Hello everyone this is Exodius1.
This thread came to existence for several reasons:
1. I've gotten kind of attached to Shakecloistered and want to play with it some more;
2. I'm going to do some testing disguised as a RP, testing I was always interested in. No Spoilers Though :P
3. I really want to see how different two Shakecloistered will get.
So without further delay I humbly present to you Shakecloistered 1.5, The Spinoff to a [Succession Fortress for Newbies]!
Important change is this is NOT a succession fort anymore. It is a community fort. You want a turn? Go to Original (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=127283.0) and ask. Here I will only allow claiming of dwarves.
Ok ok, but what is a premise you ask? Well it is simple, after becoming a Baron my character, Fikod "Exodius the First" Degtosid, decided he will be the sole overseer of Shakecloistered.
I spoke with some previous Overseers of Original (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=127283.0) and they allowed me to do that but only if it is non-canon to the main Shakecloistered story arc. Fine with me, I can go nuts becouse of that, including claiming of the dwarves.
If you are wondering about my style of writing I'll tell you it is horrible, if you do not believe me go to Original (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=127283.0) and checkout my turn.
For those who cannot be bothered to read it here is a basic version. At one point of Shakecloistered history manager became an Overseer. He promptly seized opportunity to amass as much power in fortress as possible grabbing empty Bookkeeper seat. Later on we started having problems with booze and so he was forced to take 51,000 Copper Coins loan from the King to avert another tantrum spiral. The same year he was proposed as a Baron. This allowed him to extend his power even more, to the point he usurped the fortress. His name was Fikod "Exodius the First" Degtosid. And this is his story.
If you want a dwarf just say so, I'll add you as soon as overseer changes in the main thread, just to make sure we do not get same dwarf claimed twice. If this happens however on the next turn you get to keep your dwarf and I'll find a new one for overseer. I really would enjoy some more people in here. EDIT: We are dead, very very dead. No more player required^^
After becoming overseer in 136 Exodius the First, manager of Shakecloisered, had seized an opportunity and took an office of Bookkeeper to maximise his political power in the Fortress. A little bit later fortress run into a booze problem forcing Exodius to take a loan for 51,000 copper coins*. Next year was rather uneventful, except for Exodius becoming a baron for selfish reasons disguised as an act of Altruism.
This is where story splits of from Original. In the Original Exodius was content with his seat as a baron/manager/bookkeeper and stepped down from the Overseer office leaving it to his rightful successor, Red. In 1.5 Exodius decided that no-one but him was suitable to rule the outpost so he usurped the position of Overseer, gaining a nickname Usurper, used by many dwarves behind his back and only one in front of him. That dwarf was Bsnott, an original Overseer who had set up the outpost in the first place.
Next year was mostly uneventful, during that time new industrial quarters had been designated as well as some new noble positions were created to try and appease previous Overseers as well as dwarves who had been selected to be Overseers after Exodius. In reality it was just a way of controlling population a little bit better since most of those posts required those who held them to not only act as liaisons between Exodius and the rest of the fortress but also manage projects mandated by the Usurper. Red especially had a lot of work on her hands.
Definitive start of a spiral of madness was arrival of Astesh Thikutdastot, a terrifiing Liaison from Mountain Homes with a habit of fiddling with Copper coins. He had shown interest in a change of style of government and blackmailed Exodius into participating in "Clown Removal Project".
Not every dwarf was taking that takeover as politely as Red, who had convinced herself that it was for the best as she had problems with managing her subordinates and could not imagine running the whole fort all by herself. Bsnott in particular started to become more and more paranoid as time went on and even stole a weapon from an armory to keep as a safety measure. He's also shown some disturbing mood swings, for example his request to become Head Farmer and his subsequent resignation from trying to obtain it. This forced Exodius to ask Stevey the Peanut to train some wardogs to keep an eye on Bsnott.
[*= Make belief value as coins in game have set value to low to be of any use. That means we are paying of 51,000 separate coins rather than amount of coins to be worth 51,000 Dwarf-Bucks as it would take a whole continent to be dug up to get all the ore.]
Oh yes indeed, !!FUN!! is intended. Also feel free to RP along, would love to see others point of view on recent events.
Oh and I forgot. THIS WILL BE VERY SPOILER HEAVY THREAD, IF YOU DO NOT KNOW ABOUT CLOWNS, COTTON CANDY AND CIRCUS KEEP CLEAR!!!
Ok time for first in-character bit. Rather short mind you, just an intro if you will.
'NONONONO! I refuse, I won't let any other person rule this place as Overseer! I barely managed to glue it back together after first few! I do not care about the tradition! That "tradition of yours almost got us all killed! I know SevenRedREturns should be an Overseer but I will not allow it!'
Previous Overseers were giving me stern looks, most likely thinking me crazy. I have to do something to appease them but what?
'Listen I know how it sounds.' I said after regaining my composure.' But I'm sure we do not want any more revolts or uprisings do we?'
'They were not uprisings, people were just unha....'
'They call it an uprising in the Mountain Home.' I really need to do something to appease them. I know...' Listen, I will honor all of you with grand tombs just as tradition requires and i will compensate it to SevenRedReturns, I promise. But we cannot allow ourselves to have any more changes in government. Don't you agree that since I took over living standards had started rising?'
'What about the loan?' Asked Flameboy
'What about it?' I said looking suprised. 'We have no interest on it and we can pay it back at our leisure, I do not see a problem. It was just a way of saying good luck by the King to our most removed outpost'.
'Fine, you rule than, just know our ancestors are watching you carefully.' Said Bsnott.
I immediately made proper preparations for expantion of the catacombs.
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And here is promised compensation for red, new quarters!
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1st of Granite, Year 138
Today was the day that we decided to tell Exodius that despite his amazing work on the fortress, tradition demanded that he handed over the fortress. Some in Shakecloistered called him "The Usurper", that must have had tolls on happiness.
"Exodius, you are hereby ordered to stand down as fortress baron and learn a commoner profession."
"The fortress is at it's best point because of these last two years! I've done a greater job than anybody has thus far!"
"It is tradition, Exodius the Usurper, and if you do not hand down your position as baron you will be forcefully removed."
"NONONONO! I refuse, I won't let any other person rule this place as Overseer! I barely managed to glue it back together after first few! I do not care about the tradition! That "tradition of yours almost got us all killed! I know SevenRedReturns should be an Overseer but I will not allow it!" yelled Exodius, "Listen I know how it sounds, but I'm sure we do not want any more revolts or uprisings do we?"
"They were not uprisings, people were just unha...."
"They call it an uprising in the Mountain Home.' I really need to do something to appease them. I know...' Listen, I will honor all of you with grand tombs just as tradition requires and i will compensate it to SevenRedReturns, I promise. But we cannot allow ourselves to have any more changes in government. Don't you agree that since I took over living standards had started rising?"
"What about the loan?" asked Flameboy.
"What about it?' Exodius said looking suprised. 'We have no interest on it and we can pay it back at our leisure, I do not see a problem. It was just a way of saying good luck by the King to our most removed outpost"
"Fine, you rule then, just know our ancestors are watching you carefully." I said, little did I know that it would forever change the fate of Shakecloistered.
I've summoned Bsnott and SevenRedReturns to my office to discuss work that needs to be done. I've shown them blueprints and proclaimed:
'Bsnott, you have been promoted to a Head Miner, and you Red are our new Grand Mason. I hope you will accept those honors.' I've waited for a second to see if there are any complaints but when neither of them said anything I continued.
'These projects are necessary to be completed as soon as possible, do you think you can manage them?' And another moment of silence, I think they are very distrustful of me.
'As for your new stations they are not just a bribe.' I've noticed a small twitch of disbelief on Bsnott's face.'No they are proof that I'm not and do not wish to be a tyrant. With these positions you will receive new quarters on Noble level. Red's already designed in this blueprint. As for yours, Bsnott, it will take several days to create accommodations fitting you. Now please do not let me stop you.' I showed them the doors.
Several seasons later I had another meeting with those two.
'Your "balcony" is done and working. Enjoy, Usurper.' Said Bsnott.
'Entrance Tower will be delayed a little due to constant wave of thiefs that seems to plague our outside, I called for militia but those buggers are too fast for them.' Was Red's report.
'Excelent, here are some new projects to excavate, Bsnott. Please continue working on the tower Red. Also could you send in the engraving team in? I believe they are under your jurisdiction.' I said still looking at Red.'Thank you for your reports, I believe you have more important things than talking to me to attend to.'
Balcony was truly good idea, it was planned as an entertainment lounge for whole fortress. For now we have only 4 performers who will show us their fighting prowess, without bloodshed of course. For now however they are still learning how to hold their weapons.
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Our citizens have also spotted some Forgotten Beasts down in the caverns but only one of them actually looks like a Eldritch horror. Anyway we are safe inside our lovely home.
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By the beardless rabble that pass for dwarves around here!
I expected to be angry that Exodius basically declared he was going to stay in charge... but I'm oddly.. relieved? I had not expected that. Then again, I had always ever only wanted to be a mechanic.
I was surprised then, that my announcement was to be made chief MASON. Still, it's not a bad posting. I got new quarters but I don't really notice them. There are a lot of things to do.
like those monkeys! Those... monkeys. I thought I had gotten out of overseeing people but no, I have to keep trying to get them to GET BACK TO WORK. The thieves aren't da- okay so they are dangerous. I feel that knowledge coming from somewhere, but I know they're dangerous. Knowing that, I try to get the military to sort them out but they are stationed deep, and the monkeys are on the surface, and the last thing I need is to let them get past Entrance Tower - or as I call it, "I hate everyone and everything" tower. Because it's true. Either way, the military of course couldn't chase them down. They should be shaved for it. I'll knit scarves out of them.
Hope you don't mind ^^
Also XD do I actually have the same dwarf I picked out for my own run? (I literally just looked for who had the highest mechanic skill and picked them haha)
8th of Granite, Year 138
Without doubt, I can say that my new position is a bribe. A large bribe in order to account for the fact that he is taking over the fortress. Back in my days of wandering with humans, I once read a book entitled "Julius Caesar". The man solely controlled a republic, as a dictator, but the name was still the Republic. This is how I imagine Exodius. Anyway, I was given the task of creating a "Grand Balcony" as Exodius calls it. The excavating will take a long time, I imagine. The plans show that there will be a fighting pit under the balcony, which also reminds me of "Julius Caesar". One would think that he is reborn, but bearded!
24th of Sandstone 138
Once again I've summoned Red to my office.
'How is the tower?'
'Rather well, without interruptions from langurs and Thieves it is going much faster.'
'Excelent. Speaking of intruders i want cage traps in places marked here. Also it would be lovely if you could build a road to southern edge of our holdings'
'Cages and roads? What exactly is extent of my responsibilities?' Red asked.
'Masonry, Stone Detailing, Architecture and Mechanics. Is it too much?'
'No, no. It is fine. I'll go now.'
Red worries me sometimes, for a candidate for an Overseer Red is showing no ability or will to lead others. Also even now I'm not sure if Red is he or she.
19th of Timber 138
A caravan has arrived! Time to trade. When I was about to leave my office to tell broker what to obtain I've noticed someone was sitting in my Throne.
'Who is this? You are not part of the fortress.' I asked confused. What if Mountain Homes did not approve of my initiative and sent an assassin?
'Oh but I'm just a Liaison. Better question is what are you doing here Exodius. We believed we would be dealing with SevenRedReturns.' Said my visitor.
'There had been change of plans. I've decided that...'
'You have decided that there is no need for anyone else to lead this outpost. I know, I already spoke with Red.' Stranger said while playing with a Copper Coin.' Do not worry, this may be more useful to the King than he planned so if you cooperate we may strike a deal.'
'What deal?' I really do not like what is happening.
'Simple one, I give a good word for you to the Crown and you participate in our little project. Oh don't give me that look it's nothing difficult or dangerous. Not to you at least. So what do you say, deal or should I order caravan guards to drag you to Mountain Homes for hammering?'
'Deal, but for the record this is blackmailing. What is your little project?' I asked, bitter that I did not foresee something like this would happen.
'The Project is called Clown Removal, it's premise rather simple. Dig down into Adamantine, kill what ever is below it and establish colony deeper than any other dwarves have ever done.'
'This is madness! One cannot do such a thing! Not in a single lifespan anyway.'
'Well, consider it a challenge than. You can use any methods or means necessary to complete this objective. Good luck.'
'Wait, wait. Why our outpost?'
'It is most remote and well hidden outpost we have at our control. Did you not notice that only dwarves arrive here?'
'Ok, I'll try to complete your "little" project.'
'See? I knew we would understand each other.' Said the stranger smiling in way that chilled me to a bone.' Oh and last thing, my name is Astesh Thikutdastot. You will report to me or one of my colleagues on yearly basis. Now let us discuss trade agreement for next year...'
24th of Sandstone, Year 138
Sevenredreturns was called down into the Usurper's office today, Armok only knows what is happening down there. I haven't been ordered to do anything, despite my own room, since the balcony project. This 'Head Miner' position means nothing, but at least I live in luxury.
28th of Sandstone, Year 138
He is playing this fortress like it is a game.
The mroe days went by under Exodius' rule, the more I felt both like I dodged a bullet and like I should have made a token effort to resist. I mean... he broke the traditions and I'll admit my new posting is nice but it was made to keep me quiet. I'm not sure I like that change. Still, he has the military and I have a lack of a desire to have my head hammered in by a beardless idiot. At the moment, no matter what I think, I'm going to keep my head low so I stay living.
It was pretty easy to keep my concerns to myself for a while. I had a lot to do, especially with directing the road project. It took a little time before I felt I could really direct those under me. To be fair there was a lack of crisis. Now and then I kept feeling something - so much of what we did was so... inefficient. At the very least I'd want to see us using tools to aid in carrying the rocks. Maybe some minecarts to mean we can carry more than one thing at a time.
But I have a road to build.
It was in the middle of this task when I saw a stranger on road. As they seemed to be looking for someone in charge and I was in charge of the road crew at this moment, I walked up and introduced myself. The gentledwarf (the only word I can think of... Beardless idiot. Well technically not beardless but he looked like he shaved from the day he was born.)
Anyway. The gentledwarf said he was looking for one SevenRedReturns. It was uneasily I confirmed my identity. He seemed a bit surprised to see me laboring along the crew. Upon his suggestion that we go inside to talk, and him introducing himself as our liason with the mountain home...
"Look, You've got it wrong. I'm... Not in charge." He seemed to grow more critical at that and as I explained the situation, the sheer... wrongness of it started to sink in. I mean by all rights I SHOULD be in charge of the place. I think what made me more uncomfortable, was how the pencil pusher started to... smile at the end of the explanation. Suddenly I was relieved again, that whoever had to deal with him... wasn't me.
As he led the caravan to the inner depths of our fort, he turned and flipped something over his shoulder at me - it was a copper coin. It was then that I felt like I had just betrayed everyone here with my honesty.. and like I should go have a shave.
IT's also fun for me exploring Red's divergent character evolution based on whether she actually ends up in charge or not.
That was the idea behind this thread, what if? And we are finally getting into massive costructions, military experiments and !!FUN!! taming. I have planned a lot out but the outcome is still a mystery.
Edit: Quick update.
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'The road is done' Said Red.'and we are ahead of schedule on tower.'
'Excellent, keep up the good work. I have some assignments for your engravers as well. We need all the bedrooms smoothed before we put furniture in them, could you send them that way?' I asked.
'Yes'
'As for you Bsnott, I need those rooms excavated. One of them is going to be Crafts Guilds Master's Chambers, other will be our Main Farmer's Quarters. I will also need rooms for Champion but this will be dealt with in it's own time.' I said to Bsnott. He looked at blueprints and asked:
'And what on Armok damned hell are those?' He asked in a tone of voice I really did not like.
'It will supplement training of our archers, making sure they are able to hit things that are further away than ten paces.' I answered smoothly.'And as long as you are here could you send in Flameboy? I need to talk to him.' the look Bsnott gave me could kill a Forgotten Beast. He left saying nothing.'You can leave as well, have a nice day.' I said to Red and I was immediately left alone.
~~~~~
Several hours later I heard rapping on my Chambers door.
'Who is this?'
'It's Flameboy'
'Please come in.' I welcomed him. 'We have some things to discuss and I would rather they would stay between us. I want you to consider an offer to take office of Crafts Guilds Master.' I talked to his for almost half an hour explaining what would be his responsibilities and prerogatives. I also told him that all castes of Craftsdwarves except for masons and blacksmiths and including woodworkers and jewelers would be his subordinates. After we said goodbye he left looking a little stunned, no doubt from how grand that proposition was.
Another hellish day inside my own fortress, Year 138
I have stopped counting the days. The most that happens in them are my talks with Red. He preached about how well the fortress was doing, but I will have none of it. How can they speak of the status of the fortress from inside his office. I am the only "noble" that even talks with the commoners. The fortress is too quiet, they say. Something is coming, they say. Despite my thoughts, I try to keep them happy, at least doing something. This was my fortress. I remember, not eight years have passed that I first set foot on this ground. Now I am a forgotten leader, and the fact that I am not sleeping in a dormitory is because he knows of my relations with the commoners. They understand me, despite my lack of words about the situation. If I wanted, I could have every pick, scythe, and axe in this fortress at my command.
He fears me.
Another hellish day inside my own fortress, Year 138
I have stopped counting the days. The most that happens in them are my talks with Red. He preached about how well the fortress was doing, but I will have none of it. How can they speak of the status of the fortress from inside his office. I am the only "noble" that even talks with the commoners. The fortress is too quiet, they say. Something is coming, they say. Despite my thoughts, I try to keep them happy, at least doing something. This was my fortress. I remember, not eight years have passed that I first set foot on this ground. Now I am a forgotten leader, and the fact that I am not sleeping in a dormitory is because he knows of my relations with the commoners. They understand me, despite my lack of words about the situation. If I wanted, I could have every pick, scythe, and axe in this fortress at my command.
He fears me.
... Well that gave me chills. Seriously. (Also I find it funny that for my next thing... I looked up Red's skills in the liar trait. She has a level 1 in it. So she CAN be a liar.. but only has a 50% suitability to it... ... I'm a nerd.)
My feelings of dread haven't decreased anyway. I keep that coin I was tossed for some strange reason. I should throw it into a smelter. But I hold onto it because if what I fear comes to pass... I'll need the reminder of whose fault it is. As it is, I need to keep working. I don't feel any particular disloyalty yet. I know at least one person here hates me. He also hates Exodius. I think the hate for the latter is more than that for me but All the same...
Exodius told me to send my engravers down to the bedrooms to smooth them. Easily dispatched. I'd go down to listen to them but there is a... distinct lack of grumbling when I'm about. In fact, it's the lack of grumbling that bothers me. What kind of outpost doesn't have griping at the conditions? But since the liason has been here, I've not heard any. I don't know if it's that they are avoiding grumbling, or avoiding grumbling around me. I know there is a distance that wasn't always there. Maybe I threatened to shave them a few too many times?
But I've barely used that threat lately. I've barely grumbled myself. I keep reporting that all is good. Nobody must know of my unease right now. I have nothing to base it on but a key and a feeling. I hope I'm good enough at lying that nobody will guess.
I looked up Red's skills in the liar trait. She has a level 1 in it. So she CAN be a liar.. but only has a 50% suitability to it... ... I'm a nerd.)
Just for comparison, my social stats vs Bsnott's social stats along with wiki page explaining who is higher.
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http://dwarffortresswiki.org/index.php/DF2012:Skill
And our relationships
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I feel so lonely :'(
Also more reasons for Bsnott to complain^^
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During my talk with Red today, he told me about how Exodius had studied me. He found up my Social Test scores and Red said that he boasted a higher score. It matters not. He seems to think that he is better than me. Who is the actual better, when you only actually control a quarter of this fortress?
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'This is our End of Year report, any comment?' I was answered by silence. 'Very good, let us move on onto more important things, Flameboy told me that our new archery range is half finished. It requires some masonry to be finished so your crew is being moved from the tower project for now, Red.' I have noticed that Bsnott was staring at two new faces, or rather new faces in our meetings. I'm sure he recognized one of them as that person is, or maybe was seeing the circumstances and knowing rumors that my little birds brought to me about Bsnott's paranoia. 'Oh yes, let me introduce you to our new colleagues, Athel Thadid is our new Champion and is responsible for military, their schedules, equipment and recruitment, with the exception of Fortress Guard of course. Also she is the person all hunters and miners have to talk to get their crossbows and picks. And I'm sure Bsnott knows next person, Edzul Timnaringish, our new Farmer. Edzul's duties consist of organizing our farmers, including woodburners, lye makers and soapmakers as well as being their liaison in case they require anything from stockpiles that is not related to either clothing or farming.' I have noticed a grimace on Bsnott's face.'Now than as our introductions are done we can move on to the last part of our meeting. Are there any things our we require immediately?'
We have discussed all of our immediate needs with fair contribution from Main Farmer and Champion and occasional sentence or two from Red. I could not help but notice our Head Miner was very quiet all the time.
'Now that all this is done please do not let me stop you from your duties.'
I will post pictures of that archery range when i'm done with it. Also if anyone wants Main Farmer or Champion just speak up. Also farmer is a he and champion is a she.
PS I may try to stream DF today (24/08/2013) at 9pm British time. It will be my first real stream so if you are not afraid of weird accents please come by and tell me how does it look. Stream will be here (http://www.twitch.tv/exodius1).
Strike the Earth!
1st of Granite, Year 138
The days have grown long, and I don't know if I can continue living like this. A change of pace is very necessary. My life has grown far too bland, meetings becoming the main topic of my life. Nobles play their game, exchanging relations and such. I am done with it. The Head Miner position is not for me. I have decided to give it up in search of a more calm and noble responsibility.
"Exodius, I wish to become the Main Farmer."
First time in my career Bsnott sought an audience with me without being summoned. However it was not as weird as a reason for this meating.
'Exodius, I wish to become the Main Farmer.' Bsnott said with straight face.
'Why?' I asked sensing some treachery. 'You have no experience with farms or any other thing that is related to them. However your mining expertise is invaluable making you irreplacable as a Head Miner. We simply cannot spare giving you any other duty. If it is because there was not much work in your field recently please do not worry, very soon there will be a project I cannot entrust to anyone else than the best.'
I must keep my calm. I have been denied transfer of my position, but I now realize that I am far better off than many in this fortress, and being a noble could help me support the commoners. I will try to secure higher relations with the nobles, and use their support to urge better conditions upon the commoners. My beautiful Goden supports me every step of the way.
Bsnott had rverted from his decision as unexpectidly as he came up with it, we may have to watch him carefully. I'll make sure to assign a war dog or two as he may be going a little !!FUNNY!!, if you know what I mean.
Also Everybody say hello to Moleman AKA SteveythePeanut. HE will be joining us here and most likely in Original thread from Twitch.tv.
Please give him a warm welcome.
Stevey I'll try to include you as soon as turn goes over to next overseer in the Original, just tell me if you have any preferences as to what type of dwarf you want, we have over a hundred unclaimed ones so there is likely one that will fit your needs. Just give me a gendder and a profession.
After telling Exodius that I no longer wanted the position of Main Farmer, he seemed just as surprised as when I told him that I did want the change. His eyes seem to say that I am mad, though I am more now than ever calm, and and going to take advantage of what I have.
Sometimes when I am walking around in the hallways, I catch glimpses of war dogs following me at a distance. This cannot be good.
I know, I know that the military being strengthened is only reasonable here. We still do see slavering horrors and it's nice to see at least one or two dwarves capable of dealing with them. It's just my mind, I have to remind myself. Nothing has truly come to be from my feelings of dread. I still carry that coin almost like a talisman though. Something is going to happen, and I have no idea what it is but I can only hope that the strengthened military can handle it. Never mind that we've not had any contact with any other civilization since this place was founded - I can understand it. Still I'm uneasy enough I have to keep rebraiding my beard just to keep myself from looking to unnerved.
At least I'm managing to keep my worries to myself. Bsnott... Is not doing so well. I still talk to him, usually daily. I don't think he's at the point of shaving himself but there's something brewing. I don't bring it up. That would invite me bringing up my own thoughts and the safest thing to be here is silent. But I've heard, in the few occasions people talk around me, that he's made a transfer request and rescinded it? That much mind changing, it makes me nervous to think about.
The fact though, that Exodius is having him tailed by war dogs? That worries me. I understand the necessity of having a safeguard in case our head miner snaps - those who mine for a living tend to be undwarvenly strong. It still worries me because we've never had a history of tailing people who aren't in a strange mood, because those are more likely to go completely shaven on us and try to kill everyone. At least those moods tend to result in... interesting artifacts.
I know I should bring my concerns up to our overseer.... Person in charge indefinitely. But I worry about what will happen to me if I do so. I've heard the stories of those with concerns being summarily executed in other outposts. I do not want to join their number.
I feel much different than before Bsnott's weird decision. I went and had a drink. A lot of a drink. When I came by i was told one of our citizens had collected some leather for a fey mood. I walked up from forges to jail to catacombs to jail to Grand Hall to noble quarters to industrial area to watch him work. I do not know how much time had passed but I have waited adn waited. *Clink* *Clink* *Clink* Sounded like a flipped Copper Coin. Wake Up, My little Pumpkin Pie. Wake Up. Peasant finished his work and it was a leather shield, nothing remarkable about it.*Clink* *Clink* *Clink* WAKE UP, MY TINY PLUMP-HELMET BISCUIT. WAKE UP!
I woke up seeing Astesh Thikutdastot above me playing with his copper coin. *Clink**Clink**Clink* 'A bad dream, my miniature Dwarven Syrup Stew?'
'Kind of. I thought you left with caravan, I had hunters follow you just to make sure.'
'Oh I did, WAKE UP!' He shouted while grabbing me by shoulders and shaking me violently' WAKE UP, YOU BASTARD WAKE UP, YOU HAVE WORK TO DO!'
I woke up a second time, looking at Stevey the Peanut, our new Master of the Hunt. 'Do you still want those dogs to tail Bsnott?' He asked.
'Yeah. Also as soon as we have some more please assign some to me as well, I want one as a pet.' Seems that what ever was taking over Bsnott was taking me as well, better safe and sorry. I have a feeling that dream is just the beginning. I worry what we will find below Adamantine when time comes, better to make preparations.' Stevey, do me a favor and cage up all of those bloody pets, or at least confine them to one area, they seem to really get under everyones feet slowing down production.'
Stevey walked out with bolts clinking in his quiver leaving me to my own thoughts.
And for a little explanation
Couple of days ago i tried to stream shakecloistered to get some material. I forgot the hotkeys so that is what those weird movement between lvls was. we had a mood woth a leather shield produced and than my laptop overheated reverting us to a save bofore stream. Still i think we need an update so here is one. Sorry for this weirdness.
The war dogs continue to tail me. I fear the worst, that they are waiting for a secluded place to end me. All that I have done for this fortress means nothing to Exodius, I suppose, from keeping order within the commoner's class to mining assignments. No matter, for if he wants a fight I will give him it, when the time comes. A weapon was needed. Our armory is not well defended, and by sneaking in at night I was able to easily acquire a mace. I now carry it around everyday, lest I get caught off guard by the dogs. Red seems to think that I am going insane, as well as Exodius. She doesn't understand any of this, I guarantee. Yesterday I heard Exodius wake, screaming in the early morning. What is this? Has he gone mad, as well as I? Soon I will bring this war dog business up with Exodius.
20th of Granite 139
THAT ARROGANT PRICK! How dare he come up with such request? Remove yourself from Overseer position it's mine. Does he really think I will comply? He is just a lowly Militia Captain. 24 hours in chains should teach him humility.
With latest migrant wave came a letter from our beloved Liaison asking about progress and giving some inteligence on what we will face under Adamantine. From what I understand we will need a large structure outside the fortress to contain them, this structure needs to be roofed over as those beings can fly even without wings.
I set out to find Red in Grand Masons quarters. *Clink**Clink**Clink* That was a sound I heard seconds before I entered Red's the office. Red was sitting there among paperwork, playing with a Copper Coin. That had shocked me to no ends but i tried not to show it. So Red works directly for them, eh? Explains a lot. I will not tell that to Red obviously, I am not that stupid.
'Can't you knock before you enter, you beardless idiot? I could have been undressing!'
'Sorry, I needed to ask you if your team can build this after archery range and tower is complete.'
'It is rather complex but I think we will manage. What is it for?' Red asked obviously playing dumb.
'Oh, it's just a little monument, nothing to worry about.' I said, leaving immediately. Like I was to believe Red didn't know about everything.
~~~~~~~
26th of Slate 139
Later on I stumbled into Bsnott. Perfect.
'Hello Bsnott, I know you were complaining about lack of work lately and I have something to rectify it. Here are the schematics.'
'Looks kind of complex, what is it for?' Said Bsnott suspiciously, grasping somthing in his inner pocket.
'A ventilation system for our forges, makes flames burn brighter.' I answered without skipping a heartbeat. I am getting much better at misdirecting dwarves lately. I guess it comes with the job.
'Ok, I'll do it.' Said Bsnott, walking away and straring at me in rather unsettling manner, two war dogs close to him. He really terrifies me sometimes.
~~~~~~
13th of Hematite 139
Back at the office I was going through our stocks when I have noticed an error. I immediately called our Champion in but she could not explain where the missing mace went and told me to not worry as this is a big Fortress and things get lost all the time. I let her go attend to her duties. Nothing ever gets lost in this fortress, not to me anyway. I know exact quantity and quality of every damned item here as it is my job as duty not only the Bookkeeper but also the Overseer. I will have to look into that later.
When I was about to set out to lunch I have noticed a commotion in the corridors. I grabbed a first dwarf who tried to run past me and asked what it's all about. Apparently one of our dwarves entered a Fey Mood. I wouldn't even care, it's just some more paper work but than the dwarf told me our Moody was a Weaponsmith and an Armorer who took a piece of Adamantine, shit ton of gems, a clay brick and a log. Let's see what happens now.
This is really annoying. With Exodius1 having taken the position of overseer permanently how am I to lead this fortress to glory with my genius, I overheard what the liaison said to exodius1, how is anyone without my genius supposed to succeed in a project like that. I think I'll ask him for the position. If he refuses then I'll have to take power some other way, and when in power I'll punish him by doing something like putting a refuse pile in his room causing him to go insane or something, but I don't think it'll come to that.. I hope he'll realise that this fort will be better under my genius and gives up power to myself.
THIS UNBELIEVEABLE, NOT ONLY DOES HE REFUSE MY REQUEST BUT HE AHS ME LOCKED IN CHAINS!!! How dare he chain someone with my genius up. HE WILL PAY. It'll be death by magma for him when I get in power. I'll have to gain power by more subtle ways. I'll need the support of the other dwarves, surely I'll be able to get them to see my genius. I'll start by proposing a design for the outside of the tower. (basically this but vertical and on as many walls as possible.(http://i.imgur.com/gBi8NA2.png) It's also supposed to in story look like his face, he really is that arrogant. ) It'll be made of of engravings or different coloured blocks or whatever. But most importantly it'll remind the other dwarves of my glory and allow them to admire my genius. I'll propose this design to Exodius1, and then red and Bsnott, surely they'll se my genius then.
I was never more sure about Blademan beeing a maddwarf. He requested a statue of HIMSELF outside our as of yet unfinished tower. I have more importatnt things to do than appease 19yo little brats with little to no combat experience. I've ordered him replaced from Marksdwarf Captain position as he cannot be trusted with anything sharper than a crayon, and even that is debatable.
I have to make a post for him to get occupied, something that will sound grand and keep him away from me and any other sane person. And Bsnott, if those two get into alliegance it will be either hilarious or catastrophic.
I know...
~~~~~
'In recognition of your genius I have appointed you a Chief Art Director, You will have your own crew of Engravers and if there will be a need for your spectacular talents Red will notify you. In mean time please do enjoy your office and start thinking of some Engravings for your own quarters. Unfortunately I wont be able to build what you have requested outside due to.... resources being scarce. DON'T INTERRUPT ME WHEN I'M TALKING, I KNOW MORE ABOUT OUR RESOURCES THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE, I AM A BLOODY BOOKKEEPER HERE!. Ekhm, sorry. But i should be able to design your rooms in that manner. This is a full time job so I would ask you to return any weaponry and armaments you have to our Champion. DO NOT let me delay you further, have a good day.'
And yes, your dwarf is 19 ingame, mine:88.
A figurine. A FUCKING FIGURINE! WASTING ADAMANTINE, GEMS AND WOOD FOR FUCKING FIGURINE! BLERBELLBELRBELRBELBERLERL!
Oooh I think I'm better now. I need a break.
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Journal of bladmean9999 #3That is ridiculous, HOW CAN THAT IDIOT NOT RECOGNISE MY GENUIS. I SUSPECT HE DOESN'T LIKE ME. I have modified my design so it look a regular dwarf's head. The other dwarves will still my able to recgonize ((OOC: still looks the same in fortress but in story no longer like his head it'll be made either by engravings or using different colour rock.
We have another one that claims he is the Overseer, this time politely asking if next year will be his turn. He received a very polite refusal.
It was Stevey, wearing a fake beard, pretending to be someone called Adil Onoleik. NOt Joking, you could see his normal beard under that thing, it was really weird and disturbing. But hell, he is a good hunter so I hope all the madness helps him tricking animals better.
[ooc] Yeah, there is no Onoleik in 1.5, he probably never migrated here. On the other hand we may have some interesting plotpoints with him and Stevey^^[/ooc]
On 19th of Malachite I ordered the forst test of archers, 5 Paces to be exact. It was a complete failure, we need better archery training programme.
Sorry for the short answer but i really did not have time to play Shakecloistered lately.
20th of Granite 139
THAT ARROGANT PRICK! How dare he come up with such request? Remove yourself from Overseer position it's mine. Does he really think I will comply? He is just a lowly Militia Captain. 24 hours in chains should teach him humility.
With latest migrant wave came a letter from our beloved Liaison asking about progress and giving some inteligence on what we will face under Adamantine. From what I understand we will need a large structure outside the fortress to contain them, this structure needs to be roofed over as those beings can fly even without wings.
I set out to find Red in Grand Masons quarters. *Clink**Clink**Clink* That was a sound I heard seconds before I entered Red's the office. Red was sitting there among paperwork, playing with a Copper Coin. That had shocked me to no ends but i tried not to show it. So Red works directly for them, eh? Explains a lot. I will not tell that to Red obviously, I am not that stupid.
'Can't you knock before you enter, you beardless idiot? I could have been undressing!'
'Sorry, I needed to ask you if your team can build this after archery range and tower is complete.'
'It is rather complex but I think we will manage. What is it for?' Red asked obviously playing dumb.
'Oh, it's just a little monument, nothing to worry about.' I said, leaving immediately. Like I was to believe Red didn't know about everything.
~~~~~~~
26th of Slate 139
Later on I stumbled into Bsnott. Perfect.
'Hello Bsnott, I know you were complaining about lack of work lately and I have something to rectify it. Here are the schematics.'
'Looks kind of complex, what is it for?' Said Bsnott suspiciously, grasping somthing in his inner pocket.
'A ventilation system for our forges, makes flames burn brighter.' I answered without skipping a heartbeat. I am getting much better at misdirecting dwarves lately. I guess it comes with the job.
'Ok, I'll do it.' Said Bsnott, walking away and straring at me in rather unsettling manner, two war dogs close to him. He really terrifies me sometimes.
~~~~~~
13th of Hematite 139
Back at the office I was going through our stocks when I have noticed an error. I immediately called our Champion in but she could not explain where the missing mace went and told me to not worry as this is a big Fortress and things get lost all the time. I let her go attend to her duties. Nothing ever gets lost in this fortress, not to me anyway. I know exact quantity and quality of every damned item here as it is my job as duty not only the Bookkeeper but also the Overseer. I will have to look into that later.
When I was about to set out to lunch I have noticed a commotion in the corridors. I grabbed a first dwarf who tried to run past me and asked what it's all about. Apparently one of our dwarves entered a Fey Mood. I wouldn't even care, it's just some more paper work but than the dwarf told me our Moody was a Weaponsmith and an Armorer who took a piece of Adamantine, shit ton of gems, a clay brick and a log. Let's see what happens now.
An assignment, finally. Exodius was extremely jumpy when he decided to give me the task in the middle of the damn hallway. I raised my hand to point something out, and he flinched for Armok's sake! And he calls me paranoid! I have no idea as to what I could have possibly done to make him afraid of me, but the war dogs and the flinching definitely means something. This part of the conversation started to give me a bad feeling, and I put my hand down into my pocket, where I keep a dagger for emergencies. I told him that I'd do it, but walked away backwards, I'd prefer that a sword not be put in my back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just heard the bark of a dog outside my door.
Our plans are going forward and backwards at the same time. on the 8th of Limestone 139 Red laid the last brick in our archery range but said range is useless unless we have Elite Marksdwarves and even than it will not be reliable. I need to make corrections to our plan.
My eyes had set on the hill just north of our main entrance. It is in the way, I can feel it. It's like something has taken over me to speed up the process. The process of creating my Magnum Opus. I know I was reluctant at first but now... Now it is my sole purpose in life. Like a possessed peasant claims a workshop so did I claim the permanent position of Overseer and will not give up until I finish my work or go mad trying.
'Summon the one called OctoBomb!' I yelled at one of the guards in my office. Octo had been renowned in Mountain Homes as a great engineer and I'm sure he is tired of being delegated under Red. I am most certain I can make use of his talents.
~~~~~~~~
'So let me get this right, you need a place to be designed where we can kill massive numbers of nigh immortal beings? Beings that have most terrifying unnatural abilities, beings that cannot be drowned in water nor magma, beings that care not for conventional weapons. Beings whose sole presence can disintegrate mortals? And you need it above ground, where no water or magma can be used for casting?' Asked Octo.
'Pretty much yes. What do you think of it?' I answered with what i thought was a calming smile.
'A small chance of success and inevitable danger to whole fortress. Give me an hour and i will prescribe the plans for you. But I need more funding to pull this side-project off.' He said smiling in a very sly way.
'Of course, what do you need?'
'Uh uh uh, not so fast, you do not want to spoil the surprise, do you? Hahahahahhahah'
And like that he left to make his diabolical plans.
~~~~~~~~~~~
An hour later he returned with the plans discretely hidden in his beard.
'Ballistae Battery?' I asked rather impressed by the blueprints shown.
'two of them to be precise, one on the north of the containment unit and one to west of said unit. It should be enought to kill anything if you have good enough crew.'
'What about ammo? And range?' I asked.
'Let me worry about that. I will require training grounds as well as a siege workshop. Apart from that I'll need laboratory and a permit to order Arrow Heads from forges indiscriminately, I will also want a complex of bedrooms, a dining room, a sculpture garden, full security and quarters for me. Outside, close to the site of the experiment.' Octo said with the mad shine in his eyes.
Now I understand why they moved him from the Capitol. I heard stories of his contraptions, one of the most terrifying one being a semi-automatic sculpture machine which casted obsidian over nobles for "that life like luster of the statue". In past I would refuse to deal with this individual but now I think I understand his passions perfectly. After all nobody dares to ridicule him, even if it is only from fear rather than respect.
'It will be done, you need to wait till bedrooms are fully furnished though, to avoid suspition. That reminds me, how much material will it take exactly to ensure our success?'
'Exact measures are unknown for me at the time. We will need around 300-3000 wooden logs for engineer training, I did not touch siege engines in a very long time so some experimenting is in order to ensure best quality. Beside that we will need training ammo, Arrow Heads, preferably silver as all books agree that silver works wonders against those who are immortal, and couple dozen more logs to make sure we are well stocked on ammo. Rest I'll leave to your own discretion. Oh and I would like some clear glass windows in my quarters please, so I can watch the world as it comes to inevitable end when something you miscalculated bites us in the ass.' Octo said and left.
I immediately sent order to tear that bloody hill down to make place for the construction site. If he needs his own laboratory he will get one.
~~~~~~~~~
14th of Sandstone was a good day, that bloody hill is now gone and i had ordered main part of it floored over while we wait for bedrooms to be finally furnished. I have very good feelings about this year.
Next part tomorrow, prepare for "Return of the Liaison"^^.
Journal of Blademan9999 I have decided to give my designs for a horizontal design to red. He/she/it is the head of the masons, hopefully he/she/it will se my greatness and put this design in the statue garden. (http://i.imgur.com/gBi8NA2.png)
15th of Timber 139
Today Caravan arrived, I was expecting Astesh Thikutdastot but instead met with Mebzuth Satducim, an elderly dwarven woman with a very nice and clear voice.
After usual discussions she left without saying a word about the project. I have ordered more meat, booze and gold, along with some bags and clothing.
I have also noticed that we need another job relocation session; I’ll get right to that.
Weather lately had been rather weird, there seems to be no difference in temperature between day and night, outside and inside. I guess it’s stress taking its toll.
~~~~~~~~~~~
I have decided that we will not need that much mining done so I have delegated all miners, including Bsnott, as part time builders under jurisdiction of Red. Hope Red enjoys fresh blood to build that tower. I still am to confront Red about that coin.
~~~~~~~~~~
In the evening, during supper, I was visited by Astesh Thikutdastot.
‘Good evening, my little Plumphelmet Pie, are you enjoying your snack?’ He said while I dropped my fork in surprise. ‘Oh no need to be so scared, my miniscule Prickleberry Muffin, I’m here to check on your progress and not to…. Limit the problems you may or may not have caused. Not yet anyway.’ He proclaimed with his signature smile, Copper Coin flashing in his fingers.
‘I think we are on the right track, despite some failed experiments’
‘Is that why you employed OctoBomb? Very good choice in my opinion, but His Majesty has different opinion about him. Tell me, what happened to that hill a little bit north from your entrance?’
‘I ordered it to be removed to make place for new facilities.’
‘Oh and speaking of that, King himself wants you to know that this deal has not only the stick but also a carrot. If you manage to pull through with this Project and Relocate our subterenian friends he will grant the Gift of Armok to you, my tiny Bladeweed Roast. No, do not answer now, think about it and you will tell us your decision once you are done here. Bye.’ Astesh Thikutdastot said leaving my chambers. I definitely need to tighten the security around here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Gift of Armok, immortality payed for with blood. It is difficult to decide…. No one dares to challenge immortals…. But the price is steep….. I want it, I want it, I WANT IT!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
‘ Thank you all for gathering here, this is a very important meeting. I’ll get straight to point, I want everyone but select few relocated to Housing Block. Move all the furniture there and rest will be supplemented by our carpenters later. As our tower is mostly defensible I want Red and all masons to move on to building facilities north from entrance while we wait for fresh batch of clay bricks. Use any and all other building blocks you can, we are practically swimming in them. Bsnott, your team is part time masons now, report to Red at your earliest convenience.’ Bsnott grumbled quietly.’ Engravers are to work on the Housing Block to ensure best quality of bedrooms possible. Rest of you please follow the usual rutine.’ I looked over faces of all my nobles. Some of them did not look very happy about new building projects. ‘Before you all go please say “hello” to our new Head of Science Department, Octobomb. He is responsible for technological advances in all fields. If you have further questions please visit me in my working hours. Feel free to go back to your duties now. Red, come here for the blueprints.’
Ufff... Sorry it took so long.
Tell me again, what is the point of my job? He named me head miner to carve things out, not to shape the very rock I aim to destroy! This is an outrage. The beardless bastard decided that the HEAD MINER and his team of the very best miners in the fortress should be the ones to become the temporary minions to-...this is the best part. We now report to RED. Yes, RED. My only friend in the fortress even controls me now! When we were given the order to become mason's I wanted so very much to get the mace. I've begun to take out mice and other vermin with the mace, and I must say, I'm becoming rather good at it.
Last night I had a dream. It was me, kneeling over someone, and bashing them over and over. I woke up with blood on my hands.
I knew the second Exodius had entered my office that he had seen it. He knew. He'd known what I'd done. Of course I yelled! Why wouldn't I? I had to cover my shock and alarm somehow. And calling him a beardless idiot almost, almost felt good. It just doesn't feel the same, lately. Can't bring myself to yell at much of anything.
After that, sleep became elusive. I've always been used to working on short sleep. I knew I should have confessed right off. Or at the very least melted that damn thing down. I knew there would be a confrontation, and I can't get away from the one in my head. either way it ends in me dying. I don't want to die.
In the middle of it, I had handed designs for... Well it looks like a massive delusion of grandeur. I mentioned that there are a great many projects to do but his will go somewhere on the list. After all, there are only so many masons. I am well aware he's head art director, but just where would I find the materials for his... I don't even know WHAT it is. Still if it makes him happy I can see what I can do for him.
At least there has been plenty of work. Work is good, work is distracting. I know we're building some sort of ballistae battery cum lab cum... something. I always found ballistae fascinating. It is no stretch to say that mechanical things were always my true love. Even now it's hard for me to resist the urge to just go down to the mechanics' shops and just start... making mechanisms. Things would have been so much simpler if I could have just made mechanisms forever.
The weight of confrontation still was over me when Exodius announced that all miners would be under my direction for the time being. I'm pretty sure I couldn't have looked more suprised if I tried. It was only with an effort I kept from jumping up and squawking in surprise. Even then there was no hiding that I was as surprised with this as anyone was. Why would he give me more authority? I'm sure he knows, I'm positive of it.
After the announcement, though, I knew I had to do one thing. I had to at least apologize to Bsnott. I'm not entirely sure how he feels about me but I feel guilty about any part I played in this. Even I could tell that he wasn't happy about the sudden reassignment.
I was just confused.
Sorry, my semester's in full swing. I'll be around when I can.
Since our last Noble meeting nothing much have happened, our masons are still laying down the foundations for our Science Department's Laboratory. I have noticed that even though Bsnott complains a lot about his reassignment he is working harder than any other miner, possibly trying to lead by example. That or he is even more terrified of Red than I am. It definitely seemed like a stupid move to place both of my greatest rivals in one division but I know Bsnott's paranoia and Red's allegiances to Clown Removal Project, allegiances she/he still did not make clear but the Coin proves they exist, should keep them at each other's throats.
on the 5th of Granite 140 one of our Armorers had claimed a forge to emerge several days later with an adamantine buckler. I think I know who will be Master of the Forges.
A medium sized disaster struck soon after as a great dragon, called apparently the Flame of Treasures, had arrived to kill our freshest recruits and get pulverized by our Veterans. Shame I was not able to stop the onslaught as a dragon would have been a nice addition to the Laboratories security.
~~~~~~~
One day something unimaginable happened, a very weird news brought to me by one of Red's subordinates.
'Ummm.... Sir? I know you have ordered laboratory build of stone block but we had to use some clay bricks to finish of one part and Grand Mason asks if this is OK.' Said poor messenger.
'WHAT? HOW IN THE NAME OF ARMOK DID WE RUN OUT? WEEK AGO EVERYONE WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT AMOUNT OF BLOCKS WE HAD AND NOW THERE IS NONE?'. I shouted, immediately regretting it as mason backed off terrified.'Just tell Red to make blocks in bunches of 120 until the project is over. Mean while all spare masons may work on the tower if they please.' I said with my voice shaky while i tried to regain my composure. I really need a vacation. ' Now feel free to leave, I am on break right now.'
And now for some pictures:
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Sorry but this part was not proof read, just pumped it out as a filler to make it look that i am doing something^^
Oh Armok, why...
Why have you done this to me? What have I done? I killed a man, and I don't even remember doing it! I heard talk of a man bludgeoned by a hammer the other day, and I remembered my dream. Me hammering the man, my mace being bloody, it was all me. The man probably had a family. I could have killed someone's father.
They'll find me. I know they will. They'll find me and I'll be killed. This may not even be the first time! War dogs have been following me for some time now, they probably put them on me because of some other time that I did it! I'm not a murderer! Why do these things happen to me?
Also, another story bit is coming. Aside from that:
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Clearly it is a sign we are doing something memorable^^.
EDIT: If anyone is wondering this is second floor of the Laboratory complex, still being built. it is going to be 5 floors high +- any aesthetic additions^^I'm thinking castle frankenstein stuff, you know, spires, gargoyles/statues etc.
Today is 1st of Limestone 141, very few things happened throughout last year. One had been Roc getting pummeled to death by our Militia, another had been me dishonorably discharging our Fortress Guard.
Why did that second thing happen? Well that is simple, we have unresolved murder case. Body was found in our corpses stockpile, unrecognizable due to blunt trauma applied to it. Our Chief Medical Dwarf claims it was either a mace or a curiously shaped maul. Our guard was obviously charged with investigation but despite having almost 9 months to do so they did nothing. Once suitable replacements have been found I will reestablish Fortress Guard. For now I am happy to be guarded by two war-dogs. I cannot stop to think that this latest incident had something to do with that missing mace. It is difficult to believe since the one missing is copper and one need at least steel to do damage this massive.
I was also visited by Astesh Thikutdastot.
~~~~~~~~~
'Hello, my Teensie Wild Strawberry Roast, how is the project going?' He said with his signature psychotic smile, startling me away from my lavish supper.
'Rather well thank you, we already have first floor of laboratory build and we are constructing second. Once the complex is build we will start training Siege Operators and try to develop the most proficiont and powerful Ballistae we can.'
'Oh, very well. Do hurry with this, you do not have a whole eternity....yet?' He said vanishing into the shadows.
It was better this time, at least I did not vomit in fear for hours after the meeting
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I am worried. I have managed to create false proofs that previously mentioned corpse is simply a clothier who failed his mood. But it will not stop the killer. I do not want to fall victim to his shenanigans before I finish the Project. There has to be something I can do....
I know, it is a long shot but caravan did not leave yet so there is a way to send a letter. Sealed one of course.
Dear Friend,
I hope I find you in good health....
~~~~~~~~~~~
He has finally arrived, disguised beyond recognition of anyone who was not so well acquainted with him as I am. PkGamer, my old childhood friend. We had fallen apart in recent years but I knew he will help me.
'Pk!'
'Exo!'
'How are you, you magnificent bastard? Do you have what I asked for?' I asked with haste.
'Of course, It took a lot of work to take those things out of the Library, keep them well hidden.' He said joyfully. 'I have no idea what you need them for but i hope it is not something.... Illegal.'
'Oh you know me, i never do illegal things.' I answered with a wide grin.'Your office and quarters will be finished shortly, for now unfortunately you have to try and mingle with the population.'
'Not a problem!'
~~~~~~~~~
PK brought all the right books. It is an open secret that our King has an obsetion with anything dark, unnatural or straight out immoral. And those books are all three of those things. I have hidden them well in my quarters in the hidden compartment built in to one of the chests. They were taken out of the royal library and it really had to take a lot of resources to move them here. I'll study them in my free time.
SOrry it took so long. From now on it may take some time between updates as Uni had started again and I'm working on a Mod for Bsnott.^^
EDIT: Acctually if anyone knows anything about modding this game please PM me. I have trouble adding reactions and items.
The God of Blood
A Poem, by Bsnott
Blood marks the gates
To the entrance of hell
So call out your mates
And then ring the bell
The god of blood is here
And he's here for carnage
Protect what you hold dear
For we're entering a dark age
Armok, our lord great
is now in this place,
and he has been late
to give us his grace.
Chaos, misery, madness, and confusion
are all inside this prison of a place.
Many fall to delusion
Though many will brace.
What is this hell,
you might ask?
Why, nothing more than the mind
fulfilling it's everyday task.
'Welcome to another of our annual meetings. At the dawn of Year 142 I want to introduce our newest colleague, PKGamer. He will replace Goden as a broker and take post of Craft's Guild Master.' Look in Bsnott's face was priceless, like all reality had removed itself from under his feet.
Rest of the meeting was uneventful.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was anxious to read more of the scrolls and documents PK had brought for me. One book had captured my attention above all others. It was bound in leather of an animal i could not recognize, alluring all of itself. The book itself was called "Sanguisanima Fons", or so the front cover said. I never read this language and so I do not know what that means. Letters themselves seem to move, fade and appear on their own volition.
I cannot decipher anything but one of the first chapters, and even still I do not know why as it is written in the same alien language as the title but the meaning seems to seep into my mind without medium of my mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'PK, where did you get "Sanguisanima Fons"?'
'What? I never heard of it. Are you all right? You seem incredibly pale.' PK said concerned.
'Yes.... Yes I'm allright.' I answered leaving his new office.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I searched for reference to that work in all other sources but I found nothing, not even a mention. But that book was there, telling me something, teaching me some lore I did not understand. Like possessed i began to write and scribble........
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I awoke from my trance I knew what had to be done, as by instinct I have made plans for a place hidden behind my quarters. I had made careful preparations including who and how to place on the project. I have told our most trustful blacksmith to build me few adamantine objects and asked one of our newest arrivals to dig out the room and than i engraved thing myself.*
Octo is installing necessary infrastructure while i worked on a cover-up project.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'A Bathhouse?' Bsnott asked perplexed.
'Yes, as our industry is getting more and more developed i have decided that we are at a point wheer we need our own Bathhouse, as every other powerful fortress. Are we not powerful fortress?'
'Of course we are but....'
'Than we have nothing to discuss, Octo will oversee mechanical parts of the project. Just concentrate on excavating proper space.' I said with encouraging smile.
*That part is a lie but let's pretend^^ I wanted as high quality as possible and my dwarf is dabbling at that field so yeah^^
He has done it. He has woken the sleeping giant, and he will pay. He has taken away my wife's job and I will not stand for this any longer. There will be blood, friends, and I promise you...it won't be mine.
Boy who had helped with creation of my... more private.... chamber had been found wounded in one of our abandoned tunnels. I went to question him while he was in hospital.
'Leave us. Now.' I said to doctors tending to him. Boy laid on the bed, dagger wounds and bruses from mace strikes covering his torso. Unlike previous victim he was left alive, as if he was a message.'What happened, boy?'
'I-i...I don't know, Sir. I was just minding my o-own business and then I felt a hit on my b-b-back.'He answered, stuttering along the way.
'Did they ask you any questions? Did you tell them anything?' I asked in a low voice. My cold, ametyst eyes judging him.
'N-no. He just stabbed and beat me until i l-lost consciousness. I thi-thi-think he though I was dead. Please, Sir, I did nothing wr-wrong. You will not punish me will you?' He said, clearly in fear.
'No, go back to sleep. And remember, you have never held a pick in your life.' I left him to his misery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Spring, that is how I have decided to call my little secret, is almost complete. Now all I need is a lot of "blood of those who trust". Once fear replaces said trust and their blood is mixed with water I have to declare the incantation and see what happens. I still do not know what will happen, the Book did not reveal it to me yet. But I know it will help me achieve my goals. I believe that it will.
Octo and Bsnott are still arguing over specifics of the Bathhouse. It is constant since the day I asked them to complete the project, Bsnott seems to refuse to work along Octo for reasons unknown to me. If this will go on I will get a migraine.
I have also allowed Blademan to pick statues for finish of the Laboratory complex to put on the outside, with me checking it before it goes in order that is. It seems to keep him happy to criticize our artisans on poorly constructed statues. It is still a long way away before it is completed.
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Well in the middle of it is pure Adamantium^^
Gah, that fool Bsnott is insufferable! Why can he not acknowledge my superior engineering skills and just do the digging? My plans are simple: A coolwater pool, a magma heated pool, the steam of which is pumped away into a steamroom. Simple, elegant, effective. Silly fool.
Our Bathhouse can be problematic, we need water and magma pump stacks, but we do not have enought steel to build them. Also only large body of water we have is in caves and that means forgotten beasts. We need to thread carefully.
As of the Spring i know what needs to be done. It may sound horrible but I need sacrifices, living ones. Pets will do as one part but we need sentient beings, dwarves. Ones who trust and like me at that. I cannot sacrifice anyone from my nearest circle so I need a family. And I know exactly who is worthy of being my key to immortality.
Ahhh, also does anyone know any Pump Stacking methods that do not fry your processor? Would be useful.
I've never really been much of one to keep a journal, but it seems prudent now that I may be promoted. I have been offered the job of Master of the Bath by Exodius. Currently, I work under Bsnott, and while I respect his mentorship, I feel it is time for me to leave from his shadow. Oh, who am I kidding? This is a personal journal. I've always resented Bsnott, because I feel that I've never really been appreciated for the work I've been performing. However, as the Master of the Bath, I may get some more recognition. Exodius has been acting oddly, but surely it is nothing major. Still, I cannot help but feel that something curious is going to take place. I have pledged my allegiance to Exodius, however, and I will not stray from his rule.
This time it was not me, at least not me in my own mind. Nary a dream I've had about the young man, and I did with the other.
A specific thing leaped out at me about the boy's story. He said that the man had stabbed him over and over, which would rule me out even if I'd gone out of my head once again. I have a mace, and last I checked, you can't stab someone with a mace.
I had even known the lad! As I have said once before in these journals I keep, I do in fact talk to the common people. The boy's father is actually a miner, and as Head Miner I talk to those in my own profession over those in another. His father is a good man, and it tears me to think that this has been done. I have already given his father paid off-service, so that he can be near his son and we can all hope for his well-being.
The fact that it was another person frightens me to no bounds. A man that would ruthlessly attack a poor young boy simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time is a man that deserves no other right than to be cast into the magma sea.
DISCLAIMER: I personally do not condone behaviours such as manipulations, murder, abduction or any other action of such type. All written here is just a Role-Play for completely unhinged Dwarf. DO NOT TRY IT AT HOME!
It has to be done tonight. In the Darkness, on the Moonless Night the new Light will be born.
I spent entire week abducting all the pets, with exception of dogs that is, as well as ensuring trust of the poor family whose blood I have chosen as the conduit for the Ritual. I am certain nobody noticed missing animals, the workload on the construction site of the Bathhouse is too big for anyone to have time for such silly matters.
The Stage is set and show is about to start.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'How nice to see you again! Please sit down!' I proclaimed joyfully to Logem Unibzabor and his family. Wife and three kids, they will do perfectly. 'I am very pleased you could manage to make some time for me.'
'Not a problem, Sir. My family and me are very happy to be your...' He stopped in the middle of the sentence, suddenly shy as he said something inappropriate.
'My friends!' I finished for him with a smile. 'And I am truly grateful you did not boast about it to anyone. It would be problematic if people thought I have favorites.' Neither it would be good if they knew that whose fools have visited me. 'After all Overseer has to be impartial. Please do join me for a lunch. Afterwards there is something I need to ask of you.' I said with a smile. Their children seem to like me, one almost an adult, one nearly seven and one barely three. Why am I not feeling anything right now?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'This way, please!' I said opening secret door in my chambers. 'Very few know about this place so it is perfect for what we have planned for tonight. Do tell me, do you know what a Zoo is?' I asked them leading them to first turn of the corridor.
'It is a place where Nobs... Sorry Sir, I mean where Nobles are keeping animals to be looked at' Logem said.
'Exactly, I always loved my fathers Zoo. I would go there and pet tame Cave Crocodiles for hours. Other day when enjoying company of your family I thought to myself: "I should do something for the children, they are future of this Fortress". And so I came up with this idea, a Petting Zoo! Perfect place for families to spend days off! Of course this one is hidden, I want it to be a surprise for the rest of the Fortress. But you can keep a secret right?' I asked the middle child. Of course, dead dwarves tell no tales after all.
I lead them through the door on the left and down the stairs still chatting about nothing. Why is it so easy? Why do I feel no remorse for what am I about to do?
I opened the door to the chamber that will feed the Spring. Said doors were custom made specifically for this task, heavy, water proof and above all possessing almost completely silent locks as not to alert those inside about my true intentions.
'In here please. Make yourselves at home and enjoy yourselves like there is no tomorrow. I will just go get my notebook to write down your feedback. I will be right back.' I said leaving the chamber and locking the doors behind me. Octo truly is a genius when it comes to Mechanics, among all the animal noises even I could not hear the Lock activating.
I cannot believe I feel nothing but cold, calculated determination right now All it took was one activation of the spike traps that were hidden in the room. They all died in a single instant, animal noises and laughter silenced in one pull of the lever. *Cling-Clang* and all was done.There is no going back now As water started filling the chamber I went upstairs to meet with Octo and PK, they will perform the Ritual with me. They do not need to know what is filling the Spring or what happened to poor fools who trusted me
~~~~~~
I found them both, waiting for me in my office.
'It is time, Gentle Dwarves. The Spring is full and needs Purification. After that we can finally drink from it but remember: Only one cup is needed, anything more will kill you.
~~~~~~~~
We moved ourselves to almost completely dark Spring. Almost as well in the middle of it definitely reacted to the atrocities below. Atrocities necessary for success of my plans. Adamantine it was constructed from was emitting eerie cyan light. We gathered around the well and prepared for the incantation:
Quod Cum Oblivioni Erit Recordatio
Quia Venient Dies In
Cum Pateat Carceris
Qui Erant Futurus
Quod Cum Oblivioni Erit Recordatio
Quia Venient Dies In
Cum Pateat Carceris
Qui Erant Futurus....
We chanted until the Spring began to glow crimson. It was a beautiful and terrifying sight as the crimson from inside the well mixed with cyan emitted by the Adamantine components. As soon as the storm cleared out I knew it was done. Water was still glowing red but it was calm, almost inviting. Each of us drunk a cup of it.... And that is the last thing I remember from that day.
~~~~~~~
We all woke up next morning, feeling much different than before. My senses were much sharper and my head clearer. I thought faster, better, more efficient. We all left the Spring without a word and went about our duties.
~~~~~~
'Flameboy, good to see you'
'Hello, Boss. What do you need?' He said, visibly surprised by my speed and reflexes. I should try to speak slower
'I was wondering if you would want a position of Master of the Baths. We need someone trustworthy to run our most advanced utilities and I know you will do perfectly.'
'Yes, yes I would. Thank you. When do I begin?' He said with surprise, but also with happiness leaking out his eyes.
'As soon as everything is furnished and your office is operational, until than please do study the art of Soap Making. After all it is only fair that you know something about it.'
'Sure, I'll get on it right away!' He said, booming with enthusiasm.
All Pets disappeared, along with one family unfortunate enough to trust me (I will not get into gruesome details in here), old Forgotten Gods grant gifts to three accursed souls and Flameboy gets new job.
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This is bottom of the Spring, yet unbathed in blood.
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And here it is after. Notice the child to the left. I was not able to get them all in there using burrows so i had to get creative with military squads and basic child behavior. Not really 100% accurate. He starved to death soon after so I guess it still counts.
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Something truly special^^ Gave it to the Captain of the Guard immediately after it's construction^^
For those wondering what it means.... I will not tell you^^ I used Google Translate to change English into Latin so if you really HAVE TO destroy the mystery than reverse engineer the process, just do not post it here^^
I have now been officially promoted! Of course, everything has its downside, even becoming the Master of the Baths. In this case, I've been asked by Exodius to lay down my pick and learn soap-making. Soap-making! It's about as undignified a job as a dwarf can get, right there with lye-makers and cheese-makers. Of course, I'm happy to serve my lord. Speaking of which, he seems odd. Much faster than any normal dwarf, and he smells like blood. Not of elf-blood, or cat-blood, but of dwarf-blood. Still, I'm sure it's nothing. He likely just walked by some unfortunate sap getting beat by the hammerer and got a bit on him. However, it still unnerves me. I think it would be wise to begin trying to avoid him, when possible.
As the unrest was rising, caused no doubt by disappearance of all Pets and one family nobody really knew, I have decided to take an action as a politician and work some politics.
I never was much of a public speaker but after I drunk from the Spring I feel that I have changed. My reflexes are faster and my thoughts are clearer. I can read others much better now, and consequently manipulate them. I can see now that all my previous moves where similar to a confused duckling strolling through a fog.
I ordered one of the peasants running around to call a conference in the Main Hall.
'Just the Nobles, Sir?'
'No, everyone needs to be there.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Main Hall seems much smaller now than when it was build. It was adequate when there was only eighty of us but now it is badly overcrowded. Hopefully Bathhouse will move some of the idlers from here.
'Can I have your attention, please! I asked all of you to come here because I have a very important announcement....... BSNOTT! CAN YOU STOP YOUR CONVERSATION FOR A FEW MINUTES OR DO YOU WANT US TO WAIT FOR YOU?!' I looked at him with a stern look as he was talking to his lover. If I have to scold him like a child than so be it, it will just undermine his position. 'Ekhm... As I was saying I have an announcement to make. Due to most recent developments I have decided to share all the details I know...' Lying is easy, almost too easy. '.....about those horrible acts that had transpired here. We believe all those things were done by one organization. We do not know how many members that organization has, or even if it just one dwarf doing all that, neither we know what their goals are. But we know this, they are a threat to this fortress! Events linked to them include one our clothiers going berserk for no reason, that poor boy being ambushed several weeks ago, disappearance of majority of the Pets and Logem Unibzabor's family sudden disappearance. Do rest assured! Their deeds will not go unpunished! Our new Captain of the Guard was trained by the best in our Kingdom, and all the resources needed by him and his Guard will not be spared! They will capture those criminals and drag them to face justice! I ask you all to give them your full support! If anything suspicious happens I believe that you will notify nearest guardsdwarf immediately! Thank You for your attention! In loving memory of those departed, wounded or disappeared I give you all a day off!'
Just as planned I was lead out the Hall with applauds and toast. They are all like trustful kittens in a Butcher's Workshop. Captain of the Guard is obviously my own creature and he will do what I want him to do.
One more to go and than I may pull an apiks until the Laboratory is complete^^
Oh how I tire. He seems to think that the fortress needs some gung-ho detective from the Mountainhomes to come here and fix our problems. Simply all that we need is for him to get a competent guard, and these matters would not happen. Under his leadership this fortress has become nothing less than pure hell.
'Please, sit down.' I said looking at Red entering my Office.
'It isn't another silly work order is it?'
'No, no. I need you do to something more important than building stuff. I need you to do me a favor. As you remember I have placed Bsnott under your command recently. It was because I believe he may be involved in those horrible incidents. Fact is that he was certainly plotting to destabilize the fort since I.... Took over. I need someone trustworthy and reliable to have an eye on him. You are the only person who can do it. I have reasons to believe he thinks you are against me so you would be perfect for this job.' Red's face was attentive, eyes however showed surprise. Does Red really believe me? It would be too good to be true, Red works for Him after all.'You are free to use any means necessary but remember, if you do something that.... disagrees with local laws, and get caught, I cannot guarantee your safety. In fact I will pretend this conversation never happened. Got it?'
'Yeah, sure.' It was clear Red tried not to show emotions and if I would not have drunk from the Spring I would have missed it but Red's hands were shaking, and not of fury either.Red is afraid!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I walked down to Bathhous' Hotroom Excavation. I was sure Bsnott would be there.
Soon I was assured I was right as his and Octo's voices echoed in the corridor. They were arguing, again.
'No, NO! Power line has to be connected to the Pumps in a right way and the way you are digging we will never get the right angle!'
'Don't you DARE instruct me how to dig! When you were still learning how to spell your name I was already a Head Miner back in my Division!!'
'And what division was that?! The "We-Cannot-Hold-A-Pick-Straight-Because-We-Are-Too-Sober" Division?!'
'Scholarly Bafoon!'
'Uneducated Imecile!'
'SILENCE!' I shouted as loud as dwarvenly possible. 'I told you two to stop arguing, didn't I? I need to speak to both of you in my office, separately. Bsnott come with me. Octo, I expect you there in two hours.' I turned around and started walking away not giving time for Bsnott to comprehend what is going on. I do not mind those two not getting along but it would be much better if they would avoid showing open hostility in front of half the fortress. It causes too much unrest among peasants
~~~~~~
'Look, if he would not tell me how to do my job...' Bsnott started.
'I am not interested in that right now.' I interupted, waving my hand dismissively.'What I wanted to talk to you about is much more important than your grudge against Octo. I feel you are the only person who can help me right now. I realize we do not get along and there always will be disagreements between us but I know you can put your grudges aside for the Greater Good of our home.' I looked at his face which showed confusion. 'You must have been wondering why have you been sub-assigned under Red.'
'Yes, I was. Will you tell me?' He asked, curiosity taking hold in his eyes. Yes, I can work with that.
'Yes, yes I will. First, do you know anyone named Astesh Thikutdastot?'
'No.'
'He is a Liaison from Mountain Homes and Kings personal messenger and enforcer. In other words...'
'Assassin.' Bsnott whispered with dread.
'Yes. During my first meeting with him he gave me a clear understanding he will eliminate anyone and anything that may threaten the Crown, stability of the Kingdom or any of the projects paid for from the Royal pocket. Shakecloistered is apparently one of those projects.'
'Why are you telling me this?' Bsnott said with the purest of fears in his eyes and unadulterated panic on his face.
'Because I believe Red is one of his agents. That is why you were assigned there, so you can be eyes and ears of this Fortress. I ask you to carefully assess Red and find out if either Red or his boss are involved in those recent incidents. I would not recommend confronting Red directly about it, you could jeopardize all of us. I know you will do the right thing.' Last sentence dripped with pure power. I cannot do it very often, it feels like my lungs had been set on fire. Best I can do is not to show the pain.
'Yes, of course I will.' Bsnott confirmed, his eyes clouded over as if he was in trance. Shortly after he shook his head and returned to normal.
'Very well, you may leave. Oh and one more thing, this conversation never happened, we were discussing state of mining equipment.'
~~~~~~~
I have ordered supper to be brought in for me and Octo. Once servants left we started our conversation.
'Tell me how is the Bathhouse going?'
'Rather well but we will not have heating until caverns are clear of Forgotten Beasts, be sure to get on it soon. On the other hand Generator is almost done.'
'Very well. And tell me how do you feel?'
'Rather well, thank you.' He said, avoiding the true meaning of my question.
'You know what I mean. PK had complained about dreams and visions, and I too have experienced them. What about you?'
'Nothing, I am completely fine. Can I go now? I have more calculations to do.'
'Yes, of course.' He is not a very good lier, but it does not matter.
As I said, I may be pulling an apiks until Laboratory is done^^
Foolish Bsnott. He knows nought about engineering. There is a reason I am Cheif Engineer here, although any other fortress would have suited me just fine, but this one?. I suspect Exodius knows too much though. He suspects something of me. I will have to find out what, and why.
Bsnott seems rather off today. In fact, I swear he almost looked sick when I noticed him walking out of Exodius's office. I thought of telling the doctors, but he seemed to have gotten better afterwards. I'm beginning to suspect plump helmet poisoning. I've really got to stop eating those mushrooms.
Life in this fortress is amusing, I tell you. One day Exodius fires my wife and the next he is asking me for help.
Red is not an agent, I guarantee you. The man's been here nearly as long as I have! Unless they sent him here as a sleeper agent or something like that, there is no possible way that he could be working for the assassin we have lurking around our fortress. On that not, why does our mountainhome send these men to do their jobs? Do they not think that if they simply sent a message out that we would jail whoever it was? We respect the mountainhomes, we are not rebels.
Something has struck me lately. Out of these murders, my own was the first. This still does bring a shudder bouncing off my bones, but there is something very strange I have thought about. If there was to be an agent for the laison, how would the laison find him when he needed something? What if when I killed that man, someone took that as a signal to start a bloodbath inside our very homes?
Off of that horrific topic. Octo seems to think that he knows how to dig. My friend, I know how to dig, as I've done it since your beard was barely off your chin! Armok damn his "angles" and his "trajectory". If we need a tunnel to the pumps, I'll dig it! We don't need to hit it at an angle to connect them with the power line.
I have learned of why Exodious has been acting oddly. He has tapped into powers far greater than petty gods like Armok, and has seen fit in his wisdom to take me along for the ride. He had, at one point, used charmed words to convince me to drink from a spring laced with the blood of innocents, and grant me great power. I am now faster, stronger, deadlier, and wiser. I have been given this power by Exodious, and I will use it to defend his just rein against those who would overthrow it.
I need more friends. It is a fact. Oh, I do have allies, but it is not best option. I need friends or even followers. That is why I have done it. I showed Flameboy the Spring. I told him what it is. But let's go back to the beginning.
~~~~~~~~
'Flameboy, could I have a word with you?'
'Sure, boss, what is it?'
'Would you want to know a little secret?'
'Yes, of course.'
'Follow me.' Flameboy, despite being overseer in his own time and being close coworker of Bsnott, had always been fiercely loyal to me. I do not know why but he always went along with my decisions, sometimes even winning over peasants to my cause. If there is one person who will understand me and my goals it is him. He is vital to our success.
I lead him to the hidden tunnel behind my Bedchamber. When we arrived in the Spring I said:
'What is the eldest entity in whole of existance?'
'Armok, obviously.'
'No, Armok is but a child compared to the Forgotten One. Forgotten One had been there long before any other entity, and what you see here is the most powerful gift he could give a mortal without destroying mortal's petty soul. This is the Spring, a place that grants mortals a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of Forgotten One's power.' I said looking into Flame's eyes unblinking, observing his reaction. I can tell him the truth, he will not tell anyone.
'Why does it looks like blood?' He asked looking into the glowing depths.
'Because it is blood. Blood of animals and dwarves. I know you understand, I know you are loyal to me and the Fortress. I know you will not tell anyone.' I said observing his fear, confusion and... curiosity... with un-shown amusement. He will not betray me.
'Wh-what do you want me to do with it?' Stuttered out Flame.
'To accept its gift, its power. All for you, no strings attached. You do want to be my friend, don't you?'
'Of course I want to be your friend, but this.. this... this is despicable!'
'You will change your mind when you discover how that power burns away your imperfections and leaves pure, unadulterated dwarfdom. Now, Drink! Just one cup, no more. Drink and join me!' I said, feeling my lungs fill with fire and flames. I watched as Flameboy drunk a cup and collapsed on the floor, unconscious. He is now one of us.
~~~~~~~~~
'Remember, no one may know about this place. You and me are the only ones that know how the Spring was made. PK and Octo drunk from it but do not know all the details, and definitely they do not know about the killing that had to be done to bring this place into existence. Feel free to go and get some sleep, you look pale as a ghost.' I said to Flameboy when he awoke. He did not answer, just left my chambers mumbling something to himself. I know he will be loyal
'Sir! We have a big problem!'
'What is it Flameboy?'
'There is something strange happening to those who venture down the main staircase.'
'What?' I asked suprised. What is he going on about? Is he mad?
'All who go below certain level stop dead in their tracks. I took liberty of sending militia but it happened to them too, with the exception of marksdwarves who randomly shoot at the walls. They seem to be attacking some invisible enemy.'
'Sorry to hear that. Anything we can do?'
'Not really. I think we should just leave them to die there and not send anyone after them.'
'Very well. Please do leave me alone for now.' I said, my voice tired, eyes heavy. I remember falling asleep in my bed. I remember walking downstairs as in a dream. I remember a vision. I remember a voice:
'Good, good! Come to me my Puppet!'Entity before me was terrifying, it looked like a lizard with giant fan-like body part sticking out it's back.'You were a naughty boy, weren't you? You did some horrible things, and all because some book told you to do so.' Its single eye peered at me from above its knobby trunk.'And now you must pay. But you alone are not worth that much.' The Beast continued while vile poison dripped from the corner of it's maw.'This entire fortress will be my feast, their souls belong to me. Thank you for severing the bond that is established between dwarven souls and Halls of Armok. Otherwise I could not eat so well today. I will take their souls, and with it their sanity and eventually life, slowly so they will know who to curse while their bodies turn to dust on the steps of their very home. Oh yes, and you will be my appetizer, along with the others who drunk from the Bloodlife Spring.' With bared fangs creature, now I know it was the Forgotten One, had rushed at me. With flash of silver scales it befell upon my body tearing parts of it away, but at the same time my mortal coil was not damaged. And I stood there. And I stood there. And I stoo.....................
As I said before, if anyone wants this save to see if they can save us all from this soul-eating beast go right ahead and I will send you the save^^
I just want to say I am very happy i could lead this fortress for this thread and i hope you guys got at least some enjoyment out of it^^
Feel free to add your own little endings as well^^
Screaming, all around me. It surrounds, it inhales. Sucking the very air into itself, replacing it with horrible miasma. Chaos is erupting, all that once was is at an end. This fortress is finished, and with it, my tale. My soul will rest in this journal, as these past years have been my worst, and most testing, times of my life.
My wife is still not back, I will go find her.
It's here. But it's not here. It's a giant lizard, with one eye and a trunk, but it's not. I was home, and now I'm awakened and dreaming and sleeping and awakened. But I'm still sane, which is a good thing. I wasn't sane before, I couldn't see the evil of everything. Now I try to kill the evil in everything. When I kill something evil, the evil just becomes something else, and then I kill that too. I'm so thirsty right now. But the brew is evil. The water is evil. This journal is evil. I am evil. Goodbye.