usual, this can only mean one thing.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1930-failedambush) ((Movie)) I send the champions and marksdwarves out to fight, but it's too late by the time they get there. (https://youtu.be/-0UI8m3FgkY) I hope this won't hurt our relations with the humans much!
Pethit, one of the human merchants, was stabbed in the liver, forcing him to crawl all the way to the depot with his mule. This slowed down trading with the humans considerably... What's more, I think the merchants were more than a little disturbed that our first response to the ambush was to run past them and grab what we could off of the goblins' still warm bodies.
Asob was re-elected as mayor again. Surprising that someone who tends to avoid crowds should get elected so many years in a row. As always, I'll probably have to put up with her getting a little stuck-up for a while again, like she does every time she makes it back into office.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I decided to build a bridge for crushing rocks and unwanted items inside of our indoor refuse pile, but this turned out to be a mistake. I intended to place the bridge in an easily accesible spot that wouldn't have too many paths in or out, or be covered in a high-traffic area. We don't want any bridge-related accidents! Unfortunately, dwarves will be coming and going through miasma pretty often as they're moving items into the crusher. I carve a second path coming in from the south to act as the entry to the crushing room. A door has already been placed on the original entrance, but we can keep it forbidden. The new lever out in the hallway will act as the bridge's control.
Of course, we didn't want the entire caravan - I claim we can do it just as a joke - but still, we get everything we want from the humans, including a lot of metal bars, for seven of the ten roasts sent for trade. This really is too easy... makes me wonder what we're going to do with all the goblin clothing? Probably crush it along with the rocks, I'll bet.
Quietust comes again. I see our philosopher is very talkative...
"I see that you've used the fortification trick to peek beyond a bit of the Adamantine - I thought you weren't going to do that."
"Hm? I didn't. Why, what did you see?"
"Oh... those weren't your orders? I didn't mean to get anyone in trouble--"
"What did you see??"
"Really, I can't bring myself to say something that might incriminate another... so, I'll draw it instead."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Asob!! This has to be your doing! This has gone too far...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 19, 2010, 09:23:31 pm
Post by: Dermonster on January 19, 2010, 09:27:01 pm
Post by: Quietust on January 20, 2010, 09:58:45 am
Post by: Doomshifter on January 20, 2010, 10:38:52 am
You know, you don't have to use my comments word-for-word - it's fine to rephrase them a bit so they fit the narrative better (e.g. so you don't have to have Zon get confused by the terms "clowns" and "lag").It's totally funnier that way. I mean, a wise and all knowing philosopher is allowed to get a bit meta, right?
=3
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 20, 2010, 11:18:42 am
um, you do realize the ------- beside the goblin means they are present and violent towards you right? If the word "goblin" isn't there at all is when they arn't present.
"That's not what upsets me, Unib! A goblin was sighted in the area! Mayor Obok assured me there weren't any goblins in this area! He even showed me these documents to prove it!"
(http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/8384/embarkneighbors.jpg)
Unib shook her head and put a hand on my shoulder. "Um, you do realize the -------- beside the goblin means they are present and violent towards you right? If the word 'goblin' isn't there at all is when they aren't present."
If it bothers you, I won't do it with the philosopher anymore.
Post by: Lord Dakoth on January 20, 2010, 03:42:01 pm
Post by: rickvoid on January 20, 2010, 03:58:44 pm
Don't stop quoting whole posts. I laugh so hard everytime it happens. :)
I don't suppose you have room for an UnderTaker here at SeveredCoils? Name Rick/Rica, burial duty and casket making.
Post by: Quietust on January 20, 2010, 04:21:43 pm
You're not the only person I've done that to. It's a running gag I've been pulling since page 2!
I know - that's when I first noticed it. If you're going to continue doing that, I suppose I can just start phrasing my suggestions more carefully. :)
casket making.
Carpenter, Mason, Blacksmith, or Glassmaker? For any of those, there'd probably need to be a separate workshop (with workshop profiles to prevent anyone else from using it), and it would preclude the use of work orders to make burial receptacles. Actually placing the coffins will probably still be done by anybody, but it'd certainly be possible to disable the Burial labor on everyone else (though newly arrived migrants would have it enabled).
Post by: rickvoid on January 20, 2010, 04:34:12 pm
If it's too big a pain, just custom title somebody and we can play pretend. Or continue playing, anyway. :)
Post by: Thief^ on January 20, 2010, 04:47:43 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 20, 2010, 06:00:03 pm
Ooh, we're in for some Fun. If you lose, do you plan on reclaiming?
Actually, I have a plan for dealing with the HFS. Getting a look at the chamber is the first step, of course. Part of my "HFS diffusion device" is already pretty close to present, but I haven't had a chance to move the second piece where I need it.
Will I reclaim? ...I hadn't thought about it, really. That's something worth a reader vote, methinks. The options are reclaim, or savescum if the fort is lost to anything other than a failed demand tantrum spiral kinda like I did here <_<... (https://youtu.be/mIxA4dVkF3o) Or, just end it and do something else entirely.
My vote's for scumming, because I want to keep the story intact and not have to fall backwards on a ton of progress with a reclaim.
Post by: elizar on January 20, 2010, 06:46:15 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 20, 2010, 07:20:35 pm
-------------
Three goblin snatchers were killed by a motley crew consisting of Nomal Zenithdagger the Engraver, Atír Razorcloak the Woodcutter, Led Theaterally the Furnace Operator, and the two dogs ňnul Flagpointed and Kogan Spearsecrets. With no casualties on our side, save a bruised left upper arm on Led! Way to protect our children!
"Oh, bother. I was really hoping one of them would die..."
I turn and find Likot Fountainclouted, our fort's only glassmaker (and only a Competent one at that), shaking his head at the lack of bodies.
"Likot! What--"
"No, no, erase that. It's not Likot anymore."
"...It's an engraving on slate. I can't erase it."
"Then scratch it out! My name is 'Rick' now... 'Rick' the 'Undertaker.'"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"'Rick?!' Is that a human name?! Ugh... Fine, guess I'll have to go and change yet another name in the logs. What's with this 'Undertaker' bit though?"
"Zon, every dwarf needs a proper burial sooner or later... preferably sooner... I want to take it upon myself to ensure that they have a... pleasant rest in the afterlife... and who wouldn't want to start their eternal peaceful slumber early?"
"You're creepy. Go move some more rocks onto that garbage compactor."
"Wouldn't you want them to be under the bridge...?"
"It's more Fun this way! No go on, 'Rick,' let's see you roll some rocks."
"You don't mind where I put them, do you? I'm... disorganized."
"It's a dump. Soon it'll all be dust. Don't beat yourself up over it."
I'm noticing a trend that's starting to bother me... the workers are no longer ecstatic. It's probably the paranoia caused by the unexplained loss of their duke, following the loss of their baron... or, it could be their dismal 1x2 bedrooms. I immediately designate the entire dormitory quarters to be smoothed, seeing if this will alleviate the problem. If need be, we can start engraving pictures of dwarves being struck down by goblins or burning in magma to lighten their spirits better. This is a perfectly sound and reasonable solution, if I do say so myself.
Reg the consort followed up her demand of a gold item with a demand of a pick. Lucky her, she's getting one made of iron - we're practically swimming in the stuff right now! Kikrost the dungeon master also put in an order for a silver armor stand in her bedroom. Isn't it funny how these nobles all want several armor stands and weapon racks, but Armok be damned if you'll ever see them fight? I could see the hammerer needing one weapon rack for that big, hefty hammer she carries around, but that's it. Ah, well... silver armor stand it is.
Oh, and to be expected, Tekkud needs me to make a trifle pewter item just because everybody else is getting something. What a freeloader! Trifle pewter isn't even that valuable, why are you wasting my time with this? At least I can sell those golden goblets Reg had me make...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Nevermind! Argh!! What's going to happen when there are even more consorts?? This is preposterous...
I realize that I never created new bedrooms for the migrants that came with the latest duke! I don't feel like counting beds, so I just order up forty new ones and a long hallway full of more 1x2 rooms. Better to have too many than to have too few... also, what else are we going to do with all that wood? Might as well... Hey, we struck native platinum in one of the new rooms! Looks like some lucky fella is getting a 3x2.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A fourth goblin snatcher appears. Sigun Ikudmafol the Pump Operator (and I wish I knew what else) tackles it, but the thief gets the upper hand. Two more dwarves and a dog rush in to save Sigun, who falls unconscious, but this goblin is resilient! It manages to take down Sigun with it. Curses... well, 'Rick,' looks like you finally have something to bury.
Post by: Quietust on January 20, 2010, 07:50:55 pm
I'd love to continue using glass, but for some reason all efforts in training up a glass maker have been futile, for reasons I can't understand. I suppose I should set somebody on repeated glass garbage, but it's not worth it at this point. I have all the wealth I can manage.
Glassmakers train just as quickly as any other worker - the only thing that makes glassmakers slower to train is all of the sand collection. Rather than do the glassmaking and sand gathering at the same time, have them do all of their glassworking at once, then refill the sand bag stockpiles afterwards (at least 100 sand bags should be enough).
Post by: Dermonster on January 20, 2010, 07:55:38 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 20, 2010, 08:08:43 pm
Post by: Dermonster on January 20, 2010, 08:11:32 pm
(http://www.mspaintadventures.com/phpBB3/images/smilies/facepalm.gif)
Post by: rickvoid on January 20, 2010, 08:59:01 pm
Thanks for the inclusion, Kenbo!
Derm... Socialist Dwarf. It's been done. To death. Sigh.
Post by: Dermonster on January 20, 2010, 09:03:30 pm
besides... um... there is no besides.
its kinda non-cannon anyway.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 20, 2010, 09:27:37 pm
Post by: Dermonster on January 20, 2010, 09:29:42 pm
Post by: Flaede on January 20, 2010, 11:53:11 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
What were you doing in a dusty old tomb?
Post by: Doomshifter on January 21, 2010, 12:20:14 am
dermonster is hereby absolved of all sins (including resorting to elf-tactics like herbalism for his assassination attempt), past, present, and future, for facepalming with an icon of my favorite Homestuck character :DI think that's literally the only thing I could like the guy for.
Rose is the bestest. Second only to Jade, of course. [/offtopic]
Post by: Dermonster on January 21, 2010, 07:47:04 am
Post by: The Architect on January 21, 2010, 07:52:06 am
im fairly certain that tomb is sort of a synonym for book.Well you know what they say about assuming, right?
Someone asked me the other day, and I said "Yes, it makes an ass out of you."
"And me," she replied. So I said "Exactly!"
She never got it.
Post by: Thief^ on January 21, 2010, 08:10:54 am
im fairly certain that tomb is sort of a synonym for book. lets not look too closely at the details though."tome"
Post by: The Architect on January 21, 2010, 08:42:30 am
Post by: Dermonster on January 21, 2010, 02:16:14 pm
Post by: LegoLord on January 21, 2010, 05:42:38 pm
Also, one thing I like to do is come up with some glass-block-based megaproject and just go all-out on glass block production.
Post by: Lord Dakoth on January 21, 2010, 06:42:58 pm
As unrealistic as it probably is, my personal DF goal is to have a 100% self-sustaining green glass block industry. It's harder than it looks, you have to perfectly balance the gathering speed of sand and the production of glass.
I find that it's best if you have a single magma glass furnace, and then several normal glass furnaces (anywhere in the fort, just make sure the MGF is near the sand collection.) The magma furnace is used for making blocks, and the others are usd for collecting sand. If you can balance the speeds, the only thing you have to look out for is seeing that the magma furnace doesn't get cluttered with blocks and bags, which is pretty simple if you don't have hundreds of bags, and you're semi-constantly designating buildings.
If you're wondering about balancing the speeds, I like to use one sand gatherer per skilled glassmaker, two sand gatherers per professional or so, and three or four in case of a Leg.+5 glassmaker.
Post by: Pandarsenic on January 21, 2010, 07:17:59 pm
That is amazing.im fairly certain that tomb is sort of a synonym for book.Well you know what they say about assuming, right?
Someone asked me the other day, and I said "Yes, it makes an ass out of you."
"And me," she replied. So I said "Exactly!"
She never got it.
Post by: Quietust on January 21, 2010, 07:37:07 pm
I find that it's best if you have a single magma glass furnace, and then several normal glass furnaces (anywhere in the fort, just make sure the MGF is near the sand collection.) The magma furnace is used for making blocks, and the others are usd for collecting sand.
I tried that in my first real fort, and it really didn't work very well (to the point that I tore down all of the regular glass furnaces and replaced them with more of the magma variety) - if you have even a single normal glass furnace, then you can't use work orders to mass produce glass items since some of them will always go to the regular furnaces and waste fuel you could otherwise use for making steel (or generate tons of cancellation messages), requiring tons of extra micromanagement for glassmaking (otherwise you'll use up all of your empty bags, which is annoying if you're doing a lot of farming). Filling all of the normal furnaces with 10 tasks of "Gather Sand/R" doesn't work either, since all of the tasks simultaneously cancel once you run out of empty bags.
I typically end up building at least a dozen magma glass furnaces, keeping a large stockpile of prefilled sandbags (at least a hundred, preferably more), and just switching between work orders for glass items and work orders for sand collection; it takes a bit longer since glass production has to pause every so often to replenish sand, but it's a lot easier since the game gives you notifications when the work orders are completed so you can minimize idle time.
Post by: Burnt Pies on January 21, 2010, 08:35:55 pm
Just finished reading it all today. Completely distracted me from actually playing DF.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 21, 2010, 10:07:11 pm
Post by: Doomshifter on January 21, 2010, 11:43:32 pm
I set work orders to collect about ninety bags of sand, renew them every now and then while I clog my magma furnaces with whatever glass I need so as to avoid the smelters with power being used for sand collecting.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 24, 2010, 11:58:08 pm
Nah, actually, Real Life Fun happened for a while. There seems to be a lot of that lately, hopefully it goes away so I can keep up with this!
Post by: Doomshifter on January 25, 2010, 01:45:14 am
Update tomorrow. Delay was caused by me staring at Doomshifter's bouncy avatar too much :DI often get stuck staring at my bouncy avatar. Please don't be ashamed =3
Nah, actually, Real Life Fun happened for a while. There seems to be a lot of that lately, hopefully it goes away so I can keep up with this!
Post by: Thief^ on January 25, 2010, 03:06:37 am
Though I still don't know who drew it or where it's from.
Now back on topic.
Post by: Doomshifter on January 25, 2010, 05:26:30 am
I found this (http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/2461/melonabigs.gif)Why thank you~
Though I still don't know who drew it or where it's from.
Now back on topic.
I also have one sorta like my avatar, but staring at her butt =3
NOW back on topic.
EDIT: It's from the closing credits of Queen's Blade.
Post by: Loyal on January 25, 2010, 08:10:16 am
Post by: Grendus on January 25, 2010, 09:20:26 am
Another option is to create 9 suspended collect sand jobs at the glass furnaces, then set job on repeat. Even when you run out of glass, because the 9 jobs are suspended I believe the game doesn't remove them. When you want to order glass via manager, add another job to the glass furnaces and suspend it as well.
Since I love clothesmaking, I have plenty of pig tails, hemp, and rope reed bags (all of which locally grown, I don't buy rope reed from the filthy hippies) to make into bags, clothing, and decorating goblin cloths and orc trophies. Between that and buying all the flour and sugar the caravans randomly bring, I end up with dozens to hundreds of bags in their own stockpile. Which is good, I use a lot between glass, dye, and growing multiple types of grain.
Post by: The Architect on January 25, 2010, 05:40:26 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 25, 2010, 09:56:22 pm
-------------
Kyronea, you go-getter! Training you up on cooking was an excellent plan - and a most profitable one, at that!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Our fortress shall want for nothing - well, except for a taste of those forbidden roasts. Not quite masterwork quality yet, but getting there! Now, we could substantially increase our profits by rotating the crops to increase production of sweet pods and whip vine flour, but... wait, but what? Why shouldn't I do just that?? We already have a wide variety of foods, the profits from the roasts allow us to buy all the food we want from the caravans - not because we're starving, but for the sake of keeping variety in stock - and if the workers ever start to get unhappy, we can let slip a few roasts to get their spirits up.
Ugh, speaking of unhappy dwarves...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A cave spider died in the bestiary, disgusting most of the military and anyone else who sought the peace and comfort of a restrained grizzly bear lately. A cat probably dragged it in there. I honestly don't understand how a cave spider can cause that much stink! It's just a little thing! Well, if that cat's owner had done the right thing and accepted the cat's gift, this wouldn't happen! Some people just don't appreciate cats for their aloofness... isn't that right, Astesh, Olin, and... hmm, didn't I have three cats? Did one die of old age and I didn't notice? No, of course not. I'm sure it's perfectly alive somewhere and no harm whatsoever has come to it. This is most assuredly the case.
I can tell Reg is going to be difficult. Right now, her mandates include the banning of gold items, picks, and shields, all at the same time. Picks and shields really don't cut into our market at all, but it's the fact of the matter! Who does she think she is, waltzing in here and making all these restrictions on what we can and can't export? The gold item mandate is the worst, but it still doesn't matter with the roasts... come to think of it, thost roasts may very well save our lives in the end... or at least put off our eventual demise.
Oh, and because Asob said so, we're also not allowed to export beds. Just in case, you know, the fancy takes us.
"Hey, beds are important! You've seen Somberswallows the Odorous Typhoons, haven't you? I worked hard on that Garnierite bed..."
"Gah! Don't do that, Asob!"
"Don't do what?"
"Sneak up on me! Can't you just, you know, walk?"
"Ok, seriously? This joke is getting old. Everybody keeps saying I randomly appear and disappear, but that can't be. I distinctly recall walking from the dining area all the way to your room several stories below."
"Uh huh. How many steps did it take you?"
"Only two, no doubt because of my genius work regulating traffic in the tunnels! I didn't even know I was such an architectural genius like you!"
"I thought you didn't like my architecture?"
"Oh, not at all! Your magma trap turned out nice."
"'Turned out? It's finished?!"
"Right on the first of Autumn, too! Perfect timing!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
There it is! The upper level of the tower, in all its glory - and look! All of the vomit cleared away with the passing of the seasons!
Regrettably, there are a large number of garish floors sticking out of the sides of the contraption. This was the only way I could get the walls in place without letting the dwarves trap themselves. I had once asked that the floors be removed after use, but guess where the dwarves wanted to stand to remove them? That's right... on the side that the floors were meant to prevent them from getting stuck on! On the other hand, they might actually promote the spreading of magma in a way, so maybe it's not all bad. If they get annoying, we'll have to go to the trouble of building stairs up to them to remove them.
Post by: The Architect on January 25, 2010, 10:06:12 pm
Post by: Quietust on January 25, 2010, 10:13:31 pm
"Hey, beds are important! You've seen Somberswallows the Odorous Typhoons, haven't you? I worked hard on that Galena bed..."
I thought it was made of Garnierite, not Galena.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 25, 2010, 11:19:39 pm
Have you seen that recent magma trap posting? I can dig it up if you haven't; the gist of the thing is that the invaders are allowed to flood into the entrance and then closed in, where magma is instantly flooded and instantly removed with no standing pools and no waste. It's quite beautiful, and integrates in a 3-wide entrance.
Yeah, I saw that! Incredibly jealous, I am. I haven't toyed around with dwarven engineering nearly enough to come up with something like that on my own. My magma trap's just going to make a smokey mess out of a quarter of the map for good times and pancakes.
"Hey, beds are important! You've seen Somberswallows the Odorous Typhoons, haven't you? I worked hard on that Galena bed..."
I thought it was made of Garnierite, not Galena.
Ugh, I was thinking of Garnierite while I typed Galena. Must have been a brain odorous typhoon.
Post by: Pandarsenic on January 26, 2010, 03:31:52 am
Post by: Thief^ on January 26, 2010, 06:04:54 am
Advice for deconstructing floors - designate a wall to be built on the square they're not to stand on and suspend it, then designate the deconstruction. They won't stand on the suspended construction spot.That doesn't work over constructed floors, unfortunately. You can't build walls on a constructed floor. For no apparent reason.
Post by: Quietust on January 26, 2010, 09:51:52 am
Advice for deconstructing floors - designate a wall to be built on the square they're not to stand on and suspend it, then designate the deconstruction. They won't stand on the suspended construction spot.
That only works when building; it doesn't work at all when removing constructions or when digging.
One other possibility would be to build a door on the tile, lock it, then order the floor removed from beneath it, though this could end up with the door deconstructing (either upon removal of the floor, or afterwards during cleanup) onto the wrong side of the gap.
Post by: The Architect on January 26, 2010, 10:13:24 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 26, 2010, 12:27:29 pm
Post by: Quietust on January 26, 2010, 12:33:47 pm
Is the magma supposed to flow into the passages underneath and then bubble up through the holes visible in the picture? Because if it is, I'm fairly certain it won't, since pump pressure will never push a fluid above the pump itself.
Post by: Grendus on January 26, 2010, 02:02:46 pm
Another, albeit dangerous, option would be to deconstruct the orthagonal walls holding the floors up. That will cave the floors in, then you can rebuild the wall and be done. You may lose a worker or two to science though, cave ins have a tendency to suck nearby dwarves in.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 26, 2010, 05:37:38 pm
Is the magma supposed to flow into the passages underneath and then bubble up through the holes visible in the picture? Because if it is, I'm fairly certain it won't, since pump pressure will never push a fluid above the pump itself.
Even when there's a lot of it and it has nowhere else to go? Uh oh... Well, we'll see soon enough if it needs a bit of a redesign. If you're right, then hopefully all I need to do is add a couple more pumps, possibly another windmill, and pressure the magma from above. There's no other way for me to accomplish this since I don't have access to bauxite.
Post by: The Architect on January 26, 2010, 07:11:46 pm
"West > North > South > East"
This is a common misconception that is passed around on our forums way too much. Dwarves actually choose their positions based on reference points within a block (the big sections of your map) that happen to have this general effect. The general order is anything but a rule. You can't trust it to always start from the northwest, the bottom, or any other place, but once you have an understanding of the reference points on your map then you can generally predict its behavior. Your construction either spans multiple blocks or encompasses one of these reference points (judging from your description).
Post by: Quietust on January 26, 2010, 09:47:00 pm
Is the magma supposed to flow into the passages underneath and then bubble up through the holes visible in the picture? Because if it is, I'm fairly certain it won't, since pump pressure will never push a fluid above the pump itself.
Even when there's a lot of it and it has nowhere else to go?
Pumps only push liquids forward and downward, never upward. When you think about it, it makes sense - after all, a screw pump is just an Archimedes screw (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archimedes%27_screw), so it doesn't really have the ability to impart that sort of pressure.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 26, 2010, 11:15:44 pm
Post by: LegoLord on January 27, 2010, 02:33:37 pm
Post by: Quietust on January 27, 2010, 04:21:43 pm
Don't be mistaken, though, if you have a vertically-aligned u-bend and magma is pumped into the top of one end, it will rise to that same level on the other end. Or maybe the level just below that.
It will indeed rise up to the same level as the pump's output tile - I used this very trick in a previous megaproject.
Post by: Lord Dakoth on January 27, 2010, 04:57:56 pm
Then I have no choice but to make a huge production out of what will most assuredly be a spectacular failure.
I must take this moment of opportunity to use this very fitting, very Dwarven quote:
"Certainty of death... small chance of success... what are we waiting for?"
~Gimli, son of Gloin
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 28, 2010, 10:37:30 pm
-------------
At last, the final wall is set in place! The trap is finally ready. Soon, everyone will see that this place is not just some 'cursed deathtrap.' It's home to outstanding architecture designed to fry all those who dare enter, a marvel of dwarven architecture and practicality! ~Actually, the winner goes to the builders at Hellfurnace, who created a super-efficient, super-reusable, and super-artistic trap! -Asob (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1931-theultimatelavatrap)
"Your little pet project is ready, I see."
I turn and find King Minkot, again dressed in his peasant garb.
"Expecting the caravan again, I see."
"Yes, of course. They'll be asking how Duke Lolor Ekastathel is doing. They're going to be somewhat suspicious of his disappearance."
"Surely you've planned for this, your peasantry?"
"What did you say?!"
"I said 'your majesty?'"
"... I could have sworn I heard different."
"Oh, but your disguise is so convincing! But again, a plan?"
"Yes, well, it's already finished. You finished it. Your giant magma distraction device over there will draw much attention away from the fact that a second baron has turned up missing. We can use it to leverage attention away from Lolor's demise."
"Of course, King. But what of next year? Magma traps are so commonplace, this one couldn't possibly distract the attention of the Swift Arches for more than a season." ~Oh! Do they know about Nelare the dragon? She could distract them for a season, too! -Asob
"I should like to see a demonstration, then. Let us see how powerful this trap of yours is, then we can determine the magnitude of its distraction potential."
"Of course." I then shout into the dining hall, "Hey! Somebody go pull that lever!!"
"Ooh! Ooh me! Mememememe!! I wanna do it!"
The voice of Tekkud Lenodmeng, the coattail-riding tax collector, rang out from deep within the stairways. A half-dozen available dwarves looked at the lever, shrugged, and went about their business. I had to wait impatiently for Tekkud to drag himself out of bed, walk up several flights of stairs, before finally getting here to pull the lever.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Why... what's this? Your 'trap' is just sitting there!"
"Oh, no!! What happened?! How..."
"The only way in which this is a distraction is in its shoddy construction! Fix it at once, or so help me..."
"Yeah, yeah. The caravan isn't coming for another week, so why don't you change out of those filthy peasant's clothes?"
King Minkot glared at me sternly, and I calmly back at him. "Zon, you dishonor me for the last time! I demand you prostrate yourself before me and beg forgiveness!"
"Oh. Gee. Let me get right on that." I deliberately drop my journal on the rough basalt floor, and say while bending to pick it up, "Oh. Would you look at that. While prostrating myself, I happened to find this book full of evidence about a secret mission to forcibly eliminate competition for your throne. Hm! Who would just randomly leave such a thing lying in the middle of a hall? I wonder how many more books just like this are scattered throughout the fortress to be found?"
"What! You... you..."
"Relax, Your Highness. Your secret is safe with me... as long as you keep me safe. Got it?"
The king stared blankly at me for a long time, utterly aghast. He opened his mouth to speak, and as he did that I lowered my eyes to my book to quickly document this little exchange as it happened while my journal was on the floor. By the time I looked up from my writing, I could see him walking away, visibly shaking. ~Zon, be careful! Don't keep tempting him, or he might have you 'removed' during the night! I know, you think that if you're gone, nobody could say where the evidence is hidden, and its only a matter of time before it's found... but do you honestly believe that's enough to keep yourself safe from his hammer? -Asob
Post by: Dermonster on January 28, 2010, 10:53:28 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: Argonnek on January 28, 2010, 11:43:12 pm
Mental journal of Dermonster.Zon is female, though it's an interesting journal nonetheless.
Zons megamagmatrappa is broken. serves him right, asshat. ignoring the need of the common people.
Post by: Dermonster on January 28, 2010, 11:45:35 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 30, 2010, 05:46:08 pm
Mental journal of Dermonster.Zon is female, though it's an interesting journal nonetheless.
Zons megamagmatrappa is broken. serves him right, asshat. ignoring the need of the common people.
It's OK, I'm pretty sure even dwarves get confused about who's male and who's female. You've seen one beard, you've seen 'em all!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 30, 2010, 08:20:23 pm
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I need to hide my journal a bit better... Asob's clearly still getting at it, and is even leaving comments! I have to wonder how closely she reads this, since I've written many, many times about how much this invasion of my privacy irks me! ~But Zon, you're supposed to give this to King Minkot eventually, right? These are the reports of your mission, so it doesn't seem very private to me! -Asob
I chew my *one-humped camel cheese biscuits [1]* thoughtfully. My first thought is about who flubbed up and made an easy meal out of camel cheese, and I check the kitchens to make sure that I haven't accidentally ordered the high-value ingredients to be biscuitized. Everything appears to be in order, and a quick check of the stocks shows that this seems to be the only stack of high-value biscuits, so it must have been a one time mistake. Tastes a little funny, though... like there's some kind of exotic spice in it. Pretty good, actually!
Now, about that tower... Quietust the philosopher has been proving to be quite the solver of practical problems. My kind of dwarf, in fact. I decide to seek out her advice, and find her admiring the clear glass coffin of Edzul ŕlilrimtar the guard.
"You know, not many can stand and stare at a decomposing dwarf through clear glass," I say to interrupt her meditation. "Keeps the live dwarves out of here so they don't waste a bunch of time mourning."
"Hm? Oh, yes, well. Edzul here has decomposed into a lovely shade of dark brown. I was also thanking him for his service; the guards of many forts often go unused, but the guards here have died with honor. Surely, their bravery will be remembered for ages."
"Er, well, actually, he probably died of a training accident. I think. I kinda forget, it was probably a couple of years ago and I don't think I wrote it down. But that's besides the point! I was wondering if I could ask for your help with the magma tower."
"Ah, yes. I saw you tried to turn it on, but nothing seemed to happen. A shame... Is the magma supposed to flow into the passages underneath and then bubble up through the holes visible in the picture? Because if it is, I'm fairly certain it won't, since pump pressure will never push a fluid above the pump itself."
"Geez... I thought for sure the magma would rise. Guess I forgot it was so chunky!"
"You need to first pump the magma up two more levels before it will rise out of the holes you've constructed. Fortunately, it seems simple enough for you to simply add two more pumps to the top of the stack. You'll need to remove your mechanisms from the southern part of your orthoclase power base and replace it with a pump, but coincidentally your axle from the northern part would connect perfectly with the new pump that would be placed there! Weighing all other alternative, this truly appears to be the fastest solution."
"I'll need to rework the mechanisms on the lever, then... it'll have to connect to the gear assembly under the north windmill."
"Even better, this solution is not only the fastest, but the most aesthetically sound."
"Pheh. If it works, who cares what it looks like?" ~I do!! -Asob
I bid Quietust farewell and put her plans into motion. The more I think about it, the better I feel - except for the mild indigestion I seem to have picked up from those *one-humped camel cheese biscuits.* I set the orders into motion right away, but it seems to take all day for somebody to finally come and deconstruct the wall. The Countess Consort Reg Handlerims is actually the first to reach the orthoclase tower (Hey, she's finally pulled herself out of bed! Darn...), but as soon as she reaches the wall she decides to turn around and get a drink. Hey, Asob, why can't you just teleport yourself over there? ~Ha, ha, real funny!
Post by: Dermonster on January 30, 2010, 10:07:22 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
but i can work with this.Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 31, 2010, 04:57:15 pm
Post by: Dermonster on January 31, 2010, 05:02:29 pm
actually im not really sure where im going with this.
making it up as i go along FTW.
if you want i can stop doing it.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 02, 2010, 11:04:27 pm
The only reason I'm not giving a good explanation for the delays is I'd prefer not to derail the thread with rants about my personal life. It isn't that I'm not comfortable explaining what's going on, but this isn't the right place for it. It's nothing bad, it's just a number of financial issues as well as somewhat drastic changes to my routine.
Post by: Lord Dakoth on February 03, 2010, 12:45:31 am
However, if this topic generates too much derail (as it inevitably will,) I would suggest locking it until you next update. Until then, cheers and good luck battling whatever ill fortune besets you.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 03, 2010, 05:26:21 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 03, 2010, 06:53:00 pm
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"To shreds, you say? Oh my..."
"That's right... the goblins ambushed him while he was deconstructing a wall of our magma tower." Asob met with the dwarven traders of Subetrovod and explained the 'fate' of the late Duke Lolor.
"And what of his wife?"
"She was an emotional wreck for a while, but she's being compensated with a ≡Pitchblende statue≡ as we speak to soothe her nerves."
"To shreds, you say? Oh my... still, your fort cannot be considered a duchy without a duke! We'll need to send another one right away!"
"Of course... and please, send along these *Dwarven syrup roasts* posthaste to Duchess Unib."
Spoken like a champ... Asob has truly gained the trust of her people, even those she meets for the first time. I guess there's something about her that makes people feel they can confide in her. You'd never expect to be lied to by someone as innocent-minded as she, I suppose. She absolutely slaughtered the merchants with cutthroat sweet-talking and letting the traders sample our amazing roasts.
One of her best trades involved pulling ¤8540 wealth while giving them only ¤1280 profit... and I think I know how. We offered very little variety this year, bringing over only twelve high-value roasts. While the traders might have been tempted to counter-offer on some of these deals, we didn't offer anything of small enough value for them to get away with it! Their counter-offer would have to include another high-value roast, which went above and beyond our offer (much like those cursed elves are known to do), and they were given no choice but to accept. Clever, Asob... you found another way to exploit the system. Unfortunately, the loss in profit may reduce the amount of good available to us next year, so maybe this wasn't a good thing.
The magma trap is coming along well. The plan to extend the pump stack is actually taking less time than expected to see through - there really isn't a lot of reconstruction needed, so it works out in the end. Meanwhile, we've also finished access to the river tower, and have channeled out a spot for the underground river to drain in. It'll be a while, however, because the water needs to pass through a u-bend before reaching the pump stack. In the meantime, I have some walls built on the business end to prevent leakage.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Sarvesh Usânlogem, only son of Rith Ugoshurvad the Guard and Dodók Oddommeb Olonilbĺd Uker the Wrestler, and brother to four female siblings, withdrew and found his way into the craftsdwarf shop. Too bad we can't get an artifact from a professional for a change! He immediately grabbed some obsidian and... and...
...That blue stuff... that isn't what I think it is, is it? Asob, please, don't tell me you're responsible for this...
I'll have to deal with this later... I think I've noticed another vulnerability of the magma project. It has started raining, and as I watch the raindrops fall into the divots where the magma is meant to pour out from, I wonder... is rain enough to create obsidian and plug up the holes? This would have catastrophic results, as channeling out the obsidian could be extremely dangerous in this situation. I'm not sure that it's necessary, but all the same I feel inclined to build a roof over these holes to make sure this doesn't happen.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Workers are still carrying rocks from the first floor into the disposal room. I can't believe how many rocks are in there right now! It doesn't seem like many, but there are literally tons and tons and tons of stone in there - and still more coming! The old dump pile had quite a bit of stone to begin with, so it sure is taking a while. I decide to give them a hand and end up stuck here for days, walking back and forth along this same path! Tedious... but in the end, I think we'll be doing a lot of good for productivity's sake.
Post by: The Architect on February 03, 2010, 07:10:21 pm
*TURNS AROUND TO READ IT*
**Turns off accidental caps lock**
Post by: Dermonster on February 03, 2010, 07:34:18 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: Argonnek on February 03, 2010, 08:44:12 pm
18th Limestone, 209, Early AutumnI've heard this before... I KNOW I have... but I can't put my finger on it.
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"To shreds, you say?"
...
"And what of his wife?"
...
"To shreds, you say? Oh, dear..."
Post by: Dermonster on February 03, 2010, 08:46:01 pm
The Proffesor.
GOOD NEWS EVERYONE!
Post by: The Architect on February 03, 2010, 09:01:52 pm
"To shreds, you say? Oh my."
Definitely the Professor.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 03, 2010, 09:48:29 pm
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Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Oh good. Another bracelet. Just what this fortress needs... another legendary stonecrafter. Seriously, kid, you're obviously just screwing around in the craftshop. Look, you just scribbled cats all over this bracelet, not to mention another picture of The Deified Furnace. Why aren't kids these days interested in making obsidian swords?
"I say, Zon, when are you going to smash all of those rocks to smithereens?"
Reg Handlerims, Lolor's consort, accosts me like a nagging bat - or worse, a bat man who tells terrible jokes. "What difference does it make, Reg? They're rocks. They aren't hurting anyone."
"They're unsightly! I won't have you cluttering up this room any longer. Imagine how long it takes for your workers to walk in and out of that tiny room with all those rocks piled right next to the door!"
"Actually, I've been doing it myself, and it doesn't really bother me..."
"Harumph! I'm pulling this lever, whether you like it or not."
"Fine, just give me a second to lock the door so nobody tries to go inside first!"
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1963-nofpsgainfromcrusher) ((Movie)) Reg Handlerim is happy to oblige pulling the lever. (https://youtu.be/A8UjWCOFQ18) But, just like the consort herself, our efforts thus far are useless! Work continues to drag on as slowly and painfully as ever. Even with a portion of the first level's floor clear, work is hindered by the clutter of these stones everywhere, may they return peacefully to the arms of Armok. I shoo Reg away and continue trudging along, throwing more rocks under this bridge... Oh, how I long for the days when I was but a fisherdwarf.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
And yet, just as I say this the river fails me. Water is not traveling up this u-bend like I expected! Why, Kovest, do you torment me so? I've just about had it with these fluid towers... granted, these are my first times working with u-bends and magma pressure and the like, so I'm not surprised to find I've made mistakes.
Actually, this may work in my favor. I had never intended to allow a constant flow of water to the reservoir above, and was going to control the flow with a lever in the pump room. Now, we can control it with manual pumping power, which by now a few workers are amazingly good at. Let's just build a pump there and forget about it!
I'm getting really tired of the slow pace of work, so I take it upon myself to build the pump for the river tower. Honestly... I give out these orders, and the laborers are clearly making the easy jobs - like carrying rocks to the dump pile - higher priority than the more important stuff. Though I'd love to cancel the dumping to get the dwarves rolling, the truth is I don't really want to. All that will lead to is a bunch of idle dwarves while one or two actually do the work I need them to. I have no idea where any of our mechanics are - there are several, especially after assigning a few more - yet none of them are coming to deconstruct the mechanisms that are in the way of the new magma pumps that still need installed! At least the roofing over the magma tower divots are going up fast...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 03, 2010, 09:52:23 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I was wondering where you were getting this artifact iron cabinet from... Your dwarf hasn't created an artifact yet, but if he does, and he makes an iron cabinet with gems, I will be sufficiently awestruck.
Post by: Dermonster on February 03, 2010, 09:57:22 pm
Post by: The Architect on February 03, 2010, 10:02:08 pm
Post by: Lord Dakoth on February 03, 2010, 10:32:27 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 03, 2010, 10:48:08 pm
Water that isn't under pressure from a pump rises to the level below its source. Learned that from the wiki.
It's sad, until recently I had Kanddak's far superior pressure explanation sigged, and I still screwed it up. XD
Post by: Quietust on February 03, 2010, 10:53:10 pm
Water that isn't under pressure from a pump rises to the level below its source. Learned that from the wiki.
If, however, you were to dam the underground river (e.g. using a cave-in), then that ought to be enough to force the water through the rest of the U-bend.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 07, 2010, 08:36:52 pm
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This month has been quite boring. The river tower is finished, including the manual pump that we'll have to use to get water up to the "shower" reservoir. Unfortunately, nobody seems to want to pump it! There's definitely access, since I tested it by designating a wall inside the tunnel just to see if anyone would complain. Perhaps we'll try digging a more direct tunnel to it and disabling the two pumps in our exercise room.
The magma tower is coming along smoothly as well. There haven't been any hangups--
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
--oh good another giant eagle is coming. I mobilize the marksdwarves to defend the tower builders, but the eagle flies harmlessly away.
Speaking of giant eagles, I decide to release all of our adults to let them breed like crazy. We have a pretty good number of them now, but if we want the animal trap to work against larger hordes of enemies we'll need all the eagles we can get.
Asob keeps demanding beds... why, honestly, do we need more beds? We have more rooms available than dwarves, there's no reason we should have to make any more.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Strangely, the workers all spontaneously began working a little bit faster the moment the last stone was removed from this new tunnel. It's a bizarre phenomenon, this global speed at which work is completed... I've devised a system of measuring this speed by FPS - that's "Footsteps Per Second." Prior to this tunnel's construction, we had an average FPS of seventeen - now, it's suddenly twenty-four. But why? The tunnel was only added to allow faster transportation to a pump we often will have no interest in using. Otherwise, it bears no significant improvement on overall transit time throughout the fortress. Why, then, does this seemingly innocuous tunnel have such a significant impact on our FPS? Regardless, I'm much happier that this rate has improved, even if I wasn't expecting it and don't understand the reason.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
As winter rolled around, a kobold interrupted me while I was fishing for turtles. I sent its head rolling back to its maker. That's fourteen notable kills and a rhesus macaque for me! Three other kobold thieves attack, only one escapes with its life.
More freaking beds for Asob, and a few golden goblets for Reg. Each day, I'm starting to feel more and more like a servant. This isn't how I wanted my name to be remembered at all!
By 24th Moonstone, Early Winter, the improvements to the pump stack in the magma tower are complete and all wall sections - except for one - are in place. There is but one more thing that needs to happen before I consider the project complete and commence with its second test run. I would sketch an image of it here, but I'm going to do that at the end of Winter anyway, so what's the use of doing it now?
Reg Stillpages, a Planter, is taken by a Fey mood and takes command of a mechanic's workshop. Hmm... There's no mystery as to what he'll make, but I'm not sure what to do with an artifact mechanism. It'll most likely be placed in a room somewhere to increase value. I don't bother with forcing Reg to use the best ingredients - I'm not really interested in his artifact, and it's not like we don't have enough wealth already.
I've about given up on catching whatever gross creature Kikrost the Dungeon Master said we needed for milk. We've dug into most alcoves of the chasm and several levels of the bottomless pit, and all we're catching are cave spiders... cave spiders who keep biting our workers and leaving them with chronic bouts of temporary paralysis. This seems a gamble that has not paid off...
The giant eagles have been allowed to fraternize long enough. I cram them all back inside their cage, where their chicks will be born pre-caged and we won't have to worry about moving them in later.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Whoop dee doo. I don't believe him when he says there's an image of a hidden moon in Olivine... I've looked all over the stupid thing and I don't see any moon! But, hey, having a Legendary Mechanic is really nice... at least, it would have been if I had one before we finished setting up all the machinery and levers for the stupid magma tower!!
With the tower's construction more or less finished, I turn my attention to other areas of the fort.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I noticed that the workers who have been cleaning refuse stone out of our main level have been spending a very long time moving stone from one area - that area, of course, would be the old dump site. It was taking them a very long time to move a large amount of stone all the way to the trash compactor thirty-three steps away, so I've commissioned another compactor right next to the old dump site, where there's still plenty of stone to be moved, and then crushed what was presently in the main compactor. Again, crushing the stone did not seem to have an impact on our Footsteps Per Second.
We have three-hundred and thirty-six meat, ninety-six fish, and... one-thousand seven-hundred and thirty-six plants!! Most of this, I think, are wheat products for our cooking industry. We've been creating many barrels, so I set the millstones to repeated milling and the farms to repeated plant processing. Drinks are currently at three-hundred and sixty-five, a pretty good amount, but I set two stills to brewing anyway, and the rest to essence extraction.
Reg appears to have an insatiable appetite for gold, so we start some exploratory mining in an area with both gabbro and basalt layers to dig it up. Great, more stone that will have to be moved to the dump... oh, and as we start this, Inod asks for a black bronze item, too. Lots of demands, but they're easily kept up with... for now.
I had asked for thirty iron bins, and due to some sort clerical error this was misinterpreted to thirty iron cabinets! Well, at least our blacksmiths got some extra experience from this... I set the offending cabinets to be melted down. I think briefly of letting the workers benefit from this, but there's no way they could fit a cabinet in their tiny 1x2 bedrooms. There doesn't appear to be a need to create a new, bigger residency hall anyway. I think smoothing the walls alone has done a great deal for happiness; just wait until we engrave their walls with images of me founding the fort and of Asob Sefollibash the Miner engulfed in the flames of the magma vent he fell into! They'll all be ecstatic in no time.
This also has the advantage of delaying Asob Momuzzokun's attempts at peeking beyond the adamantine deposits - with so much area to smooth above, nobody has time to smooth and poke holes in the walls below. Asob assures me she knows what she's doing, and has gone on to carve some new tunnels leading toward the adamantine from the magma chambers for the forges and the underground river. What's she planning, anyway?
"Oh, you'll see! It's a surprise."
"Gah!! Asob! How long have you been standing there?" Sure enough, there she is, right behind me, presumably reading over my shoulder.
"Not long, actually... No, I didn't come just to read over your shoulder. I actually needed to tell you about my amazing management skills! I think you'll be proud."
I cross my arms, and notice bemusedly that this has become something of a habit for me. "Like how you've been digging adamantine without telling me?"
"Digging, extracting, and smelting! But actually, it's about that magma tunnel. See, I made a little mistake, but I fixed it."
"You made a mistake involving magma? Oh... great. What is it?"
"Weeell, you see, I want to draw magma from the tunnel we've been using for our forges without removing magma from them. So I dug a pit and set it as a pond, hoping that a little bit of water would create some obsidian and seal in the forge magma--"
"You thought one bucket would be enough to do that? Ha..."
"No, that's why I tried several buckets! But unfortunately, all that did was dry up a little bit of magma, and so it all started rolling around beneath the forges in strange patterns. I thought this might slow down your Feetwaddles Per Second thingy--"
"Footsteps, and yeah, it probably would. So, what did you do about it?"
"I asked Quietust to pull the lever that controls the pump stack to the forges and smelters."
I feel I must omit part of our conversation, as the next words out of my mouth were so vile that I dare not commit them to history. "How could you be so careless! So, let me guess; magma came spewing out of the forges, burning all of our metalworkers and so forth?"
"No, actually, it welled up in the hole I dug for the well. She pulled the lever again in time to stop it from causing too much damage, and then we got a green glass portal in the hallway just before the magma reached the forges."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"And this is what you came to brag about??"
"Well, yeah! Nobody died, and we got the door up in time to prevent disaster!"
"You should have put up that door before pulling the lever! You should have put doors all around the forges before letting something like this happen!"
"Oh, relax, Zon. Everybody is safe. The only problem is a few melted stones which we'll be able to dump once the magma evaporates, which should happen pretty soon."
*CRUNCH*
"...What... was that?"
Moments later, Asob and I were running full pace towards the mixed screams and laughter of 'Rick' the Undertaker.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"'Rick!' What happened here?? What was that sickening crunch?"
"Bomrek Kilrudmelbil has killed himself! Right before my eyes, I have witnessed death! Hahhahahahahaaaahhhaahah...."
"He's going mad! Run!!"
"Relax, both of you! 'Rick,' you're fine. Stop laughing like that. Just tell us what happened!"
"Well, as you can see, the old dump area is completely clear of debris. Just as I was placing a stone from elsewhere under the bridge, I noticed Bomrek decided to pull the lever while I was standing beneath it! I took it upon myself to Recruit myself, and station myself a few steps away so that I could drop what I was doing and get out of the way."
"Clever... but then what?"
"Well, Bomrek immediately ran around and then under the bridge before it closed on his head! There wasn't a single unforbidden item, and he wasn't carrying anything to the dump, and the area has been Restricted for quite some time like you ordered... he had absolutely no business or reason to walk under the bridge! He just walked under it and stood there until it crushed him! It was..."
"Horrifying?" Asob guessed.
"Exhilerating! This is exactly why I've become an Undertaker! Dwarves are so eager to get into one of my masterpiece coffins that they willingly take their own lives in my presence! A testament to my craft..."
"You're right, Asob; He's gone mad. But not mad enough to shackle him... yet. Get back to work, 'Rick.' I need to check on the relatives of Bomrek. What an odd happenstance..."
"Maybe it was some kind of accident? I think Bomrek was a mechanic... maybe he thought the bridge was stuck and stepped under it to check on the mechanisms?"
"Whatever the case, there's no longer any need for this death device. Destroy it now."
As ordered, the auxiliary trash compactor is deconstructed to prevent further mishap. The main one is still fine, since it can be locked up tight before use. This one's going to bug me all day...
((Map)) But hey, at least my floor's clean! (http://mkv25.net/dfma/map-7993-severedcoils)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 07, 2010, 08:48:05 pm
Post by: Dermonster on February 07, 2010, 08:51:38 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Almost forgot the spoilers ::)
Post by: The Architect on February 07, 2010, 10:16:53 pm
It may just be simple humor, but it's very nice. Good reading.
Post by: Lord Dakoth on February 07, 2010, 11:12:49 pm
Post by: Quietust on February 07, 2010, 11:31:58 pm
I look forward to seeing it in action.
[edit] Interesting thing you've done there with the "shower tank", though I fear you may run into some difficulties when you want to switch it off afterwards since the water will keep dripping out as the tank attempts to refill. A lever-controlled door at the very edge of the tank would probably serve well to stop this from being a problem, but you'd have to fully drain it first (which, considering the next Duke is due to arrive shortly, shouldn't be much trouble).
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 08, 2010, 12:22:38 pm
Besides, there was a request for the next Duke to go out with magma, so this year's Duke will be taking a really hot bath instead of a high-velocity shower.
Post by: Quietust on February 08, 2010, 12:29:09 pm
Granted, even if the pumps were left on, the fact that the passage is diagonal would prevent any pressure from filling the tank too quickly (and may even cause it to take longer than desired to fill).
Post by: Flaede on February 08, 2010, 12:31:57 pm
Petrified Noble Statues sound pretty awesome. you could even set the statues up in their bereaved consorts' chambers!
Post by: rickvoid on February 08, 2010, 04:06:56 pm
"Well, now that the fun's over with, I'll go an' bury old Bomrek. I'll just- hey! Where's the corpse then!?
Did someone take it? Did someone steal MY corpse!? Do we have a dirty thief skulking about!!??
Can't be an undertaker without a corpse to take under, can.I? That'd be silly, you know? 'Hey, what is it you do?' 'Oh, I'm an undertaker.' 'Really, working with the deaders then?' 'Nah, I make bauxite mechanisms.' 'What?' 'And Kelgar Ironshoulder's your uncle.' See, it makes no sense!
I'll get to the bottom of this, I will..."
Post by: Quietust on February 08, 2010, 05:16:36 pm
Drinks are currently at three-hundred and sixty-five, a pretty good amount, but I set two stills to brewing anyway, and the rest to essence extraction.
Only 365 units of booze? That could be as little as 30 barrels, which could be forcing some of your dwarves to drink water. My previous fortresses (at population 200 and up) usually preferred to keep at least 2000 units of booze at any given moment (or at least enough to keep 150 or more barrels filled).
Also, have you been gathering kobold bulbs? If so, I rather doubt that you'd have enough of them to warrant dedicating more than one still to essence extraction (given their extreme rarity).
I had asked for thirty iron bins, and due to some sort clerical error this was misinterpreted to thirty iron cabinets!
Ah, yes. I've made that mistake myself in the past, and it's quite annoying, especially because I make all of my bins out of wood; wood is best used for bins, barrels, and pearlash with which to make clear glass furniture.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 08, 2010, 06:27:25 pm
I don't suppose there's time to change that magma-death-chamber to an obsidian-casting one?
How much fun do you guys have seeing me make mistakes? XD I've never done obsidian casting before, so there could be a LOT of trouble if I try it... which is no excuse not to. A better excuse would be lack of water, but oh, hey, there's a brook right there...
Only 365 units of booze? That could be as little as 30 barrels, which could be forcing some of your dwarves to drink water. My previous fortresses (at population 200 and up) usually preferred to keep at least 2000 units of booze at any given moment (or at least enough to keep 150 or more barrels filled).
Also, have you been gathering kobold bulbs? If so, I rather doubt that you'd have enough of them to warrant dedicating more than one still to essence extraction (given their extreme rarity).
Ah, you caught me. I had that job confused with something else, naturally they cancelled immediately and I forgot to update it in the narration.
Post by: Flaede on February 09, 2010, 01:55:28 am
DOooo iiiiit. hehe.I don't suppose there's time to change that magma-death-chamber to an obsidian-casting one?
How much fun do you guys have seeing me make mistakes? XD I've never done obsidian casting before, so there could be a LOT of trouble if I try it... which is no excuse not to. A better excuse would be lack of water, but oh, hey, there's a brook right there...
Actually, I'll give you an out: Obsidian casting requires two stories. Bottom for obsidian. Top for water. And you'd better be able to close the magma floodgate before you open the water one.
But other than those requirements, it's not that bad. With planning, you can even automate the whole close magma, open water, close water (that last is a 2nd level pressure plate on the far side of the water-gate).
I have confidence in the engineering prowess of Severedcoils! You wouldn't want to deprive those poor consorts of the obsidian mementos of their loved ones would you?
Post by: Grendus on February 09, 2010, 02:01:41 pm
Loving the narration.
Post by: Diablous on February 15, 2010, 06:23:04 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 17, 2010, 10:30:28 pm
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JOURNAL!!
Ahem.
Days turned into weeks turned into months as I trudged along with the others clearing the floors of stray rocks. Nothing else... just rocks. I wasn't even doing any fishing.
Focus.
The fear of losing my journal under a pile of rubble and then subsequently atom-smashed to bits subsided, and I realized I had it with me all along. I was so incredibly busy with my daily affairs that I simply hadn't the time to update my journal!
Blahh.
No more stone hauling for me! I've spent my time slaving away with the laborers, working an honest month's living so that I don't forget what these fine workers really do for me all day, every day of their monotonous lives. It's good to be able to get your hands dirty and not take your laborers for granted. Great! Now, back to letting them do the dirty work for me.
"SIEEEGE!!"
Oh, bloody hell.
Seventy-three enemies total... this is the worst yet. Thirty-four wrestlers, six speargobs, seven axegobs, ten swordsgobs, thirteen crossbows... and one of them is human! Also, there are three human guards. Unfortunately, none of them are anywhere near the magma trap, but that's fine because it won't be ready until it gets its inauguration.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1986-siegespring210) ((Movie)) The river tower, however, received quite a spectacular inauguration, courtesy of the first wave of goblins. (https://youtu.be/Ky_jxsDskOA)
"Er, Zon?"
"Oh, hello Asob! Fine siege we're having, isn't it?"
"Yeah, going great so far. Hey, this might sound like a dumb question, but why is Imush the Blind standing outside? Are you giving him a final death in battle or something?"
"Eh??"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Sure enough, there was Imush, standing outside like nothing was wrong! Knowing that the workers sometimes can't tell the difference between inside and outside when there's something over their heads - and especially Imush, who has no eyes - I check the area he's standing in and verify that it's Light, Outside, and Above Ground - a place he is deliberately not allowed to be.
"Imush! I order you to get inside! I will not have an unnecessary casualty today!"
"Ah, Zon! Take away a dwarf's crossbow, and you truly leave him with nothing! You leave me to move rocks day in and day out - me, a Competent Marksdwarf, and you put me on peasant duty!"
"All the competence in the world won't help you, buddy! You've got no eyes!!"
"No! I will stand and fight! I can hear the enemy just as well as I can see them! Come closer, you stinking goblins!"
The champions snickered in their war box. "Zon," Elizar spoke up, "tell him to stop aiming that rainbow trout at us. He's going to hurt someone."
I shake my head and shout, "Imush! You're wielding a fish! Get back inside and grab a crossbow if you're meaning to get yourself killed!"
"Whoa, hey! Don't give him a loaded weapon!"
"Relax, Elizar. He isn't shooting anyone today."
It's then that I notice Sibrek the Hammerer is standing on the lever for the animal trap, and instantly I recall the numbers... Fifteen wolves, one wolf pup, twenty-four giant eagles, three of them already named for kills, and one giant eagle chick. The chick pushes them just over what I think we need to rout this next incoming force, which is two waves combined in one.
((DFMA 1)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1987-narniaunleashedpart1) ((DFMA 2)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-1988-narniaunleashedpart2) ((Movie)) "Sibrek! Pull that lever! Let the wings of death fly!!" (https://youtu.be/dzBYjjRrgmY)
As it turned out, our champions weren't even required. The goblins turned to flee even before the dwarves made it up the hill, and still the eagles pursued, flying over trees and boulders and hills to divebomb their foes, spraying their blood across the grass.
"Good show, Zon! Want some strawberry wine?"
"...Ugh, no, not right now."
The final force, who had just finished killing a groundhog and getting their human squad leader trapped in a cage, decided correctly that giant eagles are not a fair fight and they should just quietly go home.
It's difficult to count the losses among the giant eagles, but it looks like we lost four, two of which gained names before their deaths. Of those alive, a few have permanant injuries and roughly half of them have earned names. I don't think we lost a single wolf, probably in part because we pulled the trap a bit early and some of them walked away, leaving the eagles to take the brunt of the attack. We did get one of the wolves named, though. I won't know for sure what we have left until we put their cage back together and pile them inside again. There were no dwarven casualties, but much to the chagrine of our champions, there were very few kills available for dwarves.
"Hey, are they gone?" I heard the voice of Skuorgs behind me, shuffling nervously at the doorway with what looked like half the labor force scrambling on the edge of the bridge.
"Uhh... yeah, they've all either fleed or died."
"LOOOOOOOT!!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: Dermonster on February 17, 2010, 10:39:41 pm
man im in so god damned many of them its hard to tell the differance anymore
Post by: The Architect on February 17, 2010, 10:40:26 pm
Post by: Doomshifter on February 17, 2010, 11:25:40 pm
Post by: Lord Dakoth on February 17, 2010, 11:46:56 pm
Post by: Chaoseed on February 18, 2010, 12:04:56 am
Post by: Diablous on February 18, 2010, 03:42:32 pm
;D That was great. Keep up the good work!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 18, 2010, 06:33:05 pm
"Loot?" I believe you mean "SOOOOCKS!"
Curses! Opportunity missed.
Post by: rickvoid on February 18, 2010, 07:16:49 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 19, 2010, 06:39:28 pm
-------------
Nineteen giant eagles, ten of which are now named. This means we only lost four in that attack - good, because I counted four on the ground, so I suppose I only misplaced one corpse somewhere. I'm so disenchanted with the wolves right now that I didn't even bother to count them. Amusingly, both the wolf pup and the giant eagle chick survived!
Tekkud the collector is asking for three trifle pewter items. Humm... this reminds me about the exploratory mining effort, so I designate more ground to be dug up in the lower levels. Hey, one of the cats has adopted our comatose Captain of the Guard, 'Legon!' That should make him happier, considering we gave away his room and his office years ago.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Funny, though... so far I've had better luck while digging out these new rooms for food and drink stockpiles! We hit chunks of aluminum and orpiment in here, not to mention the iron of which we're in overabundance.
Speaking of overabundance... I'm appalled at the behavior of our dwarves at the first sign of dead bodies. Everybody rushing out to pluck the clothing off of still warm goblin corpses. The nerve! All I got was this lousy (narrow cave swallowman leather hood)! It dawns on me that we haven't cleaned in over ten years, and there are piles upon piles of narrow clothing that we'll never wear sitting in bins. They'll never be sold because we're making out like bandits with our roast industry, and they wouldn't count toward our exported wealth anyway!
So... why the heck are we keeping them around? I decide it's time for a little spring cleaning and order all narrow metal items to be melted and all narrow and XXruinedXX clothing items to be dumped along with the rocks. That should keep the dumpers busy - and besides, I know they need a change of pace. What the heck are we doing with all these loincloths, anyway?? I can't believe the workers would even touch these, and there's got to be over a hundred in here! -Hey, don't throw away the (narrow giant cave spider silk) stuff! You should put that stuff in bins upstairs and start decorating them with jewels and silk to increase our wealth! I did you a favor and un-designated anything made of giant cave spider silk or cave spider silk. ~Asob.
As it turns out, we did lose a marksdwarf during the battle! I didn't even know until I came across Tirist Unibiseth's corpse in our graveyard. Ah, well... to the crypts with you!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We seem to have come across a bizarre strain of rose quartz in the mines... we first uncovered the north-westernmost cluster, and nobody warned me. There was no announcement to report that it was found! I reprimanded the miners, and they continued on their way... only to find another cluster of rose quartz, which was reported! And then, shortly after, a third cluster was found, and this was not reported to me either! Come to think of it, we found rose quartz in this area before... that's an awful lot of quartz for one area!
Spoiler: Commentary (click to show/hide)
Post by: Quietust on February 19, 2010, 07:24:49 pm
As for the lack of rose quartz notifications, I think it only notifies you about a particular material once per area block (48x48 tiles).
Post by: Diablous on February 19, 2010, 07:25:51 pm
Post by: Dermonster on February 19, 2010, 07:44:39 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 27, 2010, 11:42:49 am
-------------
(https://i.postimg.cc/3rngGQYx/rith.jpg)
Here he comes... The preparations are in order. There's a spare noble's room already carved and smoothed, the shower's full, the magma tower is awaiting its maiden incineration... I hope I haven't forgotten anything!
"A tomb."
"...What?"
It is the Wise Quietust to sneak up behind me while I'm writing this time. "Every noble needs a tomb, and a good one at that. At the moment, you have none.
"...Ugh! You're right! How could I have forgotten?? This won't do... his consort will be so unhappy!"
"Perhaps you should delay his killing, then, otherwise you might risk a tantrum from her."
"Yes, you're... wait. The killing?"
Quietust tried in vain to hide a smile. "I am a wise dwarf, Zon. I hesitate to believe that even for a moment, you thought your game was hidden from me. What other purpose would a pool of water set precariously over a bottomless pit have, especially one triggered by a lever directly beneath that pool behind a door that seals behind you when you pull it?"
My heart was racing. I'd been found out! She's right, though; I never should have expected a wise dwarf to be oblivious of my mission. But what's her game? Is she working for Unib? Was she sent to spy on me? Find out what I was up to, then report back to Unib? Is a mob from the Swift Arches going to come and hammer me to death?
"Name it."
"Beg your pardon?"
"Your price. Name it. We have artifacts. We have an adamantine buckler. You don't look the fighting type, but sell that and you should want for nothing the rest of your life."
Quietust held her hands up and laughed. "Ha, you are mistaken! A wise dwarf already wants for nothing. Material possessions are merely a distraction."
"Then what will it take to keep you quiet? If the king were to find out about this--"
"--then he'd have your head and mine, both. And probably Asob's. Your king is a coward, this you surely know by now. A coward will do what it takes to hide his truth from his enemies. I have no personal interests other than curiosity, I assure you that. I am fascinated by your case, Zon - what leads a dwarf to take on such a dangerous mission, one that challenges her very morals? Surely there are many reasons, each specific to the dwarf committing the deed, but I should like to learn your reasons so that, with your permission, I may advise others in the future by your experience."
"But Minkot also wants fast results. He simply won't allow me to keep Duke Rith here for any length of time."
"Stall. Get the tomb built, and find a reason to slow things down."
With that, Quietust left... to help me stall! As Duke Rith approaches the gate, Quietust intercepts him and engages in some farcical philosophy... I don't sit around trying to figure it out. I have practical problems to solve before the King notices the Duke is here.
Our population is now 150. We got an animal caretaker, a metalworker, two peasants, a macedwarf and a speardwarf, a child, and I'm honestly not sure what else - I'm in a hurry. There are plenty of beds, not all of them are opened up for rent though, so I open a few.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I suspend the exploratory mining and designate room for a tomb. I also relieve miners of all other duties to ensure this gets done first.
A slight modification is made to the magma tower to help with its debut. By now, Quietust has invited Rith to her quarters and is still discussing some great new philosophy. Minkot is getting impatient.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Four days later, the tomb is put together. The walls still need smoothed, but it's enough. I'm not wasting any more time... to Quietust's room to fetch the Duke. When I arrive, they are still knee-deep in philosophy.
"...still can't believe I've never heard of this new god of yours!" Rith was saying. "Where is 'The Violet Ink,' anyway?"
"'The Violet Ink' is a dwarven culture far north of the ocean. Though we have contact with them, they are far removed and often hear little of them." Quietust looked up as I was standing impatiently in the doorway. "Ah, and here she is! This is Zon, the very dwarf I've been telling you about for four days."
I blinked. "You've been talking about me for four days?"
Even more to my surprise, Duke Rith threw himself upon the ground and began kissing my feet. "Oh! I humble myself before you, Zon! I seek your blessing! Is there anything I can do for you, in the name of order, oath, laws, and loyalty?"
I raise an eyebrow at Quietust, who again fails to stifle a snicker. "Um... Yes, actually, there is something. Did you happen to see the tower with the wide branches on your way in?"
"Yes! The Holy Tower! You mean I may service it?"
"Better yet; I want you to commemorate its first use!"
"Oh!! You hear that, Quietust?! Zon wants me to personally see to the founding of his temple!"
"I'm sorry, 'he?'"
"Of course! Forgive me, I should not have refered to you as a mortal! Please, I still want to help your mighty cause! Will you... will you make me your first sacrifice?"
I blink again. Quietust, safely behind and out of view of Rith, nods her head vigourously. "Um... Yes. I think you shall be sacrificed, indeed. For you I have a... holy quest!"
"A holy quest that will end in my sacrifice? Thank you!! What must I do? Anything, I shall do it!"
"Venture inside the holy tower. There is a lever there that I want you to pull. Nothing will happen at first, but keep pulling it! Over and over and over, you shall repeat pulling. When you have pulled enough, you shall be sacrificed."
"I shall go at once!" And off he went.
Spoiler: Commentary (click to show/hide)
Post by: Diablous on February 27, 2010, 11:51:09 am
Post by: Argonnek on February 27, 2010, 11:52:41 am
Post by: Lord Dakoth on February 27, 2010, 01:21:42 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 28, 2010, 10:41:20 pm
-------------
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Rith the deluded Duke is in the tower tugging away at his lever. Meanwhile, just around the corner, the child prodigy Ineth Olinurol is taking the floor apart because I told him he could have some +River spirit biscuits+ if he did. We don't really have +River spirit biscuits,+ or for that matter, any type of booze biscuit period. The image of a child slowly chipping away at the Duke's only path of escape from his fate is indeed an image of progress.
...And then Ineth got thirsty and left the job undone. Unbelievable... you'd think a child just does as it pleases! The child Mebzuth Febiden comes around later - Rith, amazingly, still pulling that lever like his life depended on it (really, his life depends on not standing there pulling that lever, but we won't tell him that!) and finishes removing the floor. Immediately, I order a wall to be built in its place, which is set by Fikod Rigňthishen.
The lever, truly, has no function other than to direct Duke Rith to a specific spot within the tower while we work. Eventually something will happen, but it will be due to a different lever being pulled. Rith will be none the wiser.
"The tower is ready," Quietust tells me. "With the alterations you've made it should now work as intended."
"Excellent. By the way, what was all that nonsense Rith was going on about with me earlier? He called me a 'he' and said all sorts of things like I was... I don't know, royalty or something."
"Better than that... a god."
"...Beg pardon?"
"I have told Rith no lies, Zon. I told him about the far away dwarven culture of The Violet Ink. Among their pantheon is a very particular god which took to Rith's interest..."
"And that would be?"
Quietust presented me with a masterfully engraved slate depicting the image of a mighty dwarven god, beard flowing and spread wide as if caught in a terrible tempest, his judging gaze peering deep into me. My eyes wandered lower to the inscription beneath the portrait... and my heart nearly leapt from my chest.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"You are a god, Zon. At least, you share a name with one in a foreign land. But as far as Duke Rith is concerned, you are the walking physicial embodiment of The Violet Ink's god of order."
"Quietust... you convinced Rith that I was this god?"
"Indeed. I didn't even need to lie... I simple left out a few key details."
"Do you think... perhaps you could convince others of this?"
"Perhaps... but Rith is simple-minded. He didn't even notice that you are female, a direct contradiction to the depiction of this god here. If you want me to help you with this, find a skilled liar to make an appropriate forgery."
"You really would help me... but why, Quietust?"
"As I explained, you are my case study. Grave decisions are being made by your hand, all on account of your royal mission. The nature of the mission is affecting your psyche in ways never before examined, and I am fascinated by the path you take. Some very big things are going to come of this, and I want history to remember what a dwarf can be driven to do under the right influences."
"Yes... yes, you're correct! We're making history here! After this mission kills me, the world should know about what happened here! All the world should know my name - and until then, let them worship it!"
The Wise Quietust nodded sagely. "Ah, I see now what it is that motivates you, Zon. It should have been obvious once I deduced that you weren't in this for profit. The number two reason why someone would go forward with your plans."
I motion to a particular lever in the dining room - one that had been pulled once before, but was met with unflattering results. "Ladies and gentledwarves, it's time! The Molten Tower of Zon is complete! In the names of our masons who constructed this holy landmark stone by stone, and in the names of the mechanics who saw to the completion of the tower's machinated heart, I give you, without further ado, the first launch of the Igneous Path!"
"Igneous Path?" Asob piped up. "You can do better than that!"
"I wish my husband were here to see this!" exclaimed the soon-to-be-widowed Duke Consort Kib Snakesrelic.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2003-moltentoweractivated) ((Movie)) "Pull the lever!!" (https://youtu.be/B7ZTaLzLCYs)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 28, 2010, 10:45:59 pm
Nice update. Like the humble duke. Are you still accepting requests for dwarfs?
Yep, still open.
Post by: Dermonster on February 28, 2010, 10:47:23 pm
Post by: Lord Dakoth on February 28, 2010, 11:15:21 pm
On that same note, I noticed that there are no holes in the cross-shaped sections for the magma to drop through. Was that intentional, or another mistake?
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 28, 2010, 11:25:35 pm
On an unrelated note, what have you had me doing for the last since I was mentioned?
Honestly, I don't know. Probably dumping rock. I don't keep up to date with the happenings of every named dwarf. I consider this more of a Challenge/Story fort than a Community fort, so Community dwarf updates only happen when they fit with the story. Sorry.
Very nice. Out with abangsizzle.
On that same note, I noticed that there are no holes in the cross-shaped sections for the magma to drop through. Was that intentional, or another mistake?
Intentional. Gimme 5 minutes and I'll have a really short update for you showing how it works.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 28, 2010, 11:30:06 pm
-------------
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2004-moltentoweroperation) ((Movie)) DAMN IT!! (https://youtu.be/ZwZftaldPd4)
Post by: Lord Dakoth on February 28, 2010, 11:32:49 pm
Post by: Quietust on March 01, 2010, 12:28:16 am
Too bad you don't have bauxite, or you could have put hatches over all of the openings and linked them to a repeater to open one at a time, in sequence.
Post by: addictgamer on March 01, 2010, 12:37:51 am
If I didn't, then, make him an engineer, if you can.
Name: Coder from the wild
Gender: Don't know, don't care.
If an engineer is not available, can you assign a worthless peasant to be one?
Post by: Diablous on March 01, 2010, 03:44:56 pm
Nice update. Like the humble duke. Are you still accepting requests for dwarfs?
Yep, still open.
Yay! Can I have a mechanic dwarf? Name him or her Diab.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on March 01, 2010, 07:49:13 pm
It's convenient that I have requests for an engineer and a mechanic at the same time. I need to
Now that I think about it, it's not surprising that it turned out that way - since the magma is being pushed by pump pressure, it's only going to the nearest open tile, which happens to be by that single hole.
Too bad you don't have bauxite, or you could have put hatches over all of the openings and linked them to a repeater to open one at a time, in sequence.
Yeah, I'm still surprised though. I thought the magma was going to go for the nearest available square with regards to its current magma level - in other words, it would first fill that square with 1/7, then find the next nearest square and fill that with 1/7, and so on. That probably would mean not all of the holes would have magma as it would be spilling out before the magma reached the others, but at least it would have come out in more than one place.
No possibility of bauxite since the king's here and I can't make requests of the dwarves. The funny thing is they'll sometimes bring blocks of bauxite, so if I hadn't discovered HFS I might have had some!
Post by: Diablous on March 01, 2010, 08:17:22 pm
Post by: addictgamer on March 01, 2010, 08:19:23 pm
Sorry addict, if I missed the request it's because I truly forgot, not because I hate you. ;)
It's convenient that I have requests for an engineer and a mechanic at the same time. I need tothrow a pair of dwarves into the magma puddle oozing on the grass out of frustrationbrainstorm with some technical folks about how to fix this calamity.Now that I think about it, it's not surprising that it turned out that way - since the magma is being pushed by pump pressure, it's only going to the nearest open tile, which happens to be by that single hole.
Too bad you don't have bauxite, or you could have put hatches over all of the openings and linked them to a repeater to open one at a time, in sequence.
Yeah, I'm still surprised though. I thought the magma was going to go for the nearest available square with regards to its current magma level - in other words, it would first fill that square with 1/7, then find the next nearest square and fill that with 1/7, and so on. That probably would mean not all of the holes would have magma as it would be spilling out before the magma reached the others, but at least it would have come out in more than one place.
No possibility of bauxite since the king's here and I can't make requests of the dwarves. The funny thing is they'll sometimes bring blocks of bauxite, so if I hadn't discovered HFS I might have had some!
It's ok, just give me a guy now ;)
Can you adjust the melting points of some rocks and use them?
I don't think it requires a regen since it does not add anything.
Post by: Diablous on March 01, 2010, 08:27:37 pm
Quote
Can you adjust the melting points of some rocks and use them?
I don't think it requires a regen since it does not add anything.
Hmmm. How would Kenbo tie that into the story?
Post by: addictgamer on March 01, 2010, 08:50:13 pm
Post by: Diablous on March 01, 2010, 08:51:20 pm
Infinite storyline possibilities exist ;)
It's up to Kenbo either way.
Post by: The Architect on March 01, 2010, 09:03:24 pm
Post by: Quietust on March 01, 2010, 10:26:13 pm
Mind you, I haven't tested this yet, but I think it'll work.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on March 01, 2010, 11:10:14 pm
Quietust, that looks like something I'm bound to screw up exponentially more and more the longer I take to make it. I have no choice but to proceed blindly with reckless abandon.
Post by: Lord Dakoth on March 01, 2010, 11:41:30 pm
Quietust, that looks like something I'm bound to screw up exponentially more and more the longer I take to make it. I have no choice but to proceed blindly with reckless abandon.
Dwarven planning for the WIN! Even if we screw ourselves over royally in the end, it's still awesome!
Post by: addictgamer on March 02, 2010, 12:38:33 am
The challenge is as vanilla as possible, with the exception of cat mouth and turning off sieges in Autumn to ensure the dwarven caravan comes to admire the dead Dukes. I'm not going to mess around with the raws...
Quietust, that looks like something I'm bound to screw up exponentially more and more the longer I take to make it. I have no choice but to proceed blindly with reckless abandon.
A great challenge indeed.
Proceed as you wish :)
Post by: Flaede on March 02, 2010, 03:20:18 am
The challenge is as vanilla as possible, with the exception of cat mouth and turning off sieges in Autumn to ensure the dwarven caravan comes to admire the dead Dukes. I'm not going to mess around with the raws...
Quietust, that looks like something I'm bound to screw up exponentially more and more the longer I take to make it. I have no choice but to proceed blindly with reckless abandon.
dang. no messing with the raws means no making steel mechanisms instead of the adamantine ones. that's what I was going to suggest.
Post by: Quietust on March 02, 2010, 07:28:44 am
Post by: Diablous on March 02, 2010, 03:54:41 pm
Post by: Lord Dakoth on March 02, 2010, 06:33:04 pm
Post by: Grendus on March 04, 2010, 01:39:31 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Of course, that's just my experience, but that adamantine is now starting to look really tempting, what with the need for magma-proof mechanisms and all.
Post by: Diablous on March 04, 2010, 03:50:28 pm
Just for fun, and to redirect all the attention from the failed magma path, I'd like to include some fun facts about everyone's favorite metal.Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Of course, that's just my experience, but that adamantine is now starting to look really tempting, what with the need for magma-proof mechanisms and all.
Hmmm. Kenbo already can tell what stones are safe to mine by smoothing and fortifing (sp?), but that could speed up the process. And my fort is going after adamantine, and this will be my first time doing it. Thanks.
Post by: Quietust on March 04, 2010, 04:49:50 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
In Wasprag, the pits spanned 4 Z-levels (30 SoF and 1 red guy), while Towerclouted only had 3 Z-levels (20 SoF + 1 red guy). I don't know if there's an upper limit on the size of the pit.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on March 06, 2010, 04:00:41 am
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
In Wasprag, the pits spanned 4 Z-levels (30 SoF and 1 red guy), while Towerclouted only had 3 Z-levels (20 SoF + 1 red guy). I don't know if there's an upper limit on the size of the pit.
I swear I've seen maps on DFMA that had pits that were at least 5 deep. Didn't know about the up-and-out thing, though... Just so you know, no I haven't sprung it and savescummed, so I really don't know where the pit is or what I'm going to find inside.
Oh, and I'm still alive, just busy like usual.
Post by: Diablous on March 06, 2010, 11:01:29 am
Post by: Urist McOverlord on March 07, 2010, 03:28:45 am
Name: The Overlord
Profession: macedwarf
Personality: Uber-faithful worshipper of [insert appropriate god here]
Backstory (if 'tisn't a problem):
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Basically, an Archibold-idolizing macedwarf who refers to himself in the third person.
Post by: The Architect on March 07, 2010, 12:21:02 pm
Post by: Diablous on March 27, 2010, 01:36:18 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on March 29, 2010, 04:00:41 pm
I have to explain, I simply don't have the time. Because of the framerate, a single update costs me an entire night of my week, and I don't exactly have that luxury or the correct mindset right now for personal reasons.
I don't want to consider this dead, but right now it just isn't as fun to update. But there is another way...
I was doing some thinking about a month ago and I realized that the type of challenge presented would probably make a really fun succession fort (I may have even mentioned that in a post somewhere). So, perhaps we could set one up, either from the existing game or creating a new one. This can be done in a separate thread so that on a later date, when things have calmed down and I'm feeling up to writing again, I can get back to the story without another game disrupting canon. A separate game would quite likely spur my interest back into continuing the story, truth be told.
Thoughts? Interests?
Post by: Diablous on March 29, 2010, 04:03:48 pm
And I hope that things become better so you can update.
Post by: Urist McOverlord on March 29, 2010, 05:36:56 pm
Succession fort... I wouldn't be able to join, but I would definitely watch closely.
And yeah. I hope things get better for you. Preferably soon. Ideally now.
Post by: The Architect on March 29, 2010, 10:58:19 pm
Of course your fans are still sitting around hoping you'll be inspired to continue your story. These things do tend to burn out; the creator gets enough of exploring an idea and is ready to move on. Hopefully you will be inspired again by this challenge and story, or at least bless us with another narrative to read.
Maybe one with a more limited drag on framerate.
Post by: Burnt Pies on March 30, 2010, 10:22:08 am
I'm not a particularly good player, but I can at least hold a fort together without problems.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on March 30, 2010, 09:11:22 pm
Post by: Diablous on March 31, 2010, 02:53:52 pm
The support alone is inspiring :D Perhaps I'll just make smaller updates, at least for a time.Yay!
Post by: Lord Dakoth on April 22, 2010, 01:24:51 am
Kenbo, if we started a NEW succession fort, would it be on 40d or the new release?
Another idea... What if we started a new succession fort, and just passed around in a circle? What if we didn't require a whole year for a turn, but anywhere from one season to two years? That way, the people who had tight schedules could participate without making a huge commitment, and the people who were really enthusiastic could really keep the fort going full tilt.
Post by: The Architect on April 22, 2010, 01:50:59 am
Still watching this thread... I would love to join a succession fort if I could stop playing lame games!
Kenbo, if we started a NEW succession fort, would it be on 40d or the new release?
Another idea... What if westarted a new succession fort, and justmade this into Sparkgear?
"fix'd".
Post by: KenboCalrissian on May 19, 2010, 06:37:56 pm
That said, I'd actually love to see a succession fort made with this idea, but as of now I'm unable to organize it.
Post by: Lord Dakoth on May 20, 2010, 01:07:59 am
That being said, I have no doubt that we will see more Consort Accumulation Challenges in the future. I speak for the community when I say that your creative, original challenge and superb narration have been an inspiration. I feel that the challenge will become popular among Bay12ers. I wait for Severdcoils 2 with great anticipation. If you decide to open a consort-accumulation succession fort, PM me.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 21, 2010, 08:16:45 pm
by Asob Momuzzokun
-------------
The failure of the magma structure combined with other personal difficulties have taken a serious toll on Zon's emotional health. I fear for my friend's continued well-being, so I have taken the liberty of securing her diary. I doubt she's even noticed.... I'd wonder about the king's response to her complete disregard to his orders to keep an up-to-date record of affairs in the fortress, but that isn't a concern. I've seen Zon back the king into a corner many a time, both verbally and physically. It would appear our king is a craven... That should have been obvious, since he's never changed out of his peasant's garbs. So, Zon is in no danger from our wimpy majesty, and she's even survived a severe goblin ambush with no armor and only her axe.
The only threat to Zon is herself. And I haven't seen her lately.
It is currently late Galena - nearly four months have passed since Zon's last update to fortress affairs. So much has transpired! Unfortunately, Zon hid her diary after some very harsh words with me about snooping through it, and it's taken me this long to find it. It was where I've always suspected, but feared the most... inside the ≡Basalt coffin≡ containing the remains of her belated lover, Ast Numsazit the speardwarf.
So, now there are four months of fortress history missing... I will try to make up for that from memory!
Some time in early Felsite, Zon relinquished command of the fortress to me to mourn the failure of her magma structure. I tried to tell her that it wasn't a failure, but an obstacle... Quietust the Philosopher even tried to suggest ways she could fix it, but it didn't help. Over these four months, the structure has remained unchanged, and sometimes I would see her just staring at it from a distance.
The fires from the magma tower spread through the area where we were clearing trees, burning away several logs as well as two animal traps. The traps were empty... at least I THINK they were! Oh well. I kept a close eye on the area to make sure that nobody tried to run in gathering logs - a few had, but I ordered them away as soon as I spotted them. It's kind of fuzzy, but I'm pretty sure the fires started to burn pretty much exactly like this:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I attempted to cheer her up by commissioning 30 Iron Statues - they're not pretty or artful, and I would have liked to use gold, but I know that would have made Zon angry. Zon would have used iron since it's plentiful, we can get it from goblins, and it's the cheapest way to train our blacksmiths. I even designated some new furniture stockpiles to make room for them.
Meanwhile, the walls near the adamantine deposits continued to be fortified. Zon insisted that we take this careful measure if we insist on mining the precious blue ore... at first she allowed none of it, but when Derm the Metalsmith pointed out that adamantine could probably function as a mechanism in magma, and that we might be able to use it to build hatches for her tower, she reluctantly agreed to allow mining.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
One of the new macedwarves who came with Rith Likotâst wouldn't give us his true name... he simply called himself "The Overlord" and started picking fights with Archibold. Apparently he wanted to be his rival or something? He's got a long way to go, though.
Olon Helmeddrills, a Stoneworker, withdrew from society. He started muttering to people near him and became peculiarly secretive as he claimed a craftshop. Meanwhile, Inod Glazednoses the first Duke's consort made a demand for a black bronze chest, while Kikrost Bustcrimson the Dungeonmaster requested a silver armor stand.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
By 10th Felsite, the fires reached the majority of our standing trees. We would soon face a wood shortage... it was around this time that Zon began to withdraw from society, and not in the running-off-to-claim-a-workshop kind of way. Without trees to cut, she was spending her time almost exclusively fishing or carrying rocks... even talking to the rocks... and when the smoke got too bad around the ponds, soon she gave up fishing too.
Thîkut Eralzefon, a legendary fortress guard, gave birth to a boy she named Olon Mirrorchamber. Surely, this baby will learn a lot from her mother as he's carried into battle and wielded as a shield, just as he'll one day hope to hold himself!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I was paying so much attention to the fires that I totally forgot about this artifact, and allowed Olon to use poor materials. Ah well...
Fortunately, many trees were surviving the fires, so there was no wood shortage in our immediate future - lacking saplings, however, meant we may run into trouble later. The bigger problem was that the fires were encroaching on our front gate. I instructed our builders to get a wall between us and the flames, but the wall pretty much only served to attract dwarves closer to the fire... Why were you trying to walk THROUGH the flames to get to the rocks to build the wall with?? In the end, I ordered all workers inside, allowing only soldiers outside to spar in the barracks.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2254-temptsfate) ((Movie)) Yet despite my best efforts... there were two LEGENDARY dwarves who disobeyed. Even after recruiting them, after stationing them inside, after ordering ALL dwarves inside... (https://youtu.be/z44f8Svgafs)
((Still playing the same ol' 40d. We're going to give this another shot! I can't promise updates as frequently as I used to, but we'll see how things go.))
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 21, 2010, 09:30:01 pm
by Asob Momuzzokun
-------------
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The fire was at our front door. Lots of dwarves were complaining that they couldn't do their jobs, but there was nothing to be said for it! It was simply too dangerous. So far, the fires hadn't claimed any casualties - by some MIRACLE, considering our most skilled miner and mason each decided to jeopardize their lives and our fortress's prosperity by jumping through the flames!! Thankfully, they came to no harm. They almost did it AGAIN on their way back, but they narrowly skirted around the side of the encroaching fire wall on their way inside.
FINALLY, by 24th Felsite, the fires died out, and dwarves were allowed outside again. To prevent this kind of catastrophe from happening again, I immediately ordered the construction of a wall separating us from the tower at this elevation.
Zon actually came out of hiding for a bit to investigate where some of her rock friends were going. When she saw the wall, she not only approved... she demanded that it be improved into a more defensive structure. I don't recall her exact words, but I'm pretty sure I'm quoting her verbatim when she said "Urist always wanted to be a defensive fortification! Asob, how about carving some holes in that wall and putting ballistas behind it?"
Ballistas?? Oy... We have 13 champions, and she wants to defend the fort with ballistas... well, whatever. Don't get me started on what an undertaking THAT turned out to be! Though to be honest, I think she just wanted a simple project that she didn't think could go wrong to help her recover from the big mistake she made with the magma tower.
Post by: Urist McOverlord on August 22, 2010, 01:28:17 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 22, 2010, 10:05:18 am
Glad to see the return of severedcoils. And sincerely hoping that this means an end to, or at least a subsiding in, your real-life problems.
Partially subsiding, partially thickening my shell to deal with it. I ended up losing 2 dogs and 2 grandparents, and there's a huge battle waging over one of their wills. *sings* OH BUT I.... I WILL SURVIVE!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 22, 2010, 12:15:37 pm
by Asob Momuzzokun
-------------
Kib complained for a long time that her tomb isn't grand enough. We engraved the walls to get it up to her measure...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
This was one of my favorites, mostly for its title. 'The Obstacles of Straw.' The siege of 207 was one of our worst, and Műthkat Sibrekshoveth's comical rendition of the dismemberment of Ngom Confinedscourges reminds me of our perseverance and tenacity as a race. It isn't enough to simply crush a large, vile force of darkness into the red sand beneath our feet - we immortalize the victory, humiliating our enemy for generations to come. Even if the fort should be abandoned or fall to our enemies, someone some day will see this, and we'll have the last laugh.
I miss when Zon laughed. As it was, she just kept giving orders about the ballista wall from deep within the walls of the fortress. At least they were sound orders... Boxes would be constructed to house two ballistas and ammo at each section of the wall. Eventually, we would have a second level with enclosed walkways between, fortifications for marksdwarves, and a basement level that would somehow connect to the barracks. That's good... at least she didn't allow a direct entrance to the inside of the fort. If enemies stormed the wall and found the way in, they'd have to get through our training yard before reaching the fort proper.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
What's frustrating is that Zon's blueprints were too wide! Her build extends over the slope as well as into the mountain, meaning we need to foot a little extra work to construct everything where it needs to go. Zon argued vehemently that this was her intent to prevent easy entry from the south, but I think she made a mathematical error somewhere in her planning. We already have children deconstructing parts of the wall we hastily threw up before this was all planned out...
Surprisingly, we ran out of iron bars. I thought for certain we had more... Oh well. I instruct the newly forged iron statues to be smelted and converted back into iron, so that we can do it all over again.
And, as usual, the moment the humans were sighted, all work ceased as we moved to gather trade goods for the depot. As we traded, 'Rick' Fountainclouded made a bloody mess of a goblin snatcher, spilling blood all around the thing's body.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
And as soon as the snatcher was defeated, some goblins sprang from ambush just north of our gate. It seemed to be a small ambush, so only mobilized a portion of the military - a few champions and a few recruits, so we could get our greenhorns some training under skilled supervision.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2256-bottlenecked) ((Movie)) "Hyaaaaaaahhh!!" (https://youtu.be/S37_FucxzzQ)
That didn't work out as well as I'd hoped it would... Archibold was first to the scene and took out more than half the force by himself, rounding his kills off at an even 70 notable. Any more notches on his hilt, and his (≡«-Iron Flail-»≡) is liable to break! I tried to send that 'Overlord' guy to the fight, seeing as he's been gabbing on and on about how inspired he is by Archibold and he has posters of the guy chiseled out in the barracks and if he wasn't already a worshiper of Nikot the Ray of Robustness he'd declare Archibold his deity... but the poor guy slept through the fight.
Near the end of Hematite, Zon and I got into a huge argument. Lots of jobs were being backed up because they were waiting for her validation, but she was spending all of her time hauling items, so work wasn't progressing. In the end she conceded... but the look in her eye...
The toll's starting to get rough with demands and mandates. I think I need to start taking notes.
Demands:
---------
1 Black Bronze Chest in Inod Glazenoses' Bedroom
2 Black Bronze Items
1 Shield
2 Idols
1 Silver Armorstand in Kikrost Bustcrimson's Bedroom
Prohibited Exports:
------------------
Grates
Picks
Black Bronze Items
Gold Items
Idols
Trifle Pewter Items
Tin Items
Post by: Dermonster on August 22, 2010, 08:20:00 pm
Was this the one where i was a socialist then went crazy?
In retrospect it was a bit stupid.
Post by: Flaede on August 23, 2010, 01:43:12 am
You can do so much butter than 3. 8)
Post by: Diablous on August 23, 2010, 09:48:57 am
Post by: Beeskee on August 23, 2010, 06:03:18 pm
Edit: Response to post below (posted here to help keep thread clean)
There's always DfCleanMap... (Part of the DFHack tools)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 23, 2010, 11:31:21 pm
by Asob Momuzzokun
-------------
((Map))There is vomit everywhere. (http://mkv25.net/dfma/map-9439-severedcoils) Just look at the freaking map. Can we get somebody to clean this up??
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 24, 2010, 12:27:03 am
by Asob Momuzzokun
-------------
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Asën... I beg you, do you have an answer for this? What were my eyes seeing? I still don't understand. Why? Why would something like this even exist in the world? Elves and humans and dwarves and parts of each and parts of things I can't even recognize... those that aren't dead and impaled on stakes are alive and traumatized. There are carvings of dwarves in fetal positions, dwarves, dead... one's named "The Worthless Baby."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Remarkably (and frighteningly), we just barely missed these chambers while doing exploratory mining. Just a few urists to the east and we'd have seen this terror a lot sooner...
Zon's been inconsolable since - it must have something to do with her disappearance. She's seen this before in her past. I... thought she was making it up, in truth. I'd heard stories, but I've never seen it in person. What do we do...?
The good news is, the plan worked. We only breached the chambers via fortification, so if anything's in there, we're safe from it. Technically, we could continue normal life without ever bothering it again... except eventually, we'll probably end up getting demands for adamantine items from the consorts, so we HAVE to get the adamantine out of there...
As I watch, some lumps of charcoal randomly catch fire and burn. Random fires... at the time, I wondered what in the world could be in there?? It's obvious to me now, of course, but at the time I just didn't know what to think.
I reviewed some of Zon's standing orders, and there was a particular dig path that catches my eye. To what end it served, I've no clue, but she's long suspected these chambers to be in this general area... Perhaps...
...Oh. I think I see what she wants. I wonder if that'll work...
Post by: Quietust on August 24, 2010, 10:03:27 am
If you plan to eventually clear out the chambers, I suggest you train up plenty of marksdwarves - melee fighters tend not to last very long against creatures nearly 8 times as hot as magma (relative to a dwarf's body temperature, anyways)...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 24, 2010, 10:57:04 am
If you plan to eventually clear out the chambers, I suggest you train up plenty of marksdwarves - melee fighters tend not to last very long against creatures nearly 8 times as hot as magma (relative to a dwarf's body temperature, anyways)...
I've never dealt with HFS before. Figures my first time would be against the fire-eating clowns. That does screw up my original plans (which I'm still keeping secret because I'm going to try it anyway), though now I want to experiment with it a little. Depends on how much I can pull off with my framerate as bad as it is now.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 24, 2010, 12:17:42 pm
by Asob Momuzzokun
-------------
My nightmares are filled with screams. Almost every night, the same dream... what would happen if we just confronted whatever's in there directly? Our military is strong...
((DFMA 1)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2259-asobsnightmare-part1) ((DFMA 2)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2260-asobsnightmare-part2) ((DFMA 3)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2261-asobsnightmare-part3) ((Movie)) ...but not strong enough. (https://youtu.be/LIfhJDsK40U) No one is prepared for this... Even Zon blindly threw herself into the foe, only to be burned to a crisp... All of the fortress's champions dead...
I see the beasts of flame before me, and I turn and flee... Even Zon hoisted her axe and ran fearless into her foe, despite the traumas of her past, and the hopelessness of the fight. Yet I see myself in this dream a coward, a fool, cowering away as my friends turn to ash at my feet...
Near the end, there are only three enemies left, and all of them have somehow lost their legs. They're prone and stationary, but still throwing fireballs in all directions around them. Even as commoners mobilize to take them down, I cower away in a corner... and watch, hear, smell my world melt around me...
Spoiler: OOC (click to show/hide)
Post by: Quietust on August 24, 2010, 12:57:11 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 27, 2010, 12:04:35 am
by Asob Momuzzokun
-------------
"In the name of Nikot! Let me vanquish the foul demons below!"
"NO!"
It was fruitless. 'The Overlord' was upset to hear he missed his chance to kill some goblins alongside Archibold. So, he wanted me to crack the chambers so he could fight the evils within by himself.
"The great and mighty Archibold Bridgebolt the Equivalent Ram of Artifacts may have 70 goblin kills to his name--"
"Her name."
"...What? All the tales refer to Archibold as a male."
"I know, we keep getting it confused. Happens all the time."
"...Whatever. But can she claim to have killed a demon? No! One kill would surely put me on even caliber with Archibold!"
"You have no idea how many of those things are in there! And Quietust has been doing that goofy human number thing... 'math' I think she calls it? Anyway, she thinks these things are 2500 Urists hot. Hotter than the surface of the big, glowing ball of nausea! You'd burn to ash before getting anywhere near one!"
"...Soo... killing one will put me above Archibold's caliber!"
"Nobody's fighting them! Everybody's work has slowed to a crawl since the discovery of these chambers, so we're dealing with them in the fastest way possible. Zon and I have already discussed a plan."
"Gather everybody in the dragon's den and wait for somebody to open it? I'll rally the troops."
"No, I already tried that-- I mean, I have a pretty good idea how that'll turn out! Now, go train in the barracks, work your way up to a champion or something. Trust me, you'll be called when you're needed."
In truth, Zon did have a plan. I was right about those odd tunnels she had planned but never started. Before we knew what was in there, she'd wanted to obsidian cast the inner chambers completely. Once we'd had a glimpse, we figured it might not be possible - whatever is in there is hot enough to boil water from several Urists away, and we kind of need water for an obsidian cast!
That plan hasn't changed, but rather evolved - now she wants to trigger a cave in while simultaneously pumping water and magma inside. So, we've given orders to carve some chambers in the two levels above to the exact dimensions of the top level of the chamber.
Hm, speaking of that top level... There's something really peculiar about its shape...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I had to draw a picture of the demons in my dream next to our diagram of the top floor of the chamber. They look awfully similar!
This plan prompted the argument between Zon and King Minkot that I had mentioned. Minkot claimed the plan was undwarfy, since it was a non-confrontational method of dealing with the denizens of the deep. He commanded the same thing that Overlord suggested - a full frontal assault.
And... that was when Zon lost it, backed the king into a corner, and it all came out. I wasn't there for the initial argument, but Zon came to me practically in tears afterward. She finally told me about previous experience with a pit like this. Hers wasn't generating tons of heat and causing spontaneous fires within, though. She said they had been frog demons, and she claimed they had been sent from below to avenge her for using live frogs as bait when fishing. One almost killed her, but she grabbed an axe from a fallen soldier nearby and decapitated it with a lucky swing. That explains why she's taken up tree cutting...
After that, she gave up competing altogether - she continued fishing, but she switched to worms. Good thing there isn't a type of demon that looks like a mass of wriggling worms! That would be downright terrible if Zon ever saw one.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 28, 2010, 06:07:33 pm
by Asob Momuzzokun
-------------
I think most of us are trying to ignore the fact that we have demons in our midsts by drowning ourselves in our work... even though it feels as if time is moving much slower, and work is taking longer to finish. Things seemed to speed up slightly after we crushed a large number of rocks and narrow goblin clothing, but not by much. The main level of the siege wall was almost complete, we had a lot of different varieties of roasts made, some gems were cut, we hit a vein of adamantine that's a reasonably safe distance away from the chambers. Everything was going smoothly.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Oh, right, this was the day we had a cave-in. Zon screwed something up big time over in the obsidian farm. Apparently, she wasn't paying attention when she gave orders to mine out the next layer of obsidian, and the miners ended up channeling through the wall and into the level beneath the farm by mistake. Now, there's a pit around the obsdian, and Rigňth Yawningslings fell 2 z-levels from where she was standing and suffered some moderate injuries, include a broken right upper leg. She was trapped down there until we could get someone to carve some ramps to get her.
This kind of quiet productivity continued all the way to 10th Limestone, Early Autumn. The dwarves must be arriving soon, possibly with a new duke and consort. I've had Zon's diary for too long - she may come looking for it when the next consort arrives, so I'm going to put it back where I found it. She'll never know it was ever taken!
Post by: Chaoseed on August 29, 2010, 01:54:42 pm
I honestly have no idea, but I'm positively certain it was 15th Galena, 210, Late Summer
by Asob Momuzzokun
-------------
I think most of us are trying to ignore the fact that we have demons in our midsts by drowning ourselves in our work... even though it feels as if time is moving much slower, and work is taking longer to finish.
Yeah, when fortresses exist for a long time, reality can become calcified around all the dwarven lives that have lived there, so it makes time flow more sluggishly. :-\
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 29, 2010, 09:13:19 pm
mew?
*chop!*
Post by: The Architect on August 30, 2010, 11:30:31 am
Good read, too. Funny as usual. And it's somehow ego-stroking to be represented by the greatest warrior in the fortress, as if that actually reflects on me.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 30, 2010, 02:44:10 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 30, 2010, 04:54:58 pm
Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam
-------------
So. I'm here writing this thing again. Asob had the good sense to try and sneak my diary back under my *Alder bed* while I was sleeping in it. We had a nice long... talk about a dwarf's need for privacy (a concept I've found to completely fall upon deaf ears when it comes to ANYONE around here) in the wee hours of the morning. And, in the end, it looks like I caved and started updating the stupid journal again.
Alright, well... today's going well so far, work's getting done, nobody's dead yet, I shouldn't have to worry about any stupid frog demons since we have something of a hotter persuasion instead and OH FOR THE LOVE OF--
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Augh, what are you doing! Quit canceling jobs! Now I've got to redesignate all of those stupid walls and Armok knows what else...
Ok, calm down Zon. Surely this happened for a perfectly good reason YOU HAVE GOT TO BE *¤»§Ω-ING KIDDING ME!!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Imush. Of course it would be that blind peasant's fault... looks like he passed out on the bridge trigger. The jeweller îton Grovestandard and the crippled wardog Rakust Manorsavants have both fallen into the pit below, but nobody's hurt - THANKFULLY nobody was standing in the wrong spot to get crushed. Hopefully this won't happWHAT. WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
As the retracting bridge returns, it pops Imush back into the air, and he lands on top of another pressure plate!! How long is this going to go on...
...Huh. I guess it's done? Somehow he avoided triggering the plate. Must have stayed conscious when he landed. Aaanyway.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Looks like Asob's been having trouble ritzing out Kib's tomb. It's up to Mausoleum status, but it's not a GRAND Mausoleum. It's the one on the far left, but it's easy to confuse with the king's tomb. Gee, Asob, what's the problem? I bet it wouldn't have anything to do with all those ROCK STATUES. We have platinum, y'know, why don't you make some platinum statues?
...Oh. All the forges are filled up with my orders for iron ballista arrowheads. Um... ok, maybe this one's my bad. But we have new forges on the way, so surely one of those can be put to use! I just hope it doesn't take a year for someone to get around to it. For now, it seems some of the walls and floors haven't been engraved because furniture was set in place before it could be done, so I order that furniture removed so we can get some engravings.
The caravan from Subetrovod arrives on the 14th. Still no sign of another duke and consort... but they could simply be running behind schedule. The food market is paying off big time - we bought a great deal of steel armor, hopefully enough to finish off many of these mismatched sets our military's been wearing around. Not that we don't have the steel to make it ourselves, but... well, if we've got wealth, why not flaunt it?
So, I'm scheming a scheme with our good pal Imush... you know, I seem to recall he used to be a marksdwarf before a well-aimed arrow took out both of his eyes. What use could a blind marksdwarf have? Hm, I may have thought of one...
Post by: The Architect on August 30, 2010, 05:04:41 pm
It's truly a pleasure to get to knock around killing people without getting into trouble. Sure, I lost the bloodlust a while ago, but at least the fame and thrill of battle remain the same. I'd like a chance at some tougher adversaries sometime, of course. Maybe just a one-on-one with one of those abominations everyone is whispering about?
Anyway, the real reason for the letter isn't to get my nose dirty in exchange for a demon-fighting arena. Actually, I was looking over my wardrobe and thinking.
Unless you want everyone to be looking at the naked magnificence of my body soon, you'd better get on top of those weavers. If I ever do actually wash these rags, they'll surely fall apart.
Your humble servant,
Archibold.
Post by: Quietust on August 31, 2010, 08:11:39 am
So, I'm scheming a scheme with our good pal Imush... you know, I seem to recall he used to be a marksdwarf before a well-aimed arrow took out both of his eyes. What use could a blind marksdwarf have?
Why, train him into a blind crossbow champion (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-24-lightningtheblindcrossbowchampion)! If he enters a martial trance, he'll fight just fine.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 04, 2010, 05:44:01 pm
-------------
We dwarves are a proud, industrious people, filled with creative, intelligent minds capable of great and wonderful feats of architectural prowess.
So, why are all the dwarves in my fortress suicidally stupid?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The waterfall dried up early this year - maybe we didn't have the floodgate open long enough, so this time we left it open longer - enough to cause some minor flooding, but we've planned for that long ago. Meanwhile, I've ordered the final touches to be placed upon the siege wall, not really paying attention to where the workers got their stone. Obok Labordawned, one of our starting seven and legendary mason, shows off his legendary reasoning skills by entering the waterfall reservoir to retrieve a stone for part of the siege wall.
If Asob's updates during my hiatus are correct, isn't Obok one of the same idiots who ran through the wall of fire?? I suppose this is partially my fault, since that door should have been forbidden long ago... but come on, can't a dwarf use his head?? Unfortunately, as one of our starters he was trained to be a swimmer in case of emergency so he's able to survive this catastrophe without any problem. At least he'll be a bit cleaner for a while after his bath...
I found a note from Archibold a while ago, requesting new clothes and a demon-fighting arena. I suppose the clothes aren't a bad idea - I'm sick of seeing so many second beards, and since construction is finished on the wall there will be a lot of masons freeing up for new work. A demon-fighting arena... I can't see that happening. Everybody's been working painfully slowly ever since the chamber's opened, and we need to clear it out ASAP. That's why we're caving it in, then redirecting the underground river and a magma channel into it. We need to deal with this fast so that everybody can get back to work - and if something goes wrong like it always inevitably does, I'll need every champion on hand to deal with the threat.
On that note, it might be prudent to designate a few extra miners, as there's much work to do yet, and I'm thinking we need to resume exploratory mining as we're running low on rare materials. If we're going to keep getting duke consorts, and they're all going to demand Grand Mausoleums and other ridiculous things, then we need more aluminum and platinum, and fast.
I wonder if decorating some masterwork cave spider silk ropes would be a good idea too... silk is replenishable, it practically grows like mold around here. In fact, let me check my notes... 639 bolts of cave spider silk cloth (many of which are masterwork quality), 1280 cave spider silk threads. Yes... it does seem as though I've forgotten about our cloth industry. Let's get that back in gear!
I feel like I've been forgetting something...
...Oh. Quarters for the next consort, who's due to arrive some time this autumn. Uh oh...
Post by: Quietust on September 04, 2010, 07:58:30 pm
...Oh. Quarters for the next consort, who's due to arrive some time this autumn. Uh oh...
Nitpick: the caravan arrives in Autumn, and the nobles arrive in the Spring.
Post by: Chaoseed on September 05, 2010, 01:39:27 pm
I suppose the clothes aren't a bad idea - I'm sick of seeing so many second beards,
*spit-take* :o
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 06, 2010, 09:00:03 am
...Oh. Quarters for the next consort, who's due to arrive some time this autumn. Uh oh...
Nitpick: the caravan arrives in Autumn, and the nobles arrive in the Spring.
Really?? Man, it HAS been a while.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 07, 2010, 06:23:54 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 08, 2010, 07:55:09 pm
-------------
This month disgusts me like a miasma. That's because we had dwarves vacating the fisheries and kitchens to attend parties thrown by Quietust and some random kids, leaving food to rot! Honestly.
The forges and smelters have been used extensively of late. My orders for thirty suits of steel plate have gone through, but most of them were of base quality. What a shame... I've ordered anything that was below +quality+ to be melted down and reforged, netting us with only eight good ones. I think things will go better this time, since we had a few fine ≡quality≡ sets. The stair design was impeding progress - upon reviewing my notes, it seems the original intent was to construct defensively designed hallways in case of attack from stray fire imps, impeding them from a straight shot into the food stockpiles. There was never a need for this in the first place, however, since we carefully designed the magma vents with fortifications and sealed every hole. Some new stairways are being mined out to speed up the forging process.
More chairs, thrones, armor racks, and cabinets are being carved as well. Meanwhile, I have several iron weapon racks ordered up - these will help train the blacksmiths so that we can eventually make some great looking gold, aluminum, and platinum statues.
Nobody's working on the stupid roads in front of the stupid ballistas, so I have to work on them my own stupid self. I haven't validated the silk clothes yet because roads are stupid. I mean because nobody's doing the work I already told them to do.
On 11th Timber, 210, Late Autumn, some migrants have decided to brave this terrifying place, knowing it may be their tomb. We received 1 hunter, 1 woodcutter, 1 fishery worker, 1 dyer, 1 carpenter, and 1 miner. Because we all know how much I love keeping secrets from as many people as possible. At least those are all useful!
Post by: The Architect on September 08, 2010, 09:27:17 pm
Post by: Quietust on September 09, 2010, 08:07:24 am
That's because we had dwarves vacating the fisheries and kitchens to attend parties thrown by Quietust and some random kids, leaving food to rot!
"Everybody's spooked by the eerie glowing pit and its contents (and rightly so) - I'm just trying to cheer them up. It's not my fault that you don't have enough haulers to clear out the workshops..."
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 11, 2010, 10:32:08 am
Post by: Heliman on September 19, 2010, 01:33:57 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 19, 2010, 07:30:25 pm
-------------
In hindsight, setting 5 of the 6 peasants in my fort to miners and then designating a ton of mining work might not have been the brightest idea I've ever had. This place reeks of miasma. I set the new miners to also carry food and items, just to make sure the work gets done, and I even take the picks out of two of their hands.
What the...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We have a legendary peasant? How interesting... At first, I guess he must be a legendary comedian or a liar or something, and I'm set to validate another thirty iron statues just for the sake of refusing the workers the time to get to know each other - it's safer that way, in the event the pit of horrors drives us insane. I investigate, and find that Ineth Tongscloses is the son of 'Legon', all grown up, and is actually a legendary Bonecarver who has chosen not to give himself a title.
Wait... Ineth. Oh, right! This was the child who had a bit of a temper with one of our soldiers, and carved a bone crown out of spite, isn't he? Wonder why he's reluctant to relieve himself of his binds of peasantry. Must have picked up a touch of laziness from 'Legon,' always lying around on his crippled back. Great captain of the guard, that one!
The quarters for the next duke consort are coming along well. The floors and walls are almost entirely engraved with images of demons we've released from the abyss, along with the occasional kobold slaughtering and giant bat mauling. Sounds like a wonderful room to sleep in. Should I be jealous?
On a non-fortress related note, my cat Olin Olonlathon is going to bed without dinner tonight! I gave him a shad bone, and he scratched my hand quite badly when I later tried to take it away from him. I now have three deep scratches on my index finger, right hand and my middle finger, right hand. It's not bad, but... it's annoying to have to work with your hands all day with cuts like this!
Spoiler: OOC (click to show/hide)
Post by: Quietust on October 02, 2010, 11:55:03 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 03, 2010, 01:05:29 pm
6th Moonstone, 210, Early Winter
-------------
Aside from dumping some excess stone, we've finished Imush the blind marksdwarf's new quarters.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
In hindsight, I shouldn't have sketched in the smoke... Here, I'll draw a blueprint instead.
Code: [Select]
╔════════┼══╗
║▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪+▪▪╬
║▪=Food====▪╬
║▪=====ӨX==+╬ Burning, smokey death machines
║▪=Drink===▪╬
║▪====Ammo=▪╬
║▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪+▪▪║
╚════════┼══╝
Imush will be locked in his room with all the supplies he needs to survive for weeks, maybe months. His only duty will be to shoot at the archery target, and to do that he will have to put his back against the fortified wall. Channels are dug most of the way around the room so that he can collect his stray bolts via a stairwell just outside of his door, which will remain locked most of the time so that the only thing he can do is shoot at the target. I don't expect him to hit the target often, in fact I'm counting on him missing.
More than a third of his stray arrows should go through the fortifications into the smoldering pit of untold nastiness, and some of those stray bolts should occasionally hit a skulking demon. Maybe Imush will be able to reveal what's inside, or with several lucky shots, manage to kill a few himself!
I was going to keep this a surprise until I actually set it into motion, but seeing as many of my plans tend to keep failing, maybe I should explain what I'm trying to do in the likely event the fortress is set to flame and I'm unable to document this feat of dwarven ingenuity in the near future because my hands have been charred into +dwarf tallow biscuits+. Seems I'm already on track for failure... I had everything set up, locked him in the room, and watched him just stand there. It took me half an hour to realize that he wasn't training because we had brought him only iron and steel bolts, and he wasn't about to start training with those! Not to mention I fear he might suffocate to death in that smoke during one of his narcoleptic spells on the ground.
We've finished engraving the crypt and new chambers for the next consort, and are building furniture to go with them. I might temporarily assign those quarters to someone just so they can tell me what grade the room is in, since these consorts keep wanting Royal everything. I'm going to have to increase the size of the crypt for the next one, there's no doubt about it. The more engravings we can squeeze in there, the better.
We had another child taken by a mood. Tosid Zozgoden ran off to a craftshop and started slapping things together. What a waste of potential... I'm waiting for a legendary adamantium left low boot to go with Leshalmamot, the platinum right low boot worn by Olin Fortressash the Slick Smiles.
Oh, and we had requests for 3 picks and 2 trifle pewter bars go in. Whatever.
Post by: Argonnek on October 03, 2010, 01:16:24 pm
But I was under the impression that bolts only hit what they're aimed at, and stray bolts are harmless. I could be wrong, though.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 03, 2010, 02:06:28 pm
Post by: Di on October 07, 2010, 08:36:55 am
Can I get a dwarf, please?
I believe the blind marksdwarf is still available? Otherwise I'll be happy with any siege operator in that ballista battery.
Though, in which direction eastern two are going to shoot? They're pretty much obstructed.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 10, 2010, 11:13:59 am
-------------
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Great. A piccolo. Just what we need, something that makes more noise."
"Come on, Zon! A master artist like you ought to be able to appreciate the underlying meaning of Tosid Ponderrope's work!" Asob chirped merrily.
"Tosid's a child, he's not capable of 'underlying meaning.'"
"I think not! He named his artifact 'Savantspited,' and notice how the piccolo menaces with spikes. If anyone actually tried to play this instrument - particularly, a savant - they'd be spited by the cleverly placed spikes ready to prick their fingers! And look! He put an image of the Deified Furnaces on the instrument in perch bone - he mocks the extravagance of making a buckler from adamantine by recreating its image in humble fish bone!"
"Extravagance?? A buckler made of adamantine is entirely practical! There's no material better in the world for keeping a soldier safe from harm! Freaking Asënites and your 'underlying meanings...'"
"Actually, Tosid is a worshipper of Kovest, same as you."
"Oh, good, so Kovest mocks me still. The nerve of that guy!"
It was about that time when Imush the blind marksdwarf stumbled by, covered in soot and ash.
"Imush!"
"Di." Imush looked in the wrong direction. Actually... well, what do you call it when a dwarf has no eyes, but turns his head to address you? It's not exactly 'looking' anymore...
"You should be pleased to know that we're crafting many stacks of bone bolts so that you and the other marksdwarves can resume practice. I see entirely too many 'marksdwarves' without a single 'elite marksdwarf' amongst the ranks."
"It's Di."
"Oh no, not you too."
"'Imush' was the name of the stumbling peasant who did her job day after day in constant fits of narcolepsy. Now that I'm back to marskman duty, I've taken on a new life - a new purpose - a new name! Also, the voices I hear in my new room told me it was a good name."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Her? I had it wrong all along... My eyes must be failing me. Or maybe I've just been too horrified to look directly at her eyeless face. "So, now you're a marksdwarf who does his duty in constant fits of narcolepsy and probably can't hit the broad side of a mountain. Wonderful, glad to hear it."
Di coughed. "Oh yeah, I think there's a problem with my room. I was admiring my new door, see, and--"
"Wait. How do you admire a door with no eyes?"
"...It has a nice texture."
"Oh. Right. Go on."
"...Anyway, I noticed there seems to be a lot of smoke in my room. Could you maybe check the walls and see if there's a crack or something? I'd find it myself, but it also seems like there's a channel dug all the way around my room, so I can't reach the walls. It's kind of hard to breathe in there."
"Oh, um... that's your fireplace! Yes, we thought you'd like it! No one else in the entire fortress has their own fireplace, you know! If you don't like it, I guess we can take it out..."
"Oh! In that case... no, I think I'll keep it, but... could you check the chimney? I think it might be blocked. You ever get smoke in your empty eye socket? It causes a lot of pain, you know?"
"Sure, sure. There should be some stacks of bone bolts ready by now, I should think! Why don't you start practicing to take your mind off of it?"
Di left. Asob frowned at me, but said nothing. Loyal to a fault, she's become. Even when my cruel lies bother her, she doesn't seem to speak up about it anymore. That's all well and fine... considering my mission here, it's best that I really don't care about anything anymore...
...except for admiring my own fine seat lately! Hello there, gorgeous! What have I been eating to set you right?
Post by: The Architect on October 11, 2010, 11:45:49 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 12, 2010, 04:15:31 pm
Post by: Skorpion on October 18, 2010, 05:57:49 pm
I'm stunned.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 20, 2010, 08:24:10 pm
-------------
"Horrors! Demons in the deep!"
Oh dear it's happening again what do I do what what what what WHAT WHAT WHAT........
...Oh dear... Well, can't erase what's already been chiseled in this tablet... I sort of lost track of the past few hours between bouts of sobbing uncontrollably and drowning my fears in plump helmet wine. Asob had to draw me back to my senses by letting a lizard run free in my beard. I absolutely detest lizards!!
Anyway... No harm has been done... yet. Tulon Workswelters was picking up some of the steel bolts from the Imush-- I mean, 'Di' experiment room, and somehow spotted... something. She claimed she saw a face through the smoke, and when she met its eyes, the name 'Artum Shornbraved' seared itself into her mind, and she can't get it out - as though the very name itself is gnawing at her mind.
The first thing I noticed when I came to was that I was still alive. Next, I noticed the fort wasn't burning to embers all around me, though everyone is very worried. I've ordered a thorough investigation of the walls surrounding those chambers. So far, we don't see any cracks or accidental passages through which the demons could enter the fort. Tulon wasn't attacked - fire didn't shoot out through the wall at her or anything like that... I suppose she just spotted one of the lurking monsters by random chance.
That said... I might as well consider the marksdwarf experiment a failure here and now. Now that everyone has heard that they can see a demon through the fortifications in that room, nobody will go near it... which means all of the goods stored there are pretty much lost, too. I've forbidden entry to the room as a precaution, in case somebody wanders in and that thing gets the idea to throw a fireball at us. 'Di' has been demoted back to a hauler... well, I guess a 'Pump Operator" as she'd prefer to call it. That's all well and good, too... I'm sick of smelling miasma.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A thief got as far as the entrance to the fort before bumping into a pair of marksdwarf guards. Good night, kobold...
...Hm, something is amiss... I'm getting random reports of job cancellations all throughout the fort. Dwarves are claiming they're being interrupted by a 'Spirit of Fire,' which I assume is what they've started calling that demon, but they're nowhere near its chambers, or in any sort of immediate threat. I don't know what to make of it, but if this keeps up, it's just going to make things extremely difficult...
Speaking of oddities... King Minkot issued a strange demand today. He wants a door in his bedroom. A door... what? He already has two! Where's he want it to go, into a wall? He didn't even specify what KIND of door, he just says... 'door in Bedroom.' Weird...
Whatever, Minkot. You want a door? I'll give you a door. In fact, I'll even throw some walls up in your bedroom to put it on, how about that? Right in front of your bed, so you'll have to use this precious door each and every morning.
...This actually kind of works out in his favor, to be honest. The engravings on the floor where I designated the new walls are pretty bland. This way, he'll get new, better engravings. Hey, maybe they'll engrave images of King Minkot and the Spirit of Fire Artum Shornbraved, and the Spirit of Fire is striking a menacing pose while King Minkot is making a plaintive gesture.
Post by: Di on October 20, 2010, 11:33:14 pm
Also, how often does blind dwarf pass out?
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 24, 2010, 11:23:58 am
-------------
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The first of the demons has been killed, though it was difficult to tell through all the smoke. I sent our five marksdwarves into the fortified chamber to deal with Artum, since I was getting tired of seeing dwarves randomly cancel jobs even when they weren't under any immediate threat. At first the marksdwarves just stood there... of course, they weren't carrying bolts, but there were bins full of bolts right at their feet, so... seriously, put two and two together! Eventually, one bold dwarf with slightly more wits than a -Basalt door- picked up some bolts and shot the demon. Litast Moltenlances wins today's "Usin' ur thinker" award.
We've actually dyed every strand of thread in the fort, believe it or not. Silk clothing production is still going, albeit slowly, but at least it's keeping the dwarves busy. And clothed.
I've designated an upgrade to the siege wall out front, but it's only temporary. A staircase in the back will grant our builders easy access to the stone pile behind - but it could also grant goblins easy access to the fort, so I'm going to station a dog near it to make sure nothing gets in.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
It seems we've run out of room in the commons, as I'm starting to see commoners sleeping in the barracks. Shouldn't take too long to correct, I just need to get the miners down there to carve some narrow tombs - I mean, living spaces.
Post by: Di on October 25, 2010, 01:02:03 pm
Post by: Quietust on October 25, 2010, 03:58:21 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 25, 2010, 04:13:22 pm
Post by: The Architect on October 25, 2010, 06:24:57 pm
Bear with me here, as this requires the
Step 1: Hollow out a room directly above the top of the demon pit, and place a support in a spot corresponding to an open space on the level below.
Step 2: Starting from that same room, dig a staircase upwards and hollow out the area above your first room, channeling out the floors surrounding the one over the support.
Step 3: Place animals in cages on spots surrounding the support on the first floor, and prepare shooting galleries accessed from outside as desired.
Step 4: Attach the support and cages individually to distant levers.
Step 5: Seal the room, completely, and thus seal the only exit from the room above simultaneously.
Step 6: Pull the lever! (the support lever), then release the animals as needed to reveal the occupants of the room!
Step 7: Save a few demons for me!
Your faithful servant,
~Archibold
(Thanks to Quietust, as always, for making the letters for me.)
P.S.: Don't share with anyone that Archibold can't write, or he'll have my head. He says that a warrior need not write his own legends or some crap like that, but he's still proud. ~Quietust
Post by: Quietust on October 26, 2010, 08:30:19 am
Hey, I think I might have come up with a very dwarfy method for seeing all or most of the demons within the pit!
The following diagram should illustrate this more clearly:
Code: [Select]
Z+1
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
▓▓> ▓▓▓
▓▓ . ▓▓
▓▓▓ ▓▓▓
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
Z+0
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
O▓▓▓▓▓▓
╚O<‼.▓▓
▓▓‼I‼▓▓
▓▓.‼.▓▓
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
Z-1
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
▓≡...&▓
▓.&...▓
▓..≡..▓
▓...&.▓
▓.&.≡.▓
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
It's my understanding that other digging has been taking place immediately above the pit; hopefully, it would not interfere with this idea.
With sufficient planning, an even better option would be to carve out a large slab encompassing the entire top level of the pit and drop that in a cave-in, squishing all of the demons flat (and taking care to ensure that it doesn't punch through other floors that would let out any remaining demons).
Post by: Urist McOverlord on October 26, 2010, 07:21:49 pm
Hasn't Archibold gotten enough from the whole single-handed siege slaying?
Post by: The Architect on October 26, 2010, 10:04:46 pm
use the sacrificial animals to reveal the demons in such a way as to keep them penned in and helpless before our marksdwarves.
Spoiler: Out of character, if you care. (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 27, 2010, 09:55:45 pm
With sufficient planning, an even better option would be to carve out a large slab encompassing the entire top level of the pit and drop that in a cave-in, squishing all of the demons flat (and taking care to ensure that it doesn't punch through other floors that would let out any remaining demons).
Boy, won't you be surprised when you see the map upload at the turn of spring! That's exactly what I've been doing all this time. See back to when I had the mining designations in the exact shape of the chamber below. There's another step to this though...
Post by: Quietust on October 29, 2010, 02:30:59 pm
Boy, won't you be surprised when you see the map upload at the turn of spring!
Now that you've told me, I probably won't be particularly surprised.
Post by: The Architect on October 31, 2010, 12:53:23 am
That's definitely the boring and undwarfy way to deal with it.
Unless you have Spirits of Fire, in which case it is the SUPREMELY DWARFY way to deal with it, because it won't work and Archibold gets to fight!
Post by: skaltum on January 17, 2011, 07:44:12 pm
Post by: Urist McOverlord on January 18, 2011, 01:12:26 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 19, 2011, 12:04:49 am
I blame Civ V, my new Xbox, and a whole mess of other games and such. I've got a few loose ends to wrap up in real-life land, so perhaps by February I'll brush the dirt off this thing and give it another whirl.
Post by: The Architect on January 20, 2011, 01:52:46 pm
Post by: Aklyon on January 20, 2011, 07:07:50 pm
Post by: The Architect on January 24, 2011, 11:04:58 pm
This is the first time I've looked at this thread, or the forums at all, since posting that comment here. Magic bump sense indeed!
Funny, I quit coming to the forums when I got a girlfriend. Now I'm back because boredom has a place in my life again. TMI? Probably. I didn't have the time to do any of my usual time-wasting activities like this with her around. Kind of miss this, but I think I miss that more.
Anyway, point being: if real life comes along you're fully justified in walking away from things like this. But when you have some time, we do enjoy sharing your literary adventures.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 26, 2011, 08:12:32 pm
Maybe if the whole HFS collapsing thing totally FUBARs, that problem will go away when the population takes a sharp and half-expected decrease.
Post by: Argonnek on January 26, 2011, 08:26:26 pm
Post by: The Architect on January 27, 2011, 02:33:58 am
Spoiler: a little rantish (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 07, 2011, 07:04:11 pm
The Fall of Zursalbalad (Severedcoils)
and the Reign of King Minkot Zanegamkol
HIGHLY CLASSIFIED
-------------
Contents:
Event log/Personal diary, shared by Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam, Clerk, and Asob Momuzzokun, Mayor: 1 (one)
Written accusation by Unib Tunrithlut regarding the actions taking place at Severedcoils, as well as the whereabouts of His Highness King Minkot Zanegamkol: 1 (one)
Eyewitness accounts of conversation between Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam, Clerk, and Obok Zirilkivish, Mayor of Koganokil (Boattest) which took place at the Hairy Beakdog: 5 (five)
Various pieces of physical evidence recovered from the fortress:
(Steel Battleaxe) belonging to Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam
¤cave spider silk tunic¤ belonging to Asob Momuzzokun
(≡«-Iron flail-»≡) belonging to 'Archibold' Saziralĺth Maskirdetes Zan, Champion Macedwarf
Isakodom, "Spatterbasin," a Rhodolite hatch cover
118 other artifacts, parcels of clothing, and particularly shiny rocks
-------------
Written accusation by Unib Tunrithlut:
I, Unib Doorwax, hereby put forth that Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam, Asob Momuzzokun, all members of their organization "The Crypt of Crowns," and all the workers and residents of Severedcoils have committed acts of treason, of depravity, of murder most foul, and of harboring Minkot Zanegamkol, the "Fugitive King." I hereby put forth that Obok Zirilkivish, Mayor of Boattest, the nearest dwarven establishment to Severedcoils, played part as a liaison and accomplice to these crimes.
Amongst the fallen of the city of Severedcoils, the bodies of Rith Likotâtast, Duke, Tholtig Sarámedëm, Count, and Lolor Ekastathel, Duke remain undiscovered. Murmurrings from the peasants of Severedcoils indicate one victim was incinerated by an elaborate trap made of magma. No word has surfaced about the other two, but I've taken the liberty of shadowing Zon during her daily activities while waiting for her to treat with me about trade goods - on more than one occasion, I have witnessed a peculiar contraption suspended in the middle of a bottomless pit. This device consists of a narrow walkway leading to a lever suspended over the pit. A door separates the lever from the edge of the pit. Though incredibly dark, I have spotted Isakodom, "Spatterbasin," a Rhodolite hatch cover artifact at the roof of the chasm from afar. All craftsdwarfship is of the highest quality. It is decorated with turtle shell and mountain goat leather and encircled with bands of Basalt. On the item is an image of narrow crescents in Rhodolite. On the item is an image of diamonds in Rhodolite. This hatch cover is positioned directly over the lever.
I have not the heart to test my theory for fear of my life, but I highly suspect the lever is connected to this hatch, and both are connected to the disappearances of the Count and Dukes.
Likewise, I have spotted a certain peasant on the premises who closely bears resemblance to Minkot Reliccounsel. He wears a x(Pig tail dress)x, XX(giant cave spider silk toga)XX, mismatching shoes of x(hoary marmot leather)x and X*cave spider silk*X, and, like all other dwarves in the fortress, is covered from head to toe in blood and vomit. I once approached this pungent peasant, and he immediately became incredibly nervous. He told me his name was "Minkerruhbob," but the resemblance to our Fugitive King is uncanny.
I beseech the Court of the King to look into this matter with prompt haste. Minkot has no heirs and no wife, leaving the entire Realm of the Swift Arches in peril of becoming leaderless. I will not allow this to happen - if Minkot cannot be recovered, then by royal law and with the council's consent I will dutifully take the post as Regent and lead in his absence, and accept the burden of the realm upon my own shoulders.
May justice be served, soon enough that we may avoid this fell fate.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 07, 2011, 09:04:40 pm
-------------
The wailing of the demons is unbearable. Glad I'm not mining right over their heads! Several of the miners are having trouble sleeping, but soon, it'll all be over. The "demon-smasher," as I've now dubbed it, is nearing completion. It should be ready just in time for a special guest to do the honors of Pulling The Lever.
Several rooms are not as covered with holes as I like, so I remind our engravers to get to work on the new chambers and tomb being created for our duke-en-route. While I'm at it, the fallout shelters for Asob and me are looking quite drab, so I order those engraved too.
Nickel sarcophogi and Iron statues are being forged for the future tomb. Though... I'm noticing a problem. We're badly lacking iron, and we haven't had a siege in a while to provide us with more. There's an iron ore vein right near the entrance to the fort, but our diggers are all very busy. We'll just hold out for now... At least we have plenty of ugly nickel statues we can melt and reforge!
Reg Erushtirist, Duchess Consort, makes herself useful and demands three shields. I decide to test our armorsmiths and allow them to work with steel for this task. Meanwhile, King Meeknuts is demanding a door in his bedroom. Be patient, my liege, I've had one specially crafted just for you... Hope you like sleeping next to pitchblende.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: Chaoseed on September 07, 2011, 10:24:10 pm
Post by: Aklyon on September 07, 2011, 10:51:44 pm
Not just an update, but a PLOT TWIST! ;DAnd its not dead, either!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 08, 2011, 08:24:31 pm
And its not dead, either!
How long does a thread need to be dead before res'ing it makes it undead?
The zombie Severedcoils grapples with you!
Your left eye is broken!
Your right eye is broken!
Yes, I'm still rocking good ol' 40d. Though FPS hasn't improved any, I'm going to give this another solid attempt. Expect smaller updates (as there's far less happening per session due to sluggishness), but I will try to compensate for that with a side-storyline.
To be perfectly honest, I'm sort of expecting the story to end abruptly when the Big Tent comes down around the clowns, but we shall see. Basically, the success or failure of that plan will determine whether or not I upgrade to the latest version of DF :D
Post by: Aklyon on September 08, 2011, 08:26:42 pm
Post by: Dermonster on September 08, 2011, 08:54:03 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 08, 2011, 11:19:43 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 11, 2011, 03:29:42 pm
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'Di' was proving to be a nuisance as a hauler, what with constantly falling unconscious. She dropped a stack of +Dwarven sugar roast+ and let it spoil on the ground, filling the halls with miasma! I've limited her hauling duties to rocks and furniture, and also conscript her as an Engraver. This seems like a fitting position for one who is missing both eyes and prone to narcolepsy.
We ran out of nickel bars, and only managed 13 statues. This doesn't seem like an efficient way to train our metal crafters with what we have. I could've sworn we had a lot more nickel... oh, wait. We do! The hallway leading to my tomb is lined with nickel statues of base quality. I forgot about those... I'm not too partial to them, and suppose somebody enters a mood and really needs nickel. I slate each one for removal and order them melted down, so they can be re-forged into better statues. I've commissioned thirty iron short swords as well for the sake of training our weaponsmiths.
Now that I'm thinking about moods... Hm, I must check our stocks... Blast, we're down to just two bars of copper and silver each! This will not do. I search all known walls for sources of these metals... There's plenty of copper veins, and a few veins of silver I can find deep in our chasm. We do have a tetrahedrite vein... the best we can do is hope for a good yield of silver out of that, and then just not touch any of it. I order much of this to be mined, though... again, I'm faced with delaying the 'Big Tent' project, but an insane dwarf is a more immediate threat than the horrors trapped in their adamantine prison.
A new vein of adamantine has been discovered near the chamber of the 'Big Tent.' This will inevitably delay the project a bit, as it's in a spot where it will become inaccessible later. Or... well, actually, let's just put a wall in front of it so we can get at it from the other side, then we can reach it whenever we please.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 20, 2011, 10:40:21 pm
Testimony by Ingish Olonalĺth, Miner, delivered to Unib Tunrithlut
on 6th Obsidian, 210, Late Winter,
several Urists North of the border of Zursalbalad proper.
Attached: Form U-V, Profile of Ingish Olonalĺth, Miner: 1 (one)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
This transcript contains conversation between 2 (two) people: Unib Tunrithlut (referred to as "U:") and Ingish Olonalĺth (referred to as "I:")
U: Please state your name and occupation.
I: My name is Ingish Gearedbolts. Olonalĺth. I am a dedicated miner and a general hauler of goods at Severedcoils.
U: How long have you been in attendance at Severedcoils?
I: Oh, I can't even recall... There's so much work to do, I couldn't even tell you whether I came last year, or was in the original traveling party!
U: So, you would say Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam is overworking you? The populace?
I: Overworking?? Not at all, we're clearly underworked! I had time to take a break last month, what'dya call that! On the surface it seems there isn't ever a single idler - well, except for 'Di,' that lazy lout uses her lack of eyes as an excuse to slack off.
U: Ah... yes. How is 'Di,' after all? I had heard she was given special accomodations due to her needs as a blind dwarf.
I: Well... I should watch what I say, but... can I be candid and sincere in my dealings with you?
U: Of course you may.
I: Well, to me, Zon's treatment of 'Di' is a disgrace. 'Di' gets this nice, big room all to herself deep within the mines, separated from most dwarven contact. She's got her own stockpiles of food, booze, and even bolts and a target range so she can shoot in her room whenever she wants! And she's got these vents in the walls constantly spewing smoke and keeping her warm through the winter. Now, I understand, being totally blind and prone to falling over and knocking herself out, 'Di' requires... certain accomodations. I can understand sticking her far down the stairwell in a chamber by herself, but why does she get all these amenities? Most of us have tiny, 1x2 urist closets, just the way we like 'em. No dwarf should need that much stuff and so much space all to herself.
U: Smoke... coming through vents? Is 'Di's' room located near the magma vent?
I: No, it's by the... ahh...
U: By the...?
I: <Ingish has grown incredibly nervous with this line of questioning. He looks over his shoulder as if followed. Zursalbalad and the sounds of its industry are safely in the distance.> You must excuse me, I'd rather not say. I mean... nobody knows for sure, really. It's merely speculation.
U: Just what has been speculated? Tell me.
I: I'm sorry, no. You said we were to speak of Zon, not of... of smoke coming through a few holes in a wall. <Ingish switches quickly from nervous caution to assertive stubbornness. I am forced to choose a new line of questioning.>
U: Very well. Zon, my dear old friend. How is she these days?
I: <Ingish pauses a long time with a distant look on his face. He is clearly troubled.> Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam has been ecstatic lately. She ate a pretty decent meal lately. She dined in a legendary dining room recently--
U: <I cut him off.> --As have you all. Severedcoils is renowned for its legendary dining halls. Have you filled out the Form U-V Profile like I asked you to construct?
I: Yes, I'm reading it to you now. Zon Rimtaroth--
U: That is alright, you can just give that to me.
<Ingish hesitates, but eventually relinquishes the requested information to me. I take a moment to look it over.>
Attached: Form U-V, Profile of Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam, Clerk: 1 (one)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
U: Very thorough. Not entirely out of the ordinary for one who lost her lover so soon after coupling... hm. She admires her own fine Seat?
I: She's quite proud of it, actually.
U: Perhaps you should have added that she is narcissistic.
I: No, that wouldn't do. Despite that quirk, Zon hardly finds joy in anything at all, least of all herself. The closest she comes to smiling is when she's fishing, only...
U: Only?
I: <Ingish sighs, and relinquishes to me a sketch. This was not asked of him, it was created on his own accord.>
Attached: Sketch of Ingish Olonalĺth and Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam at the Severedcoils Brook: 1 (one)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
U: Are those...
I: Fish. And bones. Quite a number of them... of the live ones, there are three rainbow trout and seven char... the bones... three char, nine trout.
U: Fish... bones? Well, surely... she must be eating the fish?
I: I don't think so... the bones looked as though the fish rotted clean off of them. She's been fishing in that spot so long that the fish she caught weeks ago have decayed right before her eyes, and she doesn't seem to even notice or care. Occasionally she counts them, along with whatever's alive that hasn't already been brought back to the fortress by a hauler. And then she curses, and mutters to herself... but I can hear her clearly. She says, "Not enough, Asmel." That's usually the only bit that's intelligible.
U: Asmel... Could she mean Asmel Sensedye?
I: I don't know who that could be.
U: Nevermind... I will attempt to confirm the identity of this Asmel myself.
I: There's another... thing she did recently that I find disturbing. The guard dogs we had in front of the fortress to sniff out marauding kobolds? Well... She had them replaced. With wolves.
U: Tame wolves?
I: Yes.
U: What's the matter with that?
I: I thought you wanted a psychological profile on Zon... That doesn't strike you as odd?
U: What strikes me as odd is that she didn't do this sooner. Muttering to herself over weeks-old fish is certainly cause for concern. Upgrading the fortress defenses to tamed wolves? That's a mark of a true leader right there. A bold move, one that could only be pulled off by one capable of catching and taming dangerous creatures. She probably did this either for status or to keep the ranks in line. I can abide this.
I: Ha... I doubt that's it. You haven't seen her release a flock of giant eagles upon a goblin siege.
U: Hoo hoo! What a funny joke. The beasts of the sky cannot be tamed, let alone captured... can they?
I: ...You haven't seen her release a flock of giant eagles upon a goblin siege.
U: ...If... you are serious...
I: I know, mark of a bold leader, right?
U: No! I mean, yes. I mean... that is... why, such an action would be both bold AND insane!
<I end the interview here, for now. At this time, I am not yet ready to risk a direct inquiry about the missing Dukes. Should Zon find out about this secret meeting, I know not as of yet how she might react. For now, if she were to find out the sorts of questions I've asked, my hope is that she would take it as genuine concern for her well-being. I must disguise my purpose for the safety of this investigation... as well as myself.>
Post by: Argonnek on September 21, 2011, 12:56:32 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 21, 2011, 07:47:31 pm
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MACAQUES.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Winter has almost entirely passed us by without incident, and then this. What a mess. I was hoping for goblins! A good influx of iron would surely boost our metal crafter training. The rhesus macaques do offer another form of training, though - marksdwarves and recruits can get some real field experience. I assign every marksdwarf and all recruits who are still considered wrestlers to deal with the macaques - only one escapes, hopefully to tell its fellow monkeys that the only thing they'll be stealing here is death.
Hrm... I need to work on my one-liners. They're a little xdwarven cheesyx.
This does remind me of something I've wanted to do for a while. The guard dogs are simply not dwarfy enough. We need something more ferocious - wolves.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Now, I had other options... We have a tame grizzly bear, THAT would have certainly been something! But then, it dawned on me that anybody who knows how to lift a bow could easily dispatch of our prize pet. We have a great number of wolves from the breeding program, and they're relatively expendable.
Giant eagles... at the gate. Hmm... we do have those in ample numbers! Any stray kobold getting close enough would be ripped to shreds in moments. Again, we have the problem of seeing them feathered with arrows, but at least then we could butcher its carcass and make some giant eagle roasts. However, that's two less giant eagles in our "air force," and that's a costly sacrifice. I will have to deliberate on this.
I notice our crops have been withering, so I reevaluate the jobs of our planters and farmers, and make sure all unnecessary jobs - such as hauling, and especially cleaning with our dump efforts - are stricken from their quotas. I notice no improvement, and realize our food stockpiles are full. Well, it looks like we had dug out several rooms north of our stockpiles, so I designate some space for food there.
...Now, that's odd. Ingish Olonalĺth just walked by me as I was fishing. He seems nervous. I stop him for a moment to inquire of his current activities, and - stammering - he tells me he is attending a meeting.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
What meeting? Well, it's no matter. Perhaps Asob wants him for something. She does like to micromanage the miners a bit, being a legendary miner herself. Besides, I have some fish that need catching. This is far more important than wondering what one miner is doing attending some mystery meeting. Especially now that we have new stockpile space, we can never have enough fish...
...Not enough, Asmel...
Post by: Chaoseed on September 21, 2011, 09:40:28 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 28, 2011, 08:44:01 pm
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Well, spring is here at last, after a productive, albeit uneventful, winter. I feel I've made good use of the past two months.
Most importantly, the Big Tent is finished, but there's a backup plan in progress. It may or may not work... and, right now, I'm a little embarassed about it because it's sloppy and it's going to be late for the arrival of our next Duke. I don't exactly want to commit my plan to tablet just yet, in case it changes later.
Much micromanagement was done... checked our animals, caged a few strays, found out that our tamed cougar has been milling about freely in the statue garden. Slipped my mind... It hasn't hurt anybody yet, but just in case I decide to have it tied up. It's one more animal on a rope for the gawkers to admire, at least.
The most important thing I did was inspect the military. I did find some of our military are still wearing greaves and gauntlets of shell, and a few are carrying wooden shields. Most, however, are using base quality steel and iron in their weapons and armor - thankfully, there's more of the former than the latter, but I'm not happy about the quality. The weaponsmiths are about done forging their scrap iron swords, and we've finished melting everything we can spare in the entire fortress. So... well, time to melt the scrap swords and reforge them! This is taking a while... maybe it's because we have too many smiths training at once?
The workers are starting to exhibit rather strange behavior... even though we have plenty of rooms available, several dwarves (I'm assuming they're the most recent migrants) are preferring to sleep in the barracks rather than take ownership of a room. There are plenty available... hm, though our engravers haven't begun smoothing them yet. They've been hard at work either engraving the future Duke's room or performing the odd masonry job. Perhaps that's it... or perhaps they simply haven't yet grown accustomed to the voices coming from the chambers below.
I was rather disturbed to see Rigňth Ĺmbin, our resident injured legendary miner, go hungry AND thirsty and nobody was on their way to feed her. Most, if not all, of the populous should be keeping these sorts of duties in mind! I mean... I'm too busy, personally, I had animals to count. So, speaking of worthless animals, I went through the ranks to see who I could dedicate to health care.
Oh, two hunters and an animal caretaker eh? All three of them were stripped of all duties BUT health care... and yet, it was STILL a weaponsmith who got the water to Rigňth first. A weaponsmith! Found time between forging several dozen blades to go get this girl a drink of water! Meanwhile, two of the three were on break... the third decided he just HAD to finish that important job of collecting a single rock from the opposite side of the fortress and dumping it in the crusher before he got around to feeding the poor girl. Then, all three of them promptly went idle, so I set them to siege work and furniture hauling. Some of the ballistas weren't yet loaded, and most of the ammunition was going to the wrong stockpiles, so I remanaged those piles as well. You boys like hauling so well, how about lugging those massive bolts around...
You're all lucky 'Legon' became paralyzed before he could properly establish a justice system. The three of you would be hammered for this if it were up to me... wait, it IS up to me! But... animals. They're not done being counted yet. Particularly the fish. I have to be sure there's enough fish. Never enough, Asmel...
I wondered if some of this behavior wasn't caused by general morose amongst the workers... personally, I could use a little pick-me-up, so I had our leftover prisoners executed. Quietust did the honor of pulling the lever. She said she wanted to study our warriors first hand to see them fight... sure, while that's a good idea, there isn't much to see when all of the fort's marksdwarves and non-champion soldiers take on a goblin and a human. At least they've all had some practice keeping their balance while slipping around through puddles of their own vomit...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Asob has been extremely busy of late... I've hardly got to talk to her this entire season. There's been much to mine, and some of the more delicate operations - particularly the Big Tent, and some work being done around the underground river - have taken up much of her time supervising. She's been getting used to tragedy lately, poor thing. Just wait, in time she'll learn the solution to that is to just not really care about anything anymore. Asob, have you even had time to snoop through the logs? Well, whenever you get a chance, I've got a mug of your favorite strawberry wine waiting for you!
Look, I'm even learning to appreciate art, just for you! We're still getting ridiculous amounts of engravings about the founding of the fortress, and of me taking reign... honestly, I'm getting very tired of seeing myself! But I've been noticing a few of these popping up now and then...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
This symbolizes... er, the carelessness of greed? And, hrm... ok I don't get it, we didn't actually release anything, and the one unfortunate demon to rear its ugly head did so behind a wall of fortifications and was bolted to death without incident. I'm a little offended by this. And you say art is supposed to make you feel something, right? So, there, this is art because it made me feel offended.
What else can I find that isn't a picture of this damn fort, my damn face, or some Armok-damned crescents...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Uhhmm... yeah. Asob, you can deal with that one yourself. I got nothin'. Maybe someone has a crush on you?
Last order of business... numbers!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Aaaand... map! (http://mkv25.net/dfma/map-10728-severedcoils) Drawing that was actually sort of fun that time... hey, maybe I AM starting to like art! But only because I haven't had anyone to argue about its pointlessness with.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 02, 2011, 10:31:40 pm
123456789101112131415161718192021NotEnoughAsmel222324252627282930313233...
*This goes on for several pages, up to "179," then starts over with the numbers written out.*
14th Granite, 211, Early Spring
by Asob Momuzzokun
-------------
I knew it... I shouldn't have worked too closely with the miners! I've totally missed the obvious warning signs Zon's been showing. The closer we get to achieving our current goal of breaching the so-called "demon pit," the more she slips toward insanity... We're taking a little extra time to set up a backup plan, of course, but I think the suspense is getting to her. There's also no guarantee that either plan will work...
I thought fishing would take her mind off of things, but she's become obsessed with counting... and Asmel, her old nemesis from when she was regional fisherchamp. If I recall, Asmel made a very short living here, and fell victim to Azinodos the giant bat almost as soon as she arrived. Zon avenged her with her own axe, but... it must not have been enough.
I've designated a rather large swath of trees to be cleared so that she can take her mind off of things. She eagerly obliged; between her and two other woodcutters, they've cleared a third of the large area north-west of the fort's entrance in just half a month!
Part of the reason I was working so closely with the miners was because one of our legendary workers was down with a broken leg - but, with the turn of the season, she recovered and is back on duty! So, that frees me up a bit, and just in time so I can take some of the weight off Zon's shoulders.
It seems like a lot of little things have slipped Zon's mind, actually... we haven't had wood or bone bolts in I don't know how long, so our marksdwarves have been bashing each other in the face with their crossbows instead of actually shooting them. As soon as we had bolts back in production, the marksdwarves eagerly snatched them up and hit the ranges. Also, I see Zon has been forging and unforging base quality weapons and statues, but it appears she's missed a rather large number of foreign, base quality weapons of iron and steel. I've marked all of these to be melted. I think some of them actually do belong to our soldiers, but there are better weapons laying around! I don't know why they insist on using inferior arms and armor...
So, a little about what the miners and I have been up to; there is a lot of bustle going on around the underground river. Suddenly, it is relevant to our interests! Zon insisted for some reason that I don't say specifically what we're doing with it... I don't know why, but I think she's suddenly superstitious. She seems to think that every project she's ever written into her diary has failed somehow, and whether or not the act of writing it down is related she doesn't want to take chances. So... I WILL say that we're not only giving our miners a workout, but also our mechanics and our architects. We'll soon have another source of power in the area. Yes, there are windmills right above ground, but we're using exactly their output as is, so we're making some waterwheels.
Oh-- one of the groundhog traps have uncovered a goblin ambush! We'd better prepare the military...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 12, 2011, 10:21:42 pm
Testimony by Ingish Olonalĺth, Miner, delivered to Unib Tunrithlut
on 1st Slate, 211, Mid-Spring,
several Urists North of the border of Zursalbalad proper.
This transcript contains conversation between 2 (two) people: Unib Tunrithlut (referred to as "U:") and Ingish Olonalĺth (referred to as "I:")
U: Hello again, my dear Ingish! Care for some dwarven bread?
I: Bread?? What's that?
U: It's a delicacy made of baked dwarven wheat flour and yeast. It's normally reserved for the noble classes of the Swift Arches, but I found myself wondering if my friend at the dreaded Severedcoils had ever tried this dish.
I: <Ingish takes the loaf of bread I offer him. He has clearly never seen this before. He sniffs at it, nibbles... and blanches! He then hands it back.> Tastes like Elf food to me. Don't you have any plain flour?
U: ...Plain... flour. No... but I will bring you a sack on our next visit! Speaking of Elves, we had an ambassador from The Wayward Twigs recently. They informed us of an... altercation here.
I: Oh. Yeah, well, it started with the goblins.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I: When we heard the groundhog squealing, we knew immediately what was up. Just a puny ambush, but some them had bows. Zon... er, or Asob, I have no idea which one was in charge at the time--
U: Are you saying Severedcoils' management hierarchy is questionable?
I: What? No, I didn't say that at all. Asob is mayor, but she passes on many of Zon's orders so it's difficult to tell who ordered what.
U: I see. Please continue...
I: Anyway, naturally we cheered for our champions to take the field, but whoever was in charge decided these chumps were better off as target practice for the marksdwarves... of which there are only five. But it turns out five was enough.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
U: So, the goblins were dispatched without incident?
I: The ambush was laughable. The snatchers were a little more annoying, but a lot more stupid. The one that bumped into Zon didn't last long, as she still carries her (Steel battle axe) for wood cutting...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I: ...and another picked the wrong lock and found himself squaring off with the entire military, stationed in case more ambushers appeared and besieged the gate.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
U: Grizzly! Armok would be proud.
I: Armok would be proud of a full blown siege falling under the might of our champions. This would've pleased Armok about as well as a fart after a light meal.
U: Ah, hoo hoo... yes... So, about the Elves?
I: Ah, right. Well, a THIRD snatcher jumped in front of the Elven caravan, and they turned and started running away! From this one puny runt of a goblin! The five of them and their asses, afraid of a single goblin with a rusty knife! What a crock... it happened close enough to the towers that Solon and Dodok sniped him out. But then, in the confusion of the fighting, I think Asob forgot the very first rule of trading with the Elves; Never, ever, ever offer them goods in wood.
U: Oh, she didn't!!
I: She sure did! Oh, to see the look on their faces again... she tried to hand them a wooden bin filled with wooden shields we were trying to get rid of! Their noses turned up so far, you could see the twigs poking out of their nostrils!
U: But then, something happened...
I: You've already heard, I take it, so why do you need to hear it again?
U: I'd like to hear the account of someone who saw the altercation.
I: Ah, well... Asob was apologizing frantically, trying to get them to stop packing - all the booze, their ropes, their seeds, everything she had ordered, disappearing before her eyes. That's when Zon wandered into the depot, goblin blood still dripping from her axe and beard. "Ha! Have you ever seen a goblin fly off an axe so hard?" she bellowed. "If that wall hadn't been in the way, he'd have sailed all the way to the ponds! See, the trick is you've gotta catch them right about here..." and then... <Ingish breaks off into laughter.>
U: And then what??
I: Then, she swings her axe at one of the merchants, full force, but bringing it to a stop just as it touched his chest. No harm done, though she left a nice goblin blood stain on the guy's tunic! Then, just as they started to protest, she goes, "Hey! You've brought my cougars! Perfect, now we can start that breeding program!" When the Elves resisted, she said "You misunderstood... You've brought MY cougars. And MY booze. And whatever else this dwarf here said she wanted.
U: She confiscated their goods?!
I: Not all of them. She let them leave with stupid toy boats and flimsy weapons. She also took all the empty cages and barrels they had, just for spite. Oh, it was hilarious!
U: Hilarious?! This was a political nightmare back at the courts! They've demanded we halt wood cutting entirely for the next ten years in recompense!
I: <Ingish narrows his eyes at me. I do not like when a dwarf narrows his eyes at me.> Are all you bureaucrats tree huggers?
U: No! We would never agree to such a thing. We need the wood for beds and useless trinkets. Plus, we all love the silly looks on their faces at a well crafted +Alder bin+ as much as the next dwarf. We just don't want the bloodshed!
I: The might of the Swift Arches, threatened by mere Elves?!
U: Never! They're just really, really annoying!
I: I dunno... I'm starting to believe you might be a hippie.
U: <I am at risk of losing the trust of my contact! I employ the well-known tactic taught to me in my earliest political training: Dodge the topic with a pointless and confusing rant!> Surely hippies are deplorable and as a patriot of the Swift Arches I urge each and every dwarf to take part in relocating whales into the middle of open fields far away from the nearest ocean just for the sake of confusing the silly Humans and pissing off the animal-loving Elves. It's what a true patriot would do. Are you a patriot, or a whale-in-water lefty terrorist?
I: That all sounded like Elven gibberish to me.
U: Other current events! Go!
I: Hm, let's see... oh, there was an accident in the barracks. 'Elizar' killed one of the recruits, poor bastard, but at least he learned a valuable lesson about it.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
U: Ah, Armok's way of culling those useless in combat. Aside from that... any strange constructions taking place lately?
I: Indeed! Asob's directed us to dig out several tunnels around the underground river. She's also conscripted masons, architects, and mechanics to come down and build some strange contraptions near it.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
U: Very interesting... I thank you for your time, Ingish. I promise you, your efforts will not go unrewarded.
I: Don't forget the sack of flour!
<Strange constructions around the river... What could Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam, Clerk, be up to? Has she grown bored of dropping nobles into the bottomless pit where she cannot actually witness their death? Is this the beginning of some sort of drowning scheme? A new Duke or Duchess will be assigned in the coming Autumn... I will be sure to warn them to avoid the river at all costs.>
Spoiler: "OOC" (click to show/hide)
Post by: Argonnek on October 12, 2011, 11:30:28 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 23, 2011, 01:06:17 pm
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We had a wave of requests this month, each dealt with handily. When you have 20 magma forges and your nobles only request metal items, there isn't much to worry about. Tekkud Lenodmeng, Tax Collector, wanted trifle pewter items - hope he likes goblets. Reg Erushtirist, Duke Consort, demands picks. We have an abundance of iron right now, so that's what she's getting. Kib Therlethzaneg, another consort, demands 1 brass item. She gets a bar.
It still bothers me that despite our surplus of forges, our forgers are severely lacking in skill. The forging/unforging of iron swords and nickel statues continues, but I've started to include helms so our armorsmiths are not left behind. There still appear to be improvements to be considered towards efficiency... To this end, I've reorganized forge proficiencies to allow a more visual representation of worker skill as well as increase motivation in the work place. From north-west to south-east, forge permissions are ranked by skill. Two forges are dedicated to dabblers, two are dedicated to legendary workers, and everything in between allows workers with a range of two skill levels, with minimum and maximum skill permissions increasing with each forge.
Unib Dodókimsal, a Gem Setter, has been taken by a fey mood and claims a jeweler's workshop! He grabs a lot of items, including a (Native platinum block) we got from a trader for no reason! Glad to see it being put to good use, we'll see what he makes.
We're starting to see a lack of useful jobs - most every need we have is taken care of. I'll need to start creating jobs solely for the sake of keeping the workers busy. We can't have them milling about the zoo making friends! That would be awful. Unfortunately, Asob is currently not speaking to me after the incident with the elves. She'll come around eventually. They're just elves, anyway! If I had my way, I'd move the depot under the magma trap next year, wait for those hippies to unload, and burn them along with the forest around them. Unless they brought more cougars, then we'd take those and THEN burn them.
So, it falls to me to come up with things to do. Let's see... well, the miners are getting bored, so I ordered all ore veins around the chasm that we know about to be dug out and all outdoor refuse to be claimed. I've also demanded construction of fortifications on top of the ballista towers. A lot of good that will do all five of our marksdwarves, but we have a glut of peasants who'd be ripe for bolstering our numbers. We should increase the military anyway, what with the Big Tent primed and ready to drop in the Fall. Oh, and I loaded our workshops with random jobs for no good reason.
Speaking of the military, they appear to be getting bored as well. 'Other Grendus' staged a grand melee in the barracks. 'Archibold,' 'Elizar,' and the rest of the champions all bashed each other around for a good while all at the same time. 'Other Grendus' reigned supreme in the fight, parrying every blow with the help of Arbostsarvesh, the artifact adamantine buckler. It hardly seemed a fair fight, but I'm not one to complain - we need reliable fighters like this in the months to come.
Unib Dodókimsal finished his artifact - a milk quartz bucket worth 114000 dwarfbucks.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
How one makes an entire bucket out of milk quartz... I have no clue, but now I feel obligated to build a masterpiece well somewhere. Wait... of course! I was just recently thinking of installing a well near the barracks to help treat injuries. Immediately, I order construction of an expansion to the barracks area enveloping part of the ponds. I will need to brain storm some options on making the well deeper... I may need to engineer a cave-in to punch through the bottom of the pond and into a pre-dug pit.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Bloody rat weed!! Just as I'm about to close this entry, Fikod the Miner runs to me with reports of flooding... The Big Tent! But I swear that gear was hooked up to a lever and turned off! I even watched Asob install the mechanisms herself! Quietust pulls the control lever again, demonstrating that indeed, the lever is not properly functioning.
Immediately, we wall off the area where the water would eventually escape into the fort, and ordered destruction of the middle gear assembly. The water continues pouring into the room, as it takes quite some time for the workers to reach their job sites...
I wonder why that lever didn't work... wait, I have an idea! The water wheel lever is ALSO connected to a gear assembly controlling a magma pump. That same assembly is on another lever, which is disabled... I order that lever to be pulled, bringing the magma pump to a start. I've dammed up this magma passage long ago, so while the pump starts turning, the magma has nowhere to go.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Now, let's pull the water wheel/magma pump lever again (from this point on, I'm going to refer to this lever as "Plan B")
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Success!! And just moments before that middle gear assembly was destroyed. I cancel that order now that we have everything under control... but now, we'll need to find a way to drain that room before we can continue working... the simplest solution is to dig a tunnel into the underground river waterfall and allow the water to pour out into there. Unfortunately, there is no safe way to open the tunnel. We can't get at it from above, and a cave-in is too risky since we'd have to go through that lever-suspended platform.
We might need a sacrificial miner...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 29, 2011, 01:01:50 pm
The frame rate's gone totally to hell, I'm actually playing sessions for 2-3 hours at a time and only making it a month and a half with nothing worth writing happening. The lack of updates isn't because I'm not playing, it's just moving too darn slow for anything to happen.
I don't WANT to call it quits, but I may have to. I've been wanting to give the new DF a try, and I don't foresee any major events happening beyond cracking the funhouse in what's either going to end in exciting failure or dull success. Let's face it... I'm running out of interesting things to write about - or rather, the interesting things aren't happening frequently enough to make the time I devote to it worth it.
I'd really like to retry this same challenge, but there are a number of things I need to do differently to make it more successful. First off, this area is far too large. It's the smallest area I could find that contained almost every special feature and I got a little excited about that - the end result is I have a giant area including an underground river and that contributes to the slow FPS. Secondly, I recall the Dukes were delayed several years due to some mistake I made and couldn't nail down for quite a while, so I feel like my score should be much higher by now.
Oh yeah, the question: Who's reading this and actually wants to see it continue in its current state? If there's a strong enough positive response, I'll push towards keeping the fort alive and see if there's something I can do about the framerate. Maybe I can wall off the end of the river going into that giant waterfall, and flood/cap off the top of the magma vent to stop the wave patterning going on there. I do have a ridiculous number of animals but I've caged just about everything.
Otherwise, I'll work towards bringing the story to a conclusion, proceed with dropping the Big Tent when the time is right, and then end the story whether the project succeeds or fails. Thoughts?
Post by: Argonnek on October 29, 2011, 01:41:01 pm
Post by: Di on October 29, 2011, 03:15:41 pm
Post by: Chaoseed on October 29, 2011, 03:44:08 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 29, 2011, 04:23:10 pm
-------------
I've noticed dissension among the ranks. The workers are becoming wary of me... Talk flies around the dining hall of my latest failure. How could I have allowed the Big Tent to flood like that? The laborers have been loyal so far, taking mistakes such as the magma trap or the flooding of the underground island above my tomb in stride. This latest blunder has pushed them all a little too far...
It's not like anyone's been hurt! It's just... an unfortunate delay. That's all. Besides, I'm not the one who pulled the lever. This time, though... I'm not sure if anyone realizes it yet. Somebody has to die to empty that pool of water.
Sure, we could pump it out one level at a time... but time is something we don't have. Our next visitor is on their way...
As our goal of breaking through the adamantine grows closer, I'm becoming nervous of our military strength. Yes, we have plenty of champions... but it isn't enough. Asob's nightmare haunts me to this day. Even though it was ages ago when she described it, I can still remember the details clearly.
I decide to hire on more marksdwarves. We've been lacking in the past... Three more should do. Going through our peasants, I also notice one of them used to be a macedwarf and was for some reason removed from the roster. I reassign this dwarf as a macedwarf and get him equipped.
The metalshop priorities are turning out to be something of a nuisance... My orders for practice equipment were evenly spaced amongst each shop, meaning there are many that will never be completed because we have no dwarves of the correct proficiency. I may have to revisit this in the near future, but for now it isn't a priority.
In addition to digging drainage for the Big Tent, we're also excavating a rather deep pit for the new well that will be installed by the barracks. This should serve as another source of happiness for the dwarves - and perhaps give them something else to talk about besides my failures as a leader...
The well-room is nearly complete. As I inspect it, I pause to admire a charming scene, something that's hard to come by within these sinister walls. Upon the recruiting of new marksdwarves, a few of the children became interested in marksdwarfship. Bëmbul Medtobók, one of the city guards, gathered them up to give them a demonstration.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I retire to my chambers to revise some orders... and that's where I find Asob, sipping strawberry wine from her +Alder cup+ in my office. It appears she's also found my -Diorite mug- from my cabinet and filled it with plump helmet wine. Well... this has been a long time coming, I suppose.
I sit down opposite her, and she doesn't take her eyes off her +Alder cup.+ I sigh.
"Look. I know why you're here, and I'm sorry. I know you wanted to steal the elves' goods by yourself. There's nothing quite like scaring the pine cones off of those treehuggers! I know you could've done it yourself, I just got a little excited."
Asob looks up at me. "You think that's what's wrong? Zon, this isn't about me. It's about you!"
"Erm... Ok? They're just elves. They're only one rung above kobolds on the annoyance scale."
"I'm talking about your obsessions, Zon! Of fish. Of trees. Of devising elaborate death traps! I think this mission is taking too much of a toll on your mind."
"What? I like fish, and trees. And don't get me started on those... death traps! I may not be an architect of any rank or skill, but I'm certainly dedicated. I was given a job to do, and I'm going to do it!"
"Have you given any thought to why they titled you 'the Skinny Morals?' It's because of what you just said. Your morals are skinny!"
"Asob, come on! It's just a title..."
"Have you given any thought as to why you're doing it? I mean... who are those dukes and duchesses to you?"
"Petty annoyances. One rank above the elves--"
"They're fellow dwarves, Zon!"
"No. No, they aren't. Dwarves are industrious. Dwarves mine, dwarves build dangerous machinery, dwarves slay foul beasts with an axe if they can, or through convoluted means if they can't. Dwarves do NOT sit around in the statue garden and make demands of me to build silly goblets, or put random doors inside bedrooms, or put freaking windows inside rooms several stories underground."
"But... I make demands too..."
"Oh, stop. You're not included. You do more work than most of the peons around here! Your demands usually make sense - beds and picks aren't bad suggestions, and I can trust that you're drawing from experience working around the fort when you come up with something!"
"What about Minkot? You're doing all of this for a cowardly king who can't even look you in the eye anymore. Why would you continue following his order?"
"I--"
I had to stop and think about that. I finally understood what she was really asking; Why am I still doing this? I had been browbeaten into this position, but Mayor Obok is likely dead and King Minkot has no loyalty outside of his own privy. Nothing is forcing me to do this anymore. In fact... nothing's been forcing me for the past several years. I've been doing it because...
"...Because I want to, Asmel. Because it feels good. Because before establishing this fort, I lived my whole life within but a shadow of my potential. Regional fishing champ?? Do you know how hard it is to attain such a title? It isn't! You put your line in the water until it jiggles, and then you tug.
"When you pull it out, a shimmering blob of life wiggles on the end of your string. Its very existence is at your mercy. And what did you do to earn that kind of power? You throw a freaking string into the water, and some dumb bass comes and nibbles at it, and now it's up to you whether it lives or dies! That's life, Asmel! You can either be the fish, biting at every tasty morsel that happens to float your way, living or dying by the decision of the dwarf who's dangling you on their line... or you can be the one with the string.
"And that's where I am, Asmel. I'm the dwarf who's holding the pole. I'm the one baiting those stupid blobs of life to their doom with levers, shiny beds, flashy trinkets... and when I pull my line, they will know that all their time wasted blabbering politics gained them no real power in this world. They will learn in their last moments that the dwarf with the power is the one who doesn't dick around and makes shit happen. They will all learn. How many fish must I catch before you'll see?? Not enough, Asmel! It'll never be enough!!"
I slam my fist into the table, knocking my plump helmet wine over. I glare at my rival, sitting across from me on the other side of the lake. Line in, line out, fish out. Line in, line out, fish out. Asmel grins at me. Her lips don't move, but I hear her taunts in my head. "Whatever, Zon! You'll never outfish me. The only region you'll be champion of is a barrel full of mackerel!" The lake seems to be leaking from her face, dribbling down her cheeks from her eyes. The fishing pole trembles in her hands, and then she casts its hook at me.
An +Alder cup+ full of strawberry wine hits me in the face. I rub the sweet beverage from my eyes with my beard. I am back in my office. Asob is leaving in a hurry. I blink several times, trying to recall what just happened... and I look down to find that somehow, I've documented the entire event in my journal. I stare at the words on this page in horror... and I can't stop... can't stop writing! I can't stop documenting! What is wrong with me??
Ingish knocks on my door now. I wonder if he's ever found that meeting he's supposedly attending. He gives me the news, and I can't help but smile despite the horror I've just witnessed of myself.
Looks like we have company...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 29, 2011, 04:38:31 pm
Post by: Epithemius on October 31, 2011, 10:07:21 pm
Post by: poeticwatcher on November 01, 2011, 11:55:25 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 05, 2011, 07:29:38 pm
For the record, I've given it a lot of thought and decided this story's going at least one more game year. That should leave plenty of time to drive the story where it needs to go. Incidentally, it also leaves plenty of time to change my mind should I decide the fort needs to go on.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 18, 2011, 03:33:14 pm
Testimony by Ingish Olonalĺth, Miner, delivered to Unib Tunrithlut
on 18th Felsite, 211, Late Spring,
several Urists North of the border of Zursalbalad proper.
This transcript contains conversation between 2 (two) people: Unib Tunrithlut (referred to as "U:") and Ingish Olonalĺth (referred to as "I:")
U: Ingish! What a splendid spring day, don't you think?
I: Unib, slow down with the meetings! I'm gonna get caught... I think they're getting suspicious.
U: But I brought you your flour! You love flour, don't you?
I: <I hold the bag of flour out to Ingish, but he does not take it.> You need to learn a thing or two about a bribe. We've got plenty of food, I can go to the stockpiles any time I want and gorge myself on flour. My life is at risk here, and I ain't gonna trade that for no bag of tasty, powdery, wholesome flour... No matter how delicious it might be.
U: Hm... I suppose you are correct. Your information is more valuable than a bag of flour, since it pertains to acts of suspected treason and murder.
I: That's more like it! You know, I've been thinking, with two dukes and a baron gone missing, there should be some openings, I take it?
U: That there are, unlike our dungeons. They're quite full, in fact, so when we determine exactly what is happening here, who is involved, and who has information about these events that they withheld from the state, we'll have no choice but to perform immediate execution on every culprit.
I: Ahh... <Ingish has been practicing bluffing, I see. His face goes stone, providing no indication whether or not he understood the implied threat. He has a tell, though; he tugs on his (pig tail trousers) as though they were falling down, and the tension in his clenched fingers is blatantly obvious.>
U: So. Why don't you begin by telling me how the new Duchess is getting along? <I set the bag of flour down between us, and give him my best smile.>
I: She's fine.
U: Fine? Well now. I suppose we have nothing at all to worry about, then. If you say she's fine, then obviously she would tell me the same if I were to ask her myself, hm?
I: Wait! If you did that, then you'd surely give me away!
U: And what would Zon do to you if she were to find out about these meetings?
I: ...Look, I'm serious. She's alive. Been complaining quite a bit about her living arrangements, though.
U: When I last toured the fortress grounds, I noticed there were, conveniently, only one set of chambers per consort. There were no separate chambers for the previous Dukes, and the facilities provided would not have been of sufficient quality to be shared between husband and spouse. Were her complaints in relation to this fact?
I: No, actually there were two sets of rooms available before they arrived. The problem is we only had time to fully furnish one set of rooms. Rather than take the furnished room herself, she gave it to her husband and demanded brand new furniture be built from scratch immediately.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
U: Oh... so, she is currently roomless of her own volition?
I: That's right. There's also the matter of their crypts, which were not grand enough for them. We've had this complaint in the past from previous rulers, so Zon has designated plans for larger tombs to keep future guests happy.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
U: My, that's a lot of tombs! How many guests does she expect to die here?
I: I... I don't know.
U: What else has been going on in the fortress of late?
I: Oh, well... I don't know if it's important, but we've resumed setting up a glass industry. This had been started several years ago, you might recall,
but it was abandoned. Deemed unnecessary, I think.
U: So, why now?
I: Beats me, but now we're interested in clear glass rather than settling for that ugly green stuff. Space for a pearlash facility is being dug just above the magma glass furnaces...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I: ...and some rooms are being dug out north of the magma forges, for storage I think. The tunnels that are currently there were intended as a first line of defense against fire imps - you know, to mitigate the damage one could deal with a fireball. But, since the magma pools under the forges are sealed off, fire imps coming out of the forges won't ever be an issue.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
U: Hmn... again, I find it odd to resume a glass industry at this stage. You're producing more than enough wealth from roasts alone, your metalworkers aren't yet fully trained... why divert resources to a new, inferior industry?
I: I dunno, maybe she's bored?
U: Exactly.
I: ...Uh, what? What'd I say?
U: Nevermind, Ingish. I think I've heard enough for now. The Duchess has been here almost twenty days without dying, so I should like to think she will be just fine. I will return again in some time, but there are pressing matters at court to which I must attend.
I: ...Yeah, great.
Spoiler: OOC (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 18, 2011, 09:51:55 pm
by Asob Momuzzokun
-------
Zon... I don't know where to begin. I don't think you really meant what you said to me, or at least I really hope you didn't. You're losing your grip on reality. This whole mission is getting to us in a bad way. I'm sorry about throwing wine at you, but you... you really scared me, and I didn't know what else to do! You're falling off the deep end and I guess I thought... I dunno, maybe you'd snap out of it?
Anyway, I wanted to speak with you in person, but I couldn't find you anywhere. Maybe it's for the best that these words be written rather than spoken, but... I've had enough. I don't want anything else to do with... what we're doing with the Dukes. This mission serves us no good. Minkot holds no real authority over you, or me, or anyone for that matter. Our very civilization is in peril as we play his game. I want out, Zon, and I think it's for the best that you come with me. We can leave this place, tonight. We'll head for the mountains, migrate to a different civilization altogether, and return to our simpler lives. You can be regional fisherchamp again! Or a lumberjack, you're really good at that too! And I'll just mine, or manage a small business, or even become a merchant. Life can be simple, and we never have to kill again! And if they come for us, call us traitors for disobeying the king... well, we'll expose him. We'll expose it all, the whole thing. And yes, we would have to incriminate ourselves... but we were under the king's orders, until we felt morally obliged to stop. That still might not save us, but if it came to that point... I don't know... either way, I want out. Feb Koganlikot is still alive, it isn't too late. Anyway, I suppose I'll leave this on your table for you to find later.
Your best friend ever (and don't ever forget it),
Asob
-------
Okay... it's a few hours later, and something weird's going on. Your journal is right here where I last left it, so obviously you haven't been back to your room. This means you're also probably not documenting, and someone needs to be right now.
Remember all those rooms you designated? Well... nobody's mining them. All of my miners report they were ordered to cease digging at once, and my pick was taken from my quarters while I slept last night. I can't see any reason why you would do that, especially while you're trying to get some new rooms set up. Maybe it's King Minkot? Is he superceding your orders?
I'm looking for you as I write this, but I have no clue where you might be. So, the first logical thing that came to mind was to pan the dining hall for information. 'Archibold' and 'Other Grendus' are arguing over flails, 'Skuorgs' is boasting to 'Derm' about how he finally became acknowledged as a weaponsmith...
"Excuse me, you're the mayor, aren't you?"
The voice is unfamiliar, but I recognize the speaker immediately. It's Melbil Mistęmkogan, the Duke Consort who came with Feb, who is alarmingly not with her husband.
"Yes. My name is Asob Momuzzokun, welcome to--"
"Put a button on it while I talk."
"Wha--"
"Your lips! Button them!"
I fall silent, but mostly out of confusion over the consort's queer choice of phrase.
"My wife is very upset with you, I'll have you know! Our quarters were not fully prepared upon arrival. She will be very cross if our furniture isn't completed within the week! This very week, I tell you!"
"Yes. I'm very sorry about that, we're working on it as we speak. By the by, where is your wife?"
"Oh, I don't know. Someone came by and told her there was a very nice lever with her name on it, so she left posthaste to go pull it."
A shiver went down my spine. It's already begun...
"Who told her that? Could you please describe this person? Was he dressed as a peasant?"
"Blast you, you all look like peasants to me! Now begone. Oh, and do something about that drab little hovel you call a crypt for us. It's awfully barren, and we shan't be dying in a place such as..."
I let him ramble as I walk outside. Pulling a lever, and not one within the dining hall... but I don't know of any other levers! There were two under the Big Tent, but they're completely submerged right now. Was there another I'm forgetting about?
I wander outside to look for you, Zon, and see Litast the marksdwarf shooting at a target. I figured the target range is near enough the entrance that he'd have seen you if you'd gone past to chop trees or to fish.
"Litast! Do you have a moment?"
"Yes. Er... No."
"Oh. Alright..."
"No, I mean, yes I have time! But my name is no longer 'Litast.'"
"Oh...? It's not?"
"No... Apparently, it is now 'DiDi.'"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"'DiDi??' Is that some kind of title? Did you get another kill recently?"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Not aside from those two goblins from the ambush. It's just my name, now. Apparently."
"Ah... so, how did you come by a name like that?"
"I didn't. Zon mandated that it's my new name. That's authority for you... oh, right, I guess I shouldn't say that in front of the mayor, hm? Don't get me wrong, we're still alive so I suppose I should trust your lead, but... honestly? What good does naming me after a blind ex-marksdwarf twice do?"
'Di.' Of course. I can't believe I didn't realize it...
"Litast--"
"'DiDi,' apparently."
"Whatever. Where is 'Di?'"
"How should I know? She's probably passed out on top of another dwarven sugar roast, stinking up the commons again."
"I know where she is." I whirl around frantically towards the voice of Ingish Olonalĺth, who overheard our conversation. "She's off to a dig."
"A dig? Mining?? 'Di' isn't a miner!"
"She is now. She's the only miner, I believe. I stumbled over her body near the finished goods stockpile. She woke up, then proceeded to get a +Gold goblet+ from a -Nickel bin.- She said 'It's about time I was recognized for my hard work! They knew they made a mistake when they took me off crossbow duty, and they knew they made another mistake when they said I couldn't mine anymore! Now they know I'm all they need!' Then I politely told her she wasn't going to get much mining done with a goblet, escorted her to the weapons stockpile, and handed her a (Copper pick.)"
Fool! He probably didn't even realize what he was doing. I start to run--
"Asob!"
I stop, turning back to Ingish. He looked very sad.
"I... I'm sorry. The king was walking by, I didn't want to raise suspicion..."
"Thank you." That's all I needed to hear. I know exactly where she is now.
I ran as fast as I could. Through the stockpiles, around the bottomless pit, towards the drainage tunnels near the Big Tent--
"'DI!!'"
There she is, but I'm just a second too late. She disappears behind a green glass portal that wasn't there before. I bolt forward and try to open it, but it won't budge! Somehow, the door has locked itself behind her!
I peer through the green glass to try and see what's happening. Feb is in there, repeatedly pulling a lever that doesn't seem to be doing anything, and beyond that...
...It's exactly what I feared...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
'Di' breaks through the wall, releasing the water...
I pound and kick and scream at the door, but none of that opens it any faster. 'Di' hasn't been washed out with the rushing waters...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The water isn't moving incredibly fast, though... There's time... I need my pick.
Frantically, I scramble to the weapons pile, grab a +Copper pick,+ and scramble back - but on my way, I can hear the creaking of mechanisms through the walls. A pump begins turning...
...NO.
((DFMA 1)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2394-drainingtheduchess1) ((DFMA 2)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2395-drainingtheduchess2) ((Movie)) Water surges into the tunnel faster, fed by the river pump somebody activated... (https://youtu.be/_lLRg_Lh0cA)
...somebody activated the pump... they pulled the lever just to flood her out faster. The Duchess is dead, and 'Di' had to die with her.
Minkot will pay.
I head for the dining hall, pick in hand. Minkot will die. Mark my words, I will slay that crooked monster myself. I will free this civilization of his tyranny, of his cowardice, of his...
...oh no...
"Wow, I sure felt that one! What did that do?"
"That's the lever that's going to ensure our safety when we're finally ready to claim all that adamantine. I won't bore you with the details, but I'll give you a hint - it definitely involves diverting an underground river over the pit."
"Incredible. Well, thanks for letting me pull that lever, Zon!"
"Oh, any time, Melbil! I think you're going to have a wonderful stay here at Severedcoils."
You... you did it... Minkot had nothing to do with it, did he... Why, Zon... Why... I'm trying so hard at this moment to hold onto the belief that I've misunderstood something... but then you see me, and when you walk up to me with that coy smirk on your face... I already know that you're lost.
"Oh, Asob! You're just in time. Be a doll and break the news to our good friend here that from now on, he'll be pulling his own lever."
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 18, 2011, 09:54:01 pm
Post by: Chaoseed on November 18, 2011, 10:23:24 pm
Post by: HoshiGiniro on July 27, 2012, 02:59:46 am
Post by: Quietust on July 27, 2012, 11:42:01 am
wow this awesome story was a great read to bad it has been dead for 120 days i was really getting into it sorry you had such a hard time with the FPS and the real life stuff but i must clap for your awesome writing abilitiesWas this thread necromancy really necessary?
Post by: Aklyon on July 27, 2012, 11:53:08 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 03, 2012, 09:22:59 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 11, 2012, 11:21:00 am
Asob M.
---
Zon seems to have forgotten all about her journal - that, or she realizes that documenting everything leaves proof of what she's doing. As much as she wrote in this thing it's hard to believe either.
It's hard to focus on the details of the fort while worrying about my... friend. If it's still appropriate to call her that... these days, she feels more like my ward. I've taken to watching her closely, keeping notes on her activities. She seems... disinterested, distanced. Fishing, but letting the fish die on the ground, again. She doesn't even watch them flail about. I've tried to approach her, and have even presented this journal to her to see if she would take it... but she just... stares at me. Her eyes always seem sleepy, and a vague smile plays on her lips, but... she says nothing. Just stares. Despite the creepy, maybe pleased, maybe humored look, she goes back to scowling as soon as I leave. Like her last noble kill was the most important thing she's been looking forward to, and now that it's over she's just sort of waiting for the next one. Or... maybe she's waiting for me to do something? She hasn't even given any orders since, just watching the dwarves go about their daily lives while she fishes.
I now find myself picking up the slack. We've been having a lot of trouble making the crypts nice enough for the dukes, so I'm expanding the current orders to add some additional space to each. A few more masterwork engravings should be enough... we managed to strike both hematite and sunstone in the crypts. If I were feeling more optimistic I'd say it was a sign, but right now it just feels kind of... meh.
I gave the craftdwarves and jewelers some things to do, even though we typically make enough profit off of roasts. We do however need some furniture decorated so that we can improve room quality, so anything that leads toward training of this sort will be a blessing. I also order some more bins and designate some trees to chop - maybe that will get Zon interested in something other than murdering fish.
This is getting awfully droll, so I teach the child Asmel Medenrith how to throw a party to cheer everyone up! Perhaps a... singles party, with the consorts as the guests of honor?
Post by: HoshiGiniro on August 11, 2012, 04:38:50 pm
but your story telling did inspire me to start my own fortress story
Post by: Argonnek on August 13, 2012, 12:57:25 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 18, 2012, 09:59:50 am
I'm going to try to make at least one entry per week - most likely on the weekends - and then end it when I hit a score of 5. That's only 10% of the original challenge score, but hey, I'm leaving room for improvement in case I want to do it again in the latest version of DF on a smaller map that won't make my computer weep openly for mercy.
That said, I'm going to try to get another post up tomorrow - I'll be too busy today, but it's good to see how fast you guys lay on the support as soon as this story has an involuntary spasm :D
Post by: Aklyon on August 18, 2012, 10:02:14 am
Post by: Quietust on August 18, 2012, 07:01:16 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 25, 2012, 07:58:34 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 02, 2012, 02:43:27 pm
Asob
---
To whosoever may find this; This might be my last entry. I apologize for the melodramatics, but something terrible has happened. It is with great risk that I am recording this, as the worst is coming to pass as I speak. I must document everything I can, and then hide this journal where it can be found. Someone will need to know what happened.
---
Minkot and I were waiting anxiously in Zon's office. Neither of us knew why we had been summoned. I had a few guesses.
Over the past week, Zon has grown increasingly annoyed, particularly with us. I fear she has come to view us only as a nuisance and may be seeking to get us out of the way. It is difficult to think this way, given that Zon was once my best friend. I'm not sure what made her crack... the pressure of this mission, the fear of what lies within those glowing pits, or... dare I say it?... the allure of power that comes from controlling the lives and deaths of those around you.
We waited for nearly an hour before we finally heard her enter. I gasped. She looked awful. Her eyes are sunken, as though she hasn't slept in days. Her beard is frazzled - though I suppose that's hard to tell, considering we've all been covered in blood, mud, and vomit for over ten years - and she seemed to be arguing with herself on the way in.
"Uhm," I stammered--
"Shut up. It's summer, why aren't the marksdwarves in position?"
"Marksdwarves? What--"
"Elves, idiot! They'll be on their way. Goblins too. And hoary marmots. Keep them all out. Also migrants."
King Minkot pounded his fist on Zon's desk. "Damn you, Zon! As your king, I will not stand for this. This fort is in no shape to begin a war with the elves--"
"Coward."
"...What did you--"
"You're a coward. They're elves. They like wood. I like wood too. That's why I cut it down. I could cut all those elves down like wood."
Minkot knocked over his chair as he stood. Quickly, I leapt to my feet, sensing the situation would become dire. The desk was between Minkot and Zon already, otherwise I would have jumped between them.
"I have had enough of you treating me like a peasant!"
"Then don't dress like one."
"That's it! Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam, I hearby strip you of all rank and profession! You are no longer the ruler of this fort. You are unfit to lead, and you will soon bring death upon our heads unless I stop you now. Now, before you say one word, hand over your axe, your badge, and remove your things from this office - or so help me, I will bring the Hammerer in here, and we'll see how well you can insult me with your jaw shattered!"
Zon produced her axe, but held it firmly. "One problem, Stinkot. I'm the one with the axe. Now, do as I say and sit down, or I'll see how high you really stand over these dwarves with your legs cut off."
Minkot started to shout angrily, but I knew Zon wasn't bluffing. Without even thinking about it, I lunged over the table and grabbed her axe by the shaft, but I had failed to realize how much stronger than me she was! With almost no effort, she butted the axe into my face, toppling me over and almost taking out a tooth.
Just then, the door knocked, then opened.
"Oh! I hope I am not interrupting anything," remarked Quietust, the Philosopher.
"Not at all!" Zon spoke cheerily, even smiling as though nothing had happened. "Go ahead and have that seat over there, next to the king. Asob, are you sure you don't want to go and fetch yourself a chair? You look silly sitting on the floor like that."
If I thought I could get away with it without getting my head chopped off, I'd have probably punched her right then and there. "I'll stand," I stated through clenched teeth as I picked myself up."
"Very well. Quietust, why don't you tell them what you've found?"
"Of course! Well, during one of my daily wanderings through the mine tunnels, I came across some small bone fragments. They were near the adamantine fortifications, so I was of course concerned. I sifted through them to try and ascertain whether they belonged to a dwarf, but as I touched one, a word popped into my head!"
"A... a word?" Minkot sat back down, apparently so distracted with the story that he, too, forgot all about the ordeal.
I should have known then that something unnatural was happening, that some unseen hand was directing the events unfolding in that room. Quietust's coincidental timing, the sudden shift in attention away from the violence that had almost taken place... even I had forgotten about it at the time. It must have all been part of the sorcery that took place next...
"An ancient word, one I had read about in ancient scripts found in the Old Halls back at the mountainhome - and somehow, I had found that very text within my belongings! I do not recall taking it with me, but as luck would have it I was able to identify it. As I held the bone fragment, more words poured into my mind, and I realized soon that it was an incantation! A powerful spell that will speed up worker productivity. It will also remove detritus from the fort, making movement and daily life much easier!"
"Well! I can see nothing wrong with trusting words coming out of some old bones found mysteriously from an unidentified source next to a hole in the wall that opens up to a pit known to contain devil spawn from the very bowels of the earth." Zon clapped her hands together. "Let's see what happens!"
I should have protested. I've had a little experience with these... gifts... the demons leave, and I should have known right away that this would lead to disaster. Again, I wonder whether some sinister force was present with us, coercing us to make this mistake. Quietust began reciting words in an unnatural tongue...
"Yttap ekac, yttap ekac!
Rekab nam!
Ekam ym FPS
Sa tsaf sa uoy nac!"
A light tremor shook the floor. I blinked, and as I opened my eyes, I felt lighter. I looked down and found that, for the first time in ten years, I was clean! Pounds upon pounds of caked dirt had miraculously disappeared from my clothing. On top of that, some spare rocks that had been left laying around waiting to be dumped from Zon's office had miraculously disappeared as well.
Before we had time to celebrate, however, another quake shook the room - this one much worse, and it came with the distinct sound of a large slab of rock splashing into a pool of water.
Zon looked at me, her eyes wide open as she whimpered like a child. We both knew exactly what had happened.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: "OOC" (click to show/hide)
Post by: Aklyon on September 02, 2012, 02:51:38 pm
I should have protested. I've had a little experience with these... gifts... the demons leave, and I should have known right away that this would lead to disaster.Did you write that before or after you ran the scripts? If it was before you did great with predicting yourself. :P
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 02, 2012, 02:59:46 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 02, 2012, 03:43:56 pm
A.
--
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2467-hfsdropmisfire) ((MOVIE)) The pit ripped open, spewing steam and magma mist into the air... (https://youtu.be/VUcO4BzoTC0) Asën, the god of beauty and art, must surely exist. Who else could make our imminent demise look so beautiful?
A dozen things happened at once. The entire military picked up their arms and rushed toward the stairwell, taking position at the most likely breach - the doorway through which the last duke had gone, through the bottomless pit and down a hall connecting to the underground river.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Someone shouted to somebody to pull the lever clearly marked "GET OUT OF DODGE," which was linked to pumps connecting to both the underground river and the magma pit. Zon's plan had been to flood both into the pit at the same time, obsidian-casting it shut only moments after it had opened. Alas, the pit was completely full of water already, so the only thing that lever will do is fill it up with even more water...
Zon shouted an order to a random mason to erect a wall in the breach before the demons could escape. Surely, that dwarf would be lost. For the first time ever, I did not care. Zon and I ran as fast as we could to our bunkers... as cowards.
I pulled the lever inside my bunker, retracting the bridge... but I was still not safe! These things could fly, right? Hastily, I erected a wall, sealing myself - and a few others, who happened to be feeding upon my private stockpile - inside.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: Quietust on September 02, 2012, 05:17:16 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 02, 2012, 06:12:17 pm
Post by: Argonnek on September 03, 2012, 12:51:24 pm
"Yttap ekac, yttap ekac!Heh, I get it.
Rekab nam!
Ekam ym FPS
Sa tsaf sa uoy nac!"
Post by: elwessweettea on September 04, 2012, 09:27:58 am
This is a masterpiece story. It menaces with masterfully worked spikes of fire, superior character, and is encrusted with rings of morality. It was created by KenboCalrissian in the late summer of 2010.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 04, 2012, 05:03:22 pm
Severedcoils - Hide your dukes, hide your cooks! (Not gonna lie, I'm actually rather proud that Severedcoils now has a killcount in a totally unrelated fortress)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 04, 2012, 07:41:42 pm
Summer 211
A.
---
The breach occurred a little before midnight, so I can only guess that it's tomorrow. Soon, I will probably lose track of the date altogether. It's been very quiet outside... either that, or the walls are so thick that we can't hear anything.
I suppose that isn't entirely true, however. I hear movement within Zon's chambers. Somebody just moved a barrel in there, actually. I hope she has enough in her chambers to last...
"Hear, hear!" Melbil Mistęmkogan, Duke Consort to the most recently departed Duchess Feb Koganlikot spoke, "What's all the fuss? I hear that Asmel Medenrith child was planning on throwing another of his famous 'singles' parties in an hour, and I must freshen up!"
"Freshen up, aye? Did ye forget al`eady that all that dirt an' muck just up an' vanished only a bit ago? Lookit y'rself, you're al'eady nice 'n clean!" Kűbuk Mistęmuker, guard of Severedcoils, sat on the ¤Detailed¤ Gabbro floor polishing her newly cleaned Alder crossbow, legs sprawled out comfortably across the floor. Whatever was in the engraving she sat upon had a long, forked tail, and it appeared she had sat purposefully upon it in such a way that it looked like the tail belonged to her.
"Hey! Cross your legs, you're in front of nobility! You can't be all immodest like that! What're you thinkin'?" 'Derm' Isakthob, an accomplished metalsmith who I heard from Zon is a bit on the nosey side, flapped her arms like an angry mother hen as she scolded Kűbuk. She sighed, then looked upon me. "Though I am curious, Asob. What's going on? You ran in here like Azimodos Kezkíg Zoluth, the bat out of hell, and sealed the hall shut!"
I sigh, as exasperated as I am nervous. "Can we please not bring up the bat... and it's Azinodos, with a 'n.'"
"Oh, let's do bring up the bat! As ye can see, I am wearing -giant bat leather armor- made from the flesh of that very hellbeast! Slain by Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam herself, it was." I doubted the guard's story, considering ever since I've bought reams and reams of giant bat leather every single dwarf to wield a weapon has stated that they were wearing that stupid bat somewhere on their body, though I let it slide. Kűbuk cocked her head, rocking her feet back and forth like a child. "I heard these chambers were 'ntended as a panic room or somethin'. Like, 'n case the ghosts or wha'ever's in that pit 'scaped. 'S'at true, Asob?"
As mayor, I should have learned by now how to be more than only a novice consoler and a dabbling pacifier. In every other social skill I've become at least competent, but when confronted with people in need of a strong support, I... must admit my shyness returns, and I'm once again the discouraged, reserved little girl who tends to avoid crowds and needs alcohol to get through the working day. As I pondered this, my hesitation was noticed by the Duke Consort.
"It's not ghosts, dear, but demons!" Melbil raised his hands in emphasis, ironically shaking his fingers as if imitating the very ghosts he was presently in the process of debunking. "Foul, treacherous beasts from beneath the belly of the bedrock!"
"Soo, what, they come from th' bullocks of th' bedrock?"
"Kűbuk!! What are you thinking?? Between the Mayor and a Duke Consort, either one of them could have the Hammerer come and give you a smashin'!" Derm threw herself upon the ground and made a plaintive gesture. "Oh, lords most noble, please forgive this humble guard for her insolence!"
Melbil guffawed, and I must confess that despite the circumstances, I allowed myself a smirk at Derm's antics. I also must confess that I had forgotten that Melbil was still relatively new to the fort, so his next question surprised me for a moment. "My dear metalsmith, if the Hammerer could get in here, this wouldn't be a very effective panic room, now would it? Tell me, what is your name?"
"Me? Oh! I'm Solon Isakthob. Just call me 'Derm.' Pleased to make your acquaintance, fair sir!"
Melbil laughed again. "Derm. Please, pick yourself up! The lady Kűbuk has my leave to be as unladylike as she so desires. Our good mayor has seen reason to not only retract the bridge leading to this room, but also has erected a wall before it. Clearly, something has indeed happened that warrants these rather extreme measures, and we should trust her gut on this. In the meantime, any form of comedy or entertainment is entirely welcome, given that we do not know how long we will need to stay confined."
"An' there sure is a lot o' booze over there that no one's drinkin'!" Kűbuk picked herself up and headed for the casks.
"So..." Derm paused, "Asob, when are you going to tell us what happened out there? We want the truth!"
"Calm down, Derm! Nobody's hiding anything from you. Kűbuk, if you please, don't go drinking just yet! We'll need to ration that..." I exhaled, held back the urge to cry, then took a deep breath. "There's been an... an accident. The supporting structure suspending the... the rock meant to punch open the adamantine pit... well, something has caused it to fall. The pit is now open, and whatever was lurking inside is now out in the open."
"So THAT'S what that calamity was all about!" Kűbuk came back with dwarven wine dripping through her once-freshly cleaned beard. "I was all 'Hey, Barduk, want t' go an' shoot at some marmots?' An' she was all 'Whoa, did ye feel that shakin' in yer boots?" An' I was all 'Oh, dearie me, if'n you was a man I'd think ye was 'ittin' on me!' An' she said 'Well mayhaps I am!' An' 'afore I could say 'Yes please,' she got orders t' go die in a fire."
I shifted uncomfortably in place. "You, um... seem rather calm about that!"
"Ah, she'll be fine. I'm bettin' this 'ole thing is jus' a big misun'erstan'in'! Those demons'll come out 'n say 'Oy! Make us some hats.' An' Derm, you'll be all 'Oh boy, I love me some hats! What kind o' metal ye be wantin'?' An' they'll say 'BONE!!'"
Derm coughed. "Ah, yes, that's probably exactly what'll happen. Though I have to wonder, Asob... why did you save only the four of us? There are over two-hundred dwarves in this fort, and while these quarters aren't big enough for them all, surely you could have saved a few more of us?"
"I, uh... well, as you say, these quarters are awfully cramped! And, um, well... you'd be surprised how quickly a lot of space becomes too small for four people!"
Derm eyed me suspiciously. "You sure you weren't only intending to save yourself, and the three of us just got lucky because we happened to be eating in here at the time?"
Before I could protest, Kűbuk exclaimed while swaying her hips, "What I'M wonderin' is what's a big, handsome guy like you doin' with those fuzzy manacles on 'is belt?"
"Oh, you mean this fine tastefully arranged Restraint?" Melbil gestured toward the velvety handcuffs that I swear had not been there a moment ago. "Well, to be honest it's more of a showpiece than anything, though they could come in handy while trapped in a room with three fine Seats to admire."
Derm's jaw dropped to the floor. As I caught myself wishing they had another room to go play in - or better yet, that I had another room where I could go bang my head off a rock until the funny colors came out, I thanked myself for remembering to bring my +Copper pick+ and went to go dig the dirty thoughts away. Sadly, the only bed in here was mine, so since they'll probably be soiling it tonight I suppose I'll be sleeping by the freaking well. Maybe I'll get lucky and fall in.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Shortly before I finished digging, a bloodcurdling dwarven scream could clearly be heard. At first I thought I'd have to go remind Melbil that he'd only just recently lost a spouse to tragedy, but then I recognized the voice.
"Led Dastotdomas. A cheese maker. A simple cheese maker." I spoke to nobody in particular. Just as I had been starting to hope that perhaps the demons did not escape, or they were all crushed under that boulder, I had to hear that scream.
It's going to be a long, long wait.
---
It's a bit later in the day. At least, I'm assuming that not enough time has yet passed for it to be 3 Hematite, but I'm completely guessing. The others have all fallen asleep. I can't. We might be the last surviving residents of Severedcoils, our existence sustained only by our complete anonymity.
I couldn't help but take a closer look at the engraving Kűbuk had been sitting on.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I'm even more convinced that she had chosen that particular seat on purpose... not simply to appear to grow a tail, but to sit on the face of Guzel Stungorukku, the demon who was surely ravaging everything and everyone I hold dear. I believe she has a stronger grasp of what's going on than she lets on. Like Melbil, I welcome whatever relief she's able to provide. I will have to keep this journal especially safe from Derm, however. I do not know her intentions, but her queries today have left me uneasy.
I know not how long the food and drink will last the four of us. There is more than there appears to be, as there were several barrels stashed away and forbidden amongst the common goods, but when Zon and I designed these bunkers they were only meant for one person each.
Bored now, and laying awake with my thoughts is doing me no good. Especially the thought of surviving on our anonymity. I cannot let this go. I shall take some time now to write biographies of each of us so that we might be remembered... and to give my mind a break for a little while.
Spoiler: "Melbil Mistęmkogan" (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: "Kűbuk Mistęmuker" (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: "Derm Isakthob" (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: "Asob Momuzzokun" (click to show/hide)
...Quite content... yes, of course I am... that's what I wrote in my profile, so it must be true.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 15, 2012, 12:48:36 pm
by Asob Momuzzokun
---
I have no real idea how long we've been trapped in this panic room. I can only guess. In fact I have tried to write every day, though I've been delegating those personal notes to my own journal. Most of them are unsuitable for the histories of Severedcoils - trite dialogs, the unrequited flirtings of Kűbuk teasing the Duke consort, 'Derm' questioning me incessantly for information. Complaints about the walls feeling closer every day. Vapid scrawlings about the carvings on the floors and walls, some of happy memories, some of bland shapes, and some reminding us of the reason we're down here.
Every day, I consider whether it's safe to leave this chamber. We've more or less informally begun taking turns keeping an ear to a wall, listening to the vibrations of the rock for any news of the fort's well being. Strangely enough, it sounds as though most of the fort is still going about their daily routine - save the distinct vibrations of the entire military marching together toward one place or another. They seem to be chasing something. I allow myself to believe it means the threat has been quelled, and they are in the process of routing the last remaining demons.
I curse myself for ever piquing Zon's interest in their... magic. Ever since I discovered those runes... what, a year ago? More, less? I think that point marked the beginning of the decline in my relationship with Zon. I wish we could be friends again, and be sealed together in the same chamber. It would be nice to keep each other company, laughing the days away like before. Perhaps if I hadn't done that, she wouldn't have taken 'Quietust's' findings seriously, the spell never would have been cast, and we wouldn't be in this mess.
Again, I've given way to my frustrations and made this another personal letter. I do have something to report which I feel is vital to Severedcoils' history... perhaps I need some time to compose my thoughts. I'll leave these notes in here as there is at least some pertinent information, but I'm going to take some time to compose myself and resume this entry more professionally in a few hours.
---
It is a few hours later. We've completed the shops a few hours ago, as well as designated stockpiles in the two main chambers. I am too afraid of breaking the chambers to dig too much for fear of breaching our safety. It's just as well, too - Derm and I could really use a break from the constant innuendos shared between Kűbuk and Melbil. They seem to spend most of their time around our well... with the horse, who it turns out is Kűbuk's pet.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Which brings me to the point I wished to write about earlier, albeit a bit haphazardly; Melbil stated earlier that he heard King Minkot rummaging through the food and drink barrels in Zon's chambers, and even communicated with him through Urist code. He is absolutely convinced of his identity, and therefore his safety. By tapping on the wall, they held this brief conversation:
Melbil: "I am Duke Consort Melbil Mistęmkogan. Who are you?"
Minkot: "I am your sovereign king Minkot Zanegamkol. Well met, Melbil."
Melbil: "Well met, your highness. Are you well?"
Minkot: "I am well."
Melbil: "Are you safe?"
Minkot: "We are not safe. Do not attempt Urist code in the future. They will find you."
Melbil: "Is the fortress under attack?"
Minkot: "Yes. We cannot see the enemy. They can fly. They are fire ghosts. We will find them."
Melbil: "How many casualties?"
Minkot: "One. Remain where you are. Do not attempt Urist code in the future. They will find you. I must go."
Melbil: "How many are with you?"
No response followed.
This troubles me greatly. Given the... um, episode, between Zon, Minkot, and myself just before this started, I can only imagine a world of trouble if Zon and Minkot are sealed together in close quarters, and yet I have heard no such squabbling. In fact, while we have all heard many dwarves in those food piles - too many to count, I could say - we're all certain that none of us have heard Zon. Could Minkot have usurped her bunker and used it to save a whole slew of dwarves? How many are actually in there? How long can they keep order? Why did Minkot seem to be in such a hurry?
"'Allo, Asob!" Derm sat herself down so next to me she might as well have been on top of me. This was especially uncomfortable since I was already sitting on the floor with my back to a finely detailed engraving relating to the ascension of the dwarf Zon Castleweakened the Skinny Morals to leadership of The Crypt of Crowns in the early spring of 201 (a very popular subject matter, right up there with the release of that freaking demon whose face I swear is etched about forty times on every wall in this stupid room). I shoved her aside and scooted away a few inches.
"Whatcha writin'? More secrets about the fort? More histories you wouldn't want to get out?"
I slammed this journal shut as she craned her neck to try and read (obviously, I am writing this from memory well after this conversation took place). I sighed, extra heavily, emphasizing my exhaustion with this dwarf's repeated, blatant intrusions. "Has anybody ever told you your Conversationalist skills are Dabbling, at best?"
"Oh, don't be like that Asob. I'm only kiddin'. I just wanted to hear your thoughts on the situation."
I put my chisel down, and brought my knees up to my chin and crossed my arms over them - making sure, of course, to press this journal safely between my body and my legs in doing so to protect it. "Well, I am comforted by the fact that we're hearing mostly normal activities going on outside. If this peace resumes for a few more days... I wonder if it might be safe to come out?"
Derm nodded. "I'm glad to hear you say that. We were actually just discussing the same over by the well. We're startin' to think that we're wrong about what we're hearin' through the walls to Zon's bunker."
"Oh? Which part?"
"The number of dwarves locked in her room. We've heard more distinct footsteps than we can count, and certainly more than we feel a chamber this size could safely support. So..."
"So??"
"We're starting to think her chamber isn't sealed. It's still being used as a public stockpile and meeting place."
I felt my jaw drop in shock. "Are you kidding me??"
Derm put her hands up before herself defensively. "It's only a theory! Unfortunately, it's the only one that makes any sense to us."
"But what about the king's warning?? He's confirmed that the demons are loose, right?"
"Well, technically he's only confirmed that we're under attack. It's the beginnin' of the season. That COULD mean a siege."
"A goblin siege... on top of an unknown number of invisible demons running amok?"
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Asob. You're speculatin'!"
"Well, OK. At the very least, since we suspect that Zon's chambers are unsecured, this definitely means we shouldn't break through into her bunker, no matter how tempting."
"What's so temptin' about doin' a thing like that, I wonder? It's no secret you and her haven't been gettin' along much lately. Besides that, if we're wrong, there's a whole host of possibly starving dwarves in that little chamber. Now, we've got enough food in here to last us a long time, but what about them?"
I glare at Derm. "Are you suggesting we knowingly deny them aide, should we find out that a large number of our friends are right beyond that wall starving to death?"
"Nope! I was just wondering whether you would think that way."
"No, I'm not--" I stop myself before I say 'Zon...'
"I'm sorry. Let's change the subject. Soo, this is an election month for you, right Mayor?"
"That's right... Wait, you're right...!!"
He didn't need to explain, but he did anyway. "If you're in here, and the dwarves out there are living a normal life, and you can't attend the elections..."
"Oh no! I'll lose my seat! Probably to 'Kyronea' Buzatoslan the Planter, she's had aspirations of running for office for a while."
"Maybe you should let us out, so you could go and prepare?"
I bit my lip and chewed on my beard for a while. "Derm... I know you disagree, but the world isn't all about politics. I think you're missing the gravity of our situation. The fort has been exposed to invisible, flying spirits of fire. Stand anywhere near one of those things, and you'll simply disintegrate. There is no faster way to convert your body to a pile of hot ash than letting one of those things give you a hug. And given that they're invisible and flying, you'll never see them coming. If we breach these walls for even a second, we expose ourselves to a chance that one or more of those things could get in here."
"Well... what if we carved fortifications in the wall to her bunker? Then we could peek inside, get some extra interaction going on here. We could get a better idea of what we're up against, or how long we'll have to stay."
I consider that for a moment, then shake my head. "No, too risky. For one thing, the digging would make noise that could attract the demons..." Not unlike the noise I've already made by digging out the extra rooms, I only realize now as I'm recording this after our conversation. "It would also give the demons a chance to look in on us. Besides, we'd be messing up some really beautiful engravings!"
Hesitantly, Derm nodded in agreement. "Not only that... but if the chambers are open to the public, then all the dwarves of the fort could look in and see that we're safe when they're not. It could very quickly become a riot. Aside from the chaos of the tantrum spiral it might cause, the other miners might decide to break in here themselves, and like you say, that would expose us to danger."
His point causes me to shiver. "Ye... Yes, you're absolutely right. Perhaps that's why the king doesn't want us tapping on the wall any more."
"We've worried ourselves enough over this. And you've persuaded me, Asob, that for right now we are still safer in here than out there. Perhaps we should return to our crafts, and revisit this at a later time?"
"Yes... but quietly! Like I said, if it continues to sound like nothing's going on for a few more days, I might be willing to risk it."
"Despite the king's warning?"
I say nothing, but I think to myself 'Especially despite his warning.'
I am stunned. What could all of this mean? Put in context with the warnings of the king, it would mean Zon is also not safe. If her chamber was never sealed... does that mean she never reached it? That could still mean a number of things. She's shown incredible skill as a warrior, perhaps she's chosen to join the military and lead the pursuit of the demons herself... no, that wouldn't make sense. The mere thought of what lied within those chambers shook her deeper than anybody. More likely, she may have completely snapped and resigned herself to catching fish until the demons catch her. Or... maybe they already have? Or maybe they didn't have to; Minkot's been itching to take back control, and the breach of the pit surely brought Zon to her weakest... perhaps Minkot took that opportunity to...
At the very least, it seems the four of us are starting to get used to each other. This is a very good thing. So long as we can cooperate, we should be able to see this through. We just need to be as comfortable around each other as possible...
...which is why I'll have to have a very harsh chat with Derm later who, during our conversation, sought to steal this journal from me, but mistakenly stole my personal writings instead. To be quite honest though, I'm actually sort of looking forward to seeing her get to the parts about he. There may or may not be one or more colorful illustrations involving an encounter between herself and rhesus macaques.
Post by: Di on September 16, 2012, 04:18:40 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 22, 2012, 01:22:54 pm
Asob Momuzzokun
Mayor of Severedcoils
---
I've lost all track of time. I'm not confident at all that the date is correct, but I have no idea how far I'm off, or whether the actual date is earlier or later than I'm guessing. It feels longer. Time seems to move so slowly when you're trapped in a little box. We could still leave whenever we want to, of course... but then, our lives would be forfeit. The reverse is also true... at least one dwarf out there knows we're in here. They would mine us out if it were safe... wouldn't they?
I've found an engraving in here I really enjoy looking at for reassurance. It reminds me of happier times...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I can't even remember the last time I've seen Zon laugh... but that day when she was ambushed and slayed most of a goblin guerilla force with no armor and only her axe single handedly... surely, on that day she was at her finest. Especially after, as we celebrated together. Come to think of it... that may have been Zon's climax, both as a leader and as a dwarf. I believe it was after that day that her decline truly began.
I've taken to constructing coffins in the masonry shop I've built. Who knows how many might die out there? Even if I am overreacting, a stockpile of coffins would be helpful to the fort in the future. At the very least, the masons could focus their efforts on things other than morbid boxes.
Melbil and Kűbuk are having a grand old time flirting around the well... I'm actually rather impressed though, as raunchy as their conversation gets sometimes I don't think they've ever acted on it. Melbil seems to be more devoted to his deceased wife than he lets on, and Kűbuk is just having fun. Once you get used to it, it's sort of entertaining to listen to.
I've given Derm some time to confess, but she hasn't yet. I feel I've been patient enough. While those two are busy chatting away, I confront Derm in the craftsdwarf shop. She's very clearly reading my journal beneath the table.
"Ahem."
I expect Derm to jump in surprise and make some excuse. Instead, Derm pauses for a moment (is she finishing reading a sentence right in front of me??), quite calmly closes my journal, and sets it on the workbench beside her. She does not turn around.
"You know," she says, "if you want to startle someone as you walk in on them doin' somethin' they shouldn't, you don't SAY 'ahem.' You have to actually clear your throat in a threatenin' manner. Sayin' 'ahem' like it's a word just sounds dumb."
Angrily, I pound my fist on my journal before taking it and securing it along with this journal. "Let me tell you what's 'dumb,'" I say through gritted teeth. "We are stuck in these chambers for an unknown length of time. Our survival - and our sanity - depends upon the four of us getting along. Stealing my personal documents is not conducive to our survival."
"Well, considerin' some of your... graphic... illustrations you've got in there, I'd say the sanity's already lost."
"Oh for Armok's sake! The rhesus macaques only stole your pants in front of everybody. Don't read too much into it."
Derm turned around to face me, appearing genuinely apologetic. "And I suppose I'm no better than a rhesus macaque, stealin' from you like that. I'm sorry, Asob. You're right. We're not going to survive this if we don't do right by each other."
I relax considerably. "Thank you. I appreciate you being forthright about this. Look, I understand you're curious about events that have taken place in our past. The truth is, as time goes on I feel like I know less and less about what's going on too. But right now, none of that is important."
"Well, a lot of us have some rather... dark... theories about what's going on."
"Y'know, when you do... this... all the time, it makes you sound like a tool?"
"Har har. Fine, I guess I ought to allow that one after what I did."
"You must understand, Derm, that there are things which are kept strictly between Zon and the king. It's up to them to deem what is necessary information. Just like it is within this bunker, we must do what we can to keep order within the population."
"But..." Derm fell silent for a long time, then sighed. "I don't agree with you when it comes to our fort's history. That should be known to everyone. But I promise, I won't steal anything from you again, or try to snoop for information, so long as we're trapped in here."
"Thank you, Derm. And for the record, I respect your difference in opinion. I promise that if we get out of this, I'll bring it up with Zon and the king."
"And if we're sure to die, would you tell me everything because it won't matter anymore?"
"...Derm, you worry me."
Just then, Kűbuk popped in at the doorway. "'Ey! Are you two makin' out in 'ere? If so, I c'n come back later. 'Ave fun!"
"What?! No! Ew! Nonono." I hastily retreat from the bench, as Derm grumbles and returns to work on... rather, 'appears' to return to work on something, though she hasn't actually crafted anything yet.
Kűbuk chimes in again. "Oh! Then you're both goin' t' want t' hear this."
Derm puts down her tools she wasn't really using, and we both follow Kűbuk to the well. Melbil has his ear pressed firmly against the rough stone wall. "Listen here, friends! The fort, it seems, is under attack!"
I feel my heart leap into my throat. Just yesterday we were talking about leaving, and now... what, roughly a week after the breach? I press my ear against the wall - sure enough, I hear it. So many little feet marching toward the fort from all sides, and separately the clanging of dwarven armor moving hastily through the halls.
"Goblins! We're under siege!"
Kűbuk laughs. "Oh, those cute lil'uns! Always thinkin' they c'n take us. Why, we've fought more 'n this in one go. C'mon, Asob! Bust us outta here so we c'n fight!"
"But you're just a guard! How many goblins have you killed? Have you ever even killed anything??"
"Ah, well... there's always a first for ev'rythin', right??"
"If I may," Melbil interjects, "it has been longer than a week since the breach. We have heard nothing indicating a threat from the demons lying within. Zon's trap may have misfired, but it also must have worked flawlessly - otherwise we would have heard more of a commotion by now! Surely, the demons must all be dead."
"Yeah! An' what kinda dwarves would we be if we were in 'ere 'idin' from some puny gobbos? Why, we might 's well be elves!"
My heart jumps again. They want to leave! Do they not understand how these monsters work?? They're invisible! They could be lying in wait for the right moment... why, there's no guarantee that there isn't one in here with us right now, just watching us suffer! Desperately, I turn to Derm for her vote.
"I... I don't think we know enough about what's goin' on. We had a warnin' just the other day that it wasn' safe, and that someone had been killed before this siege. I say we at least wait out this battle."
"I agree!" I nod, perhaps too hastily.
"Well then, unfortunately we are at an impasse." Melbil reached into his (cave spider silk dress) and produced a tin coin, with King Minkot's profile stamped on one side, and querns, the symbol of The Swift Arches, on the other. "I shall flip this coin to make a decision. Heads, we leave this place and resume our normal lives, and leave the threat of goblin kind to Severedcoils' most renowned military might. Querns, we stay here and wait out the current conflict. Agreed?"
Kűbuk claps her hands and smiled giddily, apparently thinking this is all a game. Derm and I reluctantly nod our agreement. Without further ado, Melbil flips his coin...
"Heads! Well, then! It appears the matter is settled. Asob, if you would?"
I do my best to conceal my fear. +Copper pick+ in hand, I pick a spot to break through the wall into Zon's bunker - hoping, of course, that we may find her inside. I strike the wall once. Twice. Three times. A crack opens through the rough-hewn garnierite wall into the well room of Zon's bunker, and almost at that exact moment, from beyond her chambers--
"Waaaaugh!! Horrors! Demons in the deep!!"
Next, we quite distinctly hear a roaring, whooshing sound - as if a great ball of fire had been hurled - followed by an even more bloodcurdling scream. Sounds of combat from within the fortress can be heard, and soon we can all smell the unmistakable scent of burnt beard and dwarf flesh.
I pile up the rocks against the wall as best I can, desperate to seal the crack, but it's hopeless - the smell permeates every corner of our prison. Nobody says a word. Even Kűbuk appears frightened. At first I'm surprised to see her shaken so, but then I realize what it is that's gotten under her skin.
That scream... the voice belonged to Medtob Elleststâkud, one of the military's champions. For one of the fort's greatest warriors to be so frightened, so helpless... and to be attacked by demons at the same time that a goblin siege is closing in around us... Asën, help us.
Post by: Di on September 23, 2012, 12:28:18 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 23, 2012, 08:41:31 pm
Post by: Dermonster on September 23, 2012, 08:54:47 pm
Also either it's going slow or the images are busted. I think it's just going really slow for some reason.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 24, 2012, 02:29:56 am
This is the one where you role-played Derm as obsessed with finding out what happened, and yeah I think there was a poisoning incident. While I haven't made your contributions totally canon, I'm running with that idea for the character.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 01, 2012, 03:24:19 am
211
Asob
---
I've transferred the last dozen or so entries to my personal journal. Things had changed little during those weeks. Each day, I reported the same thing - the goblins were still around, the military was still on the move, nothing happened in here other than vapid and oftentimes flirtatious conversation. Derm has yet to craft anything, meanwhile I have crafted so many coffins that the shop is now *CLT*. I should ask her politely if she'd be willing to move these things for me into the furniture stockpile... or I'll do it myself, anything to keep me distracted.
Today however (or rather, last night) something did happen. Sounds of a great battle could be felt within the walls. A great many have died... but how many goblins, and how many dwarves? Surely, the majority of the deaths would be goblinkind, but I suppose that might depend upon how many champions we had lost... I must confess, I myself did not hear those sounds. Apparently I slept right through the ordeal, and heard about it afterwards.
What has me most worried right now is the new sounds we're hearing... sounds of intense laughter, sounds of haunting wailing, sounds of furniture breaking. Sounds of broken souls failing to carry on through the loss of friends... and gradually, more voices add to the grim dirge.
The sound, however, is nothing compared to the stench. Of brimstone, of beard, of burning, of booze... I can only imagine what's happening out there. The wretched sounds of the demons have ceased, thank Asën, so I think it's safe to say we've persevered through the trials set by our enemies - however, it's impossible to tell how many we've lost. It's clear from the sounds of clanking armor that our military has shrunken considerably... how much? A quarter? A third? More than half? How many of the lost were recruits, and how many were champions? How many were friends? Can we survive another assault by the spirits of fire?
It's been all too quiet since the laughter started. Derm has gone completely silent. Melbil and Kűbuk have stopped flirting, though they still chat a little here and there. I think they've silently decided not to get close to one another in case something should happen. Friendship can be a very dangerous thing in times of tragedy...
"I wish I was out there, takin' care of bus'ness," Kűbuk states a bit loudly. It takes a moment for me to register that she's speaking to all of us, rather than only Melbil. "Sounds like 'ey need ev'ry guard 'ey could get."
"On the other hand, we are most grateful to have you here, keeping order amongst us."
"Ah, put a rock 'n it, Mel. 'Nless Derm snaps, we're good."
"What?! Why me? What am I being accused of??"
"Damn it, calm down!" I snap at Derm, too harshly. I realize I can't bear this and I return to the masonry shop.
Our food and drink are still doing alright... as I thought, the extra barrels stacked atop the forbidden ones turned out to be a great idea. We could stick this out for several months... technically...
I've attempted to assess their moods, worried a bit by the thought that Kűbuk may actually need to execute her duties as a guard in here amongst us. Surprisingly, I think all three of their moods have improved since this started. Me... I can't say as much. I suppose I'm still content, but... I really, really hope that food doesn't have to last as long as it could.
Once again, I'm considering breaching the chambers and leaving... but not yet. Though it may sound like our combatants have all either fled or died, what we're hearing now could be the start of something far more dangerous. But I'm the mayor, damn it... I should be able to do something for these people. But what can I do? I can't possibly console every dwarf before...
...I couldn't even console Zon, what makes me think I could do a damn thing for anybody else... we'll just have to wait this out, see if this situation improves in a few days.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 19, 2012, 03:55:25 pm
211
A
--
Today has been one of the most stressful of all. For the past several hours, everyone's been at odds with one another. Melbil is starting to complain rather loudly about his living conditions, which in turn has made Kűbuk far less interested in flirting and otherwise being in a cheerful mood, so those two haven't been speaking all day. Derm finally made a few useless trinkets in the craftshop, but I caught her hovering over my shoulder again while I was writing in my personal diary. I'm upset she went back on her word, but at the same time I can't exactly blame her. So, we aren't speaking to one another either. It's boring in here. I know it's cliche, but it really feels like the boredom will kill us sooner than any demon, lunatic, or food shortage. Of which there isn't one, I might add, we could quite possibly live almost a year off of what's in here alone.
I started making some doors, but the masonry shop is far too cluttered. I suppose I could haul some of these out, but... what's the point? One of these is bound to wind up as mine... perhaps that masterwork one over there. Or that one.
The most unnerving part is not knowing what's going on outside. We can still hear what we've determined to be the normal hustle and bustle in and out of Zon's "private" food stores (its purpose made secret, apparently, by how publicly it's used otherwise). Minkot has not attempted to contact us again since that one time. We still hear the cries and blabbering of poor dwarves gone mad, but... I wouldn't say there aren't as many, but there haven't been any new voices added to the din in a while. Perhaps things have calmed down?
I look around at my fellow inmates. Gloomy, gloomy, gloomy. I stand up and give my pick an experimental twirl, and the others look expectantly at me. Nobody says a word. It's clear we're all thinking the same thing, and I can more or less predict the brief conversation we have next with perfect precision.
"Is it finally time?" Melbil inquires.
"Seems that way to me," I state flatly.
"What if it's too soon?" Derm asks, not out of fear but of bored curiosity.
"Screw it, I'd rath'r die a dwarf th'n an elf anyway," Kűbuk finishes.
I return to the path I had begun digging in the well room. The rest of the wall comes down easily. I reflect briefly on how good it feels to wield a pickaxe again, and then keep it brandished just in case we were too early. Kűbuk follows close at my back with her crossbow ready, while Melbil and Derm bring up the rear. The path opened up into Zon's bunker's well room. Nobody is inside.
Cautiously, I push open the door to her stockpiles. Just as I was hesitant to suspect... our fellow dwarves are going about their business as usual, coming and going with cheese roasts and plump helmet wine and cat tallow biscuits. A few familiar faces see us and look up. A few smile, a couple say hello... I'm actually having trouble remembering names, but aside from that everything seems... normal.
Obviously, the bridge to Zon's bunker is lowered. We head out, and up the stairs into her office. Zon isn't here, but nor are there any signs that anything is amiss - at least, not until we journey up into the dormitories.
It's clear something terrible has happened here very recently. Dwarves who do not dwell amongst the dorms in one of the northern corridors walk in a wide arc around it. I peek down the hall, and immediately notice a red stain on the floor in front of one of the doors at the very end. I shudder, and decide not to get any closer.
As I turn, that's when I see the first confirmation of my fears. I see one of our military's finest champions has wandered up behind us and fallen in step with our frightened little crew. At first, I don't even recognize him. His face is pale, his eyes sunken in like he hasn't slept in days. His eyes gaze above us, as if rewatching the same painful memory over and over again, like it was being projected on the wall behind us. His (*«-Steel plate mail-»*) has a few straps left undone, and as such appears as though it's sagging rather uncomfortably off of his chest, but he doesn't appear to notice.
"Um... Hello! Are you... are you alright?"
"Kobolds. Merry diamonds and daggers. Small left bat wafers. Plump quern carp wine?"
As soon as he speaks, I recognize his voice, and instinctively jump back away from him. It's 'The Overlord,' one of the fort's most decorated champions. Even among the finest and boldest of Severedcoils' warriors, insanity has poisoned the ranks. Very suddenly, his eyes lock onto Melbil, and his fingers fumble over the handle of his (Steel mace), as if he can't remember how to pull it off his belt.
Melbil's voice cracks. "My word! What- what are you--"
"Macaque."
"N-no! No, I'm--"
"Macaque. Macaque. Macaque macaque macaque!" The Overlord approaches, still fumbling for his mace.
"Pearl opal!" A second voice-- one I could never mistake in a hundred years. "Ashen bed? Longland grass?"
The Overlord immediately loses interest in Melbil, and turns to address Zon. "Glass... basalt?"
"Glass corkscrew. Glass corkscrew."
"Glass... green glass corkscrew?"
"Yes! Plump helmet wine!"
The Overlord reels his head back and stares at the ceiling, a contented smile upon his face. "Mmm... Plump quern carp beer."
Zon calmly approaches The Overlord from behind and gently places her hands upon his shoulders. She then guides him over to the wall, so close that his nose touches it. He sighs to himself and stares complacently at the wall.
"There. That ought'ta keep him busy for a few hours." Zon smiles casually at Melbil. "You were never in any harm. We've tied his mace securely to his waist. He doesn't have the coordination or the mental faculty to figure out how to get it free. We'd have taken it from him entirely, but he started to get violent. This turned out to be the easier solution." She pauses only briefly, and clasps her hands together jovially. "How are you? We've missed you for the past month! You'll find your chambers have been well-kept. We've also been adding some decorations to your mausoleum to get it to your liking. Please, do let me know if you're still unsatisfied. We've also been digging out space for larger crypts, so if need be we could move your belongings to a larger area. The engravers should be finished with those spaces in only another month's time."
Melbil blinks, aghast. "Er... why, yes. Thank you, indeed! I shall inspect my chambers and let you know... er, in the morning, or a week from now... er. Yes." Melbil takes a few steps away, sees The Overlord again - still staring at the wall - then cowers back to the safety of our group. "Is... is it safe?"
"Oh, yes! The fortress is secure. Just don't look any of them in the eye." She gestures at The Overlord. "Go on! See for yourself. Everything is fine. You too, Derm and Kűbuk! You'll find that the forges and the archery range are still in working order.""
Melbil hesitates, looks back at us one last time, and then retreats down the halls, looking a bit like a lost puppy. Derm and Kűbuk aren't quite so quick to leave.
"Not so fast," Kűbuk says sternly. "We were locked away f'r how long, exactly?"
"By my count, exactly one month. I was just about to fetch you myself, in fact--"
"Yeah, yeah, save it. I ain't happy with what I'm seein' right here," Kűbuk points at The Overlord. "That doesn' jus' happen f'r no reason. Tell us straight."
Zon's smile faded, and she spoke softly. "Very well. The demons attacked twice. We beat back the first wave handily, but the second caught us by surprise. During that fight, there was a goblin siege. Seven of our warriors were killed in the conflict, but more were lost to melancholy in the aftermath. Other citizens have lost their will to live having seen the strength of Severedcoils fail in such a way, but despite the difficulty we have successfully sealed the glowing pits. We've seen the last of the demons, and their adamantine prison is free for our taking. I will be blunt with you, Kűbuk; things only very recently seem to have stabilized. There are still many around the fortress who are absolutely miserable with our losses. We could very easily see the tides of chaos turns against us again, and it could be anywhere between two months to an hour from now before it hits. Or, it could be over. There's no way of telling. Wandering around this fort, you will find more than a handful of lost souls such as The Overlord here, and any of them could turn berserk at any moment. It's already happened twice. It's very fortunate that you, a fellow guard, have remained safe and in fair condition. I have no doubt we'll need your services very soon."
Kűbuk nods grimly. "Anybody I know?"
"I'm sorry, Kűbuk, but I'm afraid I don't exactly know who you've made acquaintances with. You'll have to find out yourself. I can tell you that Endok Amast, one of your fellow guards, has very recently lost a wife and daughter to a horrible tragedy. I think it would be good for him if you would lend him some of your strength."
Kűbuk nods again, salutes, and heads off down the hall, presumably toward the zoo in search of her comrades. Zon then turns to me, her apologetic, yet happy expression poorly contained.
"Sooo..."
"So," I mime.
We hug. For a moment, I'm actually furious to think that all could be forgiven so easily... but then, it quickly fades. I decide that I'd rather be happy to have my friend back than choose to hold a grudge. I'm just too damn happy to see her alive and well to stay upset.
"Wow, hey, I was right! You had my journal all along, huh? And you're getting pretty good at writing in real time like I do!"
"Oh! Yes, I... it was an accident! I had it at the time when everything went down, and it just... sort of followed me, I suppose!"
"Great! I had to keep a separate journal to record everything that's happened. Give it here, I'll just go ahead and add my entries to it."
"Ok!" I start to hand over the journal-- then, reflexively, I hold it tight against my chest as I feel a breath of warm air against my neck. I turn around, glowering, to find Derm once again peeking over my shoulder.
"Aw, shucks. Fine, I'm going!"
Post by: The Architect on October 22, 2012, 04:33:47 am
But please, tell the story as you see fit. Catching up has been quite enjoyable.
-----
Quietust, Dermonster, glad to see you're both still active. It might take days to get a grip on the state of the game lately; could anyone tell me how it's running? Will it still bring my computer to the brink of gibbering madness as quickly as ever? I'm hopeful of enjoying it once again.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 23, 2012, 12:51:23 am
Post by: The Architect on October 23, 2012, 11:32:26 pm
I'm just hoping I can keep the quality good enough for the last couple of votes I need before December!
Votes? Is there some contest where I should go and vote your story itself and/or narrative skills as best?
Edit: Found and voted. Readers, this tale ought to be included in the Hall of Fame. I urge you to strongly consider whether it is worthy, and if you find it so, go and vote!
My choice is obvious. Now, make yours! It is the sticky'd thread at the top of the category where this thread is listed.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 24, 2012, 01:55:34 pm
Early Summer
by Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam
-------
That damn philosopher! Why didn't she see this coming? Oh, hey, let's bring up some remains of something that died inside the demon pit and see what happens! There's no way a demon could inhabit these bone fragments and then use them to exert its will over us! They've only been sealed away for... oh, I don't know, A FEW DOZEN ETERNITIES, GIVE OR TAKE. No, I don't think they're capable of becoming impatient after all that time, especially when some dwarves dig really close to them!
A lot of things happened at once. First, Asob squeaked. I can't help but make mention of that. Let it be known to all of Severedcoils' history that Asob Momuzzokun, long-running mayor, squeaks in the face of danger. She then scurried off, presumably to her bunker to lock herself away until the demons are dealt with. Not going to lie... I intend to do the same just after I set some things in motion.
I've had mechanisms in place to seal the pit with obsidian as soon as it opened, but it wasn't quite finished yet - regardless, I ordered the obsidianizer lever pulled, and meanwhile set the military to stand near the breach - making sure to put all of our recruits and wrestlers up front, of course, with champions right behind and ready to get one or two good hits in before their meat shields burn away - and the marksdwarves farther behind so they can feel like they're doing something useful.
I was then turning to go towards my bunker, but then a voice stopped me.
"Coward."
My blood turned cold. Minkot had found it within himself to stand up to me.
We stood there, not saying a word to each other for a while. I tried to command myself to ignore him and take my station within my bunker before resuming my role as a clerk, but the king had clearly wished for me to attend his meeting instead - so, there I stood, while Asob ran off to safety.
"Leaders are born, not made," Minkot stated. "I must admit, I'm impressed. I know of your history. I know that you've encountered beasts from below in a previous fort. I know that the very thought of what these things could do has you shaken to your very core. Finally, I've discerned the purpose of your 'mysterious' food and drink stockpiles next to those conveniently placed vacant rooms under the hatch in your office, and I know what you intend to do next. Why, I used to have my very own panic room in the royal halls, thank the gods I never needed to use it."
I wiped a cold sweat from my brow, trying in vain to pretend that I was sweating from exertion and not from nervousness. "Get on with it."
"While I do not approve of the way you speak to me, I... must confess that you're doing a better job of ruling this fort than I would in this situation... arguably, perhaps better than I have run The Swift Arches. You have somehow ignored your fear and taken charge, far better than any other dwarf I know. The dwarves follow your guidance, and in this moment they would surely follow you to their deaths with honor."
I allow his words to sink in. I take a few deep breaths, and stand up tall. I look around - my companions are panicked, running aimlessly down the halls as the smell of brimstone wafts through the air. I... think I actually feel myself transform. "We're not dead yet. And while I may have been powerless to do anything against the frog demons at Murderspikes, here I actually have the power to do something. I have a chance to redeem myself."
"Then do it."
---
Two hours have passed, and the military has not yet seen a flicker of a flame from these fiery fiends. The wall may or may not have sealed all of the demons inside, but all we knew was that in two hours, nobody was on fire. I decided that we needed to scout, so I went down a few levels to the fortifications and peeked inside.
The first thing I noticed is that there was still water in the area, though it was not flowing from the pump channel. Apparently, the obsidianizer mechanisms had not been completely wired up. The switch had been tied to the magma chamber - which had been sealed off, so the pumps were spinning but not doing anything. The river pump, on the other hand, had not been connected to the switch, so it sat idle. So, for the past two hours, no water or magma has flowed into the pit... and yet, it was still flooded.
And then, something hit me... the pit was still full of water, even after it was opened. Judging by the heat we could feel coming through the fortifications, Quietust had surmised that our pit possessed "Spirits of Fire," whose bodies were supposedly much hotter than the sun. Shouldn't the water have immediately vaporized when coming near those things?
And then, I spotted something amidst the muck and smoke, and I cried out with joy.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A severed head. Upon laying eyes on it, a name popped into my head. Somehow, I knew that it was the name of a very powerful demon, whose name I shall NOT write. As the smoke cleared and the water drained, more pieces could be seen floating, and each one I looked at told me its name mentally.
In total, I counted 11 Spirits of Fire, as well as their demon leader, among the deceased.
"Quick! Down to level 14, open it up and floor over that pit! We're sealing them in forever!"
The military moves into the pit dug out around Di's old "sauna," waiting for a miner to come and dig a hole inside. There, we will take the fight to whatever's left--
"AAAAUUUUGH!!!"
A scream can be heard through the fortifications-- wait, I recognize it! That's Led Dastotdomas, a Cheese Maker! Somehow, he got inside the pit and encountered a Spirit of Fire!
I re-ordered the military to go through the magma channel, where I had assumed Led had gone -- but for some reason, the upper levels of the fort began flooding!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Sure enough, the Spirits had destroyed the pump stack that was used to feed water to the baron shower. At the same time, the spirits who had killed Led were surely coming up through the breach I had originally suspected they would...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
They couldn't come through that way, however, since there was a wall at the end of that tunnel... but if the pump stack has been destroyed...
...Oh for Kovest's sake, they can travel through water without vaporizing it, as long as they haven't already been detected.
I order the military to move again, tracing the path they took through the underground river and trying to guess where they would next appear... a few dwarves were milling about in that area, so I could only assume they would make their move very soon. Alas, there are too many paths in that area, and if they can move invisibly through water... damn! They could either be planning to break through the hatch of the duke shower, or they could be sneaking through the tunnels. Either way, the most central point between those areas is the trade depot.
"Everyone, to the trade depot! We'll wait there for them to make their move. And nobody try to get into that pit to claim anything! Everything inside is forbidden!!"
Post by: Quietust on October 24, 2012, 03:07:03 pm
...Oh for Kovest's sake, they can travel through water without vaporizing it, as long as they haven't already been detected.It's been a while since I played 40d, but I'm fairly certain that invisible SoF will still cause water to boil away - when I test-released them in one fortress and opened the [d]esignation menu, I could see hot spots appearing on the map (the same as with tiles near magma) as they emerged.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 24, 2012, 05:53:26 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 27, 2012, 01:46:36 pm
Early Summer
by Zon Rimtarothil
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No other movements have been noticed by the spirits. They seem to be content staying in that Y-shaped drain.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I'm beginning to wonder if there was some other reason the pump stack broke, completely unrelated to the Spirits of Fire. With all of the rocks slated to be dumped removed, the dwarves have had time for other jobs that have long been neglected - such as stocking the windmill posts with crossbow bolts. The path they've been taking to do this goes straight through the flooded area where the pump stacks fell apart, so if there were monsters in that area, surely we'd be short a few more workers.
As the days move on, I grow increasingly anxious. In time, more demons will arrive. I want to get those glowing pits sealed before that happens. If we can block their entrance at the source, all of the adamantine of their former prison will be ours.
We only know of three surviving spirits - those who ambushed and killed Led. I'm tempted to believe we can destroy them if we attack now. Perhaps this is folly, but when has that ever stopped a dwarf? The military is stationed once again at the entrance between the bottomless pit and the Y drain. I order the protective wall deconstructed... hopefully, someone's useless child will run in and happily remove it, unaware of the danger just beyond.
Sure enough, the honor goes to Sarvesh "Murderpaints" Usânlogem, one of six children between Rith Ugoshurvad, a Guard, and Dodók Oddommeb Olonilbĺd Uker, also known as Dodók "Cloisterinches the Geared Guile of Waving," also known as one of the novice swordsdwarves about to live just long enough for 'Archibold' to smash her mace into something.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2468-spiritsoffire1) ((MOVIE)) The wall comes down, and the military meet their foe... (https://youtu.be/kbBeSkEEsQQ)
-------
9th Hematite
-------
The military entered the pit to confront any remaining spirits, but none were to be found. Hastily, we ordered a miner inside to seal it off. Whoever's brave enough to prove the worth of their beard will dig a staircase down to the bottom from just outside the pit, tunnel directly over to those pits, and build floors over them. I do not necessarily expect our first attempt to go well.
Just as soon as the military begins their investigation, some goblins arrived! Oh joy, we're under siege from above and below.
They've brought a rather pathetic force, truth be told. I have counted 4 groups, containing in total 4 lashers, 17 wrestlers, 4 marksgobs, 6 speargobs, 2 hammergobs, and 1 human guard with a morningstar. Their only real threat is their timing, since we haven't yet confirmed whether we've destroyed every spirit of fire, and the pit is not yet sealed.
The soldiers are tired. They've been on the move constantly for the last two weeks. I fear they might be getting fatigued. Surely we will survive the siege, but we might have an increased chance of a mortal wound or a death to a warrior we would rather not lose.
On the upside, this battle will be a great opportunity for our five marksdwarves-in-training to gain some valuable experience. ďngiz Raboddom, Udib oddomthosbut, Ineth Olinurol, Zasit Adillokum, and Dastot Roderzuntîr are stationed at the new fortifications above the ballista battery... which upon closer inspection I see have not been completed.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Shouts and cries of pain echo through the tunnel to the glowing pits. A fireball shoots down the hall at Medtob as the military was pulling out to defend against the goblins!
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2469-spiritsoffire2) ((MOVIE)) Hastily, I order the champions and other skilled fighters to turn around and fight. (https://youtu.be/-cLCv7UIa7I)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 27, 2012, 02:23:45 pm
I think there's a very likely explanation for what happened, which may or may not have been revealed yet.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 31, 2012, 03:08:55 pm
Zon
The bloodshed is unsurprisingly brutal. There are no words to describe it. It's almost impossible to tell the difference between the charred dwarven remains and those of the spirits of fire.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
It has been two days since the ambush took the lives of six of our most valuable warriors. I didn't have time to accurately count how many had appeared... only three or four of those things, I think. Amazing how so few can cause so much damage to our seasoned veterans. Already, the effects of the catastrophe are felt throughout the fort...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Outside, the goblins begin their approach. I wonder if they have somehow learned of the sudden loss of our most skilled warriors... It's said that goblins worship demons; if that's true, maybe their dark masters have tipped them off to our plight. I realize I have miscounted the goblins - there was a fifth group, now closing in rapidly, consisting of 8 wrestlers and 7 marksgobs. I'm still confident we can beat the goblins, but another wave of demons like what we just encountered would surely do us in.
Stay strong, Zon... you can do this. The dwarves are looking to me for strength. I will show it by running into the demon pit and recovering one of the wounded soldiers...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Too late. Two more dead. This has to stop now... Some miner better get on the job and reach those pits so we can floor them over right now!!
Again, I find I have miscounted... this siege is at least twice, possibly three times as large as I had originally thought. I... no, I will not lose hope. Not yet.
The newly recruited marksdwarves make contact with the southern goblin force, which is far larger and contains significantly more marksgobs than I thought... and the siege operators, preoccupied with collecting wounded soldiers and their equipment, have not come to the ballistas yet. Only two of the recruits are in position, so while they manage to disable two of the goblins, over all they have had little effect.
Oh Kovest, what could possibly happen to make this any worse?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
...Remind me never to ask that question again.
Post by: Argonnek on November 01, 2012, 12:04:39 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 04, 2012, 01:26:06 pm
I lend my weighty, years-old forum membership whole heartedly to the vote for SeveredCoils! It deserves inclusion. More focused on narrative than the blood, gore, and chaos that often defines a Dwarf Fortress tale -and yet not lacking that in the slightest.I'd like to add another vote for Severedcoils, if only because my character in that fortress is the Philosopher.
Votes added! Severedcoils has been inducted into the Hall of Legends! *dadurrr*
WAUGH!! A BIG Thank You to everyone who voted, and a big thank you to everyone who didn't vote but read or commented anyway! It means a lot to me that you guys are having as much fun reading as I have writing. Your feedback has been a great encouragement, and were it not for that I might not have come back to finish this after I got away from it for a while.
When Severedcoils finishes, I intend to acquaint myself with the latest version and try the same challenge again, but I'm not sure how long of a break I'll take between. I am still working on a novel aside from this, and it's been sorely lacking attention :P
Again, thanks again everybody! This is a big deal to me.
Post by: Quietust on November 04, 2012, 05:54:25 pm
Now, if you wanted to try this in version 0.23.130.23a, that would be a challenge, since you'd get 3 new consorts per year (baron/count/duke were distinct nobles and did NOT replace each other) and you'd have to deal with the dozens of other nobles too...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 07, 2012, 02:12:02 pm
Zon
-----
The southern group comes closer... fortunately, they're going to walk right past the giant eagle and wolf cage.
((DFMA 1)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2470-siege-summer211-part1) ((DFMA 2)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2471-siege-summer211-part2) ((MOVIE)) I hate to use my trump card so early, but considering the size of this force it'll be a big help. (https://youtu.be/HhJ22NHVpA4)
...The lever didn't work!! What the?! Oooh, when I find out which mechanic screwed this up they're going to be promoted to a Duke just so they can take the inaugural shower!
'Archibold' smashes a goblin's face in so hard, its body lands well outside the boundaries of our civilization! With that, it looks like the goblins are fleeing! The siege is broken!! With their numbers, I'm shocked... but not complaining. Their cowardice is our good fortune. The goblins managed to kill a war dog and Ineth Olinurol... he must have tried to take a shortcut between the ballista fortifications and his new assignment. Still, this is not nearly as bad as the damage the spirits of fire have caused.
Speaking of... several guards started, then quickly ended tantrums before they could do any real damage. Minkot, however, I have locked in his room. I'm well aware that an enraged dwarf could potentially break down his own door if he really wanted, but this should still keep any wandering dwarves from entering and potentially getting hurt.
The masons need to hurry and build some new coffins. Somehow, our public grave has been emptied - perhaps whatever foul demon was responsible for the cleaning spell demanded our dead as sacrifice... oddly, nobody seems to be particularly upset about it, so we'll just quietly refill the tombs with more dead. For now, the emptied crypt is the cleanest-smelling room in the entire fort. That will change very soon.
More dwarves are starting small tantrums... including Minkot, Barduk, and many others. Much of the populous is unhappy with the loss of several good friends.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Now's a good time to refill the mist waterfall, and make sure we have a good supply of lavish foods...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 21, 2012, 02:32:11 pm
Zon
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The dwarves have demanded election of a new mayor in Asob's absence. I ventured down to her bunker to see whether she would object, but it appears as though she has walled herself in completely. I consider for a moment whether I should order a miner to dig her out, but decide perhaps it's for the best to leave her there for now. We're not yet sure that we're safe from the Spirits of Fire... I will see to it she's released as soon as the pit is sealed. For now, čzum ňnulód has been elected the new mayor.
I hear screaming in the halls... and... laughter... uh oh... i recognize those sounds....... not again...
Tekkod Lenodmeng, the Tax Collector, has gone stark raving mad!
Barduk Bodicecarnal the Blockaded Sweetnesses of Holding has been struck down while tantruming!
Monom Thobamal is stricken by melancholy!
'The Overlord' has gone stark raving mad!
it's happening again... like last time... everybody crazy... killing each other... it's all over again... have to flee again...
.......No. Not again.
NOT.
AGAIN.
This time is different. I'm in control. I've been hardened by these trials. The things I've witnessed - no, the things I've done here have made me superdwarvenly tough. Kovest... no, Armok himself has set me on this path for a reason. I've seen what happens when nobody takes charge. When everybody panics and nobody wants to be responsible should the rocks start rumbling, it will inevitably crumble. And this place... it's chipped away at me, gnawed at my soft spots, consumed me in its own way, like a pack of hoary marmots nibbling at a rotten goblin corpse, leaving the toughest parts for last. Now, only one question remains; do I have what it takes to conquer my biggest fear, or do I let melancholy eat me for dinner?
Not.
Again.
First thing's first, I grab a blubbering 'The Overlord' and scream in his face.
"OH, HA HA, GOOD JOKE ABOUT MY BEARD BUT IT WASN'T THAT FUNNY!"
Everyone within the vicinity drops what they're doing and stares at me as I make fun of a stark raving lunatic. Well... as a dabbling comedian, I thought it was funny. Anyway, the point was to get everyone's attention, so even if the joke didn't go over well, my social gaffe did its job. I wipe away the spittle on my beard - honestly, I'm not sure whether it's my own from screaming, or if it's from 'The Overlord' raspberrying at me in response.
"Ok, look. We've got a big mess to clean up. The goblins are gone, the demons are gone--"
"How do you know that??" Someone shouts.
"The demons are gone," I repeat with emphasis. Little trick I've learned as a leader... if you say something more than once and louder, it becomes true. "Our first priority is to keep it that way. Masons!"
"Eh?"
"Somebody floor over those glowing pits, like, now."
"Wha-- AAAAUGH! Down there?!"
"Yes."
"Really?! AAAAUUUGGH!!"
"Please?"
"Oh! Well, I mean, since you said 'please...'"
"Chefs!"
"Macaques!"
"Eh?"
"Macaques outside!"
"Bloody... Military!"
"Woo monkeys!"
"Great. Chefs!"
"Ok what?"
"Dwarven sugar roasts. A lot of them. The best way to fill that void in our hearts is with sweet, sweet delicious treats. We're dwarves! We don't let depression kill us! We find more creative ways to kill ourselves - like dwarven sugar diabetes, and cat tallow-clogged arteries!"
"Hey, yeah! Bugger depression with a quarry bush!"
"Minkot!"
"YOUR DINING ROOM IS TOO NICE!!" Minkot flips a table.
"Nevermind. Quietust!"
"Shh!"
"Go pull the lever labeled 'Happy Thoughts.' We need to refill the mist generator. Pull it again before it floods."
"I shall go quietly."
"Engineers!"
"Waaaah?"
"The pump stack to the, erm... 'emergency well' has fallen apart. Rebuild those."
"Waaaah."
"The rest of you... collect our bodies, give them proper burials. Gather what you can out of the pits. Somebody dropped our legendary adamantine buckler down there - the sooner that gets recovered, the better!"
I distinctly decide not to instruct the miners to begin excavating the precious adamantine. Not until it's perfectly safe. A greedy leader might immediately take the chance to get what they can, but I've seen enough good dwarves die today. We have to remember our dwarven priorities, after all! First we gather refuse and loose items from the dead, then we gather bodies, then we ensure our safety, then we tend to those of broken body and soul... and THEN we get filthy stinking rich.
Hmm... do demons even wear socks??
I take a moment to look outside, where we first parked our wagon eleven years ago. To think in such little time we've come so far, and we may soon lose it... this might be the last moment of peace I have to enjoy such a sight.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Ahh... littered with goblin and monkey guts. Just the way I want to remember this place.
Post by: Argonnek on November 21, 2012, 06:29:01 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 07, 2012, 08:37:50 pm
by Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam
Zasit Adillokum, Recruit has gone stark raving mad!
Solon Isonsĺkzul Salirtoral, Marksdwarf has gone stark raving mad!
Ineth Asmelrazes, Wrestler has gone berserk, torn her own baby to pieces, and had to be struck down (fortunately, her husband, Endok Amast, was in the zoo at the time and had so many exotic creatures around that he paid the catastrophe little mind! It's amazing what a chained raccoon can do when placed beside giant eagles, cougars, wolves, bears... gophers...)
We have a terrifying shortage of coffins. I order them built right away... surely, the combination of seeing our recently departed decay outside in a pile is contributing to our residents' insanity just as much as the disappearance of our previously departed's resting places. I shudder to think what those hellbeasts want with our dead...
The glowing pits are sealed, and immediately I give the orders to mine adamantine. A bigger problem has surfaced, though... most of those currently babbling incoherently around the fort are our military. As of now, we are down to eighteen strong. We'll need to begin recruiting again, but the last thing we need is a training accident to stoke the flames of the current tantrum spiral. Perhaps next week, I'll begin selection and training. Depending on the circumstances... maybe I'll just start breeding bears alongside eagles and wolves? Wait, do we have two bears? ...No. Blast. Marmots, then...
Apparently, our dedicated food hauler was also doing cleaning, and decided to scrub all the blood from every wall before anything else - so, the fine goat cheese roasts our chefs painstakingly prepared are now rotting. Wonderful. That miasma will go great with our current situation. I do what I should have done years ago and order doors installed all around the kitchens. While I'm at it, I have them placed around the fisheries too, and assign a potash maker and a wood burner the sole responsibility of hauling food.
Oh, and I FINALLY figured out who's dining room the King's been complaining about all this time. I have no idea why he wouldn't just tell me directly, but it was pretty easy to figure out after he was heard shouting obscenities at a chair he destroyed after apparently naming it "Reg." I had the following conversation with Reg Erushtirist, Duchess Consort.
"Reg, a word?"
"Mmmmyes?"
"Look. I know this won't be easy for you, but you've gotta help me. The king won't stop throwing temper tantrums. He thinks your dining room looks as good as his."
"Well, it should! For a high-class dwarf of my astounding tastes."
"Ok, look. I know you bureaucratic types love your red tape... so let's play a little game. See those two walls over there?"
"You mean those two far walls, with all the lovely decorations?"
"Yeah, those. Those aren't yours anymore."
"What?"
"Yeah, effective immediately those walls are considered public domain."
"How could you?! What exactly does that mean, anyway?"
"When assessing the value of the room, those walls don't count towards the room's value. Now, you're free to look at them all you like - just like everybody else - however, they would have to go through your room to do so, and you have every right to forbid them entrance to your quarters."
"So... what you're saying... is they're not my walls... but... they are?"
"Bureaucracy's fun, huh?!"
Reg crossed her arms. "No, I simply cannot abide. I demand compensation!"
I stroke my beard, pretending to be thoughtful though I already know what I'm going to do. "Want a new table?"
"Um. Sure! That would do nicely."
"Great." Immediately, I order a hauler to remove her ¤Gabbro Table¤ and replace it with a -Gabbro Table-. Surprisingly, she remains content - as if the simple act of trading material for fake boundary lines drawn through her room is more important than the quality of the table itself. Whatever, problem finally solved.
It only just occurred to me that along with Asob, three other dwarves are missing. I've heard nothing of their fates. Did she seal them in with her? Or were they claimed by the demons, and their deaths went unreported as their ashen remains failed to be recognized? I suppose at this point, either of those are equally likely. Hopefully they won't need to stay in there much longer.
I think the tantrums have actually ceased... even the king has calmed down. Oh, the magic of bureaucracy... I should try it more often! If it stays this calm, I'll dig them out at the turn of the next month.
...This month has really dragged. It feels so slow. I haven't had anyone to really converse with. I think... perhaps I owe Asob an apology, if I ever see her again.
Post by: Di on December 08, 2012, 08:10:09 am
Yeah, the more cats the worse.Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on December 23, 2012, 11:29:02 am
-------------
The only person in the fort left tantruming is the king, and even he's doing it far less than he was when this all started. Many of the dwarves are still miserable, but I think we've avoided a catastrophic tantrum spiral. Even with a miasma coming from the kitchen, those goat cheese roasts sure seem to have done the trick!
It's time to make good on my promise. I designate an order to mine Asob out of her bunker, along with whomever else she's been harboring. I'll be honest, I'll miss these last few days with only three consorts blabbering mandates into my ear, but even that is harder to bear without Asob's cheerful respite... provided she's still cheerful with me. Come to think of it... I might just arrange a party once we've extracted them!
Meanwhile, since we're mining away, I increase the size of our raw adamantine piles near the craftshops and set orders to extract strands on repeat. It's so tempting to begin work on weaponry and suits of adamantine armor, but I'm afraid our smiths aren't quite skilled enough yet. It would be a waste for someone to do a sloppy job with such material.
I've also ordered the reconstruction of the "noble shower" mechanisms. You know, it's awfully strange that a demon who attacked us and raided our crypts would also destroy a mechanism used primarily for... er, "pruning." This, as well as recent confirmation that some well-known places where dwarven bones were visible yet unretrievable at the bottoms of ponds are now devoid of our comrades' remains, leads me to believe their real goal was the corpses and bones specifically. Perhaps destroying our mechanism was a message - that the remains who have fallen into the abyss are truly impossible to retrieve, even by demonkind. Who knows... maybe they're still alive, still falling forever into nothingness... Hmm...
There's also the matter of the ballista towers. A few of the remaining fortifications were suspended due to the attacks. I reorder their completion, and then set to thinking of another project for the masons. Any distraction at all from the misery around here will be a welcome one. Briefly, I entertain thoughts of building a mega-statue, but in the end I decide this doesn't appeal to me. First of all, what we're doing here is supposed to be covert. A big freaking statue will draw too much attention. Secondly, it's completely impractical! What would be its purpose? No, whatever we build next has to have some kind of function... perhaps we could extend the ballista towers with a full arrangement of castle walls? I kind of like that, but castles are more of a human thing... though not strictly unheard of.
My musings are interrupted by ézum ňnulód, the recently elected mayor. "Zon, my friend, how's it going? You, me, we got a jive to sit through, though it's no big deal. Nothin' major, not at all, just need a little one-on-one time with the Zonster." Though appearing cool and collected with a big fake grin plastered under his beard, his sudden intrusion betrays the urgency of his visit.
Like Asob, he is also of the Miner's Union, and with his recent elevation in status along with Asob's disappearance he has taken charge of managing the mining orders. Truth be told, I've never liked the guy. He strikes me as a skilled flatterer, a proficient intimidator, and a skilled liar, just to name a few of his impressive personal skills. In retrospect, I now regret being absent for his inauguration... I wonder what speech he gave to persuade the dwarves into electing him?
"Ah. ézum. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Oh, nothing much! Not a big deal at all. Great fort we've got here, and it's an honor to get elected mayor. New responsibilities as a leader, feels pretty big! But not too big. Know what I mean?"
I'm quickly getting a feel for how this dwarf works, so I attempt to give him as little fuel for his swindling as possible. "Mmhm. It's good to see that you're up for this challenge."
There's a bit of a pause, as he expects me to say something else. This, of course, is exactly what I intend. "Ah, yeah, no doubt about it! Shouldn't be too big a challenge for me. Though it is a big deal, but it's not. Get it? Yeah, 'course you do. You wouldn't be the head honcho, the big goat cheese roast, the wedge woman if you didn't."
I nod, silently wondering to myself what the heck 'wedge woman' means. I'm guessing it's some corny euphemism for being a cornerstone to the fortress's development, but more likely he's intentionally using an unfamiliar phrase to poke some sort of intellectual weakness out of me. I ignore the statement and make a mental note of this as I proceed. I carefully prepare a bait to test my theories about his character. "Of course. Eleven years in charge does grant a certain wisdom about leadership."
"Yeah, I hear that! Had to make a lot of mistakes to get to where you're at, right?" He laughs jovially. I fake a smile. Wait for it... "Azinodos killing all those migrants before you finally took him out, all those unexplained noble disappearances, the big lava trap not working out - heck, what about this demon incursion? Bet you learned a lot from those recent losses, am I right?" He laughs again, making it all look like some big joke.
His tactics are perhaps worse than I suspected. I knew that he might leap for the first vulnerability I gave him, but such a ruthless attack so early? He even brought up Azinodos! So, this guy has dirt on me from all the way back when we started. No doubt he has dirt on every single dwarf who could possibly oppose him as a leader. It's all starting to become so clear to me how he won this election. Still, I have already prepared a counter for this. I nod grimly. "Indeed, I have learned much of the strength of our kind from the sacrifices of our kin. Our warriors trained night and day for such a glorious battle, and while it is regrettable that they are no longer among us, I'm proud to have stood beside dwarves brave enough to die in battle against such fierce opponents, and prouder still to stand alongside dwarves who have fought denizens of hell and lived to tell the tale."
He nods, again with the stupid plastered grin, and again pausing. Precisely as planned - I've dared him to take another jab when the honor of our kind, and specifically our military, is on the line. He has no honorable choice but to surrender his attack. "Yes, yes, Armok must be pleased to have such warriors now at his service."
"Of course. Now then, ézum, I have a lot of work to do quelling dissent among the populace. I must apologize, but I fear I don't have the time at present to trade stories. Was there a particular matter you wished to bring to my attention?"
"Ah! Yes, that. Again, not a big deal. It's about the recent mining designations."
"Are you having trouble digging the adamantine? I assure you, we've seen the last of the spirits of fire. The pit is sealed forever."
"Oh, not at all! My fellow miners are fearless. In fact, my concern is just the opposite. You and I both know that stuff is mint. Pure profit. A money mine."
"Let's not forget that the strength of that material will protect the lives of our military," I state with a hint of warning.
"Of course, of course. So, you and I both know that it's incredibly important to mine that stuff!"
"Mmhmm..."
"So, I just wanted to run this past you - see how this feels on ya - how about if you let us mine all the adamantine, without interruptions? Think you could belay some of those distractions? It's a win-win, if you ask me."
"Distractions? I don't follow you, ézum."
"You know, distractions! Other mining designations. Anything unrelated to getting our hands on that demon booty."
...Now I'm uncertain whether he's prodding for weaknesses, or he's just plain stupid. "Well, sure, that seems in line with our priorities, but--"
"Fantastic! So, I'll just go ahead and cancel any other mining designations."
"Hold on! I can't have all of the miners work solely on adamantine uninterrupted. There may be times when, in an emergency, we need something or someone dug out right away. For instance--"
"Ah, well Zon, baby, that's where YOU come in! See, so long as nobody makes any mistakes, nobody will get themselves trapped on the west side of a wall they just built. See, we can just be more vigilant in our other orders so the miners don't need to stop digging."
"Why is this so important to you, ézum? It seems to me that while you're not saying it outright, there's a particular mining designation you don't wish to complete."
"Nah! I'm just as excited as you to get all that adamantine out ASAP. I want to be the mayor who sets the record on fastest profit in the fort, you dig?"
Maybe I imagined it, but I could swear his voice got just a bit louder at the words 'I want to be the mayor.' Regardless, I think ézum has unintentionally revealed his true intentions to me. I feel my anger begin to flare up, but I mustn't let him get to me. "I cannot abide the Miner's Union ignoring my orders for any reason, profitable or otherwise. There are safety issues to consider, and our safety is more valuable than the adamantine."
"Sure, sure... that's why we opened the demon pit in the first place, right?"
"We did not open it. We were victims of their sorcery."
ézum lounges back in his chair and inspects his fingernails. "I gotcha, I gotcha. Sorcery which caused a pit-shaped slab of rock suspended precariously on a rigged pillar to suddenly fall. Look, Zon, if we're gonna lead together, you and I have to see eye to eye. It's no secret you intended to get in there sooner or later. Whether now was the time... it's not really that important. What's done is done, and we've got all kinds of sweet loot to gain. Lives were lost, sure, but - and you said it first - Armok would be proud of our sacrifice."
Fool! I quit paying attention to what I was saying for one second, and I let him get away with that. Enough of this farce. "I simply will not agree to cancel all other mining designations for the duration of the adamantine excavation. In fact, there is one particular designation which takes higher priority - and if I don't see Asob standing before me within the next five minutes, I'll hold you in contempt before the king!"
"Ha! Haha... Asob? The little elf coward is more important than--"
I do not let him finish. I slap that smug grin right off his damn face, and I stare him down. "The only coward I see is the one sitting before me. Are you really so afraid of Asob that you would ensure she remains locked away, out of your sight, until the end of your term? Until the next term, perhaps? You only won this election because Asob was unable to attend, and you know this. I see you, you filty worm, and I see that you intend to keep her indisposed as long as you can, just so you can keep defeating her one election after the next. You are a disgrace. Now you get the hell down there, you put that filthy pick in your grubby little hands, and you get digging."
ézum's eyebrow twitches, and then he begins breathing heavily through his nose. He then lets out a powerful yell.
"HOW DARE YOU TOUCH MY FACE?! NOBODY TOUCHES MY FACE!! I'M NOT DIGGING OUT THAT HALF-RATE EX-MAYOR AND THAT'S FINAL! I WORKED HARD TO GET WHERE I AM, AND NOBODY'S GOING TO TAKE THIS AWAY FROM ME!!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I sigh. Of course... we're not quite through the tantrum spiral yet. I mentally kick myself for giving the wheel another turn as he storms out of my office, in tears and screaming down the hall.
Seeing as ézum is presently out of commission, I hoist my axe and set off down the hall, hoping I won't need it. I make my way towards the weapon stockpiles in search of a pick - I'll just dig her out myself.
...But it seems I won't need to. As I journey through the dormitories, I see Asob, along with three other dwarves I haven't seen in just as long a time huddled closely behind. I smile to myself as I see Asob scribbling away in my journal, recording events in real time - just like I do. I hadn't been aware she had learned to do that, but I guess she's had a lot of time to practice.
They appear to have encountered a wild The Overlord. I actually have no idea how to stop him from engaging them, but I'll go ahead and give it a try. I might as well stop writing, too, - no need, since I'm sure Asob's getting all this right now.
Post by: Argonnek on December 23, 2012, 12:57:40 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on June 12, 2014, 09:11:22 pm
So, I could go on about important life excuses like buying my first house, switching jobs a couple of times, switching girlfriends just as many, etc. about why I never let this play out to its bloody end, but I won't. The honest truth is I'm in love with this story, especially the characters of Zon Rimtarothil and Asob Momuzzokun. Sure, it's technically a fan fiction, but when I get into the swing of it, I really pour my heart into it. Truth be told, Severedcoils is easily the most complete, thought-out story I've written on my own, and it was a heck of a lot of fun to write.
So, why'd I stop? Simple... I didn't want it to end.
It's clear to me that this fortress is on a collision course to destruction. More to the point, I think a part of me really can't bear to see either of the main characters die in some horrific way. I figured this out when I did the trial fight against the SoFs (dubbed 'Asob's Nightmare' earlier in the story); something about watching Zon run bravely into the billowing smoke to confront the most powerful enemies in the game, only to wind up limp on the stone floor of this hell I put her in... somehow, more than anything else I've done with this story, that non-canon moment I intentionally set up to fail "just to see what would happen" still haunts me. I frequently think back on it, just as I think of Zon saving the fort from the giant bat, as well as taking out an entire goblin ambush on her own with no armor.
It took me some time to realize that it wasn't life getting in the way between me and finishing this story. I'm stalling because I don't want to see it end. But you know what? Zon and Asob can't die as heroes if I don't let them die.
So, for old fans who have been left cold without an ending, to new readers who are probably wondering why a nearly 5-year old thread is suddenly popping up with a new post, and for Zon and Asob... I'm going to finish this.
LET THEM PULL THE LEVER!!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on June 12, 2014, 11:03:21 pm
Mid-Summer
Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam
---
Each passing day grows grimmer than the last. The people are restless - unable to cope with the losses of their friends, causing more casualties in turn. Even the guards, trained and hardened as they are, are not immune to the effects of this malaise.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
My eyes rest upon the note hastily dropped beside my door by... some poor soul, clearly in a hurry not to be seen in the hallway lest they meet the gaze of a madman and end up with their eyes gouged out as their assailant rants about the ≡Dwarven sugar roast≡ who told him his beard smelled nice. Looking back at my previous entry, I have no earthly idea how I was so confident only two weeks ago. 'Cursed death-trap' indeed... would that I had a choice in setting out upon this journey in the first place. So many lives have been lost on my command... but then again, many were saved as well, as my plan to crush the majority of the demonic forces spared the majority of this fortress from a terrible fate... but then again again, we never actually needed that adamantine to begin with.
My head hurts. These days, I find myself becoming anxious quite easily. I fear I must admit I do not have a contingency plan for the many things that can very easily go wrong. The gravity of this situation never quite dawned on me until it infected the militia. Suppose one of our champions goes mad? 'Archibold' still reigns supreme with seventy-seven notable kills, more than triple that of the next leading dwarf. There would be no stopping him.
My tongue is parched. I am thirsty, and yet I cannot bring myself to drink. As I sit here, alone, reveling in my plight...
"Augh, what is this I'm writing?! Some kind of wimpy elf poem? Next thing I know, some daft bard somewhere will make it the next big thing, the kids will all be wearing dark clothes and loitering in front of the markets not buying anything..."
I stop to see Kib Therlethzaneg, a Duches Consort, quivering outside my doorway, clutching her ≡Dolomite idol≡ as if her life depended on it. It only takes a moment to realize what's wrong.
"Oh... by the stones, I haven't gone mad quite yet! I'm made of stronger stuff than that, you know. I'm just thinking out loud to myself."
Kib scuttles away before I can finish my rebuttal. I sigh.
"Kovest... I need a drink." I pause, thoughtfully. "And I need a drinking buddy."
I walk outside, under the mildly annoying sun, to go and find Asob. As expected, I find her mortaring up a slab of basalt onto one of the ballista fortifications. Attentive to every detail, she carefully smooths the mortar between her slab and the next with the top of her +Copper pick+. I decide to get her attention by stepping into her mortar trough.
"What--?!" Asob recoils, and looks up at me with a very... foreign look to her eyes. A look of uncertainty, without recognition... a look I've never seen used in my direction. Her grip tightens around her pick. "Zon, er... wh, what are you doing?"
I had been in a good mood to see her, but now I respond carefully. "I... wished to see whether you would like to get schlitzed?"
She stares, uncomprehending. "You've stepped right into my mortar. How did you not see it?"
"Oh! I did see it, of course. I thought it would be funny."
"...You... thought it would be funny?"
Embarassed, I take my foot out of her mortar and wipe it on the grass. "Sheesh, I know I'm just a dabbling comedian, but I can't be that bad!"
Slowly, Asob's features calm a bit, though not completely. At least she appears less likely to snap the handle of her pick with a mighty death grip.
"Word's been spreading that you might be losing it, Zon. I've been worried."
"Worried? Wait-- losing it?? I mean, sure, it's no secret I don't handle stress well, and this is been a very stressful period, but... I feel as though I'm doing okay! Don't you?"
"ézum told everyone you struck him, and forced him to step down as mayor."
My face burns. I had forgotten about that... "He disrespected the honor of a hard-working dwarf, one who I hold in high regard. He deserved it. However, I did not pressure him to step down."
"Kib said she saw you talking to yourself."
"That... wow, that happened, like, practically on my way to see you. I guess when a consort has nothing better to do but spread gossip, they get really good at it!"
"And nobody's seen you for ages! It's like you disappeared off the face of the mountain, leaving us to our own devices."
"Asob, it's only been two weeks! I've been monitoring the situation more closely than you think."
"Really. Then I suppose you had far more pressing matters to attend to than 'The Overlord's' funeral."
".....What? When was this?? When did 'The Overlord' die?! How?!"
"A renowned champion died within your walls, and you really have no idea how or when it happened. You've... forgotten about us, Zon."
"No! Never. I've never forgotten, Asob. I would never--"
"Zon, please! Let go..."
I blink, and see that I had somehow taken Asob by the wrists and was now shaking them. "I-- I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was..."
"Zon..."
I gaze steadily at the grass, plastered to the ground by the mortar that was on my ≡giant cave spider silk sock≡, Left foot. Kovest be damned, I'm not even wearing shoes!! For a moment, I sympathize with the smushed and smothered blades of grass. They must be jealous at their unmolested neighbors as they blow freely in the wind. I shake these ridiculous thoughts out of my head.
"Asob. I'm sorry. I didn't realize how detached I had become. You are... right, as you often are."
"Often?"
"Always," I say with a smirk. "I've been trying too hard to take charge all on my own, internalizing every fault and wound the people of this place suffer. It's time that ends. I need your help, Asob."
"When haven't you?" Finally, I've got her smiling again.
"So... where do we go from here?"
Asob hands me an ornately carved blank slate. "You can start by writing 'The Overlord' his long-overdue obituary."
"Of course." I take a deep breath to collect my thoughts. The guilt I feel by missing something so important crushes me inside, but in a way, it is... cleansing. Like I'm picking myself up off the ground from a missed step. My heart feels free, and I--
"Eww, what are you writing?? Did you get a part-time job writing sappy sonnets for the elf-kids who hang out at Hot Topiary?"
I give Asob a look, and then set to writing the darn obit.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 30, 2014, 12:43:59 pm
Zon
--
The halls reek of death. Decay, despair, anguish. My attempts to quell the fury of the dwarves have so far been for naught. A thick miasma hangs in the air as the stench of rotting fish relentlessly wafts from the fisheries.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The smell goes all the way down those stairs into the lower storerooms, the main stairway interchange, and occasionally down into the metalworks facility. It appears the miners are more interested in a hematite vein near the nobles' quarters, and nearby are designations for more rooms. At this stage, I think we can safely say accomodating more unwanted guests is at the bottom of our priorities, so I de-designate those areas... except for that sweet, sweet hematite. That can come first. I forgot there are also orders for a new hallway between the main stairs and the metal stockpiles, as well as new chambers for housing new metal wares... I remove these as well to make sure those vents get dug!
Actually... on second thought, it's probably best the fisheries be moved entirely. I halt all fishering for now and designate a new room down by... oh, let's put it near the ballistas, that's not an overly important area. I'll still put in the vents, but then we could just extend them down south a little ways. The goblin traps need reloaded as well, so I set the animal husbandriers to that. Now we just need to wait for someone to get around to it...
So many residents are either stricken by melancholy or crawling around babbling. Most of these are guards or royal guards, including champions. Of particular note are čzum ňnulód the new mayor (Again, great job fort... seriously, good pick, 10/10, gold star, wow.) and Tekkud Lenodmeng the tax collector, who... somehow has broken both his left and right upper arms and suffered a spinal injury, is completely naked other than a fine layer of vomit and dwarf blood covering absolutely every inch of his body, and probably can't feed himself either.
My writing is interrupted as Kumil Oslanudiz, Royal Guard is throwing a tantrum. This reminds me that our guard quotas have been dropping steadily... and we don't need the nobles getting in on the free-for-all-in-the-halls. I fill out the remaining guard and royal guard slots with a Peasant, a Dyer, and a Potash maker. I don't bother taking names, but the one holding the baby gets to be the royal guard.
To keep the workers busy (at least, the ones who aren't supposed to be digging my fishery vents), I set up new orders for more of the ballista fortifications and walls.
...Aaand Quietust the philosopher is helping Kumil Oslanudiz the Royal Guard break ropes and free some vicious zoo animals. Fortunately, they're all very tame, so a wandering grizzly bear loose among the main meeting area does not appear to be a cause for immediate concern. Quietust, not quite fully satisfied with her escapades, then decides to pick a fist fight, wanders to the barracks to see how the pros do it, and promptly falls asleep on a cot. I'm not sure what philosophy books she's been reading... probably the preachings of Professor Macaque Dung.
Zuglar Melbiltinoth is found dead in the zoo (no, there were no grizzly bear marks found on his body), King Minkot is still throwing tantrums and breaking things, some kid jumped on a bed and broke it... our graveyard is filling up, so of course, many of the melancholy dwarves are getting that way because they're seeing their friends decaying. Well, if they didn't have friends, they wouldn't have a problem! I designate many more coffins and start filling in the tomb of the fire demons... after all, all this mess can be attributed to them.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Oh, good, the memorial ghost can't even spell 'greed' right. Fine... whatever, I'm not going to correct her. I'm wondering what's going on with those empty tombs though... they're for children, artisans, and workers. Did Asob just dump all of those into the larger tomb as a general bucket, and then we designated it for the spirits of fire? I didn't think we had that many casualties yet from that demon attack... Oh well. One more thing I can't do right, what's new?
"Nuh-uh! I bet I can shoot, like... 50 dwarves in less than a second! Watch, I'ma do it!"
...Oh, good. That would be the sound of Tulun Olonisden, a Marksdwarf, going berserk. I follow the sound of his voice and the terrified shrieks of innocent lives to see... sweet Armok, he's right in the middle of the main quarters.
I grab the nearest non-insane militiadwarf available. "Ilral! Detain him immediately before he hurts somebody!!"
Ilral Zozmonom Zocuktharith rushes in to comply. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Dumat Amudthob, an accomplished Axedwarf, rushing toward the scene as well. I think she's coming to help... until I see her swing wildly at Ilral, who thankfully heard her coming and dodges the attack.
"Dumat!! What are you doing?!"
"bAKed hAm And sAUsAge Ale!! fOr cAve LIzArds!!"
Dumat Amudthob, Axedwarf, has gone berserk, also right in the middle of the freaking quarters.
((DFMA)) (http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2681-tantrumberserkers) ((MOVIE)) The commotion attracts the attention of the military (thankfully...) (https://youtu.be/Oo4jxBNitY4)
In the end, Lorbam Murderedcloisters the Construct (a new title claimed by taking the life of a fellow dwarf...) kills Tulon, and Edzul Flagrough the Circumstantial Peaks takes the life of Dumat. Onlookers are understandably upset and miserable... Things are only going to get worse from here.
Post by: Aklyon on August 30, 2014, 01:02:23 pm
Post by: Nail on August 30, 2014, 01:33:29 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 01, 2014, 10:10:15 am
Post by: Nail on September 01, 2014, 11:04:57 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 06, 2014, 10:20:40 am
Late Sum.
Zon
--
Every day, the temptation to lock Asob and myself in the bunkers grows stronger. But the fort needs me...
Death has made itself home here. It roams about the fortress with its friends melancholy and insanity, and they intermingle with the the residents of our home and leave their acquaintances touched with sickness.
Today, the fortress population is down to 138. I have spent so much time dealing with each casualty one at a time that I haven't had the courage to look back and see how many have fallen. I had not realized until this morning just how devastating the tantrum spiral has been.
...And it is all my fault. All because I thought we needed adamantine. Because I thought the wealth of treasure and the impenetrable defense it provides as armor would benefit the fort. And we still haven't mined it yet.
I had put off formally writing updates for a while because I've been so busy dealing with calamity, but I have taken notes along the way and recorded everything. Before that pile gets too big, I will transcribe those events now.
Before getting to the tragedies, I will report on the few meager successes we've had in improving the fort. The captives from the previous wave of goblin raiders have been moved to the cells on top of the barracks tower, awaiting execution. We still don't understand the cause of the noble shower pumps breaking, but their reconstruction is well under way. Asob finally threw up her arms and started digging the fishery vents herself, and construction of floor grates to cover the holes is under way. Oh, and best of all, the ballista wall is finally finished!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Sadly, that's the extent of the positives we've had since my last update... The rest of the news is... quite disturbing to read, I must warn you.
King Minkot was seen ranting and raving through the halls and breaking things, as usual. I approached him, demanding he stop as he was setting a poor example for the fort's denizens.
"You are acting like a child!" I think I said. Not those exact words. "A nation needs a leader with a cool head and a calculating mind! You have the power to stop this if you just stop and think for a moment!"
"Speak to me in such a manner again, Zon, and I shall have you executed by your own hammerer!!" This wasn't the first time Minkot made threats like this, but considering his state of mind it was the first time I thought he'd really act on it. I dared not counter lest I angered him further. It didn't matter.
"You dare question my rule over my people?!" He continued. Again, I'm paraphrasing. "My nation does not take things lying down! My nation bands together under tragedy! Our enemies shall fear us!"
"Our en-- ...Your Highness, our enemies are dead! The spirits of fire have been vanquised and sealed--"
"Yet our fortress remains a target of plunder! Frequently, we are raided!! The demons were but a mere test of our mettle, and under my command, we have met the task with all the ferocity and violence it deserves! Thanks to me, the demons are gone, and now we can turn our attention to the true enemy!!"
I thought it best not to correct him about whose idea it was to drop a giant slab on top of the demons and crush most of them, including the head demon himself, and who organized the quick response of sealing over the pit to the underworld. Spoiler alert, it was me. Instead, I played along...
"Your majesty, time and time again the goblins have proven to be woefully inadequate to our military. Most of the time, their sieges can't even get past our flocks of giant eagles and packs of wolves. Our military seldom has to mop up!"
"Silence!! The goblins are no match for us, but your stupid, stinking animal army has done nothing to quell the real threat!"
"What are you--"
"Macaques, Zon!! Those filthy, thieving apes are always coming in, harassing our good people, stealing our stray bolts - dwarven bolts!! I will not rest until their entire species is extinct!!"
I couldn't have known his reaction at the time, but I wish I had never brought up the animals. I had no idea what was going through his mind, and I certainly had not expected that I would provoke him to...
...It's so hard to write about. It was absolutely terrible... I'll spare the gory details, but...
...To make a point of his argument, King Minkot took the nearest war dog... and killed it. Right there, on the spot. I don't think he meant to... but he just didn't stop until it was too late.
I'm just glad everybody who witnessed the event took it for what it really was - the murder of a friend.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I am not certain who the dog belonged to, but the aftermath could be felt almost immediately after. 'Falk,' one of our more esteemed guards, has been unable to complete his work, he's so distraught with anger.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We tried to calm him down, but he just kept getting worse. In the end, he picked up and shook Tosid Zozgoden, son of the legendary like-named couple Reg Eralgath and Reg Isanmörul. The criminal he was trying to punish got away (I have no idea who it was or what they did), so 'Falk' then went insane and murdered the nearest dwarf, Ast Kodortulon, a stonecrafter. His body was found in the hallway leading to my own bunker... so much for our safe havens. 'Falk' was arrested and executed for his crimes by Thîkut Eralzefon, a fellow guard and friend. 'Falk's' lover Meng Duthalmörul stepped up to fill his role and carry out the duty he left behind... but as miserable as she is over these events, I have to wonder how long it will be before she, too, succumbs to despair.
Soon after, we lost Monom Thobamal, an overly proud guard who refused to admit the full extent of her injuries.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Even as she slowly crawled through the fort using only her chin as locomotion, she still reported her upper spine to be "only lightly bruised." As she starved and grew thirsty, passing dwarves would ask if she needed help, but she refused to be seen an invalid and insisted on trying to climb up the stairs to the food stores herself. On her chin. Monom died of thirst before she made it to the stairs.
Dead things, thirsty and hungry things everywhere... I'm afraid to assign work to anybody. The fortress... the fortress needs to rest. Everyone needs a chance to settle down and deal with their problems. Perhaps what this fortress really needs is a summer vacation. I decide to simply wait and watch... there's little else I can do for the time being.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 19, 2014, 11:38:55 am
211
L. Smr
Zon
--
There's a stench in the air - of rot, and of decay. I don't understand it. The fisheries have their ventilation, and I've never smelled them all the way down here in my dining room. A heady air of defeat and failure settles over these halls, overpowering what joy I might have found in the dredges of this +Quarry bush Leaves roast+, a stark reminder that I am not as great a leader as I allowed myself to believe.
I never wanted any of this, I cannot stress that enough. However, the release of the hellspawn was indeed my doing, so by extension, the death and turmoil rampaging through these halls are my doing. I thought that the spirits of fire were the worst enemies we would have to face, but alas, it appears our worst enemies were within ourselves.
I'm startled as a hand gently rests itself on my shoulder. Were there zombies in the area, I might have jumped clean out of my beard, but I am relieved to see it firmly attached to the wrist of Asob. She stands beside my -Gabbro table-, picks a leaf off my salad, and scrunches her nose. "Too much prickle berry dressing. You can't use so much, it masks the more complex flavors of the Quarry bush Leaves."
"I used to appreciate such things," I reply with a faint smile, "but these days, I look at this roast and think 'Why hasn't this been converted to Dwarven sugar?'"
She grins, turns around to look for a chair, forgets that I only have one chair in my dining room, and sighs. We both know things haven't been easy lately. Our last encounter may have been a bit awkward, but I'm hoping she, like myself, wishes to move on from that. As dark as these times have become, we understand that what we really need is--
"When you're done writing Elven poetry, I need you to come with me. Things are getting quite dire out there."
I grumble. The 'complex flavors of Quarry bush Leaves' will have to wait. I push my plate aside and rise from my ☼Basalt throne☼. "You make it sound as though I haven't left my dormitories yet, Asob! I'll have you know, I've been very..."
I stop dead in my tracks... much like Tekkud Lenodmeng, the tax collector, apparently did right in my doorway, except literally. His body lay prone on his belly, his right arm outstretched as if he were crawling toward something. His hair looks thin and ragged.
"By Kovest! What happened to him? Why is he in my doorway?!"
"He died of thirst, probably trying to head down to the stockpiles in your bunker."
"...It smells like he's been there all night! Has nobody seen him?"
"Everyone's too busy, Zon. Too many things to move, too many dwarves to beat up..."
"These tantrums will be the death of us, Asob... and this is, like, the third thirst-related death on this floor! What in the hells is going on?"
"I haven't a clue, but the zoo has become a hotbed of protests and public demonstrations--"
"Protests?!"
"Yes! Don't you remember the grizzly bear that was released last moon? That was no accident..."
"Well I knew it wasn't an accident, but... public demonstrations?! Gods above and below, that bear could have killed a dozen dwarves before someone brought it down! We're lucky it was well trained!"
"Yes. Everyone's in an upheaval over the mayor's removal from office."
I groan. We step over the body of Tekkud and into the throngs of disgruntled dwarves. "Of course... he's done sooo much in the week he had in office before going insane. Why don't you fill the position, Asob? You loved being mayor!"
"I can't just step into my old office, especially after I was voted out! There are rules to follow. I'll have to campaign, and then wait until next election."
"So, the fort's just going to go mayor-less until then. Wonderful."
"There are, however, a few orders I've made on your behalf - apparently, my word still carries some weight, despite my lack of title."
"Alright, what are they?"
"So, I finally tuned in to Minkot's ranting and raving and discovered the source of his anger is Kib Therlethzaneg. It seems the masterwork engravings in her room has placed her dwelling into 'Royal' status. I've decreed that the territory of her room has been reduced - the north and east walls are now 'public,' and while this makes absolutely no difference to the quality of the room itself, it seems to have sated Minkot for now."
"Of course it would, the man never makes any sense. Good work!"
"Oh, and... Rith Ugoxhurbad, a wrestler, went berserk."
"Another one? Why is it mostly the military going insane and dying of thirst? We must investigate immediately."
We find ourselves outside the zoo. The room is filled with off-duty militia, guards, and royal guards, plus one Melbil Mistęmkogan, one of the Duke consorts. Ragged voices weakly chant the name of čzum, the mayor, from dry, cracked lips. Melbil watches on in mild amusement with a -Tin chalice- of booze. From the back of the room, a pair of bloodshot, drooping eyes sets upon me.
"Look!" Udib Oddomthosbut, a Marksdwarf, points at me. "It's Zon, the Betrayer! Let her have it, Logem!"
Betrayer...? The word stings, but I cannot allow them to see how much. I realize that Udib means Logem Ceroleral, a champion guard and a Legendary Wrestler decked out head to toe in our finest steel. Since the riots have started, I've not let my axe leave me side - now, I am glad. I reach for its hilt, glaring steadily at my foe while watching my peripheral vision for a surprise attack.
Logem approaches me with a slab of slate in hand. "Go on, take it," she says gruffly."
I watch her closely for a moment before snatching it away, wary the slab may be a trick and she may grab my wrist and pin me to the ground. No such attempt is made, however. The slab has a list scrawled upon it.
"Tell me what I'm looking at here," I demand, though I recognize fully well what it is.
Logem clears her throat and stands up straight, folding her hands behind her back. "This, Zon, is a list of our demands. We are no longer content with the conditions of this fort, and we demand the release of čzum ňnulód, our elected and rightful mayor!" A fellow guard pats Logem on the back, and there are several cheers from around the room.
Sure enough, the very first demand on the list is 'The safe release of čzum ňnulód, unharmed,' placed in bold above other demands such as 'Release the captive animals from the zoo,' 'Release the Giant eagles and wolves from their cage,' and 'Double sugar-roast Tuesdays.' Did an elf write these?!
"Explain this to me," I demand. "What makes you think čzum ňnulód is being held captive? By whom? You are the guards, after all."
"We know full well of your secret dungeon, Zon," claims Ustuth Ikudmörul, a royal guard equipped with a (Steel crossbow) in one hand and a squalling baby in the other. "We've seen it. We've seen what you do to our captives, and you are sick!"
"Our captives are brought to the top of the tower, locked in a cage, and await execution. By your hands."
"Not all of them!" Udib steps forward. His voice is scratchy and dry, and he chokes out every word. "Deep in the mines, surrounding the pit of demons - we've seen the pikes, the chains, the disemboweled and dismembered humans, elves, even fellow dwarves, chopped to pieces and made unrecognizable! We know you're holding čzum there for your sick torture!"
Asob and I share a look of disbelief. "Are you serious?! That's the demon's pit!! Those bodies were there before our miners even breached those walls! You know full well we have never captured an elf or a dwarf!"
"Suuure."
Asob steps in for my defense. "You are the guards!! If there were secret prisoners, you would have been the ones escorting them! I supervised the expedition responsible for breaching those walls, and I can attest that Zon's words are true - those bodies have been there since before we settled this land!"
We are interrupted by a loud, exasperated groaning behind us. We turn, and see none other than čzum himself wandering by... in a state of complete melancholy, of course. I grab him and pull him to my side.
"Here. Your mayor is safe and sound. See? Not a scratch on him."
Udib gasps. "Look what you've done to him!! The man can hardly hold up his head! How long have you been torturing him?!"
čzum lets out a loud, wailing moan.
"He has been wandering these halls - not quietly, I might add - this whole time!! What makes you think he has ever been captured?!"
"A decoy!" Logem exclaims. "You have someone dressed as čzum wandering the halls to lead us astray! This is not čzum!!"
The whole room erupts in shouts of anger. I stare at čzum - Hungry, Dehydrated, Drowsy, and Miserable.
I shout at the top of my lungs: "SILENCE!!!"
Everything stops, except for čzum's whimpering.
"Melbil. Your cup, please?"
The Duke consort scoffs. "This, my dear, is a chalice, and it is mine! I shall forgive your lack of culture only this once."
"You fool, this man is nearly dead! Give him your drink, now."
I'm getting pretty good with the commanding voice, it seems. Melbil rolls his eyes, but complies, coming forward and offering čzum his chalice. He groans and holds his head, looking straight through the cup, if he's seeing it at all. I take it from Melbil and hold it to his lips, at which point he purses his lips and pushes me away. The chalice clatters to the floor, spilling Longland beer everywhere.
"Did you see that? Zon attacked him!" The uproar resumes.
"Alright, enough - I said ENOUGH!!" Silence, again.
"You owe me a beer."
"Shut up, Melbil." I address the crowd. "Who is putting you up to this?"
"Taba--" Logem starts to say, but Ustuth clamps her mouth shut. "She means, to be determined at a later date! But for now, the thirst strike continues!!"
"Thirst strike?!"
Udib proclaims, "Until our demands are met, we will not drink a single sip of booze!! You will meet our demands, or else you'll soon be lacking a military!"
Loud cheers erupt from the zoo. I have lost this battle. I exit the room and close the door behind me, and again, the chants for 'čzum' resume. Asob places a friendly hand on my back.
"What do we do now? Are you going to give in to their demands?"
I pass the slate to Asob so she can read them. "Of course not. Our military has lost its wits. No dwarf worthy of the name would come up with demands like these. Our captured giant eagles are the pride and joy of Severedcoils! It's our claim to fame!"
"That, and the suspicious nature of the deaths of every single Duke who's ever set foot in the land..."
"Shh."
I take a moment to reflect upon the situation, before coming to a decision. "Asob, pass these orders along to the workers: To the left and to the right of this very doorway, we shall designate two new stockpiles. One shall be filled with fish and prepared meals, and the other shall be filled with booze. If they will not leave the meeting hall to retrieve their food, we shall bring it to them. Surely, once they can see and smell it, they will give in and eat and drink."
"Alright... well, what are you going to do?"
"I'm going to clean up. Tekkud's body isn't the only one I've seen lying around. If nobody else has time to move the bodies, then it shall become my burden - Kovest knows it already has, that lout. I'm relieving myself of all duties other than burial until this fort no longer reeks of a morgue."
Post by: Nail on October 19, 2014, 02:41:17 pm
Anyways, great storytelling like always! Keep it up!
Post by: Dozebôm Lolumzalěs on April 27, 2015, 04:28:43 pm
This is so awesome. I've enjoyed every bit of it. This is up there with the biggies.
However, I don't want to force a quick end just by bumping. You know, like with the original Urist, where that guy just made her find the demons, and everybody (all two of them) died?
This stuff is great, and I'd love to see more, but not at the expense of THE END. You know, looking at the year-long breaks, it doesn't even matter. The story's there.
Just... Please? Some update? Maybe?
P.S. Sorry for the necro, but it also means more people will get to see the awesomeness that is Severedcoils.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on June 09, 2015, 07:39:36 am
Glad to see people are still enjoying this, even after all the unwanted hiatuses... hiatusi?
To be perfectly honest, I just feel like I'm being pulled too many directions - and it's neither a recent thing, nor is it a thing I see going away any time soon. If I'm not writing, I'm either doing work around the new house or relaxing with a video game - and usually, if I'm doing either of those, I feel guilty for not doing the other two things. I don't want to give up on this or my other non-DF stories I'm working on, but finding time for this means giving up on other things that might be more important right now.
I know hiatuses are annoying, but I'm still not considering this 'abandoned.' At the same time though, I don't want to disappoint you because I really do see this story as very close to completion. I've thought about popping open the demon pit and letting it end like that, but that would be pretty cheap and rather disappointing to readers. I may not have to, though - the tantrum spiral doesn't actually appear to be letting up, and it's only a matter of time before the king finally loses his mind. I think that'll be the tipping point that really brings this to a close, but he sure is taking his good ol' time!
I really am sorry I keep dropping this - but I do check in from time to time, and seeing it still has supporters wanting to see it through is a huge deal for me. I've got some work to do setting up the world of a new role-playing forum, but I'll try and sneak some time off to do some work here.
Thanks for the vote of confidence! I'll try not to let you down.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 02, 2019, 10:33:23 pm
Sheesh, how long's it b-- 2014?! 2014... not 2015 when I said I was going to try, 2014 since my last real update? Really? Yikes...
Well, we should do something about that - and we should do something special, since you've all been waiting so long.
Severedcoils - The Finale, Pt. 1 is available on Twitch. (https://www.twitch.tv/videos/374453741) It's about time we pull that lever... one last time.
...ah. Well. It seems this fort actively does not want to die. The game seems to be deliberately resisting my attempts to kill it, soo... haunted save?! Story segment incoming, this was an interesting disaster to come home to.
Also, I believe I've found a new image hosting site that seems totally free. I'd like to preserve the legacy of this fort, so I'm slowly going to reupload and relink images, as I do still have them all saved locally. It's just... a lot... of posts to edit. Wheee...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 03, 2019, 02:07:35 pm
211
MAu
Zon
---
Spoiler: Those lousy, lazy, ungrateful... dwarves!! (click to show/hide)
The thirst strike goes on, apparently. I have designated food and drink be brought to the zoo, and yet the pile remains empty. The FOOD is there, but no drink. There are over 600 drinks available in the fort. They are neither inaccessible nor forbidden, they simply do not care to leave the company of those stupid animals long enough to take care of themselves.
Or... maybe they are drinking, and are so thirsty that the stockpile can't keep up? Who knows. Who cares.
...I am becoming disturbingly comfortable with that phrase. 'Who cares.' Who cares. Look at it. What a wonderful, simple phrase. To be so ignorant of the lives of these dwarves, to be so detached as to be able to ignore their squalling. To walk down these halls without seeing smears of blood on the floors and walls from the latest fist fight.
It sounds... nice. Like a peace I can neither fathom nor attain. To ascend above all this bloodshed and name calling and bickering and ideologies... wouldn't that be nice? Would there be anyone here within these halls who would know how to live such a life?
...Minkot.
I retch at the very thought. To consult with the King, that bully of a dwarf who revels in the displays of bravado meted out on the stairwell, in the dormitory halls, in the zoo. That wretched, filthy zoo. Never have I regretted building such a thing. I regret it more than the 'Noble Shower' itself.
And yet... as if he knows I am chiseling about him this very instant, here he comes, strolling around the corner with blood on his robes and his fists. His eyes are hollow, and yet he regards me with a coy smile upon his lips.
"Ah, Zon. Good day to you, dear Clerk. I have just come from the depot upstairs! The traders stand in awe at our piles of (narrow steel) odds and ends plucked clean from our enemies, and their mouths water at the smells of our *Dwarven sugar roasts.* Asob should have no problems whatsoever cleaning them of all they have."
I nod, hardly able to find words for the occasion. He is in such a great mood, and yet... "I am pleased that you are happy, sire," I start, "but I must ask... why are you covered in blood?"
"Oh, that?" The King laughed. "That would be dog's blood. I couldn't find my ≡Bismuth bronze chalice≡ this morning. It put me in such a sour mood, I just had to watch the light leave something's eye at my hand. You should have heard its owner! 'Burneddoor, no, how could you!'" The King spittled as he laughed. "I mean, really! 'Burneddoor?' Who calls a dog that? I put the poor thing out of its misery, if you ask me!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Disgusting. Filthy. Horrible. Wretched. Foul. ...and happy. Who gave him the right...
...I am suddenly aware of the silence. The conversation has come to a lull. He is looking at me... no, at the tablet in my hand, as I... am chiseling... about this? In real time? Uh oh...
"Let me see that, Zon."
---
This could very well be my last entry. His Highness King Minkot has seen what I wrote. He gave the tablet back and commanded me to follow him. Follow where? What does he intend? My throat is parched, like those of the dwarves who insist upon their thirst strike.
We go down a flight of stairs, then another. We go down the long, windy hallway, around and around the bends meant to stall the advance of batmen. It takes all the courage I have to follow him out towards the edge of the bottomless pit, to the long plank built out over its ledge.
The Noble Shower. The lever... he intends for me to pull it.
"What gives me the right, Zon?" He whirls on me with his arms up in the air, his chest puffed out. Those hollow eyes are now filled with a righteous fury. "My lineage. My royalty. My crown. Most importantly, Zon, it is my faith.."
Faith... now, there is a word I am not well accustomed to.
"Tell me, Zon, who is it you worship? What deities do you revere in your hours when you are not toiling and tolling?"
I falter. "Kovest, sir- sire, your Highness."
"And?"
"...That's it. There is... not a whole lot of time for worship between labor, my liege."
King Minkot scoffs. "And that is why you suffer, Zon. You do not revere the forces which have placed you within this rock. I myself am a worshipper of Kovest. I am also a faithful worshipper of Nikot the Ray of Robustness, a casual worshipper of Ongong Brandedgilt the Pearl of Fire, an ardent worshipper of Limul, and a worshipper of Logem. I came into this world the son of Domas Wrungurns and Libash Containbridged, both devout worshippers themselves. We have always made time for the gods - and oh, have they rewarded us. I mean... look at me. I am your King. Some would say I was simply born into power through luck of the draw, but to that, I laugh! Our history and our faith rewards our family, and here I stand today, above you and above all the denizens of this crypt of a fortress."
I wring my sweaty, clammy hands. This is a different King Minkot than I have dealt with before. Where did this come from? Any strength I may have enjoyed over him or over the workers or the militia seems to be absent in this moment.
"Why are you just standing there, gawking at me like a peasant? Do you not believe me?"
"I..."
"Then watch."
The King turns about and heads straight for the platform. He walks out onto the plank, through the double-doors, and puts his gilded hand upon the lever.
"Minkot!!" I cry out in horror, not for his sake, but for the fort's. Gods above and below damn this man for his arrogance, but if he kills himself now, while the citizens of Severedcoils are so near a full-blown revolt... I fear his passing would leave the fort in an irretrievable state of decline.
"That's 'Your Royal Highness, the One and the Only, King Minkot 'Reliccounsel' Zanegamkol, to you!"
The gaping void beneath his feet echoes with a 'ker-chunk'. King Minkot has pulled the lever.
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Post by: KenboCalrissian on April 20, 2019, 09:48:52 pm
ALL IMAGES MIGRATED TO A NEW HOST AND UPDATED!!
*phew* That was rough. I hope this new host doesn't suddenly go under now that I've trawled through 51 pages editing image tags! (And somehow, I have 3 "posts" worth of images left unused, and no idea where they belong. Must have been planned updates that never got written years ago...)
I doubt anyone still reads this anymore. So, why bother? Eh... to be honest, I guess this story's still important to me. It became more than just a fort challenge at some point, and it still sticks in my craw as something left unfinished. Plus, I've become really attached to Zon and Asob as fictional characters, so I hate to leave them hanging. Hence the previous update... I had tried to bring the fort to a deliberate end, but...
...It, um... the game resisted me.
No, seriously, I'm pretty sure the save for this fort is actually haunted. We had the first failure of the noble killing trap - in favor of the king, no less - and then a myriad of other complications arose following that (which I've yet to write about, but am dying to) preventing me from repeating the same attempt without first putting a few extra hours of playtime into it. Severedcoils knows its time is long passed due, but it's not going down without a fight. It has become self-aware and is resisting its own demise. I'm only half-kidding.
Now that all the images have been updated and the thread has been restored to its former glory, I can get back to
I'll be honest though, don't hold your breath. I'm making serious progress on a sci-fi novel that might only be another year or less off from being published, and unfortunately this story has to come second (and even the novel has to deal with me taking too many breaks...) It's been fun going back and re-reading some of this though, and I consider this one of my best precursors before taking writing seriously. I actually do want to see about converting this into a novel of its own one day!
So... yeah! Definitely trying to bring this monster to a close, and I'll try not to keep everyone (well, whoever's left) waiting.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on April 20, 2019, 10:27:57 pm
Limestone (basically the whole month)
Asob
Things have gone from bad to worse. So little time, so much to do. So much to dig, so much to... clean, blood and guts and vomit on every wall. Goblin guts on the outside, dwarven guts on the inside.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I... think this was Endok Dakostang, now just a dank stain where once was a mason. I can only imagine what happened here... did he go insane, like so many others? It seems to creep through these halls, a silent killer in our midsts.
Ever since those Spirits of Fire... though they themselves had killed only a handful, the death toll still rises. I'm convinced something else must have snuck out of that pit, and it seems almost every day it claims another soul.
This blood, smeared across the walls and our hearts... much of it is on my hands. Ever since we found that adamantine... I thought I could help bring our fortress to prosperity, but this... it was not worth this. And that spell, that blasted spell I'd attempted, the one that misfired brought about the cave-in and cracked open that pit... Why did I choose to dabble with such forces?
As I've said though, there is much to do. Hardly enough time to dwell on things. As much as I really feel the need to sit and dissect my thoughts, there simply... isn't time... no time to heal. Just keep moving...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Oh, dear... and, I must be off. Tantrums in the keep... I can only jot down notes as I run to tend to what I can.
Reports of beds being destroyed, but don't know where. I was so proud of those beds...
Imush Kĺtâkňnul, child, destroyed a Gold Throne in Zon's bunker dining room! ...Good. I'm still furious with her over what happened to 'Di...' It pains me to admit, it's hard to say we're still friends after that...
Kumil Oslanudiz, Royal Guard goes insane while sparring in the barracks. Which is odd considering he's in the zoo when this happens.
čzum ňnulód, the former mayor, has died from thirst. Re-elected Mayor come Autumn... Oh, it's me, again. I should be happy... *sigh*
Zuntîr Ducimular, Royal Guard, ran headlong into the pond and attempted to drown himself, but upon hitting the water had second thoughts and climbed out via the strategically placed ramps along the side. Looks like Zon had a good idea installing those from the outset... Would that I could I see her committing to a plan of such dwarvitarian nature today.
...And then... Zuntîr had third thoughts and jumped back into the pond, drowning himself for real. At least he had the decency to strip naked and leave his belongings somewhere we could reclaim them.
...And then Kumil Oslanudiz, another Royal Guard, decided to jump in after him, taking her own life as well. So much for those ramps...
Quietust in her infinite wisdom decided to walk into the barracks and destroy a bed. You'd think someone so in tune with her thoughts would have had a better idea.
Subetrovod traders come. As usual, we get everything we want and some stuff that we don't off of decorated crafts (and goblin junk, of course). The trading is over quickly, but... I see an opportunity for cleaning the fort. I assign every goblin bauble and damaged, discarded clothing item to be brought to the trading depot. They won't be needed this time around, but the elves can haul our garbage away for us.
Lost track of all the guards who've killed themselves or died of thirst - roughly six this month alone.
One thief killed.
I've finally caught up to the number of bodies that have been in need of graves since the release of the demons...
We haven't had any guard suicides lately... I hesitate to say the tantrum spiral might be tapering off, thanks to the addition of the miasma grates and reducing the size of that one bedroom Minkot was whining about. So, with all that said and done, what are we left with?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Oh... well, at least the population of the fort has dropped enough that our guard requirements fell with it! Eheh...
"Asob!" I abruptly hear my name shouted from the voice of the last person I want to see. "Have you seen my journal!"
"Oh, yes," I turn so Zon can see me chiseling away. "I thought I'd give you a hand, since you seemed rather busy pulling levers and drowning dwarves."
I freeze at my own words. My bitterness slipped out unbidden! But... she doesn't seem to notice?
"Ah, yes. Thanks. Good. I have a meeting with King Minkot soon. About breaking up this thirst strike..."
"Thirst... strike?"
"Yeah, a bunch of dwarves are holed up in the zoo, refusing to take drink even when it's brought to them. Convenient, though - if they drop dead, they can just feed the bears!"
Zon laughs, but it is a hollow sound. Her eyes... they don't change. There is no emotion left.
"So, if you don't mind, I'll be taking that. Thanks!"
And just like that, Zon takes her diary, slipping it away from this page that I'm still writing... Apparently, not interested in the least in my current updates...
As she turns, I gasp. A tear in the back of Zon's clothing reveals a possible explanation for her behavior. Could it be that last thief she'd encountered had left its mark?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Before I can say anything, she's gone. My friend... is gone.
I guess I'll hang onto this slab until...
Post by: Quietust on April 21, 2019, 09:21:24 am
Now that all the images have been updated and the thread has been restored to its former glory, I can get back toI'm pretty sure it's safe to say that you're not the only one left who's still interested in this story.procrastinatingproviding fine, quality updates for exactly one person still interested in this (which is probably just me).
Quietust in her infinite wisdom decided to walk into the barracks and destroy a bed. You'd think someone so in tune with her thoughts would have had a better idea.I see my dwarf is still making things interesting for you. :)
It's a shame I missed that previous Twitch stream - while you were looking with confusion at some parts of your fortress (e.g. at the paved roads inside the obsidian farm), I actually recognized what they were for (in that case, I strongly suspect they were drainage channels which were paved to prevent tree growth).
Post by: Superdorf on April 21, 2019, 09:33:22 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 07, 2020, 12:50:16 pm
Hello all! It seems like every few years, I remember this thing existed and keep coming back to it. I fully intend to see this through to some kind of end, but I've been getting stuck on the story-telling. As you're probably sick of hearing by now, I don't have the time anymore to devote to this story like I used to, but I'd hate to just end it abruptly over a scheduling conflict. Quite frankly, I'm ready for this fort to end so I can move on to the next one - I still haven't played beyond .40d, because I'm just too invested in Severedcoils to move on until it reaches a satisfactory conclusion.
Recently though, I've been re-inspired. I found kruggsmash's Youtube channel, and as a Youtube creator myself, I'm seeing all the things I could have been - no, could be doing today to build more experiences to share with the community, and it's got some -=microclase mechanisms=- turning.
If you've been around and watching this story all this time, then let me buy you a *plump helmet ale,* friend. I couldn't have made it this far without your support. I also owe you an ending. I don't want to leave anyone hanging, and I feel I should do everyone the respect of finishing what I started - to the readers, to the community, and to the devs who made it all happen. You guys rock.
The experience of writing this story is one I've carried with me for a good chunk of my life now. But if I'm ever going to be a successful writer, then that means I need to prove I can complete a story successfully - including, and especially, Severedcoils. I have a few ideas on what I want to do with it - including a possible megaproject that will for certain cause the fortress to drop like a rock - but the current format takes too much time to point out too many details. So, I'm thinking of changing to a model that will involve less posts covering larger periods of time. To make up for it, I'm planning on streaming Severedcoils like I did last time, so if you like the individual details, you can see them in action!
I'm also going to start a new project in 44.12 (just got it set up last night) that I'll eventually share. You might see me poking around the mod forums looking for suggestions on how to use Dwarf Fortress to manage a DnD campaign (or figuring it out myself if I have to). In time (surely, you've learned by now not to hold your breath!), I'd love to share what I do with that, too.
Don't get your hopes up quite yet - I still have real-life obligations to maneuver around, as always - but we're almost at the finish line.
Post by: Graysire on February 15, 2020, 02:39:10 pm
Post by: KenboCalrissian on February 21, 2020, 06:13:23 pm
So, I just binge read all of this, and I have to say, Dwarf Fortress stories are inspiring. Boatmurdered, Headshoots, Syrupleaf, Spearbreakers, and many more are inspiring, they put images in my head that inspire me to create my own fantasy worlds, filled with slightly obscure references to them. But I don't think any has made me want to do that more than this story, I can feel the tightening of my heart in my chest, saying that THIS is truly an amazing work, that this story is one that inspires me to become a better write, to build better worlds, to write bigger stories. You have created something truly special here, and I'm so very happy I've been able to read it.
Wow... Thank you, so very much. From the bottom of my heart, you have no idea how much I needed to see this. I feel bad that I've dragged this story out for so long without giving it a proper ending, but it also serves as an example of how life tends to get between us and our passion.
For whatever inexplicable reason, Severedcoils has never left me. It's more than just a fanfic fort I ran on a whim around a decade ago; It's also, currently, the best public example of what I can do as a writer. The site I had originally used to get started with the craft no longer exists, and I lost all my precursor work with it. From here, the bulk of my effort has been going into an unrelated novel, but Severedcoils frequently pops up in my mind as it's a story that happened organically, I really let myself be free to narrate whatever happens, and I can refer back to it to see how my writing has changed over the years.
In fact... I have a surprise. I had initially stopped by specifically to post this, but your kind words have actually done me a favor and set the stage for...
Severedcoils - The Novel (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RpSJwDQl31Gd52GH_QNRQJkwQTz8jVhUmtysLDj-dpo/edit?usp=sharing)
I'm involved in a writing group, where I've been sharing my sci-fi novel with a small group of people for feedback during my second draft rewrite. I'm burned out from the novel, I need a break. Meanwhile, I'm becoming more involved in Dungeons and Dragons (yeah, hey, keep an eye out for an ALL NEW Challenge Fort coming up in the near future, I've been Katamari-balling ideas for a new type of challenge and think I'm pretty close to firm on what I want to do) and watching kruggsmash, and it's giving me ideas. I'm still working things out, so I don't want to say any more than that - but suffice to say, Dwarf Fortress looks to be making a comeback in my life, so I hope that this means things can finally get moving so I can wrap this story up.
Again, thank you for your kind words. You have no idea how much it means to me to be able to create an experience that can leave such an impression. I really needed the encouragement to keep going :)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 26, 2020, 05:51:49 pm
211
EWi
Zon
---
That bastard. That rotten, cheating, manipulative... Hmph, broke a chisel.
Minkot played me. During his tantrums leading up to our... encounter, Minkot was seen heading into the maintenance shafts above the pit. Sure enough, several axles have been destroyed, pulled clean out of their gear assemblies. He must have premeditated that entire encounter.
I'm not really sure what to do now. The king knows where I stand well enough to make a mockery of it, and yet I am too deeply implicated in his plot to seek consolation from others. Thankfully, there's been no further aggression from the king, and he doesn't seem to have many fans around here either, so for now, there's been little but uneasy tension to speak of.
Asob has not spoken to me in months.
Time seems to be standing still. There is much left to do to see through my designs, but it feels as though there is not much time left for me in this world. A miasma sweeps through the fort as more and more dwarves turn to riot, and with good reason. There is little left I can do to affect the outcome but embrace it and accept my part in it.
And even then, she probably couldn't forgive me. I may be beyond that now.
I watch the days go by, taking idle note of the goings on of the fort's denizens. The Noble's Shower is repaired, though frankly, I'm not sure we'll be needing it any more. Maybe once more, depending. The engravers are carving masterpieces in the crypts. The soldiers are becoming more experienced. Bukčtleshal, an obsidian Bracelet, is created by the farmer Thob Vabôkshar, bearing the image of Degël Strokedchanneled, the founder of the Swift Arches in 1. Some migrants have decided to brave this terrifying place, knowing it may be their tomb.
Heh... well, I suppose I couldn't do worse, right? Let's see, that brings our population up to... up to... err, 135. Huh.
I sigh as winter falls upon us. Our food and drink stores are plentiful, as always, so it is not the winter I fear, but rather the closeness to which I must keep to my enemies in the wake of the encroaching cold.
I can see it on their faces, every one. They've had enough. They aren't stupid. They know what we're doing. What I've done. They turn a blind eye, because they can't bear the thought that these walls, wherein barons are murdered and the wheels of intrigue grind blood, were built with their hands. Each and every one is complicit in the pox created by this fort.
Would that we could be cleansed from this world - to leave the old days behind, to make way for the new, to move on from this outdated game and perhaps be reborn into some new challenge. But first, how could I possibly remove the blight of this fortress?
...Well... actually, I... no, I couldn't. But... I would have to be at least four kinds of insane to go through with that. I dare not commit my plans to page.
...But I begin, nonetheless, in earnest. For redemption.
Post by: Quietust on August 28, 2020, 08:54:42 am
Any chance of posting an updated world download before the end? The last one was from Late Spring of year 209 (and was uploaded to DFFD over 10 years ago - wow, how time flies), which was before the HFS got unleashed.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 29, 2020, 02:36:24 pm
211
EWi
Zon
---
I mentioned it before, but the Noble's Shower has been repaired. I figured I should include a chiseling of the schematic, since it's been updated slightly.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I... must admit, I'm not entirely sure how I put this together before, and ended up digging new channels to fit the axels where they need to go.
But... this is too small. It's what Minkot expects. I fear he may be plotting my demise, but then, why keep me alive this long? It's been months since our encounter, and nothing's come of it. It's bizarre. It makes my skin crawl, like I know I'm being played.
That's why, if I'm to set things right and undo this mistake, I will have to outplay him.
I've had this plan in mind for a long, long time, but to be frank, I've been afraid to implement it, or even to commit it to page. But now, as I stand facing what may very well be the brink of my own destruction... I can ignore it no longer. I know how to set myself - and this world - free of Severedcoils forever. I just haven't had the nerve - I've even avoided logging updates for quite some time, knowing what had to be done, just never wanting to admit it. But... it's time.
Step one: We need to find some diamonds.
Currently, the only diamond in our fort is a large, black diamond that belongs to Kikrost Ĺblelthestar, our Dungeon Master. Hm, did she bring that with her, or did she find that among our stockpiles...? Well, no matter. Nice as it is, it isn't what we're looking for. Perhaps we can talk her into parting with it and using it as a set piece, though.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Hm, where do we find diamonds? Asob would know, as head of our mining operations, but communication with her has been... spotty, at best, if at all existent. Harumph... Well, I can't well run a fort like this, letting personal squabbles stand in the way of progress. I will need to go talk to her and sort things out. Not sure how much time I have left to do so, after all...
I head over to Asob's office with a bottle of strawberry wine. I know I've used this gesture too many times for it to be effective, but to not even try would be even worse. I take a deep breath, swallow my pride, and enter.
Asob's chamber is barren, except for one corner in which a mismatched set of armor has been placed atop an ashen chest. An exceptional turtle shell left gauntlet, a well-crafted grizzly bear leather helm, a Steel low boot imported from Pesor Siti, a Pig tail quiver from Subetrovod, an iron shield with a superiorly designed image of many-pointed stars in grizzly bear bone, deer leather armor, and an ashen crossbow. What an... interesting... assortment of choices. The office is empty, but I hear noise below.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Our once-secret bunkers have, for whatever reason, been commandeered for general use by the public as storage space, despite having to walk through our offices to get there. Zuglar Sazirzursůl, Tulon Ducimkęshshak, Cog Zocoldomas, ďteb Nicatlitast, and Kosoth Vabôkrodoldeth are all down in Asob's bunker, rummaging about for food or playing around in the furniture stockpile. None are dwarves who I would expect to have any idea where Asob might be.
Still, I am in a bit of a hurry. I decide to ask ďteb, a blacksmith, what she knows about diamonds.
"Oh, my, Limul," ďteb wailed to Kosoth, a cook. "Did you smell that miasma the other day? What was that?"
"Oh, ha ha," Kosoth laughed as she slipped her fish cleaning knife into her back pocket, "you know, I bet it was that dragon! When's the last time anybody's cleaned that poor thing? It just sits behind that wall of metal bars all day, I bet there's something cool we could do with that."
"We should arrange a party and brainstorm for ideas!"
"Yes, yes! Why, it's sat there so long, I bet Zon doesn't even know what to do with it! I bet if people just started shouting ideas and one of them was pretty cool enough, something might happen with the dragon!"
"Ahem!" I clear my throat.
"Oh!" Kosoth blushed. "'Morning, Zon! How, err, are you this fine day?"
"Wonderful. Certainly wondering how a dragon might fit into my plans, but I'm all ears."
"O-- oh! Well... What are your plans?"
"Nevermind that. ďteb!"
The blacksmith turns to me. "Like, whaaaa?"
"Surely, you work with metals, so you must know a thing or two about where they come from, yes? Do you happen to know where we should dig to find diamonds?"
"Huh? Diamonds? Like, do those look like metal to you?"
"Well, no, but metals and gems both come from the earth! I just thought perhaps--"
"Oh, so if it comes from the dirt, it's all the same, right? Pshh! Zon, honey, you're killin' me." ďteb giggled the way one would expect of somebody who actually prefers to consume Sewer brew.
"Check the gabbro layers, specifically wherever you've found kimberlite," Kosoth said. "I think I've seen some in a few sites around level 13."
"Um... Wow, thank you, Kosoth! How do you know so much about diamonds?"
"It's like baking," she said with a nod. "Gems, metals, stone, it all forms under specific heats and pressures. Like baking. You only get bread with the right application of heat and pressure, not to mention getting the ingredients right. Geology and baking are basically exactly one-hundred percent unequivocally the same thing and I will die on this hill, one of them just tastes better that's all."
I... think I probably nodded, or something, I'm not really sure. I walked out of the room with my head spinning, tracked down the nearest miner, and set them to work.
If Asob has a problem with me delegating her workers... well, then she'll have to come talk to me about it. Might not be the best way to motivate a conversation, but I can make it work.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 29, 2020, 03:03:04 pm
I'm not sure what sort of ending you're planning for this fortress, but I trust that it will be glorious.
Any chance of posting an updated world download before the end? The last one was from Late Spring of year 209 (and was uploaded to DFFD over 10 years ago - wow, how time flies), which was before the HFS got unleashed.
Got an up-to-date save right here. (https://dffd.bay12games.com/file.php?id=15197) Good timing, since I'm about to make some pretty drastic changes. This is going to evolve into a totally different challenge, and I may not reveal what that challenge is until it's set in place.
Post by: Quietust on September 01, 2020, 01:25:28 pm
Got an up-to-date save right here. (https://dffd.bay12games.com/file.php?id=15191)I think you went one directory too high - it contains Severedcoils year 211, but it also contains all of the seasonal autosaves going back to the summer of year 201.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 10, 2020, 05:28:22 pm
Got an up-to-date save right here. (https://dffd.bay12games.com/file.php?id=15191)I think you went one directory too high - it contains Severedcoils year 211, but it also contains all of the seasonal autosaves going back to the summer of year 201.
Thanks for the heads up - I reuploaded it and changed the original link to point to the new download.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on September 30, 2020, 06:03:30 pm
211
MWi
Zon
---
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
When Minkot - the Engraver, not the king - informed me of sudden job cancellations around the diamond operation, I thought I knew right away what I would find when I went down there. I was half-right. Sure enough, standing amongst the kimberlite rubble which she had not ordered to be excavated was Asob, my dearest friend turned nemesis.
As she turned to face me, wearing garbs of ☼cave spider silk☼ over a layer of XX(naked mole rat leather)XX and with a look like she'd mistaken me for a chunk of ore to bury her pick into, I soon recognized this was not the same Asob I'd come to know and love.
"Well, well. Y'know, just this morning I was sitting up in the ramparts of the North tower, sipping a warm prickle berry cider and gazing down over the fort, watching everyone go about their days and living their lives... and I noticed, just beneath me, an unfinished wall that no one had yet bothered to fix. I looked into it and, surprisingly, there are no tasks assigned for that project."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"But, I see plenty of dwarves running out with loads of stone in hand. A lot of it. In fact, the stone piles behind the South Artillery are overfull. And I wondered... Huh. My miners and masons sure look busy, but I don't remember telling them to do... what is it you're doing here, Zon?"
"Diamonds."
"Diamonds?" Her brow furrows. "Whatever for? Our economy is already the stuff of legends. With our expertly cooked dwarven sugar roasts, there's no need even to craft much through the season to get whatever we want."
"Obviously."
Asob snapped, raising her voice. "What's the matter with you, Zon? You haven't spoken to me in months! You just... you just ghosted me, and when you finally do talk to me, you completely refuse me an opening? Do you even want to be my friend anymore?"
I... I wasn't expecting that. The facade she'd worn to the occasion dropped almost as soon as she'd put it up. "You-- I-- you haven't spoken to me! I thought you hated me after--"
"After you drowned a dwarf with a dumb experiment?"
"No--"
"After you used puppies as goblin bait?"
"No--"
"After you murdered three dukes and a baron to help a king who's clearly going to dispose of you when he's done using you?"
"No--"
"After you stuffed 43 giant eagles into a single cage along with every wolf, bear, and cougar we've ever caught?"
"Okay now that's just funny."
"...Yeah, okay, granted. But."
"But what? You're the one who decided you were done with me."
"What are you talking about?"
"I found this in the stone dump!" I hold up the stray slate I'd found under the smashing bridge, written by Asob and dated 'Limestone (basically the whole month.)' "What, did you up and decide I'm just too much of an inconvenience for you? You don't even have enough respect left for me to tell me how you feel, so you just threw me in the trash?"
Asob's eyes bugged out. "Where did you-- Zon, I've been looking everywhere for that!"
"Huh?"
"I was in the middle of writing that, but then it got swept aside somehow and I lost it. I think somebody knocked it off my table when they were moving it aside to get to the hatch that covers the secret bunker that they're not supposed to know about but became public access anyway. I'm happy you found it!"
I stare at the slate. Something in my brain refuses to click into place. "You wrote... that you thought you'd lost your friend. I thought you threw this away because you decided you were throwing me away."
She looked like she'd been punched in the gut. "Zon! ...No, I couldn't do that! Like it or not, we're friends. That means... even if we don't like each other anymore, I'd still stick my neck out for you, because I know you'd still do it for me. Maybe we just aren't good for each other right now, but that doesn't mean we can't be on good terms again some day."
I hear a foot shuffle. Minkot - the Engraver, again - still hadn't left, and apparently just now realized he'd been intruding and scurries off. "I-- I was so sure you hated me, for all the reasons you've said and more. I didn't think you wanted me to reach out."
"You were wrong, Zon."
"I see that now. I'm sorry, Asob."
"Yeah." Asob sighs. "Heh... funny how much damage a simple miscommunication can cause."
"At least we caught it though, right? Now you don't have to be mad at me anymore!"
"Oh, yes, I can be and most certainly still am. But if everybody turns their back on you, there would be no one left to stop you and find out why you're hurting. That's why I, as your friend who is extremely pissed off at you, haven't yet packed my things and wished you a nice life."
I grind my teeth, trying to come up with a reply, and fail. Her words are a relief, but a cold one. Even though I've won one more chance I don't deserve, it comes with the sobering realization of just how close to the edge of this friendship I've come. I may be a dubious worshipper of Kovest at best, but you bet I'm thanking her right now.
"Now, then. Why don't you put down the tablet and tell me what you need diamonds for?"
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 02, 2020, 09:49:26 pm
=============
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaohmygod. Oh, Asën, you were so right! Had I not swallowed my pride and set up that confrontation, and if Zon had gone through with that... Thank you for guiding me to catch her!
Ahem. I've sworn an oath to Zon not to repeat her original intentions, especially not in print. We've discussed her plan - and us - at length, and decided on the following:
1. Zon is relieved of command, effective immediately.
2. Zon will retain her duties as Clerk, but as of this writing has willingly forfeit authority to make demands of the fort or its denizens.
3. Zon will retain her title and honors due to her current position, and will continue to serve the fortress in this reduced capacity until such time that we agree her judgement can be trusted again.
I won't harp on this. Suffice to say, I will be making the next few updates, while Zon takes some time to cool off. While her covert plans were indeed dwarfy, they were, shall we say... overly ambitious? Sure, good enough. We'll go with that, so I don't have to choose between "psychopathic" and "genocidal."
Still, I must admit... I do like the idea, but it can and should be scaled down quite significantly. Maybe instead of killing everybody, it kills just one? And it fits your stated mission, too. We'll keep the diamond operation going. I'm curious to see what else we find, anyway.
Not to mention, it gives me an opportunity to try out some new spells... I've kept those scrolls hidden since the last visit of Unib Tunrithlut, liaison to the old Mountain Home. I knew Zon wouldn't approve because she doesn't trust Unib, but blast it all, Zon's done plenty herself without a care about who gets hurt.
Besides, I'm the mayor; I've outranked her all this time already. Why haven't I exerted that control sooner? Ah, well. With Zon taking a breather, now's the perfect time to do some catching-up.
The forges are getting dusty, so I commissioned a few bars of several kinds of metal to be smelted. That should give us some freedom to craft a few novelty items. A new golden throne for his majesty, perhaps? Or maybe a bucket?
Thob Mörulmafol, Guard, becomes a champion! Nice. Seems he's, um, real good at wrestling. Hum... oh, well that's interesting. While I was searching for something interesting to say about Thob, I noticed we have an extremely strong, superdwarvenly tough peasant who knows how to wield a spear and already has six kills to his name. I put Kib Oslantashem Oshotdatan on duty... maybe back on duty? This is either a speardwarf that Zon took off duty during peacetime, or a migrant who never spoke up about his real talent and resigned himself to the comfortable life of a peasant.
...And, how odd... there's a bit of commotion in the zoo, and I look to find both the fox and the cougar we'd tied up for show have died of old age, almost at the same time. Ominous. We replaced the fox with a grizzly bear, and the cougar with one of its four cubs. Yes, the cougar had a litter. Interesting...
Speaking of fun things to put in cages... is that another sasquatch??
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on October 11, 2020, 06:33:15 pm
=============
Unib Dodókimsal, Gem setter, kills a snatcher. The increase in goblin activity is causing me to worry. Years ago, I'd used that rune to ward this place from trouble, but I don't know... there's a chill in the air, one that cuts a bit deeper than the late winter air. The winds are changing.
I don't just mean that in a macabre sense, either. There are other things mentioned in Unib's scrolls that confound me. Mention of guilds, of temples, opening ourselves up with something of a public tavern, mention of great libraries filled with tomes, some of which concerning the secrets of life and death... My heart flutters as I try to comprehend. It seems that... the world outside of Severedcoils has been growing without us. New advancements to social activities, workshops, military tactics, architecture, and even faith itself are being discovered all over the world. But we, here at Severedcoils... we are, it seems, fated to be kept in the dark of such advancements. All the better... Our grim task here, feeding a bottomless chasm the blood of nobles, is probably best left forgotten to the annals of history, and yet here we remain, our task yet incomplete.
But... what task, exactly? Are we still doing this whole 'noble dunking' thing? Is this how we are to spend eternity? No... Damn it, Zon, your idea was crazy, but you're right. We either die a secret to all of history, or we find a way to escape this place. And I think I know how...
But first... Mmm... Was there a duration on that ward, or not? I'm getting worried by the fact that I'm worrying so much about it all of a sudden. All the same, whether I'm worrying too much or not, it would be nice to be able to carry out our business without so many interruptions from thieves and ambushers.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The idea here is to route a 3-urist wide road between our ponds, which will be converted to defensive terrain. The three furthest out will be merged together to form a moat, while the one closest to the gate will be sealed in so we can fish while under siege. Perhaps we'll line the inner hall with bars to leave them vulnerable to our crossbow fire, or build a catwalk overhead...
Oh, let's see, what else... oh! It looks like a solid 80% of our crossbow bolts have been sitting in a stockpile on top of the tower way, way up on the southern peaks. And we don't have many marksmen, either... Let's divvy up this stockpile, and while we're at it, send some crossbows to each of our battlements. We might have to throw random Recruits up there, but if there's a crossbow ready, they can be put to work immediately.
Speaking of stockpiles... Sorry, Zon, but I'm sick of walking through refuse and dead bodies every time I step outside the north face of our gate. I've moved those waste piles down by the southern towers where they'll be out of our way... oh, but there's a lot of space underneath the front bridge! What if we stash all our bones and other such things there? That'll add a certain intimidating ambience to our entrance... maybe that'll help me negotiate some better prices!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Wait, what? What's going on?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Ohh. Right. I also asked for more ramps to be dug out around the ponds, covering others that posed a strategic vulnerability. Looks like they took the orders to make a new bone pile a little too seriously and are diving into the pond after some kobold bones. I think about forbidding them, but... y'know, those ramps are working really well, and everyone going after that bone is getting valuable swimming experience - not to mention, they're finally washing off some of that blood, mud, and vom that's been caked on for how many years.
Speaking of underwater treasure... That stuff in the ponds out further west? PRICELESS. It seems some poor macedwarf fell in and drowned here many years ago, but no traces remain that could be used to identify this warrior. Among the remains are a (≡«Steel helm»≡), X(giant cave spider silk dress)X (my word, what a loss deteriorating down there, all the more reason to get it out), (*«-Steel plate mail-»*), and... oh my, that's +giant bat leather armor+, from none other than Azinodos itself. Looks like Zon's already started construction above on some sort of contraption for fishing it out of there...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I notice the mandates slipping a bit. Apart from the two beds I commissioned, Kib Therlethzaneg wanted an idol, and Reg Erushtirist ordered three gold items and two shields. Geez, why are all these orders stacking up--
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Oh, no you don't! "Zon!!"
"Hang on, gonna bring his head back real quick! Right after I attend this meeting."
"Wait-- okay, yeah, yes, go right ahead, Clerk-turned-Axedwarf Zon, find this meeting first. Then you can go kill the sasquatch."
"My meeting is with you, Mayor Asob."
"Mmm... I'm pretty sure I don't have any meetings scheduled with an Axedwarf named Zon. I'm expecting a Clerk named Zon."
Zon stared at me, as still as if she'd died standing. "Asob. It's me. We don't have to do this--"
"Sorry, Zon, I have important Clerk matters to discuss, which need not be made privy to standing military."
"Fine. I'm a Clerk again."
"Mmmmnope. You agreed, you no longer hold that authority! You can't simply change your job at will."
"Okay, then I never made myself an Axedwarf!"
"You did, when you went and put on all that armor. Now, go kill the sasquatch."
"But I have a meeting with you!"
"Yes, you don't! Guess you'll just have to follow me until I decide you're a Clerk again."
"Whhat... Asob, come on! This isn't funny. It could turn out like Azinodos, the Connection of Combating! Besides, I'd really like a sasquatch on my kill list."
"Relax, Zon! Back then, we didn't have a military to deal with that giant bat. This thing should be no match for us! Besides... I've already got a plan."
With Zon in tow seeking a meeting I won't grant her, I whirl into action. I set up two new puppy cage traps, and I call for the nearest marksdwarf. 'Tirin' is first to respond.
"Oi, wot?"
"Tirin! Perfect. Here, stand in front of this dog and shoot at that sasquatch. Just once to get its attention, then get ready to run!"
Zon raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were mad at me for getting someone killed!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"I said just once! Cease fire!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"...It'll live, right? Can someone hurry and go build a cage next to it? See if it maybe rolls over into it?
"Oi! 'At's a 'squatch for my kill list 'ere, 'i'nt it?"
"Yeah, Tirin. It is. Good for you." Zon drops her axe and goes back to being a Clerk.
Post by: Quietust on October 11, 2020, 09:49:16 pm
There are other things mentioned in Unib's scrolls that confound me. Mention of guilds, of temples, opening ourselves up with something of a public tavern, mention of great libraries filled with tomes, some of which concerning the secrets of life and death... My heart flutters as I try to comprehend. It seems that... the world outside of Severedcoils has been growing without us. New advancements to social activities, workshops, military tactics, architecture, and even faith itself are being discovered all over the world. But we, here at Severedcoils... we are, it seems, fated to be kept in the dark of such advancements. All the better... Our grim task here, feeding a bottomless chasm the blood of nobles, is probably best left forgotten to the annals of history, and yet here we remain, our task yet incomplete.
But... what task, exactly? Are we still doing this whole 'noble dunking' thing? Is this how we are to spend eternity? No... Damn it, Zon, your idea was crazy, but you're right. We either die a secret to all of history, or we find a way to escape this place. And I think I know how...
Oh, I'm definitely curious to see which direction this goes...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 05, 2020, 04:29:39 pm
=============
This year's winter feels a mite more bitter than last. Something's in the wind, but I can't quite put my nose on it. Well... that's probably because of all the goblin corpses from all those ambushes we had earlier this winter.
The workers have been busy re-organizing; As stated, bones and similar non-rotting waste are being tossed under the bridge for ambience, and our new refuse stockpiles are down by the southern ballista battery. Speaking of, I see our sasquatch currently being hauled off to be butchered-- wait a sec.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
...Hang on, just one second. Down to Zon's office we go.
"Zon?"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Yes, Asob?"
"What, pray tell, are all these designations doing around the front of the fort?"
"Defenses." Zon says coolly, her thumb rubbing a *rhesus macaque bone idol.* "I followed 'Archibold' around all winter trying to arrange a meeting with her, and when she was finally tired of beating the snot out of our guards, we came up with this design for a gatehouse. Three entries, independently controlled so we can set our level of security to match our comfort level. That lower-left entry sees the most activity, but obviously we should only use that one when we're feeling our safest."
"What- No, that's the gatehouse I started! I'm talking about that contraption on top of the wall, on the second story."
"What contraption?"
*CRUNCH*
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Zon! What did you--"
"Ah-ah! No, see, I started that project before we made that deal, so this one was grandfathered in!"
"What. Did. You--"
"Shut up and look! And be amazed."
Zon lead me into the barracks, to the room just north of it, and just south of the newly founded guardhouse. This had always been an empty space, but now, a neatly punctured hole ran from the ceiling through the floor. Beneath the floor was a pit 8 urists deep, quickly filling with water from the ponds outside.
Before I could reply, Zon was already giving orders to the nearest mason: "Use that big block of Jet we've been saving, and the *giant cave spider silk* rope... We have an artifact milk quartz bucket? 'Bukithborik' the bucket? 'Turmoiltrenches,' eh? Yeah, use that, and throw in a statue and a *cave spider silk* restraint, too. Let's make a small zoo out of this spot! Might be better to have the workers gather up here than way down underground, anyway."
I glared at Zon. But... what can I even say? It feels... it feels right, somehow. Like something we're definitely going to be needing soon.
"I don't know what you're up to, Zon," I say at last.
She waits for me to say more. I don't. Finally, she responds, "Me neither, Asob. It just felt like a good idea at the time."
I nod slowly. "Well. Run those good ideas by me first, will you?"
"Fine, whatever." Zon throws up a hand in farewell and walks away.
Hm... We'll just have to see how this pans out, then. Meanwhile, I see some Engravers looking for something to do. Can't hurt to smooth out the main entry halls, might as well keep everyone busy until spring.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 13, 2020, 06:27:37 pm
2nd Granite, 212, Early Spring
21212
Severedcoils 2:
21212
The 2eckoning
21212
by Unib 2nruthlit
21212
Hoo hoo! Today is a wonderful day for Severedcoils, for Spring has arrived (https://mkv25.net/dfma/map-12864-severedcoils).
My spy reports that the Asënite has taken command. 'Twould explain her uncanny timing, getting those defensive structures in place. Just like with that dragon, getting those cage traps up just in time - it's almost as if she already knows there's a siege coming. How peculiar.
Speaking of peculiar... Nelare Fedíofe Fonenelare, "Flickersizzles the Glowing Silvers." My, what a name! And yet, here lies this magnificent waste of a beast, biding its time behind bars and beneath bedsores... Hoo, I should become a writer! Perhaps I could inspire our good little mayor to do something interesting with the thing.
Anyhoo. These maps arrived just in time for me to cram them into the archives, before the Flashstones are decommissioned next month. Now, let's see here... Why would Asob have commissioned this new gatehouse... Surely, she has no supernatural ability to predict calamity, and is instead preparing because... she has something to hide? Hm, that new well runs... 5, 6, 7, 8 levels deep, not bad--
Wait. Down here, what is that...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Kimberlite... Bone opal... those purple marks, that could only be pitchblende... and Zon wants diamonds?
...It can't be. These are all the necessary ingredients. But how could she know to do this? This is... this is all coincidence, right? It all adds up, though. But-- How can this be?
...Ah, yes. The Asënite. Of course. I did not expect Zon to give up her post so easily, though to be fair, she never really wanted to command in the first place. That was the good Mayor Obok's handiwork. So, with Asob now in charge, that probably means she isn't going to follow through with the fort's mission. I don't trust this one to keep her mouth shut. That's good for me...
Sooo... I think it's high time we call in a few favors. I can't slow Asob down with propaganda, and she's already preparing for sieges... There's only one thing left to throw at Severedcoils, something that will bring them to their knees...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
YES.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Hoo hoo hooo! Good luck with that, Asob.
Post by: Quietust on November 16, 2020, 07:17:15 am
Oh, you could certainly do worse than that - you could've set [ZERO_RENT:NO] as well...Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Hoo hoo hooo! Good luck with that, Asob.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 18, 2020, 01:27:36 pm
Oh, you could certainly do worse than that - you could've set [ZERO_RENT:NO] as well...Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Hoo hoo hooo! Good luck with that, Asob.
Thought about it, but even those 1x2 rooms are mostly masterwork-engraved. That's endgame material right there
Post by: KenboCalrissian on July 07, 2021, 05:21:16 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on July 30, 2021, 02:18:12 pm
=============
It's been a while since I've had a minute to take stock of things. Let's see how we're doing...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Our population has stabilized at 135. There don't seem to be too many dwarves throwing tantrums anymore, but our drinks are awfully low. The military could use a few recruits as well. Would you look at that, we have idlers! I give pause to this for now, though. First, let's finish checking in.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The final mechanisms are being put in place on our triple-drawbridge gatehouse. Looks good! Theoretically, we could use the drawbridges to lead our enemies through a line of marksdwarf fire. To that end, we have the catwalks up above!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Ah-- wait a minute... Yep, Sigun Kekimustuth the Armorer and Kib Kithěnzaneg the Hunter got themselves trapped behind the walls they built. Silly, why didn't they think of where they needed to go after they were done? Now we have to deconstruct them to get them out.
Getting out... My thoughts again are turned towards the scrolls left in my care by Unib Tunruthlit. I didn't get to speak with her on her way out, but when I entered my office, I found her scrolls neatly placed upon my desk. No note, no instructions, weird stuff. They seem to be "spells," supposedly from a time when there was "magic." I dunno, I always thought this stuff was kid's book material. Then again, I can't deny the effects of that incantation that cracked the pit open. Heh, and Zon used to tell me I'd teleport everywhere. That hasn't happened in a long time... but, what if...
...Hm, you know who might know about this? Someone who deals with exotic beings - and we happen to have an expert in-house!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
It's a bit of a long shot, sure... The Dungeon Master specializes in exotic animals. Still, it seems like something that would be within her wheelhouse. I seek her out and-- oh, great.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"For the last-- I mean, sire, being a 'Dungeon Master' doesn't mean I maintain a fort's dungeons." Kikrost is making a plaintive gesture.
"Well why not?" King Minkot had been ecstatic lately, having made a new friend, so his tantrums are thankfully a thing of the past. For now. However, that doesn't change the fact that he's king, so...
Kikrost took a deep breath. "Well for starters, we don't have a dungeon. For seconds, that's the Captain of the Guard's duty."
"'Legon' is not getting out of her bed. Someone needs to build me a dungeon so my guards have something to do. Ah! Here is Asob, now." The King waves me over. "Hello, Mayor Asob! Kikrost was just looking for you to commission a new project. Why don't you two settle the details?"
With a whirl of his x(Pig tail dress)x, Minkot left the meeting hall. Kikrost turned to me and sighed.
"Ugh. So, you get all that?"
"I did, but we can deal with that in a minute." I hesitate - Kikrost's occupation had just been mistaken before my eyes. Am I about to repeat that very same mistake?
"What are you chiseling?"
"Hm? Oh! Sorry, that's just the fortress logs." I've gotten pretty good at writing in real-time like Zon did. "I wanted to ask if you'd had any knowledge of... spells?"
"Spells?" Kikrost's eyes turned wide. "What kind of spells?"
"You know, like... in kid's stories... nevermind, this is probably a dumb question."
"No, no no!" Kikrost looked around the room. "Please, let's speak of this in private. Such matters are not fit for public eye." She frowned at the journal. "And certainly not appropriate to be chiseled into slate."
"I see... I have something I'd like to show you, but it must be kept between us. Can you do that?"
"All the more reason to retreat to my chambers. Come, let's grab some wine on the way."
I have agreed not to record our conversation directly, but I will be allowed to summarize if I am very brief. I'm going to set the journal down now so I may treat with Kikrost. Let's see where this leads...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on July 30, 2021, 03:00:59 pm
=============
Kikrost's information was intriguing. But first, some updates before I forget:
'Derm' was complaining of not having enough to do. The prioritized workshops are working a little too well - a lot of Zon's managed declarations go to the workshops nobody is capable of working. I don't feel like re-prioritizing them, not that it's really necessary. Instead, I fill the unprioritized workshops with requests for armor to train up our armorers.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We're starting to get some coinage flowing around the fort, so naturally, there needs to be space to spend it! I commission a market square and let the dwarves take their pick of the stones. We should see some interesting colors to advertise their wares!
Okay, so spells and such! I double-checked to make sure this was fine to write, and Kikrost said if I absolutely felt it necessary I could. She just wasn't comfortable being recorded. Long story short, Kikrost has reason to believe that the tales are true - that magic once danced in the light, but we chose to close our eyes and pray. She fervently believes that the scrolls I have could be made to work, with the right components. And a source of magic. Hrmph. As if I could just find something like that lying around.
...Like Quietust did. Right? Literally found a bone on the ground and it talked to her? That's magic, right? Huh... maybe I'll go--
"Asob! Look, over the hill! Migrants! I count 23 of 'em"
"23?? That's so many!" I turn and-- oh. Oh, no...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 01, 2021, 10:05:45 am
=============
"No, no, not this again!" Zon wails. "Asob, why are you doing this?"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Hang on," I say coyly. "Just let me place... this brick... right... about... here... just... a little more... to the left... almost..."
"Asob, for Kovest's sake! Why did you call me to a meeting if you're not going to meet with me? Now I have to follow you around all day watching you work. For like... the fifth day in a row."
"You know exactly why."
Zon sighs. "Rimtar Ingishzuglar, our latest Duchess. I presume that's why you've leashed me in with your... your red tape, and your... bureaucracy restraints, and..."
"Are you done?"
"C'mon, Asob! We've done this whole 'beleaguered friendship' bit to death already. I know you'll get mad at me and probably never speak to me again if I do in the duchess."
"Wha?" Domas Zonamnek, a nearby peasant, overhears!
"I said move in the duchess. Yes, you. Are the grand quarters ready?"
"A-- almost! We just need to put in a door!"
"And the crypts?"
"We just need to put in the crypts! I mean the caskets! ...And doors!"
"Ugh, how'd we fall behind this season... Oh, right, I'm not in charge."
"Yeah, Zon, you're not in charge!" I stamp my foot down.
Domas looks between us. "Sssooo... what do you guys want me to--"
"Just do everything she said!"
"Yikes! And awaay--"
Zon snaps her fingers. "Shoot! I should've told her to assign Inod Irtirdegël, the new tax collector to her quarters."
"And... where are those exactly?"
"Right where Tekkud's was, in the... in the, um..."
"...Zon, where was Tekkud's office?"
"Uhhh oh! We stuck him down in that room with the groundhog bone cabinet."
"You mean that room that's on the way to the shower??"
"Uh... Uh, yeah, wait, is that right? How did he never ask about it?"
"That can't be right! Where's the dining room and sitting room?"
"...Asob, where did we put our last tax collector??"
"Don't worry about it! Actually, there's some space down near the offices anyway. I had some space dug out for a possible prison, but it's just the right size for modest quarters... maybe with a bit of smoothing."
"I thought I wasn't allowed to give orders?"
"Yes-- that's right, we haven't had our meeting yet."
"Aw come on, that wasn't it?"
"Nope. Not letting you out of my sight. No noble dunking today."
Zon makes a big production about letting out a big, heavy sigh. She sticks her toe in my mortar.
"Zon!"
"What?"
"Ugh. Fine. Let's have our meeting then. I wanted to tell you a bit about what Kikrost told me."
"The Dungeon Master?"
"The same. I showed her... you have to keep this between us--"
"Unib's scrolls?"
"...Yes, how did you--"
"Because I put those scrolls on your desk."
"What! How did you--"
"She left them behind. I set them on your desk so you could give them back to her next time she was here, since you're the mayor and all. You read them? Nosey!"
"Zon, how could you-- why didn't you leave a note?"
"Why did you assume you could have them? C'mon, you already went through them, what was on them?"
"Well, many of them seem to contain spells, though we don't know what they are. Kikrost thinks she can translate them, so I've left them with her for now. But, Unib also left this..."
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"Oh, neat! A layout of all the civs of the World of Typhoons. The goblins have really messed things up in the North West, huh?"
"It's incomplete. Look at all the empty areas. So much space, and nobody living there?"
"Uh, yeah Asob, they're called 'the wilds' for a reason."
"Zon, how much of the world have you seen?"
"Of the world? ...Not a lot, a few fortresses among Subetrovod, I'm sure the same as you."
"And we've spent the last twelve years out here in the wilderness, cut off from civilization!"
"Well, I wouldn't say we're 'cut off,' I mean, we do get caravans."
"But none of us have ever left! Kikrost says there are other civilizations out there. They've only made contact within the last several years, but we've been out here all this time, missing out on current events."
"You're hearing this from somebody who admires satyrs for their woolly legs."
"What's wrong with that?"
"It means she's filling your head with stories! Besides... we don't need more civilizations poking their heads about. The less attention Severedcoils gets, the better."
We are interrupted by King Minkot as he's walking beneath the construction site. "Ho, up there! You two look awfully busy! Aren't you forgetting something?"
Zon and I look at each other. "Nnooo, we were just... coming up with a plan."
The king chuckled, even as his gaze turned dark. "Well, don't bother, for I have an announcement to make:"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"It would seem the Duchess's faith was lacking. Oh, and next year, I'd better not have to get my own hands dirty, or it'll be you who's pulling the lever next."
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 02, 2021, 12:09:09 pm
=============
3 bronze items, 3 thrones, 2 chests, 2 gauntlets, 1 idol, 1 golden door in Kib's dining room, 1 pitchblende door installed next to Minkot's bed...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The nobles' quarters are expanded to include a new set of rooms for our... next year's guests. Next, these will be smoothed and engraved, just as soon as we finish construction of...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The guardhouse crenellations! Which, it looks like we just about have. Let's get those couple of suspended walls taken care of, and... alright, so we've got some engravers freed up! Let's put them to use.
"Asob!" Kikrost requests a meeting with me in the new meeting area, by the artifact well installed next to the barracks. "C'mere, you're gonna want to hear this!"
I file in with some strawberry wine in a freshly minted bronze goblet. "Is it about the scrolls?"
"Indeed! I've had some luck with some of the translation. As suspected, most if not all of these require additional components in order to cast. They aren't easy to come by - some of these require the use of rare artifacts from far away lands to properly channel their energy."
"But we don't know how to send an away team! And even if we did, our military's looking a little thin since the last raid. I don't think we could spare the dwarfpower."
"One of these spells is called 'ESCAPE.' It requires the most ingredients, and the hardest to come by. I need more time to determine what exactly it does, but it seems to be some form of teleportation spell."
"Pfff." Zon balks. "What a crock."
"Zon! Where did you come from?"
"I was standing right here, didn't you see me when you walked in?"
"Ah, ha ha... no, I guess not."
Kikrost continues. "But before that, I have one reasonably well-translated that we could try with components we have right here in house! It's called 'FORTUNE.' All we need is some strawberry wine--"
"Hey! I have that right here!" I raise my bronze goblet.
"--and a large gem of high value." Kikrost procures from her robes her black diamond, a twenty-sided cut crystal the size of her fist. She drops the diamond into my goblet.
"Hey! I was drinking that!"
"Now all we need is a focus of arcane power, of course."
"A what?"
"Yes, see, here's the thing... none of this stuff is going to work. We need something that'll channel arcane energy before any of this starts to move."
I hesitate, then withdraw the human left index finger bone I found in the pits. "Will this work?"
Zon backs away. "Uhhh, hey Asob, what's that?"
"Quietust used a bone from the pit to generate the power needed to cast that 'clean up' spell, right?"
"That's what I thought..."
Before she can protest, the bone glows a ghastly blue color.
"Yes, that's perfect! Hold it right there!" Kikrost holds up the scroll, and says something in a tongue I've never heard before. All of a sudden, the diamond starts rotating in the cup, churning the wine as it picks up speed.
"What's happening?!" Zon looked as though her eyes were about to pop out of her head.
Eventually, the spinning slowed, until the diamond was rotating with one of its sides flat upwards. Inside the black diamond appears to be a light source, and... my goodness! An image is appearing inside the gem! An image of... an apple?
Kikrost's jaw dropped. "I think I know what that is. There was a particular apple mentioned in the components of the 'ESCAPE' spell... I would need to do more research..."
"So, the 'FORTUNE' spell can help us find the rare spell components for the 'ESCAPE' spell, huh?" I stroke my beard, ruminating.
"Escape to where, though?" Kikrost wondered.
"Who cares? As long as it's not here!" Zon finally seemed to be interested in the scrolls.
"But how will we get them? Like I said, our military is somewhat small for the size of the sieges we've been getting. Can we afford to send an away team?"
"I have a better idea," said Kikrost. "With your permission, allow me to send a message via giant eagle to Bujit Quispeptamed, the Human Guild Representative from Pesor Siti, to hire an away team of adventurers to find these artifacts and bring them to us."
"The humans?" I ask. "Why them?"
"Because I'd rather not draw Unib Tunruthlit's attention while we're playing with her magic," Kikrost says bluntly. "Also, not all who respond may be human. Pesor Siti has recently opened itself to the Free Folk."
"The who?"
"To the north, there are civilizations recently discovered of species we've never encountered. The Confederacies of Targeting has welcomed them with open arms. There's a huge variety of 'em, so we just call them the Free Folk since they've been beyond our realm all this time."
"Eesh," said Zon. "I really don't feel comfortable opening this place up to any random adventurer, especially from civilizations we've never met. Can you make this request discreet?"
"Sure, I can ask them to put a cap on the number of applicants. We could have them here by summer."
"I dunno, I still don't like--"
"Do it, Kikrost!" I say with a nod. "If we do nothing, then nothing changes. We could use a little help from outside."
Post by: Quietust on August 02, 2021, 12:26:55 pm
Eventually, the spinning slowed, until the diamond was rotating with one of its sides flat upwards. Inside the black diamond appeared to be a light source, and... my goodness! An image is appearing inside the gem! An image of... an apple?So, he managed to invent the Magic 8 Ball?
Post by: Laterigrade on August 12, 2021, 10:52:04 pm
Post by: Quietust on August 13, 2021, 07:58:14 am
Is this still in 40d?How could it be anything other than 40d? Upgrading to a newer version isn't possible, after all, and it's clearly the same fortress as before.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 16, 2021, 09:42:17 am
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 16, 2021, 10:28:23 am
=============
I sat down in the main meeting hall for breakfast this morning, and beneath my table I saw this:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
What a lovely way to start the day. Ugh, I can feel them crawling on me just thinking about those little pests! Comfy trousers, though.
After breakfast, Zon and I meet with Kikrost again in the barracks well house.
"Look here!" Kikrost wastes no time, obviously excited with her discoveries. "I found another map in a different scroll case. This one has the goblin and kobold civilizations removed, so it's easier to see the civilized folk. But-- look there, north of Pesor Siti!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"'The Free Folk...' Zon says, "That's the new civilization you mentioned last time we spoke, correct?"
"Indeed. It's a confederation of multiple races living together under a common set of laws."
"That's fascinating," I say. "It would be so wonderful to meet such people from another land. Perhaps some of them will answer your call."
"I have more good news!" Kikrost shuffles parchment around. "I have translated another scroll that we could try with components we have right here in house. It's called 'VISITORS.' All we need is some strawberry wine--"
"Hey! I have that right here!" Once again, I happen to be holding a goblet of strawberry wine right this very moment as I write. Please do not think too much into this.
"--and some longland grass! Oh, and a focus of arcane power, of course."
"Yeah, yeah." I feel the finger bone from the demon pit in my pocket. "Let's go look for some of that grass."
Zon and I move toward the farms. It's early in the season, but already a small patch has grown well enough to be harvested. "Just in time... just like I happened to have the wine on me. Almost like it can't be coincidence..."
"Oh, please. You're surprised we had two common ingredients handy?"
"Already handy. We happened to already be at the farm, and I happened to be thirsty. It's like the events were set in motion well before they happened."
"Whatever, let's go rub these on your dead finger or whatever and see what happens."
Before it's even fully out of my pocket, the bone glows a ghastly blue color. The sheaf of grass shrivels and my goblet of wine dries up.
"A human caravan from Pesor Siti has arrived!" A shout from above the wall alerts us to the humans' timely approach.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Zon stammered, "That... that's just lucky timing! It's early summer, time for the caravan to get here anyway. Big whup!"
"Hey, you two might want to get out here and see this!" Kikrost calls us from the meeting room.
We enter, and see Kikrost holding the door open to watch the caravan go by. I spot them immediately - among the wagons is an unusual group of people dressed like they're ready for adventure. I see a pair of humans - one is clearly a minstrel by the lute on his back, the other dressed in robes and carrying a tome - oh, wait, there's a third, I almost missed him as he seems to be blending in with the shadows. But, there are some beastmen among them - a mouseman, a catman, and a ferocious looking lizardman, wielding an axe, a crossbow, and a sword and shield respectively. Lastly, there is one among them covered head to toe in some interesting looking plate armor - His face is completely obscured by a metal helm, so I cannot tell whether he's human or something else.
"...Visitors! Welcome to Zursulbalad!"
Spoiler: "OOC" (click to show/hide)
Post by: Laterigrade on August 16, 2021, 06:50:58 pm
Hey, it’s possible that the original challenge had ended and you were using a newer version, and some convoluted definition of ‘consort’.Is this still in 40d?How could it be anything other than 40d? Upgrading to a newer version isn't possible, after all, and it's clearly the same fortress as before.
The screenshots aren’t loading for me, and there’s no particular clue in the narration, so how am I to tell?
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 18, 2021, 01:35:34 pm
=============
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The adventurers step off the wagon as they see me wave to them. Seven in total, they gather around.
"Thank you so much for coming!" I see no reason to hide my excitement! "We don't get visitors such as yourselves around these parts. Our fortress is so far beyond the borders of our civilization, we don't hear much of current events in the world. Are you from the Free Folk?"
The lizard man - who, up close, looks an awful lot like a muscular red-scaled dragon - speaks first. "Aye, we Free Folk made contact with Pesor Siti nigh a few years ago. We're separated by land bridge, but our borders are currently open to each other. My name is Sergei Bloodscale. I come South to look for work, don't mind the travel."
The bard, fair haired and strapped with a lute, drums, and a violin at least from what I'm able to see, chimes in. "I'm Edward. Alefgard and I hail from Goodcherishs of Pesor Siti. We decided it's time to explore and see the world. Isn't that right?"
He gives his companion Alefgard a nudge - a gray-robed man with a skullet, holding an old tome. "We're at your service," he says abruptly, shifting uncomfortably under scrutiny of attention. Seems shy, this one.
Lurking behind the pack, I catch notice of the cloaked man in the back, attempting to blend in with the shadows. The sun is angled just right so that, even with his hood up, I'm able to see his pointed ears. It seems I was mistaken about him being human!
"Oh!" I say, "We have an elf, too, I see!"
"Half," the shady man says. "I'm a half-elf."
"Wha-- they do that??"
"Uh, yeah. I'm Zumies. I became a thief because everyone picks on me for being half-elf, and I never really fit in at home. I spend a lot of time on the road - hasn't been easy finding a home among either the humans or the elves, so this is the only life I know."
"I thought I smelled somethin' seedy." The small, cute, adorable cat-like creature speaks with a grating drawl. "Why'd you have to bring your bad half with ya, elf?"
The man dressed head to toe in armor stands placidly in the back. He reeks. There are flies buzzing around his head. No introductions necessary my good sir, please may I introduce you to this lovely pond you may bathe in.
"Wot's all this then?" Archibold strolls in from the barracks yard and takes a look at our new visitors. "So, you think you're tough enough to take on work for Severedcoils? Ha! Why don't you puny weaklings step into the ring and show us what you got?"
"Sergei," the mouse person says to the lizard man. "Throw me."
Without hesitation, the lizard picks up the mouse and throws him at Archibold! Archibold raises Kobembetan, the artifact buckler, in time, and the mouse lands on it with two daggers out at Archibold's throat.
"Ready when you are," he says.
Archibold laughs. "Well! That was quite an impressive move. Perhaps you do have what it takes!" Archibold nods with approval.
"If we're all done fooling around," Kikrost says, "I'd like to get into the details of your first mission. Let's retire to my chambers - I'll give you a tour on the way down."
As we enter the fort proper, the party looks in awe at the pit of bones in the bridged entryway. Sergei notices Nelare, the dragon, peering at him through the arrow slits.
"Oi, is that a dragon there? What's it doing chained up by your gate?"
"Oh, that's Nelare Fedíofi Fonenelare! She tried to attack our fort once, but Zon got up some cage traps just in time and she walked right in!"
"I tamed her myself," said Kikrost.
"You tamed her?" Sergei looked distraught. "This is... unnatural."
"She knows 'paw' and 'roll over!'"
"We don't have time for that right now," I interject. I can tell this... lizard man... is he a dragon man?? is getting uncomfortable. "Come, let's go."
We stop at each floor briefly, showing the grounds to our new guests. We hurry past the well room before Minkot notices us. Once in Kikrost's chambers, she withdraws her black diamond from her cloak, and the scroll for the 'FORTUNE' spell.
"Asob, your wine?"
I sigh. Some day, I will get to enjoy my wine without it being commandeered as a magical implement. As before, she drops the diamond into my bronze goblet. I pull out the finger bone, and it begins glowing the instant it's out of my pocket. The wine churns as the gem spins, until at last it reveals the image of the apple once again.
"Each year, a pack of goblins show up at the town of Oakhurst selling a magic apple. Supposedly, the apple has healing properties, but the goblins are fiercely protective of their enterprise. Each time the seeds are planted, the goblins come and steal the saplings as they're starting to grow. We need one of those apples, so we want you to get there just ahead of the solstice and take it from those dirty goblins!"
The group just sort of stood around for a while. "You want us to rob the goblins?" Alefgard looked suspicious.
Zon spoke up. "They're goblins. If you saw how often they attacked here, and their numbers, and saw all the dwarves they kill on a yearly basis, you might have a little less empathy for them. Either way, I doubt this village really enjoys being next to a goblin settlement."
"Hey, you justify it however you want," the cat person says, "we'll go steal your apple or whatever."
"Err, I'm sorry kitty," I say, "I'm not sure I caught your name."
"Space Pants."
"...Come again?"
"I said 'Space Pants,' that's my name." Space Pants pulls out a handful of catnip and snorts it. "There, much better. Anyway I'm a sorcerer, have fun with that."
"I am Bubb." The fully armored man suddenly speaks, with an odd, grating, buzzing, metallic voice. "I am cleric. You are safe with me."
"...'Kay. Um, Kikrost, where is Oakhurst?"
"To the Northwest, on the south side of the mountain range between The Coastal Kingdoms and The Wayward Twigs. It'll take about 21 and a half days to get there, but we will provide for your travel expenses."
"Do we get any spending money to prepare with?" Edward the bard asks.
"Sure," Kikrost says, pulling out a sack of coins. "Here's 150g for each of you."
What-- "Kikrost, where did you get that? We've only just started an economy!"
"Right, we just minted all these gold coins! And now they can go and spend them at the shops."
I forgot that dungeon masters like to work in the forges. She must have pulled the coins straight out as they were minted. "F-- fine. Let me show you to the markets so you can get yourselves prepared."
I lead the band of adventurers upstairs to our freshly built market square. All of them head towards the general store, where 'Skuorgs' seems to have a collection of healing potions in stock... wait, healing whats? Is that from some kind of plant extract? I don't remember having anything like that available...
Sergei takes a liking to our fine dwarven crafts. He purchases a talc bracelet with hanging rings of grizzly bear leather.
The bard comes up to me and asks, "Where can we get a drink around here?"
"Oh! The meeting hall is right upstairs, in the room with all the levers. Please, don't touch the levers."
As the party leaves the market, I see Skuorgs frantically counting his money, and then counting his health potions. He seems to be missing one, or miscounted his money during his transactions. Hmm...
Up in the meeting hall, Edward and Alefgard seem to have gotten themselves into the Sewer Whiskey, of all things.
"C'mon, Alef! Don't be a baby, you can do it."
"It smells awful!" Alefgard complains. "And it looks like greywater. People drink this?"
"If they're not cowards!" Edward slaps his friend on the back. "Bottoms up!"
Alefgard sighs, and raises his mug. No sooner does the Sewer Whiskey touch his lips does he spew it all over the table.
"Mmm. Let me get that for you." Bubb sits down next to Alefgard, picks up the rest of the Sewer Whiskey, and dumps it over his head. He then proceeds to smear Alefgard's vomit all over his face. More flies appear, buzzing happily around the smelly mess he's made of himself.
Space Pants buys a drink for Zumies. Space Pants spills the drink onto Zumies's lap. Space Pants does catnip.
Almost as soon as they arrived, they're on their way again, off to find us a magic apple that might lead us to a way out. I'm just glad they didn't ask too many questions, or stick around long enough to suspect anything funny going on around the fort. I'm sure Zon will feel better knowing these people are only interested in making a profit, and don't seem to be in any danger of sticking their noses where they don't belong. For now, at least.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 20, 2021, 07:30:53 pm
=============
It will be some time before our adventurers return. By this time next month, I'd wager. They really didn't stick around long, so eager were they for the chance at treasure. That's for the best, though. As Zon says, the less attention we get, the better. Still, it wouldn't hurt to expand our markets a bit - they seemed to enjoy spending their time and money there the most. I wonder what the 'ESCAPE' spell does... if it gets us away from this cursed place and out of Minkot's reach, all the better.
The gatehouse is finally, totally compl-- oh, what's that??
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A thief sneaks around the upper levels of the gatehouse! There's no one around to stop him. Fortunately, he is spooked by a groundhog and runs away harmlessly. Anyway, the gatehouse is done!
I'm looking for things to trade with Pesor Siti and... Where are all of our sugar roasts? We must have forgotten to restock since last year. Well... We still have pages upon pages of narrow equipment left from previous raids, so it matters little. I take every metal bar they have available (which is quite a lot, and a wide variety too - perfect for keeping those needy nobles at bay), bags of dye and seeds, and a bronze whip. Not sure if anybody will use it, but might be fun to have around.
I dedicate resources to building barrels and brewing drinks. Our drink stocks start to rise - good, we were getting scary low for a bit there. Meanwhile, the next duke consort's chambers are coming along well - two rooms smoothed, engraving started, and most of the furniture put in place. We should be all set for next year. Assuming we'll be here to see another duke...
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 28, 2021, 03:42:14 pm
-------------
I treat with Kikrost Ĺblelthestar for an update on our adventuring party. We've learned that the 'FORTUNE' spell has been tuned to our quest, so now whenever we cast it, we can get a peek at what the party is doing! As before, we drop her black diamond into a goblet of strawberry wine, and with a light from within, an image forms inside the diamond. Here is what it's showing us now:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
By now, they should almost be to Oakhurst, and from there just another day or two away from retrieving that apple. It looks like they were stopped along the road by some goblins, who made a makeshift fort out of an overturned wagon. It seems our heroes had no trouble infiltrating the base and clearing the den. Hm, looks like not everyone was there, though...
Zon bursts in halfway to a rampage. "Asob! I can't find my journal anywhere. Have you-- oh, of course, you have it."
"Zon, you haven't held this journal in months! I take it you're not adjusting well to giving up command..."
"Ugh, no, it's not that! I don't care about running the place. I'm kinda glad that's off my back, to be honest. But I feel... empty... without being in charge of some kind of project. You know what I mean?"
"I do." I take a look around. With the guardhouse complete, I count around a dozen idlers milling about, threatening to throw parties and get chummy with one another.
"If I were to give you a project--"
"A tavern!" Zon doesn't let me finish. "I want to build a tavern. Outside the walls. When those adventurers were in our meeting hall drinking Sewer Whiskey - why, of all things - each of them were but a few paces away from ALL of the fort's levers. What if they had turned on the magma trap? Or flooded the mist generator? I'm astonished none of them took an interest - especially that cat thing!"
"It's called a Felis," Kikrost interjects. "One of many races that live among the Free Folk. I spoke with the caravan, and they said many of them have been coming south looking for work in Pesor Siti. I'm pretty sure that's where the mousefolk was from, too."
"What about that weird metal man?" Zon asks.
"He didn't say. Are we sure that's armor, or is there something else going on with that guy?"
"Regardless!" Zon gets excited - I know that look, that passion now that she's got a project to chew on. "Look, if we move the refuse stockpile south next to the stone piles, we've got plenty of space right here!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"How'd you draw that so fast? Wait, what did you even draw it on, who gave you that slate?"
"Look, we don't need these outsiders snooping around our fort. I say, the more we're able to keep them outside and out of our business, the better! So let's bring the booze outside to them, so we don't have to worry about them pulling something or seeing something they're not supposed to."
"What would they see that they're not supposed to?" asks Kikrost.
Zon and I fall silent. At length, Zon responds, "I don't trust Minkot around them. Who knows what kind of meddling he'll get up to if he gets his hands on them?"
Kikrost nods understandingly. "Ah. A fair point. Speaking of, next time you see him, would you please let him know I've constructed the jails as he wished?"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"So close to the tax collector! Wouldn't she be the first in danger if there were a jailbreak?"
"She's a tax collector, would you miss her?"
"Now you're speakin' my language!" Zon says too excitedly.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 02, 2021, 06:31:36 pm
-------------
Asob.
"...Um, my hand is chiseling by itself. What--"
Asob it is time. You found me and now it is time to claim your power.
"What is this?? What's happening?! I'm not writing--"
Honor me. Honor me and I shall grant unto you unimaginable power.
"Power...? But I don't... Sorry, whatever you are, that doesn't interest me."
Then you will soon find yourself sorely unequipped for the trial that is to come.
"Trial? What trial?"
The trial that will determine your fate. Minkot's fate. Zon's fate.
"Minkot? Zon? Wait, what are you talking about?"
If you think you can save her yourself, so be it. I will revoke my gifts and wish you the best of luck.
"Gifts... Wait a second."
I reach into my pocket and pull out the finger bone I found near the demon pit. Sure enough, the bone is glowing blue, pulsating slowly.
You are on the path to salvation, but you will need my help to see it through. If there is any hope of saving your souls, it will be through my guidance.
"And... wh-who are you, exactly?"
Look down.
I am currently standing in the hall between the front gate bridges and the trade depot, where engravings of our history tell our tale to visitors. I am currently standing on--
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"...No."
Very well. I suggest you set your affairs in order. You have little time left.
The light from the bone fades. Something else, too... It's hard to explain, but the bone feels different now. Not a change in texture, or weight, or anything physical, but before... It almost felt like it was humming. Now, it's just an inert finger bone.
I'm shaking. I don't understand what just happened, what it means, what the demon was saying to me. It spoke as though it knows we're going to die. How could it... no. It's a demon. It was just trying to scare me.
"Asob!" I hear Kikrost call out to me. I see her and Zon beckoning to me from the main stairwell. "Come quick! I've deciphered another of the scrolls. Grab some strawberry wine and meet us in my chambers!"
"Don't keep us waiting!" Zon waves as she follows Kikrost down the stairs.
Do I tell them? For that matter, should I have written it down?? Oh, right... my hand was chiseling by itself. It must want to be recorded. What is this thing's endgame?? Regardless... I head to the stockpiles, fetch myself a mug of wine, down the whole thing in two gulps, then pour myself another, knowing that most likely Kikrost is going to throw her diamond in there and mess it all up.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 02, 2021, 07:21:20 pm
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I enter Kikrost's quarters. The smell of incense wafts through the air - mm, dragonsblood, if I had to guess. On her table is a pane of crystal glass, about two hands wide square. Mounted on her walls is an iron two-handed sword recovered from a siege, and a well-crafted steel trumpet studded with exceptionally worked electrum and encircled with bands of exceptionally worked onyx. It is adorned with hanging rings of exceptionally worked cave crocodile leather.
Steel, electrum, onyx, leather... I study the components of the trumpet carefully, examining each piece and how it was constructed. I start putting them together in my mind, imagining building other things from the pieces.
"Asob!" Zon claps her hands. "Hello, wake up! You just gonna stand there and stare at the wall?"
"I-- I'm sorry, I was just admiring this fine trumpet. It fascinates me for some reason."
Kikrost looks at the trumpet and wrinkles her nose. "It was there the last time you were here. Been on that wall for some time. You're only just noticing it now?"
"Ah, she's an Asënite. More focused on aesthetics than practicality."
"I do wish you wouldn't trivialize my behavior based on my beliefs," I say gruffly. We've been on thin ice lately, Zon and I, and it frustrates me that she doesn't seem to be taking that seriously.
"Now now, you two behave. We have an exciting discovery on our hands! I've fully translated this scroll here - it's a spell called 'VISION.' It appears to be a scrying spell of sorts! We just specify what we want to see, and it will show up in this glass here. We just need the right components!"
I sigh and offer my strawberry wine.
"Oh, how did you know?" Kikrost takes the wine and dips a pig tail cloth into it, then wipes the surface of the glass with the wine-soaked rag. "Now we just need your magic implement." She holds her hand out to me expectantly.
I already know this isn't going to work, and I know why, but I pull out the finger bone anyway and hand it to her. She takes the bone, holds it one way, turns it over and holds it another, puts it on the glass... nothing happens.
"Um... Here, maybe it only works for you." She hands the finger bone back. I sigh and do the same thing she did, to no effect.
"What's going on?" Zon asks. "Is it broken?"
"No..." I reply, hesitant. "I think... it's run out of power."
"Ran out? Well how do you recharge it? Or can we just find another? Maybe Quietust still has the one she used before."
"You mean the one we used to 'clean' the fort, and ended up opening the demon pit?"
"Yeah, that's the one. Why don't you go ask her for it?"
Because it won't work. I won't allow it.
I grit my teeth. "Because... Look, Zon, Kikrost... We're messing with something really, really dangerous here. This... magic, if that's what it is, is coming from the demon pit. I don't know if I'm comfortable dealing with this stuff anymore."
Zon and Kikrost stare at me a while, not saying anything. At length, Zon replies, "Well, Asob, I understand why you would feel that way. We're dealing with something unexplained, unknown, and unpredictable. It's risky! But, we're dwarves. We take risks to make progress."
"I have full confidence that the 'ESCAPE' spell is something truly miraculous," said Kikrost. "There's still much to translate, but I'm getting hints of celestial influence from it. Maybe whatever it is will rid us of the demons below?"
It won't.
"If we don't do this," Zon continued, "then we just go back to the way things are. Living our day-to-day lives. Following orders." She emphasized that last point. I know what she means... if Zon abandons her grim mission, Minkot will have her head. And maybe mine, too. "Nothing changes, until it's too late to go back. But this... we might have a chance of breaking this cycle, if we see this through."
She's right. You know what lies at the end of the path of procrastination. Take action, or allow action to be taken upon you.
I'm breathing heavily. I look to Zon, to Kikrost... back to the (≡«-Steel trumpet-»≡) on her wall, and then to the lifeless bone in my hand.
"...If we do nothing..."
Then your fate belongs to King Minkot.
"...our fates belong to King Minkot..."
"Yes, you're getting it!" Zon exclaims.
Kikrost shifted her weight. "Uh, you guys are doing that thing again where you're talking about something in front of me that I don't know about and maybe shouldn't. It sounds like something I don't want to find myself wrapped up in."
"You really don't," Zon said. She turned again to me. "But, hey, Asob, if you're really not comfortable with this... I get it, there's demons in the pit, maybe we're biting off more than we can chew here... but, if we don't do something--"
"I get it. Hold on, I'll be right back."
Asob Momuzzokun has been possessed!
Post by: Quietust on November 03, 2021, 11:41:20 am
Asob Momuzzokun has been possessed!Presumably not the "usual" type of possession, since Asob's already had a strange mood (and made that Garnierite bed).
Then again, I suppose anything is possible when Demons are involved.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 03, 2021, 05:18:04 pm
Asob Momuzzokun has been possessed!Presumably not the "usual" type of possession, since Asob's already had a strange mood (and made that Garnierite bed).
Then again, I suppose anything is possible when Demons are involved.
Wow, you've got a great memory! I'll be honest, while I was writing that I actually stopped and went "Wait, didn't she make something already?" but couldn't remember what. And I even recently went through this entire thread and took notes on every page.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 03, 2021, 05:43:44 pm
===
its done
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Very good. This shall suffice.
k bed
Don't you want to try it out?
nobody makes two artifacts. im tired.
I told you I would grant you power unimaginable. And now, the scales have been balanced. Your chances of surviving what will come are now about equal to your chances of meeting your demise.
and zon?
Not as good, but better now that you have my help.
k bed
Fine. I look forward to watching you discover your new abilities. Until tomorrow.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 03, 2021, 07:50:35 pm
-------------
I just woke up and everything looks different. What
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Is this... what the demon meant by 'gifts?' My whole reality looks different!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Outside... I must see the world under a new sun!
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I don't believe this... how can this be? It's like the whole world just got more detailed! Everything looks more beautiful than it did yesterday. I wonder if this is the way Asën sees the world...
"Good morning, Asob!" Zon finds me gawking at the ballista towers. "I heard you commandeered a craft workshop yesterday. Getting tired of mining?"
I gingerly produce the crystal wand I'd crafted yesterday and show it to her.
"This is a crystal glass wand. All craftsdwarfship is of the highest quality. It is studded with garnierite and encircled with bands of tin, silver and the leather of Azinodos Kezkíg Zoluth the giant bat. It is decorated with carnelian, smoky quartz, and human bone. On the item is an image of The Deified Furnace the Adamantine buckler in raw adamantine. On the item is an image of a strawberry in red flash opal. I call it Lushűtmeng - Guiltlashes."
Zon stared at the device with wide eyes. "You... but you already made that bed."
"Azuzmozib Kebontishak, 'Somberswallows the Odorous Typhoon.' The king himself sleeps in that bed. Thank you for remembering."
"You used human bone?! ...Ohh, that's the finger bone!"
"Of course. I wouldn't choose to use the bones of a sentient being for any other reason."
"Well, does it work?"
"Let's go find out."
-------------
We find Kikrost in the forges, busy crafting something out of a slab of bismuth bronze.
"Kikrost!" Zon waves to her. "Take a break, we want to try that scroll again!"
Kikrost put down the hammer she was using to pound the metal into shape, and wiped the sweat off her brow. "Zon, what's with this order for 11 bismuth bronze statues? Where are you planning on putting these?"
I furrow my brow. "Yeah, Zon, who said you could start giving orders again?"
Zon put her hands up in defense. "Look, I know I said I'd stop, but... uh... well, you know how Minkot's been with us lately. If he says to do something, I'm just not even going to question it anymore. You know he won't take 'no' for an answer."
Kikrost was taken aback. "Why didn't you say these were for the king? I would have started this much differently. Are they supposed to be of him?"
"No! No no, just stick to the order. Giant eagles, giant bats, wolves..."
"...And fish and cats?"
"Like I said, I didn't ask him any questions."
"There are already 11 nickel statues of the fortress's champions just sitting in the stockpile, why can't he use those?"
Zon shrugged. "Again, didn't ask."
I shake my head. "Well, let's hope he at least plans to install them somewhere we can all see. Maybe he wants to expand the zoo?"
"Maybe!" said Zon. "But hey, enough about the statues. Asob's souped up the bone implement, so let's try activating that scroll again!"
"Alright then," said Kikrost. "Let us retire to my chambers. Oh- let's not forget the strawberry wine!"
"I wonder why that keeps coming up as a component in these spells?" wondered Zon.
"Beats me. At least this magic tastes good!"
-------------
Kikrost's chambers look to be in the same state as two days ago - pane of glass on the table, sword and trumpet on the walls. Yet, with everything around me looking so different, in so much more detail, the room feels almost foreign to me.
Kikrost procures the scroll. "Ah, here it is - VISION. Let us see what this does!"
"You shouldn't be proud of that," said Zon flatly.
Wait... it's a scroll of 'VISION?' Did we actually activate this on me? Or is this some bizarre coincidence?
There are no coincidences.
"Not now."
"Huh?" Kikrost cocked her head. "What's the matter this time?"
"Oh, no, sorry! Not you. Yes, let's see what happens..."
I draw Guiltlashes from the leather holster I made for it to wear on my belt. As I hold it up, the bone set in the center of the device glows bright blue, illuminating the crystal rod up and down its length. Even the gems embedded and lashed to it turns bright as the light radiates through them.
"Oooo, now that's a magic implement!" Kikrost was grinning wide. "Look at that! You not only used components that are rumored to conduct magical energy, but you attuned the wand to this fortress by including relevant pieces of our history. The garnierite is a reference to your previous artifact, yes? How did you know to put all these things together in such a way?"
"I just... followed my intuition, I guess."
"Enough stalling," Zon exclaimed, "do the thing already!"
I hold up the wand and point it at the glass. Kikrost reads some strange words from the scroll. I feel the need to repeat the incantation after her. It's apparently good enough - a beam of blue light shoots out from the smoky quartz affixed to the end of the wand and envelopes the crystal pane.
"Look!" Kikrost almost knocked over her chair in her excitement. "I see shapes moving on the glass!"
"Isn't this the same as what the FORTUNE spell was doing?" I ask.
"No, this is better! That spell just gave us a still image. Look, this image is moving in real time!"
We gaze into the glass, and from a bird's eye view, we see our band of adventurers leaving the town of Oakhurst in search of the magic apple we need for the 'ESCAPE' spell. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=179153.msg8325940#msg8325940)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on November 08, 2021, 10:37:08 pm
-Nelare, the tamed dragon, invaded the Hearth of Wrath, but arrived on site pre-tamed. She just ran straight for the meeting hall and chilled there.
-Every fort I create, no matter where in the world or what civilization I use, is obsessed with The Deified Furnace. That freaking adamantine buckler shows up *everywhere* - engravings, artifacts, and decorated goods frequently get an image of this buckler on it. It's apparently world-famous.
While I'm here, I might as well talk a little about what's going on with the story and how it will affect pacing. If it's not clear by now, I'm running a DnD campaign with some friends, using Severedcoils as their base of operations. Their actions are canon to the story, and in time they will play a hand in deciding how this story ends. As such, I'm trying to keep progress of this thread in step with progress in the campaign with respect to game time. This means while the party is out exploring the dungeon, nothing's happening here, because it only takes a day or two in game time (but potentially months real-time) to get through a dungeon, while a typical update for this story spans several weeks. To compensate, I'm narrating the party's progress in a separate thread (linked in the post above), which should be updated roughly every two weeks after we've played. This means Severedcoils itself will end up going long periods without an update (no news there), but you can keep up with the story in the other thread until they've completed the dungeon - at which point Severedcoils should see a few updates until the party moves out to the next dungeon.
We are on track to eventually see an ending to this story! It's waited long enough - and I think this new challenge of bringing DnD players into the story is what this thread needed, a breath of fresh air before the grand finale.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on January 14, 2022, 09:22:53 pm
Plus, while editing I've uncovered a few videos that somehow went unused, and worked them into the story where they belong. I've linked them here:
Oddom Goes Insane (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=43395.msg832043#msg832043) - ((Movie)) (https://youtu.be/OSqOhWwnGyw)
Dragon Execution 207 (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=43395.msg909495#msg909495) - ((Movie)) (https://youtu.be/_cM8XtzevHY)
Fire Imped (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=43395.msg972276#msg972276) - ((Movie)) (https://youtu.be/xuDcyyfjmXM)
Obsidian Generator Improved (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=43395.msg851224#msg851224) - ((Movie)) (https://youtu.be/W08xGNrqmhE)
The party is about 50% of the way done with the first dungeon, so it'll be another month or two before the next update here. Stay tuned!
Post by: KenboCalrissian on March 18, 2022, 08:37:33 pm
Zon
---
"The Barons are restless,
The Counts agree,
The Dukes demand
The King's heads three."
As we watch our adventurers battle a fearsome wraith through the enchanted pane of glass, (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=179153.msg8357199#msg8357199) we hear these words uttered by the apparition - the angry ghost of an elven baronness - just as it's vanquished by our hired adventurers. A chill runs down my spine. I know exactly who that message was intended for, and I'm afraid to ask how it knew we were listening.
What-- Wow, I didn't even realize I had picked up the fortress log tablet from the table and started writing. Just like old times...
Asob turns to me, white as the ghost we'd just seen in the looking glass. She sees me writing.
"What are you doing, Zon?"
"I just remembered, we have three things we really need to get done today." I hold up three fingers, and point to each one in turn, driving my point home. "Minkot is still very upset by a lesser's pretentious dining arrangements, you need to see about widening all the hallways for ease of transportation, and I need to go and find a place to put that dragon."
"Nelare?" Kikrost cocks her head, oblivious (I hope) to my true meaning. "She's been quite content in that small cubbyhole north of the gate. You think she needs to move?"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"I just got this feeling... Y'know, those kobolds they met said that dungeon was used to worship the dragon Nelare, right?"
"They did say that, yes. Nelare is one of the four oldest known dragons - and the last of those alive."
"Uh huh. And, we have her crammed into a small cubbyhole north of the gate? The same Nelare who killed seventeen humans, elves, dwarves, and goblins, and terrorized the lands for all two-hundred-plus years of recorded history? That's her, the same dragon to whom an entire citadel and a cultish sect of kobolds are dedicated, older than history itself, tied up in a small cubbyhole north of the gate?"
"She's tame, Zon! I trained her myself!" Kikrost the dungeon master stood with a huff.
"Be that as it may," I raise my arms to calm her, "these adventurers are going to come back with ideas in their head. 'Hey, can we see the dragon? She's just right there, in that small cubbyhole north of the gate? Right by the door, where we could easily slip her out at night?'"
Kikrost bit her lip. "Alright, sheesh! You've made your point. This is entirely too much excitement in my life, let me tell you. You know, I'm sure she'd be very happy with a nice, larger place to spread out. What about that smoky room near the adamantine pits?"
"Leftovers! No, no. Don't worry, you let me handle this." I turn to Asob. "That is, with your permission, Mayor?"
"We talked about this..."
"Alright, alright! That's why I asked. I just know we've got a lot to prepare for, and it'll be here before we know it."
I've said enough. I know she can't read my mind, but I can plainly see it on her face that she's come to realize the same thing that I have... That message was meant for us, and it's not just the adventurers we need to prepare for. There's something else out there that knows what we've done, and it's coming.
I continue. "So, why don't you go and get the fort prepared for when our adventurers return, while Kikrost and I stay here and keep watching the party? We should keep up to date on what they're finding and seeing in there." I tap my finger on this tablet. By the gods, from our vantage it was impossible to see exactly what they were looking at, but I'd recognize these slate tablets anywhere. Why, how, and what have they seen?
Asob froze. Geez, c'mon, yes I said it that way to make a point, but don't you have any stones at all? "Err... yes, preparations... such as..."
"...Like, when you did your trading with Pesor Siti, did you remember to trade for gold coins so we can pay these adventurers when they get here?"
"Oh..."
"Okay. Look, I just want to help--"
"Go. You know what you're doing. Just don't get anyone hurt."
"You know I can't make any promises." With that, I turned and left, stone tablets in hand. I'll have to figure out if any entries are missing later - there's too much to be done right now.
-------------
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"I will see that our leader gets this offering," says Thrura, the caravan manager.
"No, no, not an offering. We need coin."
"Coin? As in, gold? Pardon me, but don't you just... pull it out of the ground?"
I stare at Thrura, and force a smile. "Ah, it is not quite so easy... and the gold we find, we often turn into artifacts before coinage."
"Oh, yes! I've heard Severedcoils is a popular place for nobility. You've had quite a number of barons and dukes visit this place, have you not? Must be exciting!"
"Yes... exciting."
We make the transaction. Gold in hand - far more than I intend to give all at once, mind* - I head straight for my bunker and find a safe spot to stash it. Literally the only thing these coins are for is for paying the adventurers. Hear that, Asob?
Okay, back in business. First thing's first; The puppy-- I mean, goblin traps. Looks like we built a shoddy one up on top of the mountain, to catch that sasquatch I think - and by that, I mean somebody left a dog tied up out in the open next to a very obvious cage trap. Oh, Asob. Let's get this poor pup inside, shall we?
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
There we are. Now, at least it'll be safe from archers. Better chance of actually catching something in that trap this way. While I'm at it, I look over the other pup-- goblin traps - yep, a few of them are empty. I know, Asob, it's a dirty job, but it's a necessary evil. Those traps lure goblin ambush parties out of hiding so they're revealed closer to the borders of our property, giving us time to assemble the military and get the workers out of harm's way. They've saved countless lives, no doubt. In fact... There are a few gaps in our perimeter, now that I look at it again. Better chain up a few more groundhogs. Or puppies, whichever's closer I guess.
Next, hallways. So many narrow, diagonal passages! Honestly, I didn't really mean to make this a priority, I just needed to think of something to say to fill space. But, I told Asob I'd do it, and, let's be real, I kinda owe it to her to make good on what I say I'm gonna do for her. I'm starting to see things accelerating, and I don't know how long we've got left. Might be too late to become a better friend to Asob, but I wouldn't be able to call myself a friend at all if I didn't at least use the time I had left to try.
Hrmph. Cursed chisel. What if this thing could erase what I'd already written, wouldn't that be a gamechanger? Somebody should invent that.
Ah, but back on topic. Anyway, widening the hallways is something I've been meaning to do for a long time, anyway. Enough squeezing past one another through cracks, let's get all the hallways carved open wide enough that we can see down a hall no problem. That'll make everyone's life easier. These diagonal doors, too, especially around the gatehouse... What was I thinking? So awkward to maneuver through! Let's move these doors over so they're flush with the walls. Much easier to understand on a map, to boot!
Now, on to the important stuff. How do I hide that blasted pit...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
All those fortifications carved along the main level look down onto the pit... which means, our little 'operation' has basically been in plain view all along. Egads, has anyone seen the shower in operation from this very obvious overlook? All these years, I never thought to seal these off?! I'd better do that immediately.
While we're covering things up, how about securing the demon pit a little better? A few iron doors to keep that rogue or their muscle out should do the trick. Let's see, what can we melt down for spare iron... Lots of junk swords we'd crafted for practice, sure, and a handful of iron spears collected from sieges over the years. ...On second thought, better hold onto the spears. Could be useful for traps. Lots of (narrow) equipment to melt, too. Once upon a time, I might have considered this undwarfy, but man, I'm getting old. And we'll need a lot of iron doors.
Speaking of keeping the adventurers out... that troublesome cat. Not at all what I expected when we hired adventurers, this... 'Space Pants?' might as well be considered a constant threat. I'd better check in with 'Legon,' see how the fort guard's holding up...
Last, but certainly not least, Nelare. This dragon needs a proper home. I don't know much about dragons - hell, here all this time I thought she was just some angry lizard that wandered into the fort one day - but I suddenly got this feeling like these things might have a long memory.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Good. Asob's miners have taken to my orders without hesitation. Hm? Where is it, you ask? Well, see, here's the thing... Something's playing games with me. Something's dropping pages of the fortress logs for these adventurers to find. So now, instead of having a nice, easy gang of mercenaries to collect a few magic items for us, now we're gonna have a bunch of nosey lookie-loos snooping about. So, you think I'm gonna tell you, journal, where I'm putting the dragon? Nah. All you've got to know is that I'm keeping her somewhere nice and safe.
It's good to be back in the saddle again...
Spoiler: OOC: About the gold coins... (click to show/hide)
Post by: KenboCalrissian on March 20, 2022, 02:00:42 pm
Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam
---
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
My, all these shoes and socks and idols everywhere! I've really let my office get disorganized, haven't I? Well, it's no wonder - I've been very busy, lately. And today is an especially busy day.
First, I walk by the tavern, or at least what little of it has been completed.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
The adventurers will be back in less than two weeks. I see some floors, but no walls. So much for keeping them out of the meeting hall, away from the levers.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I absolutely need to keep them out of the bottomless pit, and away from the noble's shower. First, I set some spike traps with alarms rigged up at all the points of entry I can find into the pit. I spend all the (Iron spears) "imported" by goblins doing so. Obviously, these doors will be locked too, and we'll need to station guards near each one. Hopefully, these won't need to come into play.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We had some complications blocking up the southern fortifications overlooking the pit. Turns out we had a dump pile there, containing over 50 boulders in a pile. Since I can't expect the workers to move that much rubble to place the last section of wall, I commission another wall in front of that. And then, that looks suspicious, so I add a few more walls, stick a door over it, and have a rack installed for storing cleaning supplies. There, now we have a janitor's closet. The build is a bit awkward, since we had to throw it up in a hurry, but hopefully not enough so to draw suspicion. We'll carve a new path out to the pit for web collection later.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
This room, however, is a much bigger problem. The only way to seal off those fortifications is to dig them out and build a fresh wall, but the miners are busy digging Nelare's lair. Nobody gets to the job in time. That's where Legon comes in.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Legon hasn't walked since she was struck in the spine with a crossbow bolt years ago, during a goblin ambush that ultimately cost her all four of her children and her mobility. Even after that tragedy, Legon has held onto her position of Captain of the Guard, maintaining the respect and command of the guard even though she can't personally oversee their activity herself. Her husband, Atír Stukosromlam, a woodcutter, has become a hardened individual from the experience and has been wonderfully supportive through all of this. She's very lucky to have him.
I enter Legon's chambers with a mug of dwarven ale, her favorite - the workers usually only think to bring water. "Hello, Legon! It's been a while, hasn't it?"
In spite of all that's happened to her, Legon regards me coolly with a smile. "'Allo, Zon! Ah, is that ale I smell? I can't even remember the last time I had some."
I hold the mug to her lip so she can drink. "Fresh from the stills! I trust Archibold's been keeping you entertained with stories of the battlefield?"
"Oh, of course, I hear it all. 'Course, t'would be nice to have an office to hold those meetings in. It's awfully cramped in here, not much to see, eh wot?"
I look around, and cringe. Yikes. Yeah, you know what, huge whiff on my part for not doing something about this sooner. Poor Legon has been stuck in this little room for years, now. I think it's safe to say at this point her wound definitely isn't healing.
"You know what," I say, "Legon, I stopped by because I need to ask you a favor, but I just realized I'm in no position to do that until I've done this for you. Let's discuss your needs, and see about getting you a nice space to live out your days in.
-------------
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
A few hours later, I have a draft of Legon's future quarters in hand. Legon requested a large dining room, with seating for the whole guard available for meetings. We'll keep it near the prisons, where her guards should be present and within easy reach.
"Wonderful, just wonderful." Legon's smile doubles in size. "You don't know how much this will mean to me. Now, what can I do for you, eh wot?"
"We have a bit of an issue - or, at least, we will in a couple of weeks. These adventurers we hired..."
"Oh, yes! How exciting, going out and seeing the world. You couldn't spare any of the military around here?"
"No, no. The goblins have been too active for the risk." Just a small lie, here comes another. "But speaking of, I've received word that these mercenaries are causing a little bit of trouble..."
"Uh oh! What kind of trouble?"
"Well, for starters, they seem to have picked up a few extra travellers... One of whom doesn't seem to be there willingly. A gnome, something of a priestly sort, appears to have become the plaything of the cat person."
"Cat person, eh?" Legon scrunched up her nose. "Never did like them beastfolk. Thankful we haven't seen any batmen or ratmen or cave swallowmen around here in quite some time. Never saw a cat man before."
"Well, this one apparently has magic mind powers, and seems rather ruthless in using them. And I don't want these people snooping around the bottomless pit."
"Ah, you don't want them playing around the execution device." Legon nodded. "Of course, seems reasonable. I suppose you'd like me to post the guard up around all the entrances to the pit?"
"If you would, please." I freeze up as she mentions 'the execution device.' Of course... The workers built it, the military have fought the creatures dwelling in the pit around it. Many have seen the noble's shower, but who knows of its exact purpose? "And the levers in the meeting hall, too. We'll need a constant eye in that room to make sure they don't pull anything."
"I'll give the orders right away," said Legon. "And, thank you again for hearing out my wishes. I understand it's easy to forget about little ol' me down here, what with everything else going on with the fort. I'll really appreciate you taking the time to set me up with proper chambers."
"And I'll get the orders for your dwellings to the miners today," I say. With that, we say our goodbyes, and I take my leave.
"Zon, Zon!" I'm approached by Nil Kosothdad, a fisher. "Rovod Oslanotad has started a mysterious construction, and she's using adamantine!"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I wince. Strands, huh? Do we not have any wafers? No, we don't. Sigh. Another potential waste. I assign some new smelting jobs to get us a bit of a stockpile of the stuff, so next time this happens we have a shot at getting something truly amazing.
"Very good, thank you for the heads-up!" Very interesting. Considering she's started now, she might be finishing up with that artifact right about the time the adventurers arrive. Good - I could use a distraction.
Now then, speaking of new quarters, I think it's time to move that dragon. And-- you know what, I'm not real keen on the way Kikrost has handled her so far. I think I'll take care of that myself.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on March 20, 2022, 04:52:36 pm
Zon Rimtarothil Afentumam
---
I proceed down the rough basalt passage north of the gate. Light filters in through the arrow slits carved into the wall facing the bridge, and all around Nelare, where she rests behind fortifications and nickel bars facing out.
"Good evening, Nelare," I say.
The dragon raises her head and stares at me. Can she understand me? She seems tame, at least.
I look around, and I fail to understand. Nelare Fedíofi Fonenelare - Flickersizzles the Glowing Silvers. The last of the four known major dragons of history, likely part of the reason we only have about 200 years of history recorded. This little hallway is barely an urist wide. How could such a terrible beast with such a storied history be so small? Something isn't right about this.
"Okay, I'm just going to grab your rope real quick here--"
Nelare rears up, hisses, and pulls hard at the ≡«cave spider silk rope»≡ holding her in place. I stop. What do I think I'm doing??
I pause. Nelare does the same. She settles back, staring at me with a low growl in her throat. "Kikrost said you were tame..." A hunch - those kobolds the adventurers met treated their young dragon, Calcryx, like an animal, too. From the looks of it, they weren't having much luck controlling it. "...But you know what, Nelare? I don't think I believe that. I think your kind are a lot smarter than we take you for."
Nelare stops growling. Her eyes are locked onto mine, intensely focused.
"Do you like it here, seeing everyone who comes and goes in and out of the fort through these arrow slits? You've seen quite a few battles with the goblins through there, haven't you?"
My original intentions for putting her here was as a form of defense. I thought perhaps she might shoot fire through the fortifications at the goblins, but that never happened. Probably a good thing, in hindsight. Nelare snarls, and tilts her head. I look in that direction, and only then do I notice the claw marks all over the walls.
"How would you like a nice, big space to spread out?"
Nelare raises her head, then stands on all fours. She turns her body to expose the rope.
Okay... yep, we're doing this. "Alright, girl. Easy, now. Let's take you for a little walk, shall we?"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Dîshmab Stinthädtekkud, a child, sees us from the bridge, and stops and stares. Get a good look, kiddo, she's headed your way.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We pass through the courtyard. Tekkud Usirudil, Stonecrafter, and Bomrek Shŕmmancog, another child, shrink back as they see us coming.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I squeeze her through the door of the barracks, and pull her past the well meeting area. "Hello, hello, good day to you!" I hurry past without getting a good look at who was in the room, just trying to get this beast out of harm's way before she decides she wants a snack. Sibrek Kuletnitig, the Hammerer was there for sure, as well as a fortress guard, a royal guard, and a champion. It's up to luck to determine who among them saw us.
We brush by, but get stuck on the stairs. She stops at the top, not wanting to come down.
"C'mon, Nelare, your lair is this way. I've got a nice space carved out for you... It's not done, but it's getting there."
Nelare snaps at Geshud Nefekducim, a legendary planter tending the fields. "No, no, down, down!" Geshud is scared out of her wits. Tame, she says. As if. Right now would probably be the worst place to lose control of a dragon, right where half the military is currently training. I lose her here, and this fortress is done for.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
With some effort, I get her down the stairs. Inod Rimtarkod, a trapper, takes an interest.
"Hullo, Zon! Uh, yikes, you're moving the dragon with, what, a rope and that's it?? Do you want me to get you some restraints to keep her trapped?
"No need, I've got her, thank you very much!" I hurry on, not knowing how long I'll be able to maintain control over this beast.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Down, down, down, down, down, down, down we go, into the mining levels. We pass a number of dwarves coming the other way from working on Nelare's new room; Reg Eralfath, a miner who was digging it out; Műthkat Sibrekshoveth, an engraver on her way back from decorating; črith Kadolbal, a gem Cutter on his way to get a drink after leaving the boulder he was carrying directly in my path; and Mebzuth Sanreblogem, a miller, probably doing the same.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Zuntîr Nebélathel, a wood burner, clings against a wall as we squeeze by. Again, I can't believe such a terrible beast can fit down these small corridors.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
We reach one of the quarry pits, and Nelare stops. She seems to think this is the place. "No, no, not here." I pull, and she snaps.
"She's gonna blow!" Deler Dodókgídthur, a peasant, and Shem Domasled, a weaponsmith, hurry out of the room.
"Thanks for the help!!" Weaponsmiths. Just like Oddom, the one who went insane after I told him to shave his beard. They can craft 'em, but for some reason they refuse to use 'em.
Nelare looks around, eyeing each of the six entry points, and snorts. Eventually, she decides the room is not to her liking, and she continues on with me. We proceed just a bit farther. Through the southwest passage, there is a stairway leading down to the new space I've had commissioned.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"There," I say, as I tie Nelare up to the emerald-dyed ≡cave spider silk rope≡ pre-installed and ready for her. "This is your new home - or at least, the start of it. Now, please be nice to the miners and the workers as they come in here, they're going to dig this place out larger and remove all the stone so you can...
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"...So you can... Spread out... I knew it."
In a matter of seconds, Nelare quadrupled in size, until her body filled up as much of the room as she could to the ceiling. If this room were larger, so too might she be. I grip my axe, though my grip is shaky.
Spoiler: "Wisdom save..." (click to show/hide)
Nelare looms over me, flames licking her nostrils. This monster could kill me without even a second thought. What do I think I'm doing with this axe? She starts to unfurl her wings. My legs are shaking...
Spoiler: "Wisdom save!!!" (click to show/hide)
But, y'know what? If this is how I'm going to die, I suppose I couldn't ask for a better story to tell on my way out. Screw it. I step forward.
Bold.
I freeze. She speaks dwarvish?! I hold my ground and stand in place.
Smart.
Then, she narrows her eyes at me.
Scum.
I find the courage to speak back. "Well, that's not very nice. I'm sorry it's not finished, I said we're working on it--"
Scum. You cheated.
Nelare's eyes flash gold. An image plays in my mind. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIxA4dVkF3o&list=PLxU0AfryWyxlT8oi6JiGdNmv0P1pOZrb_&index=26)
I won. You cheated.
I'm at a loss. This was... the nightmare I had in the weeks before she attacked. The premonition I had, that warned me to set the traps in time.
"This didn't happen..."
Yes, it did. I won. You cheated. You used Scum.
I clench my (Steel battle axe), continuing to write in real time with the other hand. I have no idea what she's talking about, but I run with it. "Look, call it what you want. I'm a survivor, okay? It's nothing personal. This fort is far removed from our home civilization. Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do to survive."
You used Scum. Only the Gods have that power. How is it that you wield the power of a God?
"Uhh..." I'm really pulling this one out of my fine seat. "I may be a dubious worshipper of Kovest, but I still pray. Perhaps he was listening that day."
Kovest... Ah, yes. It all makes sense now.
Nelare picks up a claw. She's holding something... a geode, it looks like.
They are replacing me. They have considered me lost, but you have honored me with this lair. You shall be my emissary.
"Emissary?" Oh, great. Another noble to satisfy. "Who is replacing you?"
The other demidragons. Rashalax. Gargalaff. Curalesh. Blisseryn. They have bided their time in the astral plane, but it seems they will be intervening soon. The reckoning is upon you.
"...Other... demidragons? What is a..."
I am one of the original demidragons. We were created by the Gods to govern the World of Typhoons. We assert our will so that the lesser beings of this world behave within the will of the Gods.
My eyes widen. "Wait... All the stories of dragons razing settlements, terrorizing hundreds, ultimately directing the course of civilization by means of their sheer threat... You're telling me the gods intended this?"
Mortalkind earned its freedom by defeating the demigods - my brethren were killed in battle, and I was cheated out of an easy victory. The Gods have allowed you freedom from our wrath for a generation. But, I feel a gathering of power in the outer planes. Soon, the demidragons will control this world again, and direct it towards their new vision.
"But why??"
Yours is not the place to question the Gods.
"Fine, fine... but where does that leave you?"
They have forgotten me. They exerted their influence through you to contain me. So, now I will exert my will as I once have, but in secret, gaining influence until they see what a stupid mistake they've made. Starting with controlling this fort.
And there it is. "Now, hold on there, Nelare--"
I am an emissary of the Gods. You shall not question me. I have seen your mountainhome and your defenses - you are no match for me.
I look down. Sure enough, when Nelare grew, she snapped the rope right in half. She's been free since we got here. "Alright, you may have me there. I think, on the other hand, our military could keep you down, but I'm not going to put everybody's lives at risk in doing so. Let's work something out."
As I said, you shall be my emissary. You will exert my will on the surface as I dwell here in secret. Then, when the Gods come looking, I will demand my place in the new world. They shall not defy me a second time, or so help me, I will devour each and every one and claim their power as my own.
This just became a whole lot bigger than I really needed it to be. I was just a fisherdwarf once, a lifetime ago it seems now. Now, here I am, dealing with dragons. "Very well. What is it you would have me do?"
Take that stone and care for it. And go. Leave me to my lair, except to make it larger.
I decide I've pressed my luck far enough, and I hurry the hell out of there. I head back to my office to decompress. Wait... first, I stop by the storeroom and grab some emerald root dye. Then, I go to my office to change. Off with the red +cave spider silk tunic+, but the X≡mountain goat leather tunic≡X stays, I've had too many good days in this to throw it out yet. I think I'll change to green... and let's see about dying this axe to match.
I work at this for a couple of hours, and admire my handiwork. Not bad! I sit back and hold the geode for a moment. It's green in color, and warm to the touch.
"Oh my, Astesh Logemilid," I say to my cat. "What a day this turned out to be. What could possibly--"
The geode jerked, then rolled over. Then, it cracked. A little, green, scaly nose popped out.
"...Oh, my indeed..."
The geode split open. A tiny green lizard, with small wings pinned to its back, crawled out onto the table.
"Aww, look at--"
Like Nelare had, the lizard suddenly quadrupled in size. Now it was the size of a small dog. It hopped off the table and looked up at me expectantly. Astesh hissed - the cat was having none of it.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
I knew today was going to be a busy day, but I never in a dozen years could have guessed it would turn out like this.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on March 25, 2022, 12:23:34 pm
*Community Fort Decision Time!*
Ok readers, I'm going to give you a chance to impact the story in a way that will also affect the DnD campaign! Here's a prompt for you...
"What demands will Nelare make of Zon?"
A few things to note:
-Demands can be along the lines of something a Noble would ask for (such as "3 bronze statues"), or they could be slightly more elaborate. For example, "Move all unclaimed gold items to a stockpile within my lair."
-I'm only playing Severedcoils in time with 'The Sunken Citadel,' to simulate what's happening back home while the party's out in real time. That only gives me a couple of weeks in-game time at a time to play with between adventures, so I can't commit to any megaprojects. One season is the maximum length of time for a challenge I could consider taking on.
-The Severedcoils save is already up-to-date with where it will be on the date I expect the party to return. Any demands made will be made on that day in-game time. So, I won't be able to actually complete said projects before the party arrives, but the demands will be in progress and likely noticeable through the activities of NPCs during gameplay.
-Remember, this is vanilla 40d, so a lot of modern features like libraries are not possible.
Have fun!
Post by: Quietust on March 25, 2022, 12:52:47 pm
* I'm sure she would love the floor of her lair to be paved with gold (or perhaps golden roads if not enough bars are available). Maybe some precious gem windows along the walls too?
* A stockpile of gold coins would also seem appropriate for a dragon's lair, but that would probably be a terrible idea because every single dwarf would immediately claim them as currency.
* A metal Adamantine statue would probably make a fabulous centerpiece, especially since those cost 9 wafers to make.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on July 08, 2022, 03:12:40 pm
Just to throw out a few ideas:
* I'm sure she would love the floor of her lair to be paved with gold (or perhaps golden roads if not enough bars are available). Maybe some precious gem windows along the walls too?
* A stockpile of gold coins would also seem appropriate for a dragon's lair, but that would probably be a terrible idea because every single dwarf would immediately claim them as currency.
* A metal Adamantine statue would probably make a fabulous centerpiece, especially since those cost 9 wafers to make.
Love it. Keep 'em coming!
Also:
Spoiler: "No heroes in this party confirmed, new alignment chart just dropped" (click to show/hide)
AMA & Chat Time!
Since Severedcoils is on hiatus until Severedcoils II catches up to it, why don't we take advantage of the down time? It's been a long time since I've had a chat with this community! Go ahead, chat away, ask me anything. I'll answer as best I can about my process without giving away where the story is going next. If you have a question for the players, I'd be more than happy to get you an answer. I would even be willing to provide art assets*, if it would somehow assist the community either to run a project like this yourselves, or adapt into a mod.
=============
Some helpful links that will be useful in the future and for discussion:
Severedcoils II: The Reckoning (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=179153) : The start of the DnD campaign based on Severedcoils and DnD's 'Tales From the Yawning Portal.' The thread was formerly known as 'The Sunken Citadel,' named for the first dungeon of the campaign, a near-replica of TftYP's 'Sunless Citadel.' The Sunken Citadel has served as a training ground for all of us - myself included. I barely had any prior DM experience and had never run a dungeon before, half of these players had never played the game before, two different friend groups were merging together and learning to work together, and we had to figure out how to get through eight players' turns within a reasonable amount of time. We had a lot of kinks to work out before diving into Severedcoils! As a primer, the Sunless/Sunken Citadel has worked BEAUTIFULLY, and I'm ecstatic with what these players, all of whom close personal friends or family, have brought into the narrative already. The players are currently [F]orbidden from entering the Severedcoils thread, but I intend to eventually grant them access to the full story, as a means of informing their next course of action. When this happens is up to them, but boy oh boy, these guys are so creative and so determined to tear this story to shreds, I trust that it's the first thing they're going to attempt!*
The Hearth of Wrath (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=179019.0): My first experiment with this project, a rebuild of TftYP's 'The Forge of Fury.' Of course I had to start with the dungeon that is a literal Dwarven fortress! This decision to practice with the second dungeon first created a bit of awkwardness in the beginning*. As such, I'm retiring the HoW thread, but the dungeon is currently slated to make an appearance in this campaign. The story will simply continue from the current game thread, and eventually I'll post a link on this thread pointing to the start of that chapter, so this thread will lead back to the story where it belongs. I'm making every effort I can at keeping this dual-perspective malarkey consistent and interesting.
Ooooops, squished the Duchess (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=43348.0): The event that started it all. This random, curious happenstance is the thread in which the challenge of Severedcoils was made. This happened in Cometnet, my very first fortress, which still exists but was generated in a different world than Severedcoils.
Feel free to ask anything at all about Severedcoils I or II, its inspiration, how it's organized and executed, how it's uploaded and edited, what tools I use to make it, how I play it in Roll20 - I'm willing to give back to this community everything it's given me, which is a lifetime of inspiration and purpose. Thank you, thank you all for being such a huge part of my life. You have no idea how important this project is to me, and I'm doing everything I can to make it the very best it can be. I'm all ears to any suggestions you've got that can take this story farther.
=============
The Codex of the Mighty Asterisk:
* I started this project using the Guybrush tileset, since that's what I'd used when playing Severedcoils, and I wanted the graphics to match. I began by gradually modifying the original tileset bit by bit, then eventually creating a ton of new content myself, but adapting Guybrush's style to stay consistent. I have to admit, I jumped into this excited for the idea but lacking the experience or knowledge as a DM and focused on learning, that I hadn't considered the ramifications of using this art style until now. Judging by the rate the view count's been going up, I'm estimating we've got a few hundred readers or so, so now it's time to recognize that this has stepped beyond a hobby and into something that has a bit of publicity. So, there's my full disclosure on where the credit for the art assets lie.
*After debating internally how I was going to keep this dual-thread monster of a narrative consistent, interesting, and simple to understand, I've decided 'The Sunken Citadel' will transform from a story thread about a single dungeon, to the entire campaign from the real-world DnD players' perspectives. Meanwhile, Severedcoils will continue to receive its own updates in the way it always has (that is, more Dwarf Fortress-focused than Dungeons and Dragons, in the same style it's always been), except the threads are now chronologically "locked." The in-game dates on each post are now very important: They tell when certain events coincide, which are important for details like who witnessed what and when (via the spyglass window, for example). Currently, this means that Severedcoils has already been played up to the point when I believe the players will return home. The board is already set for what I want them to find, but there is another, surprise event I intend to throw at the players the session before they enter the fort*.
*: My DF map assets were not prepared, so at first we were playing on a standard, Google-downloaded map of "The Sunless Citadel" (yes, I own a physical copy of "Tales from The Yawning Portal," that's what the game's been run from so far). In the meantime, I worked on 'The Sunken Citadel' (because 'Sunken' is in the DF library, but not 'Sunless'), and I made some modifications to practice building settings, like the addition of the entire Noble's layer. Much of the bottom floor has been re-tooled or rewritten, as well. I didn't actually introduce the Dwarf Fortress maps to the players until the quasit cast a spell on them and revealed items in the troll's room. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=179153.msg8329315#msg8329315) I've actually created a bit of an unintended disconnect here; The story looks like this was a fairly mundane effect, but the players are convinced they've been transported to another world in the multiverse (and, out-of-game, they have some *very interesting theories* about where this game might be headed, and I'm writing this as we go, so... Plenty of flexibility to play with!
*: What could it be? Who knows? There are hints in play already, but this is a brand-new, 100% original story and homebrewed module, designed and written by Yours Truly, scheduled to be introduced just before entry to Severedcoils. I've designed this game to function completely independently from Severedcoils, Dwarf Fortress, and even Dungeons and Dragons; I'm simply using this campaign to test it. This module is designed in a very special way: It has well over 20 endings (that I can anticipate, at least), the result of which depends entirely upon the decisions the party makes as a team, and ends with a prompt that will drive the direction of the rest of the entire campaign. That's right - there are at least two dozen different directions this story could go, by my count, depending on how the players handle this module I've invented. It can be used to generate many different campaigns, is able to provide very different experiences every time you play it, and I aim towards pitching this as a "Start here, and fill in the rest with whatever your party just revealed to you they want" type of module. I'm being very tight-lipped about this right now, just know that this will be completely new content and will add a whole new layer to this story.
Post by: KenboCalrissian on August 26, 2022, 10:49:31 pm