First thread original (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/68971.html)
So, here we go:
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074190_oahvvztuvozcnaotdvjgzzemglnfgckypsoqrxnhihgoplydfn.png)
You wake up in (suddenly) your room instead of some Armok forsaken place. Travels in deserts and goblin forests turned out to be just dreams, created by your autistic imagination.
After you recover, you remember that today is not only important, but one of the most unpleasant days of your life. By the decision of the Queen you have to leave your usual home and, with company of six other "luckies," embark on a distant expedition for the foundation of a new fortress.
Go get drunk!
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074190_qzxwrdvdutxxyteezhgbmplbakmgixnlyqsfhxfnyqnwhjxavc.png)
Apparently, someone locked the door to your room from inside. Interesting, who could have done that?
Take a look at muralengraving on the wall.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074190_bazdpjvvakazvqnxwgzyzjlyexkmgtyvsqwkkazbusyhyqyqjb.png)
Engraved on the wall is the masterful rendition of Bomul Shomil.
Bomul Shomil raises Dongitestil, artifact bucket with the image of Dongitestil, artifact bucket. Bomul Shomil seems triumphant.
Break down the door by throwing sock.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074191_htihkotczbjjbxelvjjkwgbvethahrosvcxnkwepeulgaigsck.png)
Sock hit the door with a crunch and stuck on the lock bar. .Seems you don't have enough rage to use it like battering ram.
Open door. Put on the sock. Arm self with a spoon and go to meeting hall. Get to canteen and have a meal, mean, drink.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074191_bnimghduajyllnkpqqrbxgzgbztlaxcezuxtdkdpgupgojgvrg.png)
You've decided to overcome your autistic spirit and finally open your room's door. Before leaving you've decided to equip with spoon and sock but then took thought where you should go first: meeting hall, canteen or booze stockpile.
Inspect the room, checking your stocks. If there is any outerwear-equip it
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074192_yftrmrwlbemkknafvytagwcwtubqeyomndyaikhmysczcldhkw.png)
Of all the stocks found in the room there is only mushroom spawn remaining after yesterday's dinner. No outerwear and, for the matter, cabinet to store it in your room.
Exit the room and look where we found ourselves. Before leaving arm yourself with wooden bar
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074192_paqbfifmbdjgtmlrlxngxwejsjbtiurpceolfaxdhqyctwnkss.png)
Taking the lock for some reason, you left the room and looked around. You are in the hallway of your apartment block where you lived most part of your adult life. Here is almost nothing to look at.
Also, it would be nice to strain your memory and remember plannig of our fortress, what there is and where.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074192_sjymauqgtatirisojiccmuprhzoqmmnryzyjyvragwgytxgaft.png)
Inscription, left to right(Russian):
-You weren't there 4 years;
-Booze;
-Food;
-Dining hall;
-Well.
Without much straining, you've remembered all the halls and corridors where you've been at least once. On the list: poor housing 1x2, local booze cellar, pantry, canteen, and the meeting hall at the well. You don't know about the rest of the fortress.
Come to get drunk.
Get meal, mean, drink.
Satisfy our physical needs.
For this get to bar(booze pile)
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074193_apmezdzjdehowcgxpdkzslnibvocodlrezyszsbhznlwvhevxk.png)
The idea that it would not hurt to drink something stronger was on your mind since awakening. So, it's your task #1 right now.
Bared ass crazy run past you, yelling something in an incomprehensible language.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074193_wwnfpyqrnjskcondlxlyfwejpybrmknfwvujcqyaycatbhvfjj.png)
Upon entering the cellar, you find the last barrel of dwarven wine. It seems something is still splashing at the bottom .
Check out barell's content
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074194_zmnmlstpnysvpstpkjohfmmikqdlfpmawgespwlqoevgwxhjyd.png)
At the bottom of the barrel is left just enough booze to ill you up. Alcohol has added strength and markedly improved
well-being but gave no joy at all. Because it's the same damn dwarven wine again! Made from the same
damn plunp helmets and cooked by the same damned brewer!
You recieve +1 bad thought. Along with the thought that you now have to leave your home, you have a total of 2 bad thoughts. 5 bad thoughts lead you to tantrum, so now you gotta act more carefully.
Also, take a paper from the back and take a look what's written on it
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074194_uavfaxyvwhmonbjlzaffxkfxjigwkpvumrqaphbfmeodsowaeb.png)
On the paper you see crookedly written scrawling formed from runic dwarwen letters: LIKOT UDENDEB - ONINOAGAK. In closest translation it sounds like "Likot SoapEater-anal elf". Taking into account the fact that you are that Likot SoapEater, and there is no another with such in the entire fortress-it definitely means someone deliberately trying to annoy you. +1 bad thought.
Come to armor and weapon stockpiles, equip and arm respectively, Also, if there is coin room-use the occasion to stop and to fill pockets with gold.
You don't know where is armory and treasury. Even if you know, soapmaker livivng in low cost appartaments is ulikely to be allowed.
Go to fortress ruler(or whoever responsible) to know about expedition details
You have never seen this ruler(Queen, actually-she's in charge here), and you have no idea where here throne room is or where she does meetings with visitors. And about the expedition will be announced in the evening at the well, where seven founders will meet .
Try to date some dwarfgirl and persuade her to coitus
There is nobody around, so not sooner than in the evening at the welll. Tne only one you can try to persuade is bare ass psycho who is running around here.
Get nude and run through the corridors, shouting something in an incomprehensible language (we will not stand out - maybe there that's how it is accepted here).
Nudism is now quite fashionable, especially in the new fortresses, with the unsteady economy. But exhibitionism in our forterss is under the strict prohibition-all violators are to be immediately put in solitary confinement, or thrown into the danger room. So running aroung with bare "joys" is too risky-maybe someone could see and turn us in.
Ask a psycho, what the hell is his problem.
It's pointless. That psycho faces of all the signs of manic-depressive insanity-stark raving mad, exactly, any dwarf can define it even without medicine education. His problem most probable is fail of his strange mood. Well, he didn't get turtle shell, uncut lapis lazuli or something like that... So he flew off the rails.
Try to remember with whom I was in conflict recently. Also take a closer look on this crooked handwriting, perhaps, I know who did it?
Well, seems, woth no one... You don't even have some real acquaintances, actually. And you've no idea how non-existent handwriting of non-existent acquaintances looks like. So it's still a deep secret who wrote that...
These and many other thoughts swarm in your head while you sit in the corner, digesting the wine. You feel lousy. You become more and more aware of the fact that in all the years that you've lived here, you amassed no acquaintances nor friends, never worked, and in fact have never deviated from the footworn path Bed-Food-Bed.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074194_bjjubvnpcwoyagfloslyaqzxtyraktbyaaakmqekxpocvbiltt.png)
Wash the mug in the well to cheer up a bit
Would not hurt. But first you decided to
look on engravings
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074195_smpnmeygqtlicifqymaqrejzbiycqusrsmqylrvqpzdwjubtke.png)
On the left wall there are two messily carved rising crescent-symbol of your fortress.
The entire front wall is portrait of Ubur Limulenog-deceased husband of Queen.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074195_gjnonqoxrnjpblcihnitgwmuogbbtdftifxgnsjknuaelnkbzf.png)
Rinsing your face, you step away from the depression. You came up with ideas what to do till evening, however you still have no clear plan for the day.
Go to the shop, look at the small animals. Buy plump helmet spawn, name it Ananas (t.n.: Pineapple)
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074195_gtmxsufvyxcrnggalomqxwjmactyanlnxmsmvmiqzqvlrrenfv.png)
You already have plump helmet spawn - it's in your room. Putting it in your cap and caressing it gives you a good thought and settles your nerves a bit.
Your newly-acquired pet in your cap has changed your appearance a little for the worse. But its benefits greatly exceed the discomfort. Now you only have two bad thoughts, and tantrum is less likely.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074196_xgmwytusfsoiyarubaxsucqgrnjsukozuanlxjmibabtebsgxf.png)
The newly-acquired pet in your cap has changed your appearance for the worse.
Use the spoon to winkle a lock out of the door - it might be useful. l
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074196_jggxgbxwlvrcxwpldxfwdvubdebkywqphegesfdanguvrptugm.png)
After carefully examination of door's both sides you find nothing like a lock. The only thing it was 'locked' with is the wooden board you've been dragging all morning.
Search for a room with no dwarf inside and enter (break down the door if needed). Search for some loot in there
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074197_ebixpsxrswugqukakdzzyzmcxsuhfrkvtkekbuuiajlkdxdsnf.png)
Suddenly, you feel the waking of unknown forces from the depths. You see a vision - right behind the wall in the next room there is definitely something that rightfully belongs to you and no one else, and you just have to take it. Dwarven special clairvoyance has been quiet for the last four years, and you're surprised to feel these divination abilities again.
REGAIN SECOND SOCK NOW
Oh yeah, it's a great sock! Don't even have to break down the door to get this gem.
Find out how it got into another room.
It didn't get in other room. Maybe it was always there, but the sock became yours just now.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074197_idyplstleajlyaupjafmceenpavsdzzjnvsdltqonmkgywbmnw.png)
On the way to the dining room make sure statue is about the same plot like our room's engraving, take a look at engravings around bedrooms Fuuuu-face style one near well.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074197_puroqudzhogjxrieuyoexmxmesrpjypuiowfvdhvprhltkdiel.png)
1. Yeah, It is the same. Bomul "Wooden Stave" Sholil, whose carved mug grins at you every morning in your bedroom. And the bucket's the same.
2.Some of the everyday's life stories of the fortress. Ubur Limulenlog removes Urist Mekurigril from the position of capitain of the guard. Urist did not give it much importance.
3.This is Tok Buketotil. Tok is surrounded by mosquitoes. Tok looks terrified.
Pull out chicken feather from pillow.
Take the calendar from the door, check out what's the date today
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074198_edizxeliamzhjcwhvfcrfkfnbyzztxibyxbibaiysvqrrfqodj.png)
After reading "How to quickly clutter inventory for dummies" you've realized that you ABSOLUTELY NEED calendar and a chicken feather.
About the date - today is the 24th of Opal. The 23rd of Opal is marked with red on the calendar. Something happened yesterday, something important for owner of this room.
Jump to bed, strike a menacing pose.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074198_xekkpcefsxojvokwholzcsfcsafvmzwcfroehjkbbpxaipgwyk.png)
You strike a menacing pose.
Wow, that was a fuckin' waste of time.
Realize you're hungry.
Go to the dining room for lunch
Get grub and booze, and go to the meeting hall
Go to store food and whip yourself emergency reserve for the trip. Just in case.
Maybe it's time to have a bite, wine probably caused our appetite to wake up, maybe it'll raise our mood.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074198_cxxjkijujspzzwkfrctwecnbvfvffejvptpwlttatweghwwsut.png)
About time. It's already noon, and you have had anything to eat yet. After making a bag out of bed sheets, you put your stuff inside, hang it on the spoon, and moved in the direction of the pantry. But you hesitate in front of the door, and wonder if it's worth it to go inside.
Morons, don't go to pile, don't you see miasma in there! You'll get bad thought. Rather take a look at the bucket.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074199_xuyelaoqkvaxpqlwciwhoffkkfhcyonlxwxnciowtztqxpethq.png)
Looking for a good reason to go into the miasma room, you decide to take a look at the bucket. Reviewing it carefully, you don't find anything unusual or exciting, it's just a washing bucket - noticeably smaller then THE BUCKET you've seen on engravings and statues. Unfortunately, you didn't get a good thought.
If it the bucket from the engraving, removed from the chain, put on the head, cover with cap to hide
Bucket simply won't fit on the head. And it's doubtful that it's actually an artifact...
Maybe we just dwarfcraft something of board and bucket at once! It's so funny!
With a little imagination, you dwarfcraft a bucket and board HELICOPTAAAAH and leave this shit near the well.
Take pillowcase, soak it with wine remains from the barrel, wind on the face and enter into a pile room
Having put the wet pillowcase on your face, you prepare to open the door to the pantry.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074199_rduaggxhgumqtyvnitpeniawozdcepbqppejgqvrlllvaiyiuc.png)
Dramatically flung open the door, you suprisingly have found for yourself that ...
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074199_fvxxpbdxvoedbhseiqxskffmkfvfqvbxoxdapmtpcfpwjuaaxa.png)
... miasma not only gets under the mask, but also brutally hurts your eyes! Even after taking all the necessary precautions, you've still underestimated the danger of this horrible, caustic substance.
Even a brutal dwarf like you instantly limps like a sissy.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074200_viqojnfsivstgxhelabcyiwkpndcziiqznfttqunlhhutvqyco.png)
Shut the door. Dip tearful face into the well. Go look for grub in the dining room.
Open the door and let miasma out. Let the whole fortress joy.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074200_bmvpuphxhaodswffnvhtvomlmmltisxlqxwednfbwwvgdfgbma.png)
Barely dragging yourself out of a purple cloud, you tried to shut the door blindly but failed to catch it with your hand. Well, you let it ventilate while you limp to the well.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074201_ijuqvllwdorhfdktsfyrhsxcpoqomomtrpptwzknwtiwmhrsxz.png)
Grimacing like a randy baboon, you tried to spew a stream of vomit. Fortunately, due to the fact that wine digests and works into you quickly enough, you didn't spoil the well water with your beautiful inner world.
Wait until it's ventilated and then finally take something to devour. BTW check if there is somebody dead inside.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074202_orkigeqriqlayvyyloihezfjytcjwoxcughkdnnhulphdtaqnt.png)
When the air has cleared, you go inside and examine the contents of the barrels. Three of them are full of plump helmets, on the bottom of a fourth you find a few pieces of salted crundle meat, and a stack of trays in the corner holds rotten roast made out of minced dwarven wine. It seems that it was that roast which spoiled the local atmosphere. You've put some meat and mushrooms in a bag and gone to the dining hall to eat.
Well, if we're going, keep going
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074202_qwiefgegsxdioowukasvyvpaqhrovwltjvbleuqzvyklfzkimu.png)
Really, keep going. On the way you disassemble HELICOPTAAH and enter the canteen. It's quite dirty, but you find a clean-looking table and chair. With this meal, you have reduced the number of bad thoughts to two.
Go to the west. Why not, time to change things in our live.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074203_rbzyfrnfdmiffrfqjltvqovvlhfflvylygkaqibbwqkrmscbty.png)
Now, since you're no loger hungry and no longer plagued by the need for booze, it's possible to explore the area - to the west, where you haven't been these last few years. You vaguely recall that that's the main part of the fortress.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074204_zleesdmkjuscsrstymvsxgakdpnsodjmjglhfpcrzzdleiuywk.png)
You remember this place. It's the place you found your red sock four years ago, with your dwarven telepathy. But where this ladder and hatch leads - you don't really remember. You even forgot which way you came from when you were just settling in.
_____________________________
Read the inscription
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074204_nwtiqkgcapykwiepylupckrkitcuskdmvrzijejgxhwuhwzrkj.png)
POROSHOK NE VHODI (t.n. This is label used for dry extinguishing areas means "Powder-stay out", sounds pretty strange in Russian)
Label is typed with regular runes but no idea what this language is. Maybe some service code, useful for military and miners only.
Go up
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074205_ympsnrzcytnytleflxotuconbfjdjjpolxyppubxvfcnxgqivk.png)
The floor above is another living area with similar planning dug out in the middle of magnetite cluster long time ago. Here poor dwarfs live. I. e. lived-right now magnetite walls dug out in most of the rooms. Looks like the fortress really needed more iron as soon as possible that they started to demolish living areas instead of searching somewhere else.
Yell "HEEEY! ANYBODY HERE!" a few times
Examine living rooms, maybe there is something
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074205_wsztbfdddzxzzrmfvihdnlaubsitkwnihoehyewwnykeouflxx.png)
After yelling twice in the direction of destroyed corridors, you didn't receive any response and started searching in the ruins. Between heaps of stones and dust you've found an party invite ticket for celebration of the opening of the new magma manufactory. Date-23 of Opal. Looks like you missed the fun, and you probably would probably be upset if you were a party dwarf.
Listen. If we hear something - go to a noise. Maybe we'll find high boot or even GAUNLET
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074206_spduhlpsduysesajeipgfwjghpxaygufwpmboisdqelynuyvdw.png)
You listened hard, but again didn't heard anything. But after a couple minutes of wandering around the ruins, you heard the rumble quite distinctly and felt shaking under the feet. This is cave-in. If you were an above-ground man, you could think "Oh, whatever, they happen by themselves from time to time". But because you're a dwarf, you absolutely sure that cave-ins caused by dwarves in 99% of cases and happen by themselves extremely rare. So it's signal somebody is digging there in the deep.
Try to remember why we are so sure that expedition day is today. When were we announced about it?
Recall why we know meeting is today
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074206_hngzgsffxipdybdtuvnnorccmihywvwpxclscmxvsfqiotlmww.png)
You couldn't remember him name when he introduced himself to you. That was one of nobles. He came up to you five days ago and called self either as manager, or as peasant guild leader, and notified us with bad news that Motherland finally remembered modest Lokot Udebdeb who wasn't grabbed into military after some error in the fortress citizens records. It's time to fix an annoying mistake but most fish cleaners, soapmakers and other scum of your migration wave already matured to the level of professional crossbowdwarfes you'll be pretty useless in army. The only vacancy for you is to be one of seven founders of new fort in the west near Unthinkable Mountains.
Open hatch and look inside. But don't enter!
Put paper in wallet and quickly run down to hatch, and, if there is nothing scareful seen/heard, go down.
Don't forget to secure hatch with wooden bar to be faster during escape.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074207_fvwclafzhpnfezsghznylbtixwviztcdotbaowczuresmpyanl.png)
Looks like someone locked hatch from inside. Interesting, who could it be?
No, seriously-it's locked Probably, it's nessesary to find ways around to get on lower floor.
Keep climbing up
Search for way upward to reach the surface, there is probably someone hanging around
There is no way up on dug out level, right?
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074207_vpctpxardkcuwvtrrpqkspxpwelgmshnevzjejkkywaklimodi.png)
There is only a couple of footboards left on the place where stairs up used to be on the dug out level. The staircase was intentionally broken by somebody. Thoughts you've left Mountainhome alone settle harder and harder in your head and if it was not for your phlegmatic temperament, you would already start panic.
Then it's time to check what's in the east of the well
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074208_igmnbhwofjxnmsxrxxxskkijskczlejhdivvzboiskcfuvrwfl.png)
You're back on your floor and went to the east. There are other poor peasants' streets, and not all of the rooms occupied.
Enter the room with the sleepind dwarf. If it's locked - knock to the door. Loudly. With the spoon
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074208_znnnzsyoznipjjnvqyofuxpepttyexrcoibbdnypoxvvhfznfv.png)
You have you checked rooms, all were open and empty, except the one - it has some nasty loud snoring and it was locked from inside. After several banging at the door with the spoon you've been expecting for reaction. There was a rustle of fuss on the bed and quiet bawdry inside, then somebody climbed off bed and stomped toward the door.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074208_fqavuompxnlaapepjmcpbcxqecimlqgldfkopitpnlzxpbjabk.png)
Pushing the lock bolt, the owner of the room came to you. For some reason you feel that a dwarf is not very happy with the rapid awakening. He looks at you and waits for
explanation.
Tell him that manager calls to his office.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074209_tljpnhsmkkaavvqohxrjxwhjqyyjpxixfwrptjaeghuxrryyat.png)
You blurted out first thing that came into your head:
-Manager calls you to his office!
And to your surprise, he replied:
-Know without your help! - and went toward the bar with a nervous pace.
But first, lets introduce ourself and then ask the name and occupation of bluesocked - well, become acquainted properly, or he would think that's another psycho in front of him.
Ask him if he knows what the heck is going on in the fortress.
Also, ask him whether he is a member of the expedition.
If he's gonna bully (because of sudden invasion of his chambers), justify it to our concern about what is happening in the fortress, in particular, its abandonment.
Announce that he is the only sane dwarf we met for all day.
You followed him.
- I am Likot Soapeater, i'm here... - You've started but the companion abruptly interrupted:
- I can not reciprocate! - and glared sternly with baggy eyes.
Quite expecting this turn in conversation, you've started to explain:
- You see, there is something strange going on in the fortress since morning, everybody gone... Well, it kinda worried me... All in all, you're the first sane dwarf, whom I meet today. .
Your companion ignored you.
You continued:
- Do you know what is going on now in the fortress? And whether this is related to today's departure of the expedition? And yes, can I ask, maybe you are one of seven travelers?
Dwarf paused, took a deep breath and turned in you:
- Dear Soapmaker, would you be so kind to keep quiet for a while, my head aches even without you. But no, you just needed to make a damn elfen drum out of my door and then drown me in a stream of meaningless questions.
Then he changed his tone:
- What do you want from me, then?
Stop annoying the mason. Let him wake up and assess the situation
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074209_cevuxcuouydacondlglazggztjajsmnxwzcnccmxxibxqmkrjs.png)
You have decided to pause for a while, and silently accompany him to the warehouse. But when you approached you remembered that you missed one small detail:
Is there some alcohol left in barrel? Otherwise we'll catch a hard fist with a face.
But you've drunk the last barrel! And if this boar will drink water from the well instead of wine, he'll sober up and become completely enraged. Here you have taken the most reasonable solution: get away.
Well, screw that beardy. If he woke up in such a bad spirit + awaked by annoying dwarf, it's better to go in the opposite direction, let him blow off steam on bare-ass.f. Or we would have to collect the teeth from the floor.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074210_hcetruqunkdairfxfnbrzgqtpnmaavzmqpqpkemicsssvgogdk.png)
Taking a defensive position in the depth of a residential area, you were waiting. The storm didn't took long to start, and soon you heard screams, bawdry and crushes of breaking furniture.
I hope we are locked in the mason's room?
Watch the trash in the corner near the door.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074210_nzbhfiowxylyytjlmubdwziavsfezjdtebpiczmyszevavrvnt.png)
When the noise died out, you got out of your shelter and looked around. It wasn't mason's room, because he had wooden door, not stone one. In trash in he corner you've found small uncut pyrite. It's hard even to call it decorative-too rough and small but can be usefull so you've picked it up.
________________________________________________
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074211_zyttjbqupaqljpegywvxcqeuvxqgxncodbvxkshrwqxwgebawq.png)
You've took a chance and decided to return to the well and to assess the magnitude of the tragedy. Some doors were not in place иге laid in the corridors, well bucket with a rope disappeared somewhere, and well itself was quiet... not in its best condition. Culprit of all this chaos stood there as if nothing had happened and calmly thumb unlit pipe.
- Wow - he said to you. - Got a light there? Lost my flint somewhere.
Well, this one settles down as quick as throwing a tantrum. We ought to be careful with him.
That's where pyrite will be useful, lets lend it to him.
- Here - you passed him the stone. You wanted to add that yoг don't smoke, but then changed your mind as this redneck can think you do not need that pyrite and will not return the stone. No way.
While the violent one is busy with the fueling pipe and smoking-try to quietly unhook or read a note on his back
While mason fiercely batters flint with chisel, igniting tinder, you decide to study a piece of paper on his back. "TOK BUKETOTIL ONINOAGAK". Not a long message, written in the same handwriting and the same ink as in your paper. You have decided to leave it hanging on mason's back so that he wouldn't see you with this piece of paper and think you're the one who wrote it.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074211_wokxsocqryhzrebbzyiiottjuyzyvoiadekewwursbwuhspcew.png)
Tok Buketotil and this blusocked mason are the same person? Ask him but not "in the face" (like, "hey, is it you carved there, surrounded by mosquitos?")
Also ask if he is part of the expedition team.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074212_cakpwyzcfmhhehvwrmfjotogrparwkkkgcrqfuostwhfmgbjoh.png)
Tok extinguished a fire, returned pyrite to you and inhaled smoldering spores of towercap.
- Is it you so vividly portrayed here? - You poked your finger in the engraving on the wall. - Looks similar.
- My job. What, like? Have given me the will, I would carve the entire fortress with masterpieces. And, yet, this is my only creation.-Tok annoyance replied.
- So you're engraver?
- Hereditary. Just not recognized. What about you?- blue-socked asked. And added: - Oh yes, what were you trying to ask me in the hallway? I do not remember a damn thing.
- Yes, I just woke up this morning, went out, and nobody around. Then I went to the canteen, and there is also empty. Wanted to go on the floors - it turned out that the hatch down is shut, and upper floor is a mess, with a path up cut as well...
- It's miners. -Tok nterrupted.
- What?
- That they dug. And dragged away the ore somewhere down and locked up.
- And what does it all mean?
- Absolutely no idea. - A mason shrugged. - They hauled the ore down the stairs yesterday, just after the party. And now we are isolated from the rest of the fortress.
- And what is that, a quarantine? There is a beast with a syndrome roams the fortress, and they try to protect the healthy ones from infected that way?
- Armok knows. I was not dedicated either. If we are lucky, we'll get answers to the questions in the evening on the meeting.
-So then it means you've been choosen for expedition too.- You guessed.
-Yep-Tok confirmed and again inhaled mushrooms smoke.
Ask if he has any ideas what to do until the evening.
Is it possible to get through the well hole to the lower level, where miners are locked up?
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074212_qahhbywmgaczucsoavqraukgcebftvdgyfgbkbiufbkwtpdzfv.png)
Without regard for you being interested or not, Tok has began to tell you about his childhood among surface swamps and describe in detals his haterd of mosquitoes. Listening to him with half an ear, you, to disattract of his guff, started to look at the lower floor through well. Right under you another well, you can see water on it's bottom. If you had a rope, you could go down there.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074212_luxwneoxftjxujsnieqnvfvoodiesrncyflbeirmocwqzfinry.png)
Oh,here's the rope!
Catch up and overtake and pick up the rope
Crazy one runs faster than both of you. Noticeably faster.
When the crazy will run past us next time-make him trip up, so that he fall
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074213_smrchdljcnkqvtwyrlngnhphjeffbdyaddxybxyqkwvuoyvxbl.png)
Lurking around the corner, you have waited until the bucket thief will show up from around the corner. At the right moment you ran out and stepped on the dragging rope. Mad felt with a clatter and passed out.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074213_zjxviwktqvomfshorguitiooqpviencfzltwwjueysbdzuzawx.png)
You went down the rope to the floor below. It has similar layout, except untied stockpiles and hospital instead of canteen.
Steal stuff from the hospital
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074214_ahhlqmvjwertrvfcvawaucejgdwkevwhthicnwiaqljpgitbum.png)
You've grabbed 2 bags of threads, cloth and soap. May be useful in expedition. After checking the rest of the hospital, you'fe only found splints and crutches and more threads and soap. To maraud even more you've decided to look at the food stock but as soon as you walked towards the exit, you heard shuffling steps and grunting from behind the door.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074214_gdmxuqyfdodbbfjxcmvuqjqnrqhoktnkviybyfolebnjjqknxq.png)
Black hairy dwarf with butcher slicer went into the hospital, carrying on his back another dwarf, with a shaved neck and face bandaged.
Ask the black dwarf, what is he going to do with the clean-shaven one and why is he in such poor condition ("Oh Armok! I hope he's all right?")
Keep a safe distance, just in case
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074214_wcdmlwlmpuooefrucaqgcqwpdrvbnzyqnilsozivzteinktitc.png)
On your question about the health of the bald, black-haired replied that he got a fracture, and he will live if you leave the hospital right now. Bonesetter reinforced his polite request with just as polite patting of his knee with a backside of his cleaver. Weighty argument in his right hand prompted you leave hospital immediately.
See if there is any paper on back of green-sock-dwarf with a known content. If there's none - ask if there was one earlier.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074215_ggqeawzqteolrqmoegxvweqgwzmxlfpbrnlrwkpohvzibbmpjk.png)
Leaving, you managed to see on the back of a doctor. Now you know his name-Meng Mamgozodur. You haven't seen paper on baldy's back thought - perhaps it was already removed. You would ask Meng whether his patient had any letters on his back.
Well, it's time to look around the food pile, by the way.
Lets go examine the food stocks as it was planned before Meng appeared.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074215_nsutxavmgyfxvoohwhemvakldhipoehqxanrgzpgppggqkvrsu.png)
Leaving the butcher and baldy for a while, you headed to the stockpile. There were the same plumphelmets and crundle pieces, however, there were also a couple barrels of dwarven wine. You invited Tok to sip some wine but he refused, saying that he can't stand that plumphelmet wine anymore. You stuffed bags with food, so there was no free place left.
After that turn up toward the hatch and see if there is a path even lower, seeing there are living quarters here again.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074215_untqqvbqpkizytlpifnjaioyaghwrwqckddyvczjcelwzccrxe.png)
Staircase is going further down, the hatch is open, so you might as well start to explore the lower floors.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074216_tyjlsxkklcpyupfdpnzdrenlupxpibofnwauevshcwghrfylkq.png)
Residential floors are over. Deeper goes only service tunnels, mines and probably passages to caverns. The central passage is quite spacious, and along the wall spiral staircase goes down. After approximately thirtieth step they are broken out by someone again.
Now you know for sure that you cut off from the rest of fortress by some staircase destroying enthusiasts.
Get a cage from the ladder, inspect it, if there is nothing value then try to throw it into a lever to push it.
Oh, look who we have here!
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074216_zmzqzogwlkrwdpcyxwwreyswhvyqwuvrywpnkqvijifpknikbv.png)
This is but a... ..
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074217_lhehwwvfypdcfnvbrukgzlvvwvotolgzifybmkdansnvolljyj.png)
MOSQUITO!
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074217_asongptjqsbvkjcstquyhewvvdppekapkvtuydxqekgrhnptyr.png)
Knock down the mosquito with a jet of urine
Cover the cage with a cloth and get it out of the way
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074217_pvzclrzpagaedjyperxehjxmgfwtbfkdalmvvhmunnbcjlecvd.png)
You've seen how Tok seriously dug into his pants to get antimosquito "weapon", and you decide to get ahead of him, hiding the cell. You
covered cage with pillowcase and removed it from sight.
Get yourself a pet mosquito.
You can't tame mosquito-you already have a pet. Tok can't pet him-he'll just piss on it.
Unlock the hatch upstairs. Throw bags of good to your floor's nearby room (i.e., your room). Defer a bit of it to knapsack. Take rope from the well.
Remind Tok about manager and if he has not dumped it yet, get there to know what did he actually want.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074218_nmnlknbxqmxqzswvfibtcnyggyqpbnpnhssecoyiqjpuqchsih.png)
When Tok got recovered, you opened the hatch and went upstairs to the room to throw the bags for a while. A surprise was waiting for you there - a fresh engraving on the wall, painted with something red. What bastard dared to get into your room? What a scum dared to spoil the engraving? And anyway, who could get unnoticed into your room during your absence? Is that psycho?
____________________________
The note!
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074219_afewwnjsvmswvmocpwrqcgelctengnwvyptthnbdlywvwjormi.png)
This is a list of members of the expedition "Worthy road."
You see three already familar names in the list so this is precisely your group's list, and fears that group named "Anal elf" did not confirm. Nevertheless, the paper looks alarming- - it's lined through and there are even crosses in front of some of the erased names. And, of course, the most menacing is your name smeared with red.
I think we need to grab our bags and get back to Meng.
On way back check if the stunned psycho is awake. And if he's alive at all.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074219_ntfxasqwuqeazgrqxqhpaxwzbjvcrjbzlufmltyfielrbezfff.png)
Psycho was lying in the same position you left him in. Putting a finger on the artery, you felt the pulse so he's alive but got strong concussion
Take rope from well.
Deassemble well and take mechanisms.
But you couldn't get the mechanisms - looks like they fell down to very bottom when Tok destroyed the well.
Strain memory and recall who is this Shorast LionBait
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074219_dwpazcpxntruopzdhkiuderbylspzkxgmokhguuluaobtcxiky.png)
On the way to hospital Tok recalled that Shorast Kurelgeshak is name of the manager to which he hadn't come today. There is no way to manager's office since it's located on upper levels and there is no path there. But when you've come back to the hospital, you realized that there is no need to look for manager in office.
Ask the manager if we are actually sent to an expedition?
Why is fortress so abadoned?
Does he know ways form fortress to surface?
What's going on outside right now?
What that lever down there is linked to?
What's behind the door near the lever?
Where does that stairway down lead to?
Why is it destroyed?
Where can we found miner with pick?
Did the manager placed crosses opposite the names? If yes, what do they mean?
Where did manager came from just now?
Ask doctor/butcher where did he get the injured guy.
What(who) happened with with him?
Is it still dangerous out there?(goblins? kobolds? ambush/siege?)
Is it dangerous to stay in the fortress right now?(Has the thief been discovered?)
Who's that maniac who painted our room and glued papers with "ONINO AGAK" on the backs of the expedition members?
- ...and here the go. - Shorast ended his phrase. - And we almost decided to go and look for you.
- You're the manager, right? - You asked.
- Definitely. - He replied. - You want to say something to me.
- Yeah. - Confirmed Tok. - What's this expedition is all about and how it relates to what is happening now in the Mountainhome?
- Not related at all. - Said the manager. - The expedition was planned a long time ago on the orders of the Queen as occupational therapy for some of not so industrious dwarves. Frankly, originally it was actually a plan to reduce the number of useless members in the fortress, but now the purposes of expedition have changed.
- So, after all, what happened? - You asked.
- I already dedicated Meng here, and it seems that you are still not up to date. We are under siege. Half of Guards are torned to pieces, and those who survived are in ambush on the upper floors. It happened yesterday, just as the celebration began in the new magma manufactories. Upon hearing the alarm about the attack, the panic began, sometimes even broke out into hysterics, military began to feverishly run around the floors, collecting equipment, periodically cursing each other and waving their fists.
- It's called Tantrum Spiral, in smart words. - Meng added.
- Yes, but why are the stairs broken? In this strange way of protecting ourselves we are cut off from the outside world! - you noticed.
- They say the threat does not come from surface alone. There are rumors of a smoke monster from the caverns, they also say that those who saw him died suddenly, and those who were in contact with those suddenly dead quickly died, too. It's the miners who started to put barriers and divide fortress into autonomous territories. Moreover, no one gave them such order, they chose themself a leaderand immured in one of the burrows without permit, dragging ore, gems and a lot of food and wine stocks in there. They have there now something like a bunker, inside of which they organized a "Miner's People Republic." Well, what a nonsense, eh? In any case, they acted treacherously towards the rest of the fortress.
- Well done. Savvy guys, quickly realized what was happening. - Tok objected.
- What? But they are crazy! - Almost shouted the manager.-They are immoral chauvinists. You should have seen how they call the nobles "f***ing parasites", and and all holders of non-miners professions they treat not even like slaves! They had the idea that only dwarf miner is worthy to be called dwarf,they gabbed about all sorts of nonsense like true socialism, purity of blood and other rubbish. Well done, you say? So go there! Of course, if you are comfortable with the role of a door mat, or ... or anal elf. By the way, you still didn't take off this disgrace from your back!
Shorast reached out and plucked a piece of paper from the Tok's back.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074220_zvrpamwbxygqmmsbrtrdvenbqqtutqwkftytgcybrmdrqeqaiy.png)
Shorast crumpled piece of paper and threw it away. Tok looked at the manager puzzledly, then to you, and opened his mouth to express outrage, but you interrupted.
- So downstairs lead to smelters and caves, right?
- Well, yes. - Shorast said. - I thought you already know, you live here for a long time.
- Yeah. - lied you. - But I do not know what behind that door with a lever.
- There is danger room, torture room. You do not even need to know this, especially now, since we are not going to that area.
- I see. By the way, where did Meng bring this baldy from? Aren't we cut off from the rest of the fortress?
- I'm Vomym Fyfsysym.- Baldy mumbled through the bandage.
- He says his name is Bomel Kithisin. - Translated Meng. - I've got him from landslide in the tinnel.
- What tinnel?
- We are digging evacuation tunnel on the other side of the mountain. There Anil is swinging with pick now, it is almost finished. - Shorast explained.
- Evacuation? That is, we do not go to the expedition but leave the fortress?
- In a way, but not exactly.There are still a lot of alive people in the fortress who will stay here and, probably, survive and rebuild it. . But nobody canceled the expedition and there still have to be seven of us to hit the road. - said the manager.
- Oh yeah. - You got a piece from the bag with a list of the group - What happened to those whose names are crossed out, and what do the crosses mean?
- Oh, you found it! - The manager took the piece of paper from you. - It's simple. Crossed out means withdrawn from expedition. Olin joined the rebel miners and plugged with them. Kurel was seen yesterday covered with bloody sores floating in the underground river, he was lost week ago. Sigun now somewhere on the upper floors, I don't even know if he is alive. Zefon, while walking on the surface, was the very first victim of the goblins' attack.t . But I didn't crossed out your name. I can not even guess who did it and why.
- There is the same symbol drawn across the wall in my room as here. Maybe you know what is this symbol?
- I do not know - Shorast shrugged.-- On the other hand, it means that there is someone else on our floors. And we just need a seventh member of the expedition.
- Seventh? But there's three of us left.
- I thought you already realized that I'll go with you. Bomel goes too, we can't leave him here. And a miner Anil Avuzangish with us too, because he was not allowed in the "Miner's People Republic."
- Not allowed? But why? He's a miner.
- You'll see. For now we need to find this joker who shoved us his messages. - Shorast adjusted backpack over his shoulder. - And convice him join us. Because we can't go sixfold in anycase.
-Traditions, traditions ... Maybe for just once you can ignore them? - Meng said.
- Hyhymhm. - Added Bomel.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074220_yceazargjsagkmorqotklvwcynqbumjkhctnvbjokabcoywagr.png)
- Never! - Shorast grimaced a dramatic mug and began quoting the Armok's commandments - ...and if [their] number is seven, the grace divine will be sent to them, they will imbued with the power of the earth, and their fortress [will be] forever eternal. But if [their] number is six or [their] number is eight, a punishment and misfortune will haunt. Five is out of questions.
- Okay, convinced. Lets go look for that maniac.
You and Tok turned around and left the hospital, the manager followed you.
About a qurter of first thread left, and 7 more threads left. Future threads are more dramatical and with more tense plot, not like this with horror-movie stile... mostly.
1. Come back to our floor.
2. Two of us(Meng and Bome for examplel) shall stay keeping watch near the stairs, and, if someone is found, try to hold him and call others.
3. Two of us (Likot and Tok) start sweeping the entire floor, looking into every room. Again, if they find anyone - hold him an raise an alarm (shout).
4. At the same time one dwarf (Shorast) goes from one group to another regularly and asks if they've got someone. Also, if something happened with one of the groups he must inform the second one. If something happens with himself i.e. one of the groups will not receive messages for from him a long time - than it should move back to stairs.
5. After cathing of anal elf (or anyone else, besides that naked crank) and signaling, all the groups come together on position where he was found (at positions where the signal was filed).
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074221_kjoaprpawysdevyepjwttlqjgkibhsfcvsbkerbdlezybsaxen.png)
-Hmm, that's what we'll do. - said Shorast after listening to you. We'll put Meng to guard on the second floor stairwell, and you two start checking the area.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074221_kmtkaccewxmendfpsvljfgrhfeccsbfennzmlymwylnoebgsbl.png)
Wasting more than an hour, you didn't find anyone but psycho on all three floors. Delving in other dwarfs' things, Tok nearthed a rock mini-forge somewhere and took it, and you have found wooden earrings. It's time to report back to manager that the search failed, so we'll have to take the psycho as seventh member.
So after all, who would it be? Crazy? Unlikely. He could not write a meaningful message on the walls, even if he is pretender, he'is too realistic. Tok?No, he was nearby almost all the time, besides he got a note on his back himself. Manager? Hmm, maybe. Anyway, he wandered around somewhere all that time, and piece of paper lying on the floor belongs to him, so there are more evidence against Shorast more than againist anyone else. Bomel? Also possible, he is just such a suspicious fella. It will not be especially big surprise if it would turn out that his leg is healthy and there's no beard under the bandage on his face... However, you were unable to build any precise theories, you are in a dead end, Holmes.
[spoiler]
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074222_edzkbuyjphmvcqpprxyyemrhmtqekecwglxynhapdkdjolltrd.png)
Stand still, and see that the ghost will do.
KICK DAMNED GHOST IN DA FACE WITH DA LEG IN F***ING DAMN RAGE!!1111
Emm... What kis tha...
Wait a minute, there's nobody there. Apparently, it's just a cave draft waves a cloud of dust...
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074222_ttabduteulccsvsawaaedsqednzohksqxljkchbkctlpuoweam.png)
Nevertheless, the incident scared you a bit. Seeing a ghost has brought both of you a bad thought.
Total bad thoughts: Likot 2 out of 5, Tok 1 out of 4 . Note: the Tok's count is shorter because of his temperament, but it was dropped to zero after tantrum. When you befriended both of you got a good thought but Tok lost his good thought due to the mosquito. Then there was a ghost.
Wipe your eyes, look around one more time, and retreat with haste.
Nobody said they should be normal, right? So take bared ass psycho.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074222_jnwgcarmocrtnjufnmkaqkbbsqxfccjkkhglcrjoohrznakbqy.png)
- Here! We found someone.-You presented a psycho to manager.
- What's wrong with him? Why is he naked and with a bucket on his head? Is he even alive?
- Ah, it's a local nut. - you explained. - Ran through the corridors without looking on the way, he stumbled and passed out. While he is unconscious he's even more convenient to handle, so we can take him with us, he won't object. By the way, what does you bible say about involvement of crazies in an expedition?
- Hmm. There's no direst taboo in the text, but... Although...-Shorast stared into space and thought for a moment. - On the other hand, we don't have much choice here, so we'll take him. In addition, he is blessed, and dementia is counted as a gift that eliminates the distress, given to martyrs by Armok... Yes, the gods are unlikely to become angry if we take him with us. It's decided.
- I wonder if you know who is this dwarf? Have you seen him before?
- Remove the bucket from his head, and maybe I can help identify him. - said the manager.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074223_bzemqnslcilboeufwlwsuynvwvbixpwtzdypqpytfevnhgcrzz.png)
You tried to remove the bucket from the psycho's head, but you failed. Apparently the already small bucket crumpled after hitting the floor and stuck even more tightly on his head.
- I can't do it.
- Well then. - Shorast sighed. - Then leave him as he is for a while. Let's call him Lides until we know his real name.
You agreed with the new nickname of psycho, loaded his bared ass on the bed in the hospital and went to collect the remaining belongings.
On the surface, the evening draws closer.
Use Tok's hammer and chisel or Meng's slicer. Roll up Lides with bed sheets preliminarily in case he'll suddenly wake up from pain.
In the extreme case make an observation slit
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074223_jidyyrzsypxsyfqbzdvnmgztjwyhrsarcgmtksychbmsgnnsrv.png)
Looking for a way to remove the bucket from Lides' head you looked over a lot of variants that came into your mind, including upside down shaking, cutting off with slicer and perforation of the bucket with chisel.. All this bouncing could at best case does not lead to anything, but also could deprive the crank his scalp or even head. Even if there was a normal mechanic among you, he still would need a thinner and stronger cutter, a saw could answer the purpose, and some oil for lubrication wouldn't hurt as well. Generally, the only useful thing you could do was to make a couple of holes for eyes.
Still need to learn from Shorast if we have food and booze, and what kind of things are planned to take with us on an expedition in general. And to ask whether we move out today or spend the night first? If we spend the night here, when where, in our chambers or in one room for more safety?
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074224_japhfbhhlmrecddmeefklqlcuxckfxtygbrrdkhsmzzdfdqxno.png)
It's time for a meeting. The six of you are gathered, the seventh, according to the manager, was already briefed and waits for the rest above with a wagon. Most of the luggage is already loaded into the wagon, so you only take personal belongings and warm clothes. You move out today, and you'll spend the night at the old tavern five miles from the fortress.
Shorast reminded you once again that there are goblins on the surface. For this reason, the expedition's route have to be changed and re-calculated. You have exactly five weeks to reach the arrival point before it's first of Granite. Manager showed you the whole map so you could see your destination.
Now lets draw a new route. Which way should we go?
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074224_pjertfgonxypdofapbmojcbalbtihauoatqhaudwepkfehhxnj.png)
Labels on map: from the left up to the right down.
River.
(with cross and arrow)-Designation
(five sides fortress)-Hunan town.
Tundra.
Taiga.
Mountainhome(fortress in the mountains)
Goblins?
Passage
(in red circle) Wagon
Elven thicket(in the trees)
(lower lefter)Swamp
(tower)-Goblins
Conferring, you achieved some sort of agreement.
First, we clearly won't go through the goblin horde.
Second, the way through the tundra, even though it's shorter, could be unbearably cold now since it's winter. Besides, it's not a fact that to go through tundra is safer - they say werewolves and sasquatches are in there. There are no less chances to croak in tundra then from meeting goblins.
Third, there are elves at the south. The prospect of meeting with pointy-ears immediately caused a rejection from the majority of team members, but the manager assured you all that we have the best relations with the elves right now. Well, enough good so they do not hunt us and shoot us in the head if we get closer to their forest. However, visiting them can still be fatal, so Elven Retreat must be passed quickly and quietly.
Behind the forest lays a swamp which could be avoided in three ways: going south, along the mountains, or straight over ice. Going south is clearly not a way, because the road will become much longer and it's too close to green-asses' snake nest. Going on ice is more risky, but it can be much faster than going through rocks and ruts in northern wetlands.
And finally, we'll decide whether to go to the town or not on the way. Not only we don't know what's happening in the town right now, in a couple of weeks until we arrive there anything can happen. So lets not propose anything in advance.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074225_fhvidfelxxuiajemgwjizsftwdtebggxreriiximgmmjuslrrg.png)
Shorast hid the map and told everyone to go to the tunnel. We leave. Those who do not have warm clothes will get them in a wagon.
All stocks of food, booze, and the seeds are already loaded and waiting outside.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074225_ddlriudaftzsoqemvetywgefvzhrwtyborxogoxwbwaptivrpo.png)
You went for a pretty long time in a dark and narrow tunnel. Making your way between the boulders, you moved to an exit until you ran into a dead end. Manager knocked the wall four times, and the stone slab, which blocked the entrance, begun to move.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074226_ypvgieptgdndtrqyovulmvnxbpngkwgbqhuuzlgbxkrfxywyko.png)
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074226_axlxncdjmdlnqkziotonshicajnatswuxqksttsisfcxgxvvth.png)
The creature that opened the path resembled a dwarf only slightly. He was almost one head higher that all of you, and because of that his head seemed disproportionately small (for a dwarf). If it wasn't for beard you'd take him for a human.
Make the most friendly face and say hello to the creature as well as introduce self.
Let him think that we didn't suspect anything. .
- Do not be afraid, it is Anil, he is a dwarf. - calmed us Shorast. Anil now will lead us to the wagon.
The big one nodded silently and motioned to follow him.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074226_tsywhlutpiceexposcexgljdeevpvgycaajhtsriljjdxbjjot.png)
End of the first thread.
Hope you're enjoing all this.
Bonus picture
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337074224_zfgijwydwuedgyojbuybiuchgypfgeuojlrnkivjrwvyuzvxci.jpg)
Original thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/71294.html)
In previous series thread:
Yo with the company of six dwarves successfully evacuated from the captured fortress. Your expedtion has to depart toward west Untinkable Mountains for foundation of new settlement and it seems nothing can stop you. But like it always happens if something bad is possible it occurs.
-What is it? Horse?-You pointed to the animal standing near wagon. - Is it gonna draft wagon?
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083812_nkccrofxqrnyhkzcavhkwjuvxhiiqtgxniterlgmgyhcpnswlh.png)
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083813_egkardeiiteylsagctrmupkzyexqkxeptjqrbptjjntungpkkv.png)
White goose is standing gracefully upright in front of you. Draft animals able to drag the wagon do not even smell here(well, literally). Even no hoofs marks on close ground.
Manager shivered nervously and looked questioningly at Anil. He just shrugged his shoulders and with snapping tongue and waving his arms began to explain something silently to Shorast. Miner's doggie for some reason known only to it began to whine and scoff on goose.
After some discussion, Shorast stated:
-Actually, here was a mule. We were going to harness goose as a second animal for the wagon, well, you know, all that tradition, with the wagon to be two animals.-Manager grinned ruefully and snorted.-Now the mule is gone. Just without a trace.
The whole group of these words fell into a stupor andplunged into confusion, what to do now? Everybody stare at manager, expecting him to offer just any idea.
Can a mule STAND ON THE OTHER SIDE of the wagon?
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083813_jofsqcajzapctbdvsrqeilxmhibyaukfxdhvycejbcpddbajul.png)
Well of course! Why we just have not guessed! You have already gathered to shout "Oh here you are, bastard!" and drag mule back to the wagon but alas. Here is no animal. But you have found a crumpled curve dagger, horned helmet and a little weird engraving on the stone.
Maybe harness Anil to a cart and let him drag?
And, if he does not fit the definition of "animal", then you can harness doggie with him.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083814_gcrxpnvarzdqgqwgpzpelzjkqtzqwksgygldmeslpujryfivwm.png)
He can drag the wagon but he'll be exhausted within half an hour, and even earlier. In case of wagon pulling strhgth doesn't matter but endurance, with which Armok unfortunatly deprived bipeds.
Veeeeeery carefully inspect surrounding area
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083815_fvmlkxcxpilxvpbiukwndbiykcymisqeronjvaxqlphfnnkgcw.png)
Your harsh dwarven heels are already freezing to walk on the frozen rocks. Manager gave you felt boots, hat and jacket from the stock in the wagon. By the way, yes, no stranger there. All the supplies are in place.
You got dressed and decided to go in search of four, miner stays to look after the crippled. You have few variants where to go to.
First, back to the fortress - go through a tunnel or go through the passage and enter through the gate. Second, you can go to the tavern, where we're going to sleep - even though it is unlikely to meet the appropriate animals, as soon as tavern abandoned and it's stall is empty.
Third, further behind the tavern is a human village, where the cattle is likely to be, however, walk to the settlement will have five times longer than to the tavern and you'll back only at the morning.
Well, the fourth option, the most stupid and unreliable-go to the hills, catch wild goats and rams and attempt attempt to harness them to the wagon.
I suggest going to the countryside, why not?
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083816_stiufpcfobvbyjtewfcrjzijssqoatezwgvqbrtlfbnrrqxyim.png)
You have decided to inspect the tavern on the south, and if you'll find nothing you'll keep going towards the village. After about an hour of walking you see three small buildings, one of which has a lights and fired oven. There is somebody. Apparently, building on the left - the owners' house, central one is inn, stall is in the right.
In the hotel - ask questions: the situation in the area, do they have animals, iа they reply negative-kick their asses, steal everithing stealable and go to town to sell it.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083816_klhiiiqhxjwulelwyoqxopvnevqlatlwxljtfwlbazhyogpaer.png)
Empty. There is nobody, just a lot of dust and cobwebs.
Get tothe stable, if there is a horse or a couple-steal 'em.
Carefully inspect the stables but don't do something for now.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083816_lnaayldmacihegnuuhxtxizhhyjlkivvddtvhfrjzndjqjvtbf.png)
The lock on the gate broken, the doors are ajar. When you looked inside, it was dark like inside gnome's butt, and very quiet. If there were animals, they would be heard.
Stealthy look at the window of house with lights.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083817_fwjzltxzqayseefwdjuqgdxqztudsolrpptshzjdbfpcodctxe.png)
And here are the owners. They sit and play cards. Fortunately, they are pretty passionate about it so you were not noticed.
Look at the window of other room.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083817_dflbdppjajxsagxtfajcmphdudsmjhwbkhowljrqsqpqlbilgf.png)
There is a staircase to the attic floor. You can try to get here through the roof, but this would require a ladder.
Check inn and stables more attentive, and preferably with no rustle
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083818_puguxecidxuwxgzvoqmugipivhvgnsbuqvpeauotojrkjazwin.png)
In the search of the ladder you again entered to the stables. At this time some noise was madeб and when you've been checking corners, stables seemed no more empty. Your fuss has been with met displeasured gurgling growl and six red-eye views from different corners of the stables.
Carefully move backward and leave stables. Then try to secure gate somehow so these do not crawle out of there.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083818_eesefofmmoulgbobribaybkqjnnofultznwisejtmhsympqgsq.png)
You decided not to make any sudden movements so as not to provoke these carnivorous amphibians. Retreating back, you came out of the stall, and find no other way to secure gates like with the spoon.
It is necessary to check out the hotel -there under the carpet may be the hatch into the cellar which may be connected to other house cellar, as i've seen, there is hatch to the cellar in back room of main house. If we get there -it's easy to pull weapons put right behind the door.
You can take a look at the picture on the wall in the hotel. Clown, huh? Flip the picture and see if there is something under it.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083818_pktggbchavfzwynfzowjgruwabkadccmbmqpdgctbihlxjrxqx.png)
You've come back to the inn. With close look at the picture you've noticed that the eyes of the drawn creature suspiciously empty. There are literally two black holes.
Under the carpet may be the hatch into the cellar
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083819_xkrvnzxkpwieirutkncruyuelvvwtzncxbqpelantwpnaoboef.png)
Voila, found the hatch.
A pictureseems to be hanging on a string, so you can try to take ut and look at the back side.
Inspect the cabinet inside and the wall behind him
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083819_iuefobedeygyazoeqkjownthvbmksvevkyvpcpplfebojookhe.png)
If you look into the eyes of the picture, it seems that there is a void. However, the light does not hit there and nothing inside you can see. Noticing that the picture is hanging on a string, you took off it. But to your surprise there are no holes in the wall, moreover there are no holeson the back of the canvas.
A curious thing. You will be able explore, when a minute will drop out.
And why do we actually needed a ladder? There are also four sturdy dwarves who easily withstand the weight of each other, and the rope. I hope it's not in the wagon? So build the pyramid, lightest will climb on the window and secure rope at the attic. And voila, the whole party in the house.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083819_vzxrjjpmuaelltsdqxvfpmahzbrorsomtwzrhixfivpnhojbex.jpg)
You've decided to waste no more time for looking of ladder and move to action. Incidentally, you got no rope here so you decided to string up and perform incredible acrobatic trick for dwarves-to build a pyramid. Only one will climd, so he'll be the only hope.
There are three spears by the wall and a shield. Perhaps somewhere here is third one.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083820_ohpkypjrpxrahuhrnwgcnpivutmyqkvviakuhxvwmnvdjwjxxx.png)
In a completely unnatural position there is body on the second floor belonging ещ extremely drunk goblin, almost choking in his own vomit.
Pull up engraver on the 2nd floor and look around in this room.
Search the goblin, then go down the stair and try stealthy steal spears through the door and share 'em (there are seems to be 3) and one who got no spear will take stool. Anв if goblins will notice us stealing spears-grab its, rush to attic and flush through the window.(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083820_sfvoxezlivvqppadgamcrnrzbhqwxcekroxtekvndfohyccxrk.png)
You've managed to pull in Tok too. Meng and Shorast still waiting outside while you look around the attic. There's nothing except picture on the wall, stool and body. Goblin is not dangerous, so you decided that you do not need to kill him. Now. After searching a goblin, you found nothing but an empty bottle.
A close-up view of picture if possible?
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083821_ccvtondvzomeylxuclbhttfzfvgtwninmcrmleydmdcdoicxmm.jpg)
We go down slowly, looking first wherever we go, not to run into someone on accident.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083821_aljxxezibqnstvevnavlgsbdrxetozbcgeiqoadarvzpqbnzna.jpg)
You've decided not to deal with drunk one right now and go straithly for the spears. Trying not to squeak steps, you and Tock went down to the ground floor. Faces of Meng and Shorast were seen in the window. All was quiet for now.
We go still steal a spear.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083822_iktlmbvcevcjkdhzxuveiirsvmflgvxlmlnmyonxruhhproihu.jpg)
Very cautiously opened the door, you glanced inside and saw goblins passionated with game and drinks. The smell in the room clearly verified drunken state of them like voices too. Acting is extremely neat, you managed to pull off all three spears and a shield, then you locked the door and got good thought, Snatcher skill +1.
Arm with a stool and a bottle (glass rosette?)
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083822_zhgjahehhbcnpmbwrjnudzzqgxxruozuahmmiovshyoxfmloiu.jpg)
Once armed with spears both arms are busy. Stool though can be pulled on head like a helmet. At least some protection. Meng and Shorast loomed from the window that the door is still locked from the inside and the braves have to act theirselves. The window was also bristled with oakum, and scored a nail strips, since the onset of the winter.
There are in orginal thread a lot of debates on how to proceed, about how will it be related to dwarfen ethic toattaack and to kill goblins without reason, about positives of diplomacy etc. I don't gonna translate all this load of text so just keep reading what GM decided to do in next post. Thanks for attention.
Pull the spear out of the window and let folks climb with it
Nuuuh, basement and shed will be explored later.
Give one spear through the attic window to Shorast and get ready for the assault.
Take galss pot from the table, mug from the floor ant put them on the ladder steps, add a bottle too.
Let's arm Shorast with odd spear and he'll knock the door and try to speak with greens.
.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083822_wkoipvnhkjcwgeuomrxfdjxnadvvwvruguicfqkhxaobcszzyi.jpg)
It was too hard to drag rest of the party inside without making noise. So one spear was given to Shorast. Hatch to the basement, though attracted freshness, but stoically was left for dessert, because the primary threat was sitting right outside the door. Just in case a spiral staircase was turned into a crap-trap if drunk one will wake up. It was also decided to start with attemtp to act peacefully, and the manager took the role of negotiator. Meng stood a few steps at the ready, and Shorast knocked on the door.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083823_zpauecfsktyfcaucyhaehrnxlwxcgfbzccwnwxzvsqejblkecg.jpg)
Drunken voices got silent inside. Could be heard as one of the goblins scrapped his chair from the table and came with uneven steps to the door.
-Whudda...-He opened and stared at guest with drunk eyes. -Who are you?
Shorast pretended calm:
- Greetings.
Behind the back of first second yelled:
-Whooooa's der?
- Quiet you! - First turned back.-Stop yelling, moron.-He turned back to the dwarf and almost fell, clutching the jamb.
Bring the harvest to Armok!
No goblin-no problem.
Arm with spears and meet guests strikes in the belly.
Kill two of them.
Beat gobletards with stolen spears!
Kick asses to these goblins!
Goblins are distracted and will get a spear in the back.
Poking them with a spear until they bleed to death.
(Observe in the door slit) quickly but quietly attack in the back.
Dwarf pride strikes with a spear right to face!
Yeah, finish em. Spike in face.
Kill goblobitches in wild hell fire feeling.
Trust goblins? No way!
Perhaps these two can be easily defeated.
Take joy in slaughter!
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083823_btnstzifcyxnxzkqagdjvolpqggierwsnhfpexvqpjboiljtcp.jpg)
Shorast whistled and at the same moment thrust a spear in the throat of the interlocutor. Meng jumped out from the corner and cut off what he reached. Arm. Tok and Likot attacked from behind second drunk. Likot hit the edge of the face, ripped it off completely, Buketotil pierced heart. A few heartbeats later, everyone got a good thought in the name of Armok. Goblin in the door collapsed to the floor, second was nailed to the table.
A-a-a-a-aaargh blood gore death!!!11111
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083824_ubbiwywnrcbdafahtnxlbptrzfkpmieytnvlebevtunfzganmw.png)
This is madness ... Blood. It's everywhere.
With a little departure from the combat courage you become disgusted by what you've just dove thought they were just a goblins.
The amount of blood could bring any to insanity. Look, Meng even begins to roll his eyes and wheeze. Wow how it is, the doctor - and afraids of the blood sight! His nervous rather weak.
In my opinion, he's sneezing
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083824_zocfwifysuedzxmzkwdpwsfdafgdydpmpergufxykqauutdtpz.png)
Outside suddenly got heard shouts and screams of Shorast and the roar of Meng. You have been thinking that all is lost Goblins were not three but more, and your comrades stumbled upon a sober team of evil greenassed. But when you jumped out you've a strange scene: manager tumbled down kicking butcher and hardly trying to pour the contents of a tube down to his mouth.
What does all this mean?
Quickly rush to help him -he's the leader of the expedition, however.
1. Settle the issue with the Meng
2. Tie up to the goblin on second floor with guts.
3. Check the basement
You ran up and helped to immobilize convulsioning doctor. Manager hasn't waiting for the questioning and begun:
-It's sedative. He gets seizures, it happens. In the fortress I was always keeping eyes on him and his time to take medications, and here's missed point... This is because of the blood, he can not stand the smell. But great as specialist, so - appointed to be a doctor, nothing can be done, be a doctor.
A little rested, Mamgozodur regained consciousness and looked at comrades. Shorast hurried to pick him up:
-Well, that's all right now! Let's tie up the goblin upstairs and drag him to the tavern, at least there are no blood spatters.
You are immediately reminded of:
-We got no rope. How to tie, then?
-Guts! - Buketotil joked.
- And even so, -manager supported -Go.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083825_bscmpudxsftseprmkgbovucozsuasfhyucxfzviebaxppbszic.jpg)
Meng is leaving outside in the cold, you three have returned to the house. Tok and shorast have begun to rip goblin near the table, and you at this time have gone to check basement. At the bottom were only the big barrels of wine but the smell says clear it's all soure, spoiled and turned into shit. Nothing more in the basement. Jerked, you closed the hatch and released a spiral staircase of the bottle-trap-wasn't useful. Kurelgeshak and Tok climbed, tied a drunken with bloody guts and the sack him down. You joined too and carried him to the inn with six arms.
It was cold, dark, scary here. Throwing captive on the floor in the lobby near the hatch, you all have settled back and waited. It would be worthwhile here inflame the fireplace, or vice versa would not be worth. Other rooms upstairs were empty and not noticeable. Also here is basement, but it was too dark to go there.
Swallowing frost, drunk stirred.
Goblin ishowed signs of life, but he still was overdrunk. He'll sober no sooner then to the morning so no need to handle him for a while.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083828_qfqmypscbovzvfurooillkjfevcansclclmbcjhdbsazqbyzlf.jpg)
Ran into the house for a candle, you have decided to explore the basement of the hotel. Tok has come after, you've come down, and there is quite a different situation - an underground passage! Judging by the direction it leads ... back to the fortress! Draught tended the flame of a candle, and there in the distance, it seems to be a dim light. Called Shorast to look, you three have begun to stare and try to hear anything.
- I wonder .. - Muttered the manager - it's doublty dug by the hoteliers.
- Or they are where the light is? Still digging - Buketotil chuckled
- Let's find out - you glanced at the two - whether we fear the dungeons?.
Meng remained at the top with one of the spears guarding the prisoner.
Move, do not make noise, better extinguish the candle
Let the tunnel will be explored by only two, not three
In any way must go there and figure out
Staying in a dark tunnel without a drop of light was not very tempting idea. Perspective stumble / fall / sink isn't enjoyable, herefore it was decided to carry the candle proudly, like a torch, and spit on the masking. Due to last decided to walk three of us instead of two-if you have to fight-Shorast and Tok will wield spears, while you will hold the candle and try not to extinguish it, darkness still.
So, you have moved forward. Nothing interesting around. Empty bowel of tunnel stretched relatively straight. The only thing that is unusual, is the size of it-dvarwes don't need such diameter.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337083829_roshbktughjblbkbhljnybdlsskwuddkrolrxvbvvknzzakuyv.jpg)
About an hour later you've got to the place. Here, the tunnel narrows to normal dwarven size, and here are mounted vertical steel bars. And close behind it ... dwarf! He certainly saw the visitors from afar and is now waiting until they come close:
- Hey! Yes this is Shorast Kurelgeshak! Hello litter lath!
- Olin Adagfeb! Damn deserter! - Snorted manager - so it's still your excavation?
- Our, our ... And you pray Armok for leaving alive today and not raped by the goblins! We can organize if you want. We are now with the goblins on the short leg. (Tr. n. in good relations) And I think if we strongly ask for, they will find attractive even a bastard like you!
All have been stunned a bit.
- On the short leg? - Shorast gasped - with goblins?
Olin laughed:
Let me tell you about what happened here, at least I'll glance at your mug, haha! Let's start with what we had long thought of sort how to to put to the expense all of your "Noooobles". We are a small Masonic society, and we were unable to tolerate more bureaucracy and corruption! So we hatched this plan for years. One day, digging deeper, we found a cave in which dwelt the ancient smoke monster. Unknown to all, we put a lot of effort to lasso it and capture. Now we had a powerful weapon to fight the enemies. With the power. But it was not enough . Then we decided to conclude an alliance with the goblins. We promised them the fortress, if they come here and kill everyone!
Their troops, of course, also would not be enough to manage with all of our army, but combined with a smoky monster, they worked as expected. It turned out that the monster was easier to raise from his cave to the surface through the system in natural voids than gnaw back to the fortress through stones. So we dug this wide tunnel to smuggle him from outside to fort. You see, on your left, planted a hole? We dragged it here. Now we are locked and waiting when the monster will deal with goblins ... or vice versa. Haha, they do not know about him! But in general everything is going the way we wished - the power is no more, no queen, no nobles, no any riffraff soap-boilers.
All succeeded, Shorast. So it goes
Here is the end of second thread.
And here is third thread.
Original thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/73025.html)
They are fucking traitors. They must be kick-assed
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105127_irketvocpnbvjwpordbagguxponuivvqkbalrlfgdztficnqpg.png)
You made a sharp attack with a spear, trying to get this ugly traitor face selling behind the bars. But alas! You overestimate your speardwarf skills, this is not killing a drunken goblin from behind. Easily cowered away from your attack, Olin arrogantly touched spearhead and smugly neighed, commented on your action:
- Ahah, I see you liked my wonderful fable. Well, never mind, come again, I'm always happy to tell you interesting news, I'm sure I will have them accumulated to the time. And now, farewell to brave cheesemakers with sharp sticks. I wish you dead on the first goblin ambush. - And he turned and stomped toward the fortress.
-What a freak,-Tok said.
Remove the bars. Dismantle the clutch in a side tunnel. Place the bars for 10 tiles closer to the exit. PROFIT! And leave to build new fortress with preference and dvarwen ladies
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105127_ztswsoilvnjnqdxmfnfetopilfnyfbgzljcnnrcqghepfgdxpr.jpg)
-Definitely a freak. - Shorast confirmed when a bastard with axe disappeared behind the tunnel bend.
- These traitors must pay for their deeds. For the sake of Armok, we will punish them!
After some discussion, you have decided that the most ruthless way of execution of the apostate will be deflation of the notorious monster right into the lair of the revolutionaries. To do this you'll disassemble closed up hole and, after bars broke down, close up way out behind selfs.
Definitely back on surface
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105128_bxhdptuuvaagbohuqazikkxkprzonknkopflvybkzpkjnmhxye.jpg)
Somehow like this ... And now we leave.
The return trip took twice less time as a candle burning out rapidly, threatening to leave you in the pitch darkness so you had to flee. Miraculouslynot stumbled and not knocked the flame you've reached the stairs, which have at least a bit of light penetrated the room upstairs.
- We got ... Praise to Armok ... - Tok mumbled, pulling bars with your help.
Shorast was angry. You too.
Finally, all three of you came into a inn lobby where Meng guarded awaked goblin. A little breath, and after consulting with the others you once again ran into another house, this time for the clothes from the corpses for the goblin not to freeze.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105128_etddcppjolhjavajmjafhewfsdkiylkvkdmiiowicgnubjqibj.jpg)
Shorast began negotiations with the captive:
-Your name?
Goblin was a little confused, scared, but most of all he was sick from a hangover:
- Ah .. ya ... I do not remember.
-How are you?
-I feel rotten why?
- The fact that we have killed your friends and you are now our captive. We know that you're the trainer of mount toads. We need them to pull a wagon. And so we need you.-Manager as if by accident clicked with a finger an edge of spear.-But only if you agree to work for us.-He handed the spear to Tok.-In general, we do not need unnecessary mouths. So think about it and give an answer... Your toads will do what we need?
Goblin sat, blinked for a while:
-Yes,of course can ! Why not be able to?
- How exactly do you control them?
He again gathered his thoughts:
- Well ... I stroke, slap, beat, or sometimes give bit of meat ... but I need hands for this or they gobble myself!
The dwarves exchanged glances.
- Okay. Here are clothing. Now we'll untie you for a while and you'll dress. Then, restrained, you will go with us to the toads. If you'll think of escaping -we'll kill you. Clear?
- Clear ... - He sighed.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105128_jhmjspzrecnqoigexgpgmkqucghmgrpkvminsighygmoojoall.jpg)
On the mantelpiece lay rimless glasses, candlesticks without candles, and a box with a wooden ring inside. The grille was made of pig iron.
A picture with holes, GM, let's explore it!
First, you need to deal with that strange drawning, I was intrigued by these holes,
I would have those holes poked with something for the sake of interest
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105129_kgzqqdnrfywymekehjlyvluxinsklhjbppzazbicoottpeydef.jpg)
While goblin fiddled with the clothes, you borrowed Tok's pipe and out of curiosity poked it in empty sockets in the picture. However, mouthepiece hasn't baulked something just like passed it trough. But there nothing appeared from reverse side, it's pretty surprised both of you. After some doubts you decided to look into these holes with your own eyes. Inside nothing was visible, although it felt kind of volume. As if you peering into some dark room.
Pick up the loot for the further barter and carry goblolo to toads. Tie up his legs in that way he can make only small steps and bowels from both legs kept by dwarfs.
Captive dressed clothing of his dead fellows. His hands were freed from the bondage, and his feet were tied on the contrary.It was decided to grab glasses, picture, box, grille and steel rods to the wagon plunging em to the toads. Still gotta overhelm toads.
Bringing a trainer to barn and took a spoon, you are moved to a respectful distance.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105129_saqvwkhcnuowlyzmjkerxcmtxnwpsqjluoavpdctklebshmlrx.jpg)
Goblin at first hesitated, then began to whistle, smack lips, slap his leg. Quitly croaking, toads appeared. Slightly excited by by the presence of strangers, they crept fearfully to the owner.
-That's good!-talked up goblin.-Good fellows ... Here, here ... Get caress...
A couple of minutes of "talk" later, toads such calmed down and growled not so menacing.
Shorast called out to captive:
-They should let us closer. It is necessary to load the catch.
- You, then? Now it is unlikely. Stranger smell, stranger voice, stranger look ... Yes, and how to secure stuff here? Better to bind everything from behind and let one simply pull dragged, nuh?
- Maybe so, - manager looked at the stuff.-Bars and grille can be dragged along the ground, others we'll bring ourself.
By doing so, everything finally went back.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105130_iwolnfpwtwtimetjkalczycydiqhbujjidgnuhjqanbpckqrms.jpg)
Morning is approaching. The walking to the wagon took a lot longer this time. First, go up the hill and secondly loaded with loot, captive and his animals. Apparently, you are already close.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105130_cjwtdtvbdyxdrlwmdelscvacqleulvuqawoxlanpuxpjngnynk.jpg)
-THIS IS SMOKE MONSTER! - Tok yelled.
Only when you come to place of departure, you've suddenly found things happening here are f***ed up. It seems this шыnot the monster itself, but only its paw squeezed through the hole tunnel. The monster itself stayed inside, this however does not prevent him to grab a wagon and try to shake out the dwarves. Movement of the tentacles were very clumsy therefore it hasn't turned over our cart. From above scared Anil looked out, mumbling something. Lides and Bomel were there too, apparently.
All four dwarves and goblin caught the bad thought and to have fallen into the fear. Goblin though quickly suppressed per-second weakness, and turned to toads, which started to get nervous, and instantly began to calm them sothey do not gobble up someone out of fear (him). It seems the fact that he is at least a little familiar with military affairs, gave him strength of nerves. Dwarves continued hysteria, bulge eyes at each other, the monster in the sky, at the hands ...
Spear slipped under the the slab as a lever, dwarf lifts a stone, the other pushes.
A couple of dwarves bolder move the boulder, and the remains attempt to pull wagon with the rope close to the ground.
Play a game of tug with a monster sothe cart will fall below.
Drop on the tentacle the anvil
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105130_tjnxcrajulzsmkqiliuksiamuwhafcgxxwcozxpzfyqnnclhpg.jpg)
After a few seconds panic stopped - the manager treated all with encouraging slaps.
- Likot, quickly follow me! And two of you grab that rope and pull to the ground! Not enough yet to have our wagon wheels break up! AAAARRR!!
It's like Shorast got pre-tantrum condition. He grabbed you and three spears and dragged to push boulder. Meng and Tok, affected by this spirit, clutched the the rope and began to bend beast to the ground.
- We must pull out ours! - shouted doctor ...-to someone.
NO! - Refused Shorast.-Bomel can't to go down, and Lides can't be made to! Let them stay there. HEY ANIL! Throw the anvil to the beast!
The big dwarf nodded, rummaged a bit, hung it over the side.
- HERE! - You nodded to the "root" of the tentacle was going to be pinched with a stone.
Anil threw the bar right to the passage, you and Kurelgeshak immediately pulled your socks up, pushing the boulder with all the forces.
Anvil has not passed through the smoke, and as if stumbled against invisible body, sidestepped. Stone also strongly pressed the "arm", but no more. Tentacle waned, dropping a wagon almost to the ground, but continued to hold it firmly.
Tie a rope to the toads, and let them pull while the entire party pounding the arm.
Let goblin with the toads pull and the rest hammering to the hand:miner with a pick, the doctor - with his slicer, speardwarfes - with spears.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105131_ljvavpnsexonokfposdafukrtagncllsfqlsxaihyofiaeevwe.jpg)
You started with all available weapons punish the "hand" while goblin, with the command of Shorast, already tied a ropes thrown by Anil to toads. Grasp the monster has weakened under such pressure and the cart is slowly slipping out of his smoky claws. Goblin himself seems to be interested in leaving this place as soon as possible so led the animals very enthusiastically. Then out of the tunnel there was a loud roar of a monster who understands that prey escapes. Toads got even more nervous of this and pulled with a vengeance. Spears pierced the invisible flesh, Slicer chopped, a pick driven into ... Then the smoke convulsed, threw the wagon and drawn back into the tunnel along with two with spears stuck. Dwarves instantly grabbed the remaining goods - the anvil, candlestick, box, grille, bars, a dog and a goose, and ran after the cart, which goblin already tried to to stop with soothing toads. A little further, all sunk at last. Wagon checked for any damage, passengers, too, were such normal, except for Lides swaddled like a baby by Anil and Bomel yet when the party went to the village.
So, now you can breathe a sigh quieter. The wagon was going and everyone was safe.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105131_gfatgejztlvfocejcnpxasczadmcunalyntveauhohugzvilue.jpg)
So, you hit the road. According to the planned route, the next stop is the elven grove but first it was necessary to drive back the same village, after all the road was one, and meat for the toads to be reserved, they deserved it. The bodies of goblins were useful in this.
The stop was brief.
After a couple hours of driving from the village, the sun has risen high enough, and dwarves start nausea one after the other. Shorast explained that the abolition of the cave adaptation. Nothing can be done - only suffer. And vomit.
Tok burst first. Then the manager ... Wagon was lasted with intermittent trail of vomit. Anil held longest-surpassed even Bomel who also held with all his forces, hastily unwinding the bandages on the mug-barely had time to lean over the side. But at least managed. But Lides hasn't even tried - he burst right in the cart even though the benefit of a bucket on his head had kept a tight stream and he just smeared himself.
Little by little, struck up a conversation with the goblin:
- Well, do you remember the name of your own?
- What? - Turned one - Yeah, I remember. Ostoks Kozmutog call me.
- Do not be angry that we had to feed your friends to toads...
-Oh, it would be foolish not to do. Do not go to waste the meat in actual fact. And the toads really like eyes and cartilages ...
Tok puked again.
- ... And the fact that you murdered them - well, anything can happen.
A couple of minutes, all was silent. Then goblin turned back:
- This is what I thought, there seems our siege yours? Fight there, dying ... That's where the meat would be get! We'd got some to devour...
- Ffuuu ... We do not eat the dead ...
- Why?
Meng poked Shorast in the ribs:
_Shut him up, or i'll make him dead!
Manager reassured the doctor with gesture.
- You, Ostoks, just go on in silence, okay? Do not talk about such things.
He shrugged his shoulders.
Up to the grove still remained three hours.
Long or soon ... You have reached the elven thicket.
Despite the fact that's the end of Opal - here in the valley is significantly warmer than in the mountains you came from.
The are were with leaves, even yellow.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105132_snzzlexjecogwtebxqazkkrslyxijnrhjzlmcbodjjwfvmxfgq.jpg)
Entering, - stated the manager, seeing a green ribbon on one of the trunks - There is their label.
- It is necessary to prepare goblin ahead of time.- Meng said. -Before "surprise" meeting with the eareds to prevent inadvertently killing.
He turned, grinning:
- But through the grove a whole army passed, and all only smiled.
- A? - Meng did not understand.
-No one likes elfes, right? They prohibit you cut trees and for example kill animals to us, eat each other... well, and much more. They need to compensate such demandings in order to prevent the aggression from everyone. So they try to satisfy as possible, if it does not concern them personally. We were going to fight with you. and they just smile and keep quiet. Wanna live-make compromises.
The dwarves exchanged glances.
Worth take some steps to disguise the goblin.
Just hide under the junk in the wagon for some time.
But I would hid the goblin.
If we'll meet the elves -offer trading. At the same time we might learn from them what's expecting us in the swamp.
You're a little afraid of meeting with the elves:
- Hey, Goblin! Is not it better for you to hide.
Tok supported:
- Here is where to go, and we will cover from above.
Shorast stroked his beard:
- Since we decide to hide goblin elves, what to do with the toads? They are something we can't disguise.
- Toads are our, we have tamed them, and now use, - put Meng.
Here Bomel joined:
-Ewwws www wot wwwck wst www www. Wwwwow wwwwime ooo wwwse.
-Elves will not attack just like that, says. Now time of peace. That is true in general.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105132_ypziggsicmehijoezxzkqacddhtgbjpegkdzwdototlwmniwna.jpg)
Then the voice gave Ostoks:
- We'll see just right now.
- Haaaaalt!-Elfess appeared on the road, showing a calm gesture to stop.
Coachman obeyed. Toads growled at the stranger, and the goblin immediately clicked his tongueю
- Good day, stranger, you cross the boundary of our domain and I need to check what you carry.
Tok put spear right close to the goblin's back. Manager nodded and called Meng to jump out. Both jumped off behind the wagon and took attention of frontier guard.
- Passengers are driven by our friend. I mean us. Good day, and you, too.
The elfess looked at pair:
- Dwarves? ... and the Goblin? ... - She slowed down the tone - Is all right?
- Yes, perfectly - reassured Kurelgeshak - He hired worker and takes us to the place of foundation of the new fortress.
Eared incredulously looked at the toads:
- New? ... There is a rumor saying that Mountain Home is under siege ...Are you from there?
- From there, yeah. But we safely beat off the siege and sent an expedition, that is us, to develop a civilization on.
- It is gratifying to see such an attitude. As well as this unusual collaboration-She nodded to the coachman, - Elves always tried to instill the peaceful coexistence of all around. A life without murders and violence. For neither man nor dwarves nor goblins neither kill each other, nor kill animals nor kill the trees, you know? Everything in nature is in harmony, everything is alive...must to respect and appreciate this life. In any form.
Dwarves nodded silently. Do not let Armok these speeches slip into a condemnation of a wooden cart.
- But it should be, you are in a hurry - came to her senses guard.- This road leads south through the very Grove. Over there, in the heart of the forest, it crosses another road, from east to west. Where are you going exactly?
Shorast unfolded a map:
- Here. To the Unthinkable Mountains.
- Ach ... - You ready to move over the ice? Indeed now the most cold ... You do not look that the forest is green - the trees we have are special. Warm-trunked. Swamps are rather frozen. So that's what-you are unusual company and if you'll go straight through the growthst, will get a bunch of questions at every step. I can accompany you to the swamp, saving from questions of everyone you'll meet.
Shorast and Meng exchanged glances:
- And what would cost this service?
- What are you, I will not take charge.
Manager shrugged his shoulders:
- Go. But how do you leave the border post?
The elf smiled
- You do not think that I am the only guard here?
She turned aside and whistled like a bird.
Response came as the hooting of an owl from three sides.
- First of all I inspect a wagon, and then sit down next to your employee.
Meng and Shorast stepped aside to let her pass.
- Good day to all ... - Heard from inside.
Everyone has heard the conversation and Tok had time to hide the spear at the depth of wagon.
- So, what we have here? The seeds ... wine ... tools ... Oh, steel rods! ... Spear ... hmm, just one? Haha, well, - She looked outside, - All right, we can go.
Dwarves once again exchanged glances.
Elf, if she remains a member of her entity, can not lie
You sure can speak her out and take ith us, she'll guard the fortress.
It is unlikely that she will stay long with us, so you should find out everything you can.
Just move on.
Show her goose. And she is ours!
Screw her!
Put her ass to the embrasure
It's f***ing robbers!
Politely refuse eared woman. Even if she'll show boobs.
She's decoy-duck! Not from elfes. "Believe", take away, torture.
F**k this pussy and her good intentions.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105133_tfcqxhaqhwiurfryeqoqwzlskutwlgydyqgsjqlmgwswxkxfne.png)
Shorast asked elf to get off the wagon for a minute to consult with others.
Opinions were divided about whether to deal with the elves or not.Some said that it is necessary to take elf because of boobs, her knowledge of the area and just for political reasons, others, however, offered to get rid of her by any way.
Then you are offered to vote. Shorast, Anil and Bomel voted to take the elf, Meng, Tok and you - voted against. Alas, but vote solved nothing too. If Lides was now in his right mind, his voice would be decisive.
- Oh, throw your democracy to the demons! -Tok said. I can not stand for a spirit of these long-eareds, they stink pitch and sawdust.
- Do not like her. - supported Meng. - Elves are not so good. For the first time I see that they not only let someone close to their woods, but also call for a visit. Not for the good that's all.
- In that case, I, as leader of the expedition, must make a decision. - Shorast declared.- We will be very careful. But we will go into the forest with the elf, we have no choice. She's not alone, and we are unlikely to provide at least some resistance. So assume that we are hostages.
- Whaaaa, am i hostaged by elfes too? - The goblin butted, turning to you. - I'm already hostage but your not elfen!
- Ostoks, you are now doublу hostage. - Said the manager. - But this does not relieve you from our task, get it?
- No question at all ... - Goblin turned and began to look indifferent gaze into the distance on a dirt path leading into the heart of the elven forest.
Every time somewhere in the world cute animal killed or tree cut-elf shits a log.
Put her ass to the embrasure, and in front of her face feed toads with kittens in order so she fires logs like ballista.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105133_crridcrwryxdgrtwwbsjaehzioichupuzygmnzjrltkraptroa.png)
Once again, you catch yourself thinking that in your mind some strange voices inhabit, offering just a brilliant idea.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105133_dsemxitvjxkhliejrulotdwdgkxuivghdxipobwfgkkuztnuli.jpg)
- Excuse me, dear, - Elfen voice from outside interrupted the dispute.-Not like i overheard... simply it was easy to hear. - She looked inside, - So, no matter how you treat my company and ... the smell of ... But you do not think that I'm comin you dash aside uncontrollably in our woods? Consider me a burden, but without me you will not go further.
Shorast helped her climb:
How many dwarves, so many opinions, you understand. I think we can all be grateful guests to stay for the duration of forced visit and we will not make you problems.
- Oh, wonderful! - She fluttered and settled on the floor - And you shall in no case be hostages. How could you even think about this? But here is your employee ... it's true that you hold him by force?
Shorast opened his mouth, then interrupted by the goblin:
- This form of speech, my dear. I lost card to shorths and debtor now, understand? Work debt out.
- Yes, I just asked. Here we go.
Ostoks snapped the reins and the cart rolled. Immideatly Anil's dog and goose felt out from the bags. Seeing the visitor, they began to walk around and look at her. Dwarves were a little confused:
- Ummm ... - Shorast hesitated, - all right?
- Yes. Why? What is it?
He looked around the interior of wagon:
- Wood ... drums ... boxes ... We have a few ... dead wood, so to speak.
- Oh, this is - dismissed companion - Do not worry. Many, you know, many people believe that we are unrestrained fanatics, crazy on the idea of the inviolability of the forest. I admit we have a fairly rigid principles governing the issue, but we still live in the real world. There are things that can't be mase any other way but with the wood. Barrels, wagon ... my bow! Elves cherish the idea of rational use of this material, because the wood - is flesh, meat of living trees. It would be like to create a barrel of meat and skin of biped!
Ostoks chuckled.
- Yeah ... - eared Continued - Our philosophy is not too popular, I know. But there where we are going, no hard-core ultra-Orthodox, so you can relax.
It is a relief for us - the manager sighed.
And do you have healer? - Meng said - You collect herbs? Berries ... We need to help our fellow's mind.
- Healers are ... What's wrong with him?
- Head-damaged!
- Lost his mind- you have added.
- Well ... mind can be healed only with time and rest ... probably ... I do not know, talk to the druids when we'll come.
- Is it allowed?
- Of course. We will stop for ... inegotiations and trade.-She already was stroking the dog and the goose just sat there.
Toh, who sat frowning all the time finally came to life:
- Wish we have what to trade, then ...
- Indeed - supported Kurelgeshak - We can offer very little.
- I've seen the steel bars ... it's great for us. After all, we do not dig, so the metal is quite valuable here.
- I have a iron rim - Toh got glasses from cap's visor.
- And the candle - you have added.
- All it'll do for the exchange - eared nodded.
Manager calmed down a bit:
- How do things you have here? What's new?
- In general, you know, the winter ... low season. No sow, no plowing, no harvests ... People sit out on warm homes, no one does not go anywhere and does not get in trouble. No news to happen from. They say, however, that in the city a big celebration planned. Maybe you will even get there, by the way.
-And you yourself?
- We. huh? No complains. But we are more observers than active participants in this event, so we have a little interesting going on.
You have grown rougher in the stomach. It would not hurt to fill belly after long bursting on the way.
- Is it possible to get some food due the way? Some fruit, berries?
- All was collected along the road, and you should not go deep to the Grove. Wait until we arrive, okay? It will be better.
Dwarves sighed in frustration.
- Uh ... guys guys ... can - Mumbled Goblin - Heeeere... Suuuch...
Tok turned into an open gap and immediately jumped deep into the wagon. Elf all the way twittered about everything, almost no one could insert and take the word, but now when everything suddenly fell silent - was heard the distant din, the shouts, the sounds of battle. Dwarves with the attendant looked out.
F**k up is already here. Seems that it just did followed on the heels of the company and appeared everywhere in a couple of steps ahead of them.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337105134_iabludkvhjnbfssidmpklqhfjydzkvdxlosvadkhivecufwpkd.jpg)
- Oooaaaawhatis - eared scared, immediately sprinkling tears - No no no ... How does it ... from ... But why?
One thing was clear: elves slaughtered elves. There are those who peaked hoods, and those who dressed simpler. It must be those that are regulars here have been simpler, and others are foreigners.
- It can't beeeeee!-this... howling. - There's my father! There is in the dry tree! Where large stained glass light window lights! There is his laboratory, he's Alchemist... Please! - she clung the first available ... Ostoks - He's still there! Help him out! SAAAAAAVE HIM!
End of the third thread.
Aaaand fourth thread coming in.
Original thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/74798.html)
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171466_mayvaooxytbvivglwujjmpvvkvglppgzhgguiguikwrofpbwdl.png)
You come to life with the head splitting of the terrible pain on the bottom of a pit. You do not remember your name, who and where you are, just like totally can't understand how you got here. And you really want to eat and drink.
All this is very, very strange ... You begin to feel that occurs with you not the first time - but it's true or not, you again can not remember. This frightening gap in memory is very confusing you, and you have quite a long time just lying on the straw, puzzled squinting eyes and staring at the soil ground.
You have slept on the floor, you get a bad thought. Headache adds yet another bad thought. Total bad thoughts: 2 out of 5
Make sure that only the head aches, and the rest of the body functioning normally.
Make sure that the arms and legs intact.
When you began to stand up, you find that you have apart headache also hurt in knees and left side. Perhaps you hurt yourself when felt here.
First of all look up.
Listen to what is going on upside.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171466_oxvqzrooevrwvuzysgfgbjaeyhzqclvniiocxmxeztkfclopsz.png)
Above only leaves rustle. If there is someone, it behaves quite carefully and you can not its his footsteps.
Ttime to search yourself for things that remained. Check the freshness of the apple, if good, then have breakfast. Dig an arrow from the wall.
You just need to check whether all the socks in place.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171467_gnamzchwfhuwgxmxipuiiffuiqhycrqisodjvnkkuruptfuvxp.jpg)
You realize that you aretoo hastily carried away with escape plannig and decided to more closely examine your own content. Under the cap plump helmet spawn was found, left felt boot kept the wooden earrings and ring. And in the right felt boot showed a red ...
Suddenly you have been pierced by the memories, the whole bunch erupted from a gray shroud! You remember everything. Who you were, how you lived, what happened in the last days and how you came to the elven forest. But the memory ended abruptly at the moment when you saw the carnage. And as if there was something ... but for now the memory would not let you on.
Pull ourselves on the boards, pulling away the middle / raise it
The surest solution is still digging holes and climb quietly to the surface
Run the f**k out!
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171467_rrqabshdetggrfrxfnuadeosjygkvswefavrkiovjechinmjay.jpg)
Biting not-rotten apple part and not getting any good thought with this, you decide that it is time to understand what happened. Digging tongs with arrowhead in the soil, you climbed up and pushed the heavy boards. It turned out -that's remains of your own vehicle. Nearby lay other parts of it, and even some of the supplies. Somehow the cart exploded, blown passengers in the sides, and you seem to accidentally fell into the pit, which serves as either a trap, or prison ... Clearly not for you.
No one is seen around. Or heard. Apparently the battle was over, the bodies taken away ... But who won was unclear ... As well where your comrades are.
Reclaim the spoon which is dragged along
Take a spoon and a spear.
Inspect wreckage and trash wallows around ... gotta take something from supplies that were in the wagon.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171468_qxnopfityszbxefomzthiiolooigygubqtpqxsrojmmzolhisc.jpg)
Just picking your soapboil spoon out of the grass you've immediately remembered a brief argue and the general opinion that the alchemist to be saved. How the hooded elves immediately noticed the wagon, and attacked, and the goblin spurred toads and you rushed right through to the laboratory. Tok wielded the spear, piercing hoodeds, elfess shot with her bow, Anil struck with a pick, and you - with this spoon. Effect of surprise played at your scores and you managed to kill as many as a dozen enemies, while the other elves, apparently friendly, continued to fight back, too. The wagon was already pretty close to a dead tree, as for no reason at all just exploded in a cloud of blue-green. You remembered how all were flipped ... and then you woke up in the pit.
Looking around you can't find traces of bodies. There are no weapons too. Among the wagon "ribs" seems non-wrecked barrel ... Amazing. You went to check.
Let's look at a wagon and search for loot.
NAME A SPOON!
You got the idea that the spoon already seen enough to get a proper name, but exactly which - it's necessary to think more.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171468_hinqbouxehfagprlbcixbesrnswgtnlzqyitfbnthkflehotgt.jpg)
Going to the wagon, you've seen strange drawings around it. It was blood! And lines were performed after the pieces have fallen here. Few stamped around, you do not immediately decided to go inside the circle, but as it turned out, nothing terrible has happened. Unfortunately, barrels were breached. Supplies are also not remained - the entire contents of bags scattered around the area. Of the more or less useful you found: boots, mittens, Tok's hat. Still of course boards, rags and other trashbut now it could hardly help.
Looking around, you realize that you are not far from a dead tree where rhe laboratory of alchemist is.
Name spoon Ustoskob Angrir Kin (Angryspoon the Crusher of Oaks)
Of harm's way erase the edge of sign, "meaning" Likot
Just in case erase the part, yes. And go to the house of alchemist
Shout once tto fellows, wait a bit in stealth, and without leaving stealth-infantry mode, come to the house of alchemist
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171469_pamhlucqcikfaaxwnxlbpkiedmjlowowiqpdqlyteqlyapbtwv.jpg)
You have decided to name your weapon "Angryspoon the Crusher of Oaks." From awareness of owning such a weapon you descended with a good thought.
However Angryspoon would not be hurt with cleaning the blood, brain slices and the crumbs of skulls. You carefully wiped all with the fabric of wagon and the wiper with it's same some places of bloody drawning. Who knows what? Now it would be wise to attempt find someone of your comrades.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171469_wglqygoloidhqnwzwrukqyawuacrnhdeclobgbjdpxijrntmki.jpg)
- Ah-ah-ah-hey! Who is he-e-e-ere! - You hid in nearby bushes and waited a bit, but there was no answerб and you carefully went to a dead tree. Already in its roots where steps upstair began, you've heard a rustling, but did not manage to hide- naked elf ran by, muttering in an incomprehensible language.
Rise up, look around carefully.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171469_zocpoojwcvkqezshysmuegwwnoribgfejfcrnhpqasdoemlrtn.jpg)
You went up to an incredible number of steps, a couple of times going around a thick trunk, to the laboratory of alchemist and came inside.
- Likot! - Tok shouted joyfully - Alive! Ha-ha!
- Praise to Armok, soapmaker is found ... - Shorast adjusted backpack.
Here are all your friends, as well as the elfess-guard and probably her father. Except goblin.
- Yes, me - you waved hand - What happened there? Why did the wagon exploded?
- I'll explain - Alchemist came down for a couple of steps - On your arrival a tragic misunderstanding came. Matter is that our settlement was attacked by the supreme throne, and you got into the very thick of battle. We won it, by the way, thanks to you in some part ...
I am Muya Forivara, I'm here kind of like a master, and this is my daughter, Iveta Forivara, loved beautiful flower,- elfess waved from above, - And you must be hungry, come to the table and eat the fruits of the forest, I beg you.
You stomped to fellows, who immediately begun to clap on the shoulder and approvingly grunt. At the platters were berries, mushrooms, fruits, vegetables, salads of various leaves and grasses. In fact it was nice. Guys excitedly talked a half whisper to you lately events:
- Toads made some mess there, of course! Devoured a lot eareds on both sides, but all of them shot finally. Ostoks simply vanished after the blast, just like you. All the others were found fairly quickly and everyone who still stood - ran here, saved dad and then ran back. And you were absent all night, thinking were vaporised by the explosion. And, realize that it was made by alchemist! Huh, he thought that we - this hooded's reinforcement, rush at full speed to kill him! So he threw at us one of his bottles, and not a just one actually ...
- I apologize for it - Alchemist butted frome above - your "chariot of death" was really quite scary.
You have finally sated and the alchemist continued:
- I will place you in a nice tree-house, where all will have enough space. In gratitude for the assistance provided to us, and as compensation, we will give you a new wagon and animals. Later we will discuss case about all sorts of trade and cooperation. You can walk around in the forest freely, people here pleased with any others... unlike... hmmm... I leave you for now. A little later, Iveta will escort you.
Elf hobbled into one of the back rooms, and his daughter continued messing chemicals upside.
- Oh, by the way our diseased regained consciousness at night - Tok led you to Lides, still wrapped in a sheet, but sane, - This is Seribas Nil, captain of the guard!
Whiskered stretched out his hand, clearing his throat:
- Likot Ubendeb, soapmaker - you shook each others wrist like a dwarfs.
Tok continued:
- No one knows what happened. Fell asleep - was as before, but in the morning - bang! Already in my mind. Miracles.
- I only remember ... - Nil сroaked - As the siege began ... all my threw the Tantrums.. Well, so did I ... And then I do not remember what happened after.
Ask mates what they were engaged in here at all, while we were sitting in the pit.
Learn what the pentogramm was under the wagon, look around, maybe Ostoks just lying in the pit.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171470_deezpsjglzpkllyvjkkspydoidonsxrxxwmaqovxxudubafhlm.jpg)
Nil Seribas, captain of the guard of pissed away mountain home, looked depressed. Awareness of the share of his personal guilt in the fact that hundreds of lives went to the scaffold of Armok covered him gradually. Not managed with the problem, allowed panic, lost control ... A lot of bad thoughts swarmed now in his bald head.
- Nil - you asked - Do you remember how you regained consciousness?
- No-oo ... I remember as a lay amid the wreckage of the wagon at night. Not a single soul around. Then Shorast just noticed me, called ... brought here.
- And what was on the bloody pictures?
- I have not seen pictures. At night it was dark.
- There was only Shorast?
- Only he, yeah. He says looking for ... well, looking for you by the way.
- One?
- One.
- Well, keep rest.
Leaving Nil, you've come closer to Tok.
- Did you see the bloody drawings at the wagon?
- Nope, didn't see Well, in the sense that there was nothing yesterday when all went from there.
- Is it true Shorast went looking for me?
- Well, yes.
- He did. A good manager. Alone at night he went into the unknown ...
- Hmm ... I mean I woke up at night and no Shorast was around ... as well no Lides, I mean Nil ... He probably left for Nil, when he ran away again.
- But Nil said that Shorast was looking for me
- Alone? At night?
You went to the manager:
- Well, then at least did you see the bloody drawings?
- What the drawings? - He chewed an apple.
- Around the wreckage of our wagon. I climbed out of the pit, looked around, and there were circles drawn with blood. Did you see them?
- No, did not see.
- You were there. Saw Nil?
- Saw him.
- He was lying right on it.
Manager shrugged.
- But at least looked for me?
- Yesterday, everyone was busy finish off hooded elfs, then dragged bodies, helping wounded ... expected that you would show up yourself. Today were going to look for you.
You thinking a little.
- So you looked for Nil at the night?
Kurelgeshak nodded.
You decided not to pester him with questions:
- There's our stuff lying around ... gotta pick up.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171471_mztzqnymxykwshkhrqleltylenivfljcuuhxddictedvbxtcwx.jpg)
After finishing the meal, the dwarves have waited until Ivety would finish her business.
- Well, - she said, going down - It's time to show you a temporary shelter. Follow me.
All came from the laboratory, following the attendant.
- It's on a nearby tree. You will have the most spacious house. In fact, in these homes are located only institutions, it is not residential. But in your case ... actually its owners killed by and all who would inherit the too ... but it does not matter, there is your home now. And my house next door, by the way, visit if need something. The doors here don't be locked, as in human or dwarven cities ... just nobody here steals and ... it is unlikely you are wondering, yes?
- And where is the dining room, food store or something like that? - Buketotil asked.
- Uh ... Actually you better do not know. Food will be delivered directly to the house twice a day, morning and evening.
- And your father, can we visit? - you asked - There are questions ... different ... I would like to talk about.
- What sort of questions, then? - Shorast grunted.
- In fact, he is very busy - Ivety turned - more than usual. Your arrival added worries. But maybe he can find time.
You came to the mighty trunk of a tall tree.
- Over there - elfess pointed - exactly in one turn of trunk, your temporary home.
Dwarves were not very happy with the fact that they have to sleep ABOVE the ground. Everyone looked up with ambiguous feelings.
Wait for elf to turn away and GET THE F**K OUT OF HERE![
We also have a pick! Dig a cave, put things and everyone will be happy.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171471_jpnacptbkfbbnydpehgamjtfwsnwdgzeyhjpefqcqimikeouza.jpg)
You are all dutifully went up in granted housing. Ivety convinced that everything is in order and went in her house next door. Left alone, the dwarves immediately met in a circle, nobody like stick in the birdhouse, it was somehow not dwarven. It is very uncomfortable and scary and ... disgusting. It was decided to send Anil down to the roots of the tree and dig a hole, and drag beds there when it is ready. Remains only to come to an agreement about the planning the temporary dwelling.
Dig hut and move beds there, we dwarves or who?
{Here are dozens of project plannings.}
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171472_mtxdligvnfzbljvtixwsnpurpfuqihhjyrcxolpfplebiiyjnh.png)
When the plan was discussed room offers many options: the two room and three room burrows and with the lodge, and with the barracks, and with anything else, to the point that even the thought sounded establish a fortress. right here. Anil some time idly has been watching your creative process, but after a while he's got tired of listening your, of course, constructive debate, and he quietly went down to the roots for just doing his job. Pretty soon it turned out that the discussion of planning was useless, since under the ground just is not enough space for excavation: there are roots, all just overgrown. Tok proposed cut or burn the roots to make space for a bigger room, but you decided that it is appropriate to stop at what is already done.
It remains only to drag beds.
Liberasts or not, they wouldn't approve root digging.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171472_fgkulfyipjezxfbvpiuxzrzjoklifhwxfcfcfitvpqmgrutwcd.png)
- Guys, I brought you here sou ... Oh you, my mother is silvaian! This! It's like what? You have... - elfess almost choked with indignation when she saw a hole under the roots and flashing there bearded heads. - Pff ... So, quiet. Father said not in vain I should not make a step away from you, at no step to move away, bad I have not listened to. And seems i told you at the forest's border that i will follow behind you and will not let you go too far. So do not be offended, but in the forest without my supervision you will not do a single step, today was the first and last time I left you alone with my trees. You and Thor looked at each other and put on the ground the last bed, which is already were going drop in the hole.
Elf took breath again and with calm but demanding tone of voice issued:
- Now i'm expecting for explanation.
Let the dwarf with the highest negotiator skill - manager will explain that if the dwarf does not live under the ground, he feels just as bad as the elf without trees. "We're here, well, just a bit. Don't worry, ma'am, we don't hurt live trees, and at least we can sleep. When we'll be leaving we'll backfill.
- You see, Mrs. Ivety - Shorast tried to use all the reserves of politeness, which he ever had. - Of course, we bring the most profound apologies, but please look in our situation! You know perfectly well that we - the manager gestured to himself and members of the expedition - the representatives of civilization very different from your. You elves - the people of the forest, you feel hard and not comfortable away from the trees. We dwarves - the people of stone, we have hard without strata of the earth over our head. And seriously, not only morally but and literally physically - we have only recently begun to move away from the cave adaptation ... You want us to settle is not just on the surface of the earth, but also at a considerable distance from it! No, we are not afraid of heights, trust, cliffsin the mountains and dips in the caves are much higher than even the tallest tree in your forest. We simply suffer, understand? Can't you just wait a little until we will leave away and bury our burrow? Especiall that our Anil holds a oick so artfully so not even a single root was scratched.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171473_gzamlooifkkbowlgzsajzkuwmmcmcisiifsohaxjpwnhwzbluv.jpg)
Shorast kept on talking and talking, not giving the elfess a word. Wondering where he learned such tongue wag? Anyway, your ears were not particularly pleasant with this load of apologies, and you've found something more interesting to do:
Devour soup.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171473_jdutldwmqvrdphcrjqnoagbitxwoeqcwixmqebtcksivbfodgq.jpg)
You had to interrupt the meal because of the fact that you have become flooded with usual sense about unfamiliar voices to start talking with you and inspire you to delusional thinking (like elf log-shooting). But this time things were different. Instead of the voices you had a vision, meaning of which you have not understood. You were like in the very smoky monster, whom you had to meet, and toward you purple tentacles stretched from all sides, they writhed and tried to get you, but for some reason could not.
The only thing you have learned - is that your auditory hallucinations are now added another, the visual. Congratulations, your schizophrenia progresses.
Look at the monster's with both eyes, pressing finger on one of the eyeballs.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171474_rgsnxazxrjblhguerybmibgxpdihxfsyhcbtfwvhwsdplmxdwf.jpg)
You hard stared both eyes and pressed with finger on one of the eyeballs. It's not caused picture bifurcation, but the monster is clearly not pleased.
Suffocate the nits! Maybe if we wil kill them, a vision will return?
Push the creature to the ground, and beat, bite, tear and tremble down - in short, try to damage in all possible ways.
You can try to tear jaws, clinging to it with hands and pulling in different directions the top and bottom part of the mouth - it is gaping right now.
Do not care possilel hand injuries, it is still a hallucination - wake up, it'll be healed! I hope so.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171474_dcgdqmvuhiookydypaptaltgulfmmardwebtcwklbvdttodsng.jpg)
In the hope of salvation from the darkening blowing you mind, you decided get rid of the monster. Chance to win you have is zero because you're no wrestler, besides a monster has many times more limbs, which it could fight with you. After a brief fight the snake managed to braid and immobilize you, and then she got from somewhere tube with the fluid of suspicious origin and was trying to fed you with this poison. You tried to resist, but at the same time the monster has released out of his body two paws цршср opened your mouth eand overturned there the contents of the tube. Loathsome poisonous slurry flowed through your insides, washing out there recently eaten the soup together with, a feeling, a liver and guts. Along with the proliferation of potions in the body all this schizophrenic nightmare, has become blurred and losing shape and back into the darkness from which he rose ...
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337171474_kwuswqymqyolnmxoaakdqiblulripzdgiklxkkviccwwbankjm.jpg)
- That's the way! - Shorast said, rising from the ground and plugging the flask with stoppered. Hmm ... Rather he woke up, this thing is fast.
- What happened to him? - Ivety asked. Shorast muttered something in reply, but you could not make out the words, because you have not yet come completely into consciousness.
- And you too? - Tok grumbled right in your ear. - First, Meng, and now here you are.
- What kind of soup? He was poisoned, it seems. - Nil asked elf.
- It's a ritual soup of the winner. It is our tradition to boil it after the victory in an important battle, one of the most important ingredients - meat of defeated enemy. No, I do not think that we cooked them, we are not so orthodox, to really butcher and eat sentients. All the bodies are buried, and you have seen it yourself when you helped us to drag its. - Elfess hesitated for a moment and added - It is true that at least formally, but we still honor tradition, so there can come earlobes.
End of fourth thread.
The translations are a little hard to follow sometimes, but I like it so far! Keep it up!
Sure, i'll keep. Some of sentences in original are quite long and sophisticated so i did my best and to improve it i need some help of native-English Urists here.
So here it comes-fifth thread.
Original thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/77928.html)
The next few days lasted for very long. They started with that Shorast chased away your stupid nightmare of many-eyed snake, and then you asked Meng about his similar experience. Medic hasn't made clear though - his visions were incoherent and he did not give much importance and forgot almost as soon as he came to oneself. The next day Ivety brought clothes for the Nile - the local-made elven tunic, as well as fairly nice bow since he had a military occupation.
Seribas did not kept in the hands something such this but started trainings and became the novice bowdwarf.
Two days later promised wagon was finally provided. Yes ... the wagon ... Well, at least this one is bigger than previous. By the evening Muya Forivara came, starting the conversation about the convenience of guesting, great new wagon, he lauded mules, which will be provided... And then finally came up to trade:
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337235920_vmsiizipzxgfsqsmdzasjgwjodbouvpblpxnekqvvzjarobkhi.jpg)
Dwarves can offer:
- steel anvil
- steel rods (stolen from the tunnel)
- pick
- slicer
- bent spear
- crumpled dagger
- crumpled helmet
- crumpled bucket with two holes for eyes and a crack at the side
- "Angryspoon the Crusher of Oaks"
- copper candlestick
- Malachite Box
- wooden ring
- wooden earrings
- toy mini-forge
- heap of cloths
- a bunch of threads
- 10 pieces of soap (stolen from the hospital)
- plump helmet seeds bag
The rest is burned and shattered to pieces by the explosion.
Elves offer:
- logs
- wooden armor / swords / bows
- Clothing
- souvenirs/toys/dildoes/dishes
- sandbags, and seeds of terrestrial plants
- booze (Sunshine, marsh whiskey, sewer brew and river spirits) - all booze, except Sunshine, elves give free of charge (as much as you take away) in compensation.
- food. Well, "food" ... no meat.
- animals - a camel / fox / dog / cat / armadillo
- The steel anvil, a pickaxe, slicer and a wooden junk does do not sell in any case.
- Battered helmet, spear and dagger, barter for 3 wooden spears (if not, two swords and bow will go one more) and several quivers of arrows. If the arrows will lack, add the candlestick and crumpled bucket.
- Exchange Malachite Box for a couple of bags of seed.
- Judging by first reaction of Elfess, steel bars here are valuable. Exchange bars to a couple of (opposite sex) dogs for miner's one, more barrels of booze, and the rest stuff for two War armadillos. Because armadillos - it's so f***ing awesome!.
Dwarf fortress would not be complete without a pack of War armadillos, clad in steel armor, adorned with ornaments of goblins bones and menacing with spikes of goblins leather.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337235921_vyavwoplewkxkdqadglvntmfrjbgltakoyqmiahcrzrxwrscfm.jpg)
Everything in the picture to the left of the dotted line - the property of dwarves at the moment. On the right - objects of tradeб and bargain was this:
- for all the metal was given two bundles of wood, three wooden spears (actually sharpened sticks), two shields (if you want more- 2 more on the sides of wagon), a bag of apples, a bag of edible roots, two bags of seeds, a bag of dried mushrooms and a bag of fresh carrots.
- for all the stone + jewelry was given armadillo.
- and for the cloth with threads without the enthusiasm was given a cage for the same armadillo. The wooden.
All bags and even shields have been marked with rune "M".
- It means "Muya," - said Forivara - Times are now, boys, you need to advertise your products. You have already invented the name for the future fortress? And image symbolizing? No? I advise to. Looking on it, your goods will be recognized ... if certainly decent quality products will be produced.
Shorast nodded briskly and after he began:
- Today, it turns out, our last overnight, and tomorrow we will go out. But we are little thrown off by local climate. Tell me, swamps, through which we will go - after all they are still frozen?
- Yes, of course. Now the depth of winter. The road will be safe on the ice.
In meadow, where the half dwarves sticking, and Shorast conversed with alchemist, Ivety came with a dish of fruit. Tok, Meng, and you went to feast. At one point she winked at you, smiling. You stopped chew for a moment.
Muya continued:
- To the outskirts of the forest my daughter shall lead you. Next, road will bring you to the human city. There will be a pair of forks, but you'd keep the mountains, so you'll not get lost.
Elfess kept looking at you. Nothing can stop her from staring at Tok or Meng - here they are but she looked at you. Afraid to seem rude, you forced yourself keep eating rather than just turn away and leave to the burrow. Now she raised her eyebrows. That's it! Patience is over, you grabbed a handful of pieces of fruit, out hands into the pockets and went down. Passing by Shorast you accidentally awarded him frown, and he, taking it personally, asked Forivara:
- Something known about our companion goblin?
- Unfortunately no. Maybe he got lost, maybe stolen into captivity. My scouts have reported nothing so far.
Then Tok turned around:
- Ask about those bloody pictures Likot told about.
- What the drawings? - alchemist interested.
- No, - Kurelgeshak gestured - Nothing ...
- Well, if so, then it's time for us to go. My best wishes to you and hope for further cooperation. In the late spring I will send a caravan to your preferred location.
- Good luck - Shorast easily bowed and went to the burrow. Forivara motioned his daughter to follow him. She handed the dish to Tok and leaned toward him, whispering:
- Tell Likot that if he wants to know the answer, let him come to me at midnight - and then went after his father.
It's proposition of fortress symbol.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/132754365132.png)
How to respond the invitation-hell, probably should go, it is likely elf will not molest to dwarf, and maybe will tell something.
Having collected will in a fist, pay a visit to the elf.
Walking before the evening. Then go to the elf with Nil and Angryspoon. Let Neil look after from the outside. If you will be tried to rape-struggle with a spoon and a loudly call for help.
Okaym guys, keep calm. Just business, just business, no porn. We should learn what she wants to tell about signs and not to cre bout her feelings. If whe wants-let her leave with us.
If you have not noticed, Shorast carefully avoids not only asking the alchemist about bloody runes, but generally do not talk about them. Here is Ivety the only one who can explain his behavior as an alchemist's daughter, and she was with us at the time, and it seems she did not tell daddy.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337235921_ahsgsxefvlsvalkvhhaaodkhaekimazxhypasrgiixcanxqlmo.jpg)
You have questioned self long whether to go or not to go, and yet decided. Before midnight, you incited Neil to cover your back and, taken a small bag of dried apples and mushrooms, went to Ivety. Already coming to her house again, you felt an attack of severe itching, which pinched your head last days but this time you firmly resolved not to scratch - what if it'll leave. This issue has taken all of your attention and, on reaching the door, you even forgot to knock and just went inside.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337235922_gbcvkpshqisglzyofxjbbdodmlpryougscztzgbeupsykhrtcb.jpg)
Ivety just finished washing. Having covered, she turned:
- Oh ... I waited for you to come a bit later ...
NOOOOOOOOOOO-strike her in the face!
Use a bag.
For Likot this thin, long, hairless with a nasty waist should look disgusting.
Culturally turn away and ask for the business.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337235923_mhbtyhupwmarkgonhodttlaavxywvupwtokqxtyvwarkkibiuu.jpg)
Нou could not bear this nonsense more. Right from move, just seeing Ivety in this form, you with a sweep of bag slapped her in the face! Uncontrolled state once again took possession of you as before ... Ivety has fallen on her back, and you ...
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337235924_tniaweykgnsjzgegasifadroullsdrhghvonbcykjellxxgaoe.jpg)
... ripped hat to scratch your head ... and found there grown plump helmet! AAAA!! It was beyond your powers! You left it as is and ran down the stairs, back to your comrades ... tell about a naked elf, tell about the conspiracy of silence, tell about ingrown spawn!
They have sheltered, fed, gave us stuff - and we screwd them this way. I would be offended. War or not war - an explanation is necessary.
I propose to go back to the elf, apologize and start the dialogue again, citing the illness of the head.
Judging by flying from hitting teeth, it will be oh how difficult to earn the forgiveness. It's better to really get out of here.
WHY U NO APOLOGIZE AND GET INFROMATION IN EASY WAY
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337235924_rcotikdlhkwkyiwjybqeiharsbkkrbmmoqhfuutvealbhxwshh.jpg)
Almost have going down from the tree ... You have overcome yourself and decided to come back. Ivety cried, and you feel so awkward, in mind was a million of thoughts, and each was right in its own way. Нou have decided to explain your deed with all these mess going on in the brain. At the same time not being so good speaker and not very often your eyes saw naked female body ... Сrumpling disjointed thoughts into a heap of, you started:
(Tr. rem.:It's real word mess in original)
- Went to a meeting at the elf for something to say. In the forest stranger. Then suddenly a mushroom somewhere. In the fortress - soapmaker. On the head. Face bag with a sweep. By birth - struck. I came here. Why pay gold when we make a scroll or a potion? Dull system. We now do we? Goblin ran away, toads do not have - and then burst into the room and all killed with spears. You do not hear? Why do they do it? Why do I have? For what? You decide whether you and the chief! I said everything.
Ivety stopped crying and was sitting just a few seconds, trying to understand something. Then she turned around. His cheek was burgundy, of course. The expression of her eyes changed several times before she answered.
- - Probably I understand reasons why that happened ... good that you came back and explained... I guess. I'm angry! Do not think that not angry. But after all, so be it.
You cautiously approached nearer.
- And in the name of heaven, what's on your head? - Ivety looked closely - This is bad ... Sit at the table, I'll be right back.
She went deep into the home and climbed the stairs to the upper tier.
Again some funny fanart
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/132809040280.jpg)
Likot says: Seems i fell in love with Ivety
Praise Armok. So now do not play "wise", listen toher, "smooth corners" in relations and quickly run away in the morning, explaining that the further our stay here bring nothing good.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337235925_mjovmhqtetkeqpvowgoiejbhgxznhxgtcslvgqbmazxiybfehv.jpg)
Ivety has back in a dress and sat at the table:
- I will not hold a grudge against you.
I understand that you're not in comfortable environment, moreover suffered much recently. Stress took what it got. How do you have it called - "Tantrum"? Perhaps it was its spark. Let's just forget about it.
You nodded and turned to the window. Ivety caught her breath:
- However, the mood is totally lost and ... I just tell you what I know. I saw something. That night, when you're gone, Nil went out of your temporary camp when everyone was asleep, Shorast followed almost immediately. I walked in another case but seen from above that there were no drawings around the wagon. When I went down in the morning to the camp, Shorast and Nil were asleep, but bloody circles appeared. I heard about this vaguely. This is witchcraft. Mighty. Associated with the rituals of souls and manipulation. Invocation, stealing, obedience ...
You turned around in astonishment.
- Neither father nor anyone else here does not deal with this. I told him about it this afternoon. He believes that this may be the remains of Hoods, or clandestine infiltrator. And now he wants you to leave quickly, fearing that it could hurt you in first place.
- Then I'd better hurry up?
- I do not think that the danger is so great to get away right now, but ... once evening spoiled anyway ... Go. I'll go down later.
You ran headlong down the steps, and flew into the burrow, where all were asleep:
- Wake up, wake up WAAAAAKE UUUUP!
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337235925_bpuzmqpqklzrzgnjckbkrbpqppuyufmedstjmkwajdwzvgifhm.jpg)
Fellows moved and sat on the beds.
- Whatcha yelling? - Tok blinked.
- We need urgently get out! This is important! Qui ...
Anil suddenly bellowed, taking off from the shoulder piece of paper. He opened it to all.
- Onino Agak! - Meng barked - Again?
Immediately all other found such notes.
- Some jokes on us? - Tok torn piece of paper - This is one of us .
- Hell! - You cried again - Putting it all and get out! Wagon's above, put all there hastily!
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337235926_xjrdbiatgmmugdlrkxrknbwzkfsxdghiyslwowyqvxifngsegt.jpg)
All started to ship the good within wagon and only at the third bringing noticed that manager and Nil are not here.
- Faif! - Bomel cried, - Ffe fafft fou! Fofaft aaaw Feeew feeefaffeewed!
- Where the hell are they? Let's look for, or yell.
Likot struck his forehead:
- I asked Nil to keep an eye on me, I know where he is.
- If he was looking after you, then why is he still there?
- Well, yes ... probably something wrong?
- I suggest just wait - Tok put - probably Shorast again went in search of Nil as well as at that time. Both will soon return.
And here fifth thread ends.
As you probably noticed, latest threads are shorter than earlier ones. It's caused by fact that GMs(there two, currently) had less time to spend on game so they compenstated it with better drawing and more wide storytelling. (Damn loads of text to translate, hehe)
Ok, here it is. This thread is short and don't ask me why.
Original thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/79282.html)
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337237260_bypqumoljwmtebwsljiojcbbespzxfzhtmxfvutaiamdgjsdwh.jpg)
Thoughts and guesses overwhelmed your head. F**k up once again began to accumulate and this made you very worried, distressed and enraged at the same time. What sort of conspiracy around you? Throughout your soapmaker's life you didn't even hurt fly with your finger, got no girlfriend and even no friends, and now ... every day is a shock! Who cursed you with all this? Who did you managed to annoy with your worthless existence? What it it?
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337237263_nofsdezsitxppdaireqmekwilbpdkijnqkhauvixjeghqwxvuo.jpg)
Unable to hold back this wave, you collapsed in the sweet oblivion ...
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337237263_nuguefmtzodqqwiycgduxqwzccoyokqybaqqsazcgbdqtohfhb.jpg)
flashed faces ... screams ... like in a dream ...
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337237264_rrpwnvlsbzbnphjprmyqdtpzakoadrhbnrnbjlworpruiplgdf.jpg)
You regained consciousness lying in the wagon. Tied up. Nothing seems to be hurt. There is no one around, but from the outside muffled voices could be heard. The wagon is traveling down the road, but it's clearly not the forest.
Secret soap from pores and slip out of ropes. Soapeater!
Well, start to speak, moan, look at the team, there is no need to apologize, because the Tantrum for dwarf's okay, and ask what happened, where we go and what to do with the mushroom on the head.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337237264_jxevfbujlzcbmfyzjsebbkztlshplghwekzfljqlbfnvydbmye.jpg)
Before you scream and crawl, you've decided to look around. When you turned over, you have found near Ostoks' face!
- Ah, awoke, diseased? Well heya ...
You said nothing, looking at parts of his body sticking out of that very picture itself, but without the portrait now.
- I stuck here - the goblin laughed, - With more ... one week ago. You even listening?
- Yeah, - you nodded to - How did you land into it?
- Well, it blowed, then I woke up ... all around slaughter each other, I ran and suddenly KABOOM! Fell into the den, I guessed. Shifted a little and fell back at all. A rock floor and the darkness all around. A hole is not above but at the side. Well then I generally did not understand anything. Then, eyes accustomed to the dark already and I realized that found myself in the fortress. "That's weird" - I think - "Fortress right under the forest?". I went to scout. And it turned out, that i felt into the miner's Republic. I was not seen, but I overheard a little bit, then slipped away. Climbed back into the hole, then ... Yes, and got stuck. Just this morning your blackhaired found me.
- Again in captivity, is not it? - You said unemotional.
- Seems. But even was fed, and well then.
- And what are your toads? Fled?
- Nah, all were shot down.
- It's a pity.
- Well, yes ... That's sorry ... they are delicious, better if we ate them ourselves. And now the elves get them to the broth.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337237264_pbaopotduzpcawmayyojqwktfgwoptmuybujooykndtickvedb.jpg)
Then Meng entered into the tent:
- Yeah, woke up? Well, how are you in general?
- What happened?
- Tantrum, dearest. Barely knocked you. Gave thee drink potion, swaddled ... Well, surgery to remove a foreign body at the same time carried out. Plump helmet in a cap sprouted, you know? Well, good that roots under the skin didn't grown deep, and we didn't have to dig the skull. You see, more careful next time - don't turn into a "Plump Helmet Man". I met a few when soldiers were cleaned new caves.
- So I am fine?
- I think yes.
- And what with him? - You nod at Kozmutog.
- Tried to pull and push. Didn't work. Oil needed to get him. In the human settlement will be able to buy it, but now have to stay like this.
- Well, I can be freed now?
- Yeah, you can. But Shorast not ordered. Who knows how plump helmet influenced your brain, we must wait and observe you. Sorry, but as a doctor, I am agree with him. You lie down while at rest. We are now left to the swamp and so far everything is calm around, so just enjoy ... horizontal position.
After seeing all Meng left.
End of thread. And piece of fanart.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13285603887.jpg)
This is amazing, thank you so much for translating it, I've been having a blast reading it the last couple days! The imperfect English from being translated from Russian makes it all the better xD
I wish roughness would be considered as my "author style", lol.
So, here seventh thread begins.
Original thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/85281.html)
You just lay there for a while, wandering in the labyrinth of doubt. Your confidence in some members of the team undermined. Besides, half the team does not seem to trust you too. At least, right now. When you think about you've always been a loner, and all these "friends" actually hinder you to act independently. Perhaps it is time once again to take your life into your own hands.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239026_hphowbmoctxvqemkegvoagqzwoowmoeniofmxcnprjbfsozldw.jpg)
Determined to you have asked the goblin help to untangle, found among the clothes your coat, hat and quietly jumped off the back of wagon, taking only a bag of dried mushrooms.
Around is quiet.
Put the toad in a bag
KISS. THE. TOAD.
Yes, I would like to remind community that stay on the road (and even more so - to follow the cart) can not be in any case. Our leader-asshole-occultist has his troubles about traditions, he would arrange a full search, on day or two. We go as far and as soon as possible, until they noticed.
Look around for what seems interesting for example, ruins or lake and move there. Toad to pocket, useful somehow.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239028_azzenscktngyjlinjblelhqnssjltzkueeyhotdujvzgdrwzjq.jpg)
With deft lunge you grabbed not especially quick toad. In checking - it turned out to be a male so no kisses today. You hid it in your pocket, put a stone on the head (for the usual senses) and put on hat.
Few got off from the road, you examined surroundings. Behind the elven grove left, from where the cart rode. On the left hand, seems,, could be seen another woods. A little closer it the flock of birds was circling, probably scavengers. On the right hand could be seen two frozen creek, and later connecting into a single. Over the streams in the distance the mountains were, and also there is kind of... whether the cave, or ...
Catch up the wagon is unreal. Even thinking about it no longer makes sense.
First to birds nearby. Accurately move in their direction, may be there is some profit by loot. At the same time, there are flies for the toad.
I support the idea to look at what's scavengers raid. Maybe what we find a rusty sword or something like that
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239029_mcynfeufgyobpjfvapdjgkwudqnuasqzddzmrrqjvqrjnuxhwq.jpg)
You have decided to first find out What about the birds. After reaching the place you found five dead bodies. It looks like some gang of goblins nomads suffered a fatal fiasco here a few days ago. The birds pecked their flesh.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239029_kphrjvelnguscyihupiwrwejmfqieourvwvzujmahfkftqfntc.jpg)
In search of something useful you examined bodies. They were crushed by something heavy, one by one. The stench of carrion slightly disturbed you, but in the open area was bearable. There was no traces per se, there were only vague dents that got lost in the grass. Besides the obvious (rotting meat / clothing), you managed to find five different swords and three crumpled helmets. All weapons are of low quality, one of the blades is broken. One of the swords - Bastard, others short.
You can put a helmet on a rock of a convex shape and form to shoulder pads give them blows the back of the handle, then punch holes for mounting, using a sword as a nail. the other like a hammer, cut off from the bag two three, four) strips of cloth, and hooking them for holes and horns of helmet, do shoulder pads itself.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/133111620983.png)
We'd better have bib.Fixed.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/133111703588.png)
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239029_ducujvziujfbvnohictutyjbwfttvsukpmfqbmcjlytyjofley.jpg)
Caught the mood, you have begun a mystical construction. IYou used crumpled helmets and belts from corpses. Consumed considerable time, eventually you have created a bib with shoulder straps. Of poor quality. But managed to free your hands by strengthening the bag on back.
Night was falling.
Take the most normal short sword, arm. From the remnants of a clothes make bag, collect loot there (so then trade in the city) and go see the cave.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239030_cbswnvvyyigtxonyrshayxceygkxhvtqulgmfmadcvltvcqgls.jpg)
An hour later you have reached the cave. Inside, someone definitely lived. In the grass lay a skeleton of a man or elf, skulls adorned on stakes. You still doubt whether it was necessary to enter inside, or just pass by.
Indeed, a dangerous cave. Examine the skeleton and carefully look inside the cave.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239030_ndtajkfoshodcqmecmseuvatsrcapkaxhehzumloxunyjzjuyc.jpg)
You have decided to first look at the bottom, look closely. The skeleton at the foot of the mound had been gnawed whether beasts, or birds long enough. And he was naked before his death. Nearby lay a broken rod, a the amulet on a gold chain and a wooden dick with a handle. Obviously death overtook this unfortunate a piquant moment. Perhaps he was not even alone.
Inside the cave was no sound, no light, nor any particular smell.
Pick up the amulet and look at, take a few pebbles from the ground and throw them to the test in the darkness, standing near the edge of the entrance, so as not to stand silhouetted in the light.
Put on the amulet, pick up the rod, and, of course, armed with a wooden dick. This is the closest replacement of our legendary spoon, so can not be skipped
Pick up a stone and thrown into the darkest corner
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239031_joelxfgatgxunmajnkikvabaywcdaxgizgaihmmnlafhxvxrpc.jpg)
You have armed with the dildo. Put on the amulet. Stuck rod "back" in reserve. Climbed up and carefully looked into the cave, you threw a stone into the darkness. Its reverberations echoed off the stone walls ...
Hey, that's really good work, but I see some phrases and whole sentences are missing.
Maybe it's good idea to do it together? I mean notabenoid.com It allows people translate phrases, subtitles and even books. Every one can participate. But I didn't find english version of notabenoid or the similar one.
So, what do you think guys?
Ugh, i don't really understand what phrases or sentences are missing. Maybe you mean posts from original threads-but it's raw material and it doesn't make sense to translate all of it. Original threads should be kind of behind the scenes for most, i guess. But if i missed some pieces from shaped in clear form on dfst.ru (http://dfst.ru)-please show what exactly, i'll fix it asap.
Hey, that's really good work, but I see some phrases and whole sentences are missing.
Maybe it's good idea to do it together? I mean notabenoid.com It allows people translate phrases, subtitles and even books. Every one can participate. But I didn't find english version of notabenoid or the similar one.
So, what do you think guys?
I could set up an open Google Docs file (that anyone can edit)
Sure, i have no objections, you have source and my translation so i put this work in your hands.
And continued translation.
_______________________________________________
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239031_llpxvmumcguvkjjjoqlubwgbkgmhywszuezuerkdaohhpksyet.jpg)
After a few seconds out of the darkness appeared a great carcass of being with the two arms and legs. It is blind. His back is covered with plates of bone tumors. His left arm and right leg are enormously large. Beware its poisonous breath!
try to lure the monster out of the cave with pebbles
Trying to lure throws stones in such a way that it'd collapse from the cliff (as blind)
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239032_wsdnfhnzsrbachzyylmemensocbzdtwpejgmpuptnrcobrhpno.jpg)
Almost no stomping and shuffling, beast went out into the light. He deftly used his incredibly ugly limbs and in the movements there was no drop of clumsiness. Great belly evidenced success of creature in this world. Monster stopped at the edge of the ledge, feeling it with its finger. It was obvious that the terrain is familiar to it and he knows mound like his arm.
In the cave could be seen a faint light. It looks like it went a tunnel through the mountain.
On business - should throw a toad from the ledge, let it quack the f**k out from forgotty, and it will pursue a toad. Even if it will not pursue (why the hell it need this toad), then at least toad will not unmask us.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239032_yqwtgkrppfzqzwibzjaduybfjzcniiqlwaqvibnantsjndsepy.jpg)
You have decided to get rid of the toad, so it not betray you accidentally as well at the same time to distract hulk. Carefully removed the froggy out of your pocket you threw it from a mound approximately to the place where the skeleton lay. She blurted out to the grass and then croaked. Then a few more times. However, the monster was not very interested. He lowered his head to the sound, listen to croak and straightened up again, as if admiring the surroundings.
It can not hear, nor smell. Quietly slip into the cave and look for a hole to sleep.
Silently sneak past the monster in the cave, looking for something interesting and go to the light at the end of the tunnel.
It seems useless to attack from behind.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239033_djujolxrazgzfoaafkjloaqqswvntzrxowqfceltliwueqlhxy.jpg)
Despite the danger you have decided to sneak into the cave and explore it.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239033_xcdzbqgwjkywrnugqyqkuftgzcogqsmwiguudmkewlvucgooyz.jpg)
It was pretty dark. All around grew mushrooms, moss, different. grasses On the other hand, it was cleaner than you might expect. It looks like the creature complied with the order. Nothing interesting has not yet been seen.
It seems that there is a passage in the wall on the left, you can go look.
In the gap on the left you can spend the night, if it is sufficiently deep.
For a start look in the left gap on the subject of loot. Then quick and quiet stepping go toward the light.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239034_bgvjfklawluprfizkiwavmqopjwfulvirvlcbquibkllevxxzf.jpg)
You logged into the hole on the left. After a rather short corridor, you've come in ...the room! The amulet around the neck instantly lit up, and with it the whole room lit up with a magical light. Robes hung on a hanger, on the cabinet were more wooden dildoes of different shapes. On the wall hung something covered with a cloth.
Seems good idea to remove amulet and will not ever wear again.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/133155796399.jpg)
You have decided to remove the amulet to see ... the light slowly faded.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239035_ajytljhikjyztcstqyynvuctijbfbvaswwdkjifwqafsmjqhpd.jpg)
You've put it back.
Take the helmet from the cabinet and put it on.
It is necessary to keep an eye on leather of a lion on the floor.
Examine pictures. Maybe stumble on another portal and we will have a bedroom with a private guard.
It is necessary to look for how long ago someone was here before, the liquid in the decanter, the dust on items, linens.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239035_cenqxmvofawpaoucqjykhgaemkgnfkjspyygacxpimhqknktbg.jpg)
You've heard the story of the fortress, where revived sheep wool "rendered" all the dwarves.
Just in case you pinned hide to the floor with a sword. Then put wooden "stick" to others on the curb. They were dusty, like everything else. Here for a few years no one lived. It seems that the skeleton of outside was still the only dweller. In the drawer were different jewelry - rings, pendants on chains, earrings. There were quite a lot, and all are different. Even the two pockets would not be enough to take them all. In the bottom drawer were another kind of things - scarves, mittens, notes, underwear ... seems all belonged to different women. On top of all leather-bound diary lay.
Above the sofa a portrait of four women hung. All images are human beings. On a nearby picture was a landscape. A statuette was made of white marble, some elf dancing.
In the jar was dried on the sides red ... wine, guess. You do not want to find out. You have decided to secure your dream, and blocked the entrance chair. It, however, was not enough, and you used also sofa.
Over cupboard was not found out anything interesting, but with a little effort, you got a good quality steel helmet from the top and pulled on. As expected, it was some narrow and got put on not completely. On the other hand, there just had place for a stone on top.
Read the diary, look under the cloth, and then to bed.
Gut a pillow and use as sack for jewelry from the box should be sufficient. Read diary, tear the veils from the curtained stuff.
See what behind the cloth, there may be a safe or something interesting?
Teared up pillow and poured all the trinkets there from the box, you suddenly hear the monster shuffled past your hiding place. Made silence, you decided to read the diary, but first threw the veil from the object on the wall.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239035_luedplunxdvlnrcruzesjywzallwlmignmltyfzimsvtlvhlua.jpg)
It was a portrait of ... must be the owner. Sitting on the bed, you start to read.
Elf named Orafy Geme described his life and views on morality. He was a notable libertine, traveled a lot and always tried to twist romances with different women. In his words, he tried a lot of them, of all races and colors. Pointed out various unusual places where it was engaged, as well as the circumstances - from husband sleeping next to, to worship service in the temple of some god. Tidbits, and even sketches of the author attached. Once he organized an orgy with three novices on the altar of one god among the forest, for what he was soon cursed and turned into a vampire. Well, here all the fun began. He traveled to different cities and elven groves, without sleep and hunger, he led a wonderful life, fell in love with even more women and adultery was given to him in all imaginable forms. Some were killed and their blood drank and their knick-knackery were going up for sale. But there were those who fascinated his heart.
Four women, who he married at different times and was with them until death. They learned the truth about him only on deathbed after many years. He cherished their portraits and personal belongings. Later, he found this cave, and then made his hunting lair. Even a couple of skulls on sticks planted outside for the entourage. He kidnapped women from nearby villages and here jeered at them. Next was a list of names for a few pages, some of which were sticky. The last entry reads that hefty bogey with an ugly arm and leg got into the habit of wandering around.
You have read long enough and you really pulled off to sleep. Especially since outside It was already night.
Just in case you poured out all the trinkets back to the box, pulled the sword from the hide, once again threw a cover on the portrait and crawled under the bed, where fell asleep.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239036_kpqkappwnegbdwpihmymbexkmyownlsnqidhhakdordjpzfozw.jpg)
At night, nothing happened.
In the morning brightened a bit in the cave. You woke up. All was quiet.
Stealthly look out, quietly pass by the monster, dismember the skeleton and get out with all the valuables.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239036_sztkmqzcqducombdxntcgrqoncxjjcyydjruuczjtowndzgbdg.jpg)
Carefully restoring the furniture in place, you have quietly poured all the decorations back into the pillow case and peered into the main tunnel cave.
Nearby monster sleeping, noticeably sniffing.
We must to sneak past the the monster to the unknown exit
Beast did not seem to lie close to the wall and also snorts, so bypass it and gently step to the light.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239037_vczedecehuvaexdqmyxraukcxcredhefmgxyqgncdqgvyfxqth.jpg)
Gently bypassed hulk, you wandered into the light, and after 20 minutes reached the exit. From here village could be seen in the valley, near were a frozen lake and fields. However, it was all at the bottom...
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239037_rkgknqesxeuuembktbadzitbgnosrrdlpmlwupfvpuviayfaye.jpg)
And ... descending there was long and thorny. Nearby a rotten dog was lying.
Going down keep near the grass in order to get what to grab in the case of fall.
Offer is to go down slowly holding on to the grass and to use the sword as an impromptu alpenstock .
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1337239038_iejcomygnmlmgkceerveafzwjcywblnncawhdrysnggjgkavhq.jpg)
You began a cautious descent. The dog was just dead. Sticking a sword into the ground and clinging to the withered grass, you have carefully measured out each step. The reason is clear - once break away from cliff, and vanish into thin air. As a result you have spent at least an hour on the descent.
Once on a flat surface, you looked around. In the distance could be seen the Mountainhome and smoke of campfires. A sad sight has brought you a bad thought. But the village seemed abandoned, and there were no smokes from chimneys.
End of seventh part.
And now you can read last currently existing eighth thread of Likot Ubendeb's adventurs.
Original thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/87406.html)
For the beginning visit the house to the right and then go loot!
I suggest just go to the house on the right and (if there are no obvious threats), just go inside.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280218_pxcwqugctoubusuynwjqhegirorllmqlzobyvzdhtmnouswzgq.jpg)
You have decided to first examine the far right house. The fence was half destroyed, but the house itself was in good condition. The yard was overgrown with grass, all since the summer, even near the door. You tried to make out any traces here and on the road as you walked. However, your previous autistic way of life and a miserable experience in such matters did not allow learn anything useful. Frozen ground looked ... usual.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280219_idyowmpgjvitsfunnrinblheymavbwylvbjijcoexentpuulib.jpg)
Looking in the window, you find that there are no inhabitants inside, no furniture ... Even holders of lamps were uprooted from the walls.
It looks like nothing already there no good, so hide the loot and go see sights: the pointer, for example. We can learn not damn useful information about the name of the village.
Turn back to the house and go down the road into the village towards the pointer along the path of peering into the windows of other houses in order to confirm or deny the first impression.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280220_yhosohqeznqvifsmhcxjpboawtqzkvdmhslcgqstjsdvvoglll.jpg)
You stomped up to the pointer with words on the human language. The village still seemed died out. You have noticed nobody in windows.
Go down into the well, pre-fetch the bags close, or then the rope would break all. I bet there is something hunky-dory!
Oh sure, there can be:
- skeleton of the previous treasure hunter
- frog
- carp
- wet and cold water in which we will turn into a block of ice
- stones
- small coins, thrown in there "for good luck"
- rusty bucket, that lazy to get
- corpse of a goat / cat / any other domestic animal that fell there
- pass in a dry brook with !!Adventure!! Hi, Diablo
- f***ing nothing
You forgot 10 thousands of Nuka-Cola caps!
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280221_nfhbuplrcyvzihuhdornyujaijmebufptfsfiqmibawxzdoyxw.jpg)
You have come to the well. Inside it was dark and nothing could be seen and in the bucket was frozen water.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280222_imchkenwcflmebiogxzmszoadyelxxhadnivofpntyaqnjxbfs.jpg)
SUDDENLY from the corner of the town hall floated slowly ... Eye! Just the eye, floating through the air by itself. You managed to hide behind the pit before he turned in your direction.
If you have the opportunity to reach out to the bucket, then wait until the eye fly past us, and then torn off bucket (cutting the rope with the sword) and cover eye with it.
Put on a bucket onthe head the eye, rob, shout FUS-RO-DAH, finish until it pulled itmself together.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280223_bynspwzmjazatvkvqhgmjnfhozmvwkpfbfbmmwnjoewabphlpe.jpg)
A few seconds you hesitant to attack thing in the forehead, or let it move its way. In a second you cut the rope and let the eye float by, staying unnoticed. Then jumped from behind and covered eye with bucket. A ball fumbled a little bit inside, but the weight of ice in the bucket was too much for it and he just stood still. Around it was still quiet.
Adopt eye!
Before adopt it gotta tame it
If you fail to tame the eye, tie him by the the nerve to the horn of helmet, let it fly over our head.
Go to the town hall and look around.
Climb the town hall tower, look around.
Go into the village, enter into the building like the town hall and climb the bell tower. It's a bell tower? If there is a bell - ringing, otherwise scrutinize vicinity from the top.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280225_ualgytlvdlfliaxfqnqprnerujouttsrgyuwtdfxblalheejjo.jpg)
The balance in your mind leaned in favor of the decision to become a master of the eye. Without hesitate, you pulled him by the dry fibers as the cat out of the chair and tied to the horn of the helmet. And only now, you realized that before "domesticate" it had to be first "tamed." The eye immediately stared at you.
It's time to visit the bell tower. You have entered in the town hall. Inside there was nobody. In the far corner was a wooden platform with a chair. In the center a stone altar with a gutter around the perimeter and the beak stood probably for the collection of blood. As well standing here before four benches one could see from scratched floor, but now they were taken.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280226_kfxlsphxvkzqnxzpdyxmtengsvqhejqejvuofhmcalljvnmweq.jpg)
View from the bell tower has not showed anything new. The same houses and no one around. Uvula of the bell was attached to the bracket.
All this time the eye did not take its... eye from you.
Well, f**k, then let us ring the bell.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280227_vbiddzvekzleylzplufuapxsdpzkekudsvjsrklmslssjnimra.jpg)
Cut through the rope, you ring the bell several times. immediately in wimdows of three houses standing close to each other, silhouettes appeared.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280227_djhstbnmviynnyoecktopezgaltkbnwmqeobazyxfmcgbxazcn.jpg)
The door of opened slightly in a far house, and looked out human woman put her finger to lips urging not to make noise.
However, in a second over the cemetery in the distance a strange mist thickened and the lightning thundered.
OMFG! So much FUN! Run to woman. at least she tries to contact. Hide there, at the same time.
Come to human's house and ask what the heck
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280228_sqmwuenryrrwajiypzuzdygbekbtcgiyvmxhiffphxcoggggqg.jpg)
Quickly going down the stairs, and escaped, you saw in the doorway another woman. She was waiting for you, but three chains still held the door.U
- Stop! Who are you and from where, speak quickly! What do you need here? And what is it in the name of the land you have on the helmet?
It is better to tell that we are from a small northern village of dwarves Mighty Syrup, crushed by kobolds, traveling in search of Happiness, beer, and amenable widow, call self Likot Saràmkurig.
Just in case, threatening that will run again ring the bell.
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280229_rhtjpghkrvmsjeeukztisokhtzzxzucgisbnivznafaxjrhyro.jpg)
- I am-Likot ... Saramkurig from out that Mountain Home.. Travel in search of adventure.
- Dwarf-adventurer and living eye well, well ...
- I just caught - Its at the well, such a funny thing.
- You have to get rid of it.
- I'd better leave it here ... Now I find what to tie ...
- No time, dwarf. Decide faster. Inside you will enter only without eyes and without weapons.
- But I categorically refuse to give weapon! And anyway, if you do not let in, then I'll go up to top and will be ringing the bell until the evening!
- Farewel, dwarf.
The woman slammed the door and slid the bolts.
From the cemetery sounds of thunder came.
Go to the cemetery
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280229_styhjlnxkqbcykkppnmlgkzmuiqsezrmktmpbnwjrzzjqfaivy.jpg)
You went to the cemetery. Rumbling stopped, but it was heard unpleasant rattle, crunch ... subdued wailing and champ.
Throw fireball from a broken wand!
Come close to the observed building
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280230_nzwewurthlzodcegycutfhbrfegxrancgftqehobdypvzhonhu.jpg)
Waving of a broken rod give absolutely no effect. Either you did something wrong, or his magic apparent somewhere else.
Reassured by this, you went to the only building in the cemetery, seemed to be stone crypt. At the corners were statues of some gloomy things apparently symbolically guarding it. In very cemetery behind the fences, some deads scraped, from a nearby grave a hand was trying to getout ... followed by bearded head. There also the dead cyclop without the eye sat and tore another corpse. for the Fun he tore man's chest, and he silently tugged limbs. From the giant chain stretched into the crypt.
Everywhere in the cemetry bodies kept rising from the graves.
Kick the head to the cyclop!
Yes! Epic fail!
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280231_tjkoukmqunddywjdbkyxikrquejhdgrfeqkusbezpgwedvlwok.jpg)
This creeping head drew you and you decide to KIIIIICK it. Once you have "broken through" the fence, the eye immediately stared at the cyclop, and he instantly turned his head in your direction. Looks like the boundary of the cemetery was also boundary of their interaction. You swung with his foot and kicked the head, aiming at the giant. But it hit the nearest tombstone and bounced back, striking with all the dope in your face. You have fallen. It was painful.
And, in this moment game was temporarily frozen by GMs. I impatiently wait for continue of game.
And as you understand, i have nothimg more to translate now but still wait for your remarks of what already done. And also this, with GM's words:
(http://www.dfst.ru/images/stories/1338280233_wbenxnmmksgvgdugignnynzmrqzlazdizoqdggoknfhdyttlkm.jpg)
If someone does not understand-this is Likot in carbonite freezing, like a Han Solo. Also sides of protagonist hung out "Chekov's guns" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chekhov%27s_gun) that would, and some will even definitly shoot in the continuation of the story.
And here i present you another one, ninth thread of Likot's adventures.
Original thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/96807.html)
(http://dfst.ru/images/stories/1344538807_afquaswcqqqxwkprbnvmilnkimpjzezpbfjdwrckdyqfjbzcoz.jpg)
You came back to life. The impact was stronger than it seemed at first, and you felt unconscious. Now it has regained, but it looks like you missed something important. Spit ran down your beard, your right eye would not open ... and...
(http://dfst.ru/images/stories/1344538847_rzesstvtpmrwkbahqtfpkskafuzetanxdmyjcprotkbgwqyweo.jpg)
You were ... naked! And chained by the wrists to the strange wooden construction, that already made hands numb. You looked around: body parts stank in a barrel, and, wooden items lay on the table, suspicious items. Suddenly, from somewhere came the muffled sound of thunder.
Tug, try to come off. Perhaps the wood is weak, the chain would break away.
Take with leg from table Lil' Hair Weave Kit knife, put in the inventory.
Take vice grips dildo.
Use grips on needle knife on dildo.
With legs again, open the shackles with pick.
Run!!!
You carefully examined the construction. Your shackles were attached directly to the boards, and chains from the boards were drawn same to the ceiling and, apparently, just protected the crossbar from falling. Besides your wrists, nothing more kept, and you decided to tug.
(http://dfst.ru/images/stories/1344538922_mtkcwwqraeajbistpdvrpwnleztcgkmmiagsjxzavllnayjuer.jpg)
- It's-s s-sturdy - there was a semi-hissing voice behind you.
You flinched and turned around. In the doorway stood a ghost! However, his robe and whips in his hand were a very tangible. This was the vampire, in whose lair you were sleeping ... and whose belongings brought along.
- Yes-s, it's-s me, - he hissed - You've read the diary? S-s-urely, once robbed my old home ... and hath not taken those things-s which are dear to me.
- I left them undisturbed, and took only trinkets!
- Only why I'm not going to kill you - the ghost Heme Oraphy floated to the table. - But you broke my sleep with your ringing ... WHY YOU RANG THE BELL? - He flew into a rage, flared up tongues of flame, but immediately took himself in hand. Now, since you woke me up ... You've got to satisfy my hunger... But you sort of deserved life today, so go find me blood. The village deserted ... Did you see anybody out there?
- No one. I looked at all the houses, they have long been abandoned.
- CURS-S-SE! - Phantom waved his arms, flipping the table and scattering the "tools" on the floor. - Will have satisfied with dwarfess again! You! There is near Mountain Home, you should be aware of, go there and bring me dwarfess , but handsome.
- And how do I ...
- SILENCE! That's wand - he took from his bosom that same broken wand - He deprives the victim of its own will, subordinates it. Enough only to touch the stone to the open skin. Just do not do it in public, because enchanted becomes rather silly ... And yet, the wand is broken, so it may not work the first time ... But in any case, the wand is just to help, and even if will not work, you OBLIGED TO give me a live female. Being of elves, humans, dwarfes... but not any other race! They are disgusting! Dirty and miserable!
Oraphy waved his hand and table stood up as was. The ghost, putting the wand, approached to you.
- I will set upon you the seal, dwarf. If you do not come back five days later - on the fifth sunset, it will burn you completely.
Ghost put his hand between your shoulder blades, and if with a hot poker, burned there his mark. You have clogged and started to yell, but a second later passed out again.
(http://dfst.ru/images/stories/1344538958_krpdrhpdzbgkdwkookhybpucyphgcopheqjiehkvxopkwexkpr.jpg)
You have woke up in the hands of the Cyclop. The eye staring at you again, but already from his head. All the stuff was lying around. Noticing the awakening giant lowered you down.
________________________________________
> come to the village, show the heads. Call some of women as a witness
> Kill all the zombies and call the raid on the village.
(http://dfst.ru/images/stories/1344539149_quvlsbnemuvmxzmjtskewytjfqgkzrrtavhrpdryyrgiiuaycp.jpg)
Returned to the village, you knocked on the door of the house, where you saw a woman. And she opened:
- You are still alive?
- Yeah - you shook bag in front of her - and brought a few severed heads, to show what i worth.
- Wait here - she closed the door.
After a few minutes, you already demonstrated prey to dozen women in the house. All were emaciated from hunger, wrapped in clothes, because the furnaces were not fueled. Also, they obviously slept not enough.
- I can easily cut more - You decided to show off.
- No, - raised her hand "the elder", the one that met you at the Town Hall, - All these our fathers and grandfathers, mothers and brothers. No need to denigrate their memory. Just need to put an end to the root of all evil. You know what I mean, dwarf?
You squirmed interested face.
- In the crypt at the cemetery, - continued woman, - less than a year ago, a ghost settled. There's a intense aura of magic that gives him the power ... materiality. With this force he raises the dead from their graves and subordinates them. It is obvious that he died in a highly excited state, because from its inception was not a single day when dead did not come from the graveyard. They caught women in the fields, on trails and dragged into the crypt. In late summer, in endless battles with them, our last man was killed and since then the dead already easily walked through the village, the women were abducted and dragged to this monster. Escaped only one ... once ... and told us all these details about him and how he's going ... before she died from injuries. Noise attracts dead so we keep very quiet. These three houses - our refuge. We moved here all the utensils and furniture from other houses. We heat only at night not to betray our presence with smoke and awfully economize - winter is still long and cold. We also can not leave since there are children. We weakened up to the limit. None of us will not survive the journey.
- It was hard for you.
- It will be even harder. Stocks of food run out.
You think what to do next.
____________________
T. n.: There are always a lot of suggestions in original threads, so, just in case someone misunderstood, i translate only one or few most related to GM's responce
bury the corpse
@
carve slab
(http://dfst.ru/images/stories/1344539150_orrqoqecnmnnjcelwujmtpyujikhbximquqmlzshgnhdmfauls.jpg)
- Perhaps I know how to help - you began - in my Mountain home when the ghost appeared, its body suited a ritual of burial and slab carved, ascertaining its death. We can do the same, but the body, if it is exactly the one, is on the other side of the mountain. Is there any other way to get there except through the tunnel?
Elder interested in:
- Worth a try, but, I do not know other way on that side However ... follow me.
Other women stayed whispering, and you two passed further into the house, connected by improvised passages.
- I am Mebas to know - the woman continued, - we only heat in the far house. Its owner's father at the time dug a cellar, where we now live, so we are less audible from outside. Here the furniture from all over the village ... and the manhole down.
You went down into the cellar. Three-tiered beds stood there There was also a passage into the second room of the cellar, where were stocks, clothing and various instruments ... In general all useful utensils not suitable for firing the stove.
- We tried to dig a passage ... over there ... but suddenly came into a large cavern. We got scared and refused of digging passway.
You have removed boards, came to the edge and began to peer into the darkness.
- We do not know what is there. Perhaps the cave has a way to the other side, maybe it's just a pit. I would not advise you to check ... Considering that at the moment YOU are our only chance of survival.
_____________________________
Must get in the cave
Go save Mebas!
(http://dfst.ru/images/stories/1344539152_bbrdebczgpaiptecjfdrbicoulsdtynknmgeodwjxzgsgrgwnv.jpg)
Digging in a heap of tools, you eqipped pick, chisel, cutter, and a few pretty long coils of rope. Women still have not bothered, but you do not feel confident enough to explain somehow disappearance of Mebas. Tied the ends together, you simply tied one to pole of bed and began to descend.
(http://dfst.ru/images/stories/1344539152_gexotaovtjoplfervzikbogxembmnxlfuobruancuroqthfnll.jpg)
The slope was not slippery, praise to Armok, but still too steep for walking. You descended lower and lower, holding the rope, and suddenly ... catch sight of the dark outlines of ... two huge stalagmites. Sight wasn't enough accustomed to see the details, but something with them was ... anyway, judging by the sound of Mebas falling, between you and them was still water barrier. Maybe a small well, and maybe an underground lake.
СоОП:
Все пикчи у меня, если что - обращайся.
мимокопал
Спасибо, дфач-милый дфач уже поднялся, а там, глядишь, dfst-кун запостит, и я ссылки поменяю.
So, pictures are availiable again, and new post has arrived. Also, greet msda coop (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=77225), one of two GMs.
Aaaaand translation.
__________________________
Cling to the body and sail on it up to dry land, increase swimming up to novice, without this swimming is instadeath
(http://dfst.ru/images/stories/1344539154_wdjrkbiyqnowzsqjltidimputnwmyhfpqswlpkhokbqqowezkj.jpg)
It would be wiser to go down to the water carefully by the rope, but in this case the body of Mebas would be out of reach, and you would not be able swim to it yourself. After thinking on the edge, you've moved a couple of steps to run and pushed as hard as just might!
The fall was short and impact icy water of the beaten off everything. The helmet from the head blown off with the hat, the sword ripped away from a belt and it disappeared into the abyss. But bag with mushrooms turned out to be more useful than it seemed - plunged into the water, it turned into a float and pulled your body to the surface where you hit upon the heel of Mebas.
(http://dfst.ru/images/stories/1344539155_fstfojxzicjfxooklcvwhyhsjlgxjnluqnaxhzgagikuvgkvkc.jpg)
Clutching her broken body and using the air in the bag, you swam to the opposite shore. Already in the shallows bag finally let out all the air and soaked through. You have pulled a woman's body from the water and shook yourself a little bit of the water. Shore was like sandy, but it was a fine dust. Lots and lots of dust. Now, looking close, you have spotted brickwork on the edge of the stalagmite. It was man-made tower! Сompletely backfilled with this dust. If you think, the whole cave, as far as you have noticed, was paved with it.
A bag of wet mushrooms strongly pulled down. Pick was in place, like a chisel, but that cutter and wand disappeared. Probably went to the bottom after the sword.
Carve on the back side of the stone the name of the vampire
Follow the white r... i mean upward
Go upstair, EXPLORE
Push the mummy with cutter, when it will fall and crumble, grab the cutter
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134077897035.jpg)
Having decided to engrave the name of the Heme Oraphi in stone, you took up a chisel, but the boulder was so solid that subsequent attempts to overcome it pick to no avail. Not even a scratch! It should be giant's cutter made from better quality alloy. The idea was tempting to seize it, but fear of the enormous dead, forced to wait with it. Gotta at least look where staircase leads to. It rose screw to the top, where you have moved to, hardly overcoming each step. On the way there were no other rooms, but behind a wall of the shaft, around which staircase was, hum was a barely audible. It's unlikely to be wind.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134077902117.jpg)
After a while you have climbed almost to the top. Subsequent steps were tightly filled up with dust, indicating that there is an observation deck, the top of the tower. But here, right under it, another room was. In the center stood a pedestal, and above it hovered ... thing. Emitting a dim glow, it was still pretty bright after the utter darkness of the lower hall and ientire cavern. Slowly rotating around its axis, it captivated. By the pedestal was leaning a huge weapon ... or ritual wand, more likely, because it resembled form of emblem of this fortress - a symbolic sun. It should be one of three giants was the keeper of the place, guard, or a monk. The engraving on the pedestal seems to explain purpose of ... Thing. And whether it was the sun for flying animals? It was shining to them? Attracted? Served as landmark?
The same barely perceptible hum could be heard here ... from under the floor.
____________________________________________
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134158665013.png)
You woke up at white room not somewhere Armok knows where. Adventuries at cemetries and caverns turned up to be a dreams borned by procreation of your autistic imagination. After short recovering you've looked around. The room was of undetermined size, and so brightly lit that the boundaries of the floor, walls and doors were indistinguishable. If they all even were, of course.
As a variant, you can start shouting very loudly, perhaps somebody will respond, even though the echo.
You tried to call someone. Your cries faded into the white light like in the fog, leaving a strange and long roar. Perhaps it is scattered in a fog echoes from distant walls the enormous hall, but who knows ..
Check back - to see whether there is any bullshit on it, like a stamp?
At the touch and feel - there's nothing stranger there.
Use the dwarven instinct, in order to see where our sock.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134159442059.png)
Hmm ... Dwarven sense, it seems, fails you. Not like you can not find your sock, on the contrary, you definitely feel it on your right leg. However, opening eyes and looking at the leg you are convinced that there is no sock.
Suggest walk back and forth to understand the limitations of this space. Maybe we passed out and have our being in a stasis field cell, who knows?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134159530859.png)
Oh, whatever, you aint gonna just wait for something. So you decided to go in a random direction in search of at least anybody, or even anything. The path turned out to be very long and did not end at all ... At the same time along the way you checked if it's not dream, pinching yourself. Nothing definite on this matter you have not figured out for yourself but perhaps this is environment affects on you - exactly as your cry dissolves into a white mist, and turnes into a dull noise, as thoughts and reflexes acquire malleability and vagueness ...
Scratch head where еру holу from the mushroom in the skull, maybe Likot got all imract from some stone there and this damaged the visual center of the brain
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134159655948.png)
You thought about incomprehensible properties of this site, and to somehow speed up the unusual, even for you, slow-working brain, you have scratched the seam on the benevolent, hoping to stir up some nerve thus. Unknown if it's because of your scrathing or no but copule steps further became visible unknown construction.
Obviously, move to the construction
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134160108763.png)
On closer examination it turned out to be ... Rails? Well, my Armok, but you just adore the rails! It's the dream of your life - take a ride on the minecart!
Lawks, сan you really miss this chance and do not ride?
Translator note, about last part of post
Well, this must be quiet unobvious for readers who never seen original threads but some of active players give suggestion that GM is bit too authoritarian and make plot of game too straight and alternativless. Just like leading game on the rails.
Soooooo that's what we got.
NO, WE CAN'T MISS
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134167925364.png)
Likot Ubendeb, the adventurer cancels ride vehicle: interrupted by forgotten beast.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134168007475.png)
It is giant two-legged shellfish. It is blind and its limbs are disproportionate, and the body swaying rhythmically. Beware of its poisonous stings!
Ignore forgetty and go on
C'mon, follow the ralis, white rabbit is waiting
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134168663025.png)
Coped a bit of suddenly arose weakness and fear, you overcame yourself and ignored the beast, so carefully jumped out for you from white shroud. Monster, apparently, was upset of your indifference. Do you really care? Rails are waitng! Rails can't wait forever!
Speed up minecart, you jumped on it while move on and rided into obscurity...
Reclaim the spoon. Let's roll, yell and wave a a spoon. Potential targets - all figures in cloaks with hoods.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134168989465.png)
Despite the similarity of surroundings with a dream, you were not able to materialize your spoon. Nevertheless, none does not prevent us from yelling and waving an imaginary spoon, right?
Posing as a soap cavalryman, you reminisced glorious days of your military glory, when exactly the same way raced at high speed through the hordes of filthy elves.
You've been so enthusiastic about the game that, seems, missed the turn ... Ah, hell with it.
First GM, clearly, awaited long for opportunity to show his ideas
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134169401597.png)
And minecart rolled and rolled without losing speed, as if for it there was no friction or rails went under a small inconspicuous slope. This could go on forever, if your venchile was not slowed down suddenly. You leaned over the side to see what could cause this to stop. Apparently, it's just noticeably narrower track. Just a couple of yards ahead the rails get back to normal width, so it is enough just to get out of cart,push it through a narrow area - and you can continue your fascinating travel on your favorite rails ...
- HELLO. - Suddenly an unfamiliar voice sounded behind you - I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU. LET'S GO, I'LL SHOW SOMETHING.
Acellerate cart but backward not forward-to kick away VOICE
Hack him with imaginary spoon and run away
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134192637941.png)
What should be done with stranger, showing no agression? That's right, kill, roll till flat, and then, preferable, butcher and eat! Not a second wasted, you chased cart backwards, seeking to crush a suspicious person in a robe. Oр Armok, how naive it was to believe that you can speed up cart to such speed other dwarf could not get away from it, stepping aside.
Failed in attempt of collision and rolling along the rails, you went to plan B. Deftly snatched out your menacing weapon, you have made a sharp attack, pierced skull with imaginary spoon and jamming it into imaginary brain of enemy.
Bravo.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134192643588.png)
Stranger stood quiet for a moment, then stated:
- WHAT KIND OF A**HOLE ARE YOU... - and added.- WISH YOU KNEW HOW I AM F*CKING SICK OF YOU.
We f*cked up. THIS IS ARMOK!
Beg for mercy, citing to mental instability, accumulated stress, hunger (by the way, when we ate last time?), childhood trauma, and so on.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13419476427.png)
You suddenly realized the mistake and, landing on your ass after the impact started to justify:
- Oh, Armok Almighty, forgive your servant, I have a thing, and then the nerves are tense ... Anyway! ...
Here, "interlocutor" interrupted you:
- SHUT YOUR MOUTH, BASTARD! JERK! A**HOLE! YOU SPOILED MY ENTIRE LIVE! I LOST EVERYTHING BECAUSE OF YOU, ALL, UNDERSTAND?! ALL! FIRST JOB, THEN FRIENDS, BELOVED, EVEN FAMILY ABDICATED ME, AND THEN, THEN... B*TCH, YOU JUST KNOCKED OUT REST OF MY MIND FROM MY DAMNED HEAD! BECAUSE OF YOU I AM LYING AT DEATH"S DOOR DEMONS KNOW WHERE! BASTARD! JERK! HOW MUCH I WISH YOU NEVER EVER APPEARED AT ALL! NEVER, HEAR IT? DISAPPEAR! GET LOST NOW, YOUUUU.... AAAAAAAA!
You felt a bit uneasy because of how much Armok worried about you, may simple Likot Ubendeb be so important for the God of blood Himself? Or is he Armok?
Ask him da hell double he is and da hell he needs
Let him speak out, apologize for mad stuff and try to understand what's going on ITA (T.n. in this area? in this astral? No idea)
Still have time to beat, let him talk
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134211341950.jpg)
You have continued to listen to this whining crank, without asking more questions and not really delving into the details. There was something about a split personality, about how alter-ego displaced his identity for four years, about his desire to use a chance to take advantage and get rid of you here and now.
Break and to shout in response: THREE STEPS WIDE BEDROOM! RED SOCK! POROSHOK UHODI!
Using the second, when your opponent is taking a breath, clenched through teeth:
– Poroshok Uhodi! - Blackbearded, on hearing this, got into a stupor, apparently, the phrase was familiar to him.
Actually, say him to f*ck off and beat hard to show material body is OUR not his so he can get the f*ck out
Maybe he's Likot's Tyler Durden? Then we definietly should fight him!
Make sweep with short legs, then jump from above, aiming with elbow to thу righteous mug!
Taking advantage of the confusion, you have clutched at his dirty black beard and drove him out of his leg ...
Now step leg to his belly, come up againist it and pull beard till surrendering of foe
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134211601295.jpg)
If it would be that simple.
You do not almost never fought with an enemy more powerful than you or equal to your powers. Your enemy sprang nearly as fast as he fell, and with a wild howl pounced on you. Further events were unlikely to yield to your control. You or your enemy fell to floor, and standing tried to beat fallen, and lying on the floor rolled to dodge from blows. Then fallen managed to jump up and knock down the attacker, and then you changed roles with the enemy.
This fight exhausted you. You are already about to tumble down unconscious (although you are not sure whether this is possible - to fall unconscious, is already being unconscious and fighting with an imaginary opponent). But your enemy, too, looks very tired, it gives you hope for victory. Must not to fall of weakness before enemy do.
Likot fights with himself, so they are equal in strength and skill
If only... Maybe equal, but you were fighting at not your territory. At some point you even thought it's not your dream but of bleackbearded. Bearded seemd taller for you, and his voice is much clearer and does not dissolve as echo in this mad fog. Oh, the vagaries of autistic dwarf imagination ...
Strike enemy to the groin, IMHO. While he will be shocked by the attack, quickly pull a hood on his head, the stark kick at his head with knee (grabbing his head and dropping it directly toward your knee). Well, or fist to mug.
Play Dwarf Norris and perform Chuck Norris' ROUNDHOUSE KICK!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134212008655.jpg)
All these things blackbearded did with you. This scoundrel just like was reading your thoughts, you increasingly noticed it during the fight. You could spend only a couple of very strong impacts to his skull, however, seriously injuring your wrist.
After another fall you could not stand up.
- FAREWELL - sounded tremulous of hatred voice from above.
Is this the end?
Tantrum Time!
You became so indifferent to everything so don't even have power for tantrum.
Your currect count is 5 OF 9. Likot Ubendeb is a hardened individual.
What you expected after so many deaths' traumas, undead meetings and other? Enjoy your new counter.
Wash up with water. No idea how it'll help, no f*cking idea
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134212294548.jpg)
You tried to crawl closer to the part of the floor, a strange vibrating and reflecting light. Perhaps it is the water... must wash up...
In a second you got encouraging kick in the back.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134212297714.jpg)
In practice water turned out to be not just a puddle ...
Hint from GM: If Likot will die, his "good and proper" alter-ego will wake up. So don't relax.
>Reply #51
>there is no sock
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134220569230.png)
LOLWUT.
New posts translated, enjoy.
Use the right to control fictional reality!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134212439584.png)
Now it's your dream. Only pitchblack and water around. You can breathe, but with great difficulty, and still, after a certain time, may suffocate. Even your dwarven vision can't see something in such darkness, and no landmarks around except the faint speck of light far above.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134215489346.png)
Create floor under self, remove water and shut Light One in slade box
In your dream no outsiders. No one. In this world there is only you and the world was created only for you.
Try to swim up, then try to return the control over what is happening in dwarven little head.
Swim to the light, a**hole! Swim hard! You can do it!
You flounder in water. The longer you flounder the more trouble breathing you have, the bones begin to ache, and the water becomes not only icy, but also like solid ...
The spot of light like became closer, but you can't say for sure.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134221970251.jpg)
You have escaped into the air from under the ground! It's definitely reality. Most damn real, Armok damn it, reality. That very one where you were blown with flow of dust from window slot and slamed at back standing pedestal so than the wrist snapped but no pain was felt at the moment. In a weird roar, losing the outlines of surroundings, you collected handfuls of fragments of glowing stone, and everything was clouded with dust ...
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134221974982.jpg)
Now you were coughing on the surface. The surface of the bottom of formed cavity. The village, cemetery ... Everything was destroyed. No signs of life in the field of view, except ...
- What have you done? - ghost of Oraphy Heme moaned above - All is lost ... Years of work ... So many memories ... And all my strength gone ... That's how you repay me?
__________________________________
Damn, check the mark!
Strike the menacing pose to ghost-he's f*ck and to blame
Wave bare hairy butt in front of elf-sodomite for goodbye
Apologize to the ghost, and ask what we can do for him
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134248612478.jpg)
You felt with entire back that the seal is gone. Incinerate threat was no more. For this reason you started an aggressivly-accusatory campaign, against Oraphy:
- Shut up, nitwit! You are yourself to blame for what happened. You yourself brought to this, and ruined it. You are an abomination, and poisoning this place, you are the one who killed all the people here. And now you're one to blame for your failure! - acquired a taste, you turned your back to the ghost and started to pat yourself, saying: - Kiss my buns, monster! Wanted to get hold of a woman for my account? That's for you, not a catch!
Heme increasingly bulge eyes, and suddenly you with even more sarcasm, uttered:
- Can I do something else for you?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134248615948.jpg)
You managed to recollect glowing pebbles just a second before the ghost lost his temper and, grabbing, kicked you out of cavity:
- Get out! Go away, you idiot! Lousy useless imbecile!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134248619392.jpg)
He continued to yell something and rave, but you already not listened to. Judging by the map (if you remember correctly), this road led towards the human city. Only two things marred the spirit. First - it was getting dark. And secondly, the right wrist was still broken and started whining with treacherous pain, promising nothing good. Grasp of right hand gradually weakened and pebbles one by one, left the handful.
By the way, when did we eat last?
Besides, you were savagely hungry, not to mention the thirst.
Collect all the pieces. Shove them in a sock ... or in the ass, or swallow (unless there're sharp)
Make a splint from shoulder pad
Plantain to be imposed on the wound
Begin look for a place to sleep
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13425517155.jpg)
You did not have pockets, as well the bag. Nothing kept in the bosom, in the boots - meddled. You have decided to eat the pebbles, so won't lose. Messing with the shoulder straps, you made some kind of support for the wrist, but local herbs (dried and frozen) did not bring any relief.
Through the woods from here could be seen same hut you've visit first in this village. Spend the night in it would be the right decision.
__________________________
Go into the house, looking out on the way something to eat, grass or moss, say
Broken fence-good for kindling
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134299272935.jpg)
Devoured some tufts of dryfrozen grass, you have come to the house, took stick from ones were lying around, and propped with it door from the inside. Get the fire was not possible, taking into account only one working arm, and even than left. Neither food nor drink, nor heat. It looks like it was time to simply go to sleep, and early in the morning to move the city.
The night was calm, quiet, unremarkable.
Figure out how far the city is. If you close to - try to reach
Stomp to the city
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134299277381.jpg)
At dawn, you hit the road. Sleep bit of added power, but hunger, thirst and pain in the hand were tearing worse than ever. Looking out to sides made no result-no animals but birds, flew away when you approached. Chasing them was over your forces and you have decided to focus on the walking.
Walk took the whole day
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134299283182.jpg)
For almost bereft of power, you finally reached the goal. The walls of the city, and appeared, reached the gate, you just fall on your knees in powerlessness.
Two guards stared intently all the time, as long as you approached. Now one of them, that who had a beard, spat on the ground:
- Dwarf yielded, looook.
- Where from dwarf in this side?
- What is the difference, then? Took here. Where are you from, dear?
You could barely answer. Throat was dry so that the tongue scraped palate. With a gesture you asked for a water.
- Plunk, you want? Hah! Get away from here, drunk!
Younger guard interrupted:
- Meh, seems just asks to drink. Look, covered in blood.
- Ahh ... Well, it's okay - bearded man threw you an opened bottle of beer from under the feet.
You drank all greedily, and sat on a log, catching your breath.
- What, robbers? - Guard chuckled.
Deciding not to tell them about the collapse of the village and your role in it, you nodded:
- Rogues, yeah ... barely run away ...
- Well, happens. You from?
- Mountain Home ... yonder - you pointed the finger at the mountain.
- Ah, yes. What's news?
- Us besieged. Many were killed. Goblins!
- That's how! And you washed away from the siege, right?
- Passed under a mountain .
- Exactly ...
Younger stuck again:
- Well, welcome to the city, I guess.
The bearded man turned around:
- Quiet. You are stupid of course, but did not understand what I'm doing now? I tru to figure out whether it's thief or scoundrel. You're like "weeeeeeeelcome" ... - He drilled a younger with stair, then turned back, - My work, no offense.
You nodded.
Elder inspected you once again:
- You look weathered. Go straight, you'll see the sign "Nese" - a tavern, so tell the owner call a doctor ... well, ... keep yourself then.
The bearded raised his hand invitingly.
Another fanart (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134307265287.png), hires!
New thread begins here (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/101162.html)
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Go to the tavern.
Ask where the well is - to quench the thirst and clean self.
Should to strain ands vomit few stones to have something to pay
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134342329321.jpg)
After reaching the sign "Nese", you have found a well right there. It was very opportunely. Stretching out a bucket of icy water, you got drunk enough to your thirst and washed the blood from the face. Now it's time for unpleasant procedures. People were walking by and you felt a bit awkward, but there was no help - you began to poke fingers into the throat and burp. At first nothing happened, only drunk water came out, but you feel that there are still stones not felt into bowels. You drank again and again vomit. In the seventh minute of attempts the stones finally came out ...
Rush into the tavern, call the doctor while people are pious.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134342336569.jpg)
... There were only three. Three dimly glowing pebble. You have washed them, drank again and went into the tavern.
- Good evening - human leaned over his administrator rack - What do you wantб a tired dwarf?
- I'm hungry! - You blurted out, - And to bed ... And a doctor! - You have shown a broken arm.
- Everything is possible for a fee, sir. You have money to pay?
You reached out to man one of the stones. He began to consider its facesб glistening in the light of candles and more bulge eyes, noting its dim glow.
- It glows ... - man was surprised - Amazing ... This is the most ... - Then he came to his senses, - ... unremarkable stone of all that I have seen. Aaand. .. how many you have?
- Not with self... but... enouuu... -you said and felt into hungry swoon.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13434234347.jpg)
You woke up in the morning. In a soft, comfortable bed. It is much better than that was your in the Mountain Home.
It seems that the doctor would come at night. Apparently, the administrator liked the stone ... as well as the other two.
You feel good generally, but were damn hungry.
Aren't you guys too read-only, hehe?
Next one is here for you!
________________________________
Snack, look at the window, at the tapestry and painting.
Inspect the room for clobber, and for anything else.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134372495320.jpg)
Сhewed the piece of blanket cover that was already in your mouth, you rushed to the meat! It has already been cooled down, but still slightly warm, that was very pleasing. Bread was gentle and the wine was not too strong. Filling the belly, you admired the paintings on the walls and views of the street below, where the morning city already hard boiled. Traders enticing passers to their shops, porters and errand boys scurried back and forth, the business people with a pompous mien went about their business. After eating all you have examined room in more detail with your dwarven autistic vision. All your clothes hung on racks. It was laundered and not look like mops. Everything was clean and smelled soap. Soaaaaaaaaap... somewhere inside you good thought appeared. Under the bed there was empty, in the cabinet too. Behind a screen in the corner stood a chamber pot. It was empty.
Fill the pot
You have quenched small need. You wished no more.
Get dressed and go down
Call the owner, to grind with him about the loan of his shebang
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134380364730.jpg)
Dressed up the shirt, you descended to the hall. People at the tables were having breakfast. The administrator was digging around on the shelves. You shuffled toward him.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13438036851.jpg)
- Oh, good morning to you, sir, - he turned around and immediately went on, not allowing to insert a single word - I took it upon myself to keep your stones for storage, taking into account the condition of you yesterday. I'm still not sure of their value, so that i will return you only one but the largest, the two smaller ones, I'll take as collateral for the stop, pension and the doctor fees. So far, I am ready to let you stay here one more night, but if the value of the stones will be high - we will discuss further accommodation, if you're interested. Today I will find out ... Meanwhile ... Your name?
- Likot ... Saramkurig, why?
- Immediately after your appearance, I pulled from the door this one piece, which is a couple of days before that hung there a dwarf. It looks like it is your portrait ... more precisely, even three ... Although the name is not exactly ... Well, the dwarf said that friends are searching for you and will stay for another week with a wagon on the market square. If this is true, then ... So you know.
- Th-thhhhanks, - you took the stone and parchment.
Change the appearance (combthe beard into three strands and braid mustaches in pigtails going over in the beard) and go find out who are that dwarves looking for Likot
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134383041963.jpg)
Since you were in only shirt, you had to go back to the room to put on the rest of the clothes. Going up, you spread out beard on three strands, and entered ...
Neglected feet on the sill, a ghost sat in front of you:
- Well, hi!
- Hello... - You were taken aback. It was not the first ghost seen by you, so bad thoughts did not creep in the head.
- Do not be frightened - he waved his hand - Don't you remember me? That's good. I am Kurel Ostukiton - your creator, or something ...
- Dad?
- Hehe, no. You see, there was in the old Mountain Home one annoying f*ck ... and we had disagreements. Well, I do, mean, died, and he is still alive ... and now I'm a ghost, sort of. According to his mercy doomed to eternal wandering. And it turns out that except the REVENGE for me nothing more to do. I want to, that is, to contemplate his death for the sake of self-soothing. Well, for this case, I created a false identity in the brain of a simple soapmaker Likot Ubendeb .. created you!
- I'm not real? - you enjoyed those revelations less and less.
- Not at all, are you most real on this ... Only do not let take your other side take charge and that's whole business ...
- Well ... - Decided to no longer just stare, you began to dress. Okay, listen: in our fortress one really bad dwarf lived. The evil dwarf. He went into the confidence of many of the elite, became close with the king Ubur Limulenog and his wife Lisat Saramdal. Then the king was gone, thanks to our joint efforts with him ... Yeah, I sought to power ... and queen completely fell under his influence. This was the biggest obstacle for me and that's when I began to organize a revolutionary force against the existing regime, founded miner Republic, opened a dialogue with south goblins and ordered my attorneys to dig deeper in search of the Forgotten Beasts. All three of these ... uh ... factors , being contested at the same time, would bring me victory over the enemy, and even more ... if I was not killed by him a week before the scheduled time. ... My plans were realized despite my death, but I got no benefit now... Mountain Home defeated, the power in the hands of impostors ... However, now all my attention focused on the cause of all troubles - my worst enemy. And you were designed to help me in implementing of ambitious revenge to this villain!
- Me? ...
- The death offers some advantages. Now I know all about him, I know all about his plans! Interesting?
- No ... - afraid of another magical stamp, you just decided not to delve into.
- Then heed - he wants absolute power. He yearns to enslave the world and bask in the undivided greatness, having achieved this by subjecting the Demons of the depths, who will destroy anyone who gets in his way. Intrigued?
- Actually ...
- Sure thing! Adamantine vein goes into the flesh of the earth, the womb of all living creatures ... if you get through it, you can open the glowing chambers ... So says the legend ... But that's not enough - you need a ritual. Without it Demons crush any counter and fly to wreak chaos in the world. A ritual will ensure submission. So is considered at least ... And with these forces in the service, our friend is planning to take power over the whole world. Can you imagine?
- Not sure i really ca...
- That's what I feared of - continued Kurel - Resisted. Rebelled! Likot was on the list of expedition ... one of three ... The lot fell on him. So I created you!
- Thanks, but...
- You have to be my hands in the world of the living. My revenge and universal prosperity - that's your main goals now. But you can not act alone ... Gather the team!
The ghost vanished ... then again emerged:
- Forgot to say goodbye ... Up to the meeting tomorrow ... or when you gather your team ... or when you want to talk to me ... or I will announce before that ...
The ghost vanished again.
You still have mixed impressions from this meeting, negative for the most part. Once again, some ghost wants something of you. Praise to Armok, at least without the stamps at this time.
I started reading recently - this is really great stuff. Thanks for translating, CountAlex. :)
You're welcome!
And new one
_____________________
Reach the square to look at our comrades from a distance. Will see-will decide what to do next.
View our company
No need to bother about mask
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134388755426.jpg)
Deciding not to overdo with a disguise, and learn from administator where the market place is, you went there. The city turned out to be quite large, the walk took about 20 minutes. Did not have to stray, and, hearing the bazaar racket, you began carefully move along the walls of houses. Finally, you opened a view of the square: the number of stalls, hawkers and wagon of your friends. They were sitting around, doing nothing particular. Shorast was eating sun flower seeds, Bomel looked around, Neil practiced bow shooting at targets, attracting onlookers and competition fans. Meng, Tok and Anil were not visible. Maybe they were in the wagon, and maybe wandered somewhere around the place.
Also for guys who wants to take part in story - post your suggestions in this place (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/101442.html). Feel free to post text in english or use some kind of translators (please post original english part anyway).
Visit appraiser. Trade gems
Do this: go to first appraiser, find out the price. Then go to the second appraiser, immediately call the lower price as one and half times higher. If the second shopkeeper buys, go to the next dealer, again raise the price in the same way.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134440271984.jpg)
So far you only had one stone at hands and you decided to sell it with maximum benefit. Walking from shop to shop, you found out the price of the stone and in the next shop offered it with higher price. The jeweler offered three gold and a dozen groschens. Trader called price of ten golds, five silver and some copper coins. In the end, when most acceptable price had roughly delineated, the pawnbroker gave exactly 30 gold. During the conversation, he added:
- You didn't rush over all the dealers, raising price, did you? I do not really care, but you risk to attract attention of people who are not accustomed to bargain at all. They will either track you down and steal the stone, or simply kill you. But now, then they'll see a weighty purse with coins in your hand, for some you will become even more attractive target. Therefore, take care, my friend.
Having taken the stone, pawnbroker gave you a pouch of money, and sent a courier boy with the jewel through the back door.
Outside in the street, you really did not know what to do with "wealth" - from everywhere, it seemed, envious eyes were staring.
Hide the pouch in back of underpants
Go to the administrator, pay billeting and take back pebbles left in pledge.
and then immediately run to our guys with shortest, most crowded path.
get back to team
Support a reunion with expedition.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134442802472.jpg)
Thrusting the purse under the scrotum, you in short rushes went back to the tavern. The administrator still did not go anywhere and did not recognize the price of stones, and therefore readily gave them back to you, accepting as payment regular money. Feeling generous, for everything and anything, and for the care you paid him as many as entire gold coin, for which you were showered with compliments and got promise that the room will stay at least until the end of the week.
Then you returned to the market place just as quickly, where nothing changed significantly during your absence. Gathering your spirit and spreading your beard in the old way, you approached your comrades.
- Oh, praise the Armok! - Shorast leaped on his feet - soapmaker is found again!
Nшl and Bomel came near too, welcoming in every possible way.
- Where did you get lost? You were tied, kinda.
- I do not remember ... fell somehow and ... lost ... broke my hand ... broke with a spoon, when was falling ...
- Anyway, - manager continued,- Alive, and it's best.
It seems no one even noticed the spoon at wagon.
- Do not get lost again! Ufff ... Now, another problem remains. Buketotil disappeared yesterday. Meng with Anil look for him, walk around to ask anyone who saw. Like it's time to draw the leaflets as for your disappear, yeah. Hey, you were his best friend, you'd draw a face, his face. Here's some parchment and ink. Later we'll hung them the same way. And... without Tok-we can't go, anyway.
I loved the first two pages, but there is a ton of stuff here and I get the feeling that following what's going on requires a lot of dedication, so people will read the first bit and then leave. I'll try to go through the third page now :P
Whoah, it's sad if someone really dropped reading in this way! It becomes better and better after 2nd page, I swear!
Indeed it does. Is a really good reading.
Thanks to the traslators.
Heh, real thanks to GMs of the game. I just try to do my best here to give this tale to Bay12 members.
___________________________________
We can separate - let Nil go to guards to warn them and all that, while we'll be posting up leaflets. Then Nil will go away, go and speak to the dwarf.
I completely support this.
- Hey, Nil, let me stick up the rest of this, while you go straight to guards... to save us some time.
- No way, - he opposed, - no wandering alone anymore.
Is that a dwarf in the background? We can come up to say hello, ask him who is he, where is he from, how did he end up here.
I support this.(Is that a Likot's portrait in his hand, huh?)
Support his.(And yes, that's Soapeater portrait)
Talk to the dwarf, find out if he saw Tok, what he wants from Likot, see if he knows where to find the cheapest booze and where other dwarfs gather for.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134492152312.jpg)
Dwarf in pointed hat hesitantly approached by himself.
- Greetings, dwarfs, I am Mas Kamvenot - mage and wizard. I beg your pardon, but are you drawn on thess portraits? - he showed you a leaflet with your face on it.
- Yes, it's me... but I was already found.
- And your name is Likot Ubendeb?
- Well yeah, that's me.
- Oh, hmm... very good... - wizard got thoughtful about something.
- There's another one who's lost now, - Nil interrupted, pointing at the portrait, - Tok Buketotil. Have you seen him?
Wizard was still thinking:
- Nooo... Didn't see...
- Well if you meet him, tell him... ah well, he already knows that we're staying at the square. Tell him that we are looking for him.
- Sure.
Suddenly a thought struck you to look for your dwarf pal at the places of alcohol botlling and local brethren meeting points:
- Hey, where can one go and drink up cheaply?
- Well, - Mas like woke up, - Anywhere, actually. There are expensive taverns in town, but you'll recognize them at once. So you can go in any shop and prices are roughly the same.
- I see... And where is a meeting hall?
Neil interfered:
- Place where local Dwarven diaspora get-together ...
- Arol-Iton is in the western part of the town. But... I don't know... I don't think you should show you faces in there.
Seribas raised an eyebrow:
- And why so?
- You are dwarfs from the Mountainhome, I can see that clearly, but those are urban. They only care about money and struggle for power, they are more like an organized gang than an undermountain society. You will not enjoy to meet them.
You and Nil looked at ech other puzzledly, while Mas fished out from his bossom magic wand.
- In the mean time, I am a mage and I can fulfill one wish for 10 gold. But not the ones related to wealth, that's a sore spot for magic of this kind. Everybody has wish to get a thousand gold while giving out ten. Nope, that doesn't work... Curses! I've begun from bad things when should with good... Dumbhead... sorry... Dozens of satisfied customers, a great experience, short time of performance what desired! Not years, like some do, you know... I'm working with dwarves, elves, humans, even goblins! Yes-yes, there were a few times, - Mas gesticulated and grimaced energetically, - Group wishes! That is really great stuff - when the whole party focuses on one common wish - the results stun! Questions of marriage and relationship, problems with job and debtors, travels and wishes related to long treks, ills and health, good luck for you and bad luck for foes, seduction of women and the whole spectrum of unmentioned topics, and all that is just for 10 gold. The most average price in town! Considering I'm the only one in town, hahaha! Funny, eh? Why are you not smil... hm... I see you are interested in my offer, aren't you? Am I right? So?
_______________________
In sum, it's a wholesale, so let him decrease price by third for brethren dwarfes.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134546418447.jpg)
- Any discount for brother dwarfes?
Mas raised his hand to stop you for a moment.
- Of course not. Sorcery spends my resources equally for both dwarves and elves. So, excuse me, gentlemen, no discounts.
Ask where he studied as a mage.
- Hmmm ... Curious. Somewhere there is a school of wizards, or were you training yourself on the books?
- Ways of magic are inscrutable, my friend. I started with short treatises about curbing of internal energies, and then became interested in more sophisticated techniques. I have dedicated thirty years to search and learning of knowledges. Traveled a lot, of course, trampled many paths and roads. But the school of magic - I never met ... unfortunately ... or fortunately, - he chuckled.
Better ask why the f*ck he was holding our leaflet in his hands.
- Why were you... walking the streets with my portrait in this way?
- Ah, truly ... - The magician rolled leaflet and put it in his pocket - At times I am distracted. So I took one and walked, recalling if seen ... or have not ...
Extort his real name.
- Tell me, "Kamvenot", this is not a dwarven name ... This is a human's, right?
- Heh, true ... - Mage become embarrassed - many have asked. But it's good for business - the sonorous pseudonym! Not like ... "Ubendeb" ... Like your's, - he patted the pocket where he has just put in the leaflet, - a funny coincidence. That is what interested me in the first place.
Invite him to approach the wagon, tighten there in and during the unobtrusive interrogation find out what he really wants.
Plusing for interrogation of suspicious subject.
Under any pretext drag this dwarf to the wagon, and then let the manager in couple with Ostox get information from him.
Take him to wagon.
I beard not to make wishes but interrogate him
- Emm, maybe you'll come with us to the wagon? There are our comrades, we can all decide about the wish together.
Nil pulled you:
- Hey, scatter-head number two, forgot where we are going to and why? - He pointed at a portrait of Buketotil - business first, entertainment later.
You turned to Seribas and began to whisper:
- I suspect that this jerk has information about Tok.
- What?
- Perhaps he is associated with dwarven diaspora, maybe they keep our friend in captivity! We must interrogate this quack! And for this we must drag him to the cart, where Shorast and Ostox in couple ...
- You've totally gone crazy! - Nil slightly pushed you, - Meng said that that mushroom could have damaged your brain, and now I'm beginning to suspect that doctor was right! Come to your senses, moron! We shall not show any agression within city limits, or Guard will rush over us and throw us in jail! What hangover you got to have such idea... Ah, don't even want to talk! Completely crazy, you fool. We keep on the same route, period! - Then he turned to the mage - I'm sorry, but no wishes today. Best of luck.
Shout for a quack to come to the wagon later.
And keep searching Tok, simultaneously quarelling with Nil about "Look who's talking about madness!"
I suggest to spend money on armor and weapon
Submitting to soldier, you stepped in the direction of the Guard building, leaving magician mild surprised. You still turned around and shouted:
- Come back later to the market square! We will discuss everything again! About the wish!
Nil put a palm to his face without stopping.
You walked through the streets and passed by shops.
- Look, let's go to weapons shop?
- Why?
- I'd look for sword or axe.
- Why?
- Well ... Weapon! To protect ourself, to attack ... walk around with it everywhere. You've got a sword, I want to.
Nil stopped:
- Listen, Likot, you're soapmaker. - He paused. - So-ap-ma-ker, get it? Not a soldier. And in the fortress, when we'll arrive, you will not be in militia. Never. Trust me, i can see potential... you got no. Just forget it, get involved in something else. Weapons, armor - it's not for you. This is so, so not for you, that, Armok is my witness, if you'll take up arms - I'd rather cut off your hands so you won't hurt anyone ... or worse.
- I have already fought with the sword! - you were offended.
- In your dreams - Nil dismissed.
- I have combat Angryspoon the Crusher of Oaks! - You shook your weapon.
- Is THAT what you call it?? Haha! - Seribas laughed - Don't tell anyone ... hahaha ... "Angryspoon"... - He wiped away the tears from laughing - Let's move, Angrysoaper The Crusher of Sanity ... haha ...
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134570716976.jpg)
Thus, with the laughing warrior ahead and offended mug behind you reached Town Guard building. The Chief met you in his office.
- What is it? Another one got lost?
- But this one is found, - Nil said, pointing at you.
- Listen, dwarfes, you get lost too often. Just had one portrait to hang, and already giving me another. Of course, I accept leaflet, it's my job, but here's my advice - just wait for a while. Surely your friend just thumped or struck the fornication. First already found, right? So another will come back. Will sober up and return.
At this moment you have felt hurt about friend:
- Or maybe it's dwarven diaspora took him into captivity? Maybe ...
- Likot! - Nil tigged up.
Chief grinned:
- The local diaspora is unlikely to be interested in a simple mountain dwarf, unless he shits jewels. So do not worry about your friend, he is unlikely to be in serious troubles.
You were upset that no one takes you seriously. You gave a portrait and turned away sulkily.
And I want to say thanks to the guy from origin forum (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/) who now helps me to deal with translation, and together we make it much better. Thanks!
i love this story so much. i added the beginning part in my sig rofl. great stuff
Ha, why this line? I love the story as well,
This is one of the best dwarf fortress stories I have ever read. I really hope you continue to translate the rest of this soon. These meager six pages cannot sate my hunger...MY HUNGER, FOR MORE.
Icecold alreafy said right about our HUNGER.
12th thread starts here (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/102406.html)
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Improve social skills by trolling Nil.
"Look who's talking 'bout madness!"
Seriously, tell him that he is insolent, he barely came to his senses himself
I vote for saying Nil to f*ck off and buy a set of bronze armor plus reforge the spoon to a hammer with spikes.
I suggest to spend money on armor and weapon
Maybe we don't need a sword, but it's necessary to buy protection. And a slingshot! And a small knife. And a rope.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134606282286.jpg)
After finishing business with the Chief, you've came out in the street.
- Now we go to pubs to glue portraits - said Nil.
- You go glue! - You snapped and went to the other side.
- Hey, hey ... So where are you going?
- I want to buy armor and weapon.
- You're not calmed down, eh? - he stomped behind - Likot, don't be a fool ...
- You're a fool! - You turned around - It's me who pulled your bare ass out from Mountain Home on my back, while you drooled with bucket on your head! While you laid swaddled in a wagon, we were making holes in goblins and fought with Smoke Monster! You would be a goblins' needle pillow now, if I didn't offer you as the seventh member of the expedition! - You turned away and continued on your way - At least I did not go insane ...
- Okay, Likot, I'm sorry ... Maybe you're not hopeless. I too used to immediately determine what a rookie worths and forgot that now is completely different situation. Let's go to stores and see what they sell ...
- I want a knife, - you thawed a little and slowed down a step - and the rope. And armor.
- Plate?
- A leather would be better for you. Mailshirt is your ceiling. Not heavier ... but how will we pay?
- Lets just look first.
- Well, we can do that.
icecold (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=75322)'s
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134606286128.jpg)
or GM's version
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134608702334.png)
You visited a couple of shops selling armor and jackets, but everything turned out to be too large for the dwarf. You were advised to visit a certain trader who had a few small size goods. After finding required shop and talking with the owner, you finally put on heavy armor. You felt extremly uncomfortable. It was difficult to stand and move as well. Nil, who helped fasten this all, stood back and laughed. You turned around with difficulty:
- I also want to enforce my spoon, we should find a weaponsmith.
- Let's first take off all this - he chuckled, - Better try some leather.
Screw that horned bullshit, buy normal helmet
Buy the first armor set
Maybe we should buy something for Nil too?
We've got lots of gold! Lets buy light armor for travel and heavy armor for tough situations.
Yep, and put an image of the Sphinx on helmet. Made of kitten leather.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134685376089.png)
You chose the two sets: one light and one heavy. You decided to unscrew the light set helmet's horns as soon as you'll leave the shop. Putting goods on the counter, you expressed that the choice is made, and you buy armor.
- That'll be 18 gold, sir. - Huckster issued. - This is including the New Year's discounts.
The named price slightly puzzled you. Obviously you'll have to sacrifice the exclusive cat's leather image in favor of saving some money.
- Hmm. Can you tell in detail where did that price come from?
- Please. - Seller answered. - Leather laminar armor - four gold, the same for ritual helmet, reinforced laminar together with vambraces and greaves - seven, a helmet with emblem of the town - three gold. Eighteen is total.
Merchant folded his hands together and waited for your answer. He probably expected that you simply won't have enough money or you'll refuse.
- I'll take it! - you said to his surprise and reached into the purse for the missing gold.
At this time, Nil returned and found you counting money.
- In short, SoapEater, in this backpack are all your ... and what is this? - There he saw how golds move one after another from your purse to the trader's counter. - I'll be beardless, what is going on? Likot, well, you keep surprising me more and more! Don't you want to tell me something? - Here he grinned unpleasantly, shaking his beard, making it clear that you won't avoid answering question this time.
Tell Nil, that blah-blah-blah, was fortunate, found purse so here is the money. Keep this version with others as well.
Lie that we got purses from those dead goblins by the road whose helmets we used to make armor.
DO NOT TELL ABOUT ENTIRE PURSE!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134685380125.png)
- Found it. - You said. - The full purse, and the money are from it.
- And a lot of purses in the swamps lying around, ha? Me, say, didn't see even one purse during all the read. Can you prompt a place where such gifts lie around?
- Stop your sneering. - You answered. - Yes, found in the swamps. Took from dead goblins. I also made armor out of their helmets.
- And, of course, you struck those goblins down yourself, right? Broke their knees with your wonder-spoon, and then strangled one by one, right?
- No, they were already dead, and each had a few gold coins.
- You're lying! There were no goblins. You stole the money.
- I didn't steal, I found.
- Really? For all this time that I've been watching you, I never found myself thinking that Likot is so very attentive and vigilant. But I did notice your thieving propensities for a long time. By the way, you said that you made some wonder-armor out of goblin helmets. How about showing it to me?
- No problem. It remained hanging on the wall of the closet in my room.
- That's how. You already rent rooms. - Nil squinted suspiciously. - Maybe you did not only steal but also killed somebody?
- I did not kill anybody and did not steal anything! - Objected you, looking at the ceiling. You were already pissed off by this Nil's interrogation.
- Swear! - the former head of the palace guards bulged his eyes suddenly.
- What?
- Swear that you didn't steal or kill, then I'll believe you!
- All right. - You thought what to vow with and answered - I swear by Armok!
- Don't you swear by your Armok, nothing'll happen to him! Swear with your beard! Your own!
Vow by Armok was not enough for this jerk. He insists on vowing with your beard. And if the swear by Armok is all so mystical and enigmatic and who knows how can it be bad for you at all, swearing with beard will quite easily give a reason to deprive you of your beard, if it will become known that you lied. You can't risk with your beard, but what to say to Nil, who not only bulged his eyes but also opened mouth, staring at you and waiting for an answer?
What should we be scared about, we actually DID find it!
Just tell him the truth. About magical diarrhea.
truth without mentioning about the victims
keep silent about size of the stone and probable amount of the remaining fragments
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13468649059.png)
- Fine, Nil. I got gold from pawnbroker for this thing. - You fished out a glowing stone from bossom. - Listen up.
You told him where you were the last three days, skipping some of the details of the story. Told how you found bodies of goblins and armed yourself with their equipment, and then found a cave where you could spend a night. You didn't mention the part about forgotten beast to avoid Nil's disbelieving and scoffing. After waking up, you got to the other side of the mountains and found an abandoned village with a revived cemetery. In search of booze and a place to hide from zombies you went down to the basement of a house where there was a secret passageway into an ancient building, which population also went extinct. At the top floor of that building there was a large glowing stone, which you then smashed allegedly in an attempt to stop the undead. Then there was a cave-in, and you in last effort used the stones to dig up to the surface, breaking your wrist in a process. After spending the night in a house on the outskirts and nearly falling victim of boogeymen, you spent the whole next day on traveling to the town, where you spent a night, and then, upon discovering that you are been searched for, headed to the wagon.
- My Armok, I have never heard such nonsense. - Nil muttered, looking at the stone in your hand. - Dungeons, zombies ... And what demon yanked you to jump off the wagon in the middle of the frozen swamp? Hmm. Just look, what a pretty thingy you found. And not just one. And what price is for one of this splinters, you say?
- Why?
- Well, I saw how you paid off with armor trader. And there are coins still remained in your purse after all ...
- Nil. - You tried to interrupt the companion.
- ... And if these stones also shine with its own light ... Yes ... But there, in the ruins, the fragments could still remain! - Nil muttered, not paying attention to you and staring at the stone.
- Nil - Repeated you, hiding the gem. Soldier finally heard you. - Why all these interrogation, these vows? When you saw the gold, you became like not yourself, it's not like I've ... - Then Nil abruptly changed in his face, became like a head taller, and began yelling at you:
- Don't be brazen, whipper-snapper! Shown me some gold, you see! And even thinking about teaching me! - You felt quite uncomfortable with his intonation. - Don't you dare to poke me with your gold! Look what he's doing! And those stones! I don't care about your gold and gems, understand?! You think I'm going to fulfill your whims because of your money, right? No! It was the first and last time I seduced to do your fads, and take your filthy bag! - Nil threw the new backpack at your feet. - Now pack your stuff and back to search for Tok on the double!
He stood there and stared menacingly down your neck while you squirmed and tried to put a backpack on with one hand, then picked up a second set of armor and hanged it back on the cast. Wrist ached from the load, and then you remember that you were going to give a second set to Nil.
- Nil.
- Ready? After me, quickly! We still have to go to all the gates. This boar Tok could go out of town...
- This is for you. - You held out armor to him.
- What? Oh, you! .. - He wanted to renew the flow of abuse, but he was clearly tormented by conflicting emotions. Nil's pride did not allow to accept the gift of the lower caste dwarf, but on the other hand, it seems that he liked the present very much, and the toad pressed to give it up.
- Expensive? - He asked suspiciously.
- It's a gift. - Answered you.
- I mean, how much did you have to pay for it?
- Eleven.
- Minecart in your well! - He took armor from you. - Expensive. Even by the standards of dwarf it's expensive. - He tried the armor on - While on the other hand, the price is even quite reasonable, hopefully, it will justify itself. Let's do this - here he turned again to you - We assume that this is not a gift, but you let me borrow it, okay? And let's forget our mutual assaults, I admit, I went a little bit too far.
Return to wagon and leave armor there, then keep going (probably still with Nil)
During the search you can simply offer an idea to go to this Iton Arol or whatever it's called.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13469556959.png)
After leaving the store, you unscrew the horns from your helmet. Two pretty unpleasant screws were still sticking out of it, though they could be cut off later if you want. Horns fit in a backpack, in which, by the way, beside a knife, a new purse and also the rope, there was a pretty big flask. It's necessary to fill it up on occasion. While you fitted the flask and a waist bag to your side and dug in your stuff, Nil asked passersby how to get to the west gate and how far is Arol-Iton from them.
Soon you headed toward the western part of the city. Nil walked ahead of you quite cheerfully, rivets rattling on his cuirass, and refused your offer to make a detour and leave armor in the wagon, citing the fact that a lot of time was lost already, besides, the armor is not that heavy.
Remind him once again that, 1: It is a gift, 2: Now all are equal, and stop f*cking treat Likot like a little boy.
To your attempts to regain your status Nil said that a gift is a very kind thing for you to do, but he refuses to proceed further with discussion on this subject. Like, he's just unpleasant to feel like your babysitter, and, if it was in his power, he would throw you down to hell and demons.
Can he, by any chance,teach us to fight with a spoon, by the way?
Nil said that if your spoon was a crossbow, or it can be bended and turned into a bow, then he would teach you to shoot with it. He told you to stop treating the spoon as a weapon, it's like waving a club.
Let's Likot will becomу local ARDENT WORSHIPPER!
- And what do you believe, Nil? - you asked him in ingratiating voice.
- What?
- Do you believe in Armok, buddy?
- Likot, mother of goblin! - Nil stopped and faced you. - How, by the demons, is it your busyness, huh? Actually, since when did you get so chatty?
- You didn't accept my oath by Armok. Who is Armok to you?
- Stop it right now! I do not believe in your this occult nonsense! I only believe in As Limulistrat, the god of depths and wealth. And all the educated secular dwarves believe in As! Armok is pagan nonsense, it's not even a dwarven god. In general, it is not god at all! And if you do not shut up now, I'll shove your spoon up in your ass, get it?
You said nothing. Nil is clearly not in the mood to talk about religious topics right here right now.
- Now let's go. And don't you dare to make a single sound! - Announced Nil and nervously walked forward.
You wisely decided to remain silent for the rest of the way.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134695625921.png)
Soon you reached the west gate. The guard asked you who you are, and then answered Nil's questions. It turned out that only a few dwarves passed through this gated in the last three days, and all of them moved into the town. Nobody left the town except for one caravan, where a dwarf, possibly, could hide, though all the wagons has been inspected and checked. Later the guard said that all dwarves headed towards already known to you Arol-Iton and showed it to you on the map.
- Well, Soapeater, let's visit our urban brothers. Looks like you were right that we should have gone there first.
You can fill flask with water from the well
Go to well and throw there in purse with money. When we'll be beaten by the diaspora dwarfs, at least it will not hurt that much.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134700024286.png)
Filling the flask with water from the well, which, by the way, was twenty yards deep, you decided to get rid from several problems with throwing gold away. You will no longer seem thieves around every corner, it won't hurt to fall into the hands of robbers, and you will no longer embarrass Nil with your gold. And now, with a slight movement of the hand purse moved to flight.
Two seconds passed before you heard the slap of the bag of water, and after another two seconds - blow on the head with something heavy. The helmet was tough, it did not hurt. However, your skull was noticeably shaken, and buzz in your ears from the deafening clang of metal remained for a long time.
- Moron! You're just killing me! Why did you do it? - Almost squealing, Nil said.
- I hid it.
- And now you're going to get it? There is a great depth!
- I'm not going to get ше!
- Idiot ... - Nil was nearly crying. - Was it so difficult to give it Shorast, or ... me, after all?
- This is for our good.
- What good? .. Oh, holy smiths! .. What have you done? Now I'll never forget it!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13470002828.png)
Keep wash his brain
Pathetic dwarfes(?) must tremble in face of possible divine retribution for disrespect
Armok! Reveal to sinners sign of yours!
ARMOK, PUNISH HIS LOST SOUL!
Bring reason to this fool!
- All your troubles are from that you renounced Armok.
- What?
- Yoг do noy respect Armok. Armok can forgive the lost ones, but His retribution eventually overtakes renounced.
- Shut up, Soapeater. Please. I'm not in the mood to talk with you. Of all the people I know only Shorast worships Armok, so talk with him as long as you want. - Then Nil settled down and issued: - On the other hand, you are right to some extent, Likot. Over the last month I had a lot to go through, but, nonetheless, here I am: still alive and well, even though was crazy. Do you mind if, after we'll found Tok, to visit local pantheon, or temple, and there we'll bow to our gods?
There is Tok!!!111
Right! Just plumped up
Tok on background
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134729535864.png)
- Toook! - You shouted with all your voice in the direction of awkwardly hobbling figure with a wheelbarrow, but there was no reaction. It seems, years of painstaking autistic silence were not in vain, you have forgotten how to to cry, and Tok has not heard you.
Don't speak with dwarf on background
We already spoke with one. Now we act contrary to his advice.
Don't disattract and move to dwarves
Don't go fat man. just take a look from distance and say "Look, Nil, he looks like Tok"
- Where is he? - Nil asked again, trying to see to whom you were yelling. You pointed at Tok with finger just before he disappeared around the corner. Nil snapped and stated:
- No, not him. Cap looks similar, pipe too. But I'm not sure if it was even a dwarf. And too fat for Tok, to be frankly.
Just in case you decided to follow pseudo-Tok, although stopped crying and running around the city for strangers.
Well, since summer is over I have less free time so translations will probably delay time after time. Also, a question for you, guys - has language/translation quality level any progress since first threads up to recent ones?
>red flags ewerywhere
City of Koмmynism, kamЯaД! Likot must get out quickly before local KGB take his ass in zastenki.
Yay, comrade, sounds pretty branchy cranberry-style! Hehe.
___________________
Don't move to well, don't get something, go to local dwarves.
You decided to leave the gold where it is, and fish it back after you'll find Tok. You and Nil headed to the Arol-Iton and soon caught up a suspicious fat man with a cart.
Follow the fat guy but be careful. What if he is a maniac and he ate Tok and put on his belongings.
Don't speak with Nil unless he'll start conversation himself
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134772429285.png)
It wasn't Tok. Subject was old beardless being of unknown sex and race. It left the wheelbarrow at the threshold of a squat old building with a sign "Arol-Iton" and, striking door ring once, entered.
- What does it mean, Arol-Iton - a district, consisting of only one house? - You asked Nil.
- Of two, - Guardsdwarf said. - The neighboring building with sagging roof is also considered as territory of Arol-Iton, and, for that matter, waste ground behind the fence right up to the city wall. If I understood correctly, this is the whole Arol-Iton.
It would not hurt to begin with a little reconnaissance: walk around the building and look inside through the window (or gap).
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134778640167.png)
Nil responded not very favorably about your idea to explore the area, but did not splash bile much and allowed you to do what you want.
You haven't managed to walk arounf the building, yard wicket was locked, so you have to find the key or to seek passage through in the ramshackle hut. Through the fence you have seen wasteland, where in addition to the dry grass and remnants of snow only a sewer hatch was in the distance. Well, the grass and snow were in two or three places stamp down and mixed with mud, but nothing else here does not attract attention.
look through the window
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134778646738.png)
You looked through the crack. Despite the boarded-up openings, inside it was not so dark, at least, for the dwarf. Scum with the tube was talking about something with another character with a shaggy beard, who sat at something like bar rack.
-...should ask Granite first. Anyway he got no f*cking reson to crawl in there. And after all, Talc with his rag-tags deal with such bullshit so tell 'em your bizzare.
- By the way, this sucker was not alone - Said the old woman, - He was with bald from that caravan.
- Well, f*ck, get them both here then. And four-eyes, and that bull with pick, Mebzuth said that wants to see 'em too.
- Big one with some blacky are hanging out at eastern gate. Fag in glasses, bet on my head, is sitting in their shit-cart, thought who the f*ck knows. Archer and spooner are already coming here. They even saw me and mistaken for somebody, for the whole square, damn, yelled, you know, like ...
- Okay, enough bullshit, crone - bearded winced - Get in the hole before I closed it. - He got up and opened to her the door to some closet.
Crone with a tube grunted her throat, full of snot, and disappeared in the doorway. Behind her the bearded one came in, but a minute later returned, rattling keys, and sat on his seat, with his feet on the table.
(T.n. I'll be glad if someone will help me to rewrite this dialogue with it's criminal speech style. I did my best for now but it can be better I guess)
Do you guys still read this?
Of course we are reading, go along.
i read it, don't stop please
Hehe, glad to see it. I guess i just need some encouragement time after time.
So, here is new piece for our hunger.
_____________________________
We are armed and dangerous, f*ck delay. Let these urban scums tell all as it is.
Break down there and kick all the asses
Knock out the door with a mighty kick and spectacularly go inside.
You were ready to strike menacing pose after knocking the door with a foot, but at the last moment something stopped you. Perhaps it was your inner voice, though Armok knows what it was. Your exuberant rush dried up just as quickly as flooded.
Tell Nil what we heard
Let Nil go first inside. Anyway, no other place to look for Tok. If he'll refuse, say that you mind is clouded because of that mushroom so if you'll go first you'll start to make sacrafices to Armok.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134791136270.png)
You told Nil what you heard, and explained that you feel too nervous and would not restrain yourself and lose control on your actions, if you'll go there first.
- Do not worry, Soapeater, they won't eat us. - Half-jokingly said the captain, - And they are unlikely to kill, at least they're not goblins or elves... I hope ...
You knocked ring on the door. Literally a moment later latch clicked, looks like the owner did not even put his ass up from stool and unlocked it remotely.
Nil opened the door and proudly walked in.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134791139522.png)
You walked in after him, trying to look calm and confident.
- Good day. Almost evening, actually, The weather is nice, isn't it?
- Weather? What weather? - owner made wry face. - Where from you such appeared?
- We're moving through your wonderful city, our expedition today was to go, but bad luck, we lost someone, so we have come to you for help. We really hope at you. - Nil was showly off polite, shaggy was annoyed a bit with this.
- Ladtakomadz's Bureau of search and find at your service aha! Did you confuse with address? - Bearded man tried to look relaxed, showed no agression yet.
- No. We were sent exactly here, place was shown on the map, your old lady even guided us here.
- Don't now anything! Get out, I have no instructions to search fugitives. Actually, who are you?
- I have already said. - Nil answered - We are from the expedition ...
- Names! - Asked the bearded man.
- I'm Nil, and this one - Nil pointed at you - Soapeater. From a Mountain Home.
- I see, okay. In short, you go away now, and I'll take a walk to the neighbors, I'll say that Soapeater and Nil came, and they looked for their freind.
You thought that the conversation is over and turned to the door, but Nil did not move.
- Well, who are you going to search? - Slightly sarcastically Nil asked bald. - How? I'm yet did not even say name of the missing, nor described him. Or do you already know in advance who we are looking for?
- And why are you such cheeky, huh? - Shaggy stiffened. - I have not seen anyone, get it! F*cking nerd ... Who cares about exterior, mountain dwarf a mile away in the crowd to see - easy! And they smell soap like some f*cking princesses.
- Here, - Nil fished out a package with the announcement of the loss of Tok and put on the table of owner. - I leave it here, I advise you to examine. And also show your neighbors.
Bearded arrogantly looked at a piece of paper lying on the table, then just same arrogantly looked at Nil. Leaflet was not even touched.
Nil shook his head and pointed to the parcel. For a few seconds they stared with bearded at each other, trying win at stare competition. At last bald deigned to reach out for a piece of paper and deploy it.
- So, then, who do we have here? .. Tok ... Farmer, so ... Or planter? What makes you think that I will work hard because of a peasant? Unfortunately, fellas, I can not help.
- Tok is his name. He's not a farmer.
- Oops, the first time I hear this name. Dwarves actually have no such name!
- Nevertheless, we hope for your understanding and support. I think the mountain dwarf, moreover with a rare name, will be even easier to find among the urbans. Actually, that's all we want.
- Do you understand that business doesn't work like this? After all, I'm not your aunt nor cousin. I have other ... affairs! I appreciate my time, and in general, everything has its time ... and its price. If you understand, of course.
- I think he wants money - Nil turned to you. - Don't you accidentally mislaid pair of golds, um? Or you, of course, threw awayall of it?
- All - you said.
Further conversation with shaggy extortionist was meaningless. As soon as conversation turned about money, bearded man immediately became completely intractable and only demanded you to leave his house.
- And what's now, Nil? - You asked the guardsdwarf. - Just leave like that and go to search somewhere else?
- I do not know, Soapeater. Looks like they have no Tok there. Or they have but don't know it themself.
- Why don't we demand let us in? Or break down with fight?
- Actually, it was possible to smash this frowsy brat: you strike him with spoon to the nape, I tie him with your rope around his chest and knees. But, you know, if Tok is not out there in the "hole", we will be in big trouble, and will have to forget about Tok at all. Dunno-dunno ... Do you have some ideas what to do now?
T. n.: if you tried to translate inscriptions on dwarven language, seen during story, you should know how they fit the story. Just decided to draw your attention after inscripton on outsole - great refrence to 'Pulp fiction", isn/t it?
Here it goes.
______________________
kill brazen fag
- Let's kill him. - Offered you.
- That's just kidding, right?
- Of course. - you lied. Nil is not yet imbued with entire essence of your worldview, so did not understand the joke. On the other hand, you weren't joking at all, but for now it's good that Nil does not know.
check the well and possibility to go down in there. Climb over the fence with crone's cart.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134808944643.png)
Nil without enthusiasm accepted your idea to get into a stinking sewer, but on the other hand, a dose of miasma will even somewhat invigorate and cleanse thoughts, that, actually, won't hurt both of you. Using the cart as a ramp, you climbed on the fence, quite painfully pricked your ass on one of the pommels. Coming down from fence on the other side was even more difficult than climbing on it, and in addition, you risked tear your pants on one of the pins, looked like someone purposely sharpened them.
Nil was able climb over, only taking off armor and threw it over the fence. When Nil jumped after you to your side of the yard and put on armor, he asked:
- Listen, Soapeater, how are you going to climb back? There can be no exit through sewers.
- Nil, let's solve the problems as they actually fall. - You answered and headed to the hatch.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134809017462.png)
The problems fell when you come to dead-end of the only corridor in this part of the sewer. The channel was filled to the brim, the further advance deeper into sewer was possible only by swimming on the flooded pipe.
- Likot, I'm almost sure that you have a spare pair of gills. Or not? - Nil said sadly. - Don't know about you, but I won't crawl in this hole and so I return to the surface. If you want, come with me, I think, our attempt to go through the back door was not successful ... We'll storm the fence again.
Somewhow this(city) part of story reminds me of Discworld's series books, hehe.
New, 13th chapter begins here (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/103854.htm)!
________________________
You have not found available passage to Arol-Iton through the sewers, and along with Nil trudged toward the exit.
Go back, after shouting mating cries of Cthulhu so anyonr around will shit bricks.
Back to read a sign on the wall, and examine snag behind the wall.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134868173059.png)
Going up the stairs, you have issued most ominous howl you could. Howl sounded with short echoes, it is unlikely anyone beside you and Nil heard it. Strange, but Nil didn't pay attention to your efforts, didn't comment and silently began to climb. Apparently, he was already got used to your antics, though Armok knows what he could think at the moment.
Once out on the surface, you have examined the brick wall. Behind it you found some chunks and bigger log. Plaque hung on the wall itself, which read:
"Here lies Lolor TrunkFrost
He loved gold and women
He was a thief
He saved the life of a friend
He was killed by a goblin"
It is unlikely that there actually was buried someone. It is unlikely that would dwarf could be burid in the ground, especially on the surface.. Otherwise, the local dwarves have a very specific idea of how to treat those who left to the other world ...
Check out from what pipe water/fecs flow in and where to leak away. Then figure out if it will work to plug the pipe by a log, which we saw in the yardю Plug the pipe from which water comes with log, water will flow away, and we'll be ablу to go through "out" pipe. Second option: plug the pipe where water leaves and leave, and we'll get shit-flood. After a couple of hours while urbans will be solving the problem with SHIT-FLOOD, we can surreptitiously sneak down through the doors.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134868179889.png)
Having examined bunch of timber, you accidentally got the idea that they have almost the same diameter as the pipes and drains in the sewers, from which you just climbed out. Then it dawned on you. If you'll stop the entire flow of waste water from the neighboring houses (and in this part of the sewage no other way in for water), sooner or later the water level in the tube will reduce, and it will be possible to walk there and get into the main sewer tunnel.
You decided to act plumber and, without hesitate and collecting some dirt and grass, began to implement your plan. Nil not only did not bother you, but looks like he ceased to notice you. He simply sat on the mound, then walked up and down the waste ground, thinking about something. He wasn't so empty since when he was just healed of madness in the elven forest.
When in the street has become noticeably dark, you have completed. All holes, from which even slightly wastewater comes, were plugged, and slight movement on in the direction of a large tube became noticeable on the surface of the tube. But the level of water in the channel remained unchanged. Day and two can pass before the pipe will be safe for walking through.
- What are you doing? - Nil came up to you.
- I make the passage. - You said. - In a few hours we can get into the Arol-Iton through sewer tunnels.
- No way. Water will soon be just arriving.
- Why so?
- I think it's melted water from the southern slopes of the mountains. Each day only gets warmer, the snow begins to melt, not only in the mountains, and then sewer we'll be all flooded. This is exactly meltwater. Judge for yourself, after all, there is little of shit in this sewer. At other times of the year, we would just fall dead here of miasma ...
- What to do now?
- I'd climbed back over the fence, but I need your help. Can you help?
And a nice fanart
Likot the Inquisitor, Armok's true worshipper
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134695966565.png)
____________________
Try to follow his plan.
- Well, I will help. - You answered. - And how are you gonna get out of here?
- Hoist me, and I will climb over the fence.
- That's your plan? What about me?
- And you will then. I'll find out how to open the gate and let you out.
- Oh, no. If someone will give a lift, that'll be you for me. I weigh lighter.
- SoapEater, stop obstinate! - Neil slightly perked up and returned to his normal state of mind. - I stuck here till night because of you!
- You only think about yourself. Wait. I have an idea ...
Obviously it is necessary to press on the same plate. There's probably somewhere pressure plate that opens a secret tunnel. Go press on the plate / try to move it / turn, and so on.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134886108052.png)
How did you not guess to check the memorial for hidden mechanisms? Going up to the wall, you have tried to loosen plate, press on it with one and with both hands in the center and in the corners, rotate it or move along the wall, and all the while it was clacking and gnashing, but didn't want to show the secrets hidden behind it.
If plate is a slab, try to spoil it.
Severely loosening the plate, you have decided to apply a force and bounce on it with your fist. Finally something snapped, and the plate crashed down to the ground, spilling to a pile of pebbles ...
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134886111171.png)
"Here we go again ..." - You thought, when disturbed spirit appeared in front of you. Unlike all you've seen before, this ghost was very puzzled by his appearance and was clearly unaccustomed to incorporeal existence. By the way, Nil, who, unlike you, was unaccustomed to the undead, caught a bad thought, and instead of covering you with swear for vandalism, dumbfoundedly stared at the ghost.
- Oooooo. - Said the ghost.
Say to ghost that we accidentally broke a slab and will fix this misunderstanding as quickly as possible, but you must first find Tok-engraver.
Don't that's we wno broke it
Question him who he was, what he was, how he saved a friend, whether he knows our ghost (strike dumb with wave of questions without giving chance to think better), and then - or skedaddle, or recruit.
If he'll contact, use him for searching, for convicing make hint, that our Tok is engraver and can make new slab as gratitude.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134901129338.png)
Ghost dazedly looked around, not knowing where he was. Finally, his eyes fell on you. It looks like he just now noticed you. Taking an opportunity, you spoke to him:
- Hello, Lolor. Your memorial is broken, but we can restore it, if you'll help us. We need to find Tok the engraver, if you'll find him, he will thank you with new slab. - ghost replied:
- Ooooo! - And began to flounder in the air. He was twisted, thrown up above your head, then sucked halfway into the wall and threw back to earth. Rolling over upside down, he began to rotate the legs, howling:
- Ooooo! Ooo!
You didn't even become to ask him more about his life, saving his comrades and things like that. Perhaps it's the most senseless ghost that ever existed ...
- Idiot ... - Nil commented from your back.
- Definitely. - Confirmed you. - Can't say two words in time.
- Not he, you're an idiot!
- I accidentally.
- Yeah, of course! "Look, Nil, I have a great idea!" Are you completely freak to break slabs? Now, go to the nearest priest, undertaker, anyone, and make new slab! And take off spoilage from yourself until got something worse!
- What about Tok?
- Still have time to find him! Maybe he, like you, found by himself and returned to the wagon!
Why do we need Tok? Why do you think that he is our friend until death?
Say to ghost to f*ck off, let him bother his acquaintances, we shouldn't care about him. Move back to wagon to eat, drink, sleep.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134901133938.png)
It seems that Nil suffered enough for today and just wants to return to the wagon, to forget about the problems and rest. You have decided to take pity on him and lift him on the top side of the fence. Even despite the fact that captain beforehand took off armor, before climbing on your the shoulders, his ass seemed to you to be much heavier than in those past times when you had to drag him around. Apparently, he had time to gain weight since returning to mind.
After jumping to the other side, Nil again put on the armor.
- SoapEater, the rope! Why the hell did I buy it for you? Throw me one tip, and tie yourself to it, and I'll get you out!
You got a rope and a little thinking. On the one hand, if you'll throw over the rope and go with Nil - it will be safer, and at tomorrow morning it will be possible to continue the search, visit temples, and so on. On the other hand, your presence has brought him to the verge of tantrum, one more bad thought - and Nil will throw it al lto hell. And then you both will be in big troubles.
___________________
Bring him to tantrum right here.
Provoke him at the surface, Nil will fly into a rage, bustle will begin in the city, and we on the sly steal, kill, do whatever we want
Humiliate Nil, reminding about his bareass-insanity.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13493807234.png)
- No, Nil.
- What's wrong again?
- I'm tired of you. You always show off yourself as a superior, when in fact you're nothing more then naught.
- I don't get it!
- What is it for you to deal with couple of thieves? Real captain of the guard would already smear them along the wall and forc to give us Tok. And you? Even seedy sheriff can handle your work better. Why were you appointed as captain? You are not worthy to be called Guard. And anyway, you're still the same Lides, running around the fortress flashing balls, who was supposed to protect, but at the crucial moment got coward. I don't go with you, I'm ashamed of your company.
- Snotty, talk to me again!... - Nil said. It's possible you have finally driven him, and he begins tantrum.
By the way, now your short list of relationships enlarged with one more character, from what you and Nil got a bad thought.
Tantrum is funny!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/134938077536.png)
Wheelbarrow was first to get into the air, with remarkable ease flying seven feet sideways. Then rage of captain struck the fence and the gate, but left no visible damage on them.
Then Nil drew his sword and turned to you.
- Now you will see how captains work. And then we will have interesting conversation between us, Likot ...
Stop angering him, he can turn Likot into pillow for pins through the grate.
Assuming that this tantrum is over, you had thrown the end of the rope to the other side of the fence. In response to that, Nil spat on the floor, turned around and with clatter of plates went toward the entrance of Arol-Iton.
Approaching the door, he knocked at the door, as usual here, once.
But he did it with his foot, and the door swung open greetingly before Nil with a crunch of the latch, broken off to hell.
- In the name of the Queen! - Сaptain started to shout, not yet even entering the doorway. Once inside, he kept shouting something angrily and accusatory, but it was too difficult to understand what that was exactly.
__________
(T.N. First part of this post in original has inappropriate content related to russian image boards jokes. Pretty specifical jokes so I aint gonna translate it here the more so it doesn't matter for plot)
Take logs, drag them upwards, pile them up, get ower the fence using pile and run to Nil.
Option one - to dive into shit, even if it is undesirable. And look for the way to the hut with Nil. AND QUICKLY, DAMMIT, WE MUST SAVE HIM!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135036699932.jpg)
You weighed it up: you weren't getting along with Nil before, and after injury (if he'll survive at all) - captain will start accusing you with instigation. Well, after all, all these efforts with corking of tubes and covering youself in mud weren't done for nothing. All right, if you already here, you should at least look with one eye what's in the pipe.
Once you on all fours got to the end, you looked out into some kind of a sewer. Water was draining off from adjacent tubes too, falling into some sort of an underground river. On the other side was a boat with oars. Through the noise of water you could hear the echoes of voices and clink of picks.
Okay, you saw what you wanted, now you can go back and pull out the logs.
Grab in armful couple of logs, use them later as pontoons and come to reach the platform with the boat.
So I suspect it's even deeper than it was in the previous part of sewers. Take pair of logs.
Move down, like a in the water park by the brook to the river. Try not to smash mug till blood and save remaining limbs.
Check the boat.
We need to go deeper into the Depths
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135045109463.jpg)
To overcome the water barrier you decided to take one of the "plugs." Once you have it uprooted, dirty water gushed from pipe, but soon stream exhausted. Apparently when night came, it got cold and melting for the time being ceased. Taking two plugs wasn't reasonable since your casted arm fell im holding log.
Grabbing watercraft in an armful, you jumped off and rolled down the slippery slope, raising water jets. Flopping down into the water and floundering a bit, you've realized it's easy to stand on the bottom.
Coming out on the sandy shore, you left a log and examined boat. Under it there were iron clamp and coil of rope, that connected it with the oarlocks.
Now you looked around better. The collector had a square shape and the perimeter of it had same "sandy shores", bordering with those waters. On each side there was a boat. And in the center flight of stairs was, leading up and down.
_____________
Remember where the sides of the world, and try to sail on the boat in the direction of the well, where we threw the loot.
Gold! Save the gold now!
It was not possible to find out the direction to the well . You strayed much, following crone, so you can't even remember how to reach it on surface.
Let's call the ghost and say, so and so, but we need a miracle, and without a warrior in the party we are not going to screw around his "saving the world"
Bearddouble calling the ghost
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135105994731.jpg)
You have focused and began to call softly:
- Caaape... Caaaameel... Kuuuuuniiil... Kurel! That's it! Kuuuuureeeeeel!
Ghost emerged through the floor.
- Ostukiton is heeeeere. You know, no need to stretc my name that much. Well, how's the team?
- Actually, one of its members is now over the hatch with bolt in his chest. Can you help him?
- Help? I'm a ghost! - He flew through the door and after a few seconds came back - There are dwarves in armor, angry. Well, in general, help is not required.
- Curse. And how will I explain it to others?
- Oh, and how many do you have?
- Not me. I returned. Back to the expedition.
Here Kurel got nervous:
- Hey, hey! Did not you hear me last time? He's dangerous!
- Well, it was pretty confusing ... I did not understand properly. Who is at risk?
- I am sure that he took another name. But he's so ... with a beard. With such hairs. How to explain that? His muzzle is so ... Ah well, you sure you can handle the role of a sting?
- What?
- You will. I'll keep an eye on, but you yourself look sharp. And do not let him know that you know about him. Pretend dumb.
- Uh ... okay. Can you cure my hand? - You showed cast.
- How?
- I do not know ...
- So I do not know. Plaster ais what needed to heal, so wait. And I have a business, see you later.
- Wait a minute. I'm going down to search for another friend. There can be dangerous. Maybe you'll go with me?
- If there is dangerous, do not go there. That's the solution. And I really have to go.
Ghost walked into a wall, leaving you alone. Picks below tapped rhythmically.
And fanart, spoilerable.
And, you can carry slab with you and hound the ghost on the enemies
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135116549246.png)
Throw a sock in the lever
Remembering an unsuccessful door breaking attempt with a sock, you thought that there is not enough rage right now too and did not throw such a wonderful thing without a reason.
Swing the cage, see what'll happen.
You managed to swing the cage so hard that it hit the ceiling, nothing else, however, wasn't hit. And 'cause there is dark abyss spread below, the blow caused you acute sense of fear and a desire to poo. You subdued the urge and let cage to stop.
Start yelling, shout at the miners below
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135339215132.jpg)
You've just prepared to be loud as two persons came out from the door below. One was imporant dwarf with an unusual beard, and the second was none other than Kurel. You got silent, listening to their conversation.
- Exactly. Two handfuls of adamantine inside him, I guarantee it - ghost pointed to you, and the dwarf's eyes narrowed.
- I can not believe I`m going to make adamantine crown extracted from someone's ass.
- This method was used since ancient times, when raw adamantine was foundable on the surface. Dwarven gastric juice is able to digest raw adamantine into a soft mush. It passes through the intestines, thickens and the output is a kind of wire. "Stranded" adamantine thread, yes.
- Disgusting.
- I know. But adamantine is adamantine.
- That's right. So, in return for your services, Kurel Roruldib, my dwarves must capture remaining members of the expedition?
- Absolutely.
- Two are already here. Plus one is dead. So, there`s four left.
- Right, - ghost rubbed his hands.
You could not restrain yourself anymore:
- Oh, you lying asshole! Kurel "Whats-yer-name"!
Both watched indifferently. Ghost "floated" a little closer:
- I offered you a deal, Likot, but you ignored it. Now I run my business with others, and you screwed up.
You have decided not to engage into a squabble and moved away from bars to gather your thoughts.
Next post is in the middle of translation.
Ewwwww
_________________
Play up to Kurel.
Don't subdue the urge and shit adamantine into the abyss.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135349549311.jpg)
- Oh I'll make ya adamantine crown, all right! - your pulled down your pants and turned your back at them - You, bald, cup your head off!
He stayed calm:
- I think he is ready. Hey, guys! Prepare a workshop on the instructions! Lower cage!
You have not managed to squeeze out anything, when dwarves have already started running and bustling. You were dragged through the corridors and in some room chained in stocks. With anger and foreboding of anal torture you throwed a tantrum, but still did not manage to to break loose. Everything that happened next was in a blur. Adamantine had been pulling out of you for almost a day. You have been told that in the old days portions were bigger and therefore process took more time - up to a week to finish. Skilled stoneeaters could pull from theirself enough material for full plate set. In your case, there was not much of raw material, just enough for a crown.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135349555719.jpg)
You woke up in the chamber. Very tired and hungry.
Holy $#!T, literally! That just got weird. Way weird.
Forman.jpg
Eeeeeeekkk
:vomit:
Oh god, I'll never wanted something like this.
Shit adamantine wafers.
@
Make a crown.
Wait. What?
Strand extractor... now we need to make a suggestion that it requires two dwarfs?
No clue, guys, I just make translation and suddenly HOLY EWWWW.
However, here's Johnny!
______________________
Eat'n'drink
Try to break off handle of the mug
A slab for Kurel can be on the wall
Write all his second names we know.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13535632113.jpg)
First of all you ate porridge and drank water. Then, after tearing off of copper mug handle, you inscribed all the names of lousy Kurel you can remember on the wall. Just in case you also wrote Nil's name here.
In general, examine whole cell. In detail. With partiality.
Check what's behind the grating and examine lock's configuration.
Look around for familiar faces in adjacent cells.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135356330919.jpg)
You took a look around. There wasn't anything significant in your cell. Pebbles in the corner were just some rubbish, walls were solid, and grating was not yielding to any manipulations.
There were more cells with dwarves outside, and a pit in the middle. Looks like nearby was sitting... Tok!
We forgot to carve "Kurel Amuragak"
Just in case engrave on the chamber wall "Kurel Oninoagak"
Speak with Tok, learn how he got here.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135418111460.jpg)
You remembered a couple more last names of Kurel and hastened append them. Now you can talk with a friend.
- Tok! Hey, Tok!
He saw you and waved happily at first, but then turned sad:
- Ahoy!... Oh, that's... "Be careful with your desires", right?... I did not think that it will turn that way... - He smiled sadly - I'm sorry I got you into it...
- What are you talking about?
- When you got lost in the swamp, we had a long argument about return for your search or not. For some reason I think you're my friend and I felt pain to aware that we won't met again. I was very upset then. And when we arrived in town and I insisted on putting up leaflets, at one moment I was approached by a dwarf... amusing one... Wizard, said. And, like, any desire for 10 golds. So I wished you to be found. Actually, I had no gold and he offered as payment to make a service. I had to steal some bottles from the warehouse of Arol-Iton. Well, during doing this I was caught...
- You went to theft to see me?
- I am by nature rather reserved, as you probably had time to notice, and friends I have... one. So yes, I went for it - he smiled, - And it worked! Mage didn't lie! Wish came true, even though I screwed up! Apparently it was important to have intention, willingness ... Hello, frieeeend! - He totally grinned into idiotic smile.
There's another Dorf sits in neighboring cell. Talk with him.
'Hello, freeieeeend"-say to Tok. Also ask what is in his cell, that can be useful for escape. Ask about the dwarf in the next cell. About kidnappers. In short, let us know all about this place, where we were dragged.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135460555219.jpg)
- You know, I also rushed first of all to look for you and painted your portraits. Of all the company, you're my only friend. - These words made Tok languid - There one really unpleasant incident happened. Aral-Itoners, you know... finished... Nil.
- How?
- Bolt in chest. Mortally wounded. And I was captured and now here.
- What for?
- We had a suspicion that you may be a prisoner of the locals ... I did say so immediately him! And to the captain of the guard ... crap! No one listened, all brushed aside, and I was feeling right! - You angrily hit the grid.
- Does anyone else of our group aware where we are?
- Will be soon. I heard that the locals want to catch them all.
- But why?
You have decided to pretend not awared:
- Try to understand these urbans! Maybe they need slaves ... By the way you know anything about this place? Maybe noticed or heard something while were dragging here?
Tok wilted:
- To be honest, I was caught pretty quickly, and all the way up to the camera was with a bag over my head. Neighbors say that all the prisoners are used as miners, fed poorly, and hit painfully. I myself have never been taken out of the camera, seems they about to hand a pick, and send to the mine.
You nod. From your camera you could see others and there several unfamiliar dwarves were sitting. It was obvious that they were there for a long time, and although everyone has heard your talk, no words awere said.
- Hey fellas! - You said loudly, - How many dwarves at a time work in the mine?
Some turned, but were so dull and weak that no one answered. You got mad a little.
- Hey dwarves! You deaf?
All crawled deeper into chambers and turned to the wall. Tok sadly sighed again:
- And I think that's what is waiting for us...
You think a little:
- Hey, Tok! Do you have anything in the cell?
- No ... only a couple of fist size stones.
____________
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135952972253.jpg)
Ingenious escape plans did not lead to anything. The guards did not let you fool themselves and outnumbered you greatly. Soon you stoped trying and began just to sit, waiting for something to happen. Days passed without number. You marked times of feeding on the wall and only thus carried a symbolic calendar. You emaciated and became very weak - no meat was in ration. No news about the team ot just anything. No newcomers too. Your former military ardor all weathered and you accepted the the situation. So passed about six months, maybe more.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135952980810.jpg)
One day you were dragged from your cell to some slums of the fortress. This was probably the living quarters on the outskirts, for newcomers and ragamuffins. Very new excavations even walls are not smoothed. You got brought in one of the rooms, followed by the manager came and started to move a finger over the list:
- Soooo ... this is Likot Ubendeb. Soappmaker, - he looked at you closely, - Yes, he is. So, Likot, you have spent in our fortress long enough to come under the the royal amnesty. This means that in the case of your acceptance of citizenship of Arol-Iton, its laws and duties assigned to you - you get freedom and bed in this room. Do you understand?
You nodded.
- Also you will be imputed to the duty to work at soap factory, under command of the workshops foreman. Schedule of work and rest will be posted in the work place, here as well. Meals will be provided in the dining room before and after the shift. Non-compliance of labor regulations will be punished. Violation of the Arol-Iton laws you will be introduced with in case of accepting citizenship - will be punished. Attempt to leave the fortress will be punished for "Arol-Iton has no exiles, it has deep tombs". Second amendment of the seventh paragraph of the Citizenship Law, - he looked at you and handed the document - So, are you ready to sign the act and become a citizen, Likot Ubendeb?
Agree
Take amnesty
Take a walk in the fortress and learn its layers
By the way, where is Tok?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135954482733.jpg)
You signed the document and manager put it in stack with others:
- Congratulations! New clothes will be given to you later. As well as soap for bathing. Map of the block is not ready yet, but you come and see me tomorrow and I will give it with already drawn route that you have to walk to successfully perform your duties. I myself am manager of this work block, Bidok Robergasir. My office is near the stairs. So far this is the only way to the upper levels but I advice you don't go there looking like now - they can think you ran out from the cell so you'd better first tidy up yourself. Soap factory you are assigned to is not completed, so the operating schedule will also arrive tomorrow. But the dining room is already working, although not all of the products are delivered to the stockpile ... What else? ... Seems all ... Grow roots, walk around. See you tomorrow!
We can make suggestions? Good to know.
Yes you can! I said it really many times.
Red to push people to pay attention: YOU CAN MAKE YOU SUGGESTIONS HERE OR HERE (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/101442.html).
Now the story
________________
Would it be possible to dig an escape tunnel from our room to the surface?
Knap two stones to dig the tunnel with. Hide them under the bed.
The last time you were digging with your bare hands trough friable soil, you broke your wrist. Now all grown together, but repeating this experience is not very desirable, given that the land here was hard, and sometimes even a stone. This calls for a pick at least.
Look, Eat, Steal.
Better look around first. (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135961001160.jpg)
You have walked around and made a rough layout of the level in your head. A total of 16 bedrooms plus office of manager. Rooms are around the dining area, in front of which were the kitchen, still and a food stockpile. Here you sat down to eat the fruits of work of Arol-Iton sloggers. Fortunately, there wasn't anybody around - not even a single person at whole level. Further hallway led into the work zone, but now you didn't care at all.
Find Tok if he is not in his room.
Royal amnesty happened on some occasion, like for example the coronation, and this worths finding out why
Talk to the manager on account about ehatthey have here with religion.
Manager seems to be normal dwarf since he lives right here - learn from him what is waht here. Rules, about religion, about a possible career change.
Make your way to become a miner.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/135962825380.jpg)
After plentful meal you went up to Tok's room and knocked. No one answered, inside it was quiet. Then you went to the manager Bidok Robergasir, as it was written oh his door.
- Hello again, Likot! I see you have some questions.
- Yes, - with much more revived voice you began, - My neighbor, Tok Buketotil ... how soon he will be here?
- He accepted citizenship yesterday, but at the moment he is at audience with the First Counsellor. I do not know the details, so don't ask. I only know that apparently you and him are friends, so you're for sure next to visit First Counsellor.
- Is he interrogated?
- I do not know, honestly. I never saw Counsellor. That's all?
You scratched your head:
- Actually, I wanted to know how things work here in general. What rules, who you believe in...
- Believe? Haha ... We are civilized urban dwarves! We do not believe in anyone! Well maybe in money, in progress, in power. By the way you should do well to begin to worship, for it is through the power you are now free. Namely - the symbol of power and what it turned to be for Arol-Iton. We have King, you know. Before, we were justhalf-criminal dwarf diaspora in Ladtchakomag, and now we are Mountain Home with our King! Now we do not live under the human town, they live above us. So! Twin mountains that are on human emblem soon will open their bowels for us, and we will become the masters of the whole region.
- Load of plans,- you nodded,- What about the rest?
- Yes, in general - nothing special. Do not steal, do not kill, do not talk too much. Betrayal is punishable as elsewhere, insults and defiance - the same, obviously. If you previously did not live in the tundra with animals, then you have an idea of what you can do and what can not. The judicial system is still being created, the laws are still being written, the rights and duties of citizens are being discussed. With the advent of the King, we all turned upside down, but it's very good.
- Of course. I am also interested in the possibility of profession change.
- Oh, here I instantly interrupt you. You see, you are soapmaker, we now need soapmakers. But retrain you into someone else will take time and a lot of money to spend. Say, you decide to become a metalsmith, so no sooner than five years from now from you will make anything good, and how much ore will you spend during this time? Hpw many tools will break? Huh? It turns out that for Arol-Iton advantageous you should stay an experienced soapmaker than become useless metalsmith. Not to mention the military profession.
- How about a miner?
- Miner must be sturdy and strong, and you are, Likot, not like that.
- But if I will grow hard?
- Still need expirience. I don't see your hands calloused from picks, so ... see yourself. It's nice to be soapmaker, Likot. Soon everything will be smoothed, decorated, engraved and filled with statues and we'll live happily ever so look forward, it will be great. Tomorrow I'll give you a new robe and show where you can take a bath. OK?
- Fine.
- Well, that's nice. Come again, keep in touch.
Bidok walked you out and shut the door. Soon inside a woman's laughter and flirtatious tone sounded. Must be wife.
Plan of actions
Eat off / rest for month ... Learn ... Get ... Make a secret room ... prepare revolution
Dress ... find out ... equip ... listen to ... talk with
Meeting with the King
Get acquainted with the hosts steal anything. Check the kitchen
Make friends like Tok: simple, not too smart, but strong and faithful, and as simply disgruntled by regime. It is necessary at all costs to bring FUN into this fortress(call Clowns, quarrel the people, organize some other fuck up) / organize another miner republic / just GTFO.
Eat off, work out, make friends with guards and to visit their trainings. Grow roots, in general.Look at his records, see if miners are mentioned. We need to find these miners and systematicly murder them. Make the corpses look painfull;
Soap the stairs, put piece of soap on hatchso it will knock at head and make other accidents
Call Kurel at night, he is likely to know
Plan for a few months (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13600549696.jpg)
No no no ... long-term plans clearly took more space in your head than you could afford. You got a headache so strong that you almost instantly forgot all ideas, and quietly crawled to bed.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136005504424.jpg)
Tok woke you entered. He brought new clothes:
- Hey, Likot! We are free! Can you believe it? Look what Bidok gave me to you. Come on dress.
You were glad to meet. Tok was skinny too but quite cheerful.
- You were in a meeting yesterday with the first counselor. What was it?
- Nothing much. We sat, drank beer, talk about something, from where we are and by waht wind carried.
- And what did you tell?
- Wll, everything as it was, why to hide something? They seem to be good folks, these Arol-Itoners. Well that's us who bite their ass first so they did not take us as warm as we would like. Now, when I explained everything, they appointed me enhanced diet to get back shape faster.
- Feed for slaughter, bastards ... - You muttered under your breath.
- What?
- Have you seen any of our guys?
- Nah ... I asked about them, too. They said that when they tried to take ... thought that we are resting gang of robbers ... they hurriedly left the city almost with fight and have not been seen more.
- Let's take you to the barber shop, and along the way to tell.
You agreed.
- Told about besieged Mountain Home, about the expedition somewhere, about the elven woods and battle with elves in capes, about the road to the town through the swamps and along the mountains, about how we were looking for you, about this wizard and how I despaired to go stealing. Well, also told about goblin and his toads as well cause they saw him in our cart.
- And about all sorts of oddities? Such as Nil or the bloody ritual?
- I didn't mean to tell it at all. Why should I make more mess?
- And that is true.
Tok led you to level upstairs to the barber's workroom. Here you were put in order and rubbed in your beard and head with a cure for head lice.
- Well, here you areб ready! I actually was sent for you and now you can boldly come to a counselor. Or a little later, - he conspiratorially whispered in your ear, - I still have something for you. Well? What do you pick?
____________
Crouch low-minded grin: - Oh, you dirty pervert! Well, let's go, persuaded ...
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13602144165.jpg)
You crouched low-minded grin:
- Oh, you dirty pervert! Well, let's go, persuaded ...
Tok stared at you first, but then realized that you are kidding and led to his room.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136021447246.jpg)
Inside his bedroom you find mural on smoothed wall.
- Look! - Said proudly Buketotil - I did this myself. All our journey. Since we are neighbors, we will be sitting here in free time and remember the old days.
And even though your journey had a couple more details, you anyway complimented Tok and reminisced happily. A few minutes later he said:
- I have one job today - to get you to the Counselor. And you - to come there. But there is still a whole day, so you decide what you want to do. But to make me calm - best first visit Counselor.
Ask Tok to make engrave in our room - Likot in a triumphal pose with Angryspoon in hand, dead elves around.
I double engraving.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136032416637.jpg)
- Okay, Tok, guess I'm really going to counselor first. And you now, if you please, do in my room engraving of me in triumphant pose with Angryspoon in hand standing on a pile of dead elves.
Tok scratched his head:
- All right. No problem. Wanna me to make you giant?
- No, just me and just dead elves.
Tok thought again:
- Still miss Ivety?
- Nooo. It's not about it at all. I just remembered ... about elves in capes.
- Whatever you say! I'll take you to the office of councilor, and then come back here, okay?
- Right. Let's go.
Better really go to counselor first. Ask in detail who's that King.
At the first opportunity find out what happened with out Mountain Home. And also, what rumors about the deeds of Likot: strange pit in place of village, someone ate by forgotten beast, what happened to those elves.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136032431674.jpg)
Tok brought you to the door on the fifteenth level and left. You have knocked. Female voice invited you. Inside dwarfess sat, on the table were mugs of beer, and keg under the table.
- Come in, Likot, sit down.
You did.
- I am First Counsellor of the King - Kisat Vellokum. Feel free, don't be shy and don't be afraid. Let's wet throats to start.
She took a few generous sips. You followed her.
- I would like to see you because we need to understand whether it is possible to trust you, and whether it is dangerous to let you and your friend in our society. We unfortunately can't let you go so we just talk and define how your accommodation here will be privileged. I was talking with other amnestied, and a couple of them felt that it's better to go back to the cell than to live among dastardly Arol-Itoners. Well, there is choice. If they will not show sufficient zeal in in penal servitude, they will be immured in a coffin and will slowly die. We are tired of messing with such ungrateful stubborn fops. It is necessary to appreciate life. Right, Likot? We must be grateful for a second chance, for the future.
She sipped again, and you have used a pause:
- I want to assure you that me and Tok are very grateful for forgiveness and will try to be as helpful to the new home... But I would like to learn some news about our old mountain home. After all, native place.
- I understand. Almosy no news. Said Assarotung is dead. After the massacre ...
- Assarotung?
- Well, it's name, if we are on the same mountain home talking.
- All right, I'm just ... forgot the name.
- In general, all the goblins did not have time to get outside became victims of the Forgotten Beast, which is still wandering through the halls and corridors. It's said that under the ground heard a knock like pickaxes digging. But yet no one appeared.
- And what did you hear about the valley? It was full of goblins too.
- The majority of them returned to the Dark Tower and now there is more or less calm, but there are reports about increasing number of ghosts. Chatter that one human village collapsed underground, the King sent an expedition there in order to find the truth.
- By the way, who is the King?
- His name is Ang Zelerkadan. He had long been in charge here. And now he was crowned, and introduced the new rules.
- So you are ... friends with the humans above?
- Of course. With human, elves, dwarves.
- On the way from the old mountain home we witnessed the massacre between one elves and other ... in caps. Heard anything about it?
- No, nothing. But you have come very close to what I want to talk about.
It turned out that you've already drank a mug and it's time to open the keg. You helped to pour beer and returned to the conversation.
- So, Likot. Your friend has already told me the basic outline of your trip. That you were sent on an expedition just before the tragedy, and that managed to slip away from under the noses of goblins. But at one point you were gone and you met just in our prison. I want to know what happened to you and where you were.
You again drank and quite be drunk, began:
- Still in the Mountain Home ...
- In Assarotung?
- Yes ... I put myself under a cap plumphelmet spawn. And when we arrived in the elven groves, it became clear that it sprouted in me. I do not know what it there influenced, but I began to have signs of attention from one elven. She sort of liked me. I don't know.
- And she to you?
- Well, like anything, but ... somehow it is not in my line. Besides, she is elven! And we've got the expedition! I'm a dwarf! Mess is around! Nil regained consciousness and is it he or not! Bloody circles! Wagon exploded! Cape elves kill everyone! I'm lying in the pit! Goblin is gone! Toads are nowhere! Nothing to ride on further! Can't dig in the roots! Strange snake soup! Shorast poured potion into the mouth! A Ivety is naked! I hit her with bag! Well, I was not expecting! In general, the problems are all around, but she met me naked! I...
- Calm. calm down ... - You get into a fuss so that Kisat had to soothe you - Drink a bit.
- Yeah - you kinda took a deep breath - Well, it all came over so that when I left I really fell off the rails. Smashed all their faces and lost mind.
- Tantrum?
- Well, yes. And when I woke yp in the cart, mushroom was already cut away. So somehow all at once, I decided to no longer bring problems. Passed through the cave under the mountain and ended up in the valley. Spent the night in a deserted village. Then I went down the road to the city. While was walking I fell and broke arm. Met my guys in the town, healed and found that Tok was missing. For some reason just thought he was here. Then crawled to help out a comrade. I wanted to go quietly but Nil charged straight. Broke the door, killed the gatekeeper, died. Dick was irascible. Did not listen to me and caught bolt in the chest, fool.
Beer again was over and you poured one more. Vision floated, but you real wanted chatting. Kisat was drunk too.
- What else can I tell?
Express compliment on her work
Keep fluster her, try to only pretend that we drink. Press on her sore spots
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136034277286.jpg)
(Insriptions: left-"Don't fuck your mind, fuck her!", right-"Don't fuck her, fuck her mind")
- Hey, it must be difficult on such a responsible position?
- Why so?
- Yeah, would be hard for anyone! First Counsellor is not some soapmaker. You are considered first after the king. The whole fortress is on your shoulders! Gather information about this and that, cut off superfluous, find connections and draw conclusions.
- It's not that difficult if you have a talent.
- Oh, you must be incredibly talented.
- Thank you - you touched glasses and she finished her, and you slowed down, - No, no, do not fall behind - she made you to drink up - Is going to be fun if I fall down before you?
You actually hardly had your mind.
- Another one! - She poured beer.
You again clinked glasses and drank.
- And here I still think that you didn't tell me something.
- About what?
- You would never have reached through the valley just on foot. Not everyone can do that, and many died on the way. To do this way alone must be really brave and very skillful hman with developed acumen. And I think you just do not want to brag, but I'd love to hear about your deeds.
- Well what deeds - you shrugged off, - so, little things. Well, made armor out of goblin helmets. Well, outwitted Forgotten Beast. I spent the night in the lair of vampire pervert. - You spread the tail and drunken story was no stopping. - Owner was long dead and I took his trophies. Whole bag of trinkets! - And so you blurted out everything about the village and terror of the ghost and about surviving women. You described fight with the dead especially colorful and nearly dropped the table. Kisat was laughting and asked for more. In a drunken haze you told her about the murder of Mebas and the attempt to save her, about the ancient fortress, about the giant creatures and their history, and about the wonderful stone on top of the tower. About how you ate two handfuls of fragments and that the crown of the King comes out of your ass.
You woke up in your bed. Alone.
It's time to make a plan of escape, discard the fuck out even thoughts about a career in this snakes pit.
Look at mural on our wall, we find out what Tok's doind, if he doesn't sleep then go take a hair of the dog that bit you.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136035311777.jpg)
Tok entered with a mug of beer:
- Oh, you're awake! Get it to fix, counselor told to bring you beer.
You got up and drained the mug:
- Th-th-nks
- Well, how did it go? Are you okay?
- All is just fucking fine. Looks like I blabbed too much yesterday.
- And this woman knows how to drink, right?
- No hell damn way I will stay in this snakes pit! We must get out!
- Do not worry so strong because of her, she didn't let me too, big deal...
- I don't mean that! We'll get in trobles really soon!
- Well, she didn't send me a beer in the morning.
- Tok! Listen to me. We have to get out of here.
- Why?
- Why? This is not our Mountain Home! We are strangers here. We will be exploited here till death.
- Come on, used to be the same. And here manager doesn't spread me rot. We are dwarves, Likot, and this is what we do - we live under the ground and work all the time. For this we get tasty food, after time we will meet wives and children then... This is a good thing!
- Is it what Kisat spilled in your ears?
- I thought about it myself, but she just framed my thoughts in beautiful words.
- She washed your brains!
- Nothing like that, she did not. I like it here. Arol-Iton is no worse than our old fortress. Everything is new, all are busy, no one invents all sorts of Miners Republics beacuse of boredom. I am happy to be part of the new developing Mountain Home.
You looked at Buketotil like a stupid child. What other arguments could reason with him?
- Tok, world is in danger!
- What?
- Shorast wants to break adamantine plug and unleash demons from eerie glowing pits! With their help he will enslave whole world with all the cities and all the Mountain Homes! We have to stop him!
- Likot - he took the mug - Looks like I came too early. Go to sleep more, huh? - He slowly walked out and closed the door - Go to bed, sleep.
And bonus, big sized.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136047944472.jpg)
Engraved on the wallpaper is an exceptionally designed image of Likot Soapeater the dwarf and elves by MSDA coOP. Likot Soapeater stands on a pile of elven corpses. The artwork relates to the battle between elven ortodox and elven liberals in late winter of 2011 during MS Dwarf Adventure thread 3.
_____________
Talk with the dwarf and find out how many soap makers are in the fortress. On the plea of supply quality control find out, where the stockpiles and other workshops are.
brush up with the skill and its level
talk with the dwarf, if he's master - start the shift and recall the skill.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136073667488.jpg)
You approached the dwarf:
- Hi, I'm to work here. To make soap. I'm Likot.
The dwarf was angered:
- I'm the workshop master. I'm Nural. Begin now.
- But where are the stockpiles? I should know that, right?
- Of course you should! Who is going to haul the materials? Me? You'll haul them yourself and carry finished soap there too. There are fucking lots of stockpiles at the level above, but now make from what is already here. Begin.
- How many soap makers are in the fortress?
- BEGIN NOW! - he wasn't to communicate.
You took the nearest soap factory. Apparently, you'll have to make lye yourself too. Well, if Kurel's stories were true, you were pretty much tolerable soap maker before, so you should have some skill left. You let the intuition and began to create. It seemed that the work went on: nothing caused contradiction, and hands were doing everything that needed theirselves. Sometimes master took a look on you, but told nothing. You've worked enough to have a break by boiling a vat of soap, pouring it into molds and cutting it into pieces. Master Nural checked the production and nod, letting you to blow away the cobwebs.
Go to this Kisat and tell her that she does shitty work and jobs are poorly designated. Shitty layout, no small stockpiles near workshops, no haulers as separate workers, logistics not established...
When you'll go - drink some fat from a barrel and eat some apples at the canteen. And grab a beer barrel, it is her turn to tell us something interesting or do something interesting now.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136074796896.jpg)
You swooped some fat from a barrel and almost shot the cat on your way to canteen for apples and beer. You came to the counselor and knocked the door. This time she was at her place.
- Ah, Likot Ubendeb. And not empty-handed. Well, come in.
- Yes, I consider it my duty to discuss a couple of issues.
She's got mugs, you've opened the barrel. You clinked glasses and drank by a half an once.
- How your job moves?
- This is what I wanted to talk about.
- Really? I thought you've got something personal.
- Actually it's about stockpiles that are missing at our level. It takes too many effort and time to haul heavy barrels and bags from remote stockpile! They should be right near the workshops, and there must be separate haulers to carry all the supply. And we, toilers, must toil instead of running around the fortress searching for required items, - you took another gulp and poured a beer, - You are the chief counselor, after all! Counsel the king to improve the layout of working areas. Does fortress require soap? Save the soap makers from hauling duty, and we will be able to make more soap.
- Ah, Likot, you're such a chatterbox when drunk, - she laughed. - You have something to say even about this. Alright, I'll talk about your comments with dwarves in charge. However, I thought that you came because of yesterday.
You decided to play a role of unflappable:
- And what about yesterday?
- Fooled a Forgotten Beast, got round vampire pervert, chopped a whole zombie graveyard into a pieces... - you drank one more time. - I'm even ready to believe that the elf had a crush on you, but an ancient tower under the ground... Everything could happen there, but it's obviously not your doing. And gems, I think, you just found them at the bottom of ditch when you've gone down to half-destroyed huts while searching for food. Am I right? You've been starving to death alone off the beaten path, so of despair you just filled your bellies with shining gems that spilled out of a chest in one of the houses. They were dug out by rustic miner, or just were inherited, whatever. The thing is you've taken them all, and nothing left in that poky hole of a place.
She finished her mug. You sat, being dumbstruck:
- You've seen it through! Everything was like that, I confess... I told a lie to impress you. You're really beautiful, - you also finished the mug and poured more.
- Alright, soap maker. The king heard exactly this version from me. And it will remain so if you tell me about that tower. If you are obstinate, I'll tell the king YOUR version. In that case you'll never avoid an expedition to that pit and participation in excavation. There was an underground lake, you told? Oh, it should be a real swamp there.
You slowly clink mugs and swooped them to the end.
Most important is not to get drunk like the last time, it is better not to drink at her company ever again
Make it clear that regardless of the version there is really no adamantine in an amount sufficient for digging tons of empty swampy rocks. Also do not get drunk, say that you're afraid to harass her
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136075684479.jpg)
You pretty well explained unreasonableness of excavation in the pit, and Kisat even took these arguments. And then somehow word by word ...
You woke up in her bed.
And btw... seems you got back your Angryspoon.
Fun is different, huh?
New thread! (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/109639.html)
_____________
BTW, ask about Angryspoon. In honor of what we have it again?
Put on clothes, say we will visit to discuss everything again after the shift, grab a spoon and go to the smith (ask the way from anybody we'll see). And then we can go to work.
Main thing-to repair the Angryspoon
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136143123211.jpg)
You had a good sleep in bed of counselors and before leaving, she again took advantage of your elevated mood.
- By the way, - you have asked dressing,- On what occasion did you give me back my Angryspoon?
- Angrywhat? Haha ... And it has a name? - She stumbled with your stare - Oh, sorry, it's just unusual ... for spoon! I just found it in the confiscated junks and remembered what you said about it, so I decided that it would be a nice gesture of good will. Though it's cracked and I would advise you to get a new spoon.
- No, only this one is needed. Much connected with it. I want to fix it, bound in iron. The spikes, menacing to all sides.
- Won't you hurt yourself? All right, take it to the smith named Bomrek Geshudotos level above. Tell him I sent youhe will fix it.
- Thank you.
You went to that Bomrek and found him on the spot. Explaining that you want to do artifact spoon, but do not have enough skill, you gave him your treasure. Geshudotos promised to begin it immediately, and you went on shift.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136143130050.jpg)
After work you went back to the smith.
- Did what I could - he pulled Angryspoon - This crack runs along the fibers. Most likely it will continue to grow. But I ringed a ladle, so that the process will slow down. For the balance I added the knob on the end.About spikes - I do not know, pal ... If you really need, of course, I will do but you will scratch all the cauldron or even injure someone.
- Actually it is not for soap. This is a weapon.
- Oh, this is unlikely. Wooden spoon, after all. Even with this reinforcemnts it is still wooden and fragile. Well, compared with real weapons at least. Sooner or later it will break ... just be ready for this. Wll, I can cover it with the metal completely, but it would weigh so much that wouldn't be able to wield it.
___________
Order Tok to make slabs
begin fat trolling Tok with pictures of mosquitoes / draw mosquitoes wherever possible / draw mosquitoes, mosquitoes everywhere / draw mosquitoes on Tok's the door
You brought Angryspoon to your place, and then knocked on the door of Tok's room. He was not at home, apparently working. You scetched mosquito on his door and left.
Should to go to local doctor and check, we could pick up some during sore six months in prison (or from Kisat) and at the same time check out the hand
At the same time check whether /anal/ virginity is safe, or irretrievably lost?
Find out who is Ang Zelerkadan and where missed Mebzut, Granite and Talc.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136164849235.jpg)
You asked some locals and found a doctor's office is a couple of levels higher. Eden Roberbesmar was a young diagnostician ... something was wrong with him.
- What are the complaints? - he asked in languid voice.
- No such.
- Coughing?
- No.
- Pain in chest?
- No.
- Digestive problems?
- No.
- Dripping from the hose?
- No.
- So you're healthy!
- Six months ago, my ass went through a terrible ordeal.
- Really? - he interested in - I'm a doctor. You can fully trust me.
- Pulled from me with forceps ... a huge piece of shit.
- How huge?
- It does not matter.
- Everything is important for the diagnosis!
- Arm-size.
- Oh ...
- Is it bad?
- And that's what worries you?
- In fact, I care about my ... so to speak "virginity." Is it lost?
- Interesting question. Let's face it. Was anything pushed in your "bowels" ?
- No, only pulled from them.
- So, there was no penetration?
- Penetration?
- I think your "virginity" is OK, do not worry about it.
- Oh, praise to Armok ...
- Who?
- Never mind. I have one more question.
- Yes?
- Six months ago, I broke my wrist.
- Really? Where?
- Here, - you have shown.
- He immediately took it in his hands:
- Hurt to elf, hurt to goblin, don't hurt to Likot ... - And he blew on your arm. - Well, is all right now?
- Yes.
- This is great, - he wrote something on the parchment.
Struggling with desire to get out of here, you asked:
- Tell me, doctor, who are Granite, Talc and Mebzut?
Eden looked somewhat surprised, but said,
- All three were previously running for Zelerkadan. And now running errands, but also in various positions of state importance. We're now Mountain Home after all. I advise you to keep your mouth shut by the way, these three do not like blabbermouths.
- Thank you, Doctor.
You left from Roberbesmar and drew a few more mosquitoes on the walls.
I suggest for diversity to offer the doctor to KNOCK IN BACK DOOR
We can just fuck the doc, why not
I double CLAY MIXING act
I support CLAY MIXING sexYou appreciated the beauty of the young doctor and said you would not mind playing with him in bed. Eden refused, saying that you are not his type.
Quickly back to this Roberbesmar and check him for false beard.*gasp* Amok! You're right! Pull his beard off! This human will decieve us no longer!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136203558314.jpg)
Upset by the fact that you have been rejected, you pulled Roberbesmar by the beard, but it turned out to be real. He screamed in pain and expelled you, and when you turned your back - shouted that you are for real "anal elf!"
You became suspicious and checked your back, and there again was this fucking piece of paper.
Should remove the paper, and as soon as possible go to Tok, to find out whether he has the same on the back.
Need to know about the piece of paper from Tok
Go to Tok, find out whether he has similar paper.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136203571832.jpg)
You ran to Tok and found him entering in his room:
- Hey Tok! Look! Again this paper! - You held out a piece of paper.
- Likot, what the fuck? - He was angry. - Only you know about my phobia, and now draw these creatures everywhere I go! It is despicable and disgusting! It's as if your whole family torn to pieces by kittens, and I would gift you one! I stop liking you, Likot. What kind of a friend are you, if you do that?
- Come on, Tok. I just wanted you to like Arol-Iton less.
- Now I do like you less.
- Well, I'm sorry, Tok ...
- Leave me alone. I do not want to see you a couple of days.
He went inside.
______________
go to make soap / While we make it- ask local stories from the master, let him brag his youth times
I double soap making
For Tok make soap with cloves - to repel mosquitoes / For anal dwarf - with yarrow (antibacterial effect), oak bark (hemostatic) and plantain / For blacksmith - in the soap you can add some abrasive to make it easier to wash hands from soot / and to make something for Kisat / For Kisat one with crown
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136238714255.jpg)
You went to work again, but this time decided to boil something special for all those who helped you at the moment. Running half a day in search of different ingredients, you have returned to the workshop at the end of the shift, when the other four dwarf already finished and gone. Well, that's good - no one will distract you. Since the whole shop was empty, you occupied all the workshops and began conjure.
Then came foreman, his sleep schedule, apparently, also did not match with the others. Seeing as you serve four vats at once, he brightened and said:
- You got a spark now! Need help?
- No, no! It will only hurt.
- Heh, well, that's understandable ...
- But I would listen to a couple of stories, actually. About the fortress, about the dwarves. I'm newbie, must grow roots somehow. What's interesting at all?
- Yes, a lot of things - he sat on the chair, - Well, speaking of inspire-minded - once the caravan arrived, and we did not have some trash for such guy. This caravan had it, but these assholes did not sell. Fortress was young, even not a fortress at all yet, and no goods in stock desired by caravan. In general, he was very upset and did not come up with anything better then go there by himself and break all their market place. All goods were mixed, where whose-it was incomprehensible. Well, then our brave soldiers arrived at number of two squads and politely explained that the goods of Arol-Iton will remain in storage, and since one can not be separated from another, all of them will go to stockpile and will be resolved later.. As a result, our rowdy finished his artifact and was very happy, and this trader never arrived again.
- Haha, what an intractable huckster.
- I am talking about the same! Must be good with everyone, good. Ago I had a cow, good one, tender. I brought her to the bull so the calf was born. Once we brought the cattle in a field outside the city, left to graze. Came back at the evening and look at that! My cow fought with a bull. Knocked all its teeth, which were lying all around. There was hell of a fight! Cow left without both front hooves, and calf got lung perced and died... Our bookkeeper ща that time, idiot, gave to every single tooth dedicated place at stockpile. As a result, according to his records, we had a store clogged with teeth!
- Damn! Who and how let him?
- He is now a miner, it's okay. At first, many posts were assigned to wrong dwarves due to lack of the necessary skills. Once with the chief doctor discomfiture happened too - we had a shortage of materials for soap, nothing to boil from, and only 5 pieces left. We decided to carry it to the hospital, only for patients needs. The doctor was given in his hands and told to use for washing wounds. Here collapse happened in the mine, seven miners got under it. All were alive, but two with filthy open wounds. Their comrades draged them to hospital, thay are dirty as mud itself, so they asked soap to clean themself. And this horseleech went and gave them soap! Piece to every out of five. They got cleaned, of course, happy, but two wounded died from the infection!
- Oh my!
- Yes it is as is, and since then we make sure to have enough soap. And the commander of the militia was notable. Blind cave ogre came to us from the caves , shaggy as mountain dvarfess! Thirty dirty snouts, then rushed him kick it, run through the corridors and halls, and it run away from them, scared, screaming. Sooooo, drove it to the stairs. Not enough place. At the forefront there was only one crossbowdwarfess, no one else fit. Can't shoot with crossbow-too closely. Hammered with bismut bronze crossbow poor ogre in the head, and it dodged all, snake! Avoided attacks. Other beauties with steel swords sluggishly treading water, panting in the doorway. Neither can let her out nor go in. Captain of the guard came, by the scruff pulled out dunces, moved roundnose girl out and with his bare hands grabbed ogre's head and came as storm! And killed it, count by himself.
- Wow.
- Dood dwarf was. Though badass.
- Why "was"?
- Well, he died. Walking down the cliff in a cave, and some shallow crap pushed him off. Smashed to death...
So with this talking the whole shift has passed. But in the end you got perfect pieces of soap and satisfaction with the work done.
_________________
Since he is so talkative, maybe ask him about Kisat?
Ask guy why there is a ghost in one of the fortress management positions
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136284697973.png)
After you put the soap in a suitable-sized box, you decided to ask a couple of questions to Nural, now that he is set to talk today:
– And how, by the way, do you feel about local authorities?
- Why do you ask? - Nural shrieveled a little, apparently, your question was unpleasant to him.
- Oh ... I really enjoy your stories. Perharps you may tell interesting things about the rulers too?
- Will not tell. We don't talk about them. And you yourself can probably guess why.
– Well, what about our councellor? Even she shouldn't be spoken about?
– Are you talking about Kisat? She is no better than king and his court. The former orphan, vagrant, I have no idea what she was doing until recently. They say Ang himself brough her in Arol-Iton once. He even adopted her then, and six month later just kicked her out, can you imagine? Although it's just stories.
– Do you heard story about ghost in the kings court, by chance?
- Heard. Heard some nonsense and rubbish. Aslo heard that Ghost is actually nickname of some new king knave... Hell knows, I am not interested in their affairs and strongly suggest you to do the same. And let's end this talk, okay?
You have agreed with Nural and at last found out what recreations is there in the fortress. You discovered that Arol-Iton have as many as five meeting halls with wells, statue garden, memorial, and a lot of dining rooms. From what we can loosely call the zoo there were two piggeries and personal appartament of old hag Rovod, who holds a lot of guinea pigs, peacock and starving goat.
After saying goodbye you went to deliever your presents to consignees.
After talking deliver soap to all friends
Say sorry about mosquitoes to Tok and give him a soap as a present.
Go to Kisat, show newly made soap and offer to offer organize production of exclusive soap, designed for different needs
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136284716929.png)
Firs you delievered soap to smith. Bomrek first took your gift without much enthusiasm, but after learning that soap contains scrub, he was pleasantly surprised and thanked you for the useful thing.
Second was doctor. It wasn't hard to guess what your meeting will turns to, considering that recently you're hosmosexually molested him and now you even took soap with you. Roberbesmar refused even to talk to you.
Kisat almost didn't react to your arrival and ignored your gift, simply asking you to leave the soap on the table. She was enthusiastically gabbing with some short-bearded frant, not even going to pay attention to you.
You couldn't get to Tok's room. Maybe he was asleep, room locked from the inside, maybe he was wandering somewhere. You didn't come up with anything better than just leave soap by the door and wipe off the mosquitoe in hope that Tok will understand, that you are asking for his forgiveness.
Pick up the soap from under the door
remove soap from under the door, so Tok won't slip
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136316698427.jpg)
Soon as you picked up the soap, you heard voices calling all dwarves not busy working to start carry goods from finished goods stockpile to the market. "Rooks" of elven caravan has arrived!
I support the idea call dragon Gleep, don't tame dragon, just bargain, barter, steal, beg, get at any way.
Lead Ivety to our room, taking beer, as if for entertainment, and when in room discuss escape plan
Invite Ivety for keg of beer
Ask Ivety us to take us from the fort in rook
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136376627169.jpg)
- Others maybe do, but we're stuck with Tok here. I am ... about the forest. It seems, when you and I met last time I got out of control again.
- Nothing, at that time everybody got his bruises, and I got a hot hand. I'm not offended.
- Good. Then would you heft a mug with me? Snack, chat.
- We can go eat. - Elf was glad with invitation.
You walked down the hallways to the nearest dining hall.
- Tell me, Ivety, is there at least some way for me to get the dragon?
- Honestly, no way. Ang Zelerkadan already has his eye on it, he's now King, right?
- Kind of. Oh, pity ... And if you're not going to sell him a dragon and decide to take back with yourself?
- It will be strange, after we caught it specially for the order of Ang.
- And if you hide it, can he forget about it?
- Dragon is for military purposes. This can not be called a passing fad.
- What, is Arol-Iton at state of war with someone?
- You know better, you live here.
- Yes, just a couple of days. Six months I uselessly spent in prison.
Ivety livened up:
- Jail? Are you a criminal?
She immidiately got really amused.
- Yes, - you decided to fib - I have some disagreements with the local laws.
- And what did you do?
You just got to the dining room. It was full of dwarves.
- Let me tell you later, locals can have bad thoughts of this.
Taking meat with bread and beer, you're on pair with Ivety sat down and began to eat. The elf did not touch drinking and pinch off tiny bits of food, all the while staring at you. With such refined manners, she stood out among the others, but it seems your rudness attracted her.
- Well, what's going on in the world? - You mumbled, dropping crumbs - How's your caped foes?
- Oh, do not ask - she waved - their ambassador came to us and demanded obedience, respect for tradition, and threatened. But nothing, thus we trade with Mountain Homes to buy armor and weapons. And when the war will come - we will smite their butts with iron! Oh, look, I speak just like my father, haha.
- So nothing is over?
- Of course not. Their Grove is nearest to our, and their druid most intolerant of all others. So we can only defend, because if we will attack and other groves will know - we'll be utterly destroyed.
- It sucks.
- We're used to it. Live so for forty years.
You finished your food and drink:
- I've got a little room there. Wanna take a look?
The elf paused for a few seconds, then started to blush:
- Likot, I really can hardly stand staying so deep underground, it seems to me that the walls are about to crush me. I am very uncomfortable even in such hall, and I'm afraid that in your room I just will lose my mind. If only we could walk on surface ...
_____________________
Wisper: They kidnapped me and Tok. Think they murdered the others. Help.
Before leading it all to sex(can do later though) we must find out what is what
Press for pity of Kisat. Tell Shorast with others are in trouble and really need us
Must add a lot of nonsense in speech so she'll think Likot's gone completely crazy (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136384893792.jpg)
You again made back in the role:
- I've got to go ... think I am being watched. And you go back to not giving your fellows, right?
Ivety's eyes sparkled with interest.
- Alright.
- I will soon find you - you leaned forward and whispered, - Me and Tok were kidnapped and held in captive here. Rest are probably dead.
- Oh gods ... - She jumped up and hurried toward the market place.
You have gone the other way, contentedly grinning, and went down to the chambers of Councilor. She just went out from her room.
- Ubendeb, here you are ... I learned something, follow me.
You trudged behind:
- I need to talk with you too.
- You start.
- I met a friend elfess, she told him about my old comrades. Our old Mountain Home is lost and we were going to build a new future ... by a covenant of the Queen, beyond the river is the place where new Mountain Home will take roots ...
- Get to the point.
- They are all in trouble there. There were seven of us, the pioneers of a new fortress, and now there are only four. I have to help them! Me and Tok must go there to help them survive! So ordered Armok! Maybe you'll be able to ask about us? So we'll be let go.
- No one leaves Arol-Iton. That's the law. You signed a document of citizenship and chose Arol-Iton instead of death. Just always keep that in mind. Now listen to me - she motioned to break your further question. - The thing is that I am now also interested in your opportunity to pass through security, if your chatter about wand is not bullshit, of course ...
- I'm telling the truth.
- To be clear - I do not care about your companions. If I'll get you out of here, then you'll go with me to the pit. And as soon as I get the wand, you can get the fuck out in any direction. Deal?
Quietly, when no one sees, let the dragon out of the cage, that's how we get it
Release the dragon out of the cage while no one is looking, you need to figure out if the laws of a DF are working here
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136386435012.jpg)
While Kisat was speaking you rolled in your head options of releasing the dragon from the cage but then recalled that there was padlock.
16th thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/110805.html)
Accept, what the heck
Listen the whole idea, at least
Do not fuss and do whatever she say, we'll find solution during travel.
Go there with Kisat
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136393616690.jpg)
- What else to do? - You shrugged - Deal.
- You can stay here if you don't want to help, but then do not count on my favor.
- I already did you a great help, telling about the artifact and its location.
- I returned your precious AngrySpoon. We're even. Now I want to find this wand and you to save me a lot of time with the search. In response, I'll get you out of the Arol-Iton, and when I'll come back here with a wand - to make sure noone will search for you aftermath.
- Well, then it's a deal.
- That's fine.
- So what did you learn?
Vellokum took you aside:
- Turns out the King has sent an expedition to that pit. The workers set up camp and started digging.
- But there is nothing left.
- Nothing in tower, maybe, but below it? Surely these ancient dug down the adamantine vein. and in their halls are even more buried treasures.
You scratched the nape:
- And what do we do?
- A sigh of relief, because now we even don't have to dig. Everything miners will find will be stored in dry areas for recording. We will simply find wand among the rubbish and take it. I convinced Ang that my presence at the excavation will speed up process, and you recorded as my bodyguard.
- I will have weapon? - you smiled wide - and you are not afraid to turn your back on me?
Kisat laughed and walked on her business:
- We leave tomorrow, - she turned, - finish your business here.
Catch up Kisat and ask if we can take a walk through the city above for now? Get use to sunlight, etc.
Go to elfess and explain that she does not need to take any action regarding our liberation
Talk Ivety about the gold in the well and ask her extract it with help of her friends
Well, warn Tok too
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136395169926.jpg)
Hey, Kisat! - You called out, - I ought to get used to the surface, on a city walk or something ...
- You will not be let out without me. We will get used together. Over, I have to go - she shook her papers and went on.
You returned to the elven wagons, where Ivety, agitated, whispered with one companion, then another. Putting on rascal look, you took her aside:
- Listen, tomorrow I will be relocated to another place and there I will have a chance to escape. So do not fuss so far and stay quiet. I do not want them to suspect you in conspiring with me.
Elf got thrilled.
- Now tell me where you will go after that snake pit. Where can I find you?
- We're going back to where Shorast outlined a new settlement. Beyond the river. I can not wait for you there, if you like.
- Of course, EIv - the role of the bad guy make it easy to give out false promises and do not seek to fulfill them. - As soon as I leave the chase - I'll ind you there. We we will conversate in a more suitable environment.
- Well, - she smiled.
- And one more thing. In the city above, there is one well, where I hid a bag of gold. I trust you, Ivety, so when you done with trade, take a couple of helpers go down into the well and take my money, okay?
- Fine, Likot.
You stood a little longer.
- All right, got to run to not frame you.
- See you soon ... - she said after you.
- Yes.
After going down to the lower level, you knocked on the Tok`s door again. He opened but he was angry.
- What is it?
You dragged the soap, brewed specially for him:
- I would like to apologize for my behavior. You like it here, I understand. But to me the opposite. I want to get out and I will leave Arol-Iton tomorrow, I hope forever. And I would really like you to come with me because we're friends. But if you still want to stay, then so be it.
Tok took soap, examined and got a little kinder:
- Okay, I've seen that you erased the mosquito. Therefore, I forgive you. We're friends again. But tomorrow you will go alone. I really like it here. I met an interesting dwarfess. I think we have something can happen. I stay.
- I understand. Well then ... Good luck with it.
- Farewell, - he finally smiled.
You shook your wrists at goodbye.
________________
I think we should learn from someone about far lands
I double questions about distant lands.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136419334034.jpg)
You chatted with Nural and Bomrek, both knew not very much and advised to contact local cartographer. He was very talkative and, demonstrating different maps, provided them with a lot of comments and incidents from others travels. It turned out that in the north-east of the Arol-Iton there is a lake, which has the island on which there is a lakein which there is an island. And all this is encased by the permafrost. Nothing is known about inhabbitants of thaк place. South of the lake there is a grove, home for snow elves. And it seems like they are in charge over all others. In the south-west there are human shipyard and port. Cartographer did not know what further lands are.
Maybe stroll to stocks and look for some armor?
Support, get light armor and a sword, take the flask (or waterskin) and some rations.
Go gather our stuff and rest before the journey
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136420645165.jpg)
Actually arms storages were locked, and your speech that you are bodyguard of the Councilor now didn't get any reaction.. Takeout food wasn't given to you as well. Then you just went to sleep.
Had a strange dream - you were flying over Arol-Iton and peed on its corridors and halls. It's clear that they were underground but in the dream you somehow worked out. Flights in dream were frightening and you woke up with a bad thought.
The next morning Kisat come to you already fully prepared and brought equipment. It was a sturdy backpack with food and wine in wineskins. There were also two torches, threads and needle, some fabric and a small knife.
- It's time - she pulled on you iron cap - Bodyguardy.
- And weapon?
- I thought you'd want to take Angryspoon..
- Well, actually, yes.
Together you went up to the surface and left through the new main entrance to the Mountain House Arol-Iton. That already were real gates, not simple hat with the hatch. Guards stood at the post. Checking documents Vellokum, they stepped aside, letting counselor with a bodyguard in the city.
Kisat immediately handed you a dry stalk of a plant and began to slabber same one:
- Took from a doctor. A bit of help from nausea.
Outside it was very bright, and the morning was only beginning.
Squeeze boobs/butt!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136421202889.jpg)
You touched buttock of Councilor. Kisat did not attach much importance, throwing only:
- Well, just not in the street, Likot.
Offer to find travel companions, caravan or any traveler. Or hire a couple of blockheads in the nearest pub. Then move.
Ask Kisat about plans-how you'll be moving there (can't just walk all the way). Inquire more about the excavations, who, what, why.
Relax, move to the excavations, enjoy the company of a cynical but friendly girl, but keep your eyes wide open
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136429427488.jpg)
Your offer to find companions was refused by Kisat. And to your reasonable question about the way of movement she just smiled and continued to step.
Briskly you went out of town. It was quite warm, the birds were chirping. You didn't feel to throw up yet.
- Why does Ang need these excavations? Only for adamantine? - You brought the conversation.
- Is that not enough?
- I have heard that this can be dangerous. Adamantine vein goes deep into the earth and there are Eerie Pits by revealing which the whole world can be destroyed!
- I don't know about that. It sounds like religious nonsense. Told like a huge temptation that lures, but if you take it - it annihilates you. No, I don't believe it.
- So the deal is simply the riches of the tower?
- Well, yes, what else?
- And Ang didn't talk about demons or the unlimited power?
- He isn't totally nut, unlike you, I see. Zelerkadan is a practical man and not interested in fairy tales.
- But Kurel interested. That ghost, by the way. He whispers to the king all these stories more often than you meet with him.
- Ang did not say anything about it to me, and conjectures are still conjectures. Anyway, if the wand will work, then you won't need to worry about this no longer.
Suddenly your dwarf sense ran riot. Group of four elfs in capes with wooden swords blocked your road:
- Please wait a minute, travelers. Did you meet the elven caravan day or two ago?
When greeting, touch butt of elf, as we recently did with Kisat. And if it won't escalate quickly, tell her her butt is better.
Ask him if his ears are too tight and then ask what fashion designer sews capes with slits for the ears, isn't he from forest at south, 'cause from ash of trees from that forest is best to make soap. Ask if it's true that all elves are "elves", how popular dendrosexualism between them, tell that wooden swords are shitty, can't compare with steel, especially if coal was made of really nice, juicy tree.
TROLL DA ELFZ TILL THEIR BUTTZ BURN
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136436628265.jpg)
Kisat only opened her mouth when you pushed her back and came yourself to the elf:
- Greetings to you, noble guardians of Woods! - you said and touched his butt.
- I'll ... - Immediately he protested.
And you turned to a counselor:
- Your is better.
- Well, I guess... - she was in confusion - What are you doing?
- I would like to ask respected elf who invented sewing such amusing capes, with slits for the ears.
He looked now at Kisat, then at you:
- This is the traditional clothing of our grove, we sew such many centuries. Why did you touch me?
- But it's Elvish greeting.
- What makes you think so?
- A friend elf taught me.
- He must be from the grove of Muya Forivara. So what about the caravan?
Kisat was just about to say, but you interrupted again:
- And the ears are not too tight?
- What?
- In the holes. Isn't tight for ears?
- They are wide enough.
- And when the rain comes, the ears get all wet, and the water comes inside.
- It happens. - he began to get angry - Caravan. You saw it?
- Saw, yeah.
- Where is it?
- I am now wondering - wooden wagons, wooden arms, logs to trade, and they don't let others cut woods.
- At least they do something right. Where are they?
Kisat with a bored look stepped aside and began to clean dirt with a knife from under the nails.
- But why? I've always been posessed by this problem. Why other can't cut trees?
Elf was slowly getting angry:
- Because we do not chop live trees. We sell and process only dry ones.
- But you have to admit that wooden weapons are shit.
- Maybe, but we honor the tradition. Unlike those we seek. Where are they?
- And why do you search them, may I ask?
- They broke a few laws of our nation and are subject to trial.
- So you're not going to kill them?
- Unfortunately no.
- Oh, such a shame. I'd reap their heads off myself - so capricious! Offered them a wooden stool, I'm a carpenter, so they curled their faces, they say they do not want corpses. And what do I do, swim all day long in blood and gibs? IHow it happens, cut down oak, make logs and boards, all covered with chip from head to foot, smell the aroma ...
Elves have left you and went down the road.
- Where are you going?
Kisat indifferently looked at mountains. You approached.
- Oh, you've already done? - She hide the knife - Finally.
Fuckin' smash his head with full force!
Ask Kisat what Arol-Iton thinks about orthodox elves and what side she'd rather take in case of elven conflict.
Move along like nothing happened and ask Kisat about her scar on eyebrow meanwhile.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136437627213.jpg)
Silently you ran down to elves and smashed the back of the head of the last one with your Angryspoon! He collapsed, others turned to you and next elf got good hit at forehead. You didn't crush their skulls into little pieces but they were pretty dented. Two swordelfs charged at you. You dodged thrust of sharp “stick” and broke this wooden sword with hack of your spoon. It was incredible luck! After you realise it you started to feel your urge was getting weaker and you were facing two opponents, despite their poor weapons.
- Gold or your life! Сornstalks! - Shouted Kisat while approaching with short sword in her hand.
You hoped she would help but didn’t think about robbery. Elves considered they have poor chances against almost hammer and steel sword with their one and half wood things.
- Flee! – They quickly escaped along the road kicking up clouds of dust.
You could not catch up with them.
- What the heck, Ubendeb?!
You turned to her.
- Do you know who they were?
- Just elves. All of them are nuts.
- They were that ortodox conehead elves. Do you remember I told you?
- Well, something like this. She noded and started to loot their bodies.
- They have conflict with elves that trade now in Arol-Iton.
- So what?
- My friend is there. They wanted to arrest her and adjudicate.
- You defend one elves from another. Are you an elf?
- You yourself are. I feel compassion to her a little.
- Mimimi, you feel pity about little poor elfy.
- It’s not only about her. If coneheads conquer their grove they would have become orthodoxes like them. It’s hard to trade with orthodoxes and quite easy with those elves. They are loyal to dwarves.
- We are going to get troubles with the rest of elves helping these loyalists. They have to deal with their backsliders by themselves. Arol-Iton has no deal with this. And thanks to your Armrok you haven’t told we are from there.
- To A-r-mok …
Vellokum found two bags of coins. Not much but better than nothing. She throwed one to you.
-Grab his legs and help me get these bodies to nearby bushes.
Together you moved elves out of the road and continued your way.
- By the way. How did you get this scar?
-My father dropped me upside down.
- I’m serious.
- Nothing much about it. Got it in a brawl. One jerk brought knife to a stand-up fight.
- Did you take part in?
- All mob took. Couple of our guys were cut, one to death.
_______________
Eat some, drink a mug
Attend a foam party
I support the idea of foam party!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136492433437.jpg)
Tired of the road you took to devour while Kisat cram new hierarchical ladder to a local Noble in a funny hat. So now all the reports went directly to her, and he had to continue to direct the work, distribute kicks, supplying materials, monitor the supply of food and other stuff, but it's all by the orders of mistress Vellokum.
For counselor with her bodyguard promised to set up dedicated tent, and on this night a couple of beds were prepared in a dormitory.
Sleepiness vanished by about midnight - cave adaptation began coming out of the two of you with a delayed start. You feде sick and threw it in the heat and cold. A few hours you rinsed intestine, leaning over a swamp, expended almost a barrel of water each. In the morning, just in case, you came see a doctor in the hospital, he concluded that habituation occurs normally, gave more pods for nausea and sent to bed. Before leaving you noticed that the doctor has a decent supply of soap.
By noon, you already have bounced back and came out of the tent and saw the dwarves were bringing together the piping and pump. You had to wait until they're finished.
Also gotta drop the soap in the pump or pipe as if by accident
Inspect the tower, should ring the bell if he still hangs
I secong ringing the bell
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136492467419.jpg)
After waiting a moment when no one sees, you pushed a box of soap from the hospital tent and sent it to a journey to slush. Pump was producing a small stream, and when the pipe will suck the box - it was only a matter of time. And while you decided to explore the ruins. When you reached the bell tower, you noted with surprise that the bell is still hanging in there. Just for fun you decide to strike on it with a spoon.
All dwarves turned to the sound, and you shrugged, saying, "so what?". However, sound has not yet subsided - the pump shaked, leaked with foam and bubbles, and everyone beheld ...
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136492510088.jpg)
Soapy slush monster has arrived!
Throw a stone at it. If it collapses from a stroke, we will become a hero.
Look back and see whether the dead women rise living again.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136496340066.jpg)
After running a little around the camp, you have found a pebble and threw it into a monster. But the stone flew not too far away and fell to the pavement. You suck at throwing.
Suddenly two dead women grabbed you from behind! You scared so much you almost shit your pants. A monster in the meantime gained control over the pipeline.
___________
Should throw barrels of wine into the urethra
I second putting the most soured wine barrel into the pipe.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13668003021.jpg)
Dumped all the flith on the camp, the monster began to suck again. You have decided to take a moment and throwed all barrels of wine in its trunk. After a while, monster grinded them in its belly, and a little later it began blow away until guttered on the ground.
Dwarves climbed to the pump and stated that the monster has turned into a lifeless puddle. Meanwhile, the guards dealt with zombies coming from house and eventually everything calmed down. None of the dwarves was injured.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136680059928.jpg)
For the ingenuity Kisat praised you approving claps on the shoulder. Since booze gone - was sent a pigeon with a request for extra delivery. Soon the work started again, the pump was established, the pit was drained. And you with the counselor these days just lay in the tent, she read books and sometimes talked with the noble.
No news in general, except that in the community house a bunch of tools was found, inspection of which, as expected, brought nothing.
But in one of the following days, workers unearthed the top of the tower and above the bottom of the pit there was a cry:
- ADAMANTIIIINE!
Get out from this area ASAP!
Hearing the cry, you have decided that the demons are about to break out of the excavation and grabbed Kisat hand:
- We need urgently leave! Here carnage will begin!
- Why the hell?
- Demons! Adamantine plug broken!
- Likot, your head baked in the sun? What plug? Found those pieces you told about. Come see, you fool.
Find out how deep they had digged, and whether already opened an underground fortress
Take a look!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13668724807.jpg)
As you walked, you were worring:
- If these ancient already extracted adamantine, it is possible that plug is broken!
- What if all your tales of glowing chamber - not true?
- Shining Halls.
- Well, yes. And who ever saw that? If all so is terrible as you say, then, by all logic, the witnesses could not survive, and we would not either. Who then would tell about these Halls? It's all bullshit. Came up with a fairy-tale, developed a cult around it, started under this business sacrifices, virgins bonking and then the membership fees collecting. Well, trading symbols. And after all, from whom did you hear this nonsense?
- From Kurel's ghost.
- Is this all? Hah!
- I believe him. He's a ghost. And wizard.
- You would believe me if I say I was pregnant. Let you do not panic because of those things you don't not understand.
Meanwhile, you have come to the excavation. At the bottom you could see top of the tower and the window through which six months ago you dug your way to the surface. Haulers arranged refuse stockpile nearby. Among the gravestones, many rotten bodies and skeletons semi-decomposed Cyclope was lying.
17th thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/112137.html)
Need to put pillow to fall on and say something like, "I hope that the rod did not break when it collapsed"
Be sure dance something hot on the Cyclope.
Vote for the acting of Shakespeare, will be such a victory.
Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Kisat; a cyclops of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy; he hath stunned me and borne me on his back to the faggot nosferatu spirit laire; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it. Here lied that lone eye that was been my fellow for a couple of hours... Approach the Cyclope, assume a proper facial expression, read "Poor Yorick" adapted to the realities of this world.
Second this
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13669964215.jpg)
You moved around the pit to go down.
- Oh, what a goaf, - You were looking at the excavation site, - I couldn't imagine that dug it with my bare hands.
- Collapsed soil was loose and maybe you're climbed up a kind of ravine and broke the arm with one of the tombstones.
- I do not know. This is the moment I do not remember. I hope that the rod did not break beneath all this ground. Although the vampire said that it must work even being broken.
- It would be nice.
- Over there, by the way, the very lake where it drowned, - You pointed, - We must somehow persuade the miners to dig there. And carefully.
- And why to persuade them? Their job is to dig, not to ask questions. There means there. Even till your Palaces.
- Well, if you turn it this way...
After reaching the refuse stockpile, you called Kisat to the carcass of the a Cyclope. She was little surprised with such a desire, but saw how you rushed to dance on his bones, even laughed.
- This Cyclope ... - You explained, - served to ghost-sodomite! And in his eye socket was flying eye!
You climbed down of body, and began to act out performance for the approaching Councilor:
- Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Kisat; a cyclops of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy; he hath stunned me and borne me on his back to the faggot nosferatu spirit laire; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it. Here lied that lone eye that was been my fellow for a couple of hours... I tied it to helmet with it's nerve
Kisat eyed ugly corpse:
- Yorick?
- I just came up with. Just for a laugh. But everything else - the truth.
its been a month since last update. i do not expect any new ones
Well, some things worth waiting for, I guess. So here is update.
_______________________
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136904770569.jpg)
You and Kisat decsended into excavation and crawled through window of tower. Few dwarves inside searched in dug-out ground for adamantine shards and found quite alot of them already. Much more than you ate. Recalling size of that "egg" this rest would be enough for armor set...
- Where do the stairs lead? - Kisat turned to you.
- To the corpses hall... and tunnel to the lake.
- That one lake?
- Yes, with a wand.
- Fine. Let's start searching there.
Steal at least a couple of adamantine crystals
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13691112143.jpg)
While Kisat was looking around, you have come to the workers.
- So it is adamantine, eh? Lemme take a look ...
- Likot! - Vellokum called - Is that wasn`t enough for your ass? Nobody`ll disdain and rip open your belly, if they knew.
You remember the wonderful feeling and decided to hold off on enrichment.
Going down the spiral staircase, you heard a quiet hum again. And coming down the hall, found a strange view.
- Oh, you had some fun here I see ... - Counselor inspected raised skirt of a giantess.
- It's not me ... Someone was here. This one had a chisel in his hand!
- There are small torches.
- And half of the body dragged somewhere. Do you see prints?
- Let's go after them.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136911132351.jpg)
There was a hole and similar small torches.
- Someone has already dug here ... - Kisat approached - Who else knew about the wand?
- Only its owner, a ghost. But it is doubtful him ... besides, these torches ...
- We can only pray that the wand is still there. In any case, let`s use the hole as a starting excavation. We`ll set up camp in this room.
!EWWWW WARNING!
Carefully examine the pussy under lifted skirt. Reach it with tongue and lick.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136913384056.jpg)
Even if you stood on Kisat's head, you'd fail to reach. And the view of withered crotch caused nothing but disgust. A bad thought got in your head.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136921474319.jpg)
By evening the camp was established. Provisions and instruments were brought down and the guard post was set.
Dwarves began to clear the stairs to the lower halls of the fortress.
Find musical instrument in the boxes
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13693356124.jpg)
Searching in the crates of food, you have found something most approximate to the world of music - a violin-shaped pear!
Better call guardians with us
- Yeah, of course ... - guard snorted - My order is to "protect this room", not "climb into a hole"
Shedding light on your way, hunched over, you wandered through the tunnel, making a rough map in the head.
Craft an ukulele from a pear
Dedicate a romantic song to Kisat
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/136941029665.jpg)
Pending Kisat you decided to craft SOMETHING.
Dug out the knife in the toolbox, you cut half of a pear, cleaned of seeds and tied a few hairs from your beard, attached with a sliver. The result is quite amused you.
- Sup? - Counselor's voice came from behind.
You turned:
- This is for you. Fruit toy musical instrument!
- Yeah ... And how is it sounds?
- Not much by itself, but I can sing a song.
- Please don't...
We'll-a-kiss, we'll-a-lick,
Then I'll cry an' run away,
'Cause I am one crazy dick
And have nothing to explain!
- God-like. Never ever sing again, - Kisat stepped towards the hole, - Come on, let's see what's in there.
_____________________
I now vote to go to the "down" direction
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137097973838.jpg)
Since you already wandered around a little through the tunnels and roughly knew the layer, you became guide for counselor. However,you didn't prove your usefulness - you showed some directions and nothing more. Advised to move down by one of the passages, you came together at the artificial excavation of a spherical shape. Oriented yourself, you immediately realized that this is where wand you are looking for was half a year ago.
Now it's gone.
Back to the nearest fork and turn left.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137118434347.jpg)
Strayed a little through the tunnels, you suddenly heard the sound of little feet. Very soon Kobold ran toward with a note in his hand and hesitantly handed it to you.
Kisat grabbed a piece of paper and, while small one was fleeing, began to read aloud:
- Not a step further, bastards! I am Oraphy Geme, fear of this place, and you, scum, have invaded my domain! Do not be deceived by the look of vile kobold messenger, because in my possession are monsters of the depths. Keep excavation - and you'll die! This is my tower and here is nothing for you, dwarves! Get out!
Kisat dropped a piece of paper:
- It looks like he got the wand.
Throw sock at him!
expose Kobold to violence of any kind
I suggest throwing a sock into the pit out of rage, maybe we are enRAGEd enough
Freaking double
This!
Someday that will work, I believe.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137139538994.jpg)
Before Kobold has fled far away, you quickly pulled the sock and thrown at him. RAGE sufficed to throw right at him. Sock wrapped around his head and caught fire. Kobold screamed, rushed ahead , striking the walls and fell, began rolling and stomping feet. Finally, he shook off the rag, dropped the candle, and before the fire goes out, ran away into the darkness.
- Well, - clicked her tongue Kisat - Now he's offended.
Engage him in SUPED-DUPER-CONVERSATION-BATTLE, in which our hive mind must win. We'll find discrepancies in words and actions of the ghost, put pressure on his weaknesses
Ask "Is your chair big enough"?
I brought!? That's one way of putting it!
Why would you want a female, after all? You're pathetic.
Let him give us his best shot.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137207436443.jpg)
- How's your chair? Is it big enough? - You shouted to the ghost.
- Oh no ... - Kisat rolled her eyes - You're starting this waffle again? Last time was enough for me.
- Hold on. I already met him and I'm still alive as you can see, - here you have raised your voice, - And now he's a wretch!
Councilor indifferently waved her hand and stepped aside. The ghost startled on his "throne":
- Wretch? Though you deprived me of the old power, I can still destroy you all. I subdued several forgotten beasts from the lower levels of the caves to my will. You're dwarves, you know what I mean. You brought miners, not soldiers. You stand no chance.
- You're lying. You've got nothing but a bunch of kobolds.
- Only YOU are lying here! - He jumped from his throne. - All I wanted was a WOMAN! ALIVE WOMAN!
- Why do you want a woman, huh? You can have fun with kobolds.
- They are filthy animals! Suitable only for menial labor.
- And this is the best you can do... I saw a huge dead woman upstairs. You couldn't do anything to her, much less to someone alive. Your "power" is not what it used to be.
- IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF YOU! - Ghost was about to burst into flames like in the past, but he really lost his powers and only covered hall with woeful cry, tried to throw a chair at you, but it just swayed and remained in place.
- By the way, this dwarf here is not for you, - you continued, - I'm taking care of her her myself, so you can kiss my soapy dick, dead pervert! But I know how you died, I read your snotty diary and saw your naked body rotten in that cave. You yourself hammered wooden dick in your ass while furiously jerking your dick, drooling on the moon, crying about lost love. Blind beast crept up from behind and broke your skull but didn't even bother eating you because you're ugly freak, an outcast of all nations and all gods, turned into blood-sucking heartless lonely immoral monster!
Even the god of death doesn't want you. I feel sorry for you. You disgust me, but I would not wish your fate even to an enemy.
Ghost sat back in his chair and took a deep breath.
- What do you want?
- Wand.
Kisat turned sharply:
- Adamantine! We are looking for adamantine.
Ghost smiled sadly:
- Your woman is smarter than you. But, oh well. Here is the deal, dwarf. Bury my body and redeem me from this worthless existence. When it's done - wand is yours. I'll disband my beasts, kobolds ... wand will be waiting for you on this chair when I'm gone. I give you my word. Word of a disgraceful pervert.
check on kisat
Let's do that first.
I'd go downward anyway
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137292490761.jpg)
You decided to check out how it Kisat, ghost and his wand. Maybe Kobolds raped her corpse there, and maybe Oraphy enslaved counselor. A lot of options were born in your head while you were going down. In a hall with the dead Vellokum was already waiting sitting on boxes. The dwarves were working normally.
- Hey ... - She said you and approached.
- Well, how was it? - you and asked, cautiously approaching.
- Wand with me. The ghost kept it in the cache. Called kobolds, told them to leave through the tunnels, avoiding us. Break the spell from the Forgotten Beast. He admitted that the monster was only one and it's wandering through the halls a little lower. Then I took different poses nakes for two hours. It was pretty funny.
- Now what? I mean myself.
- The deal is a deal. You are free. I have not checked wand, but even if it does not work, it is no longer your fault. Therefore up to you to stay or leave.
Leave to look for Shorast & Co.
Grab some supplies, the minimum, so not heavy to bear, any goods from the camp and GTFO from here
- I still want to go look for my companions.
Kisat nodded:
- Get supplies in the camp for the journey. Would give the coins, but they are not here. I can give one spearman in companions. Want?
Take the speardwarf, supplies, sock, if possible-get chainmail or helmet. kiss Kisat goodbye and say something in the spirit of "I know I'm quiet crazy, and you do not believe at the demons under the adamantine, but still be on the alert, just in case."
About demons - warn, supplies - take, spear dude - too.
Pull out the map. Freeroaming, fuck yeah!
You agreed to take spearman, and then pulled a romantic face and reached out to kiss counselor in farewell.
- Stop, stop - she stopped you - let's not snot, okay? I need to show the image of rigorous bitch, or these bonebags will no longer obey. Go upstairs, I will put somebody to guard you.
You began to rise and, catching moment there was no one near, pinned together to the wall and sensually kissed.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137300597129.jpg)
- This is Borik - Kisat presented spearman to you - Borik, it's Likot - your ward now. Is charged with the important mission and you are now his bodyguard.
- Roger - Borik growled.
Kisat waved in farewell:
- Come on already, move your feet, - and went to her tent.
You went up to the road, Borik came after:
- Well ... Likot, right? Where do we go, Likot?
____________________
Explain Borik that he calls us "Mr. Likot", follows all instructions quick, and not join in the conversation before we did, don't shoot the breeze about who we're. Okay?
"- Do you suck dicks?
- Sir no sir!
- Bullshit! "
We should inquire after our spearwielding companion. His beliefs, ideology, how long he plans to stay with us.
We should also inquire after his favorite drink and color. If he ever gets mad at us, we'll give him the drink in a colored wrapper. Hated creature would also be nice to know about.
Lets go find our friends. Chat with Borik while walking.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137451826636.jpg)
- So, you will call me mr Likot, make all I tell you quick and don't open your mouth before me. Don't tell who we're or where we're from. Got it?
- Why should I shoot the breeze? I do not know who you are and from where.
- I am Likot.
- Mr. Likot.
- Exactly.
- So what?
- That's all. do not tell Anyone about it.
- Not going to.
- Well done, soldier.
- I'm not a soldier.
- No?
- I am a bodyguard.
- So you protect my body?
- That was an order.
You've thought a little.
- Sucking dicks?
Borik looked at you:
- I did not think that you are "this".
- I am not, but I do not know what about you.
- And I'm not one of them, that's for sure.
- Well, good. Let's go.
You went to the place of the proposed location of Shorast and company. The path was not a short, and you have decided to find out more about the new companion. It turned out that he, like most people of Arol-Iton does not believe in any gods. Before becoming a member of the aforesaid gang community, he was spending his youth spent in wanderings. Father and mother were lost in the childhood, and now has a more or less permanent life partner, who waits for him from time to time in one of the rooms of Arol-Iton. Borik is not very emotional, so rarely worrying for some reasons. In general, he has quite positive outlook on life. Physical health lets him down rarely. He likes marble, oak, crafts made of bones, smoking pipes, potatoes, goose, wine, spears, rings and boobs. He absoulutely detests cave spiders. He has a weak will power, but a good ear for music. He's easily captured with the beauty of the world, he prefers solitude, he does not like conflicts and takes time to make decisions.
You spent the night in the field, well away from the city walls. Borik was sitting by the fire, smoking a pipe, talking about his life until you fall asleep.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137451831326.jpg)
The second half of the night, you were on duty. And in the morning hit the road again. The day was long and hot. Only at the sunset you get to the point where there was an old mine. According to the map, it was a new Mountain Home of Shorast, but neither he nor anyone at all was seen on the surface. It was quiet. The place seemed abandoned.
18th thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/116346.html)
First look for signs of life activity around. Broken bolts, pools of blood of slaughtered animals, stumps of trees, tattered socks, footprints, that kind of things
It's better to actually look around, look for signs of trade Depot, because we had to meet the elves.
Listen and try to hear anything (pick, voices, strange noises, etc.)
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137459772134.jpg)
- It is strange - you said quietly, - There should be at least elven caravan. Not to mention the Mountain Home.
Borik wiped the sweat from his forehead:
- Well, Mountain Home can be in mountain. However, this piece of junk here doesn't look like one. Roughly this design I've seen a long time ago, when one of the expeditions punched through aquifer ... about these places by the way. Wait, so this is the very place!
- And what was Arol-Iton looking for here?
- It's not Arol-Iton. Here dwarves from one of the northern Mountain Рomes delved. Then I was a youngster, I do not remember the details. I do not know what they were looking for. I was a hauler, no one reported to me.
You stood a little longer. All around was just as quietly. Together with Borik you started studying the area. On the ground here and there were visible signs of the wheels of carts. You were not able to distinguish more, as you were bad as tracker. Borik also did not find anything interesting for the same reasons. The only clue were fresh piles of crap, presented in quite a lot next to the ruins.
___________
Pull the lever
Fuck caution. We have listenedб sniffed, sneak and so on enough. Now this is clearly not the time
Borik goes to the left lever, we go to the right and pull both.
Someone has to stay outside and pull levers in turn because if suddenly random fuck comes with mountains and pulls the lever when we'll both be inside, it will be epic fail.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137697867851.jpg)
You and Borik went to the levers and pulled them together. Two doors opened: left and right. Deciding not to put all your eggs in one basket, you left Borik watch, while you passed in the right door. There was a drawbridge, as well as at the left door. However, behind the central door, apparently, was a spiral staircase down, because on this side of was seen the wall only. Suddenly, on the edge of the bridge appeared shaggy face of some creature. It is surly growled, clattering claws on the stone.
_____________
Touch our ears. Do they stick out?
You`ve palpated your ears. They did not stick out.
Ask it to be let in, offer it food
Taunt it, then wack it if it jumps.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137723687546.jpg)
- Hey! Hello! - You shouted.
Creature snapped his teeth and bowed head like a dog.
- We want to pass! Will you let us in? Look, we have food!
Borik looked inside:
- Who you talking with? Oh shi...
Monster growled, squirmed at the edge.
- He'll jump!
- Nah... He`s not good enough. Although, maybe he's got frogs' legs?
- Well, somehow he jumped on the bridge...
- Hey, dog! Show us your paws! We still doubt who you are ... Toadydog? Or just a dog?
Shaggy still grinned.
Let`s shout back: Meng! Bro! It's me, your best friend Likot! Remember when I punched you in the balls during Tantrum?
- Meng! Bro! It's me, your best friend Likot! Remember when I punched you in the balls during Tantrum? - You turned to Borik, - Look, I don`t think he understand anything.
Let Borik pulls the lever three times for bridge to open and the beast fly away.
- Try to pull the lever three times, maybe it`s connected with the bridge?
Borik run away, and after a while the door slammed shut, and the bridge groaned, leaning. Creature clung to the edge. Almost immediately bridge slammed and the shaggy got his fingers chop off! He screamed, slamming face on the floor, but then the bridge opened, and threw him back. After a few seconds bridge down again, but monster was no longer visible.
I propose to find him and knock his teeth out.
Drop a bridge and along with Borik run to finish the bastard until he stunned by flight.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137733418511.jpg)
- Borik, follow me! - You cried and ran to kill the monster.
However, on the other side of the bridge You suddenly slipped on fresh faeces and fell right into it with all the face.
- Wow ... - Borik ran after - You`re lucky one, huh? Whew ... and I must say that before you did not smell of violets, but now ... Whew ... I'll cover your back ... ten steps away.
Ok, this is becoming a bit disgusting more frequently then I would like to see.
I was disattracted from translating new posts since they were posted by CoOP himself. However, our magnificient GM made pictured versions of videos so I post translation in this post.
Moreover, new thread started in the usual manner - text and pics. I will catch up plotline with translations pretty soon I hope.
Enjoy.
_________________
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137881300785.jpg)
Inside, it was too dangerous and you decided to retreat, taking captive. Along the way Sinsot shared what he knew about the layout of the fortress. There was a large central grotto, there's always shining... some crystal. Corridors from the grotto lead to the bedrooms, where they all were turned on the first night. Much remained a mystery, so should better not hurry. But at the exit another werewolf was waiting for you. Shadow betrayed it.
- Look, - you whispered to Borik and prepared to fight.
But then a shadow slowly diminished and went out to meet you...
- Hahaaa, - you screamed happily, - ythat's our goose!
It grunted happily when you pick it up. Funny, it was not even close to full moon. You have settled down for the night. Tiyng goose did not make sense, since it was not trying to escape anyway. And if it would turn, then ropes wouldn't stop it anyawy.
You left guarding while the others were sleeping.
Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=1Dofa484vUE)
wait until morning to interrogate goose blah blah.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/137966480327.jpg)
The morning came. Dawn woke Borik and he went to wash. You interrogated goose for second hour:
- But I think you're not telling me. We sitting here one and a half hour, and you all you do - twist tail. Again. Did you see what happened that night?
But the goose just was tossing and blinking.
- Keep upseting me, and I'll beat you again! What kind of crystal is in the central grotto?
Borik splashed water on Sinsot face to wake up. He cringed in fright. Apparently he still thought that spoonfighter and Spearman are robbers.
Two elves suddenly appeared from the reeds.
- Likot! - there was a shout, - Hey, it's me! - Ivety waved her hand.
They approached and immediately ran into questions.
- We did not go inside - elfess answered - Scouts went down, shouted, knocked. But there was no reply. Wagons stood here for a week and departed recently. And I felt like that you will appear. Others went to the next town, but I decided to wait a little longer. And lo!
- So you don't know?
- No. About what?
You and Borik exchanged glances.
Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=1Dofa484vUE)
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13805369764.jpg)
- Werebeasts? - Elves looked at each other - I'm glad we didn't go not there in this case.
Warrior noticed confusion in your eyes and decided to introduce myself:
- I Obi Uliridi, friend of Ivety - elf spoke with a noticeable accent. Apparently he rarely ever speak to the common.
- Just friend, - she hastened to emphasize.
You do not remember me, of course, but you saved my life in that battle with capes. Your wagon rushed past just at the moment when I was on the verge of death. And for that I owe you, - he bowed.
- Speaking of capes - you picked - Four were looking for your caravan not far from Lodthakomage. I managed to kill two.
- Well, with the other two, our caravan will cope if their paths will meet. But why would you risk your reputation?
- Likot is a hero, - Ivety entered, - I told Obi about you, about what feelings I experience ... Few people understand me, this is usually not a problem in our society, I mean elves, dwarves - what's the difference, right? But all disapprove my choice because of the fact ...
- Your father Muya, - you abruptly interrupted.
- What?
- Is he an alchemist? Will he cure the werebeast from adversity?
- I do not know. It's not a disease, it is a curse imposed by the deity. And against such things alchemy is powerless.
- Shorast controlled transformations of werebeast with his medications.
Obi interested in:
- That would be great to get his recipe.
- But for that ... will have come down. We must either act very secretive, or gather a group of elves and take the fortress by storm.
- Caravan went away. But even if we catch up with them, no one will take the risk for the sake of a dwarf. I owe you my life, but I do not want to die for rather dubious goal. So I am up to the most secretive option. only warriors Will go. Infected stay here.
- Sinsot we can take as a human shield.
- I do not think that such a shield will stop werebeast. And obviously Shorast doesn't care who will replace Sinsot. He will capture us four and make the same werebeasts.
- Yeah ... Okay, let's go four.
Leaving goose watch Sinsot, you led the rest of in the bowels of the fortress. All were walkingg silently, not breaking the silence of the halls. Closer to the central grotto picks knockings became audible. The sound was coming from below, from a shaft of long spiral staircase. You went down and found working there werewolves, goaded by none other than Shorast! He stood on some like podium in witchcraft mantle.
- Come on! - He commanded his subordinates - A little more!
It was clear that he is preparing for something that is about to happen.
- Prepare the nets!
Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CmtUYOVaLE)
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/138203890921.jpg)
With gestures you explained what satellites should do. Borik ran to find chambers of Shorast to find the recipes out there. Obi had to steal nets mentioned by Shorast, thereby disrupting his plans, and Ivety ... has simply not to interfere. You took off backpack and started to sneak Shorastu. The plan was to divert, steal nets, knock out and run away ... something like that. However since all understood everything and began to act, then you did everything right.
Shorast have not noticed how you sneaked and turned around only at the very end, but you immediately pretended to be autistic:
- Hey Shorast! Neal and I found Tok!
Shorast confused, as you hoped it. Uliridi at this time was already near the nets, but werebeast smelled him and plan failed. Elf was attacked and Shorast saw through your game. Nothing left but to knock him with Angryspoon and change in his clothes. So you did, dropping down Kurelgeshak. Werethings already broke elf's bones, and you, imitating the voice of Shorast, barked loudly: "Get him!"
One of the werebeasts jumped to Shorast and bit off his head ... precisely was going bite off, but at the last moment sniffed and realized that it is a fraud. As a result, Shorast unleashed all werebeasts on you.
Everything was bad.
Head filled with fog.
You have a poor aware of what is happening.
World consisted of nothing but malice and subordination.
Crystal in the cellsdfgdfg hfghh spogggn.
Adsfdg jhhfgh dfgdfgfdg kleevsc.
:? "6olvy (№ *? _! Tsfuk
...
...
...
You suddenly came to your senses.
- Welcome back. - A familiar voice rang out suddenly, - How do you feel?
You turned. That was Ivety. Fog was slowly leaving his head.
- I. .. what year?
You lay in the tent. On the grass. And judging by the sound -it's raining. So you were on the surface.
- Same. Since the bite a couple of months passed. How many fingers do you see? - She held out her hand.
- Four.
- Nothing, it's because of the potions. Soon shall pass.
- Ivety ... am I naked?
Suddenly another voice sounded:
- And for quite some time, Mr. dwarf - You turned the other way - I am Muya Forivara, if you remember. Apparently my alchemy helps you.
This was indeed the father of Ivety. You have decided to continue the dialogue in the rational line:
- Now what? I'm one of them? Forever?
- It's not clear. I know only one thing - using the potions status can be supressed. I made the reserve due to recipe from your friend. Will go check on him.
Satisfied in good health of ward, Muya stood and left the tent, leaving you with Ivety.
Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJyPySkLHqE&feature=youtu.be)
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/138255705936.jpg)
Muya tactfully left the tent, leaving you alone with Ivety.
- Am I in your grove? - You ask.
- No. We camped near the entrance to the fortress of Shorast. In fact - in the same place where we met.
- But how? ...
- Did I drag elves here? - Ivety giggled - Well, yes, it was tough, it would seem. But then I was lucky with my father. He always preached the idea that we have to live exciting, interesting. Seize any situation that fate presents us, be light on our feet and not rot, warming home place. So when I told him about what had happened, he immediately ordered to equip the group. He even decided to join, as you can see.
- Is Borik alive?
- Well, yes. He gave Shorast recipes to father.
- And your ... how is ... Obi?
Ivety sighed:
- Alive. Too. All alive, in general. Much time was spent on catching, but now we have all. You were the most nimble, so we waited to conclusions. Waited until you yourself make a decision what to do. Still, it's your fellow.
- Are you talking about who exactly?
- About all. Meng, Anil Bidok, Kanzud, goblin Ostoks ... Well, Shorast.
- You took Shorast?
- This was the easiest.
- And who are those? Bidok and ...
- Kanzud. Three of them counting Sinsot joined the campaign in Lodthakomag. Alas, we have not seen Sinsot, as well as goose since then.
- Wait a minute. There also was Bomel with us.
- None like that. And nobody else inside. Should Shorast ask about this.
- I'll go find out.
You jerked to stand up, but Ivety gently tucked you back:
- Wait, Likot, do not hurry. Wwe are rich with time. And the rain falls outside - she started lower her robe a little, - We won't be disturbed ...
DISCLAIMER
Next post is undoubtly inappropriate for Bay12 forum and (probably) not really matter for plot, so I only give you a link to it in translation thread. You've been warned.
Click (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/101442.html#122026)
______________
19th thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/120302.html)
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/138270154390.jpg)
There was no point in denying that it was fucking with elfess badly affected your state of health. Ie not the fact of sex but that it was with elf. You would be less disgusted to eat crap from pick of Miner Republic mason and only one thought comforted you - it was a strategic necessity. Hardly you correctly understood the meaning of the word ... shorter, YOU HAD TO.
You generously puked on bush near tents with some gall and went to look for Borik ... or Shorast. Anyone who can give answers. In the first tent, where you looked at Shorast was tied to crosspiece.
- Well, the enslavement of the world came fiasco? - You came up.
- Enslavement? I am a scientist, not a villain.
- Yes, yes ... All these shifters, nets... and ... wait, there was something else ... what else? Oh yeah - SHAFT directly into SHINING HALLS! You wanted to release demons into the world and subdue them with your witchcraft!
- Have you ever seen a demon? It is 150 times bigger than you. Subdue such a creature is impossible in any way. I'm not an idiot! All I'm interested in the Halls, are insects and bats ... if you can call them that. I extracted from them essences for my potions. These ingredients can't be obtained any other way.
- Do potions worth such a risk? What if demons break out?
- No risk. Raw adamantine for a demon is like a silver for a werewolf, if not worse. And our corridors are too narrow for such a whopper. I mean real demon, not some giant larva with tentacles dotted with spines. Only the least hazardous ultradeep representatives can penetrate through our small hole.
- And what are these potions those that need so rare ingredients?
- What do you think ... potion of healing from all known diseases? Or potion of longevity, for example?
- Immortality?
- If you have regular access to such ingredients, it is.
- For how long do you walk under the ground?
- Only two times more than should.
- Kurel told me ...
- Kurel? How much as he is obsessed with his envy ... even after death ... We were political rivals with him both wooed King Ubur. Kurel Amuragak always played dirty and when he managed to insinuate himself into my confidence ... he learned that I had an affair with the queen ... lovely Lisat Saramdal. He persuaded me to poison the king. So I did, and he announced the creation of the Miner Republic, and began to blackmail me and the queen the fact that he will reveal our secret and, using anarchy, strengthened his political position. Not to say that it is our affair with Lisat ruined Assarotung, our love was only an instrument in his hands. In a rage, I threw at him one of my potions ... after which he was seen dead in an underground river, covered with sores ... I killed him. But the spirit remained ghostwalker. Lisat just was gathering expedition to develop adamantine vein, when there was a coup. We urgently had to flee from the Mountain Home, joining a handful of idlers.In order to escape Of Queen went unnoticed, we pulled her breasts with adamantine corset, shaved her eyebrows ... and hair, disguised as a man.
- Bommel?
- Yes ...
- Where is he... she right now ...?
- In safety. She's fine. And I want to be so in the future.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/138295371934.jpg)
- Okay, your potions work. But I have a question here - what if you add them in the soap? Effect will remain?
- If you eat soap, it is possible.
- Why eat?
- Because the potion works from the inside, entering the stomach and spread throughout the body. Soap is only washes skin, substances do not penetrate inside. And getting them into as part of the soap - I'm not even sure what the effect will be the same. Composition of potion is already different in this case.
Borik came In the tent:
- Hey, what are you mumbling here? Hi, Likot. Nice to see you on feet.
- Speaking of this. Why was it necessary to do all werebeasts?
- Well, maybe I made a blunder here. After all that it was too tough to develop new fortress. Because we are "nobles"... not accustomed to work. So we with Lisat decided to make this sacrifice and make our six satellites ... faithful servants who do not know fatigue.
Borik snorted:
- That's why the nobles are hated! Bastards!
- Simpleton from the lower strata do not understand the highborn or those in power. Sorry for the harsh words, but you are in the long run dirt, consumables. Due to you we exist. You bend back, shed sweat, digging in the mines, and we seat on your humps, ordering what you do. That's the way this world works. Always has been and always will be.
You slammed Shorast at liver. Borik was calm:
- If I were in your place, I tried not to irritate those from whom I can get in the mug.
- I did everything right. The Queen has approved the plan. And her lieges served to their queen as they must. Renegades, idlers, bunglers and loafers. Handful of shiftless dwarves who were kicked out of Assarotung because they are social ballast. If I didn't pay attention - all would starve by now! That's up to you - if I did right saving everyone's life, even in immoral way?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/138511145267.jpg)
Meanwhile in the Mountain Home Akrulaban:
In the courtyard of the fortress life seethed. Elven caravan left ten days ago, but the trade depot still was littered with boxes of cloth and trees. Eared were jarred to saw them into logs or clear of leaves, so they brought "uneviscerated corpses" and gave them with such mugs ... However, in their words, it was better than the barbaric cutting dwarven horseleeches.
Mayor was standing in the middle of the yard and urged haulers:
- Rakust! Carp on your ass! This stock is not for rags! Do not know how to read? There's even picture, you idiot!
- Dodok! Put a baby, then take a log! Arrrscrew you, do what you want ... silly woman ...
Marksman from the tower caught sight of dwarf trudging through the field.
- Migrants have arrived!
Mayor scratched his head and went to the drawbridge. Migrant was approaching same bridge. He was alone. Strange, usually come in group. And what a strange outfit? Striped one...
The dwarf was ready to step onto the bridge as it suddenly rose right in front of him. The mayor raised his brows. Bridge lowered again. Dwarf leaned forward, the bridge rose again. The mayor turned menacingly glanced at the guard in the lever. Thу guard straightened himself and turned to the lever. Little boy with a smile from ear to ear was pulling the lever back and forth. The soldier slapped him.
Finally bridge dropped and dwarf entered. His beard was short, dark hairs. And he was naked, tied with a rope. Behind was a goose.
Mayor motioned him over. Guards crowded around.
I Sinsot Fernokzam of Lodthakomage - timidly spoke guest - came in search of a better life.
- And I Iteberal Iden. The local mayor.
- Mayor vampire ... - Put one of the soldiers.
- Mayor vampire - Iden rolled his eyes.
- Well ... me too, the trouble happened ... - Sinsot glanced custody gathered around and swallowed nervously - I've been robbed.
- Well, we have spare clothes - Iteberal by pulling knife, freed freshman from the shackles of rope - we assign goose to other birds, okay?
- Yes ... - Sinsot nodded.
Mayor took his arm and led him through the moving aside soldiers to the entrance to the fortress - Welcome to Akrulaban. What can you do?
Sinsot suddenly felt strange ...
- I. .. I have ... do something right now ... Wait a minute ... - He darted from side to side.
- You have to get dressed, I know. There I lead.
- No ... not that ... - In the eyes Sinsota the flame of obsession began to flare - Where are your workshops? I urgently ... need... where ...
Mayor sighed:
- What workshop do you need?
- I do not know ... Crafts... ... no ... Forge! - hands quivered impatiently.
- Let's gooo, I will guide you to the smithy.
- Yes ...
Iden took you inside.
- What materials do you need?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/138539327276.jpg)
Few days later.
Sinsot Fernokzam, metal crafter, created Latongazot "The Mythical Laziness" diorite throne. All craftsdwarfship is of the highest quality. It is encircled with bands of bronze. It looses encrusted with round-cut clear glass, decorated with llama leather. This object is decorated with hanging rings of alpaca bone and menaces with spikes of copper. On the item image of Likot Ubendeb, the dwarf-werebeast in bronze. Likot Ubendeb sits on Dongitestil, artifact bucket depicting Dongitestil, artifact bucket created by Bomul Sholil.
On the item image of Likot Ubendeb, the dwarf and Obi Uliridi, the elf. The warf commits depraved act with the elf.
You breathed triumphantly and even let a tear of joy, admiring his masterpiece. Feelings began to slowly come back and you feel hunger, thirst, shame for nakedness and great fatigue. It's good that no one died, or then you would break. It was time to start to settle down.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/138545319582.jpg)
After you cleaned up, showered, dressed in great clothes and fullfilled nutritional needs in the legendary dining with masterpiece stew, local manager Inod Tamolber showed your new room. It was quite spacious and seemed almost personal palace. It was located in a new residential area and some other rooms were still treating and furnishing with furniture, but your already had everything you need - a bed, chest and dresser, all of the finest quality. The walls and floor were covered with engravings from simply beautiful to masterpiece. All this was closed with good, strudy basalt door.
Find fault was not what. Even just a stroll through the local corridors cheered up. Statues and masterpieces on the walls all around. Road to the personal workshop to which you were ascribed, passed by nobles quarter. And what is interesting - their walls are covered with the same masterpieces as in your block! Well, maybe only do they have bigger rooms, but it did not matter much for you. A couple of days you freed from work, giving the opportunity to recover from everything that happened. "Mythic Laziness", by the way, took a fancy by the Mayor and he commanded to set artifact throne in his foster to offer to sit down to newly arrived diplomats. All dwarves you met who have heard about your srtifact greeted and praised.
Sense of self worth so you seized that gait became more graceful, and on your face appeared kinda touch of nobility. You gladly accept praises, showing restrained politeness in return. Finally you were visited with the idea that since you started a new life, then you may want to change the image, cause hairs get in your eyes all the time. Several options came to mind, but can be should simply smooth hair back, soaking with spit?
Manager found you at the end of the third day of idleness:
- Sinsot!
You graciously turned his eyes on him:
- Greetings, Inod Tomolber.
- Hey, yeah ... in short, a royal mandate ... here, keep paper. "Thus decree giving instructions ..." read more ...
You unfurled parchment:
- ... "To make 3 goblets of gold."
- Exactly. "Order given to Sinsot Fernokzam" - recorded. Here is another ... It is necessary to make a couple of chains, but it is not urgent. Just chains for wells in feedthrough places ... so I thought - let it be nice, huh? All right, come on, I should run ...
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/138571276383.jpg)
The idea of change in the image has not found particular response in your head and you decided not to change anything. But there was another idea - to make provocative goblets! Well, maybe not all but one for sure.
You went to work, simultaneously remembering recent events. More than two months you wandered aimlessly and only miraculously did not end up in some gang ambush or paws of nocturnal predators. Yes, in the past you had a decent stealth skill Lately you were a robber in Lodthakomage. Hence dexterity. So you were good in a fight, and owned some weapons. Not professionally, but good enough for a not really lucky adventurer.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/138571280474.jpg)
It was also noteworthy that in the past two full moons neither you nor goose never turned , and hope in this way to get rid of entanglement was not justified. Apparently it was some kind of an unusual infection, involved on syndromes and potions of damn sorcerer.
Making 3 not really notable goblets (except that at the bottom of each anti-government slogans were engraved), you decided to learn about the phases of the moon and went into the courtyard. Before the full moon left less than a week. But you have virtually no doubt in the fact that nothing will happen.
Manager came again:
- Look, I'm ... this ... thought prettier, goblets come out I mean they are beautiful of course ... I mean ... like this ... "Ususual" or something. You just created such especial throne, so I thought that the same would be with goblets.
- In order was "3 goblets" and not "3 unusual goblets."
- Well, so it so, just ... Well now you're a legend, you know? From you all expect "unusual" defaultly. You have own workshop after all.
- Okay, I will take note.
- Well, - Tamolber found the right paper and said something there - Mandate ... Is completed.. Excellent. Now to other matters.
- More business?
- What do you think? You know how much I have orders here? works Botomless bag of . You're then in a special position, of course. No one is goung to exhaust you but you should rest either.
- I'm on break.
- Yes, I see. So tomorrow I'll give you a list of orders. Meanwhile rest.
Rustling papers, the manager went to the next ward.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/138622176594.jpg)
The next few days you were hiding from Tamolber, wandering a meeting in hall and other dining rooms. Special effect from provocative goblets has not happened. It is understandable - more than 250 snouts in the fort, and only 3 goblets. At a pace revolutionary winds begin to blow yet soon.
You have got a bunch of nodding acquaintances while pestered different dwarves with questions about the mayor and King. Overall feelings about the vampire were positive, since as a manager he was nice, and the fortress long ago moved to the "no migrants." Population and so was high (enough), and all newcomers were settled in a separate block, with a sly grin that was called "hunting grounds" of Iden Iteberal. Condition of his residence here was a complete bleeding of victims, no contagious bites and no witnesses. Mayor faithfully adhered to this agreement and had a fair share of honor among the people, given that he was once an ordinary dwarf-bookkeeper until vampire came with the another wave of migrants turned him into his own kind. Bloodsucker was drowned and Iteberal was given a second chance. Since then, 10 years have passed.
With regards to the king, there was all sad too... from the standpoint of the coup ... Udil Dodokod was adored by subjects, occupying the post of chief medical dwarf and the broker, and the free time spent in the fields. Monom Ledisan, his wife, was great engraver and often lost in the new excavations, polishing floors and walls in company of dozen other masters-engravers.
The fortress had exits to the caverns, as well as access to the magma. Adamantine, alas, has not yet been found, but the search took place. Digging up a lot of precious stones, which encrusted various goods for sale. Caravans were also major sources of cheese, meat, leather, fabric and wood. Drink mostly cooked from their own raw materials as well as steel.
Sometimes goblin thieves were caught in the fortress sometimes gangs came 10-30 heads, but all inevitably were crashing ... so far.
Meeting hall suddenly perked up and buzzed like a hive bees of disturbed. Briskly walked across the hall listening to King Dodokod walking after militia commander and manager.
- We need masons, and there is no free - Tamolber delved into papers - We have a big workload to mason shops, all cut blocks, carry stones ... I could release a few for a time ...
Militia commander was gloomy:
- A few here is not enough. We are still building a wall, enclosing an additional perimete, not ...
- That's what! - king stopped, - This is case of first importance and ALL free hands should be involved! This is not about skill. We need masons - then ALL in this room are masons! - He looked around about fifty present dwarves - Goblins are close! ... Huge beast seen in the mountains! ... Encourage you all to quit food and drink, to postpone resting. At this point we all are masons - and me, and the manager, and the commander, and every single one of you! We need this wall and the sooner the better! All heard me! Let's do it!
This looks entertaining, but after the first few posts it became incomprehensible.
Well, I was pretty Lame Translator during first chapters posting, although I got a great help with rewriting later. If it's still a mess, can you please show most annoying pieces? Also right, some pictures are missing. Gonna find which and fix ASAP.
UPD: 9th thread is lost entirely as I see. If any other picture also missing-please tell me using PM or here.
UPD2: Got 9th thread pictures fixed, enjoy.
Now, more of a story!
20th thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/124765.html)
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/13952148731.jpg)
It was the middle of autumn. Everything was bad. After the moose very inopportunely goblins came and did real massacre in the Mountain Home. Militia was torn to shreds, workers were killed with hooting and laughter. Remains of the survivors were hunted down through the tunnels and collected to cages to arrange a hunting later. Eventually all of them were hassled one way or another. They feasted and chased the dwarves, whipped and tortured to death bearded children and kittens. You were the last. You were tied to a pole and raised for to roast in the sun to feed the vultures, of which there were many in the area, because goblins dit not remove corpses after the battle. That's your turn to face death. Over there in the distance elven rooks have appeared. If goblins spare the caravan, then eared will spread news about the destroyed Mountain Home and it will be erased from the maps. That's over now.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/139521491414.jpg)
Months spent in the community of elves changed your outlook on life. Now you were enjoying the smooth passage of time, the birds singing and leaves on the branches. Everything around was perfect and you loved every living creature of this world. You sang songs around the campfire during stops, gathered berries, mushrooms and thanked every bush for its gifts and bounty of nature. You lived in peace with yourself and in harmony with the surrounding reality.
You were sitting, legs put on board of rook traveling to the human city on the island, and smoking. In the sky triple rainbow was visible on which a capybara was sitting, smiling and winking at you. A flock of vultures was flying in circles ahead. Perhaps they have some kind of celebration.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/139531421346.jpg)
Once you have started to think that strange voices in your head finally ceased and life began to improve as again under the vault of the skull crazy ideas begun to sound. You jumped up, dropped hookah, took a knife and shaved head bald. Gotta cook blue berry urgently. But there is no some. You have decided to postpone it for later.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/139531425695.jpg)
Ahead some pillars rose with dwarves on them. Upon looking you learned in one of them escaped Sinsot. Suddenly field appeared in your eyes. Around dwarves were sleeping. Birds were twittering. Blue sun was glad for the capybara, who got some. From behind anxious cries of elves could be heard. Someone shouted "Fire!". But that was not important - pulling mules were stopped by goblin who approached and addressed to you.
- What the hell, dwarf? Why are you in the elven wagon? why it is burning at all?
You took a deep breath and began to speak:
- Dwarfalo soldier, - You clicked your fingers,
Dreadlock minsta...
- Oh I know this song! Keep it up: Get the fuck out of heeere... Fucking potheads.
You remembered that you need a guitar and turned around in search of AngrySpoon. But it was not there. Nothing was to be seen. Just smoke and fire. What a dull place.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/139867426595.jpg)
After butchering corpses, you strapped with guts boards wreckage to your hands and feet as additional armor. Wrapped hands with guts and left ends hang. At the belt you put flayed skull. Behind the back you attached severed hands to dangle like your own. Also punched few chips in dead faces skin and fitted a pair of eyes. Doing the same thing with Ivety you plastered both with blood, in order to bring image to complete nightmare.
Now, armed with cutting utensils you moved into the corridor with heart-rending howls.
Ivety was terribly unnerved with this all, and she cried bitterly, waving weapons, and you yelled something terrible, then laughed angrily to intimidate all who stood in the way.
Goblins were shocked. They slowly were coming out of the rooms, to look at the source of the sounds, and seeing it they turned to flee. After wandering through the floors, you and companion after a while ousted all the greenskins to the surface. Where they crowded, loudly discussing the situation.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/139867465265.jpg)
And as soon as the two of you appeared there , the entire squad of goblins retreated in panic, sparkling heels and swearing.
View around was dismal: wagons were broken, all caravanners were dead. It is unclear why you and Ivety were the only survivors , seems Armok has other plans about you. Ivety was all miserable, realizing that no one else left, and fell to the ground sobbing. You didn't really care much but little sorry there is no transport.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140114212495.jpg)
Year passed after reclaim of the fortress. Goblins did not return but migrants came. Seven at one wave, twelve more in next. Life slowly began to set up, and the fortress got back to live again. There were a lot of goods, even more free rooms, so the main activities were mainly funerals at first. Despite all the traditional bureaucratic procedures you immediately declared yourself the King and engaged exclusively in intellectual work, in other words surveillance and regulation.
Sinsot snatched any work that needs to be done, inspiring others. Thus soon defensive wall was repaired and completed, debris were cleared, corpses were removed and buried, warehouses were moved underground, farming was established.
Ivety began cooking and managing the hospital. Gradually her grief subsided, new acquaintances and activities ousted bad thoughts and she seems to come back to normal.
Couple migrants from Arol Iton brought news that King Ang Zelerkadan married his first counselor Kisat Vellokum and doted on her.
Trading with a couple of caravans was successful. Attack by pack of wild dingoes was repulsed.
The gamemaster known as CoOP recently posted that he's about to make big changes in his real life so he'll barely have time for working with Likot story. Thus, it's waiting for new master or something such to happen.
thanks for update alex
Hey, it's a pleasure to get one more. And here comes thread 21 (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/126885.html).
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(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14019063069.jpg)
You woke up SUDDENLY not at your bedchamber but right at your workplace. Royal life is not as hard as a miner's or soapmaker's but no less tedious. After spending hours of intense thinking on the fate of the fortress you conquered and rebuilt, you do not notice how you fell asleep right on the throne.
Also are we at least sitting on throne by Sinsot?
Opening your eyes, you realized that you legs are numb and ass hurts from sitting too long on the artifact diorite thorns. But you are not in a hurry to get off this wonderful throne, which brings you only the only good thoughts all those weeks and months that you spent on it. Sitting on thorns gave you some strange non-dwarfish pleasure that can not be compared with anything else that you have ever experienced.
it's time for mandates!
Make super-deep bunker with adamantine walls, in case of a new parish of goblins or someone worse
Oh yeah. It seems this is what you were pondering just before going to sleep. You even started to emerge further action plan, which should begin with the unsealing of caves, passages in which were walled up immediately after your accession.
I suggest to select and prepare the squad of badasses and go into the depths of the caves.
After unsealing caves, you intend to dispatch scouts to find a suitable place for your bunker, and looki for any traces of adamantine, so necessary for the creating of your megaproject. Although, you will personally head the the group and will select yourself four dwarves in assistance, it's good you have enough people in subjection so far.
But it's all the projects. It's time to get back to routine matters.
Send Kisat private message like this: "And I am - the king, and you keep fucking with old farts. Thief, liar, not virgin."
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140190634921.jpg)
First, you decide to start establish contacts with neighboring rulers, writing a letter to Kisat in Arol-Iton.
Dear Kisat.
Two years have passed since we last met. I think you have not forgotten me and those stormy nights that I gave you. But even if this is not the case, then believe me, since then things have changed. I am now the king. Can you imagine what irony? You could be with me and be my queen, if you didn't leave to your old fart Zelerkadan. What did you see in him? They say you have a real love there, huh? Or is it our wand did work? Haha, okay, you don't need to worry, I didn't reveal nobody our little secret. I'm not going to do it, if you will write me letters more often here in Akrulaban. Who knows, maybe we will succeed sooner or later, to bring together the two houses and build a powerful allied kingdom. How do you like this idea? Waiting for an answer.
King Likot Udend...
... And then you stopped. King Likot SoapEater sounds somehow undignified and not treated like royalty. You have long been wondered about the ternary name, but only now it is time to determine it. Tradition requires that you given from your own compatriots, but they still have not done it for some reason. It may be worth to push your wards to make this decision and hint what name you will like most. First need to come up with the triple name.
And also letter lacks seal. You simply have no seal, no family crest, which could be depicted at this seal. This also must be rectified urgently. Of course, Kisat - smarty bitch and will not be fooled by any triple names with seals and crests, but since you called the king, accordingly, the royal paraphernalia must be respected.
Satisfied by your letter, you took the cup from the table and returned to the throne. Sipping liquor, you nearly choked - those bastards again poured into a cup plump helmet wine which you can not stand and ordered not to pour you anymore. Received a bad thought, you in anger splashed wine on the floor, and then got even worse thought. Your crown just climbed on forehead from what you've seen on the bottom of the cup.
It was written: "King - the patron of vampires. Sabotage"
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140202321187.jpg)
You ordered to Sinsot come to your office, sending after him tramp steeping nearby.
- You wanted to see me, my lord? - voice sounded twenty minutes later from the door. Sinsot always was very polite with you and loyal to you, and, as you thought during last year of rebuilding the fortress, he was the most loyal of its entire population. So who else you can entrust your most important cases, if not him.
- Yeah, come in. - You said - I have for you a few cases. Say, have you ever seen cups like this? - You gave cup with a provocative inscription to Sinsot.
Yes, I saw it. - Sinsot said, pausing a moment in confusion - There are two exactly the same, and half a dozen similar. Left from the very moment of fall of the fortress of the former king.
- And you did not notice anything unusual in them? - You asked his with insinuating voice.
- At the bottom of some of these cups scrawled some anti-government nonsense. If you got one of these, my lord, just do not take to heart, I just will erase all the inscriptions.
Sinsot became very calm and it was very unlikely that he ever guilty of something or writings is his work.
- Yes, erase. - Told you - You should have do this at the time when you found these cups. And another. Now you'll be my sheriff. I need you to investigate who was the author of these messages and to whom they were addressed.
- As you say, my lord. - Sinsot said smiling.
- Yes, and tell Morul she must make you a service crossbow. Take bolts from stockpiles.
- As you say, my lord. - the blacksmith said, waited a moment and asked - Is it all for me?
-No, look here.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140202328037.jpg)
You took out a piece with a sketch of your coat of arms and showed it to Sinsot:
- I need like this a seal. Do it bronze or silver. If there is excess gold, it is better to use it.
- What's that, your coat of arms, my lord?
- Yes. I want stamp by tomorrow.
- Will do. Anything else?
- A hundred wooden cups. Had to be ready by yesterday morning. Where are they?
- Excuse me - Sinsot raised an eyebrow in surprise - did you give a mandate to someone in person and did not let me know? In my journal there are no wooden cups. - Sinsot defiantly reached inside his jacket for his managerial journal, where he thoroughly records all your whims.
- Well, add! Not a hundred but three cups. I give a week, let it also will be by Morul.
- Ok, will be done. That's all?
- No. One more thing. Here, read. - You reached to Sinsot another paper, this time with the text.
- Mosos
Saramkurig
Unkilkob
Delerottan
Num Ubenonol
Uthar Omtalr
Oninoa (t. n. Tragedy, GreatGoose, ThrallSpoon, SteelMind, Storm SoapMountain, First Amethyst) - he read aloud - Oh, my lord, but now you write poetry! Commendable. I really do not understand a shit, but ...
- You fool! This is not poetry, this is my new last names. In honor of the anniversary of the capture of the fortress a triple name must be given to me, I want my subjects themselves to choose it. Simply ask everyone, let everyone choose their favorite two.
- As you wish.
- That's all. You can go.
____________________
WTF happened to AngrySpoon? Was it carried here by some undrground river or what?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140221513536.jpg)
Sent away Sinsot, you got back on your throne and began to remember the old days. Now for some reason you recalled the episode with your AngrySpoon, which occurred at a time when you only claimed Akrulaban. The first time you had to eat only pasturage and what was found in the destroyed rooks and in the nooks of the fortress. Once you've wandered in search of food to a burnt wagon at which you recently arrived themselves here. Among the coals you found charred stump of AngrySpoon that was once so dear to you. You remembered that you yourself put the spoon into the wagon before leaving from adamantine mines and happily forgot about it, lost for weeks in the world of happiness and rainbow capybaras.
Later, after the first wave of migrants, when life began to slowly walk uphill you and Sinsot repaired magma pump and reopened the forges. Sinsot smelted bronze tube in the size of the former shaft of spoon and made for it bronze tip shaped as head of goose. By bringing it together with the stump cleaned of ash and residues from of its former tuning, you have restored AngrySpoon, which you now use both as a royal scepter and as a hammer to punish misbehaving ones.
Turned out to be a glorious year, you thought and slowly fell asleep again. Spikes of Latongazot Mythic Laziness, abuting into your buttocks, began to waft sweet dreams and take you away from everyday hustle and bustle.
Now you are Sinsot.
You came out of the hall of this dork in the crown, which is likely to have fallen asleep under the influence of an artifact. Without waiting to hear the loud snoring from behind the door, you've headed to work.
You like this fortress, you like your new position in it. Being a manager, you are, in fact, is the real ruler of the fortress, as there was neither the mayor nor the barons and the sleeping king was under your control and demanded a rare fulfill of his mandates.
Today you had only three new mandates: seal, crossbow and wooden cups. Visited Morul and unloaded on her part of the order, you went to the smithy and engraved royal seal of the remaining piece of gold.
Once you're finished, you checked how goes the reconstruction of the wall, yelled at idlers and ordered them to get to work. Then distributed to everyone the list of Likot's names and told to decide and vote to choose two of them.
When there were no more current affairs, you opened your journal, where you began to fill the dossier on the inhabitants of the fortress. You managed to get around only half the population and have to be interviewed about the same.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14022153584.png)
(T.N. Sorry, but I won't start translating the entire spreadsheet. It describes charasters a you can see. No sense to translate it until it's filled. Ask me for anything certain to translate, it's not a problem ofc)
A bit of MMO-interactive from first GM
As you can see, I'm lazy one and didn't manage to make up 20 new charasters in single move. So I speak to you and offer you to join and fill the spreadsheet. Each complete charaster created will come up in game and will be as playable as Sinsot and Likot. And yes, new charasters will have permadeath and no chance of miraculous-rescue-from-under-cavein, so be careful with fucking the sand and sacrifices to Armok. And remember to roleplay.
____________________
So don't waste time, make a charaster to appear in this story!
Oh, it's a big damn update. I'm really tired of typing it.
__________________
Check this first
This is translated picture with all the charasters related to game at actual moment. Hell to translate, but here it is. Take a note that you can make a request for action or few action for any charaster who listed as playable. Have fun reading dossiers lol. Legend of spreedsheet is below.
(http://s30.postimg.org/pyn0esusx/image.png)
You walked again to all inhabitants of the fortress and collected detailed dossier on each to choose of them later candidates for exploring of the caves.
Conducting a survey with Sedil, who was appointed as chaplain by the king Likot almost immediately after she moved here, you were extremely surprised and alarmed when she assured you that she is 97 years old. She did not look like hundred years old woman and looked even younger even Ivety. And also she is indifferent to drinks. You already started to feel definite guesses, but so far you decided to wait and watch her.
Next you had to hold unpleasant dialogue with Okbod and Tarem from who you figuratively had to pull information with pliers. Incidentally, you were already thinking to grab pliers for real, but thank Armok, didn't have to.
But the effeminate type, calling himself Vuteny, was vice versa talkative up to disgust. You heard from him a bunch of nonsense of all kinds about how he flew on the dragons, how he was kidnapped by spiders, with whom he became friends, that his mother is actually elf, and he himself is dvelf. Delusional of his stories then was confirmed by Ivety, telling that actual dvelfs are born blind paralytics and die in infancy.
By the way, majority of respondentss responded positively about the elves, four of them even stated that they like the elves. You were slightly surprised too. While on the other hand, it would be even more surprising to find elfhaters living with Ivety in the same fortress.
Origin was very different for everyone, many have chosen to keep silent about it. Many identified themselves as travelers and retired adventurers, though some of them were not really like wanderers and felt perfectly with settled life. Regarding religion, the majority favored Armok, although there were also worshippers of other faiths. You counted eight gods in total in the pantheon of Akrulaban: Armok, As, Taron, Reg, Figul, Dumat, Asen and Baros.
When finished with the survey you all convened in the meeting hall. Without waiting for Ivety, Boton and Tarem, who for some reason did not attend, you have declared the vote for the new name of the king. According to the results of voting two of the best names will be chosen.
Sinsot (current charaster will come in the begin of post in green like this)
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140251201593.jpg)
Voting started. you let sheet with the names by a circle to all present.
Atil expressed first, picking something on the table:
- S-Saramkurig and Num Ubenonol? That's it.
Next Urist voted just the same.
Okbod did not read carefully and stated that Mosos fits best to King, and offered to bet a barrel of Sunshine. Nasod supported him and chose Mosos too, shooting a couple of stinging words about His Sleepy Majesty. Ast start slowly read the list aloud, and, when she reached the last name, Gratin interjected, standing in the doorway:
- Oh, Utar Omtalr! I think Omtalr is perfect for our king. Liberator! Freedom! Sounds like something, eh? How much in this word for my ears, ah-ah ... - he coughed and juicy spitted sniff toward the hallway - It is for the sake of Freedom King restricted the use of cave silk and requested the same silk shirt for himself, huh? Well exactly Liberator!
Sheet was handed to Bim who was silent until this second like the ghost of a mammoth. She raised her hand and said:
- Nothing in this list fits to him - plump Bim said softly, puffing her nose, removing stuck sweaty strand of hair from her forehead. - But if there is no other option, then so be Utar Omtalr. In any case I'll be glad to give the crown to the King with the new symbol of the Fortress.
When it was the turn Itdun Sedil, she abstained from the vote, saying that all is in will of Armok.
List got to Shasad, she ran through with her eyes, thought for a moment, stood up and issued:
"Saramkuring, i think
And he forever be our king,
The second name Delerottan,
The ale in jugs will never end."
Sheet passed to you. You did not really want to vote, and did not like at all this idiotic idea with the names.
You were more worried about how the inhabitants of the fortress with each passing day listened more to Shasad and literally watch her mouth. Almost all of the male population counts as her admirers. And so it continued for more than three months, and the further - the worse. Once she already made a proposal to arrange a mayoral election. Thank God back then you managed to hush up this venture, since for election of the mayor fortress should have at least fifty settlers, and even more so, in the fortress there is a king, performing its functions. But the fortress will grow. Another couple of seasons - and the election will not be avoided. And you won't handle dealing with fifty dwarves, twenty you have now - already too much.
You awakened from your reverie with roar of Birut:
- Uh! Hold it! - He slammed his hand down on the table in front of you, where a second ago leaflet was lying.
You have not noticed how llama thoughtfully came to you from behind, and then quickly grabbed it and chewed.
- What the hell? - you roared - Who let this cattle here? Sodel, lazy fuck! Get that thing out of sight! And lock down the stall, I warn you the last time! Move!
You caught on yourself a few disgruntled views. Fortress dwarves for some reason saw Libash as equal member of the fortress and did not understand when you ordered to milk or shear it.
Further balloting proceeded by the memory. And memory of all stopped only at rhyme of Shasad and all further voting chose Saramkurig Delerottan. So the sheet, in general, was needed no more. With the majority of votes Saramkurig won, in second place, thanks to poetry, Delerottan.
- Hear that beautiful? - Gratin blurted - I have a verse too! Listening here:
"Now, my king Delerottan,
bring my jug of ale for fun!" Ahhaha!
You banished jester and declared the meeting closed. Sodel soon returned, whom for atonement you then sent to the pump to pump water into the well.
The next day king Likot summoned you again...
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140276933351.jpg)
Appearing to the throne, you graciously reported to King about the work done, gave him a new stamp and told his new surname - king Likot Ubendeb Saramkurig Delerottan. King Likot was satisfied, finished the letter, sealed and handed to you, saying that it is addressed in Kisat Vellokum in Arol Iton. How urgently and in what way it must be delivered it, he did not tell.
Then you gave him previously rewritten in a separate log dossiers for the residents of the fortress. King Likot appreciated your efforts and told to leave, what you actually did in hurry. Waiting up behind the door gor the royal snoring, you again took off mask of faithful servant and became manager Sinsot. If the king will not wake for no reason, the line-up of suicidal expedition will be determined very not soon, and your subjects have a chance to live longer.
Without thinking, you went to go about their routine affairs...
Libash
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140276939676.jpg)
While dwarves doing routine, trapping you in the stall, you spend time quite well with a neighbor-goose. Kivish is a much better companion than all the dwarfs, elves, dwelvs and everyone who hell brought in this fortress. Although you both can't talk, you get along just fine and understand each other without words. If in the world can exist friendship between women and friendship between animals, then your relationship could be described that way, you became friends with her in the migration caravan.
You very disliked living in a stall for many reasons. First, you considered yourself a full-fledged citizen of the fortress , though for that you had to use the documents of former owner. Secondly, light is never lit here, and you are not a dwarf of some sort to live in the darkness. And thirdly, food and water. They were just disgusting here, flabby stubble and quickly blooming water - no llama will stoop to eat this stuff! Different case - food stores and clean well water. Due to the elf lived with shorties vegetables and other plant foods were always available here, and well buckets were often already filled with water, so that the lack of hands did not stop you to get clean well water.
Sodel tasked with watching you almost from the moment you arrive, you to have caused much less warm feelings than neighbor. This poor really does not learn anything. He still does not know that you are able to leave the paddock, just leaning over the fence and pushing the latch. Also he still did not learn to corny close the doors behind him, not to mention the fact that they can be locked. Poor fellow.
Before leaving Sodel grumbled about something, and even though you did not understand the dwarvish, you could make out individual words, something like "Cattle ... Sinsot ... Water ... Well ...", which was enough to realize that Farmer was extremely dissatisfied with the manager and his new attitude to water and wells. Maybe he was banned from drinking booze, and now he's on a water diet? Or he was punished and forced to dig a new well?..
However, problems of Sodel worried you very little. He's gone, and this is important. Saying goodbye to Kivish and promised her that you certainly will come back, you with habitual movement of lips moved the door latch and left the stall.
Use your analytical abilities and memory to remember the road from the meeting hall to stall. In particular, interested in entrances to vital parts of the fortress - the hospital, dining room, well, the throne room at the end of it all.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140276944332.jpg)
Although you considered themselves akrulabanian, analytical abilities and clairvoyance of dwarves weren't given to you. Have to rely solely on your senses.
Your area was not residential. Stalls were near the weaving and (oh god!) Butcher shops. There were also stores with what was extracted from innocent little animals: rags, thread and soap. A little further a well was located, next to which was a hospital and store clothes. Throne room, dining room, meeting room and buffets were floors above. At the top were underground farms, where you can pull tops, if there is nothing left for you edible in the stockpiles.
Now you were not hungry, but a little thirsty. You looked around and listened. Neither Sinsot nor Sodel , fortunately, were not here. Far away along the corridor Birut was hauling a box somewhere. Right at the well Ast was spending her break with her son, who was carving something intently . Quite nearby Gratin was bouncing at loom periodically coughing hysterically. Like that's all. Although wait. Sniffing, you felt weak noticeable smell of miasma from the hospital somewhere. Perhaps someone died there, but is it really that important to you?
I suggest to go and eat Likot by llama (a decent end for a decent dwarf), and put on a beard of hay and sit on the throne in his stead.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140292124051.jpg)
So, your quest for today - eat the king. Or at least try, what he tastes like, given that you are herbivorous, and so much food in one fell swoop you won't handle.
To achieve the goal, you will need:
1. Put on beard of hay.
2. Help Birut with bins hauling.
3. Play with the boy and ingratiate himself with his mother.
4. Go visit the hospital and leave the door open to spread miasma sooner.
5. Play Lassie's role and lead some help to a corpse.
Following these steps should help you get to the throne of the king and eat him. Yes, you have never lied yourself and you understood well that your logic is very bad, but the plan for today seem to you quite acceptable. Well, better then come back to stall, after all.
The first thing you do is disguise. You needed to be incognito and beard in bearded fortress was the best option. You took two bundles of hay and crafted of them false beard and mustache. Beard turned out forked - excellent! Nobody will notice way you take a seat on the throne of Likot!
On the way to Birut you faced Nasod who was muttering. "Sinsot ... Rum ... Tarem ... You can not ..." - you could barely make out with your knowledge of the language and her slurred speech. Probably Nasod and Tarem joined forced abstainers society, devil knows them all...
You have managed to make it clear for Birut you want to help him in his work, but your idea left off after the first box. Goblin knows what was so heavy in those boxes, but that was obviously not rags and soap. Moreover, you decided to immediately withdraw when you noticed how Gratin left his workshop. He was holding horse blanket of your size, and most likely woven of your own hair, and silly giggling. Fortunately, he did not notice you first, and you managed to avoid him.
When you have reached the well, you remembered why you never before even thought to play with this fiend that called Sibrek. Kid intently and with zeal sharpened with brick beak of dead partridge, which is likely he himself caught and killed. Right next on the cold floor nearly the same half-wild mother of Sibrek sat, indifferently watchiing the atrocities of his child. Creep into the confidence of this couple? Come on. With greater success, you can creep into the confidence of Sinsot.
Had to punish petty devil with sobering breath of miasma. You came to the door of the hospital and pushed her. The door was unlocked and opened inwards, so that through the doorway soon clouds of terrible gas flooded. You haven't got a bad thought of the miasma, on the contrary, it is something reminded you of your childhood.
Inside someone was moaning. It is time for heroic rescue of suffering, you thought it was, but suddenly groan fell silent. Moments later through the ominous silence of the mist miasma terrifyingly creepy laughter came, which made even you feel uneasy, even though you were only llama,
In the hospital, someone began to move ...
After a year in fortress it's time for at least somebody to craft some artifact.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140292128715.jpg)
Strange mood caught up Boton Rigotritlut not at the perfect time. it was third week since his old gangrene in his armpit opened, which caused him terrible pain all the time. Days and nights he spent alone in the cloud of miasma exuding by himself, which only became stronger with each passing day, and which he had to breathe all the time. It is only elfess occasionally visited Boton, but she disappeared too when she ran out of herbal lotion for the old man.
Nobody liked Boton. He was considered lazy and malingerer, forgetting somehow about his age significant even by dwarven standards. He was regarded as a liar, because he talked a lot, but could not keep promises. He had no friends.
Unknown where the old dwarf got a knife in the hospital, but he was holding it when hobbled toward the exit. Boton's eyes were highly rolled back, and from the larynx evil cackle was heard.
It's terrible.
Make a request for charasters, beards, don't miss the fun!
Beware of miasma!
______________________
Libash
Regarding Libash, asshole unlikely will rush on her - maybe she considers herself a dwarf, but no one knows. And fell and macabre moods traditionally require exactly dwarven parts. Remembering the secret techniques of llama-Fu and with double rolling spit with a turning send closest one to knockdown.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140310098770.jpg)
Hoping that you are not so resident of fortress, you engaged in battle with fellmuded. You've never knew llama-Fu, so spit turned out not twisted, but most usual you can. Boton didn't even blink, he wiped and moved straight to you.
We are considered a resident - and therefore under threat transformation into an artifact. Fighting is futile.
God knows whether a beard you have turned out too realistic, or you actually are resident of Akrulaban, but Boton seriously determined to make an artifact of you, and that was very inappropriate for you. You evaluated the situation and undertook a tactical retreat behind the backs woman and child.
Move south, hoping that Boton will mess with child or mommy. If he'll kill little snake - mother will fly off the rails and either would kill Boton or die herself. If he attacks mummy - lil piece will not last long himself . Finish off two or three problems in one fell swoop.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140310102576.jpg)
You moved away from possessed jogging, hoping he will switch to dwarfess, or better yet - on abominable Sibrek. With averted vision at the end of the corridor you saw Okbod, dropping goods and rushing towards you, loading crossbow on the run . Apparently, he was attracted by the sounds of strange fuss and devil laughter. But he will be late.
On your luck, distraction trick worked, and when the distance up to you to has become more than the distance to the Ast, Boton switched to her. Dwarfess sobbed and screamed , but for no conceivable reason, remained sitting on the ground, rooted to the spot, and only helplessly covered self with hands.
You watched from behind a corner at a safe distance how Boton was inexorably approaching mother. Suddenly from under your belly sounded:
- Boton should wash should at least once a quarter, you see, even llama is not tempted, he-he. - Gratin joked for himself, watching incident just as you from behind a corner.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140310106084.gif)
It all happened in seconds. Mug of unsuspecting Boton firmly met brick, flying at it, and it said goodbye to most of the already rare teeth. Stunned glassmaker in bewilderment pulled flayed lip and passed off, dropping the dagger and falling on his back. Almost simultaneously with the fall, Sibrek landed on the head of Boton, armed with sharpened partridge. Bird came into the orbit of the old man with the head and released a stream of warm blood from there. Boton jerked and at the same second stopped breathing.
- Oh, you little bastard ! - Okbod roared, finally run up to the site of the incident. - You're in trouble, lad, you just fucking don't even realize how much you're in trouble! - And, pointing a crossbow at the child, continued to swear loudly.
You and Gratin looked at each other and continued to watch the action neutrally from the distance. Ast hysterically shouted something unintelligible and fell to the floor, pleadingly drabbing the heel of Okbod, who was threatening to shoot her son, sitting motionless over the bleeding corpse of an old man.
Now noise will gather all the fortress, you thought.
Oh, something will happen ...
in case of gif animation brokeness try here (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140310106084.gif)
Libash
Atil - beekeeper furtively wiped away a tear and promised to name favorite bumblebee in honor of the glassmaker.
Clothier stroked llama and, taking poncho for Libash, went closer to the corpse of a glassmaker in order to cover him and not let miasma spread across the fortress.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140336153120.jpg)
Gratin stroked you and, picking up your poncho, went to Boton to cover the corpse. Soon the turmoil began to attract inhabitants of the fortress.
- Whattup? Killing anyone, ya? - Nasod who was hunging out nearby came first. Okbod pointed a finger at the corpse, so dwarfess strained brain herself and tried to guess what happened here - What's that? Already killed? Ah, well I see, whaaa.
Birut was second, who reacted to romp, but as soon as he walked thirty paces , sensing miasm, immediately stopped and turned toward Sinsot's office. He will be more useful as a messenger, rather than as a simple onlooker, and Birut knew it himself.
Next Atil and Bim came.
- Oh, now I know whose figure to carve next, - Bim said quietly, seeing the body. When Atil lifted the blanket to witness the corpse, Bim fearfully exhaled. - Oh, God! Oh my God Baros! What is happening? - Bim whispered when she saw the face of Boton under the poncho, and closed her eyes with hands, and started nervously puffing.
- P-poor Boton. - Atil said - Why did they do it to you?
Okbod briefed to those who came, what he saw here, starting from the sinister laughter from the hospital to the time when Ast with tooth and nails begun to pull out her son-sadistic from Okbod. Gratin, lost his everyday smiling, only confirmed that all was like he said, refraining from "hilarious" comments.
- A-a-a-and-in-fact we had come at the same time, r-remember, Okbod? - Atil began to recall - And got along very well. W-we together buried corpses. M. .. many corpses. And Boton helped us whenever he could. Yes, he had a strangeness, but w-why he had been treated so badly ...
Atil wiped avaricious tear and said:
- I'll call in memory of you of my favourite bumblebee, B-Boton Rig-gotritlut. Rest in peace, kind dwarf. - And lowered the blanket.
Appear at the scene. Assess the situation and glorify Armok who took back the blood given.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140336159644.jpg)
Finally, at the scene of the tragedy chaplainess appeared. She said a prayer for the repose of the deceased and the forgiveness of sins, held a small ceremony and stated that she needs to take the body to prepare for the funeral. Okbod suspected something and interjected:
- You see, madam, do not suck dry our Boton! He's already, you see, really skinny, nothing to look at! - Almost the whole fortress heard of an age that the priestess said to Sinsot during the census, and Okbod was no exception.
To which Sedil answered calmly:
- You shouldn't talk like that about Armok's anointed, and speak of the dead, my son. And we should not backbite about my age, Okbod, and then once again you will not incur the wrath of God. Long youth given by the most zealous adherence to the precepts of Armok and fasting, which I just devoted my life from infancy. And I do not drink blood. And the blood of the dead and the blood from the ground even vampires don't drink, so you will know. And's your poisonous tongue will poison someday thyself, dwarf, remember my word.
You did not watch too much on further development of sutuation. Dwarves sort of agreed to give the body to Sedil after she read notation to Okbod. She said a lot of obscure words and shorts like "Armok ... Okbod ... blood ... drink ..." does not tell you anything.
You decided to return to the corral before Birut will bring to the scene Sinsot or Sodel suddenly come back from the water pump. Oh screw them dwarves that no day is any trouble ...
In stall Kivish met you, who you told to what you saw today. Together you become lamenting about how terrifying to live is in this terrible world...
Likot
Slap that little c**t with wooden warhammer, then imprison in cell with golden statues and gorgeous sporty bed of colored wood. Such awesome potential champion should not be allowed to die.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140346206274.jpg)
SUDDENLY you were woken up by crowd of dwarves who broke into your office. These serfs did not even bother to knock on the door, and cut short your dream just at that moment, as you sank into a warm geyser embrasing three swarthy elfesses.
- Who taught you to knock? - You grumbled, trying to focus the image and blinking.
- We knocked, my lord. - Sinsot said. - Lots of knocking. And loudly. We have already thought to see if you went to sleep in your bedroom.
- So you would wake me up anyway, I understand you correctly? And is it matter that I here sort of a king?
- My lord, the case is urgent! - Sinsot brought Sibrek in front of you. - This boy heroically saved his mother from killing. But not without casualties, we lost old Boton, peace to his blood. He died by the hands of Sibrek when tried to kill his mother.
- Hmm. With what reason would Boton want to kill someone? You're not telling me something.
- Well ... - Sinsot shrugged. - Boton happened to catch in a strange mood. In its macabre form.
- And you dare to touch him in this state? You deprived fortress of the artifact! And the legendary craftsdwarf! Are you insane?
- Yes, from a pragmatic point of view, we have lost a lot for the fortress. And strange mood of the victim is an aggravating circumstance for the slayer. But there are extenuating circumstances! Judge for yourself, my lord: first Sibrek's age is too small, and secondly, he has a mother who has no relatives apart. Anyway, he gives hope in the future to become a formidable warrior.
- What do you want from me? - You grumbled.
- Residents of the fortress require the royal court. My opinion, as sheriff, is not completely satisfiying for all, everyone has their own opinion. So the only true opinion is from king.
Well, well ... you woke up in broad daylight, not given to catch a breath and demanded to speak judgment on the case, which you literally just heard of.
Well, okay. You'll show them why you wear the crown...
Likot
Justice of King Solomon! Keep order to cut kid at waist level until all unanimously choose what to do with him.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140372225644.jpg)
- Don't know what to do? Just cut him in two parts, praise and reward the upper half, and put the bottom in a cage. - You said sarcastically.
- My lord, this will not work. If you don't want to make a decision yourself, you'd better hack him to death. And then all of us for the company, - Sinsot irreverently said.
- Oh, is it so? - You outraged. - Well, you will have a court. Bring my table and a wig, here be the court!
After some preparations hearing was declared open. First the witnesses from the prosecution were listened, namely Gratin and Birut, then - from the defense, of which spoke Ast and Vuteny. Vuteny was not a direct witness, but he gave a very positive characteristic of Sibrek and justified him in every way during the trial.
After weighing the pros and cons, you found out that the murder was committed by minor with motif of self-defense and defense of the only relative, however, aggravated by particular brutality and intentional interruption of strange mood. On this basis it was decided:
1. Punish Ast as trustee of murderer by forced removal of Sibrek from her by providing him private apartments (which were aplently in your fortress) and move him there. Appoint new trustees from the fortress soldiery under the responsibility of Sinsot.
2. Make hammer of feathertree and sentence boy with three hits.
3. Appoint suspended sentence until reaching adulthood. And put a good chain in the room of Sibrek so that he won't forget that he is a convict.
4. Two years later, send Sibrek in individual squad "Deadly Partridges"
5. Make Ast develop glass-craft instead of Boton.
To the last decision Sinsot reasonably objected that Ast is the only fortress professional farmer at full employment, and a distraction her from work may sooner or later leave the fortress without alcohol. In addition, her glass crafts will not be needed and only greatly reduce the average quality of the goods. Bim is several times more experienced than Boton and easily can handle it alone, especially in view of the statement that Boton almost never worked in the field.
Sentence was announced and the meeting was adjourned.
The first time in quite a long time you lifted your ass off the throne and decided to walk on your domain. Number of accumulated thoughts, crushing the skull from inside outweighed the magic of Latongazot, and you dived into work.
Ivety showed unexpected for her irresponsibility and demanded personal awareness conversation. But first she must be found.
You must choose four to join your personal Guard for exploring of the caves.
In addition, it was necessary to choose at least another two for sending as a caravan to Ladtakomage. It is necessary to sell there at least part of the accumulated jewelry that Bim, Urdim and Bembul produced in excessive amounts.
By the way yes, Bembul ... you finally remembered where you previously saw this jerk. However, then he did not have a scar from axe across the entire face, apparently, he had annoyed not only you. Might be worth to take care of him first?
Or is it better to work on a makeover, redesign and accelerate the construction of the external walls, take care of the automation of water and magma pumps or simply engrave all the walls to avoid further occurrence of fell-mooded?
Likot
Look at the llama. Look long at the llama. Tell her about the benefits she brings to the fortress
Tame llama so her would not be slaughtered.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140407602721.jpg)
Pacing the floor, where the incident occurred with fell-mooded, you remember, how at the trial witnesses mentioned llama, which first had to take the blow of Boton. It is necessary to take a closer look at her. Fells never attacked anyone but dwarves. Maybe the gods do not consider Libash a simple animal?
When you saw Libash you were just fascinated by this graceful animal. Especially you were amazed by llama's beard that looked almost like yours! You have decided to tame llama at any cost, no, it was not enough! You have declared Libash a full-fledged resident of the fortress and appointed her interim champion, until Sibrek turns twelve. Then you brought her into the room next to the room of Sibrek, and declared that this room is now owned by llama.
Yes. Now it's right. Armok has not deprived Libash with attention, therefore you should not deprive.
Libash was surprised by the new state of affairs, but without long hesitation, agreed to become your pet. Yet she tried to persuade you to move Kivish to her new appartment, but since your linguistic intuition did not go to any comparison with the abilities of Libash, you have not understood her at all and left it at that.
See Ivety the surgeon, well and check how she got accustomed in the fortress.
Decide something about elfess
Surely everyone knows that Likot fucks elfess.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140407617190.jpg)
- Shitty ... - Ivety answered the question of Okbod "How are you?".
Other than "shitty", however, she did not respond to such questions. After all life with dwarves for elf isn't the story of Snow White visiting gnomes. Dwarven fortress made from the once carefree and naive Ivety gloomy and unwelcoming long-eared creature, apparently still resembling elfess, but in her heart she became harsher than most of dwarves.
Ivety learned to drink. Worth noting that she drank at times less than\kid Sibrek, but she was getting enough. Elf girl tried to feel the line and in any case always carried a few herbs from intoxication. But when in the fortress parties and banquets occurred, in which Ivety always been involved, that's when she took booze in a harsh amounts, and then had been walking around next week with a swollen face. In dwarven there is no word "alcoholism", because for you it's healthy phenomenon and most natural state, can not be said about other races.
Ivety became more indifferent to her habits and cultural traditions. She began to live under the roof, not underground, like dwarves, but in a separate room on the surface near the internal fortress gates. Most of the time she spent in the kitchen, not only cooking soups but meat too. In addition, she herself butchered rabbits and chickens, and heated kitchen stove with wood, as if the animals and trees have ceased to have meaning for her. She herself still did not kill poultry and did not eat meat, but this was due more to the elven herbivoresness than any commitment to customs.
You did not have to look for Ivety, she returned herself. On the shoulders she was dragging weighty bag with all sorts of herbs, roots and berries, which she used in her ointments, balms and lotions.
- Here, everything to put Boton back on his feet. - she said to you when you met her. - Now try to explain where you got him.
- You were away for four days. What took so long? - You ask.
- I have used ll kobold bulbs around onthis old man, a and the closest golf is two days away. So I could not just leave Boton in trouble. Or would you prefer him to be treated with chaplainess prayers?
- Chaplainess already works with him. Though not about healing but about funeral service. He's dead.
- How? - Ivety said angrily. - I thought I had enough time ... The old man was a kind of strong in health, and even laughed it off, when I last saw him.
- Murdered. - you answered .
- And by whom?
- Kid. Boton fell into a strange mood out of grief and got into a hassle with him. Why did you leave Boton?
- Excuse me, but I did not leave him. I just explained you everything!
- Nevertheless, I believe that it all happened because of you, and you have to answer.
- Why the hell do you mess up with me again, eh!? - Ivety raised tone. - Any time you wake up you always start to push me!
- I can't be indifferent to my wife and her misdeeds.
- Don't remind me.
- We took an oath in the face of forest spirits, remember?
- You then mumbled some nonsense about that wedding of a strategic necessity. What kind of necessity? You're insane Likot, you hear? Insane!
- Insane. - You confirmed. Exactly "Insane" was the first word of Ivety when she came out of the melancholy and joined you and Sinsot. And then, too, it was addressed to you. - We'll have to live with it and fight with the best of our forces.
- Leave me alone, you ... just ... unbearable! - she turned away and walked toward the exit, where her chambers were. - No wonder my father warned that you're special ... in a bad sense of the word special...
Marriage with you was the only reason why Ivety still stayed in the fortress. In elven marriages there is no divorce. So now only death will part you.
Likot
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140448868019.jpg)
Soon Sinsot came to you with his affairs. Between business he mentioned the upcoming expedition and its list, which he would like to see.
- Shasad Volanulol, because she's brave, optimistic and know how to handle a hammer. Sedil Itdun, because the gods favor will not be superfluous. Okbod Idar, he is a good hunter and is able to cope with the wild beasts. And Vuteny, who constantly talks of his spiders, you can not deny him the chance to meet one of them! - Sinsot completed his enumeration.
- As for Sedil I agree - you responded. - In peacetime, my future will be bunker a sanctuary of Armok , so I will definitely need a priest. Think yourself about Shasad , because she will only demand rest constantly and continuously slow down others. May she knows how to swing a mallet, but my pelt is more important to me, so I need those who will be able to cover for me. I take shooters. - You looked at Sinsot hoping notice disappointment, but his face was just a stone - By the way, Sinsot, do you want to go instead of Shasad? You there now have a crossbow, so you'll be very useful to me.
- No, I don't. - He strained his cheekbones - I'll be much more useful in the fortress you leave without your control, my lord. Besides, just only a weeksince I started training, so that the risk of hitting you, and not your opponent. - You take it easy with such expressions! I can see this as a threat!
- No threats, my lord. - Sinsot corrected himself - It's just a statement of facts.
- Well, I think you're right. I guess I'll have to take Ivety instead of you. Well, we take Okbod and Vuteny, of course.
- And what about the caravan? - Sinsot asked.
- I have not decided. Birut would be nice to do this work, but he can't be send alone. Probably we have to wait for a new wave of migrants before you start sending all anywhere...
- Summer caravan of Ladtakomage is coming soon , so that we may be won't have to send anyone?
- Maybe. Although I am more worried about the letter. I cann't simply give it to caravanners, we'll anyway have to send someone from our people with them. We need an ambassador.
- Maybe Shasad?
- Maybe. Although I still have to think. You can go. Although wait! Goblets ready?
- As usual, my lord.
- Let Morul make three more. Dismiss.
Sinsot shrugged and walked away. Now is the time to deal with Bembul.
Kick butt of that mage for lies and fraudulence
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140448918238.jpg)
You found luckless sorcerer in his cutting workshop, where he was slacking.
- Come here. - You called Bembul yourself. - Move.
Bembul, feeling that he will be beaten, very reluctantly got up and walked to you. You took him by the collar and dragged over to look into his eyes.
- What the hell are you doing here?
- W-working, my lord.
- I don't mean the workshop. What the hell did you forget at Akrulaban?
- My lord, I don't understand! Me and Lolor are refugees, we had nowhere else to go!
- Oh! I will not believe you, you already once got me with a friend behind bars ! You're a scoundrel and a spy!
- How got? What friend? My Lord, have mercy! I did nothing.
- Do not pretend you do not remember! Just over two years ago. Recall it: a caravan from the Assarotung, missing dwarf fortress, then one more missing. You wandered through the streets and under the pretext of "wish fulfillment" lured passers into slavery in Arol Iton!
- My lord, you were the first missing! Yes, exactly! I also picked your last name as a pseudonym. And you were with that warrior from the the fortress caravan, who was looking for a second missing.
- Keep telling.
Bembul laid out his story, as he imagined. He talked about how it was difficult to live with his demented wife in a big unfriendly city. Bad wealth forced him to engage in petty fraud and street tricks for which he dressed up as magician and began to roam the city streets. One of his favorite ways to attract attention was "one wish for 10 gold," but as his target audience were craftsmen, market women and passers , no one never ever found the whole amount, and all ended up in simple entertainment for tourists and fleecing their pockets.
This continued up until four years ago Bembul accidentally ran into a local crime boss, who had thrown a sorcerer in the horror, pulled out of the belt all demanded ten golds. He appeared the leader of burglars Guild opposed to Arol-Iton, and his desire was a victory at the next fight with competitors. Magician showed all the wits he could, outlined to the leader his plan of action, which included a costume show with lights and sound installations that had to demoralize the enemy, making them believe that very Armok on the side of the Guild. The plan succeeded, the spheres of influence in the city were divided, and Bembul saved his live, bought for gold a small mansion on the outskirts and got connection with the mafia.
Over the next two years Bembul had to perform a few more orders of the Guild, the last of which proved fatal. He was commissioned to steal from Arol-Iton rare elven miazma grenades. Bembul tried to crank case by proxy, and sent there Tok who tucked in his way, but it failed. After the incident at entry point all Arol-Iton stood on alarm and the flasks were no longer accessible. After waiting a couple of months magician again poked in the Arol Iton, this time in person. As he put it, he felt sorry for you and Tok and he wanted to release you, and along with it the desired flasks take. The whole idea of Bembul ended already at entry point, where he got with an axe in the face by a security guard spotted him. After severe torture Bembul told everything he knew about the Guild, for what he was imprisoned, and then recognized completely healthy and transferred to penal servitude.
Lolor, Bembul's wife, was moved to live to Arol Iton, and kept as a hostage so that Bembul could not escape. From convicts magician learned that Ang, using data from Bembul, savagely destroyed Guild, having pleased the city guard and fully capturing the influence in Ladtakomage.
Then Bembul told you about their suffering at hard labor, how he was made up an escape plan, managed to escape, rescued Lolor, how they wandered and then hid from boogeymen until finally stumbled upon a group of settlers coming to the Akrulaban what led Bembul to you.
But you did not listen to him anymore. You all weren't listening half of his story, you suddenly got through guts thinking how wrong you were with Ivety all this time. You suddenly felt very ashamed and you've thought about what you can do to somehow mend it...
- My lord, what's wrong? - Bembul probably have thought that it was his tearjerker that so touched you. But you did not answer him and just silently dragged him along outside.
Ivety is an elf, we should apologize, she will forgive.
try to apologize to her, to show all the tenderness what Likot capable of, and even a little more. Poor girl suffered so much trouble, and no one said a kind word at least.
We simply have to pick some flowers
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140448925752.jpg)
On the surface it was summer. There were not so many flowers: chamomiles and longland grass - that's all that bloomed in your region in this season. You released Bembul, knelt on all fours and began to collect your bouquet.
Magician, getting a sudden freedom, somehow did not run away and out of curiosity started watching adult stern dwarf, for some unknown reason, crawling on flower lawn.
Another thread is over. Taking into account new version release new one will probably proceed later, much later.
Here comes thread 22 (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/130058.html)
_____________________________
Likot
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140827043150.jpg)
It has been almost a month.
Bouquet helped you on time to make peace with Ivety and half-family your life with her came back on track.
Boton was buried. Contrary to the expectations of some, no one to suck his blood. Sedil read the burial service for old dwarf as it should be and then he was put into the common necropolis, where lay the old population, as there remained a couple of free sarcophagi. The cemetery is almost full - will soon have to build the new.
Wall, separating Akrulaban from the caves, was demolished and in its place stone drawbridge was wet. Nasod, who did nothing more complicated than mills and stonefall traps, screwed up something with the mechanisms, so the lift lever stuck, and you had to call at the last minute Tarem so he restored all .
Stepping over the threshold leading into the unknown depths, Ivety displeasurely asked:
- Likot? Why did you bring me here?
- But you yourself said me so long you don't mind to go on a trip, - you answered.
- Yes ... but not here. I can't see anything. - Elfess looked around, trying to see anything.
- My lord, to tell the truth - said Vuteny, - I too poorly see in complete darkness. Do we have a torch, or at least a candle?
- Do not even think about it! - Okbod barged, - With your torches we will be like a magnet to attract all the local vermins, and due to the torches we will not see it in time from a distance. You tired of living?
- Likot! I don't like it, let me go now. - Ivety was beginning to get nervous.
It seems that your team was not so united and brave as you first thought. Initially, all four agreed to follow you to the ends of the world, but moved a couple of steps from the house - and problems already begun. Oh, those foolish undisciplined serfs!
- My lord. - Sedil spoke. - Armok did not give the gift of seeing in the dark to the elves, I think it would be better to leave them back at upper side. Let's come threesome: you, me and Okbod. Or we will have actually take light into the cavern.
And they're right. No use of blind archers, as well as of archers lit a bright spot, like at the showcase.
You should do something about it.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14082704891.jpg)
Unlike elves, you saw all perfectly. Cave passed by you as a curved corridor, going down to the left, where apparently there was water and grew MULTITILE giant mushrooms. On the rare cave moss in front of you trail of someone's small clawed footprints was barely visible, in the feces corners were scattered.
Overcoming the emerged desire to try the taste of to determine what kind of beast it was you have asked opinion of Okbod. He looked at the tracks and immediately determined that it were crandles, and that here they often go to a watering place. Apparently, their lair is somewhere in a cave at the top.
Ivety and Vuteny were standing at the exit and asked about something Tarem who already was finalizing the bridge. Sedil was impartially looking around, thinking about something.
Tok Buketotil
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140829613873.jpg)
Arol Iton was widening and and growing. Fortress wealth multiplied, the population was generally happy. But not you. In general, everything was perfect - the beloved wife and son, favorite work, favorite small room decorated personally. No mosquitoes. But all this prosperity to you, to be honest, already bothered you to top. You miss the closest friend, who left this place over a year ago and since then about him there were no news.
- Likot Ubendeb Saramkurig Delerottan ... I do not know what it means. He is now a self-proclaimed king of Akrulaban to the east. I want you to go there as an ambassador of Arol-Iton.
- But I do not have the relevant skills ...
- But you're friends, and it is powerful.
- Well ... I ...
- Is something holding you here? Family?
- No.
- Well, then, let's go! Needless to procrastinate. Here is the letter you pass to Likot personally. Wait for an answer. Step.
And then you have returned to your room. Lit up the pipe. And started thinking Wife - it certainly is good. Work - this is of course fine. But it may be still "bros before hoes"?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/140856046467.jpg)
It hurt to conscientiousness was simply to leave the family, so to begin with you again went to the Queen to ask for permission to migrate at Akrulaban. Although inwardly you realized that it will be exchange of six to half of dozen. Everyday life tired you more quickly than expected, the soul demanded adventures. But to compromise with conscience was too disgusting - let the queen decide.
- So, - Kisat spoke, seeing you, - I believe, preparation is finished?
- Not really ... I wanted to ask if I could with my wife and kids move to another Mountain Home?
- To Likot? You did not seem to have a family.
- There has been a misunderstanding.
- Whatever you say. And about migration - "Arol-Iton has no exiles, it has a deep tombs." But this amendment of the seventh paragraph of the citizenship law has been abolished, so ... I'll let you reunite with a friend since you wish. As for my letter - allstays the same. To Likot personally. And the answer to be passed with my proxy.
Kisat sent for Kastar. A few minutes later he appeared. Muscular and strong, "grated loaf" with the beard and the crossbow, he stood next to you.
- Called, my queen?
- Yes. Assignment for you. Accompany this migrant to Mountain Home Akrulaban - she turned to you - You take the family with you?
Alex, where is last part from 21 thread with cave adaptation?
I really doubted it's not a fake, and I did ask question whether it's GMs' part of story and got no reply. So I assume this is a fake until proven wrong, Anyway, the importance for plot if not fake close to nothing, I believe. Puking dwarfs, seriously?
Get more.
________________________
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14096831949.jpg)
You went to learn how wife looks at migration, but she decided to stay with the children waiting husband at home. Since the queen sends you as an ambassador, then after a while you will return, right? The difficulties of travel will not let her and children survive. So she blessed you to go and kissed, and sent to the royal service.
Kastar took you to the armory, where you picked a spear, which with you had learn to handle somehow during the last adventure. Then you proceeded to the clothing stockpile, and then stocked with provisions.
To take with you someone other than family, the queen banned. Wagon was also not given. Finally she ordered to her to read the letter aloud, in case of loss or damage in order to sense is preserved in your memory. You read out:
- Greetings, Likot. Congratulations to the rapid rise! I hope so zealous mare as the burden of power will not throw out of the saddle such inexperienced rider like you. I wish prosperity to Akrulaban under your rule. I am glad that you honor our agreement and I assure we answer the same. And yes, your guess is correct. As for your suggestions on the approximation of our Homes, let me qualify what you mean by the allied kingdom? Military aid? Trading privileges? Immigration concessions? Or, knowing you, literally dig tunnels between us? To be honest, the last item plus minecarts - it's an interesting option. I will write to you more often, if there is something to respond to. Bye-bye. With interest, Kisat Vellokum.
Queen nodded
- That's right. Kastar, you will accompany the migrant to Akrulaban, wait until King Likot answer and pre-reading, bring the letter to me. Now go.
You and Kastar bowed and went to the door to the surface. Sunlight met you like fist meets face.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141216448070.jpg)
So, you hit the road. Kastar muttered something unintelligible into his mustache to all your inquiries, and you were shy to ask again. In your couple, he was leading, and even the dominating, so any step aside to any shop on your part was sort of an act of rebellion, like a dog in front of the owner. Kastar was given the task to take you and he led, without being distracted by little things. You felt him as a leader and guiltily kept up to his solid tread.
Soon west tract brought you to the river. However, the bridge, here an ill luck, was somehow destroyed. You were not warned about this, apparently in Arol-Iton nodody knows about it. So it happened recently. Plaque under the statue on the shore said: River "Snaky".
- And what do we do? - You asked.
Kastar first muttered something to himself, then turned around and said loudly:
- Can you swim?
- No.
He snorted a bit.
- So that's it. If we won't find a boat, we'll have to go to the nearest crossing. Upstream there is a bridge, but we will have to go through the abandoned Mountain Home, and I would not like it. Ghosts, you know, aren't the most pleasant thing in the world. Besides there is nearby goblin fortress, and beyond it is mountainous terrain. If we go down the river then first we'll move through elven grove, then through a human city the lake and only after that will come to the right place. In short, whole lot of a hell hemorrhoids ... but you do not know how to swim.
Again you felt guilty.
- Choose where to go now, - Kastar muttered angrily.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141226779140.jpg)
The idea of crossing the river by swimming, even on some boat-like thing, did not cause your joy. In addition, there was not much to build a raft. Twigs of coastal scrub were good for ...nothing actually. Kicked around a little more at the shore, you have decided to go north. After all somewhere there has to be a new Mountain Home found by Shorast unless he gave up this idea after the loss of three members of the expedition team.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141226782945.jpg)
Long or short, you reached to some dilapidated buildings. It did not look like Mountain Home, but the place was like the one that was showed on the map by Shorast. Kastar was gloomy, he did not like this place, he wanted to get away. Night was falling.
_______________________
Break down the wall
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141362287519.png)
You had barely removed the first stone as a cloud of miasma burst out of the breach! Dropping the pick, you jumped away.
- Strange, - Kastar said, - passage was sealed long ago and there is just nothing inside to rot.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141362581528.png)
You stand and stare at miasma. Your actions?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141366208631.png)
- Hey, what’s that stink? - Kastar asked.
- Some mouldy stuff. Something big must have died in there.
- Maybe you could go back and take another sniff?
- Go sniff it yourself, - you scowled.
The sun had almost disappeared, it was getting dark quickly. A gentle breeze started blowing.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141647238639.jpg)
Not willing to linger, you decided to explore the place anyway. Kastar came closer to the walled up passage, kicked the block and only managed to mumble a few words like "what the hell" when something exploded behind the wall and the wall shattered - dismembering Kastar and flinging you away.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141651388152.jpg)
Well, fucked up now! - You thought, waking up a few minutes later and seeing the scattered remains of Kastar.
Some alchemical trap triggered and tore the poor dwarf to shreds. You examined and checked yourself - praise to Armok, everything was in place. Out of the hole smoke poured and stench oozed. You had no desire to keep examining the entrance, as there still might be many traps.
However, it was getting dark.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141656923360.png)
Breathing deeply from the stress, you sat down near the wall on the floor ... Tossing around gathered meat of Kastar, being in an excellent mood, you're humming a strange tune and try to catch all the reflections of light on this dance floor.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14170303493.png)
The bad news (not counting your companion's death) - all the food is gone. It was in Kastar's bag, of which little is left. The good news is that Kastar didn't try to haul your backpack too, so it's intact. Soon the sun will set, stomach is empty, you have not eaten since noon. Remains of Kastar irresistibly attract your eyes. Hunger is struggling with conscience and morality. The nearest shelter is miles and miles away, but at night you can easily become a victim of bugimen. Passage Opened by unlucky Kastar heavily unnerved you - who knows what else can be expected after such a beginning? You have decided to think - what would Likot do? Grunting, you began to collect the most undamaged bits of meat. Suddenly, a small voice from behind came:
- Whatcha doin, fella?
You turned around - a kobold! A leather helmet, beady eyes and dark blue pants with white stripes on the trouser legs. Standing up to your waist, but armed with a real bone spear (while yours was lying about three meters away), it was looking up at you in the most insolent manner.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141816758061.jpg)
In your head suddenly inner voice sounded: "In any unclear situation do what Likot would!"
- Okay, - said softly you.
- Wha " 'kay"? - in brash tone Kobold asked - Hey, who ya to ...
He was interrupted by a blow in the face with meat! Without hesitation, you kicked him in the head, knocking away a front tooth. Spear and cap fell next, and while small one was unconscious, you equipped with dropped loot. Kobold finally regained consciousness and cringed in terror on the ground, and you pressed him down with your foot and looked very stern:
- I am the danger! I am the one who knocks on the door!
The Kobold rolled his eyes:
- Wha dang do'r?
- Shut up! I'm glad you finally came, I was waiting for you ...
- Whaaaaaa?
- How many of you are there? And where did you pop out of anyways?
- Aw - ah was jus' rounda cornah, takin a piss when BOOM! Den ah took a shit too. Came to have a look, an' here y'are ... Ain't no one wid me, ahm an adventurah...
- Name! - Threatened you with a spear.
- NUUUUX! Mah name's Nux ... no crap ...
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141842345135.png)
- Well, then, Nux - you said, still in character - You were looking for adventures? You found them. Take off your pants and get into that hole.
- You fnofed me toof owff, bitf!
- Just one? Oh I'm so sorry... Let's get the rest of ‘em!
- No-no, nuff, really! Ah only came to afffk!
- Take off your pants!
- Why fants?
- I’m taking them as collateral.
- Ah ain’ff gonna wwwun away, hew!
- Come on - You shook your spear menacingly.
The Kobold pulled the pants off and handed them to you.
- Now go.
- Hew, I don't wanna go in wwweah!
- And your desire is not required - you grabbed litlle brat by the leg and having dragged him up to the passage, threw him right in.
He rolled a bit and stopped at the edge of the stairway.
The light was now dim enough to turn on your dwarven vision.
- Uh heafff me? - the Kobold squeaked, -You bettah look at wiss...
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141857115329.jpg)
- Well, what is it? - You called out - Bring it here!
- Ah ... Ah canna do. Thh affa boffom.
- What is it down there?
- Look, ah canna say. It. A cweatcha.
- Living?
- Lookf like.
You held on to the spear and went to have a look. The Kobold was not lying, inside there was a fire burning, throwing a dim flickering light on the arches and columns. You cautiously approached the spot where Nux was standing. A giant gray skinless humanoid chameleon was sitting in a chair. It was smoking a pipe, writing something in a thick tome, dipping the pen in the ink, and humming a melody to itself, not noticing you. The stench inside was terrible, and this creature seemed to be the source of it.
And two bits of finest fanart
Adorable petty criminal kobold
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141708721782.jpg)
Pretty awesome image of Likot's band
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141830443414.jpg)
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/141907936420.jpg)
- Go ask who he is - you pushed kobold with a spear.
- Nope. To me, ya look big, and 'e's just 'uge, - the shorty started to get around his lisp
- That's why he will not hurt you.
- Ah really doubt dat! - The exclamation echoed around the room - Ooops...
The creature fell silent and slowly turned, removing the pipe from its mouth. You and kobold froze, eyes wide open. The chameleon sighed and spoke in a demonic voice:
- I see I get no rest here ...
- I'm sorry we bother... you! - You shouted.
- Oh, how brave we are, - Nux hissed.
Lizard poured himself liquor from the decanter:
- Anticipating further dialogue, I can give some advice: if what you're looking for is not me, it is better to pretend that I am not here. It will relieve us all from meaningless verbal efforts and save time. I am actually busy.
You hesitated a little:
- I just wanted to ask ... Can we go through the fortress?
- You can, but you don't need to go there. I guarantee it.
- Well... then... so who are you?...
The creature put the book on the table in front of it:
- Listen, is this gonna take long? "Who" I am is "who" I am supposed to be. Mind my business here, and nobody called you here. Why the hell did you come?
Seeing irritation of the owner, you decide not to play up:
- We are looking for a place to sleep.
The kobold piped up:
- We?
- Quiet.
The chameleon thought a couple of seconds:
- Will stairway work?
- Oh, yes, thank you! We won't bother you!
- Oh how strong I believe the opposite, - it muttered to itself, and picked up the book again.
- Ah wanna dump, - Nux whispered.
(http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z344/Georgethegunner/Mobile%20Uploads/141996819550.jpg) (http://s1185.photobucket.com/user/Georgethegunner/media/Mobile%20Uploads/141996819550.jpg.html)
"Ah-h'll go out-thide, ok?"
"Hold on". - You grabbed the kobold by the ear
"Owie! Pleaze, stop!"
You creeped down the stairs in search for a comfortable place to rest. The cave was quite spacious, and it was pretty easy to find dry floor for you and Nux, but you decided to sit down closer to the fireplace.
You crouched to the throne and, leaving the kobold behind it, approached the fire.
"It's cold outside, isn't it?" You patted your sides. "Is it possible for me to warm up a bit?"
The chameleon creature looked down at you.
"No, it is not".
"Oh come on, have mercy! It's night already, and the bogeymen are out to feast on our corpses. And here we have fire, nice people to talk with and and a safe place to hit the pillow.
"Why do you think I enjoy YOUR company?" The creature snarled. "And what if I said to you that this place is NOT safe?"
"Oh, am am sure that such a noble, generous person like you, having such a delicate taste in exquisite alcohol and tobacco... And, well, you're sitting here with a book and a quill... It's safe here for sure.
The chameleon downed his glass.
"I am... Creating a book of memoirs. Here, in my asylum. And I am really annoyed by the fact of your presence here. I do not want to seek for yet another refuge, so be it: I shall let you two stay for the night, but in the morning you'll block the entryway with stones... and you'll never come here again. Never."
"I promise we won't bother you more than one night. But, while we are here... What is this place? Looks like a mountainhome."
The creature sighed.
"It is, probably. I have been here for half a year, and I have met no one to ask".
"Are you all alone here?"
"Right now I am not" The chameleon replied irritatedly.
"Wouldn't you mind if we took a look at other halls?
"I would! Do not tell me you find this cave suitable for a dwarven settlement. Remember, you gave me a promice!"
"And I am keeping it".
"Well, then swear that you will not tell anyone of this place".
"I promise".
"Where is your follower? Where is he? Will he swear as well?"
Suddenly Nux appeared from behind the throne, slapping his bare feet on the floor.
"Ah will! Ah will and Ah'll leave az soon az possible!"
The great creature frowned and grabbed his pipe.
"Can you tell me where you find tobacco and booze? And everything else?" You asked the chameleon.
"I have my supplies".
"Can I be your provider?"
"That would not go well with your promice".
"Oh, well... Fine".
"I need nothing from you, exept for you leaving my home. And you will leave in nine or ten hours. And until now, I am to watch you sleeping. Please, proseed with it".
You were going to get up early to cover maximum distance during the day. Sleeping was the best thing to do. You tied Nux up and attached him to your leg, and then lied down next to the fireplace. As it was mentioned, the giant skinless human-like chameleon kept staring at you reproachfully.
The morning came. You slept well and got up in time. Nothing has really changed since the previous evening.
I own nothing. All credits go to GM (in this case, CoOP).
Wow, I'm back here. Good to see you folks kept on translating. Sorry, duу to IRL stuff I had to abandon translating for a while. Well, I'll try to catch the storyline, cause there are a lot of new posts to translate. Well, huge amount is even sort of discouraging. Howerever, show goes on, new Gms, new translaters, new characters.
Here are few new posts. At this point new GM arrived, changing the arts style again.
Thread 24(?), in the middle of changing
Thread 24 (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/133416.html)
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142229011377.png)
Suddenly Tok's life changed drammatically, in a single day he became an ambassador, lost his guide, barely went insane, imprisoned the kobold and met demon-esthete. What's next?
It would be a fine idea to climb higher and look around to figure out where to go. You looked around. Nearby trees and also the highest point in surroundings - top of the hill rising above mine entrance. You aren't able to climb there, but you can try to climb up the ruins. You hope it won't collapse during.
Also you start to worry about Kastar's ghost since you don't know his full name to engrave a slab for him. You tryed to imagine him saying, "Tok, if something goes wrong, eat me, it's OK", but, unfortunately, you imagination wasn't strong enough to do it. You have to consider what to do whith the remains.
Picturless post
It's not a deal for a true dwarf to climb slopes and walls like a sort of monkey.
- Nux, can you climb?
- Nofe, I can'th. why do you ask?
- My grandpa told me all kobolds are able to climb, and I don't what think another way.
- Wha..?
- I'll scoop your teeth out, that's wha! Go climb up and look around.
You kicked Nux towards the wall.
- Untie my hands, you moron.
P.S. By some reason I got no notifications of new posts in this thread. Too bad, I gotta check my settings. Well, see you soon again.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14223132096.png)
You heard somewhere that kobolds are naturally excellent climbers. Asking kobold climb a slope and check the surroundings would be extremely foolish, he would have to be untied and at the top he would be out of reach for you and would be able to escape.
Next you got a better idea: let Nux to the top pull you. You only needed one more rope. After thinking a little more, you got the ideas:
1) use their own pants
2) cut the straps of a backpack
3) use a belt
Choosing third option, you immediately started to construct when you were interrupted with yell of the kobold.
- Are you comffletly foofing mad! What ya gonna do nefftd, eat me, ya, cannibal perv?! - You froze with the belt in your hand.
- No, then you will pull me up the hill and I'll decide where to go - you replied calmly.
- Liffen here! Here is the city nearby, one day of walking. I was just walking from fthere. Be patient a little bit, there are grub and dwarves and dwarfesses! - the kobold pleaded.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142235948274.png)
You sat next to the Kobold, took his chin and said:
- Hey, moron, if you bring me into town, I'll let you go. If there will be your chaps waiting for me, I'll put all down, and you'll be first. Got it, rat scum?
- Ffere is no ambuff, there is town, I tell the truth!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142238628359.png)
- Town you say? - you asked the kobold, tying the belt on the head to look threatening.
- Yes, big ffity, - Nux said frightened .
- And isn't this kobold trap?!
- No, honestly!
- If you're lying to me - it will be the greatest stupidity that you have ever made - you growled, leaning over very his face.
Kobold swallowed and shook his head.
- Now, tell me everything you know about this city - you continued the interrogation.
- It is at the south-wefft from here. First move along the river till bridffe, and then down the road.
- South - is it that way? - You have pointed at the direction you came from yesterday with Castar.
- Yep - Nux confirmed.
- And what do you want there? - You asked
- Big city - big opportunities. At the burrows best I could count on - to be running errands for the goblins.
- And why did you decide that people will be happy to see you?
- In the city, in contrast to the northerners, people live in peace with dwarves, elves, I've heard. If they are friends even with the elves, then Nux will find a place.
Also you asked about where from Nux went on a journey. He said that he came out of the burrows next to the goblin stronghold, crossed the river by the bridge, and then went to the south, until he met you.
- Okay, now get ready, we hit the road.
- Where to? To the town? - Asked hopefully Kobold.
You have reflected: showing off in Arol-Iton was not good idea.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142239054881.png)
- Hey dwarf, what's your name? Tell me name.
- I can't say because I'm important person, and you are simple kobold. And after all, how do you speak with Baron Osorthalal? - you promtly decided to pick silly nickname.
- And who is Baron? It it your nick or something?
- Here's another thing: do you know where Akrulaban is? - You asked, ignoring the question of kobold about barons.
- You don't needda know this, bar-o-on! - kobold twisted his face, which, in his opinion, showed a grin.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142239457963.png)
- No, we're going to Akrulaban.
Calmed down Nux huddled in fear again.
- No, only not there! Do whatever, drag me uphill, eat me!
- Do not be afraid, no one will hurt you there. I am a gentleman, and the King is my friend. I will give a word for you in front of him - you fib.
- There is no your king. Goblins spoke that they captured the fortress and killed all the dwarves and then from the deeps creature crawled out on de fmell of dwarven meat. Goblins barely ran away! They stay away from that place and I will not go there!
Doubt his words
Ask him more thorough
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142245775280.png)
-What? What goblins? What creature? What a disgusting fable?
-I'm telling the truf! Goblinf were terrified! I've never heard such horrorf in my whole life!
-What did they say, what? Answen me, kobold! - you started to shake Nux - SPEAK!
-Waif, Waif, don't fake me! - you stopped, the kobold respired and started his story.
He spoke about horrible atrocities goblins made in fortress, then he reached the create description... He suddenly stopped.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142246256543.png)
- May be you've just stolen something there and now you're afraid to come back? - you began to doubt.
- No, I'm just one feek from borrows. Didn'f steal anyfing from dwarfes!
- And how do you know about fortress?
- I fold you, goblins came to uf for tribute, one of fem told me. He fay, he was fere. He fay, barely efcaped creature.
- May be he lyed to you? Didn't you think that?
- Why fould he?
- May be their siege was defeated by dwarfes, he fled. And now he is telling fables not to be dishonored?
- May be, may be not - Nux sighed - never fe less I don'f want to go fere. What if it's true!
You weighed roughly, if queen answered that letter immediately that means that the fortress is likely OK and Nux is lying or he was lyied to.
There is only solution is situation like this - put uor fingers on forehead ans stare at the kobold, trying to supress his fluffy will and to lure him to Akrulaban. No other way we can go, returnig in two days without queen's envoy is straight suicide
Pick up the spear and lean on it like a cane and tell goblin you're legendary professor of goblininology. Then, in intrusive voice explain that goblin always lie...
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142255419928.png)
You concentrated and began to convince the kobold, trying to speak calmly and suavely:
- Lying to you, goblin was. Goblins, I know goblins, always lying, they are. You go with me to Akrulaban want to.
- No, I don't! - Nux protested.
- But you must - you decided to change tactics - don't you forget you are a prisoner. But I suggest you to be my companion until we reach fortress. The King is mercyfull to his friends and mercyless to his foes, and I'm his friend, kapish?
Nux noddled.
- I suppose I can untie your legs now.
- And give my pantff back.
And immidiate request - pick his nose and check through his pockets for anything important
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142255434153.png)
Before leaving you looked over your stuff not to forget something usefull and may be to get rid of anything useless.
Except your clothes, you found:
- queen's letter in a belt-bag.
- two spears (yours and Nux's)
- small leather helmet
- small blue trousers with strips
- couple of bolts survived the explosion
- a backpack with Kastar's meat, ambassador's mantle with fancywork, three paper scrolls & writing stuff, hammer & cutter for engraving. Everything was hopelessly covered with blood.
Be patient, there are tons of stuff ahead, and arts get back to regular quality. Check trough original threads if you don't care for spoilers.
A little more here.
_____________________
Let's ask out Nux about monster. We go in nowhere place, and this words might ne true. May end up in forgotten best claws
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142265246710.png)
It looks like you've managed to make a deal with the kobold. You took the threatening belt form your head and brought it where it belongs.
- By the way, Nux, tell me how the goblin described that monster.
- Waif, You faid it if a fake?! - he gave a start.
- Don't forget I'm a goblin specialist, I'm interested in their stories - you fortunately found words to answer.
- Well, he told it was fpooky.
- And?
- And huge. And, mefinks, he told about fife hands or fife legs. And eyef, big and fearful. All over fe body! True eerinef!
- Yeah - you agreed - that's all?
- Nope, than fecond goblin came and they started arguing. He faid that there were lotf of mosterf and that it were demonf, not monsterf. Like fo.
- And you believed it? - you asked a minute later.
- No, the second one was obviously lyeing a bit - Nux hasted to agree.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142290800319.png)
- What are you waiting for? You were going to untie me - Kobold's voice roused you from a flow of strange, it even could be called perverted thoughts, which captured you, look like, pretty much time ago.
- Yeah, right - you continued to mess around with knots and soon Nux was loosening up his numbed limbs and fitting his trousers on.
- You've stretched all trouser-legs - the kobold growled, tucking trouser-legs that were half times longer then they were before.
You managed to go but you've thougth about Kastar again and decided to bury him nevertheless. Finding some snag around you dug a hole in dirt near ruins, gathered remains and meat from backpack into it. After swamping it with dirt and rocks you engraved name on the wall, hoping that partial ritual would be enough to put his ghost to rest.
- I fought you were really going to eat him, you've even suggested me some meat.
- Why did you think that? - You acted like it all was a part of a plan - What did you eat in a journey? You were lack of any food when I captured you.
- Fishing, eafing what ever i found - Nux siad and added after a little while - I didn't want it accrue you, but if I'm going with you..
The kobold went along the slope, you hastened after him. He stopped near a boulder in a fifty steps from ruins and took a package with sunflower seeds, slab of cheese and a couple of jerked fishes from under it.
- This shouldn't be wasted - Nux finished his thought.
You put hte food into the backpack.
- Now, let's go - you commanded and moved north.
- Wrong way, your Akrulaban - that way. Move south to the bridge and than to the west.
- There is no more bridge. It collapsed and washed down the river.
- NO WAY!
- Seen by my own eyes. Not even a brick left.
- I see - Nux said - let's go, but we won't enter the village!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142290806779.jpg)
You've spend half of day on gatherings and the sun was going set, but neither the bridge not village wasn't even seen on the horizon. You were standing on a broad meadow near the river. Sheer slope by you right side changed into slopping hills and moved to the west. Forest is gone too.
- How long we have to go? - you asked.
- We've just walked a half way - Nux answered.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142316057027.png)
- Hey, Nux - you asked - you've told that you don't want to go into village. Why?
- There are some warriors, guarding the bridge 24/7.
- And how did you cross the river if the bridge is blocked?
- I was hiding till night fallf and when the guard turned away I used bridge supports to cross it... Hey, look! There is someone on the hill.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142316123283.jpg)
- Where? - you turned your head to the direction Nux pointed and noticed a silhouette, likely a human, in a light of sunset. Apparently he noticed you were lokking at him and hastaned go away behind the hill.
- Who do you think was it? - you asked Nux.
- May be one of those warriorf. I don't feel well about it.
- He won't reach this place till morning, except he is a legendary swimmer - you considered - May be there is a place around here we can hide?
- Dunno - Nux shaked his head - after croffing the bridge I ran away from that village af far af I could. When it ftarted to dawn I fell afleep in a long graff. Haven't feen anyfing around just gronw over hillf, nothing more.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142333291449.png)
You have decided to spend the night in the field, and moeve to the village in the morning. Stepping away from the river (you did not want to reduce their chances to face with that man, or worse, mosquitoes), you and Nux ate fishes from your stocks and went to sleep. You tied kobold hands with the belt and left his spear near yourself.
The night passed quietly. In the morning you set off again.
- Almost ffere - Nux warned you - the village is already quite close.
You carefully clinbed on every next hill, and small village opened to your eyes after another climb; a couple of houses, a barn and a strange building, something between a community house, temple and fortification.
The road passed through the village and over the bridge on the other side of the river. You noticed the guard on the bridge, two more were talking of something in the square, nobody else except for two cows in a pasture.
Lead the kobold by the man pretending we are locals and stuff
Even better - take away his pants and tell Nux to act a puppy
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142334846723.jpg)
You came up with the brilliant idea to disguise as a local resident with a dog. Since there was no rope,, and belt was still keeping your pants (although after all your erection could (whaaaaaat! - T.N.) ), you had to remove Nux' pants and to use it as a leash. Guard noticeв you as you approached the bridge. Nux tried to get into the role of the dog:
- Woof, famn it.
- Dwarf, what are you doing here and why the fuck do you have naked Kobold on a leash out of his pants?
You lost your cover, must do something right now.
_______________________
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142356716457.jpg)
- How dare you to speak like that with THE AMBASSADOR...- you tried to cover yourself with the title, as soon you couldn't ack like local, but vociferous basso from behind your back interrupted you.
- Private, what the clowns are that? - you turned around. Way for retreat was blocked by two man.
- A dwarf and a kobold, faking a dog, sir! - beardless one snapped to attention.
- I see for myself! - squad captain roared - Interrogate him!
- Give me the spear! And don't do anything stupid - tols the third guard, redhead maypole. Beeing so outcounted you wasn't even thinking about resistance.
- You name! - asked breadless.
- I'm Tok Buketotil an ambassador from Arol-Iton - you answered much more confidently.
- And what about the kobold?
- He is a jester - a gifl for King Likot, the lord of Akrulaban. That's where I'm heading!
- An Ambassador? - the soldier laughed - And where is you escort?
- Look, his back is covered with blood! - redhead shouted.
- My guide has falled, saving me from bandits. I've barely survived - you hastened to answer.
- Give me that! - redhead lended his hand and gave him the backpack.
The maypole delved in it for a while than he showed the contents to captain.
- I got it! - captain said - You and your kobold-friend are bandits. You've attacked some noble traveler and robbed him, and you're trying to cheat captain of King Nimu III army.
- Wait, I can prove! - you took out a letter from a beltbag.
Captain took it not even lokking at it, he commanded - Take them away!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142359754648.jpg)
- Run, Nux, run! - you shouted and punched redhead maypole ball's and hard as you can, he doubled over.
Next moment you were knocked out by captains punch.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142364485418.jpg)
You recovered consciousness in a dark close room. Dim light was falling form a small barred window. You saw a surly bold human and a dwarfess in a semidarkness.
- Finally you awake! - she said in an absolutely inappropriate in such situation tone - I'm so glad, he - she pointer on the human - is absolutely nothing to speak about with!
- Where is Nux? - you asked.
- Who?
- The kobold. He was with me.
- I don't know, you were alone when you've been carried here a couple hours ago.
Little cut of non-canon turn of events
You should address to the bald one and say:
- Look, do you know what time is it? Like, can you make a guess or something?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142375381257.png)
The lad slowly, almost mechanically turned his head to you, it seems you saw a quick-witted smile flashed on his face. Dwarfess realized what would follow, looked away to see only the wall and crossed legs.
Big man knocked you on your belly on the bench and you have felt that someone pulls down your pants. Just because you've recently pulled it down from kobold - you had time to think.
- SNU SNU TIME! - Bully's voice was unpleasuntly high pitched with psycho touch.
Your actions?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142379148851.jpg)
You were lying on the couch and listening the voices that were deciding how to confront the violent actions from the goon. At this point,MOSQUTO sat on the nose! Counter of negative thoughts added another point and exceeded the threshold. It is time for the unbridled fun! The first thing shattered was wagon and its passengers. Debris covered the whole village, and the shock wave brought out all the windows. Crazed guards rushed to their heels over the bridge, but you collapsed it at single stroke. The door of community (you think) house crossed way of your foot. Its scraps hammered in the third guard, who was hiding behind it. And it looks like furious rush was diyng down, but one last thing left - sweet buns of the kobold ...
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142384180912.jpg)
You got up slowly and walked to the bench tottering. You were dyzzy, your cheeck was aching, but teeth were all intact. You sat near the bold maypole, and lend him a hand.
- Tok. Tok Buketotil - you introduced yourself.
He turned his head slowly and looked at you top down/
- Oh, that was tough...- you continued not waitiong for an answer - Are you OK?
- Normal - the bold guy answered - Call me Tomod.
- Can you break the wall?
- No point - Tomod's speeck was leisurely and monotonous.
- You won't get any more from him - dwarfess barge in you converation - you better tell me how did you get here?
- That was a misunderstanding - you caimed - I'm an ambassador from Arol-Iton, headed to Akrulaban and those humans..
- Our world is very small
Tons of ways and spots
But cannot we avoid at all
incrediblest bouts
- she recited a fragment of unknown poem then she told that her name is Shasad Volanunol and that she going back to Akrulaban after delivering a message from King Likot.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142436988044.jpg)
- So, why are you here? - you asked Shasad.
- I didn't get it - she shruged - couple of days ago when we were heading to Arol-Iton with the caravan they wasn't really care.
- And you? - you turned towards Tomod.
- That's simple - Shasad barged in before human could think an answer - he was trying to steal food from locals.
- What do you think they are gonna do with us? - you continued to poke about.
- I don't know - Shasad lowered her head.
- They'll bring us to the royal trial - Tomod answered - there is nothing to guess about.
- Nimu III? - you remembered that captain said that name - do you know anything about him?
- Ha, you call yourself an ambassador - Shasad cheered up - that is the lord of Melatome.
- Melatome?
- The Human city on the ever-ice border on the north - she explained - You know anything about the world aroud, Tok Snow!?(translators joke). Nimu III rules the city for 24 years. He is obsessed with the idea to smash the goblins in war which was started in the time of his grandfather, with a variable success.
- His army ravages villages even worse than goblin raids - Tomod flared up.
You were going to point the Tomod was doing the same but you discreetly decided to keep silence.
- And how is Akrulaban going? - you asked.
- Not bad, we lack of workers, we need migrant very much. We are just 23, 22 to be precise. Furthermore, not much time before i left, King Likot went to the caverns to explore. So when the caravan came our manager wasn't really happy to let me go with the message, but he agreed when I promised to haste back - she shaked her head - That's my haste.
- Nux, my companion, told me that you have a monster in your fortress, which barely ate a whole goblins army.
- Oh, you really don't know much - Shasad said and started to tell you the latest history of Akrulaban. Meanwhile you were thinking about Nux. Interesting, would you see him once again.
Nux
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142436991797.png)
You were running very long, first along the road, then through the hills and long grass. Looks like the chase lost you. You unleashed the trouser-leg knotted on your neck and put trousers on. The last few days, filled with fear and hardship, practically fought off any thirst of adventures, but you were hauted by thought about that strange noble-dwarf who could be you ticket to the world of welth and glory you couldn't even dream about.
_______________________
Aaaand the thread ends here.
Thread 25
http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/134430.html (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/134430.html)
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14323096119.jpg)(T.N. Tnaks a lot for the map translation)
In the prison you hadn't much things to do so you followed with questioning Shasad.
- You said, you were passing by here with the caravan? - Shasan noddled - so the bridge on the direct road had been already ruined, when you were going to Aron-Iton. Why didn't you warn about it?
- Oh, to be honest, I didn't think it was important. When I was on my way to Akrulaban as a migrant, the brige was intact, but it was long time ago. The traders seemed to know about it and turned north without a stop.
- They risked traveling close to goblins. - you asked mistrustfully.
- They had a guard actually, also some more warriors joined them. Think they could care about themselves.
The rest of the day you spent talknig about world around: Shasad told that earlier she lived in Akazgtrid - a prosperous mountain home to the east from here. She also gave you a small geography lesson. You, in turn, told Shasad a story of Assarotung's fall and journey to Ladtakomage, but didn't mention about friendship with Likot and inprisoning in Arol-Iton for now.
All that time Tomod was sitting quietly. If even Shasad couldn't get him talking it is worthless for you to even try.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142498306757.jpg)
In the evening humans brought a bowl of pottage for everyone and escorted each of you "for a walk". The maypole was guarded by three at once, so there was no opportunity to escape. Then most soldiers dispersed to their homes and only watchmen left on the street. One of them was sometimes passing by with a torch near the wagon, where you were kept, and another one, looks like, was keeping watch on the bridge.
Suddenly i heard a rustle. It faded for a second, then the wagon sweng a little and you saw, with your accustomed to the darkness vision, the kobold's muzzle showed up in the window.
- Nux - you barely shouted but started to whisper in time - I wasn't hoping you come back.
- Quieth! - the kobold said excitedly - Who is sat dwarfess, can you tfust her?
- Yes, she is an ambassador from Akrulaban - you answered.
- And you are The Kobold-Guide? - Shasad asked.
- We haven't much time, the guard will came back soon. I have a message for that giant - Nux turned to Tomod - The Crow is back into the pack - the kobold said the memorized phrase - and I must go or I'm gonna be caught.
- Wait! - you snuggled to the bars simultaneously with the human.
- What does it mean? - you asked.
- You are from Thor? - Tomod added. His behaviour changed in a moment.
The Kobold looked around nervously, after making sure no northmen are around, he began his story.
- I was walking around for a while, wondering they can release you. I hid in long grass, waiting for the evening. That moment i was surrounded, never thought humans can ambush too. They started to interrogate me. I thought they'll skin me. But when they found out I was with dwarf that was cought by villagemen they deliberated and ordered me to deliver that message.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142602704821.png)
- So, that's your play now! - you turned to Tomod - When I asked you to break down the wall - you were silent, but when your bandit-buddies sent you the message you suddenly woke up.
Despite you were wispering not to attract guards attention, you wasn't hesitating to poke the maypole's chest with a finger a couple of times expressing your complaint.
- Now I can trust you - Tomod excused himself.
- And who did you think we were for you before? - you continued to press him.
- All right - he fetch a sigh - I didn't want you to know 'cause you could issue me to the guard. I'am telling it now to prove I'm on your side. For real I wasn't stealing food in the village, my relatives live there. I'm helping them, bringing them a part of my share in Torus squad. They'll have hard times if soldiers know about it.
- Very well, now listen to me. I have a brilliant plan how to escape from here - Tomod noddled - Nux should gather some rocks near the river and bring them to us. We take off our socks and put the rocks in it - that will be our weapons. However we should take off the rest of out clothes too.
- Why that? - Shasad wondered.
- That's for phychological effect, don't interrupt me. Later - you go on - we need to plug the windows with the clothes and start screaming. Watchmen will come but they won't see anything. And when they open the door, that's when psychologincal effect comes into play. That time Nux jumps out from behind the house, naked too, of course! They are in stupor and we hit them with rock-in-socks and flee away!
- Bad plan - Nux commented - last time I suggested to sneak throught to bridge at night. Agreed your dog plan - that was foolish. I was barely skinned.
- Indeed - Tomod noddled - there are about ten people. We'll hardly even know how Torus wanted to help us.
Suddenly somewhat creaked. Nux immediately jumped away form the window in fear and, looks like, hid under the wagon. You came to the opposite window to see what is going on and saw one of the northmen coming out from the neighboring house. The guard with the torch approached him.
- I came to release you form buty - you heard first man's voice straining your hearing.
- Everything is fine here - the second answered.
- Good - the first one fell silent for a moment and then began talknig again - I heard captain wants to send those to the city tomorrow.
- Why so early?
- Dunno, like he was stinged by a moskito - you shivered - he even wants to escoprt them by himself.
- I'd better stay on my post here - the second laughed - no captain and fresh food.
- Yeah, you'll be enjoying until goblins come.
- Damn you! - the guard raped out an oath and went to the house.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142705526117.png)
You were sitting angry because your brilliant escape plan wasn't supported.
"Tut-Tut! They are afraid to get naked for their own salvation. They absolutely don't understand the situation they are in right now. Likot would do the same at my place." With each new thought twist you were more and more angry. Next second the agner was ready to splash out to give a freedom to your fists. But suddenly a perfidious thought came into your mind: "I'm trying to ack like Likot, but where am I and where is he! He is a ruler in his own mountain home and I'm sitting here. That's because he is chosen by fate itself not like me, just a mediocre dwarf."
Now all your anger was pointed inside yourself. You were angry on your own helplessness, inability to stand up for yourself, blind imitating Likot which now revealed you all your drawbacks and you were anrgy on them too. You weren't bothered what Tomod was telling Nux that came back and what Shasad was trying to tell you. You were just sitting immersed into despair seeing nothing around.
You couldn't tell how much time you spent in such condition but strong push which threw you on the wagon's floor and sharp pain in upper hand deduced you from stupor.
- What's going on?! - you wondered.
- They came to rescue us! - Shasad answered excitedly.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142797517067.jpg)
- Who?! - you exclaimed rising on to your feet.
- People from Tomod's squad - Shasad explained.
- You mean gang - dwarfess shrugged.
Meanwhile Tomod was pouncing on the door with all his mass. It yielded with the second strike, sweng open and hanged on a single loop. Human jumped out of the wagon, looked around and ran towards the screams, disappearing from a viewfield.
- Let's go - Shasad was going to follow him but you stopped her pulling her hand and hugging her.
- We are staying here. You want an arrow to your back or something?
- But Tok, northmen do not have bows - she said confusedly.
- It doesn't matter, it's too dangerous - you set her free and sat down the bench - we'll wait until fight is over.
A couple of minutes passed until screams, metal clash and horse clatters faded. All that time Shasad was staring on the outlet. You, on the opposite, were calm knowing that now there is nothing depends on you. Shasad suddenly winced. You turned towards the outlet and noticed a human in leather armor with a scimitar in his hands. His look told you that he is definetely not a soldier from Metalome and it means that everything went fine.
- What are you sitting here?! You are free. Get out quickly!
Outside you and Shasad were surrounded by several Tomod's freinds. Two more were gathering weapons and armor from the fallen soldires, one was hastly unharnessing horses out of the wagon. Tomod was sitting on a rock near a roadside. He looked pale and a blood stain was flowing on his shirt. Another wounded was lying nearby, two men were bustling about him. A tall human with a black hair and a beard approached you. His left cheek was marked with a scar.
- I'm Torus Urebe. You got very lucky that Tomod was with you. I bet you'll be executed next day after your arrival to Metalome.
- We are grateful for your help - Shasad smiled.
- I heard you are heading to Akrulaban. It's dangerous to go alone. I won't forgive myself if honorable dwarves disappear on their way after we saved them - humans around noddled in concert.
- But... - Shasad was going to tell something but Torus interrupted her.
- We don't have much time. Two riders escaped and soon reinforcements will arrive here. We need to leave as soon as possible - he turned to a redhead guy who was dealing with harness and shouted at him and then went to Tomod.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/142869834394.png)
You thought that while you have time you should search for your stuff. However after walking aroung the wagon you did find neighter your spear nor backpack. Look like, they decided to leave it in that village.
"It's good that I didn't put the letter inside it" - you thought and only that moment you remembered that it was taken by the Metalome captain. Overcomimg the panic attack you primarily tryed to recall a content of the letter. You couldn't guarantee the precision of you retelling, but in general you remembered the text. Next you thought that captain could be dead in a struggle and started to search him among the bodies scattered aroung. But in vain.
- Hey-hey! What are you running around here! - one of the Torus's men stopped you - old-aged man with a bowl haircut.
- Do you know those who escaped? - you asked.
- Ha, how could I know them Mr.Dwarf...
- I don't mean that. Did their captain escaped?
- Ah - human smiled - there was one riding on a horse, proud for himself, souting around, when things got bad he fled immediately.
- We need to catch him!
- How can we? And why? - he shrugged.
- But he has my letter.
- Well, there is nothing we can do. Think about leaving the chase.
As soon as Torus men dealt with the harness, wounded were sat on the horses. Two more men were leaving with them. Shasad went to say goodbuy to Tomod, you decided to stay aside.
"Be careful! Go down the road neatly" - Torus gave last orders. Horses with wounded men were lead to the north. "Let's go!" - he commanded and headed to the opposite direction.
Humans were walking fast. It was hard for you and Shasad to follow them so it wasn't much time to talk. Just a couple of phrases were said so you had to wait for a halt to get answers on your questions you had plenty of: who is Torus Ubere and his men, for example. You got used to call them bandits but you couldn't figure out what is their occupation from what Tomod told you.
By the way Nux joined you.
- I'm glad you fafe - the kobold ran to you - was going to beath all fit out ot them but Forus told me to waith here! I can't waif us to reach the fortress.
_____________________________
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143025407398.jpg)
You were dreaming that you are riding on a "shark" in endless water vasts. In your dreams neither water nor giant green fish were frightening you. But when you woke up you were glad be in the same place when you had fallen asleep and not floudering in the water among bloodthirsty fishes.
After breakfast the squad went on it's journey. As Torus had promised, the squad slowed down it's pace and now walking wasn't an endurance challenge for you. Eventually your optimism started to come back: whoever these humans are they aren't going to harm you, on contrary, they try be friendly. You even started to feel the importance of ambassador title. Nux also was overjoyed with coming arrival to dwarven fortress. All the way he was asking questions: "Is it true that king's Chamber is bigger then the whole kobold burrow?" or "Tok, can dwarves really stop a river and reverse it's flow?" and so on. Shasad was the only one who stayed serious and concentrated.
- Tok - she waited for a moment when humans weren't around to start conversation - i don't think they escort us to the fortress just because they are good fellows. Please be more moderate next time.
- What do you mean?
- I mean that you demanded more food last time we made a camp.
- But they didn't mind to give it to me...Shasad - you went on after a short pause - I told you that King Likot is my friend. He'll not only compensate all their expenses if they ask but he'll reward them when he learn they saved us. So don't worry - you soothed her.
Next day you came on the road connecting Akrulaban and Ladtakomage, at least before, 'cause the bridge was ruined now. Next camp was set up when, by Shasad words, it wasn't far then two hours walking to the fortress.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143025487329.jpg)
Next morning you could see Akrulaban. A stumpy wall fading against the giant moutain was securing the entrance carved in the rock. Few of towers were covered with scaffold. No more above-ground buildings were seen: that's what true dwarf fortress should look like, the only things on the surface are those cannot be placed underground. The fortress seemed to be abandoned, no workers, no guards on the walls, just rare dog howling was brought to your ears with the wind.
Torus stopped his squad in a couple hundred of steps from gates.
- Wait here, I'll go to make sure that everything is OK - he said you and went to the gates with a couple of his men.
The howling changed to barking when humans came closer and several minutes later a dwarf came up the tower above the gates. He looked around quickly, had a word with Torus and disappeared. Several more minutes later three dwarfes came up to the wall. They were negotiating with Torus for a quite long time before descending and opening the gates and...started to talk again. Shasad couldn't withstand this and wanted to go and find out what's going on, but humans stopped her.
- You can't go there! - a human blocked her way.
- Why?
- Torus said to wait here, so we wait until he discuss everything - said the second one.
Finally waiting was over: humans were coming back with an accompaniment of three dwarves, and you noticed two more figures on the wall.
- Sinsot, hel.. - Shasad waved her hand when dwarves came closer.
- What is that - the one who she were waving to interrupted her - I thought you'll be absent for a week no more, but you dasappeared for the eternity and now you're coming back in a company of some sort of extortionists. 30 gold coins for escorting three persons, 20 for unforseen medical expenses and 2 for supply, - Torus noddled on each item. The rest of humans crowded around watching angry dwarf with interest.
- You brought me some ambassador. And a kobold - Sinsot wasn't chilling out - I bought a dog to rip those thiefs apart and now you suggest me to pay for his escort! I heard enough of you, now you, Shasad, I'm listening to you now.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143188706686.jpg)
Shasad tried to speak but you interrupted her.
- First of all, hello. Secondly, I'm not "some ambassador", I am the ambassador of Her Highness Kisat Vellokum, Queen of Arol-Iton - you said proudly - I demand to escort me to the king.
- Let's sort out our problems first - Torus intervened.
- Yes, and pay those people: without their help neither me nor Shasad would be able to reach this place safely.
- Don't tell me what to do - Sinsot answered - I am the one who makes decisions. And now I want to listen what Shasad has to say.
- At last you had your cackle over - she answered discontentedly - I was captured by men from Metalome when I was on my way back. Next the ambassador from Arol-Iton was captured. Torus' squad released us and escorted here. By the way, two of his men were injured in that battle. I won't mention all details of their relations with Metalome government but they did us a great favor and it would be just to reward them.
- And what about the kobold?
- He is a guide. Actually he is the one who called for help.
- All right - Sinsot said unwillingly - we'll pay for them. But we don't mint coins in the fortress, we can suggest...
- We are ready to accept the gold only, - Torus interrupted him - we can't search for buyers of your stonecrafts or mechanisms no matter what masterpiece it can be.
- The gold, - Sinsot grumbled.
- I saw a couple of goblets, - said one of his accompanyings, - we don't need such a luxury anyway.
- Then step and bring it, Atil.
While everyone was waiting for Atil with goblets, Nux came to you.
- Liften - Nux wispered - I didn't imagine everyfing fat way.
- What do you mean?
- Well, I guess fey aren't really glad to see you, not menfioning me. I'm not fure I want to ftay in that fortress.
While you were trying to come up with some words to answer, Torus who was standing near and heard everything has come into your conversation.
- If you are ready to release your guide I would be glad to accept him to the squard as a scout. He has already proven himself able to fit this job. And of course I'll take no payment for his escort in that case. A scout is worth it's weight on gold for us - Torus smiled.
I'm always happy to see more updates in this thread.
Urist, catch!
__________________________
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143276019051.gif)
- Do what you want to do, Nux - you answered - I always knew the time will come for you to go. I see adventures are calling for you. Going on the very edge, that's what you were born for: to endure all hardships of combat life, sleepless dank nights, long treks - everything for excitement of battle...
- Don't dramatize like that - Torus stopped you.
- Yes, Nux - you sighed - not everyone will be glad to see you in the fortress. In worst case, you'll have to be satisfied with simple personal room and just two meals a day.
- Emm - the kobold was shifting his gaze between you and Torus - well, I've spent much time to get here. It would be pity to waste it - he waited a little bit before making a decision - I'll stay.
Direct link to animated image in case of issues click (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143276019051.gif)
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143276029150.jpg)
Soon Atil has run back from the fortress holding three golden goblets. Torus gave it to elderly balding men. He was weighing goblets in hands for a long time, trying to scrape it with the knife and viewing it very carefully.
- I guess 20 gold coins for each is a good price - he delivered his verdict - wait a second, what are theese scribbles?
- Let me see - another human looked over his shoulder - looks like dwarven writings. Budo, come here, you were bragging you can read those.
- Ki..King - blackhair men grabbed the goblet and started to walk around frowning - vam-pi-re pro-tec-tor. Sa-bo-tage.
- What? You kidding me? - bawls were heard from all directions.
- That what is written there, bullhead! - he sassed.
- For real? These dwarves are funny guys - someone said laughing.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143276045499.jpg)
- Silence, - Torus commanded, - you owe us 52 gold coins, - he took one of the goblets, an axe and cut it's leg with one hit, - here is your change, - he passed it to Sinsot. Dwarf beveled but took the gold piece.
- Gentlemen, it was a pleasure to deal with you, - Torus smiled, - if you'll need our service later, just leave a message under the road stone near the ruined bridge. Farewell.
Алекс, ты уж если перевод перед заливкой правишь, то новых ошибок хоть не делай. Ну и старые поправить мог бы.
А так молодец конечно, что заливаешь ибо мне влом. :)
Стараюсь не упускать, но не обижусь, если мне ткнуть пальцем в косяки ;D
__________________________
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14335786571.jpg)
Torus turned and walked away, his men followed him.
Sinsot was standing for a minute watching them leaving with a disgust.
- Follow me! - he spitted and started walking towards the fortress.
You were leaded throught the gates into the inner yard. There was the dog on a chain greeting dwarfes happily barking and wagging it's tail. In despite of it's friendliness Nux preferred to sneak by hiding behind your back.
Next you passed the Trade Depot and had a long way down the main stairs right into the mountain deeps. You saw some dwarfes while, they greeted Sinsot and watched you and the Kobold curiously. Some of them tried questioning Shasad about her journey, but she answered that she is busy and she'd tell everything later.
You were asked to wait in office, which, looks like, was empty for a long time. Later a bucket with water was brought so you can wash youtself and some food: plumphelmet caps and stripes salad and a mug of dwarven wine.
An hour passed before someone came for you. You were guided to the throne hall and the Likot-shaped throne got your attention immediately, that's why you didn't notice Sinsot in the first place, who was sitting at a big desk.
- Please, sit down! - he invited you - I'm pleased to welcome you in the Akrulaban. I've already talked to Shasad about her visit to Arol-Iton. She said that trade agreement with the queen was signed and other questions were solved successfully. So what is YOUR purpose of visiting the Akrulaban?
- I have an urgent message for you King, but it can be delivered personally only.
- The King haven't returned from the campaign to the caverns. I'm his vicar - Sinsot frowned - so deliver it to me.
- I can wait - you answered.
- You don't understand - Sinsot leaned over the desk towards you - We consider him missing, but, more likely, he is dead.
- Likot died? - you chanted beeing not able to accept such a shocking news.
- I'm afraid so - he sighed.
- No, no, no..- you mumbled lowering your head - this can't be!
You couldn't imagine how something could happen to Likot. The Likot, who always was an example for you, who allways could find a way out of any mire. For a moment you felt an anger to Sinsot, but it faded like a sparkle in a perception of failty of all existance flooded you mind.
- How did that happen? - you asked still lowering your eyes.
- The King went on an expedition with a bodykeepers squad. A few days later a huge cave-in happened in the deeps: all citizens of the fortress felt the ground shaking. The saving expedition was lauched immediately. We discovered signes of cave-in, but because of new cave-in danger and risks of meeting cave creatures we cut down searches. Anyways they would have ran out of supplies a week ago.
You were silent.
- I see you are shocked - Sinsot continued. The discontent notes appeared in his voice again - however... - he reached you and shaked you by the shoulders - look at me! - he growled - The message, if it is really important, I demant you to deliver it now to me as a ruler of the Akrulaban.
And some art
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143357882029.png)
Return of CoOP.
Our long lost CoOP is back with us and brought us some of his magnificent pics.
Also SUDDENLY the story splitted in TWO! Rejoice! One for Likot by CoOP and one for the rest(for Tok for now) by NewOPs.
First Likot thread (http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/res/137190.html)
Likot Line
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14339581496.jpg)
You woke up SUDDENLY in your hovel not in some Armok forgotten place. Ivety was here. Those provision you took in that expedition ended week ago but it wasn't a problem for you 'cause you've learned to fish, hunt and gather any pasture long time ago. The cave-in isolated you two from the fortress swamping your companions. It's unknown is any saving work beeing done but if it even is you went into caverns deep enough since and it would be a hard job to find you two. You made the hovel and started establishing your life here, exploring surroundings. But in last few days you started to hear those voices in your head like in old times before the accession in Akrulaban. Unlikely it is a good sign. And you also broke The Spoon.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143406083285.jpg)
First of all you recalled all explored territories.
Number 1 is your home on a steep lake shore with some fish in it.
Number 2 is a giant mushrooms forest where a small family of dralthas is living. Maned aren't really agressive for now but you aren't getting too close to them.
The third showplace is crumbling stone pillar with five fleshball living around it. Sometimes they splash in nearest shallow pond. You are trying to avoid they just in case.
Sometimes a drunian appears in the forth grotto, his look is creeping you out, you don't know why. He is wondering around, searching for berries and roots, listening and sniffing but never noticing you.
The fifth place is a flooded downward corridor. It isn't possible to know whether it ends somewhere or not.
Number six is another dead end - two steep brinks divided by a lake underneath.
There are a dozen of decayed hairless moledogs corpses died, it seems, of hunger in the place seven.
Eight - the tonnel to the fortress. That's where the cave-in happened.
The ninth visit spot is another grotto where you have found a small native platinum ore vein. You have nothing to dig it with but you like to look at it and imagine the time your bedroom or dining room will be decorated with that platinum.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143406118527.jpg)
Your and Ivety's sexual life was dead for a long time. The situation wasn't really sutable. You aren't feel any discomfort about it. The beach wasn't attractive too. Just in case you tryed to cheer your partner up:
-Hey, Ivety... nice outfit.
She noddled:
-Camouflage - she smiled unhappily.
On the one hand you missed the sunbeam prater she was before... On the other hand it wasn't really bad that she shut up at last. Though she became notedly sadder.
But all thoughts gone away the moment you saw a small mushroom in front of you! Oh, that marvelous, set your teeth on edge, taste of plumphelmet! You grabbed it and ate, crunching the cap and the stipe then, leaving only the spawn intact. You decided to adopt it as your pet as memory of old times.
Also you inserted the broken Angryspoon parts into a stipe of a grown up mushroom tp make it visibly "fixed".
Scream out loud
You didn't want to scream because of your neighbours.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143465396056.jpg)
You were thinking about coition for a long time. Preferably some perverted form of it.
- Ivety, honey...We are here for a long time. We've built our modest nest, built more or less comfortable life. Uncomparable with the fortress but it's at least something. And...you know... I've spent a lof of efforts on it...for your comfort... aaand...you know...men have some needs...Got it?
Ivety was looking at you displeasurely and fiercely and in the same time sadly and with perplexity.
-Well, snake go to the hole - you continued - Got it? I'd be glad to visit your mine, got it? Dig some coal, got it? Send an expedition into dark caves, got it?
-WE ARE ALREADY IN THE ASS! - Ivety suddenly shouted - Just look around! We are in the deepest ass ever! I went down in the dungeons for you and saved you from werebeast curse. I saved your friends sacrificing my own. I forgave you just to be with you. But I can't take it anymore, Likot! This it too much for me. Too dark, too deep, too silent. Most of the time I stare into the darkness and listen whether some creature is sneaking to me while you are sleeping. And when you go away I just praying forest spirits for some rock falling on my head and kill me, because I can't be here anymore. I'm still hoping I love you, Likot, but our worlds are way too different, I was so foolish and naive letting you to drag me underground. I don't even have strength to cry. I was crying before. Now i'm just waiting for death, for relief. That's not a life for me. I don't feel any joy, any comfort here underground. I miss blue sky and wind, birds singing and sunshine. I miss us once we were, when we weren't here. I hate this place. I hate that fortress. I hate its corridors and halls. I fill pity to evetyone living in it. I wish to let them free, outside...I understand with my mind that dwarfes feel better under oppressive solid thick but I...i want to break free. With or without you. That's what I think about. That's what I dream about. That's not a place for me...not a place...not a place...
And again she emerged in her dreams, apparently, imagining herself in an elven grove. But you literally head a creak of her anus squeezing.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143587388356.jpg)
Meanwhile, far-far south, on main square of one big city, on a pedestal, surrounded with crowd of gapers three dwarves were standing. They were none other than the Armok's prophet Iruremtamol himself and his loyal apostles, absolutely unknown just a couple years ago but now getting popular with incredible speed.
Their faith was so strong it healed unhealable, brought back dying and made weak strong. "Gods died long time ago!" - they were saying -"Only the Armok, the true god is everlasting for he has neither guise, nor body and his soul is in our own blood, flowing in every one of us. The Armok is in everyone, the God is us and we are the God, until any tiny drop of his soul is flowing through our veins."
The prophet had truely divine gift, his miracles were not fake and his teaching, sent down from the Armok himself, was raising awe in mere peoples. Only old priests were truely hating the prophet because he left their temples without parish. But alas they couldn't do anything, since Iruremtatol was escorted by tens or even hundreds of fanatics day and night, in the inn or on the road, making it impossible to reach him.
There were more then three prophets. They were seven in the begining but in time their numbers were growing as the number of simple disciples. There were humans and goblins and even some very impressible elves, all united with their new faith. Who knows how much time it would take them to reach the most distant places on continent. People say they were already waited for on the north.
Say "Blood for the Blood God" if you like the story ;)
i will always love this story
That's why we have more :D
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143628631044.jpg)
Seeing such a thing you jumped on the offender from above, you even had no time to piss into the lake. You fell on the crocodile like a rock and broke his spine. Next point in your plan was to take a direct control over the beast it even fidgeted a little under your "control", but soon it gasped out it's life of shame.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143628649945.jpg)
Swimming like a crap in a toilet you noticed the waster had salty taste. Looking around you noticed a low grotto, hidden before, where your bodies were beeing pulled into. There was a small beach on the other side. It was beckoning you promising pleasures forgotten long time ago.
- Likot, is that you? - Ivety mumbled frightenedly - Are we in a river? Where are we beeing pulled to?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143619739786.jpg)
Standing a little bit more hugging Shasad you started to recover from the shock but it was changing into nothing else than paranoia. Since you realized you are now a pawn in the fight for power and it's not safe to be a pawn. Also you realized that Sinsot won't approve a rescue party to the caverns. You needed a support and first candidate was, of course, Shasad.
-Let's go out of here - you remembered you were standing in front of the Throne room door.
-Yes - Shasad suddenly remembered - there will be a new citizens adoption ceremony. Imagine they arrived just the day before yesterday.
-What did he say to you?-Shasad asked when you walked away a little bit.
-Well-this question wasn't very pleasant but you decided to answer- my message has been lost, when we were in captivity and that problems with Liko...- it was hard for you to speak- Nonetheless now he wants me to compensate damage.
-It's good it has ended like that - Shasad smiled.
-And what is good in it? - you wondered.
-Sinsot thought you are a spy for the first time.
-And you?
-I understand dwarfes good enough to figure out you are not: you are too forthright to be a spy.
-I'd like to ask you something - you whispered - Can you show me the caverns entrance?
-You're.. - Shasad frowned.
-Don't worry. For now I wanna just look. And can you find out who was in rescue mission. I want to hear everything straight from them.
-Very well- she noddled.
-But don't tell that it was me who as..-Shasad push you in the hip: she was first who noticed a dwarfess engraving a wall around the corner. Also you started to notice hubbub.
-We are almost there! -Shasad said when you were passing by - Feel yourself at home for a while. I need to go to make preparations for ceremony - she opened a door with a large hall behind it. Despite it was designed for a much larger amount of dwarfes it was full of life compared to long empty corridors. A big company was right in the center of the hall, they drawed two tables together and were actively discussing something. Other dwarfes were in groups of two-three persons at the tables to the right from you, albeit you noticed some loners. Also you smelled something unpleasant.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143655578598.jpg)
...a lonely sad ghost was sitting in dim den waiting for something he didn't really know what. A piece of chain in his hand was raising up and falling down with echoing clash into an empty garbage can standing below him, echoing in countless empty corridors.
Nobody paid attention to the ghost, actually the ghost wasn't hastening to reveal himself and bother mortals with his existance. The ghost was thinking, he was thinking long and sorely about what he wants out of his life, I mean not of life but of unlife or how do ghosts call their existance process right.
What does he want? Power? Of cource, everyone does! But all his efforts to gain this power completely failed and costed him his life and last of his friends.
The biggest mistake was that he got in touch with one bald asshole, when he was a novice in Assarotung. How foolish he was to trust that suspicious thin-haired four-eyes and even to try to plan somethig with him. In the most crucial moment that faggot cleanie scammer frauded him swindling the queen and killing the king. That jerk was trying to put his former comrade in the wrong, though he didn't succeed our ghost(now a ghost that time, but pretty healthy and young and the most important living dwarf) slided quickly to the deepest layers of the society and was forced to do the most disgraceful work what was facilitated by new highly agressive management. It was the first epic fail.
But our yet-not-a-ghost take things on the chin and went to his dream another way: he started not from the tops, it became absolutely hopeless for him, but from the bottoms which he was closer than ever to. Actuated with thirst for justice peasant-outsiders, degraded veterans, disabled and even miners united around new Workers and Peasants leader forming underground community. Each of them deserved more and our hero was the worthy of the worthy. The crown was always trying to get rid of his influense throwing sand in the wheels, sending him to roach in the most distant levels. Twice yet-not-a-ghost was sent to the fort building expeditions to the freaking distant places, where he had to come back from. And besides the second returning was fateful - he made the acquaintance of one lady hexed him on restlessness and tought him some life and death tricks. He broke up with necromancer in a bad way, came back home and started to plot a revolution.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143655582262.jpg)
It was one week left till the appointed day when during one of sorties to the caves the not-ghost was caught be the manager who immediately casted some terrible spell on him. The death was dreadful like a room with a hundred steel spears filled with boiling steam and magma instead of floor. Hair vaporized, incinerated skin crumbled from boiled subcutaneous fat, and eyes flew out onto blackened with soot jaw. That's how the ghost imagined himself everything happened, anyway a dark silhouette on rocks, strongly resembling his own shadow, on the floor where the murder happened confirmed his guesses.
Next trouble happened in a gap between death and rising from dead, so he had to deal with it because he couldn't do anything with it. The power over the community was taken by miners who turned it to chauvinistic sect suprisingly quick, called themselves the Miners Republic, declared a war on the rest of the fortress and entrenched themselves in one of it's districts. The rest of the fortress was lost, slautered or ran away. The ghost was nothing to do and beeng in post-ressurection shock he tryed to possess a body of a random soaper. Something went wrong and, despite of he managed to throw out dwarf's soul, the control over the dwarf was intercepted by something otherworldly, frightening and unknown.
The third fail happened later after the ghost left destroyed mountain home secretly and stalked his bitter enemy right to the Arol-Iton. There the ghost managed to got rich of new acquaintances and became a right hand of local baron in a few months. It seemed that was it - the luck, it flows right into his hands! But no, some painted chick emerged from nowhere with a crumpled but still working artifact, charmed the baron and formally became a consort but de facto became sole monarch of the city. All new ghost's undertakings were ruined in a few days and he was banished on the next day after venturess accession by exorcists hired specially for it.
Beeing in panic, rending his ghostly hair, the ghost rushed to his mentor for help and advice. But he was waited with icy welcome and the ghost was rejected in a very rude manner. There was no hope for help to overthrow Arol-Iton impostor. A train of failures and loss of the last ally broke the ghost's spirit, resulting in wasting his time wondering around the world pointlessly, posessing tramps' backpacks and merchants' bags, untill he met the group of mercenaries escorting someone who looked familiar. Illusive hope that's all our ghostly loadloper needed, so he grabed it and later it led him to that gloomy bulky new home.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143717368022.jpg)
>Create panic, scare elfess the shit out.
>Pull out the crocodile to shore, butcher it, render tallow, mix with lye, make soap, take it.
>And eat it
>Find a beach
>light a fire
You couldn't light a fire in the water 'cause you didn't have flints, tinder and some thing flamable, as well as butcher the crocodile - your hand-knife couldn't cut throught the skin. The beach that was attracting you earlier now seemed to be a passed life stage and as if it was wispering you about adventures waiting for you ahead, while it would stay in your memories and your heart...forever loved, forever dry and wet in the same time. As if it wagged you letting you go away.
It was no sense to scare Ivety, she was already hysterical and wasn't sinking just by your efforts. You were solacing her with confident voice. You both...three of you succumbed the water flow and rushed into the grotto. The walls were narrowing and widening. Sometimes it seemed to be a dead end ahead but you dived and emerged soon enough and continued moving further. Eventually in a couple of hours you were floated to a bay which goblins called "the Shark Jaws". You were studying maps in Arkulaban and recognized it from the first sight.
The daylight was so unbearable that you and Ivety screwed your eyes like you were eating a lemon.
It was a calm and not very windy day. Looks like Ivety wasn't really realizing where she is now.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143723830061.jpg)
>puke enough, get out to the shore, go to the Arkulaban
>drift to the open sea until we meet some ship
You didn't want to puke right now. You heard water splashes nearby. You turned and saw a numan with paddles.
-Ahoy, bobblers! Where did you emerged from?
-We fell to a cavern lake and drifted here. But how can you...
-The point is that there are no boats in this world. At least in these parts. So we do what we can. Need a ride?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143723606724.jpg)
Lingering a while you decided it would be a good idea to make friends with somebody who can stand up for himself, and for you also: some warrior, miner or smith. You started to peer dwarves in the hall. "It would be better to find someone who came recently and who is not influenced by Sinsot much" - you reasoned.
You almost decided to walk to the loud company where battle-seasoned warrior was braggin his feats pulling his sword out, but suddenly you noticed someone. A dwarf in cloak and hude wide-brimmed hat that was sitting back to you. You knew only one who wears such knid of attire but it was hard to believe that faith brought you together again.
On an impulse you came closer to him.
- Is that you? - you walked around the table and looked at his face.
- Me? - dwarf wondered. Though his face was uglified you easily recognized the mage you met on the Ladtakomage street.
- It is him! - you turned to dwarfess sitting in front of the mage - It is definitely him! - you smiled like a brewer's horse and she was just blinking her large round eyes.
You saw mage sprang to his feet with roar overturning the bench. Looks like he was surprised and pleased with such meeting even more then you were. Beeing so joyful you hugged your well-doer. The mage screamed shortly.
- What are you doing?!- a sturdy dwarf with mohawk haircut raised from the nearest table and put his hand on your shoulder. The hall became queerly silent - looks like everyone was looking at you.
- That's the greatest mage and forecaster in the world! I can't find words to express my gratitude for changing my life! - you shouted - He returned the friend to me, he helped me to meet my love! - you weren't calming - Akrulabad is so lucky such a wonder-worker lives here!
- Why don't you cast us some beauties, Bembul?! Or it's not you can do well?! - shout of some joker rang.
- And who are you? You weren't among us - hoodlum was looking at you appreciatively crossing his hands on chest.
- I'm Tok Buketotil an ambassador from Arol-Iton - hearing that Bembul suddenly became pale - but for a while I'm gonna live here as private person - you added scared if the mage had a bad vision.
- I saw him. He came with Shasad - a young dwarfess that was sitting at the next table confirmed - Bembul, you are what? A real mage? - her question was supported with several approving shouts. The mage lost his courage without words to answer.
- He is liar and fraud - an oldman voiced loudly - there are only wonders from deities and curses from demons - a dwarf in weather-stained greasy robe was approaching you lamely. His beard was tangled and smelled like a hundred dead trolls - Iudikajja would give you that truth if you would be ready to accept it!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143794609147.jpg)
You've concentrated and imagined a boat. It was there right in front of you. Made of planks and nails. May be no one have seen a boat in this area but it doesn't mean there are no boats at all.
Here we have a bunch of flashback/spinoff/memory stories about some of our characters and citizens.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143745990652.png)What's to start with... I came from a city on a lake. No, of cource, I was born in a mountain home. But I lived there not for a long time, most of my life I spent among humans. Why? Well, you know how smiths are doing, especially weaponsmith: to make a decent blade you have to work at anvil for years and waste tons of metal. That's why old masters are counting on talents: they teach young apprentices the basics and then wait for the inspiration. And the inspiration came but not on me. The master got his successor and the rest were forbidden to enter the forge. Unfair, right. I was really mad that time - so I left the mountain home.
I was wondering around not much time - I found a village and asked the local smith to accept me. He was laughing at me at the beginning but those basics I learned were enough to drop his jaw.
I spent there a couple of years, gained some experience. Then a local ruler was on hunt and broke his knife. It was a great luck for me. And he took me with him into the capital.
Here I was working for about thirty years. Built my own forge, had full hand of orders, lots of money. That's how I lived until I met Isram. She came with dwarven caravan. That day I went totally crazy. I couldn't think about anything exept her. I spent a week with her and then it was time for caravan to leave. I wanted to go with her but couldn't decide. Of course her promised to come back next year, she even promised to stay with me. But it was hard to believe in it. It's a shame to remeber it now. Going nuts like a boy.
And then she came back. It was such a pleasure, such a relief. Everything became like it was before, even better now. Then kids were born. But in time I started to notice she misses dwarves. I thought: "I'm like a local here but it was just because I was raised in mountain home. That is were my home." And I decided to move with my family to dwarves, Akrulaban was the nearest. But rumors said it's unsafe there. So I moved myself first, decided to settle down here and then I'll take Isram and kids here.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143759714895.jpg)
Tok was a wonderful child. He acted properly, was calm, rare to roughhouse and always pleased his parents. He has art propensity from the childhood, he liked to paint and play fluite. Artistic mind made him a little bit self-contained but it wasn't a problem for him to get friends and enjoy his life.
Tok grown up in a farmers family in borrows surrounded with swamps. He had several brothers and sisters, but they became adult before he was born so he lived just with his parents in a borrow. Beeing a hill dwarf Tok spent most his time outside, playing with his friends, exploring surroundings or devoting himself to the music in solitude.
Once Tok came into the swamps farther then before. He sat in the reed and started playing the fluite. He became so involved he didn't notice he got the attention of two very dangerous listeners. They were the trolls of the night - two giant moskitomen with cat eyes and goat horns. They caught Tok immediately, grabed him and carried to their lair in the depth of the swamp, the place with no escape.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14375972098.jpg)
Covered with moskito bites, barely alive Tok was hanging upside down from the ceiling of the lair, covered with his own piss and exhausted of fear. Monsters were ready to drain all dwarfe's blood to the pot and it was no hope but the salvation came.
A hero was tall, slim, eared and the most impressive, he was two weapon weilder. He was armed with two enchanted silver swatters, and when he jumped into the entrance he uttered:
- You, creatures of the night! You killed my friend! You kidnapped that dwarfkid! You ruined countless lives, you can't be forgiven! Prepare to die!
The elf run at monsters spinning like whirligig in some sort of dance. In mere seconds the moskitomen, who were vunerable to silver, were grinded into the chaotic mess, and the four horns were the only things left. Tok was saved.
Dwarf came back home but all that happened left it's indelible mark. Tok came to hate the swamps, gained the moskito fobia which caused him to pee himself everytime he saw them. Friends left him and he couldn't get new ones, he actually didn't want to. His fluite addition was quickly displaced with tobacco pipe addiction, it's smoke was protecting him from moskitos. At his eight has was smoking like potashmaker's kiln that was judged and amazed by others.
That's how Tok came from cheerful demure to the unstable autistic. After maturity he left his village without any doubts even without endpoint: it could be mountains, dune, tundram even caves - it didn't matter a lot, he had to go away from moskitos, from swamps and from hateful home...
He had to run away from all of this. And to forget.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143799372916.jpg)
Image inscriptions(up->down, left->right):
Stinky, Mage, Likot, Shasad, Sinsot, Nux
Close, Shitty, Wasted, Empty, Need Help, Paupers
You felt uneasy in presence of miasma prophet: not only he looked disgusting, smelled horrible you didn't want to catch some desease from him.
- Don't come any closer - you shouted him - wash yourself before speaking with people.
- That is stench of your vices you feel - oldman got angry - if you were clean you see no filth! Accept Iudikajja with all your heart and you will be saved!
- Thank you, but I'll save myself from that stink another way - you tried to keep distance.
- Just ignore him, he'll go away - someone from the crowd adviced.
- You are demons acolyte! - he shouted - Trying to close the way to the truth for the lost soul! Hear me - the oldman turned to you again - in order to distinguish light from dark, good from evil, truth from lie you must follow the way of Iudikajja. Forget the words of false prophets and charlatans...
Making sure the oldman was insane you decided to follow the advice and spoke to Bembul who was yet standing petrifyed.
- Sit and calm down - you tilted and raised the fallen bench - don't get this rave too serious.
Seating down the mage you noticed that the prophet finished his monotonous speech. And when you looked at him as nothing happened he spitted under your feet turned around and hobbled to his table.
When everything lied down Bembul told you his sad story: he was attacked by bandits, he was knocked down beeing hit to the head. When he regained his consciousness, covered with wounds, he realised with terror that his powers left him.
Thanks to the prophet incident you were accepted much better than you were hoping. In about an hour after an acquaintance a noisy company of dwarfes was listening for short version of your story about adventures you had during your way to Akrulaban. Besides you knew a lot about situation in fortress and it's inhabitants.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143799412125.png)(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143799453899.png)
Now you are Sinsot.
After you finished your conversatioon with Tok you put his form into the register which became pretty big with all that settlers' personal records. You looked through pages one more time and closed the book, you caressed the decent leather cover but you satisfaction of work quickly changed to irritation and vague anxiety. Buketotil is a useless fool, but it seems he is not a danger. But other fortress problems weren't so easy to sort out.
First of all goblins. It was naive to think they never come back to Akrulabal but you weren't expecting they do it so soon. Migrants stumbled a goblin squad: two dwarfes died, one injured. All goblins were killed, you hope. Of course it could make Akrulaban an ill fame among greenskined but you shouldn't rely on that. That's why we should get ready for new scouts and then the siege. That thought gave you insomnia: the fortifactions were hurry-scurry patched after the Akrulaban massacre, there weren't any army at all except the squad which was ruined by Likot under the cave-in in caverns. Also most of good weapons and armor were carried away by goblins as trophies. All steel supplies were spent in those restless days before the siege. Though you had plenty of iron and ore, flux was just laying under your feet and coke could be burned out of wood you had neither furnace operator nor weaponsmith in the fortress.
You were visited again by the thought to use those barbarian-mercenaries who escorted Shasad, but you were afraid they could capture the fortress by themselves without any effort. If they knew about the situation the fortress is in, of course.
Speaking of dead, the graveyard ran out of place. Of course you suggested to use old mines or abandoned living floors for burials, but that idea met a great resistance: "a pell-mell burial is a sign of fortress decay" - they said. Like Akrulaban hasn't survived almost total destruction.
Also is was a bad situation with that injured migrant. He got first aid, as fas as we could, but it is unclear what to do next. So he was moaning for two days non-stop in the hospital, after all there was no medic in the fortress except Ivety.
An economic situation was better: food and booze storages were full enough for the winter. Thought next year would be hard for Ast and Lolor if you couldn't find them an assistant. Gratin can supply the fortress with clothes and we can find glass and stone crafts and cut gems for trading. Well, we'd better fill our empty treasury somehow - we didn't find any precious metal veins in mines, but may be we just searched not well enough.
- All right - you interrupted yourself, you opened the journal for the last time and made last notes - it's time to finish.
At any moment Atil can come to say everything is ready for the ceremony. You weren't worry about official part: Shasad took the fancy words, songs and dances part on herself. The main thing is to do all appointments and disposals. Too much time was wasted.
Sorry but it's too much work to translate that tables. Please don't be mad on me.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143816792176.png)
Everyone is able to know the Truth! You can do it if you will aim it. Yes, my life was also pointless before, I was wandering in mist. All difference between you and me is that Iudikajja chose me to bring his word.
Once I was young and foolish, I had no purpose. The fall that damaged my leg, I thought it was a disaster not an omen. Laying in a hospital I was in terrible pain: pain of flesh and plain of spirit. But the the light came from the dark. Delightful light which frieghtened me at the begining since I wasn't able to awake its greatness.
In that incredible light I saw the Iudikajja in form of limping badger. He spoke to me without words but each his word was a revelation for me. He told me truths which you are not able to grasp without accepting Iudikajja with all your heart. Also he gave me the way. I, the incompetent peasant, have to raise his name among dwarfes and give them the truth. And the first step was to write the book. You cannot express the truth with words but you can use it to describe the way to it. That's why I had only one way. A hard way to the heart of lust and vices, dark and lies. Iudikajja wanted to toughen and test my faith! He left the only possibility to fulfill his plan: to learn writing in the temple of Reg - the idol of lost souls. I needed a lot of composure to enter it's walls but I was aiming the highest purpose and it gave me the strength. For days I was serving that disgusting idol and for nights I was begging Iudikajja for forgiveness. Day passed after day, year after year until, finally, I was ready to start the book. Each written word was a joy. And when the book was finished I was ready to leave that slough of vice and lie clean to bring the light of truth!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143887217512.jpg)
Long-long ago, before the time started, before demon's exodus to the surface, firstborn dwarfes were living as deep as it was possible. They didn't risk to go too high over magma sea, that's why they were living in total isolation from the outside world, never seeing the sun and the sky.
Life was as safe and peaceful as it was dull and lonely. The only dwarf neighbours were kobolds and rare trolls and lack of connection with upper caves and surface prevented enemy invasions thus there were no wars, sieges, ambushes etc.
Also The First Anvil wasn't yet revealed itself to the world, that's why everything dwarfes crafted were made of glass and stone. Stone spoons and forks, glass axes - all that were ubiquitous. The stone wasn't only used just for household purposes but it was used for eating. Of course dwarfes couldn't eat stones, no. Inedible rocks were used as spices or delicacy, for example, grinded gabbro was pretty good with pottage or turmalines were good as snacks with dwarven wine.
The most useless stone considered to be adamantine. It was easily crumbling even when masters were trying to craft something out of it. It had bad taste so it wasn't used in cookery. The only usage was entertainment. That elastic paste coming from dwarven guts, while it's warm, could be shaped. Washed good enough they got "statuettes" of all shapes. That process was turned into dwarven competition called "strand extraction". The rules were: two or more competitors swallowed a fullhand of stones beforehand and then in the day of competition they singly, without using their hands, in front of qualified jury had to "give birth" to the most interesting adamantine figurine.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143887224914.jpg)
Time passed, metallurgy appeared and ore value of adamantine coprolites exceeded its cultural value. All "statuettes" were melted, stolen by goblins or just drown in magma. Adamantine became rare and dwarfes started to live closer to surface than before adopting human habit of building forts, goblin habit of making deadly weapons and losing their tradition of stone eating.
The only one legend left intact from those times. It was a legend of dwarf whose craftmanship had been never outdone by anyone. For strange appearance and manners he was called Udos-Aral but it was nothing in comparison to his skill. He mastered the tiniest movements of his body so much he could create really impossible things on that "strand extraction" competition. When Udos-Aral was given a chance to use real tool he started to create crafts so magnificent they empressed even gods so much they offered him a place beside them immortalizing his name.
His name was Baros Ritzam.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143975297910.jpg)
Fisherman Itlud brought you to his village. During the way he said he was living with his woman in a hut in outskirts. His life was fine, nothing to complain at, like everyone's else. Last news were: Ginger knocked Oled three teeth out in a druken brawl, Kaspa's wife gave birth to double and the town hall was reopened after repair. Also prostitute Zostra seems to catch some disease from visitors or he adviced not to sleep with her. Visitors brought nothing but disease. Or they just don't to share news. The inn was further along the road but it was allways unsafe to go out the village - some criminal was making troubles. Akkar Baktur was probably living far south on the mountain pathway.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143990356246.jpg)
TOTAL EXTERMINATUS!!!!!!
Different thoughts from past were flooding your head, those you had thought hundred of times. But then they were just somewhat deleted...Whatever...The most loud and frequent was to make a "total exterminatus", but you were a soaper and didn't even knew such words. May be it was just a set of ridiculous sounds. It would be even better if it means nothing.
Having no other strong thoughts what to do you settled in front of a well and started to wink to everyone passing by. Ivety was still in shock(such a sensitive person, what you can do - an elf) and was sitting near a wall staring at the ground or just unconscious.
Boatman went to have a dinner.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144001152188.jpg)
While you were asking people around Ivety started to realize where she is. She looked around, rubed her eyes and saw the sky and trees, grass and the sun, twittering birds... Beeing unable to believe her eyes she pulled the crocodile hide off and began walking around carefully staring at everything around.
By the moment you managed to find the prostotute Zostra, Ivety totally flourished and was enjoying even "I want to find a prostitute" phrase. It seems the sunbeam prater is back.
Till she started gabbing you grabbed Zostra's attention:
- Hi! I am Likot Ubendeb. I am dwarf-soaper from the mountain home Assaro... No, I am The King of Mountain Home Akrulaban! I command you to obey my will!
The prostitute snorted and rolled her eyes:
- I'll obey for three hundred. Double price for two of you. No discounts. No buttfucking.
Ivety was dancing around whining of happiness.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144008005724.jpg)
Approach a woodcutter on the background and start to mock him with jokes about his sexual orientation.
you noticed a woodcutted and suddenly shouted:
- Heeey! Chopper-asshole!
Old man looked at you, he didn't get you were shouting at him.
- Cutting log, cut your cock!
He stopped and stared at you.
- Do you lubricate your axe shaft when going to the forest?
Zostra turned around and walked away. Angry axe man approached you:
- Have you hurt your head or what?
- Why the axe shart isn't brown? Do you have splinters in your butt?
Old man took the axe with both hands and hit you in the face with that shaft. You knocked out.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144008010593.jpg)
- Look, Ramet, I warn you for the last time! Do not order that booze again. People go nuts from it! Ginger and Oled were best friends ever and now the teeth are everywhere. That dwarf went insane and started to bully me with no reason. Some elfess outside gone crazy, dancing and singing songs. Stop poisoning people!
- They didn't drink here!
- Just order wine from Toga as usual. Or I will sort that problem out. You know me!
- Ok, ok. I'll change the booze. But what is with dwarf?
- He'll be back soon enough. Just freshen his nip...
- I didn't drunk him!
- I have to go. And calm the elfess down.
You regained you consciousness. There was a mug with an alcohol near you. You drained it in no time.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/143945914427.png)
The story of Cilob Tosid
That's enough! I'm tired of your questions, I'll tell you what happened. Well, magma forge is not a joke. It's a dangerous work and anything could happen. But the funny thing is that you know about the danger but it all is such a routine you don't notice it. But it is there. You don't notice it but it exists.
So, it was a usual day. My duty was just starting. First of all I checked magma in a tank, it was getting dark and covered with crust. That was Okbod a lazy asshole who drained all juices from magma just not to refill tank himself. The magma under the forge, if you don't know, must be kept always hot. If it harden - it is a real pain in the ass to clean it out. Work would stop for a long time. So I ran to summon the minecart. In our mountain home we deliver magma to the forges with minecarts, you know. More work for smiths but you don't have to think about broken pumps or something worse. As I said, you can't avoid risk here.
So, I summoned the minecrat, waiting for it running here. The rules say you have to look into the window to control when it reaches the floodgate. But I 've learned to determine it by the sound long time ago. It tinkled, it clashed so I pulled the level immediately. I came in to push the minecart and BANG the fireimp jumped out. I was frightened so much I barely shit my pants. Then that horned butthead kicked me.
All what happened later I do not remember. People said, when I recovered a bit, that that creature had a great fun there until guard calmed it down. They also said the case was investigated, got it. Guess who was accuses: that spawn, mason-designers, may be imbecile Okbod? Hell no, Cilob was of course. And it's a addition to my appearence you cannot see without creeps.
So, I ran from that place far enough as soon as I could. What was next is not your business.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14400117014.gif)
You are Tok now.
You were sitting at the table in a company of Akrulabalians. Old warrior Urist had just finished telling another bloodchilling story about battles he survived and Urdim showered him with another bunch of compliments.
- So, my friends - woodcutter Tulon stood up - thanks for the company. Now it's time for a new acquaintance - he winked and looked at young wild looking dwarfess sitting at the farthest table.
- Hey, wait - Datan Tosid stood up next.
- Problems, bro?
- Don't molest her!
- You want her? - he smiled - Sorry but I was the first.
- Let her decide.
- Then I have bad news for you - woodcutter said passing by - girls like resolute dwarfes.
- Phew - commented a whore who was introducing herself with unambiguous name "Tunam" without any shame, when Datan went to that dwarfess folowing the woodcutter - thats why I prefer experienced men.
You decided to watch the scene for a while. Bomrek herself, it seems was dwarfess name, was seemingly puzzled with all that attention that fell on her. Who knows how it could have ended if engraver didn't run into the hall.
- They are coming! - she warned and hastened to take closest to the exit empty seat.
After her Sinsot, Shasad and two dwarfes, who were accompaning him during the conversation with Torus, it seems his closest men, entered the hall. One of them was holding a lute.
- We are glad to welcome you in the Akrulaban - Shasad declared solemnly when silence filled the room - not much time ago our fortress got throught tough times but now disasters passes and it has future now. That future depends on you! Much was done to return Akrulaban it's former glory and even more need to be done. But don't be afraid of difficulties after all here and now is place where your skills and talents are needed most. Here you can show yourself, become better and become a part of something bigger - she made a little pause and then continued - But now we accept to our society not just skilled workers and brave warriors. Today we meet new friends we will joy and grieve with. Helping each other we will achieve more, bigger than any one of us could. Our union is our strength, out brotherhood is our happy future.
Then fatso Bim stood up from a chair took the lute and Shasad started to sing:
As under the old mount
Laugh and cry we hear
Those who is called by road
Are going to campain...
That song sounded familiar, a memory from a distant past. May be you head it in your first day in Assarotung. Some of gathered here knew it too, they joined singing. Looks like it was a sort of tradition but you weren't really interested in such things. Old traditions weren't honored in Arol-Iton.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144001199446.jpg)
Then noobies and you among them gave the oath not to break Akrulaban laws. It was a pretty standard set: do not kill, do not steal, do not brawl and destroy, do not hinder artefact creation, work hard for the good of the fortress and protect it fearlessly is case of danger. Sinsot was calling names from his journal and waited for answer. When it came Nux's time you realized that he is not in the hall. You had a bad feeling but you calmed down 'cause Sinsot looked surprised too. He whispered something to the year of the dwarf right to him, he also whispered an answer and shrugged. Obviously Sinsot wasn't pleased with the answer.
- Well - he interrupted an awkward pause - a kobold will live among us. His name is Nux. You can distinguish him by blue pants. If he does anything suspicious tell me immediately. If you have a reason to think that a kobold you met is not Nux - you know what to do.
- So - Sinsot turned a page when he finished his list - officially you are assigned to the rooms on the second living floor. Anyone who haven't settled yet can occupy empty rooms. There is enough place for everyone. Now let's proceed with main part: as you know we faced goblins ambush. It was just a small squad but never the less we weren't ready for it. So the first thing is we form a military squad. Urist and...
- Sir - warrior jumped up and stood at attention.
- You are assigned as military captain. In you squad - Sinsot took thought for a moment - "Omristkurig" you can take Atil Kitigagek, Nasod Kindok, Kadol Mafolgirtol, Datan Tosid. Urdim Stagrumat, Tok Buketotilm and Kadol Izegdakon are in reserve. Train them once in a week, they have to join squad in case of attack. Also you can take Dunan Enentrag as an archer in case you need him otherwise let him hunt. Check the stockpile, make a list of equipment missing. Make sure reservers have full set of. Visit me with the list tomorrow. Got it?
- Yes, sir! - Urist was clearly happy with such appointment.
- Also, after recent incident, which i hope we finished discussing, we have no medic. And that problem became even worse since we have an injured in the hospital. Sodel, I assign you to the chief medic position, you can take assistants: Bomrek Likotolon and Tunam - Sinsot coughed.
- You know I know little in that stuff - he answered.
- Like everyone else here. After all I not giving you our wonderful lama as a helper hoping it appears to be a medic also. Look through records, search Ivety's room, I allow you. I'm not demanding a result just do what you can.
- All right - Sodel agreed - I'll try.
- Minkot Delerrit, Cilob Tosid - Sinsot continued - you are assigned to magma smelters.
- Hell No! - masked dwarf shouted - you can kill me but I won't go to that hell!
- What is this - a very familar grimace appeared on Sinsot's face - you are our only steelmaker!
- And also I almost burned in that place! - Cilob wasn't soothing - I won't go close to magma ever again.
- Very well - Sinsot frowned - what about coal fueled smelter?
- If it is far from magma, it's ok i think. Thanks Boss!
Further distribution was much more calm. You and engraver Urvad were assigned under the leadership of experienced Urist Rumadkab to builer jobs. Plans were to build furnace, to recontruct a small part of mine into a graveyard and the main task was reinforcement of the wall.
Glib woodcutter Tulon volunteered to provision wood which would be burned into coal by Morul under the leadership of Cilob.
Urdim Belbezdurad volunteered to be a recordkeeper and Sinsot agreed.
Then Sinsot told about plans to construct traps on the fortress entrance, using service of some local engineering genius, urged craftsdwarfes to work hard to create enough goods to trade with autumn caravan from Arol-Iton and also told about intention to form an alliance with lake city - Akrulaban's south-west neighbour.
When the meeting came to it's end Shasad approached you.
- I see you've settled here well. The last thing left is to go "the-place-you-asked-to-lead" - she winked - or I'll just show you the living floor?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144052075565.jpg)
- Sure, let's go - you didn't forget that Likot needs your help and hastened to leave the hall until one of your Urist McBosses loaded you with any work.
You walked to the main stairs in silence outstriping those who left meeting earlier and started to walk down.
- Also I fulfilled your second request - Shasad said proudly when you were alone - those who went to search Likot were Atil, Birut, Urdim the miner and Nasod.
- Atil and Birut are those two who always follow Sinot? - you asked
- Yeah - Shasad laughed - they do almost all missions. In the cave, they told, - she continued - they stumbled a huge avalanche. They didn't find anyone from the missing than they were frightened away by some creatures. Sinsot ordered not to risk any more and closed the entrance. Not everyone agreed his decision. We discussed it on allfortress meeting and he convinced everyone at the end. Tarem blocked the level. They said it was to prevent hotheads to enter there.
- Thank you very much, I don't know what I do without you. By the way - you decided to share the idea came to your mind to pay Shasad back in some way - why don't you become a mayor? I think your candidacy would be approved by the most.
- A mayor? - Shasad look at you oddly - You talked with brothers, aren't you?
- What brothers? - you wondered
- Danmans - two brainless snobs.
You shook you head.
- No? I'm sorry. Furthermore we don't have a half of hundred citizens in fortress, how can we have a mayor?
- But the King - the pain of the loss reminded about itself - you had - you added.
- Here we are - Shasad lowered her voice.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144052082770.jpg)
You were standing in a small widening of the tunnel not far from the mail stairs. Looks like there was a geological exploration here until the caves were stumbled: a lot of small passages were leading from the main tunnel, clogged with dust and spiders web. The cave entrance was blocked with a stone drawbrigde. Right next to it there was a level which was indeed blocked with a dodgy lock.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144083823082.jpg)
"Well, well, well" - you thought - "Interesting! How does this thing open?" You wanted to ask Shasad's opinion.
- Wow, never seen such a thing! - looks like her thoughts were the same.
- Can you pry from that Tarem how to open it? - you suggested.
- Hm, I doubt I can get close to that farouche - Shasad shrugged - Everyone who contant him are Nasod and Sinsot and may be Urist Rumadkab as well that is all his circle of friends. I'll try to find out something but I cannot promise anything, Tok.
For a while you were staying and looking at the lock carefully listening to thoughts in your head.
- Listen, where is closest KOTOR? - you asked Shasad.
- Motor? - she wondered.
- A KOTOR, is there any nearby? - you repeated - There was a lock looking like that one it could help me a lot to open this one.
- Kat Or, "GOAL to DRINK"? - Shasad srugged - is it tavern or something? Sorry Tok I never heard about anything like that - she kept silent for a second - Well I think I should go back, Tok. My absence is more noticeable than yours, you understand, and I don't want your plan to break because of me, when people start looking for us.
- Very well, I'd better stay here and think a little.
You and Shasad said goodbyes. Leaving she adviced you to equip better before going to the caves if you manage to lower the bridge and wished you good luck.
Tok is an engraver so he has hammer and chisel. Screw silent picking, give us some brutal penetration!
Requesting to try 42 in binary calsulus.
It time to pick the lock. You threw away a thought to break it with the brick, cause deconstructing would give you just two mechanisms and you need three of them to connect new one. The second thought was "42 in binary calculus" but that one was thrown away either - you couldn't even imagine what a creature it is a "binary calculus".
Then you tryed to switch arms and discovered severeral regularities. The first was that switching any arm causes switching of 6 more arms those which are on the same row and column as the switched arm. The second was that four horizontal arms in one row open corresponding pin. And the third was that each sixth switch engages inner mechanism reseting the lock so therefore the code consists of five arm switches.
Thank you for your requests. Do not hesitate to make more.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144252366623.jpg)
Are you sure that there is only a spider? What about little friendly ponies?
"May be it had time to bite me and I'm hallucination from spider venom?" - you were still in doubts. You concentrated and imagined a boat. It was there in front of you. Made of nails and planks. You concentrated even more. Boat disappeared, spider stayed.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144252369435.jpg)
May be it's a werebeast? Let it bite you.
As long as "magical" spider won't disappear despite all your efforts it should be definetely real. It may be even a werebeast. It would be nice to gain it's power.
- Hey, beard-s! - the spider crawled closer, jumped on the wall and started to climb up - What was-s your name? I haven't s-seen you before. Are you one of the freshies, yes-s?
The voice was getting closer to your right ear. You didn't risk to open eyes and freezed either in expectancy of thrill or in hope the spider is just seems to exist and will disapper in any moment. You ignored spider's questions.
- What's-s wrong, afraid? - arthropod continued - Don't be, I won't bite-s.
- You won't? - you felt disappointment - You are a spider that means you bite. You have to bite me and share your power!
- What are talking about-s? My bite will just parallize you for an hour or two. What powers-s, I'm not a werebeast or something?
- You're not? - you opened your eyes and turned to your companion. It was hanging on his web in a critical distanse from your face and you managed to examine it carefully. It looked as average cave spider. Pretty big, bigger then most of his kindred but without any anomalies. May be it was just old enough. It's chitin was white so it couldn't be a giant cave spider kid and it was no threat to meet it's mom.
- I'm kind of not turning into anys-thing - the spider shrugged - To be hones-st I don't know. It is-s a tricky s-situation happened to me.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144252375088.jpg)
who the fuck it is, and what the hell it so interested in dwarfes reunite with the king
- Bother to explain yourself.
- I jus-st woke up one day-s and realiz-sed I can s-think and talk. I was-s crawling aroung the caves-s and s-saw an expedition s-searching for s-someone, s-so I started to watch you dwarfs-s. Heard they are looking for their king-s. They stayed near the avalance-s for a while and then went away-s. I s-thought they'll come back but they didn't and closed the bridge-s.
- Did you offered them your help? Why did they gave up searching Likot?
- Emmm...I didn't talk to them-s. There were four of them-s, I was afraid...You are s-the firs-st one who I s-speak to. They were afraid too, I guess-s.
- Afraid of what?
- Crundles, they have a lair-s over s-there - the spider waved it's paw in direction of upward tunnel. - They died out of s-thirst. Crowded near avalance-s and interfered the ex-scavations. Stupid creatures-s doomed thems-selves-s to death. That's-s it - the spider whisted for a second - then I dec-sided to crawl through avalance and found the king mys-self.
- What a story...So what do you suggest?
- Go back for the pick-s! Bring more dwarfs-s. I know where you s-should dig to get s-through quicker. And I'll be your guide from the oths-er side of avalance-s!
- All right but what is your interest in all of that? You are a freaking spider!
- I have no needs-s, believe me. It's-s jus-st a res-search interes-st. You dwarfs-s are interes-sting creatures-s.
Adopt the spider as a perpetual pet. Spiders eat moskitos. You can feed it till it become huge. It would be fucking awesome.
Looks like the beast is friendly. You weren't feel dislike either. And considering that spiders eat moskitos, the creature in front of you could be very usefull.
- Excelent - you said - but on one condition, I'm taking you with me. You'll be my pet.
- What?! - the spider took umbrage - May be you'll be mine-s? Why not, I'm intelligent creature too-s.
- I'm not gonna explain everyone why you can talk. Believe me it would be easier and the more important safer. For you especially - you noticed.
- All right-s - the spider hissed.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144363993884.jpg)You apprehensively put the spider under your hat. The arthropod stamped a little while on your head, tickling and clinging your hair but soon perched shun. Before going back to the fortress you walked down to the avalanche. It was exactly as the spider had described: the tunnel was blocked with boulder scree about one hundred steps from the fortress entrance. You didn't find any excavation signs but the dust accumulated on the floor was covered with dwarf and small animals trails. Also you've found a broken arrow in the dust near the goaf literally treading it. You decided to show it to the spider.
- What do you think about it? - you hefted the hat with one hand and holded the arrow in front of spider's eyes.
- Garbage-s - the spider commented - anyone could h-hunt in this-s cave before-s.
Being a little bit disappointed that the goaf inspection hadn't brought you anything new, you hastened out of the caves: in such an atmosphere your time sense could fail you and you didn't want anyone feel suspicous about your long absence. But despite the hurry you didn't forget to close the drawbridge. There were two reasons for it: first you weren't sure if anything couldn't sneak to the fortress from the caves. Even if the spider said there was noone there it didn't want to risk too much. The second was if someone finds the bridge openen the alarm will raise the Save-Likot operation will be aborted. Also it did't take you too long. One switch and the mechanism operating the puzzle-lock moved the level down, the chains clanged and the bridge closed unwillingly. In that very moment you realised how close you were to be immured in the cave by a evil will and just carelessness.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144364000184.jpg)You shooke yourself from the dust and paced unstair. There you met running out of breath kobold.
-Tok, it's you. The beast is chasing me, hide me - Nux obviously wasn't quite himself.
-What a beast you're talking about? - you asked.
-Gigantic, shaggy. That sturdy dwarf with the Beard was leading me somewhere and it just jumped out from the corner. It shooed him, then grabbed me by the ear and dragged with it. It brought me in some stall and just stared at me but didn't let me go away. Horror! - he respired - When it fell asleep and ran away immediately. But it's kinda searching for me: I heard a clip-clop and sniff in corridors. Tok, what is that! I didn't agree on that stuff!
______________________
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144873717321.png)
You woke up in your new room, but in no hurry to get out of bed. Not only you had to carry rocks all day long yesterday but also some goblin's ass roared nearby all night making it difficult to sleep. So the beginning of the third day at Akrulaban was not particularly pleasant.
After successfully breaking the lock in the cave and meeting the spider you have not progressed an inch to the rescue of Likot. You were easily able to justify your absence with looking for Nux who was lost in the corridors of the fortress. But after Urist gave you no breaks: you just had moved into a room when she set you to study the plans of buildings, and the next day you were constructing furnace with this strange Urvad. Armok, how in the world it was any good idea to tame mosquito as a pet and carry it along all the time. You involuntarily shivered and decided to get out of bed, which no longer seemed so cozy.
- Oooh, afff-awken! - spider crawled out of the dark gap under the wardrobe, - Will you make dwarfffes to dig through collapssse today?
- I do not know - you frown.
- You sssaid the sssame yessterday.
- I have already explained to you that all is not as easy as you think. Enough of accusations! Likot, by the way, is my friend. You're the one here who does it out of boredom.
The words seem to slip past spider ears or whatever those antropods listen with. You were more and more convinced that talking to him like with a dwarf is absolutely useless. His reaction to your words was often not in line with expectations.
- Today I'll catch with the other dwarves in the meeting hall and then go with them to prepare rooms for burials, may be I'll able to work something out ...
- Thsssen I go wisss you, - spider interrupted you lightning fast leaping on the bed, - I'll ssshow how to dighh.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144929822751.png)
- Go under the hat - you did some hard thinking and decided that it would be easier to take spider with you - do you remember the rule?
- What rule?
- You keep silence until I permit you to speak.
- All right-s - the spider crawled into the hat expanded in front of him. You put it on carefully.
- And don't forget its all for your own safety - the arthropod didn't answered - Got it? - no answer again - Well then - you smiled and went out.
Along the way to the dining room you decided to see Shasad but as it was yesterday the door with her name on it was locked. The knock was left with no answer. In the common room Urist and Urvad were waiting for you while having breakfast.
- Forgive me for what have happened - said the engraver embarrassed - I couldn't imagine Tesekokol can frighten someone that much. I left him home today.
- Good morning Buketotil - Urist raised her head - I hope we'll spent today without incidents.
- Yeah - you grumbled - I'll go get something to eat.
- Good - she wagged - don't get too long I've sent for a miner already. We have only two days to do everything then we need to proceed with the wall.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/144929857146.png)
While walking to the food storage placed in the corner of the hall you remembered that incident with the moskito covering it with details like a snowball. You felt uneasy, it gave you creeps. In the stockpile you leaned towards the wall and tried to gather yourself. Noone suffered that much from those creatures as you had, so...
A great idea went into your head. You made sure noone around, took off the hat and commanded the spider "Get down!"
- Say, can you sneak behind the locked door? - you asked - And yes - you added - you can speak.
- It depends-s on kind of door, behind your door - eas-sily.
- You saying you were out of the room while I was away - you were surprised.
- Yes-s, there were no fowl. No flies, lizards, mices.
- Good - you took a thought - that means you got used to the fortress?
- Kinda.
- Then I have a mission for you, you have to eat one moskito.
- Moskitos aren't very nouris-shing. I can't load up with one. And why? - the spider was stepping on his feets like some sort of dance - And what about the avalanch-h-he?
- Everything has its time - you said suavely - You'll surely help me with it but now its very important that you eat that moskito. It's very important because - you faltered - Its too much to explain, time is running out you know, we have to hurry. Just do what I ask.
- All rights-s
You explained him how to fins Urvad's room and ordered to come back to your room after. Finished with the instructions you took a couple of plumphelmet rolls (all local food was mostly made of it) and went to eat it with others.
Soon gigantic Urdim showed up and your company went to your work places into the mines. Using your position behind everyone you debussed the spider insensibly while walking thought the main stairs. He jumped on the wall immediately and run up. You watched him, sighed followed the dwarfes down the stairs.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14502052552.png)
- That is the place I've told you about - Urist stood in an area located several layers above caverns entrance - both pathways are leading to the common network of old geological prospecting tonnels. According our documents, which were provided by Mr. Fernokzam, this layer is low on minerals but is explored well enough so working here is easy and safe.We will widen the passage to the right, smooth its walls and organize a small graveyard. All exits to the tonnels will be walled but if fortress requires more burial place we can prepare more area going around the graveyard using left passage and then we'll just break the wall. That option will allow us to put deceased to rest according to our traditions ASAP.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145020530639.png)
- And you are talking not just about deceased migrants but also about the lost expedition? - you asked using the moment.
- Of course, memory about them will be perpetuated - Urist noddled.
- That means we have to dig their bodies from under the avalanche - you said with a hope.
- If body is lost our traditions allow us to engrave a memorial slab. That is the exact that type of situation - the stonecrafted answered stiffly.
- But...
- Mr. Buketotil I'm pretty sure you have a lot of arguments - she interrupted you preventing saing a word - but decision has been made even without you presonal involvement - she whisted a little looking at you - However I see you do care about all this. You could engrave and build slabs as soon as room is ready. I'm sure you can do it better then anybody.
You didn't answer: from one side you felt some compassion and suport from Urist but from the other side it has so hard for you to believe she could not give Likot a small chance, a small hope to be saved. So cruel. But you had no choice you started your work: smoothing floors with Urvad.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145020536283.png)
At that time Urist was trying to explain the miner where he should dig according to her plan. The giant wasn't smart enough for it so she just took a piece of chalk and marked all needed places with crosses. On the other hand his digging skill was perfect, you could really think the walls weren't made out of hard stone but of grey clay, it was so easy for him to crush them.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145020543181.png)
Accompanied with monotone hits of pike and cutters you started to look over possible options: for now your only hope were Shasad, Nux and the spider. But Shasad was missing somewhere, Nux was in his room and wasn't going to come out enjoying advantages of dwarven civolization(you should remind him who brought him here) and the spider loyal and executative at first look could show his temper at any moment if you cross the line. It'll be great to know where is it.
Perhaps you could do everything by yourself, you thought selfconfidently, but Sinsot and his friend were allways putting spokes into your wheels. They won't let you to act openly even if you risk only yourself. So you had only two choices left you could overthrow Sinsot or take a pike, provisions and go away to the caverns. Remembering Likot's expedition you were sure noone would get you out of there. Its for the best.
- You are so sad - Urvad talked to you interrupting your thoughts - that's because of Tesekokol? Believe me I didn't mean that to happen.
- No - you growled out, trying not to look into dwarfess eyes. Looking around you noticed that Urist wasn't around and decided to act bolder - I'm depressed with what they did with King Likot's expedition. Do you think it is worthily for dwarfes to do that?
- Well - she sighed, maybe she wasn't feel good of what her question was turned into - I wasn't the witness of that events but I think its all about fear. Fear makes dwarfes to do horrible things, believe me, I saw it - she turned away, her voice changed - I was trying to run away from it but looks like it is the nature of things - she ended.
- So you'd leave them too?
- I don't know - she was speaking slowly and shortly - I guess, I'd say they have to be helped right now...But if I were at their place I don't know what would I do.
Then you were working in silence until Urist adjourned you. Urdim threw her pick, sat on the floor covered with large drops of sweat and took out some cake from the pocket. Urist was going upstairs saying you have an hour to rest. Urvad decided to follow her.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145055604727.png)
What a chance! You can't loose it, there can be no other chance to get a pick. You were ready to get it even using violence and right now you only need some guile and the giant will give it to you himself. From the other side you'll have to continue your work soon enough and if Urist, after comming back, ask him where is the pick he will point at you. "You need to make him feel guilty if something goes wrong" - you thought - "and he will if I make him digging!". This idea had another advantage: a proficient miner especially that strong can deal with avalanche much faster than you. Who knows, may be he can end it up before dwarfesses come back.
Loosing no more time you started to bring your plan to life, while Urdim was methodically chewing immersed in his own thoughts. First point - erasing all marks placed by Urist. On the side you've found a small piece of chalk and run with it to the cavern entrance. You entered the lock combination from the first try and when the bridge had gone down you run to the avalanche kicking up the dust where you marked the biggest stone with a huge cross and hastened back.
- Hey, Urdim - you recovered your wind before talking to the miner to make sure your voice is smooth and confident.
The giant raised his head and mumbled something incoherently.
- You think you are good worker 'cause you dug everything here - he noddled - I also think you are, but - you made a significant pause - but I'm afraid Urist would be very disappointed with you. You haven't finished your work and are sitting here relaxing. Get up! Come on! - you shouted to stir anxious Urdim up.
- Let's go quickly, Urist will be mad when she knows you didn't dig where she marked. You need to finish everything before she comes back. I'll help you 'cause I'm your friend.
He obediently followed you putting the pick on his shoulder. He diddered a little at the cave entrance probably because of decay smeel coming from it but started to work.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145055640688.png)
Time goes, Urdim digs, you silently drags stones he dug away. Despite there were two of you the excavation went not fast enought. You estimated that the hour is almost expired when, at last, you managed to reach a cavity where all this stone caved in from. You stopped Urdim, climbed up the rocks and pushed your head through the gap on the ceiling. Empty space was pretty big and you felt uneasy realizing how big that avalanche was. On other hand a little more work will help you to enter the cavity after widening the pass to be able to continue digging from the other side of it. That made your mission easier a bit. After looking around you noticed that the opposite side when you were hoping to find the second tonnel looked smooth, but the ceiling to the right was lowering gradually. Perhaps you should continue to dig there.
Urdim pulled your leg and you had to come down. He was hastening to dig wondering why you stopped him.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145055653028.png)
You let him continue then sat down to think what to do next. The first thought was to take the pick and break stairs but it would definetely make you outlaw. Of course Likot would pardon you if you get him faster than Sinson gets you. But may be you could pass through the avalanche before Urist finds you here, even may be dwarfes would fear to come here. But it was too risky to rely on that. You had to think something, right now.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145249422072.jpg)
The fight with Urist and maybe working days reminded you that you are not just common noname dwarf but legendary engraver. Engraving is your profession. Some people think that engravings are just wall decoration but in fact they are one of the most powerfull tools for manipulating dwarven minds. You've learned that lesson well in Arol-Iton where manager had summoned you oftenly, poured a mug of beer and told you: "You know Tok you need to make an engraving about harm of gluttony in the dining room". There were more complicated topics like "Good neighbouring with Ladtakomage" or "Responsible parentship". And after queen Kisat had reigned you worked restless for several months reworking old images and making new.
Searching for supplies and further excavations would take plenty of time and energy but you could engrave something that would turn dwarfes on your side right now. Why didn't you think about it earlier. Something to put to shame each and every of them: those who were against saving Likot and those who couldn't insist on rescue expedition and even those who were indifferent. It should touch everyones feelings but not too much - the discontent shouldn't strike you but hard enough to focus in real cuplrit - Sinsot.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145249426126.jpg)
When the work was done you looked proudly at your creation. Engraved on the wall is a finely designed image of Likot Ubendeb Saramkurig Delerottan the dwarf soapmaker, the King of Akrulaban. The King is buried alive under a pile of rocks by Sinsot Fernokzam the dwarf manager. Sinsot looks exulting. He is surrounded with othe dwarfes. The dwarfes are in sorrow.
Of course it wasn't so harrowing as you wanted but still topical enough to attract attention of every passing by. By the way the place of was very fortunate - near the living quarter entrance right opposite Urist's room. Let this image be an everyday reminder of her coldblooded disinterest. No, of course it would be even better to place it near Sinsot's bedroom but, alas, in the district he lives all walles were covered with engravings with no gaps between. Any place you look at had image of major-vampire, giant moose or rought pictures of Likot, geese and Likot with geese.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14524942967.png)
You decided not to stay here, you weren't willing to meet Urist again. Now it was time to prepare for the journey to the caves and maybe to find some allies. You were very tired today so you didn't want to pointlessly walk around the fortress, it would be nice to make a route for recruitment visits and a list of things that could be usefull to spot everything beforehead to be able to pick it when the time comes. You tried to recreate the fortress plan as detailed as you could according to what you've seen and heard from other dwarves.
Here are floors from top to bottom:
+1 Barraks and fortifications. Here you can allways find Saruz and couple of his militiadwarfes. Weaopns and armor are likely here as well.
0 Exit to the surface, trap corridor and ballistas. Its Tarem's domain.
-1 Farms and trading depot. Here you can meet farmers especially mage's wife and mother with her sadistic son.
-2 An aquifer, food storage and dump. Someone told you that everyone have to leave their pick outside the booze storage because of one little room planning fault.
-3 The kitchen, dining room, throne room and offices. Sinsot spend most of his time here. In the dining room you can meet almost everyone maybe except Dunan who eats on the run, sleeps outside and visits only dump storage in the fortress and Taren who wasn't seen by almost anyone.
-4 Wealthy living quarters. Almost everyone lives here.
-5 Pooper living quarters. Stand empty 'cause uselessness. Even lama lives on higher level. The entrance to the farther quarters is walled by some reason.
-6 Goods storage. That is domain of Urdim the bookkeeper, his office is also here. On the entrace is a Nux's lodge where he was housed away from the sight of others with the task to guard storages from other kobolds and gremlins.
-8 and -9 Workshops and forges. Bim, Bembul, Danman brothes and other workers work here. Also here is hospital not far from a well.
-11 praying room where fetid prophet is living. Also here are tombs of former rulers of Akrulaban in particular Udil Dodokod, Iden Iteberal and the empty tomb for Likot Ubendeb.
-12 the old necropolis
-13 Galleries beeing extented where you should work hard instead of searching for adventures.
-14 Abandoned excavation which was actively worked out before the Akrulaban massacre. A labitinth of tunnels and excavations where you can hide in case you need.
-15 exit to the caves
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14525485375.jpg)
Let's check how hard farther quarter are locked, it could be VERY interesting there.
You came to check how hard was the door to that walled quarter you heard about in dining room is locked.
Fortunately the door wasn't locked at all no heavy locks or tricky valve puzzles, nothing.
Unfortunately the walled quarter was kinda ... WALLED.
However from the other hand maybe it was for the best. Yes, you could certainly spend a day or two deconstructing the blocks but Armok knows how much layers of walls had been pushed there. But the bunch of thoughts swarming in your head don't give you a rest and you went further along your route.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145254857323.jpg)
Speaking about supplies, if we take everything at the last moment it will be a run-around job and we can forget something important. Wouldn't it be better to make caches in the unattended part of fortress.
You took all pros and cons and inspite of risks beeing caught by Urdim the bookkeeper while gathering supplies you decided to make a caches. For example in penult floor above the caverns.
You were wakling along the excavations for a while looking for the right corner when someone moved under one of your steps. Investigation exposed a crack in the floor covered with dust and a planch. Sometimes when you are searching a place to make a caches you find someone else's. That was exactly that moment.
The booty were: one knife, one blanket, a sac of hardtacks, eleven emerald rings and a flask with some sour shit and a ham mummy. The rings were pretty tasteless crap which wouldn't interest even the worst kobold if there were no stones in them. But stones were here and it could be counted as modest personal treasure.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145287759867.jpg)
Make the caches in the Likots sarcophagus thats so symbolic.
You continued your searches in the labyrinth of tonnels. You couldn't find any more goods but you found several convinient slots and places under rocks where you could hide supplies.
But suddenly you remembered a more convinient place where no one would look - under the Likot's sarcophagus lid. Also no one would be surprised you're going there "to work" during the next few days. That's where you hid all your booty leaving just one ring as a reward sample for those who help you. You were thinking should you visit other royal tombs but hurriedly repaired doors told you that someone(more likely goblins) had stolen everything valuable from there.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145287761572.jpg)
Let's go find Nux, tell him to steal a pick and some food, that's easy for him.
Next stop was storage where you were going to kill two birds with one stone: to gladden Nux with news he is going to save Likot with you and to look on supplies.
When you approached the storage you met Gratin with a cloth roll mumbling something discontentedly. You waited a little while he went out of sight, then you passed the lodge and entered the storage. Samelooking twin boxes were standing in the first hall in straight rows. You slightly opened the cover of one of it: a pile of dirty socks, toys mixed with mechanisms in another box. It was impossible to find anything specific if don't know where to look.
So you went to the lodge and knocked at the door with a little window.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145287765684.jpg)
-Nux, are you here?! - you heard some swarming behind the door.
-That's big rareneff - a plait kobold's voice sounded - go ask Belbezdural he'll try to help you.
-Stop all this nonsense! - you throw the door open and entered the small room. Nux was sitting on a bed looking at you with bleary eyes. It was dirty in the lodge, scrap everywhere, a small wine barrel was standing near the bed.
-Oh Tok thats you! I'm so glad to see you! Udrim told me to send everyone looking for anything to him - the kobold stood up swaying - You didn't see my room yet, here is it look at all that lukfury. Look at that bed, even a chief in my holes didn't live like that!
Looks like kobold settled here very well. That would be hard to convince him to leave all that "splendor".
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145322479226.jpg)
Pick up the dirty sock, throw it to Nux and say he is free now.
You picked the dirty sock up and offered it to Nux.
- That's for you! You are free now.
- Ehh, I don't get it.. - the kobold swayed - tis is my sock! What are you talking about?!
- I'm talking about you are beeing banished from the fortress, you pig! - you decided to frighten him as usual.
- How this can be? - Nux was taken aback.
- Other dwarves are complaining about you, you are allways drinking and acting like an animal. I wasn't believing them until I've seen it with my own eyes. What should I do with you?! I guess there is one option...
- Stop, stop - the kobold mumbled emerged into his thoughts while you were talking - Urdim gave me that wine because I'm kinda good fellow.
- That's what I'm talking about. How other dwarves treated you and how did you payed them back!
- Stop lying to me! - Nux fired up - You told you are kinda important dwarf. Bullshit! Belbezdurad is important dwarf! You told about the King and where is he! Take it! - the kobold wheezed and threw the "given" sock at you - And more! - he took other one and did the same - Now you are free, I don't want to see you anymore!
You were so shoked that you didn't resist when he was pushing you out of the room and recovered only after the door locks clicked behind your back.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145322484346.jpg)
You took both socks. According to your logic if one sock gives a freedom then two socks gives double freedom? Or the opposite, the second sock cancels first sock effect? Anyway you left all nuances of sock demobilization for better times, and decided to visit accounting which was just couple steps from Nux's room.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145323555216.jpg)
The office door was tightly closed but not locked. There was nobody here. A pretty big folio was lying on the table in the center of the room, some smaller logs where standing in the cabinet, the smallest unfiled notebooks were stacked near writing utensils.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145340391823.png)
At first you, of course, noticed the awry portrait of Likot and couldn't help youself adding some traits. You were glad it became a little better.
Next you started to rummage the papers trying to determine precision of bookkeeping and maybe to find the location of usefull supplies. First you looked through big ledger. It was a total disappointment. It was empty except the introduction on the first page that Urdim BelBezdural the bookkeeper is starting to account stocks in the glorious fortress Akrulaban under the leadership of wise manager Sinsot Fernokzam a vicar of missing king Likot Ubendeb Saramkurig Delerottan.
You dropped useless book and proceeded with smaller notebooks. They contained more interesting entries: results of the recent deal with caravan(nothing special, mostly crafts traded on food and a dog), bar stocks inventory, a letter about transfer of weapons and armor under the responsibility of Urist Saruz. You noticed that some things were accounted very precise but some things weren't mentioned at all.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145340399996.png)
You were into paperwork so much you didn't noticed Urdim entered the office.
- Well, well - he frowned - and what Tok the legendary engraver is doing here?
- I'm just.. - you stumbled trying to find and excuse.
- I see you're reading the parers. I guess it's interesting, am I right?
- I was fond of accounting since a was a child - you pressed out an innocent smile.
- Really? And you're trying to learn accounting in secrect - the bookkeeper folded his arms.
- Yes - you noddled.
- Well, I can help you in studies. You'll learn by doing by making an inventory. I'm in need of extra hand right now and I have some more important busyness. If you do it for me I'll close my eyes on you rummaging through my stuff. Do we have a deal?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145350019598.jpg)
You stumled for a moment and answered on bookkeepers proposal:
- Em, actually I'd like to keep my previous labor... And I have work to do. But thaks for your suggestion!
- In that case, honorable legendary engraver - Urdim put down a stack of papers and turned towards you rubbing his hands - we'll return to the first question. What the hell are you doning here?
- I was looking for something remarkable, valuable, worth being engraved - you answered.
- Valuable? You are saying there are no more topics to depict except pots and aquariums.
- As for me it's not a bad idea. It's a genre actually. It's called still life.
- So you were searching for "still life", searching it, searching and voila! Found yourself in my office?
- You never know where searching for inspiration can bring you... - you tryed to find an excuse.
The book keeper was thinking for a second, looked at portraits above your head, grined and said:
- What if I have a better topic for you, Tok?
- Em.. a better topic?
- That's right! I want my portrait above my work table - Urdim pointed the wall - Instead of that ugliness in the middle. Smooth it out, engrave me, and then I won't spread much gossips that you are scheming something suspicious.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145363631025.jpg)
Smooth out all of it, Likot's engraving is shitty after all and make a huge bookkeeper's ☼portrait☼
You had to smooth out both Likot's neightbours with it to fit new engraving.
Chuffed bookkeeper was breathing down your neck all the time commenting and annoying you with his sentiments: remove this, add that, wrong nose, more hairs and so on.
- Splendid! - said Urdim when the work was about to end - That's what I call a portrait. Not that retarded scribble that were here before.
- Pardon? - you exerted - By the way all of them are respected dwarfes.
- Yes, but that cretin mug in the center... I'm glad it's not here anymore!
Nurse a grievance him.
Engrave a subliminal message urging every watched to make a calculation mistakes.
That was the last straw. Such disrespect to the King and your friend must be punished.
You silently took your cutter and vigorously continued to engrave. You decided that drawing dicks on his forehead is not your way and you need to make something special. A couple lines later the bookkeeper started to resent:
- Hey! What's that? Some kind of collar? I've asked for royal clothing not that...Tok, why don't you listen to me?
Some time later you finished your work and presented it to the customer:
- Here!
- What "here"! What did you just added? - Urdim was at a loss.
- It's a dish.
- What dish? What does it mean?
- That means I wanted to draw a still life and I did it. I've drawn a still life. The mug is not cretin, it doesn't look like scribble so that must suit you.
The bookkeeper was hesitating making some calculations in his head and, it seems, he realized that he shouldn't talk disrespectfully about Likot in your presence and it were exactly his caustic statements that turned his portrait into still life.
- Emm.. You could say that. - Urdim returned from his thoughts - I'm holding my own head on a dish on your engraving, right? Hm. Is there some hidden meaning?
- The meaning is that a head can be held on a dish only if it is separated from the body. - you mumbled.
- Why so bloodthirsty and straightforward? - the bookkeeper looked at the engraving again and said - Let's say it has another meaning: engravers usually depict some valuable and precious fortress things, right? Artifacts, furniture, dishes, anything else. So my head or rather my intellect in it is so valuable that it was perpetuated in engraving on a par with artifacts. Mm? - he smiled pleased.
- Whatever - you evaded.
- All right - he shrugged - It appeared to be a little bit creepy but it's original. And with a meaning. I'm pleased.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145363633536.jpg)
Urdim saw you off to the exit:
- So, Tok the legendary enghraver your part of the deal is done. And for the future if you need any recordings or need to know something about someone try to ask me first, ok? You just need to ask instead of delving in some papers.
- ...- you noddled silently.
- I know you are honest and you can be trusted. That's why I won't keep any secrets from you. Who knows, may be one day I'll ask you for help. I give you an information you help me, a favor for a favor, so to say. I think we can work together.
You shaked hands. In the end the bookkeeped said:
- And yes. My first offer is still valid. If you have time you can visit me, I'll give you some work.
You bowed you with Belbezdurad and sat down to rest.
It was a hard day, a great deal of work was done. But you couldn't call it ineffective: you got rid of the moskito, advanced in excavations and got the useful acquaintance that can give you an access to anything in the fortress. The situation with Nux was unfortunate but it can be fixed. Probably...
Anyway now you need a plan your actions for tomorrow, may be you should even take a day off to do everything. It should happen tomorrow: everything or nothing. Either you find Likot or you have to turn back home to Arol-Iton empty-handed, where your family is waiting for you for a week, no two weeks...You've almost forgotten how long you haven't seen them. It would be so good your family move here... But without Likot neither you nor your family are welcome here.
But now you need a plan. And good sleep.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145391817886.png)
You rested a little and doddered to your room. You don't want to fall asleep in the middle of the corridor. There you were greeted by the spider, your fears about him were vain - he not only managed to eat that nasty moskito but turned back home safe.
- Welcome back-s-s - the spider was sitting on the bed, he waved you with legs - you were away for s-s-o long.
You carefully moved the spider and fell on the bed.
- You should know that I ate that mos-s-skito.
- I know, well done! - you grabbed him - I've also achieved some progress - you told him about what you have done. His reaction surprised you: he wasn't so much glad you started excavations as worried you didn't take him with you. You promised to take him next time with you and not to sent anywhere then you bundled up in a blanket and fall into a deep sleep.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145391830581.png)
When you woke up next morning life in fortess was already in full swing: you heard dwarfes walking to work behind the door. You had to gather in a hurry, settle the spider under the hat and run to the dining room listen new lecturing from Urist.
Dwarfesses were already sitting at the table near the entrance and finishing their breakfast.
- Good morning Bucketotil - the mason greeted you frostily.
- Hi, Tok - Urvad joined her.
- The same to you - you noddled.
- You are late today, we have to finish our jobs until the evening: Mr. Fernokzam is planning to hold the burial ceremony today. So you will engrave slabs in my workshop and after they are installed you'll help Urvad with those walls she won't keep pace with. Any questions?
- Can I eat at least? - you asked tartly.
- Look for yourself, last night you asserted vehemently that you are independent dwarf and are able take responsibility for your decisions. If you do your job in time you can do whatever you want, but if you don't you'll asnwer for it - she stood up from the table - And one more thing. Here is the list of all members of the lost expedition - she gave you a folded piece of paper and went to the dinner hall exit with Urvad.
You unfolded the note: there were five names, a route to the workshop and Likot's tomb, the route you've already knew. The names had burial anthems to be engraved in the slabs:
"Here lies Likot Ubendeb Saramkurig Delerottan.
He loved geese and elves.
He was a king.
He banishedan army of goblins.
He died under a cave-in."
"Here lies Ivety Forivara.
She loved dwarfes and lived with them.
She was a medic.
She save dwarf life.
She died under a cave-in"
"Here lies Okbod Idar.
He loved emeralds and bones.
He was a night creatures hunter.
He was a terror of nobles.
He died under a cave-in."
"Here lies Vuteni Telirenelime.
He loved elves and spiders.
He was a trapper.
He was a true dwarf in any situation.
He died under a cave-in."
"Here lies Sedil Itdun.
She loved bronze and mooses.
She was a priestess.
She did no harm.
She died under a cave-in."
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145423886570.png)
Left alone you foremost decided to know more about expedition members. A couple of lines in anthem are not enough for inspiration after all, also if Likot's companions are alive you should know them.
You decided to start with spider. With all that bustle about searching, the moskito elimination and working you'd completely forgotten to ask him what exacly he had seen. You went to the safe place on the food storage to talk to him.
- Hey, spider - you whispered - You can talk. I want something form you.
- What-s again, we had a deals-s - he hissed - you have to take me with-s you to th-se caverns-s.
- I'm not going to send you anywhere - you started to worry about his maniac perseverance, may be he is plotting something bad. You decided to test his words - tell me more about when you had found Likot in the cave.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145423894845.png)
- Likot-s, th-sat dwarf king - spider stomped under the had - he is-s quite usual. When I found him he was-s eating olms-s on the s-shore. I do s-the s-same s-sometimes-s. But the s-second was very s-strange, s-she didn't want to eat, s-screamed at him. Who s-screams in the caves-s? Only those who want to be eaten fas-ster.
- Can you be more specific? - you tryed to expose the spider - how did they look?
- Like dwarfes-s, he had the s-same bristle like yours, but two of them. She was-s tall and couldn't s-see in the dark.
- How did you know he is a king?
- I heard he claimed hims-self the king of the caves when I followed him.
- May be you just ate him? - oyu tryed to asked him directly.
- You think I'm craz-sy, it is-s dangerous-s to attack someone who is-s bigger than you are. It was-s interesting. I'm intelligent creature after all, like them.
Well, the spider didn't confess to anything and didn't answered where the rest three dwarfes gone as well. Looks like they died under the cave-in. On the other hand according to his words Ivety that elfess is alive and is wondering now in the caverns with Likot.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145423906112.png)
You took a seed bag, stuffed it with food and decided to spend some time asking several other people. The best candidate from all who were in the dining room was Atil. You hesitated to start conversation with that Sinsot's henchman but you had no time and any desire to search other candidates.
- Good morning - you approached his table - may I sit here?
- Hello. Yes, of course - he mumbled - By the way Urist was searching for you. I understand you have work to do but he was hoping you'll look in trainings in your spare time.
- I can't find time for this, I'm getting ready for today ceremony - you shrugged - I want to ask can you tell me something about them? - you gave Atil the paper - Personal approach, kinda.
- Well, about King Likot, I guess, you know more than me, I can tell you about the rest if you want. To honor their memories I guess - Atil was thinking some time before started his story.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145423914961.png)
Ivety, what can I say about her, poor girl. There was a lot going on there with her, she'd seen a lot. You know, when I came here we were burying bodies alone for several months and demouting goafs. It's too scary to even think what was here before I arrived. All that broke her down, in some sort, she was afraid of each noise at start but then she got used to it. Likot made a garden for her in the yard. She spent much time there. Then she started to go out and disappear for several days. I guess she got better outside but she didn't want to leave. She loved our king and he loved her as well in his manner.
Who's next, Sedil. She was Armok priestess. You probably know it's a deity. Likot respected him a lot and he made her his favorite. You know, I was glad she came here, on one hand, on the other hand I think that religion is personal business and noone should dash it. Also Armok is special kind of deity he does not need all these rituals. He just exists. I'd better ask Shasad about priestess they were kind of friends, I didn't deal with her much. Except religios chats.
Talking about Okbod it was an unpleasant occasion about him, the priestess looked too young for her age and Okbod was crazy about vampires. Sometime I think he came to the fortress just because he heard local mayor was a vampire. I think you saw his engravings, there is still plenty of them. I heard a lot of stories about that Okbod: he was nightcreatures hunter, he was a criminal, someone said his bride had been drunk out by a vampire and he went insane from grief. I don't know what is truth, but such glory makes you to be afraid of that dwarf. From the other hand he was a brave dwarf and he grew roots in our fortress. He could be a good friend after all.
As for Vuteni, he was a good fellow. He's being a dwelf is a nonsense of course. He was just shy about his thin beard but dwarfes don't talk about such things on public. Many avoided him but he wasn't angry of it. But I can say that it was he who helped Ivety to recover. May be he was a little too busily with her but a least it helped her to move over that things in her head.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145440757543.jpg)
>Operation canceled: Mason Tok needs a drink
You said farewell to Atil, thanked him for the usefull information and went back to the workshops. All five slabs were ready pretty soon and you started to drag them to the lower levels. On the third or forth you suddenly remembered that building slabs is a work for furnace hauler not for legendary engraver and that means you don't have to do anything more and you really need to blooze. You canceled the job and started to walk around the floors searching someone to bloooze with you.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145440760038.jpg)
Passing by one of the corridors you came on very suspicious procession of three dwarfes looking like Sodelm Tulon and Gratin carrying something looking like bags covered with something looking like blood. It was still dripping on the floor from one of the bags making a dotted trail following the company.
By some reason you didn't want to offer them to drink with you, apparently they are very busy now.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145440763265.jpg)
>go to Sinsot for a chat
An idea came to your head, why don't you blooze with Sinsot? You didn't find any arguments against and you rushed straight to his level. You didn't find him in managers office, he was at the Likot's throne room. At last you have seen Latongazot - the masterpiece of dwarven craftsmanship and you got a good thought seeing it. Sinsot wasn't sitting on the throne but on a chair near it scribling something in his journal.
He raised his eyes on you:
- I'm listening, fine sir - he said.
- Hello - you noddled in response - Do you have a minute?
- If it is important then go ahead. I'm not going to digress on some nonsense. So either talk if it is important or leave. - Sinsot was calm but your appearence in the door way didn't please him. So the chance to blooze with the manager depends on "important thing" you have to say.
And you have something to say, haven't you?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145467318010.jpg)
You shouldn't talk about Likot with the manager, it's better to avoid his name at all. The first thing came to your mind was to tell him about suspicious dwarfes.
- I heard pets are disappering in the fortress lately - you started.
- Yes - Sinsot noddled - I was reported about the Urvad's moskito incident.
- I want to report about a crime I've witnesed - you closed the door and started whispering - I saw Sodel, Tulon and Gatin carrying somewhere bags covered with blood. Looks like they...
- Thank you for your vigilance but there was nothing criminal - the boss snapped out.
- But it looked like...
- I'm telling you there is nothing to worry about. Those dwarfes amputated a leg from a harmed migrant from your wave, remember? So you can get back to your work - he waved to the door - of course if don't have something else to say.
- May be you want your portrait? - you suggested trying to find any topic to continue the conversation.
- May be later. Right now I want to know are you going to prepare everything for today burial in time?
- Yes - you answered and added quickly - there is lot of work but we'll do everything in time - Sinson giving you more job is the last thing you want, and he will if he knows you've finished with the slabs.
- Good - Sinsot caressed his beard - don't let Urist down. I don't like your paintings in the living quarters but she stood up for you by the way. As for me I wouldn't trust you that much but I rely on her in such busyness.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14546732117.jpg)
Suddenly throne room's door opened harshly interrupting Sinsot.
- I'm back! We had a deal, they are waiting outside - you turned around, the owner of familiar voice was Shasad. She noticed you as well. An awkward silence filled the room.
- Go back to your work - Sinsot said to you - and one more thing, knowing your curiosity I remind you both: there is information that has to be kept in secret for good of all mountain home.
Then Sinsot cease talking and started to wait until you leave the hall in close the door form the outside.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145483567847.jpg)
You decided that eavesdroping is too risky and went to check out what those suspicious dwarfes were doing. It was obvious that they were together with Sinsot and all that surgery story was just an excuse.
You came back to the place you met them. The blood trail was still clearly visible. You looked around and put the spider out from under your hat:
- Go check where does this trail go.
- What, this-s is-s not the caves-s-s. Why didn't we go there immediately? - he hissed discontentedly.
- Calm down, can you say what is this trail is?
- That's-s drops-s of dwarven blood.
- Can trace where it goes?
- It goes where the drops end. Why do you need that trail? We need to go to the caves-s. If you aren't going s-there, find me a dwarf willing to dig-s out your King-s.
- I'm just working on it - oyu mumbled and put the spider back under the hat.
Of course you didn't go to the caves and you didn't search for "dwarf willing to dig out the King", you followed the trail. Following one direction you surprisingly reached the hospital where you found an unknown dwarf. He was unconscious, pale as chalk and he endeed had a leg gone. Also you noticed fresh blood piles on the floor and one of the operating tables. Still hoping to reveal some sort of plot you followed the trail to other direction. It brought you to the garbage bump where you easily found a couple of bags with bloody cloth, dirty napkins and purple leg with horrible purulent wound. You almost spew seeing all this. Another trail brought you to the well near the farms where dwarfes seemed to be cleaning themselves. That was very handy because you wanted to clean your face either.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145483570424.jpg)
Next you decided to know the secret Shasad was reporting to Sinsot. Someone was waiting at the surface and you didn't come up with anything better then just go upstairs and see everything with your own eyes. You suspected that a caravan had come to the fortress and you could get something special but the trade depot was empty and there were no traders in the yard. Instead you discovered a group of armed humans looking at you and setting up a camp.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145496218410.jpg)
That's our good friend Tomod who was in captivity with Tok. It's a good chance to drink and get some news about the world around
You saw a tall silhouette of your late fellow in the frowning crowd.
- Tomod! - you shouted - What bring you here?
The maypole noticed you, apparently he recognized your face but refrained from greetings.
- I see you are not alone here! Don't you want to introduce me? I'm Tok if you suddenly forgot!
Tomod slightly moved his eyebrows like saying "Oh yeah, Tok. Sorry I forgot you."
- You were injured in that mess we were, how are you, how do you feel?
- Fine - he noddled.
- Tell me please, we have lost a dwarf, a good fellow. Likot Ubendeb is his name. Haven't you met him?
The human shrugged.
- So what's your news? What's going on in the world? What brings you to Akrulaban? - you filled the maypole with questions.
- Look - he started to talk monotonically - your talkative friend promised us food and booze. Can you escort us into a tavern?
While you were madly thinking how to get the human talking, the spider started to move. He was getting more and more nervous until he finally shouted.
- What? Why it is-s-s s-s-o bright here? - he hissed.
Tomod looked at you amazedly.
- It's okay! Just collywobbles - you hummed and ran to the fortress entrance - Cave adaptation, I'll be right back soon! - you shouted Tomod while running.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145496220790.jpg)
You ran into shadows the only way to calm the spider down, he stopped hissing incoherently and tearing your hair.
- The S-s-sun! It sh-shines s-thought the cloth-s! It blinds-s! It burn-s! S-stupid dwarf! Dumb dwarf! Why did you came out to s-the s-surface?! That's-s not where you have to go, you have to go the the cave!
- Why you are so loud? I didn't permit you to talk actually - you tryed to pacify the arthropod.
- You have to go to s-the cave, do what I s-say! - the spider hissed threateningly. You tried to put the hat off but stopped when something painfully dug into your head - S-stop! Or you'll get my poison. I have lot of pois-son so go to s-the cave right now!
That was too much. You remembered the spider said that his poison is not lethal but you didn't want to test it. Even so it was unsafe to run around the yard ripping a spider off your head. What if some human with arachnophobia will try to help you... using an axe.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145529824999.png)
The spider must pay for such an impudence - that's your decision. But it could make more harm than profit to burn him on the Sun. So if he wants to go to the caves so much, let's go there. That should lull him and may be he would climb off your head and you'll have your revenge.
- Here I'm walking down to the caves, are you happy now? That's what you want - you whispered looking around hoping no one noticed you are speaking to yourself.
- Yes-s, that's-s right.
- We are in the same team but you are not listeninig to me. All right, if you want that we'll go the the cave. But what we'll do next?
- I'll sh-show you where to dig and you will dig - the spider was speaking calm but all his body was tense like a taut string.
- What, with bare hands?
- You told me you were digging before-s.
- How did you listen, I had another dwarf with me and he had a pick.
- We need to call h-him again.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145529830655.png)
When you were passing by the storages you heard screams and brattle. You ceased talking and huddled to the wall.
"Felp! Fomebody!" - horribly screaming Nux jumped out to the stairs. He ran past you and rushed upstairs.
"Stop right there, you rat!" - an angry dwarf was chasing him, a migrant-soapmaker: "I'll show you how to tell the dwarf what he should or shouldn't do!"
You decided not to stop him, you were even happy to see how that impudent kobold will get what he deserves. As if nothing were wrong you continued your way downstairs and palavering the spider.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145529837230.png)
- You see, now there is another dwarf named Sinsot ruling the fortress and he is preventing me from searching the King. I'm sure he arranged the avalanche - you started to explain the spider the situation hoping to get the whole truth from him.
If there is a forgotten beast on the other side you could use it for your purposes and wanted the spider to understand this. You wanted him to understand and tell the truth because you were very angry that some arthropod is manipulating you.
- No - the spider was still keeping silence - th-there is no monsters there - he ceased talking for a while and then asked - So other dwarfes are no longer obeying the King?
- Exactly, I am the only loyal left! - you sayed proudly.
- Then you can lie to th-them. Tell them that all dwarfes-s are alive and the King is-s dead - the spider suggested - th-then th-they'll start digging with no fear that old King will come back. And then you save him.
- We are here! - you said entering the lock combination and going into the cave.
- Put off th-the hat, I want to look! - the spider was glad. That's what you were waiting for. You started to carefully pulling the hat off then suddenly you grabbed him harshly and pulled off from the head. The hat was in your hands and the arthropod was inside like in the bag.
- I finally got you! - you exulted - Now we speak another way.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145529843638.png)
But the conversation didn't started: a ghost flew on you right from the wall. His eyes were flaming, his face was distorted with angry grimace. His glance was freezing your blood.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145556945884.png)
You were so shoked, frightened and angry that you lost the ability to act rationaly. You screamed and automatically threw whatever you had in your hands into the enemy. The shot was precise but absolutely ineffective. The spider in the hat flew through the ghost and hit the wall screaming.
There was a suggestion to shout "Spiderchu, I choose you!" but OP didn't use it.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145556953918.png)
Then you ran away in panic. You ran by the bridge without even thinking to close it, reached the stairs and ran upstairs jumping over the steps. You were feeling that the ghost is chasing you but were too scared to look back.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145556963182.png)
- Bucketotil, where have you been... - you met Urist placing the door on your way.
Running by you've almost knocked her down. Knocking the door you found yourself in necropolis.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145556970549.png)
You looked around breathing heavily: all five slabs were in place. Anxious Urvad tried to tell you something but you didn't listen. You felt the cold wind blowing at your back.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145582373151.png)
- The slabs, Urvad?! - you wheezed
- We placed all you engraved.
"And I did every from the list" - you thought.
- Answer me what have happened? - she came closer walking over the blocks prepared to wall one of the side passages.
The ability to think clear was coming back. If the ghost wasn't put to rest that means that engravings contains mistakes or it's not a fortress citizen. You were sure you wrote everything right. The probability that meticulous Urist made a mistake was also extremely small.
- We need to report Sinsot! Now! - you said understanding the seriousness of the situation.
Urvad wnated to fill you with questions but Urist's scream interrupted her.
- Okbod! How! - she receded into necropolis. You noticed the ghost in the door way approaching like hell.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145616575957.png)
You've never been a hero and not going to be one now. "Run!" - you shouted and jumped into dark narrow tunnel. You heard screams behind oyur back.
- Tok, help! - Urvad shouted after you. You stopped for a second before turning the corner. The dwarfess was standing in the tonnel entrance. You couldn't see what was happening in the necropolis.
- Run, fool! - you shouted before hareing away further.
You were running and praying not to astray or get into a dead end. Soon Urvad overtook you, she was much better runner than you. Together you made a circle and ran out of the tunnels from the opposite side if the stair hall.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145616580518.png)
From that place you noticed the ghost who was beating Urist lying on the floor. He wasn't paying attention on you so you carefully stepped on the stairs feeling relatively safe.
-Hey red eye! Try and catch me! - Urvad shouted. The ghost shifted his attention on you.
-You are nuts! - you got angry and continued your run.
-I won't let her at his mercy - the dwarfess answered swallowing words. When she overtook you again she said - may be she is still alive.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145616589997.png)
You overcame ten floors with remarkable speed. The best motivation was that after a couple of floors Urvad was before you again. About half way up you started to meet other dwarfes. You bewildered them with your screams and phrases parts but once they saw the ghost emerging from under the floor they ran away immediately.
When you'd reached the throne room the ghost had already shifted on someone else spreading chaos and panic through all the Akrulaban.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145616598784.png)
You threw the door open without knocking. Sinsot was sitting at his favorite table surrounded by Shasad, Urist-commander and the bookkeeper.
-What now! Get out, I have an imp...-the viceregent frowned.
-The ghost! Angry! - you interrupted him.
-It's Okbod. We made a slab but he wasn't put to rest, on the contrary he atacked us - Urvad added.
-We need to do something or it will be a massacre - you confirmed her words.
Sinsot's limbs became soft. He leaned his head on his hand and watched to the space. In his eyes you can see "Why all this shit is happening to me?"
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14565827823.png)
- What are you standing here, dweeb - Urist noticed vicegerent's abashment and started to command - run to the arsenal for a spear, now! It's time for you to pay your debts to the mauntain home!
- This is pointless - Shasad interrupted him.
- Quite woman! - Warrior shouted at her.
- She is right - Sinsot raised his head - you can't hurt a ghost with spears and swords - the vicegerent glanced at you mistrustfully then sighed - The only thing we can do is to find and bury his body. If we fail Akrulaban will fall and we all will have to leave. Are you sure the memorial is good? - he asked threateningly.
- Yes - Urvad noddled - Urist checked them when she came to help me.
- That means I have to go down to the caves. I'm the only one here who knows how to open the passage - you prefered not to dissuade him and let him to fix the mess he made - Bucketotil you are coming with me - you noddled, it wasn't a surprise for you.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145658284472.png)
- I'm coming with you - Urvad volunteered.
- No - Sinsot shook his head - Urist will come with us, you run to the trade depot, take civilians with you. If you meet someone from militia tell them everything. Tell them not to let the ghost neigher upsairs nor to the caves.
Dwarfess noddled in response.
- Shasad go to the humans, make them sign the agreement. Don't show that something happened. We don't need they use such weakness - he gave her papaers.
- Milord - the bookkeeper came into the conversation - I'd recommend you to stay in safe place. But if you are surely desided to go I'm ready to track your commands execution if you give me full powers.
- No - Sinsot snapped out - you are going to the storage and prepare several picks for us. Right now we are going up to the arsenal, we can use weapons down in the caves.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145658291630.png)
After the plan was ready you moved out. First you hastened to the main stairs looking around carefully. Noises and screams were heard from the corridor leading to the dining hall. You met several frightened and beaten dwarfes and escorted them to the depot with Urvad and Shasad.
Then Urist gave you a spear and you followed Sinsot with the familiar route downward.
- May be we should take the miner with us? - a good idea came to you. You were the only worked in the team actually. Fortunately Urdim was sitting in his room all this time so you found him there. He wasn't aware that something even happened in the fortress. Sinsot didn't bother to bring him up to date and just ordered to follow him.
You visited the storage to take picks while you were going down. You wanted to use that moment and to talk with Nux but the door to his den was wide opened and the kobold wasn't there. Passing by the necropolis you discovered lifeless body of Urist noicing that desparate Urvad's act was in vain.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145658298855.png)
- What is this! - Sinsot shouted when the bridge at the entrance appeared to be opened. You were ready for such reaction so you made a surprised face and were keeping silence - Someone broke the lock - He stood near the mechanism, looked around, toched the level carefully - Bucketotil - he called you - what do you think about this?
- I guess the ghost broke it - you took out the best excuse you have prepared on the way here.
Sinsot moved inside carefully saying nothing. Urist unsheathed the sword and followed him. You and Urdim did the same.
- Someone was digging here! - the vicegerent waryed when he saw your work.
Urdim lowed loudly woth pride.
- Yes, I think the same - you said frightened before Sinsot understood everything.
- What do you think? - Sinsot started to walk back and forth.
- Well, someone digged here or may be noone did. So what? - you shrugged.
- What is that? - he kicked a dusty bag with a toe of the boot and carefully took it form the floor. You recognized your hat. You totally forgot you threw it into the ghost. Now you were feeling almost naked without it - Isn't it yours? Huh! - Sinsot pressed you.
To your relief that awkward moment was interrupted by the miner who started to noise and wave his hands, that gave you some time. He was pointing on a small cross painted on the wall with white shiny substance looking sticky on the left side of the hole.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145685983097.png)
- Urist was marking places to dig with such crosses - you noticed but you were sure the spider did it.
- You are saying it was she who been here? - Sinsot said aftef he looked at the mark.
- It is possible, how do I know.
- But how you explain this? - he shook the hat in front of your face raising the dust cloud - You were wearing it when you came to me earlier today. Where is your hat? Where is it?!
- I don't know! I lost it! - you raised your voice too - Where? I don't know. It was last thing to think about when the lunatic ghost was about to rip me to pieces. Tell me one thing - you became angry and counterattacked - are you going to get my nerves or save the fortress? There are dwarfes upstairs dying right now!
- All right - he fell back - but I'll get you when this all over. I'll bring you to light - Sinsot took a pick - Start working. Whoever painted this he thought there is something there. You - he pointed on the miner than on the mark - dig here down while we are dealing with avalanche. After all it's too narrow for all of us to dig.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145685988859.png)
Urdim started working, Urist was on guard. You took a pick too andstarted to widen the manhole you dug before with Sinsot. Swinging the pick was harder than you thought. After you finished the upway ramp you realized what a mad idea was to steal a pick and dig the avalanche solely.
You folowed Sinsot into a chamber and could to look at it closely. You noticed that some places were worked artificially and one wall had an entrance to a tunnel.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145712029599.png)
You understood that the avalanche was a trap. If not the spider you would be absolutely sure Sinsot did it. But the arthropod's behaviour didn't fit in the puzzle. Why he was so willing to bring you here, what was his interest in it he was hiding so thoroughly. You were torn between exploring the tunnel climbing up somehow and runing away in fear. Your imagination filled the caves with monsters the spider is serving to.
- What are you waiting for? - Sinsot asked frowning despite that he was staring the walls a second ago.
- I - you stopped yourself, it wasn't right time to talk about the trap and especially blaming Sinsot in it. He had the absolutely loyal fighter on his side who wouldn't be mercyfull - think we need to look at that tunnel.
- It is not time for it now, we'll deal with it later.
- But it can lead anywhere.
- It is dwarfmade - Sinsot pointed at the tunnel - and it leads to the fortress because it is the only place dwarfes can come from. Now we need to deal with the ghost and then we'll seek for a traitor who left the entrance to the caves opened.
Suddenly Sinsot was interrupted by screams from below.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145712038776.png)
You went down to Urist and to your relief you didn't see the ghost but it was someone else. The captive was on his knees. His dress was covered with dust and blood. A crossbow bolt was sticking out of his shoulder. The warrior put him to the sword. You came closer and understood it was a dwarfess.
- She sneaked out from the passage the miner dug out - Urist reported - Speak who you are!?
When she raised her head her face looked familiar.
- What are you doing, remove the sword - Sinsot got angry - That is Sedil.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145678079835.jpg)
You have been settled in a cowshed with a boar. And with Ivety of course. Locals treated two shipwreck victims very hospitably. They thought you were because your story about being a King in a Mountain Home nearby wasn't very convincing. To pay your booze and living you had to clean the cowhsed. Fair enough.
All this time locals gave you some food and even clothes. They gave Ivety a shabby vest and children's pants that looked very slinky on her. You got various dwarven stuff that was in great quantities in there due to the fact that Mountain Home and Goblin fortress were nearby.
Ivety was more than glad to be under the opened sky, the sun, trees... all that elven rubbish. Shortly speaking she was happy. Your sexual relations were almost daily she thought it was kind of reward for you for saving her from the caves. You didn't know yet what to think about it. Anyway your wife was whirling and dancing on a crossroad near the well like a songbird gaining modest money and food donations from locals.
Speaking about Angryspoon - this story was sadder. Time comes to admit with regret that everything comes to an end eventually. The Angryspoon as it was when you had found it waken up suddenly in your room long time ago... existed no more. Local master shook his head with regret then he agreed to extend its lifetime artificially. He inserted a steel rod inside it and attached it to the musical instrument billet. He pulled strings, tuned them and touched... A tear drop rolled down your cheek... Angryspoon was singing! How you should call it now? You need to think about it thoroughly. Ivety mastered new instrument pretty well and was singing on the crossroad with accompaniment. Fairly speaking you got everything you could from this settlement. The only thing left was robbery.
Local blessed you to go away long time ago and according to their faces they couldn't wait till you gone.
As is was before Akkar Baktur was living not long way on south on a mountain track.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145693440485.jpg)
- THEEEE VOOOOICEEEEEEEEEESSSS!... - you hissed.
- What? - Ivety couldn't hear you clearly.
- They are back...
- Who are back?
- We are. I think we need to go back to Akrukaban. At least for a while. We were buried by this time I guess and I don't really like to be living dead. What do you think? Let's visit it?
- I don't know. Going underground again? I'm sorry, I love you very much but I'm really sick of cave live.
- No, no - you calmed her with a gesture - I won't drag you inside. We can even lay out a small grove for you in the yard. But I'm still the king and I need to settle some affairs, to assign vicegerent, get stuff for a travel. At least to find out why didn't they search for us!
- All right - elfess noddled - It's ok for me to go back there for a while.
Going on foot was the most appropriate option because none of you knew how to use a boat. You took a pitchfork and tied it to a shovel with a rope. Probably noone will chase you if you take it. Especially if you leave quitely.
It was almost noon and you hit the road immediately. No goodbyes, no thanks, no witnesses. You'll send a couple of wagon with stuff as a gratitude later.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145754104833.png)
- I'm not used to trust those who sneaks - Urist tried to excuse - also we haven't heard our miner for a while.
- She is a citizen of Akrulaban. You supposed to help her - Sinson definetely wanted to hear apologies not excuses - She spent several weeks there. It's a miracle she survived.
- Yeah - you didn't remind who's is that she turned out there. - she is a priestess actually. You could put god in rage - you said slightly factitiously - What kind of dwarf you are, nothing sacred.
Urist was standing in silence for a while then who took off the helmet.
- Forgive me - he said, you didn't gear any falsehood in his words but the priestess stood up in silence - What do you want me to do, I'll stand on my knees if you want - the armor clanged when he descended.
- All right, I forgive you - she said quietly.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145754111310.png)
- Get up - Sinsot commanded - we really need to check the miner. Sedil - he refered to the priestes - this is Tok, he'll take care of you. Bear some more, we'll be back soon.
He and Urist entered the excavation darkness leaving you and the priestess alone.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145754118041.png)
- It hurts, I guess - you asked without any enthusiasm staring on the bolt in her sholder.
- It's OK - she smiled - I got used to it.
- Tell me what've happened when you were goafed - after her previous answer you had no worries that questioning will provoke hysteria. She was surprisingly calm.
- We'd almost finished exploring the cave and were on our way back. The King and Ivety were trailing behind as always: the elfess was awful in seeing in darkness and always holding us. I was ahead when Okbod caught me. He was like insane, he came on me and shot me with the crossbow. Fortunately Vuteni wasn't far, he hasted to help me and shot the madman with a bow. A bowfight started, Okbod managed to shoot once or two times before he fell, Vuteni was unharmed and send one arrow after another in his opponent. I thought it all was over but Okbod wasn't just conscious but he also could reload his crossbow and shoot somewhere to the side before he gone berserk and started impotently rage hysteria. Right after his shot the cave ceiling fell on us. Praise the Armok I wasn't under those rocks but Vuteni and that psycho died.
- What about Likot?! - oyu asked with hope.
- It's no use to search him anymore - that answer completely demoralized you.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145754129833.png)
- How is that? - it was a question more likely a perplexity shout.
- Just like that! - the priestess suddenly help up her hat she was holding all that time. Some sticky filth splashed right into your face hissing. It covered eyes, mouth, nose. You automaticaly tried to clean it with hands but it just sticked to your hands and covered more area.
The same moment you got an even more sneaky push into your balls. You bent and tried to scream but were able just inflate your cheeks and whistle a little. You fell on the floot totaly disoriented.
- His name was Lasut. Lasut Ostronatong - she said and ran away.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145754135783.png)
More than two last weeks you were in the worst mood. Every morning you barely got up and start moving.
First of all the name priestes told appeared to be the real name of Okbod and you put the ghost to rest. The story Sedil told you about what happened in caves was more likely true. In a small niche where the priestess was jammed dwarfes found mutilated corpse of Vuteni half covered with rocks. Also a hidden pressure plate was found in the caves with broken Okbod's bolt lying on it and remains of broken support. The tonnel in the cavity lead to the tonnels net one level above. It was about there you found your cache and probably you could find the secret entrance if you search more carefully.
No one saw Sedil after that. Lots came to conclusion that she was undead, after all how could she survive more than two weeks without food and water immured in a stone bag smaller than your room. However some thought she was a divine mmissioner...ish. You were sure at least that the spider served her exactly. That's why he tried so hard to bring you to her. Also it indirectly proved that he was lying about survived Likot.
You didn't try to break throught the avalanche more, others were doing it. They told they found some abandoned camp there but there were no bodies or signs where could Likot and Ivety go. Then Sinsot stoppped searches once again, brought everyone back into the fortress and forced you to deconstruct the bridge and wall the passage out. A wall was placed also in the second tonnel. After that you met an investigation full of unpleasant questions. Fortunately the fact that you spent your spare time some where instead of sitting around in the dining room like normal dwarf played into your hands. No one could certainly witness that the dirty ball of clothing was your hat. Urvad said nothing and the bookkeeper said that you had completely different hat. Eventually Sinsot had to agree that you could be innocent. Okbod/Lasut was convinced in making the trap that buried expedition under the rubble. After all that you couldn't do anything to help Likot even if you hadn't lost any hope.
However life in Akrulaban came back to normal. Vuteni and Urist were buried with two migrants died earlier. Sinsot ordered to destroy Sedil's slab. Mostly everything went good except more than ten dwarves were in hospital with wounds and fractures. Gratin made you a new hat from good dense cloth but it wasn't a match to the old one. But may be it's just a habbit.
Urvad became your boss. You and she were building barracks on the surface for Torus men. And you were spending your spare time trying to clean the rest of the web out of your beard. That's how you spend previous day, the same way you are going to spend this one.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145754141854.png)
Also you remembered you saw Sedil more than year ago in Arol-Iton. She asked you about Likot. It was several month after he left. You told her about your adventures, about a fortress your seven wanted to found and asked to say hello from you to Likot if she meet him.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145798843438.jpg)
On one hand you wanted to bring some adventures on your bored beard by going into the bandit's lair. On the other you promised Ivety no caves for the nearest time. That means Akrulaban!
You went on the track and were able to reach the Mountain Home by the sunset without any troubles. And it looks like dwellers had built fortifications on the walls for crossbowmen while you were away.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145798857987.jpg)
You reached closed gates, stood in a majestic pose and yelled:
- Hey! Open it!
A girl playing doll on the wall noticed you and shouted:
- There are some Mister and Miss near the gates!
Sodel Konadlogem was passing by, he turned around and almost dropped his burden.
- Likot? Ivety?
- King Likot Ubendeb Saramkurig Delerottan The Lord of Akrulaban if you don't mind honorable Sodel the animal trainer. How is your goose?
- LIKOT! IVETY! OPEN THE GATES! - he ran inside the fortress spreaing the news - KING LIKOT IS ALIVE!! KING IS ALIIIIVE!
A bustle started in the yard and soon the gates retrackted to your feet.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145798870423.jpg)
- King Likot is back...He is alive...Queen Ivety is alive... they are unharmed - the gathering crowd mumbled.
Sinsot appeared among other dwarves. Don't believing his eyes he stepped a little bit further:
- Likot? - contradictory feeling were on his face, for a couple of seconds he was just staring at you and Ivety then he threw his fist up and shouted - Long live King Likot! Wellcome home! Mistress Ivety...I'm glad you are safe. Glory to the King!
Tok broke throught the crowd and froze:
- Likot...
- Tok Bucketotil! What chance brings you? - you laughed and walked towards him spreading your hands.
The engraver rushed on you. His silk-like beard was fluttering above shoulders. His eyes were sparkling from restrained tears. Your bodies get close and he fell into your embrace like a brother cuddling a brother...
All that was in Bucketotil's head while was standing stunned with his eyes rolled out.
- Tok? It's me, Likot.
- Likot...- he finally gathered himself - Likot! I've found you! I mean you've found me! I mean... You are ALIVE! I knew! I really knew it! I was looking for you!
- We all were, - Sinsot added.
- All right, leave this for later times. I see a lot of new faces. Quit your jobs, let's party!
The crowd buzzed approvingly.
- Mister Fernokzam make this be.
- Your highness.. - Sinsot bowed and went to.
- My love - Ivety spoke to you - You go and I'll stay here outside. Just order to make a tent for me and bring some food, ok?
You noddled.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145897501175.jpg)
You woke up not in some Armor forsaken place. Travels through elven forests, undead villages and deep caves were just dreams creates by your autistic lama imagination. The idea that Likot and all his adventures were just dreams and may be there is no Likot at all threw you down into gloom and gave you a wish to kick some random dwarven ass angrily.
You have a day off today so you can rest from all that routine that is part of fortress champion duties.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145900456783.jpg)
The thing in the corner is not some headstone but your own -willow chest-.
You pushed the top using your nose and checked contents.
There are three sets of fake mustaches and beards, couple bed linels and reserve of food for two days. Of course any stranger could notice that there is nothing but straw inside. But as long as you are lama you don't give a fuck about strangers' opinion.
Also you have a bed in the room, but you didn't get the purpose of this thing. You tried to chew pillocase once, but it wasn't tasty and that was the end of acquaintance with this furniture.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145900459421.jpg)
You accelerated as much as the room size allowed and puched the door with your chest. The door creaked, jumped up and fell off the hinges. This door always makes you mad it isn't a match to your old magnificent wicket that was in your stall before. The door is heavy, hard to open and the most unpleasant you don't know how to open it and nasty dwarfes can control your freedom of movement with it.
You looked out to the corridor. No one on the horizon.
[Thread] shudders and begins to move!
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145910063598.jpg)
You took a fake beard and headed to ravage fortress provision which was quite various, you could even find some fruits among.
You went up a couple of floors and sneaked to the food storage. Against your expectations you met only disappointment: all barrels contained either mushrooms or meat or meals made of those mushrooms and meat. The only thing took your attention was a gremlin corpse floating in one of alcohol barrels. The gremlin looked pleased but dead and being completely alcoholized floated on the surface of mixture of dwarven wine and his own vomit. If you were carnivorous not a lama you would definetly taste that gremlin. But you had only one thing to do is to watch this body wavering in bubbles raising somewhere from the bottom of the barrel.
Came off from that sad spectacle you snacked some plumphelmet which tasted not better than straw. You started to think where could all that assortment disappeare. Most likely the food was moved somewhere. And you decided to start your searches from the dining hall.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/145910065733.jpg)
You went down to the dining room. Comimg close to the door you thought that according to the amount of voices the whole fortress gathered there. You pushed the door and saw you were correct. Stupid dwarves were dining, eating, drinking and seems were doing whatever they could to repeat that gremlin-in-barrel's destiny.
And also Likot was sitting at the central table, the one who you dreamed this morning.
One of our OPMages finally collected enough mana to make the followinf spell.
Sedil's quest
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/146390950926.png)
There are events that could seem insignificant but lead to colossal aftermath. Oh, if I could know what my choice will go into I'd change my mind. I could guess that rush and risking won't bring me to anything good. The example of my teacher is still in my memories but he paied with his eternity for his mistakes and for mine the whole world will pay. I can only comfort myself with thought that not everything is lost, that everything could be fixed. But right now the situation went out from my control, but let's start from the begining.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/146390963488.png)
The winter the story began it was the third year I tryed to make myself at home at a new place. Untamed wilds near the ice lake should be my new home and all dead in that gods-forsaken place humans and goblins should equip and protect that place. Unfortunately the tower building was slow, zombies were wearing out and replacements were mostly wild animals, among them only yeti could do some job.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/146437588726.png)
It was a big luck that three dwarf travelers got lost and wandered here. It would be great if they freeze to death somewhere nearby by but for solidity the swarm was sent to chase. Two of the dwarfes started to run away from zombi-wolfes and they were doomed in this very moment. Ever if they are faster they are definitely not hardier. The living will just run out in hour or two of pursuit.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/14643759519.png)
But one of the wayfarers ran to the conglomeration of rocks which has to be my tower in future. I don't know what he was thinking about at that time, what he was relying on but it saved him that time.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/146499005884.png)
He was quick enough to run inside where he was eventually captured. I knew he was no threat to me and came out to look at him while he is still alive holding my zombies for a while. Of course he started to beg for mercy. Either this or a flood of empty curses and menaces. However I never heard anything like this.
- Wait! We fortune here unintentionally. I swear we won't tell anyone.
- Of course you won't - I agreed. His friend has to be chased down by this time.
- No! I'll be more usefull for you alive - he shouted.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/146499013272.png)
- What can you offer to me? - I asked. It was just curiosity. I didn't believe that he could buy his life.
- I'm planning to become a ruler of the Moutain Home nearby. When I come to power the graveyar will be at your service. It's a big Mountain Home. You'll get hundreds of zombies instead of one. And then a few each year while I'll be in charge.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/146671442176.png)
I took a thought. I did't expect to hear such an offer from the dwarf so selfish and immoral it was. From the other hand it was a great luck for me. More and more servants get inapplicable and the work gets slower and slower. I even started to doubt if I could finish the tower at all. Yes it was a venture but I we made a deal. I did it because I knew it's a matter of chance to find material for zombi in this place.
But first of all, thanks a lot to you, Criperum. Making wonderful job here!
Now to few more updates on Likpt's story.
Also, once again some viewer discreation is adviced, yikes!
____________________________________
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/147249453652.jpg)
You woke up SUDDENLY in your room not in the caves behind cave-in with Ivety by your side. Events of few last days seemed to be faded dreams while what happened last night you hope to be a fruit of your autistic imagination.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/147278010650.jpg)
You carefully crawled from under Libash without disturbing her light sleep. Took some clothes from the floor and headed to the door when...
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/147317977634.jpg)
You considered granting some titles to animals when you remembered that Libash is alredy Champion of the fortress while goose falunted on the coat of arms of the fortress thus being official symbol™ of Akrulaban.
Then you decided some tantrum is always pertinent and fell into it, tossing some furniture pieces across the room. No animal was harmed during performance.
When finished, you silently dressed and headed for the exit. At the door you turned around and sent air kiss to Libash. After that.. King has left the room.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/147317981694.jpg)
You stumbled to the well to wash your mug, Tok was already waiting there. Not to call overly brisk, he clearly felt better then you.
- So? How did it go? - Buketotil asked smiling.
You splashed some water from the bucket to your face and quenched your thirst then looked up.
- What did go?
- Welp... You left with Nasod... To her room... First taking llama to stalls en route... So?
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/147457726621.png)
A year and a half passed since that meeting. I wasn't nourishing any hopes on that bounder. No, it would be great to get stable source of zombies but my business wasn't that bad to worry about some venture. Despite my resources were constrainted as they never were before my reseaches progressed rapidly. During passed years I've tried all methods to keep my servants operability that I learned from magister and from the books I got. Of course magister won't bother doing such researches. For him a single zombi was nothing more than just a drop in the wave swamped two human kingdoms, an elven grove and forced craven dwarves to lock themselves in a mountain home leaving their hill brothers at the mercy of fate.
Now I stepped into the terra incognita and I was proud of it. I wanted to be able to replace wornout parts of my zombies and then may be even construct servants to fit certain needs. But that goal was far to go and right now I was working on combining two pieces of undead flesh into one.
I was sitting in my study room and thinking about the last experiment results when I felt someone's looking at me.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/147437860135.jpg)
After the dog had it's hair you both decided to go and check the stables.
- I can't remember what we were talking about during the feast - you laughed
Bucketotil lighted up:
- You told your story, then I told mine. Next about fortress and rulership, about problems. About everyday routine, who is responsible of what and about punishment to whose who works bad. About local conflicts and mean words.
- Oh, I'm starting to remember - you nodded.
- Mr. Fernokzam as it was ordered wasn't attending the feast. He was keeping order and caring about queen Ivety's comfort.
- Mr. Fernokzam?..Ok, later... Listen, you were bringing the letter from Kisat, right?
- Well, actually the words only. I've lost the letter itself.
- And what was in it?
- Emmm.. she was happy you are a king now and happy for you. Happy that you keep your word and about some deal. Emm... something about tonnels. About alliance or truce...
- Rapprochement of homes?
- I guess. She asked to specify what do you mean by that. And that she is thumbs up about your minecart into her tonnels...something like that.
- Oh man!
- I guess that's it. Than she said her trusted person to bring your answer to Arol-Iton back. But that trusted person, my escort, died during the journey. Pretty graphically.
- How is that?
- Blew himself on a trap. He was trown around in small smoking pieces. It was where Shorast was leading us to from Accarutong.
- Ruins on the surface? Sealed entrance?
- Yeah. And also mountains and sky on the sunset. And the bridge was blown up by the way.
- Hmm.. I was there. We didn't mine the entrance. I wonder who did it?
- Ohh, I don't know. Heard something about Shorast?
- I've seen him last time there. He found himself a wife and they settled down in some other place. I was smoking a lot of elven weed that days so don't remember exactly. Know nothing about the others.
Approaching the stables you saw pretty expectable afterparty scene. There were Nasod and Slagavarot. The latter was without his pants.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/150225392884.jpg)
> requesting to clean yourself up: put off the "glasses", make the crown straight, put the ring on the forearm.
> infernal Likot should go to the breakfast table ... and start diplomacy with Muja already
> tell Muja that he lives in the matrix
- May be I should suddenly become serious, prudent and skillful diplomat on the breakfast? - you thought while walking downstairs - Although without that feigned crap you've achieved that much. Should I change my rules now? Subjects obey, tunnels are being dug, neightbouring Queen is calling for diplomatic journey - isn't it a success? Alter all you spent so much efforts creating your look this morning to just run back and clean up just like that. And the ring in the beard looks nice - like a symbol of new knowledge about holes!
Kisat has sent you not to the yesterday's dinner room but to the Muja's lab. And that's the place you are heading, fortunately you can see it far from here. The forest is noising, birds are singing, grass is rustling under your feet... Indeed this wildness is no match to enveloping silence of gloomy catacombls.
Holding the chair on your back you enter the alchemist's house. He is scribbling something on paper with a feather sitting at the table but after noticing you he stand up and hobble towards you:
- Likot! How are you?
- It doesn'e matter! - you roll the chair over you and bang it on the floor groaning - the more important is...
- Is it blood? Are you alright? What happened?
- You see this ring? - you continue with a weird voice - The knowledge came to me! This is the TRUTH in my eyes! I must protect it... - you point the shards in your eyes - Do you see it?
- Aaaaalriiiiiiight... - Muja moves back carefully - I guess the medicine was someplace here.
- This world isn't real, you must understand! Everything around us is just an illusion! We all are under control... I hear them whispering! A dream inside a dream. If you take the blue pill you'll wake up in your room not in some Armok forsaken place! Take the red one - you'll know how deep is the rabbit hole...
Your father in law openes a casket on a table and put out some vials, reading tickets and you jumpe to him pretending the chair is your horse.
- Holes! They are all around us... Men and women are being dragged into them... We are powerless against their might. Even kings, Muja! Even Queens...
Elf have found the potion he searched and drips some into the mug with water:
- May be it's just too early in the morning and you are not awake fully or may be I'm just not aware about things you are talking about but you are RAVING Likot! Drink this.
He almost forcefully pours the liquid into you but are not struggling very much.
- Let's talk again in a five minutes after I take some medicines myself. - Muja gos out leaving you alone in his "lair".
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/150473320950.jpg)
> Ask Armok why he is here instead of fixing world economy
> Know who is Likot. The blond one, i.e. us.
> remember of which minerals Armok's eyes, teeth, shaved cheeks, shiny nose are composed.
You bowed and continued:
- Don't take it as an audacity but what are you doing here? With me? Instead of ruling the world, economy and other stuff?
- I admire you, Likoty. I'm watching you with my eye. But now, to be honest, you came to me without invitation. I didn't call you. You should not be here.
- So how did I get here?
- Be careful in your world. Some just want to see the world on fire. Don't listen those voices.
- You know about voices?
- Choose who you are listening.
- Alright. I got it. But why I hear them? Who am I after all?
- You are the product of sorcery. A pinch of other dimension placed in a head of a random dwarf. Kurel Ostukiton created you to revenge Shorast Kurelgeshak in the world of living by your hands. Did you forget it?
- It was long time ago.
- Everything is saved in the legends. Recall it if you can't remember - Armok looked at you kingdly and winked - Now here is the deal: go left - you'll recover, trail right - you'll go back to yourself, turn back - you'll drive away the dope, step forward - you'll wake up. Choose wisely, my friend... - and he laughed.
You are trying to understand which minerals is Armok's image composed of but this mistery wasn't revealed to you.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/150510220358.jpg)
> put on your crown, eat, ask what happened
> ask what happened after your blackout
> go find out where are we, what are we, why are we, when are we. and of course who are we
> tell Kisat THE TRUTH granted by Armok
> find pen and paper to write a holy scripture
> share THE ARMOK REVELATION! and of course write Holy Armok Writ
> fuck Kisat while nobody is near
> fuck Kisat heatedly
You grab the crow lying next to you and put it on so fast like you cannot breathe without it.
- What have happened? I was in the lab... and then... - you start to realize that it was only a dream, visions and actually not as much time passed as you thought - What have happened to me?
- It's obvious - Kisat drips some wine and goes to pour some more - You acted like a fool again, drank a lot of potions and fainted. You are lucky there was no poison. Muya said that there was no big danger and you'd come back by yourself. Just in case he gave me a strong potion to force your waking up if you drool on the pillow for too long.
- I saw the Armok! He spoke to me.
- Who? Ah, your god. I hope it worth it. It's always nice to risk your life for a good hallucination - you hear dispraise in queen's voice.
- It was real! I had HIS revelation! I must write it down now, give me a pen and paper!
Kisat rolls her eyes and points at curbstone near the bed where you find writing tools. You sit on the side and start writing:
- Everything is Armok.
That's all your imagination can do. Not much for a holy writ. What else can you write?
You scratch your head. Well, at least you have the beginning, you can add the rest later.
- Everything is Armok, Kisat - you haste to share.
- It is indeed - she raises the goblet and drinks - Can we go to the reallity? This evening we will pass the crossroads with a human settlement. We'll stay there for the night. We'll ask about surroundings, about neighbors moods, is it safe on the roads.
You make a horny face:
- It's much time until evening - you caress the blanket with your palm - Let's fun some fun.
- Oh, Likot, you are the best in feeling opponent's mood - she moved a small window's sash and stare on the road.
- No means no - you shrugg, then you climb on a step and start staring in another window.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/150610818041.jpg)
> Let's write Armok's commandments
> Doubling writing the vision down on a paper
> Let's summon a speardwarf and degrade him by telling about our meeting with the Armok
> Start preaching The Armok's Word
> Let's convert some guard into our faith... Tell him about the core meaning of the Armok
You turn back to the paper and feather:
- Everything is Armok. My meeting with Him took place in His halls where I got into by accident and unexpected for myself. Someone can say that it's all false and I'm a liar but I can swear by my beard that everything I tell is truth. The Armok himself is kind and courteous. He appeared to me in form of a dwarf with thick and neat beard - you decided to cheat so other dwarfes won't grumble - But his face took almost the whole sky in front of me. While seeing His every creature to the core he warned me from some aspects of my life. Also beeing The God of Blood He complained that his disciples know no measure in sacrifices. Therefore I, as a witness of Him, will urge everyone who worships The Armok to be more moderate in bloodspilling dedicated to Him.
On my question about meaning of life the Armok answered that it is in serving him. And the answer on the main question of life, universe and stuff is Him, The Armok. Armok is everything.
And on that simmetrical ending you added just your author signature:
- King of The Mountain Home Akrulaban, Likot Ubendeb.
Looks nice. Even some teaching in it. You need to make a lot of copies and maybe even engrave in stone. Bucketotil should do that perfectly.
- Listen Kisat - you turn around - Can I tell your speardwarfes a little about The Armok?
- Sure
- Can you order them to line-up behind the wagon...the hut? I'll broadcast from the stage.
- Likot, we are going to unite our mountain homes. You had sex with me, I had sex with your wife. You can order them to walk behind and listen your preaches, we are equal.
- So you don't mind?
- Just don't fall down from th e stage.
- Would you listen too?
- I'll pass.
- Do you believe in any gods?
- I do. I just don't want to worship. And I don't care.
You carefully come out from the hut and called the guards:
- Hey, soldiers! Gather everyone behind the wagon and march after us! I have something to tell you.
They take a look around and gather all their comrades at the end of cortege. There are eight of them and you start to broadcast: about misty halls, about the start on the empty sky, about bright face of The Armok The God of Blood and The Creator of the worlds, about beeing his favorite dwarf and therefore The Chosen One. In the end you ordered then to praize The Armok and worship Him from now on.
The guards chump something, place their palms the the heart and the forehead and the raise them. Then everyone go to their places.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/150610825486.jpg)
You ride on the empty town square and make a camp. We have two bags of grass, 75 horse cutlets, 5 cans of high powerred acid, a salt shaker half full of salt, and a whole galaxy of multy-colored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers from Muia... and also a barrel of sunshine, a barrel of rum, a barrel of beer, half full barrel of wine and two dozen apples. Not that we need all that for the trip, but once you get locked into a serious food inventarization, the tendency is to push it as far as you can.
Homeless kids are fooling around:
- Ha, what's that? A house on wheels? Are you looking for someone? I can bring him to you? Mr. give me a coin! Mrs. show me your tit! Why do you need spears? What are you looking for? Do you want us to guide you some where?
From the square you can either to the tavern or the town hall or the brothel. You decide to think once more about where to go and what to do next.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/15138383436.jpg)
- I'm the Great King...
- HE DIDN'T! - the children start laughing so loud they wake up Kisat - Come on, King, start babbling how you are gonna make us rich if we let you go. And who are you, bitch? A queen too? And that prick is a criminal who kidnapped you, right?
Poity-nosed boy says:
- They are all lying. We couldn't kill seven kings in a month.
- Wait, let's listen what the chick has to say.
Kisat looks the room around:
- Who is your boss, punks?
- The sky is our boss, bitch - the kid with a knife snorted.
- Shut the fuck up, snot. It's not your talk.
- What?!
- I'm asking your leader - Vellokum gazes at the girl - Who is your boss?
She hesitates a little, gazes at her accomplices than says:
- Hey, Pilat... stab that chick.
The kid stabes Kisat with the full force into the belly without any hesitation. She screams, twitches... and sags. The blood stain starts to saturate her coat. You decide to do something suitable for Likot. You start to chew your beard helping with the knee. The kids look at each other but you have already swallowed all of your big thing. It's time for surprize. You extert yourself hard - like a real man! And shit your pants.
- Ewww! - they pinch noses - Abandon the ship! Run, run! To the fresh air!
They all get upstars pushing each other and run somewhere.
Damn I remember nothing about preparing posts to look good. Let's roll anyway.
_____________________
Same picture as previous post
Snapped the reins and the wagon hastily departed from the grove. Your group returned to the tract. You go to the north now...
NEXT SEASON OF MS PAINT DWARF ADVENTURES
- Father!
- Run, darling! Save yourself!
- But what about our kids?
[Sounds of love with another woman]
- NOOOOOO!
- You have no rights on these rocks
- Take a look at the rock... in my pants!
- You callled, my lord?
- Bring me the head of this rascal! I will put it on a pike!
- But love... what about our wedding photos?
- What? What photos? Woman, who are you? Leave me alone, I don't dance!
- And the prophet said: Savior of our lands cometh. And he will rise from dirt. And he will take wifes from the widows of his defeated enemies. And there will be seventy-three. But one will die of old age
IDK guys, IDK.
(https://i.imgur.com/k4PAAM0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7qT75U2.jpg)
You had a lot of doubts if you should go or not, and eventually deciede to go. Before the midnight you persuaded Nil to cover your back and with a small sack of dried apples and mushrooms set on a path to Ivety. Already around her home you felt strong itching that was bothering your head for the last few weeks but this time you decided not to scratch - maybe it will pass. This problem took all your focus, and upon reching the door you forgot to knock and simply entered.
Ivety just finished showering. Covered, she turned around:
- Oh... I expected you to come a little later...
You froze trying to contemplate how embarassing this is or maybe it's intended.
- Likot? How are you?
- Bump is itchy...
And new thread titled as
MS Dwarf Adventure p.3 (alt)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZJvqtzU.jpg)
With a mug of lusty baboon you smacked Ivety's booty.
- Wow - she didn't flinch - how interesting...
- I am old soapmaker - you kept you hand at same place - And I don't know the words of love.
Elfess patiently waited while you enthusiastically squeezed her buttock.
- MY WORD! - you suddenly stoped and raised your hands up - You'll become my wife, and I'll make you the Queen of Mountainhome.
- Oh, right away? - she turned - Maybe we can get to know each other better at first? Likot, let's not rush, it's, like, my first time...
Edited as original post
(https://i.imgur.com/2rF1x8Y.jpg)
[We keep foreseeing future]
- I swear by Armok’s suspenders! A woman will appear who will destroy our marriage! With high breasts! And a big ass! Blood! Death! Oh no! Run, darling! Save yourself!
[start crying and make sounds of love with another woman]
NSFW, NSFL?
(https://i.imgur.com/lwxQjSB.jpg)
- You wanna do it a dwarf way? - you started suggestive looks.
- Uh-huh - Iveti coquettishly nodded - When I first met you, I knew you are that one dwarf I was waiting for so long.
You lustfully wagged your hips:
- Wanna dinkle my dinkle-donkle? It's all ready...
- Oh, can I? - she lowered to her knees.
- Grab my dinkle-donkle. Touchm squeeze, pinch.
- Like that? Am I doing it right?
- Grasp my folds! Squeeze harder.
- Wow, is it supposed to be like this?
- Suck my little penny, lick my tit juice.
- That a thing? Wooow!
- My dinkle-donkle and your mouth. Suck it, you piece of shit.
- What?
- What?
...
You had an amazing night with Iveti, revealing passionate lover in each other. The girl was absolutely pleased and, exhausted and fell asleep in your arms.
Let me take a break on this high note.
Let's do a few more
_____________________
(https://i.imgur.com/OllAKQl.jpg)
Next morning you made your way to her father Muya so he could take a look at your bump. Alchemist carefully studied the outgrowth and when you told him about tames plump helmet spore he without a doubt recognised it as A MUSHROOM! So he he suggested to try his trademark ointment, which he himself uses on all kinds of warts.
Don't put it on the mushroom right away. Apparently from the previous post Likot enjoyed it being licked so it means it's part of our nerve system. We gotta try to feel the plump helmet, to make it move.
Don't use the ointment, fertilize and water the mushroom sneakily.
Stay the hell away from the city. No cities.
Let's dig Mountainhome in the grove roots, make alliance with Muya and genocide caped elves.
Retractable bridges above chasms, trapped corridors, pikes, cages
(https://i.imgur.com/7mqLcKU.jpg)
You readily took the ointment and immediately began to rub it actively into the head, purposefully bypassing the mushroom itself.
- It's a beautiful evening outside, - you interrupted the alchemist, who worriedly mumbled something watching you using the ointment, - Fireflies chatter. Hoods rot. Your daughter is dozing peacefully in my bed ... And on such evenings as this one, I think to myself... maybe hoods were right...
Muya lowered his hands with a slight smile:
- Of course they are. Stronger one is right in the end. We just want to live differently. Just like you - you brag about elf in your bed. Dwarven traditions, as far as I know, do not encourage such affairs.
You broke off for a second and scaredly moved your eyes around.
- Oh, I don’t mind, - the old elf waved his hand, - You ask, where did Iveti get interest in dwarfs? I'm afraid it's my fault, - he shuffled to the stairs, - Our community is far from tradition, as you noticed, so I added fuel to the fire - as a child, I slipped my daughter a book of a very depraved content by the authorship of someone Oraphi Geme. Actually, it was a diary found by a scout in the mountains, where I later asked him to return it back. Oh, what an avalanche of questions fell upon me from a young girl. I just wanted to demonstrate to her the charm of diversity, instead of attachment to the traditional understanding of love and its manifestations. And she understood it in her own way. Well, why not, right? We are all children of the forest, land, water ... and there is nothing wrong with them merging. We are all part of nature.
- I love nature. I am already one with nature.
- Well, sure, - Muya winked, - she will surely want to go with you. You better ... don't hurt her.
- To go? Oh yes ... through the city. No, no, no ... the city is to be avoided at any cost. No cities. The story must unfold differently...
The alchemist understood that you had already begun to consider the plan of action. Without interfering in the train of thought, he went upstairs and began to look into the huge stained-glass window, and you muttered to yourself below:
- We dig up the Mountainhome right here - in the roots of the elven grove. Unite with Muya, exterminate the hoods. Retractable bridges above chasms, trapped corridors, pikes, cages...
Let's find our group and are try in every possible way to find out more about those very strange characters
WASH YOUR MOUTH SO BROS WON'T ASK INCONVENIENT QUESTIONS
You need to take Tok aside and start planning a riot against the tyranny of Shorast together
Soon as we are back to group, we ask Tok aside and start to talk down like a mad hobo about Armok's gift and that we now know the future and shouldn't trust Shorast
(https://i.imgur.com/dJDYJqP.jpg)
You rinsed your mouth with what liquid still was in the vial and went into the clearing to your comrades. They loaded the remaining goods into the wagon and were ready to move on.
-Oh, the soap-maker is back, - Tok grunted, - Well? How did it go? How did it COME?
- Shhh! - you hissed and dragged him to the side.
- Where were you? - the manager asked you, - It’s time for us to go, and you still somewhere.
- Shut it, Shorast! - you shouted.
Buketotil was already not so cheerful.
- Listen, listen! - You again whispered, - I know what's going on. I remembered the future! That is ... Armok’s revelation came upon me and I now know in advance that you and I will be best friends.
- I'm not sure anymore, - Tok squinted.
- Quiet! Listen up! Shorast leads us into a trap. I don’t know which one yet, but we shouldn't go there. And we shouldn't go to the the city. They will abduct you there! And there will be a woman with high breasts! And a big ass! Which will destroy our marriage! Wait ...
- What are you talking about?
- Quiet, QUIET! You can not trust Shorast! We have to dig a Mountainhome right here, under the roots of the trees!
- Fuck off moron! - Tok shook off your hands, - What have you covered yourself with? And clearly got drunk. Walk into the cart, you fool, sleep it off first.
NSFW
(https://i.imgur.com/Lm0RDNe.jpg)
You jumped on the wagon:
- Comrades! The monarchy again fastens the yoke to the neck of the working class! We are not slaves, slaves are not us! I don’t know if you believe all the promises of the Provisional Government but I am firmly convinced that when sweet speeches are told to you, when they promise you a lot, they deceive you! I know - Shorast, this vile worm of imperialism, drags us all to the slaughter! And so that there is no doubt in his lies, behold the naked truth!
While everyone was freaking out you quickly jumped down and tore off rags from the chest of limping Bomel.
Continue the revolution. Tell the truth about Shorast.
Yell right away: "This is ex-queen who abandoned Mountainhome in the hour of danger, whore, who poisoned the King together with her lover!", then point a finger at Shorast: "And here he is, the shit of the nation..."
Add the slogans “Down with the Nobles” and “We will build a new world!” ... but also remind everyone of the inscriptions about the anal elf and demand thourough rummage of Shorast’s belongings!!
(https://i.imgur.com/rvNE12k.jpg)
- That's ex-Queen! - you kept yelling, - Who abandoned Montainhome in the hour of danger! Whore who poisoned the king with her lover! And here he is... - You turned your head around in search of Shorast, but he disappeared somewhere, - Shit of the nation! Down with the Nobles! We will build a new world! I demand the rummage of belongings and the anal elf!
- What an asshole, - sounded from behind.
Something suddenly flashed before your eyes and somehow you faceplanted at the stone floor.
There's more, stay tuned.
Here is some more
_____________________
Check the portal
See if you can feel with your plump helmet
Make Ostox first slave of our republic
We say that we are the ambassador from Arol-Iton, and the goblin is our ally and the father of goblin democracy.
Let's mount someone to celebrate the update
(https://i.imgur.com/Pm3Th0Z.jpg)
- You are assshole, - jumping up, you yelled into an empty frame, - Traitor! Fetisher! Poisoner!
But the passage seems to have closed and there was just a wall in front of you.
You looked around. By all senses, it was Assarotung. And next you, lost for a week, Ostox was rubbing his face.
- What are you doing here? - you took a closeк look.
- I... uh... well... stuck... - he recognised you, - There was BANG, I woke up, ran... suddenly WOOSH! And I fell here. And here...
- Miners Republic, - you realized.
- Well, yes... it is... And you what, here for business? You screamed a lot back there. Gonna keep screaming now?
- We'll find out soon. I am the self-appointed ambassador of Arol-Iton. And you - if you want to live, play along - you will be the father of goblin democracy, and to increase the effect - and mount. Miners should see that I mean business.
You enetered hallway mounted and saw new living quarters being actively set up. The workers were busy but the couple still turned around to see who was making a ruckus there.
(https://i.imgur.com/bbR7n8h.jpg)
- Well well, -you announced loudly, - We are the masters of all the dungeons!” We are tunnel commanders! Where is in charge here?
The workers looked at each other:
- Master of the tunnels? Are you looking for a site foreman’s office or something? It is along the corridor, the second door is on the right.
You rode in the indicated direction and kicked open the right door. The dwarf at the table looked up in amazement. You proudly entered the doorway:
- Make me the main one! - you ordered.
- The main ones - clean the toilets, - he squinted. - We do not have the main ones. What warehouse did the you steal the goblin from? What is the purpose of the property appropriation? Answer, lousy moron! - He struck the table with his fist.
(https://i.imgur.com/YDcz8xD.jpg)
- Are you a relative by any chance? - You rode a little closer, - Hey, relative? Does Tok Buketotil tell sound familiar to you?
- Who's what? - the dwarf did not understand, - I said where did you steal the goblin?! Put it back, mugshot.
- Fork in the butt or stick across the face? - you gazed - Putting slippers on your ass?
- What ?! - he was indignant.
- I am the father of the proletariat, and you are more equal than the communism.
- The foreman opened his mouth to say something, but he stopped. In the meantime, you put the pen behind your ear and drank ink:
- I'm an ambassador. A potential union of the ruling elite is possible. With the overthrow. There are two of us here.
(https://i.imgur.com/FPY4K7f.jpg)
- Workers of all races! I am the leader of the workers' movement of the first elven underground fortress! I demand a good bed and all that stuff!
- Oh, ir's all clear, - the dwarf brightened, - Someone here has gone raving mad. Tell me, buddy, what sector are you from?
- I need soft citizenship and a wash. Pronto!
- Well, of course, - the brigadier rounded the table, -Come with me, I'll show the way.
He brought you to the nearest living room where the bed was already installed:
- Now I’ll bring a bucket of water, a minute of patience. And I’m going to settle goblin in the next room, all right?
After drinking ink you felt blunt and only answered treateningly
- With a bed!
- By all means, - he brought Ostox out and locked the door behind him.
Vomit and shit on the door
Find a sock. Throw it at the door. Check the engraving.
Break the door by throwing a sock into it.
Inspect the bed
(https://i.imgur.com/zsWU9CD.jpg)
By trowing up on the door, you saved yourself from further intoxication with ink. The cind mleared up a bit.
You took off your boots and found your red sock. Hardened over the years of use, it felt like a boot itself. You pulled it off and threw it at the door.
The sock crunched against a stone surface and fell into the vomit. Apparently, returning to the Mountainhome, meeting other dwarves, an almost your own room added good thoughts and took tantrum risk away.
You check engra... wait, no engravings here, it most be a new room.
Then you inspected the bed, but it was just a wooden bed. Not even attached to the floor.
Additionally, story-maker, Co-op, has his Patreon, please check it here https://www.patreon.com/likot
Get into the ventilation
Look at the other side of the room
START DRAWING RITUAL DICKS ON THE WALLS
Pick your nose till it bleeds/b]
(https://i.imgur.com/nrp7HUN.jpg)
There was no ventilation in the Mountainhome ever. All dwarves since birth breathed harsh, stiff, thorouphly farted air. Sometimes fresh air was brought on clothes by those who hauled everything from external warehouses inside. But such air was alien, underground inhabitants feared it.
You scanned the fourth wall. It was not broken and pristine. Then you decided to desecrate it with a self-made, unauthorized artisanal engraving. With a vomit-soaked sock you drew a penis with a sweeping strokes. And next to it you drew Armok. But it was wrong to draw the God of blood something other than blood. Therefore, you picked your nose to get blood and began to dunk a vomit sock into it. Engraving turned out right. Although this was not really an engraving but rather an icon painting. So be it.
You decided to show your creation to the public, but the door was locked outside, there was no way to unlock it from the inside. Nobody was coming to your room.
Draw a face on that miserable pillow and recruit it as your companion
Pray to the great Armok
START SELF-INTERROGATION
(https://i.imgur.com/WjbmLXb.jpg)
You really wanted to boast your drawings at least to someone, so you created Idol.
- Look at this beauty, - you said, - So, what do you think?
- Not bad at all, - he answered, - but what is that smell?
- Oh, never mind. Soap cleans, but cooking it is also a very dirty job. And smelly.
- Whose dick is it near my face? - Armok said from the wall.
You hesitated:
- No one's... it's just a dick, not attached to anyone.
- I would like certainty in this matter. I would not bring some random dick to my face.
The idol checked the drawing closely:
- Is that considered big?
- Yes, - you nodded.
- Nooo,- Armock laughed.
- Shut your mouth, hog, and do not get into other people's business! - you burst out suddenly , - Size does not matter!
Apparently you were subconsciously offended that you were a little shorty who miraculously slept with a towering elf. Now she’s going to tell everyone there how small mushroom is on the top of your head is and how she did it you out of pity and now she laughs in the circle of the same long buddies... with long ... ears.
- What is this, Likot? - Armok was surprised, - Are you ashamed of the who I created you to be?
You burst into tears and began punching against the wall:
- Just tell why you did not make me tall and muscular?! Why am I forced to look at everyone from the bottom up and seek the approval of others!?
Idol and Armok looked at each other:
- What are you talking about? Since when do you give a shit about someone else's opinion? You always behaved like a wild.
- Why do you think I acted like that? - You crawled to the floor and curled up, sobbing loudly.
Armok and Idol felt awkward and quietly left the room, leaving the door ajar.
- Why are you making a row here? - unfamiliar dwarf looked inside, - Have you been accidentally locked up here? Don’t get angry, the quarters have not yet been populated, so here should not be anyone yet. And furnished finished rooms are locked so that there is no confusion.
He looked at the wall:
- Been here a while, huh? You are probably hungry?
So, we caught up to current updates. See ya!
Throw your wife down the well.
Drown wife in the well right now.
Wash your face and ask where's our place. Offer her to make a baby.
Dig for information, information, information! What are career prospects for a dwarf without mining experience.
Learn about the system of power and law enforcement here
(https://i.imgur.com/yviYgaI.jpg)
You pretended to have lost your balance and leaned on your spouse, implicitly intending to push her into the well opening. She was able to keep your weight and with habitual movements has put you back on:
- Are you still drunk now? What is on your face? Was lying around in some shit. You smell like a cave troll. Wash yourself right now!
Indeed, a rinse would not hurt. You pretended to obediently follow her instructions.
- What a fucking way to get drunk! - she continued, - What were you doing there that you fucking lost your sock while drinking?!
She pulled a red sock from her belt and waved it menacingly.
- And these socks, by the way, I knitted for you! - she slapped you with it, then threw the sock in your hands, - Well, at least Olin noticed it, picked it up and brought it to me. Lord Armok, it’s good that you, though drunk, were smart enough to find a way here before the goblins were let in.
- So we ... me and you in the Miners Republic?”
- Well, of course we are, where else? I was appointed as a cook, Olin helped. And we made you woodburner. Well, of course, a miner to, do you remember this? Olin barely persuaded the authorities.
- The authorities? I thought you ... we have no authorities.
Sedil waved her hand:
- Well, yes, yes, you can’t say that. Olin persuaded Kurel... I don’t remember the last name, so that he would make a small indulgence for you and me. But with the condition that you reprofile. Labor as Therapy.
- More like Rape, - you turned dark, - Waving a pick...
- And sometimes burning some wppd. Well, all better than staying upstairs and being killed by goblins.
- And where ... where do we live here?
- Well, nowhere. The rooms are still being excavated. Eh ... I remember our previous nest ... with a snail on the wall.
- With a snail? But what about the Bomul "Wooden Stick" Sholil, proudly heaving the Dongitestil?
Wife smiled:
- This room is just of the same Olin Adagfeb. He is our floormate.
- How do you know that? - You squinted. - Did you go inside his room?
- I ... I ... in the hallway, a statue stands near the door! Statue of Bomul Sholil. What are you trying to say?
You put your hands on your hips:
- Why is this Olin so kind to you? He even talked with Kurel, so that you could be taken to Republic.
- He took you too, blockhead! Here's a good dwarf. And he doesn’t drink by the way!
You tried to calm down to change the subject:
- I saw him here - full armor, axe. Who is he - the sheriff?
- Nowhere near, - she said, - A sheriff is a noble. And you know dealing with nobles. He is serving in the militia.
- Militia then.
- Well, yes, they often get sent to caverns to fight off all sorts of shit. Over the week, he had already went there four times.
Your stomach rumbled and you realized that you had vomited all its contents in a locked room.
Does this story have any followers? Sort of quiet lately.
put on a second sock/ PUT IT NOW! Maybe it'ss part of the set and we'll get +5 to Dwarven autism?
Draw attention to the fact that our "wifu" knows about the engraving on the wall of Olin's room!
Share your new intimate feature with your wife: show off your mushroom!
Start asking about the hospital. Where there is hospital, there is soap.
It would be nice to meet this Olin and talk with him.
(https://i.imgur.com/ywszhZW.jpg)
You immediately put on your red sock and felt a rush of good warm thoughts. Socks knitted by the caring hands of your wife, even though stranger, filled your entire dwarven autistic nature with peace and bliss. A set of socks gave you +100 equanimity. Now the tantrum wouldn't threaten you again while you use the set.
However, you thought some of what this supposedly "wife" had said was suspicious.
- So how do you know about the engraving in Olin’s room?
- Are you stupid? - She flashed her eyes. - I said - a statue. I have not been to his room. But where YOU have been hanging around for a week is another question. By the way, I will ask all the local women! If I find out that you got drunk fucking around ...
Your heart skipped a beat at the thought of that imprudent intercourse with the elvess.
- There was nothing, - you quickly fell off, but the arising image of a naked body made your mushroom swell.
Wife saw a moving lump under a hat and rounded her eyes:
- Likot, what is that!?
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www.bay12games.com/dwarves/ (http://www.bay12games.com/dwarves/)
You carefully pulled off the cap and bashfully presented the fruit of sin, evidence of treason, an organ caressed by another woman, which all men think with instead of the head.
Sedil stared at the mushroom:
- Is it a parasite? Carefully ... Let me swat him.
She swung, but you jumped to the side:
- No no! Better to let the doctor! You can’t touch it yourself. Is there supposed to be a doctor? Who will treat Olin when he is torn to pieces in caves? What about soap for the hospital? How to live without soap at all?
- Quiet, quiet ... quietly! - wife hissed, looking around, - You want us to "get it"? You don’t blurp about the soap yet. Now, when they themselves will understand that there is no way without it, then we’ll remind that you are the honored soap maker of Assarotung. You had a strange mood and the reward double bed. Surely this Kurel thought that in his Republic of ideological miners there should be dwarves capable something else but digging.
You pulled the cap back:
- There are also soldiers like Olin. Where can I find him by the way? I want to talk to him like a man.
Sedil straightened up and was silent for a second:
- Likot, understand - when you are secretly consecrated into the terrifying details of the upcoming coup and offered to choose the side of the survivors - you will go to great lengths just to save the life of not only yourself ... but also your husband.
I request hugs and not harming her feelings anymore
Let's try being friendly!
Sober dwarf is susoicious/ I double that soberity is weird
What if it was LIKOT who forgot the spoon there in the room? Rather, he did end up waking in that room
Let's go eat and drink already
Find and learn fortress layout. Eat, drink. Find out if we have friends here.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/157589772754.jpg)
You felt ashamed in front of your wife and you decided to hug her. Sedil took your touch with gratitude, putting her hand over yours. This touch has made a hole in your worldview - you suddenly felt the burden of a common past with this woman, many years of living together, seeking compromises on all kinds of problems... You did not remember anything specific, rather the feeling that it was so. And only one thing still bothered you:
- How comes Olin doesn't drink? Going against the system?
Sedil startled:
- God ... what do you even talk about about him? He drinks ... just not so often. And not so much. Не knows the limits. Soldier, after all.
SUDDENLY a memory pierced your mind. The phrase “know the limits” has reflected in memory with the same phrase from Olin’s mouth:
- You need to know the limits, - Olin muttered, carrying you drunk on his shoulder, why does she love you at all? But it doesn’t matter - the goblins will soon solve our little problem. She asked me to look after you. Oh, I will look. Lie down here. Likot ... LIKOT! Lock the door with a deadbolt. They might find you during the final round...
You let Sedil go and stared at the wall.
- I'm going to eat something.
- Yes, of course, go, - she turned, - I have cooked a lot. Plump helmet jelly, plump helmet stew, casserole... with plump helmet.
You nodded and went to eat, repeating that memory in your head.
SEND WAVES OF AUTISM TO THE DEITIES OF WAR FOR DETERMINING THE LOCATION OF MATERIALS FOR POTENTIAL ARTIFACT WEAPONS
It’s worth finding at least a spoon for self-defense. Or a pick, we are supposed to have it now.
Go back to the fortress / find weapon / We must still see Olin / find the blue paint and smear in it whole to look like a ghost
Return to wife, fulfill marital duty and gather more information about local life
Roll like a barrel to Olin and ask about work
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/157728311359.jpg)
You decided to carefully prepare for the trip up, so you returned to the halls of the Republic. It would not hurt to acquire weapons and you tried to use your dwarven telepathy in order to find materials for making artifact weapons. The deities of war whispered to you that artifacts can be made from shit and sticks. You haven’t learned anything new.
Well, since there were only miners all around, you had to get hold of at least a pick. You returned to your wife in the kitchen:
- Sedil, I’ve thought about it, but how are things with the fulfillment of conjugal duty in the Miners Republic?
She was mincing plumphelmets:
- The offer is certainly interesting, but remember about it when we are allocated our own room. And when there is bed in it. Have you ate?
- Yes, I ate ... thank you, - you scratched your turnips, - then I should already start digging. And, you know, I probably should thank Olin for ... well ... that we are alive. Where can I find him?
- They are now in the caverns, - Sedil wiped her hands. - Take a pick in the warehouse near the stairs down. And remember - look around! Some kind of creature constantly appear in the caves.
- Шэll be careful, - you nodded, -And do they have here ... we ... have blue paint somewhere?”
- Paint? Oh, there’s even no soap! What are you talking about...
- Well, I'll be on my way.
- Yeah, bye.
You turned and stepped away, but at the last moment your wife caught you by the hand, turned and kissed you. Good thought got stored in your socks.
Having found the desired warehouse and choosing a pick, you went down the cascade of stairwells to the first level of the caverns. From everywhere lonely metal blows on the stone came - the drifters conducted reconnaissance. Below the slope, near the water, a bonfire and a detachment around it were visible. You came closer:
- Olin Adagfeb?
One of the soldiers turned around:
- Likot Ubendeb ... How did you get here?
Yes, it was that dwarf who met you with Shorast and Tok in a tunnel under a human village. From behind the steel grate, he laughed at you and wished you a quick death.
- I went down the stairs, - you pointed a finger over your shoulder, - I wish you to be useful to the new society. Is there anything?
He stroked his beard:
- Yes. There is always a job. Go into that tunnel and dig forward. If you find something - let me know.
- How long do I dig?
- Well, yill you fall down from fatigue. Then a short rest and back to work.
It’s not very clear why Olin commands us. Is he our boss?
I suggest to go to the mine and dutifully dig, carefully considering the cunning plan of revenge and escape.
Let's work like there is no tomorrow! Lay aside especially valuable pieces of rocks in a pre-prepared hole!
Сreate the appearance of hard work and steal more or less valuable stones inside the stomach.
I propose to go into the tunnels and look for a regular, civilian foreman
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/157736557349.jpg)
- But you're not my boss, right? - you began to look around, - Where is the foreman? He will tell me better what to do.
Olin squinted:
- Not the boss, for sure. You asked if there is anything, so I said. No particular work is underway, only searching. And this is exactly what I suggested. The foreman is around here. Look for him if necessary.
- Come on, - you shook your bismuth-bronze pick, - I’ll go where you said. You wish me no harm, hahaha! - You laughed as truthfully as possible.
- Well, yes, - he twisted his grin,- Why would I? We have always been good neighbors. How is your wonderful wife Sedil?
- Says hello, - you decided to quickly end the conversation, waved and left.
Having come to the place indicated by Olin, you began to wave with the pick. For several hours in a row you went deeper into the rock but did not find anything special. You were already tired of the work.
Having made a couple of lazy blows, you SUDDENLY punched a hole in the wall. Expanding the hole and looking inside, you found here a decaying corpse of a dwarf in red clothes. It seems that a long time ago this miner was digging stairrs down in search of caves, but he fell and dropped to the bottom of this natural well. It seems he was laying here for many years. Perhaps he was from the seven founders of the fortress.
(https://sun9-56.userapi.com/c204620/v204620345/3b927/nY_8hacPzRY.jpg)
> loot and inpersonate him
> first rule of RPG: see a body - loot it
> +1 for looting
> put on his clothes, take a pick in each hand, go to the meeting area and make a performance
You carefully climb inside the cavern and loot the dead body. You've found one silver coin, apparenlty from the times when locals tried to establish an economy here and coins were in use. Now the only valuable things are the clothes and his pick.
You haven't heard about any ghosts recently so the lost miner was properly memorised on a slab somewhere in the old tombs.
You put on his clothes above your own and decide to remind your fellows about importance of your profession.
-Ooooooooooo...- you howl from the hole in the direction of soldiers.
Everybody alerts and turns to the sound.
In that moment you appear from the opening with the most show off manner and start your speech;
- I am The Name of The Founder, my spirit was sent here by the will of the Armok himself, the god of blood, the creator of the existence, into the body of this weak will dwarf to remind you of the great gift sent to you by Armok about your dwarven essence which makes you His beloved children. Your god Armok is displeased for you have lost the memory and respect, you banished the soap, the dyes and the great dwarven art away, you rejected the chance to receive the greatest gift from Armok to a dwarf - an inspiration to create a great artefact. Let Armok into your lifes, live under his shadow or be damned forever!!!
Everyone froze amazed.
- Beat him guys! - Olin commands - That vicious ghost is threatening us.
The soldiers charge at you.
Olin will not miss the chance to get rid of us. You need to at least knock him down.
Throw a pickaxe at Olin yelling "I am the Preminer"!
Make a saving pick throw at Olin, and try to use the second one to bring down the arch.
Get into panic mode and, swearing at Olin, run back into the hole.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/157986915179.jpg)
Frightened, you threw a pick at the leader of this junta:
- I am the Preminer! - you squealed, seeing the oncoming crowd.
Meanwhile, pick pierced Olin's eye socket, he cried out from pain for the last time and the dead body fell over on his back. The soldiers slowed down and looked around, which gave you a couple seconds of handicap. You rushed back into the tunnel and hacked at the rocks above you, blocking the passage.
The warriors crowded into the cramped tunnel and began to swear. You heard threats and promises to smoke you from out there, but the squad almost got into a fight with each other. As a result, after a while everyone calmed down and went in search of the miners to get you out.
Peace reigned, but obviously not for long.
_____________________
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/158810861890.jpg)
You wake up in (SUDDENLY) the wagon instead of some Armok forsaken place. Memories about your wife in the Miner Republic and a quarrel with former comrades turned out to be just dreams born of your autistic dwarven imagination.
After a bit of recollection, you rememb... Fucking hell!!! Awl was sleeping next to you in the same bed!
Although what else was there to expect from this trip? There was only one bed, and at least four people willing to sleep on it, with the exception of guards. At first, half of the bed was occupied by its true owner - Kisat, but then she was moved to the floor, and then to the outside. Fortunately, she did not mind.
(http://chuck.dfwk.ru/df/src/158810865225.jpg)
Winter cold perfectly kept the queen fresh. If such a term was generally applicable. Although you were a little ashamed that during all this time you still haven’t found the courage to look a woman you murdered in the face.
The promised tower of the necromancer was found on the shore of a frozen lake. Light was on in the windows, but arrival remained unnoticed yet.