-
(https://i.imgur.com/nLDZVzC.png)
« SEERSPIRE »
~ The Trial of Spirits ~
A Haunted Community Fortress
DF 0.47.05
Welcome to Abrasdatur Nirkún Ubal, Seerspire the Trial of Spirits!
This is yet another community game among all the other autumn and spooky time fortresses. What we'll be doing here is embark on a Haunted temperate forest and take turns as the overseer and try to have our seven starting dwarves and migrants (if we get any) survive as long as possible. So, nothing out of the ordinary there.
Overseers in this fortress will be playing their respective named dwarves. That is, if you are dorfed as Urist 'spookyboi64' Whippedspanked, you will be roleplaying said dwarf and hopefully try to make your decisions according to their personality. (If your dwarf dies, you can continue your turn with another one, as long as they're not the dwarf described below.)
The actual 'twist' of this game is that one dwarf (randomly chosen) is The Seer -- a dwarf who is possessed by ancestor spirits. This Seer is the spiritual guidance and counseler of the dwarves. At the beginning of each turn, the Seer 'communes with the ancestors' and gives a divination to the overseer. (I will roll this randomly from my Secret ListTM -- consider myself as your sort-of-GM.)
It is up to the overseer how this foretelling will be realized during the turn. This is to be seen as a roleplaying challenge. Emphasis should hopefully be on the story, not grand and diabolical master plans the overseer maybe has (which are not entirely out of the question).
The Seer also gives the overseer 'tasks' that the ancestors demand to be done. These are chosen randomly from suggestions by people posting on the thread. The tasks should be something practical and possible, like, let's say 'build a glass industry', 'make more coffins', 'somebody please make pants for Bomrek!', etc. It is possible that no tasks are given for a turn.
Ah, and the Seer, of course, does not do any manual labor. All jobs must be removed from this one, but if needs like crafting or acquiring something have to be fulfilled, those jobs can be temporarily allowed.
Needless to say, the Seer must be protected by any means necessary. But since we are on a haunted biome, it is likely that death is inevitable. In that case, the ancestor spirits possess a new Seer (randomly chosen).
One twist with the Seer's death. For each ten citizens one dwarf mutinies (chosen randomly from others than the overseer and Seer) until the end of the turn of the current overseer. The mutineers want the overseer to resign. A mutinying dwarf has ALL labors removed.
Speaking of deaths... Since we revere ancestor spirits, ghosts are very much welcome in the fortress. So, don't memorialize dwarves (bodies probably need to be disposed of, since it is likely that this is a reanimating biome). That said, a particularly nasty ghost can be put to rest, but one dwarf will mutiny for the rest of your turn...
If at any point any of this becomes tedious or not fun, we can change or ignore it and just go with the flow.
Rules in Brief:
- try to finish your turn within a week of grabbing the save; you can play as long or short a turn as you want, but maybe not go over five ingame years
- you can end your turn even in the middle of it; you can resign immediately in case of a mutiny (but that's exactly what the mutineers want, so you don't want to do that!)
- you roleplay your named dwarf; try to act accordingly (you get to pick a new one if the dwarf dies)
- remove ALL labors from the Seer (note: can temporarily allow jobs for craft and acquire needs)
- if the Seer dies, a new Seer is randomly chosen (note: the current overseer can't be chosen as the Seer)
- if the Seer dies, 1 dwarf per 10 citizens mutinies until the end of your turn (remove ALL jobs); mutineers are chosen randomly (can't be current overseer or the seer)
- do not memorialize ghosts; if you memorialize a ghost, 1 dwarf per ghost put to rest mutinies until the end of your turn
- you can suggest tasks for the next overseer in the thread; tasks will be chosen randomly
- rules are subject to change
Oh, and this game is modded. There will be lots of new (real and fantasy) creatures, plants, trees and monsters in the game. Also, some dinosaurs. There isn't much that actually alters gameplay, except that surface crops have longer growth periods. Proper dwarven food grown underground isn't changed.
Subterranean animal person civs are removed, kobolds and humans have variants to boost their amount and there is a special extra cave civ, which might or might not run into (and hopefully it isn't too bugged -- did only a hasty patch for it).
I haven't tested this pack extensively, but haven't had any crashing so far. That said, save often and make backups. Just in case.
List of Overseers:
1. brewer bob -- (Prologue (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=182093.msg8505014#msg8505014), I (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=182093.msg8505200#msg8505200), II (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=182093.msg8505751#msg8505751)) [save] (https://dffd.bay12games.com/file.php?id=16874)
2. Salmeuk -- (III (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=182093.msg8506837#msg8506837)) [save] (https://dffd.bay12games.com/file.php?id=16884)
3. Travis Bickle -- (IV (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=182093.msg8507675#msg8507675), V (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=182093.msg8507733#msg8507733), VI (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=182093.msg8508311#msg8508311), VII (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=182093.msg8508781#msg8508781), VIII (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=182093.msg8508837#msg8508837)) [save] (https://dffd.bay12games.com/file.php?id=16894)
4. Salmeuk -- current?
5. brewer bob
6. ??
Probably incomplete list of mods from where stuff not made by me is stolen taken borrowed:
Modest Mod, Primal, Savage Domestics, Voliol's Various Vivants, Animal Diversification Project, Scourge's Extinct Creatures Mod, Splint's Vanilla Expanded, Adventurecraft, Orichalcum Mod, Appearance Tweaks Mod, DF Revised, Mostly Mythical Monsters Modular Mod, Teneb's Warhammer Mod (?), Monster Manual Mod, OldGenesis, Lovecraftian Additions, All Races Playable, Human Fortress
-
Yes! More spook!
-
oi! i'm in. I've got the time certainly
consider... what makes something spooky? is it the fear of violent death? or the creepy silence of the empty woods before that violent death? Don't forget, crisp air makes it tough to smell the undead...
any embark that has dramatic autumn leaf-fall seems appropriate. so like, uhm, temperate broadleaf biomes? finding an embark with a snowy winter would also be +++ .
as far as concepts. perhaps harvest themed, like, "hoard this much food before each winter!" or "build storehouses, fill them, sell goods to traders".
maybe each dwarf or family could have their own farmstead? in a sort of agricommune of interconnected plots and houses
depending on the chosen mods and the danger of the embark, of course, as we might end up with a tavern in the caverns..
-
Hyped for potentially another spook fort!
-
(Sorry, couldn't resist updating the main post with a teaser.)
It will be soon HERE!
The introduction to the game is up!
Currently working on the prologue/first turn, so will take a couple days before a proper update and explanation of the concept.
While waiting feel free to ask to be dorfed or for a turn as an overseer without knowing what horrors you'll be pitted against.
-
Nothing spookier than Vaporwave, bay-beee!
-
Nothing spookier than Vaporwave, bay-beee!
I have no idea what that is but it is horrifying...
(Note: I made some corrections to the main post. If anything needs clarification or looks weird, please tell me. I wrote the text pretty much without thinking before going to sleep, so there's bound to be some stuff wrong.)
-
wow. nice concepts. looking forward for some interesting challenges here.
One twist with the Seer's death. For each ten citizens one dwarf mutinies (chosen randomly from others than the overseer and Seer) until the end of the turn of the current overseer. The mutineers want the overseer to resign. A mutinying dwarf has ALL labors removed.
Speaking of deaths... Since we revere ancestor spirits, ghosts are very much welcome in the fortress. So, don't memorialize dwarves (bodies probably need to be disposed of, since it is likely that this is a reanimating biome). That said, a particularly nasty ghost can be put to rest, but one dwarf will mutiny for the rest of your turn...
ok ok. so we're collecting ghosts like pokemon.. just not the ones that tear out spines.. or are those the kind we're saving?? ghosts beget ghosts, dontcha know....
oh, and clarification, are you saying that upon the death of an overseer, 1/10 dwarves should have all labors disabled (these dwarves chosen at random)? and these represent 'mutineers' or rebellious individuals?
-
oh, and clarification, are you saying that upon the death of an overseer, 1/10 dwarves should have all labors disabled (these dwarves chosen at random)? and these represent 'mutineers' or rebellious individuals?
Yes. So if you have 10-19 citizens, 1 will mutiny. If you have 50-59, 5 will mutiny. If 90-99, 9 will mutiny, and so on, so on.
I'm rounding down, so that with less than 10 citizens there will be 0 mutineers or should there always be 1 mutineer?
(We can always change the amounts or how we'll handle mutinies if this rule doesn't work as is.)
-
Sounds like this will be an interesting fort to watch.
Also really like the banner you made for this.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/T5ykpP4.png)
Prologue:
The Forests of Naughtiness
(https://i.imgur.com/ygDX7ZM.png)
“It has been a long, harrowing and uncomfortable journey that the Seer set before us. But any time now we shall be there, at the place of our Destiny as the Ancestors proclaim. From the halls of our kin of the Tool of Stoking in Granitefire we have come, as a landless people traveling across the Hills of Esteeming, avoiding the pits of goblins by going between the hellish landscapes of the Heavy Dunes and the Desert of Stenches. We caught a glimpse of the beautiful Dunes of Song before the Forest of Subtlety, we crossed the Clear Hills into the Creative Jungles, and then we went round the Axe of Suicide. Now we are at the Fields of Affliction and soon, very soon we will arrive in the Forests of Naughtiness.
Soon we will be landless no more. Soon we will be where the Ancestors want us. Soon we will have a place to call home.”
Rimtar 'Bobbin' Salveblue put down her quill and looked at the journal entry. The writing came out surprisingly straight considering that the wagon was constantly shaking. It was quite uncomfortable sitting with all that bobbing and bumping, creaking and clinking. Fortunately the piles of cloth inside the wagon cabin she sat on somewhat eased the strain on her rump.
Tip, tip, tip. Water dripped on the roof.
Creak, creak, clink, creak. The wheels and axles moaned and grinded.
“I could really use a drink,” 'Bobbin' said aloud as she put the journal away and sighed.
(https://i.imgur.com/BUDcH94.gif)
'Bobbin' was travelling with six other dwarves from the Knife of Rooms, a kingdom of dwarves that had fallen to ruin in ages past and now only held one meager hillocks far to the south. Most who had their ancestry in the kingdom were displaced around the whole of Thur Niral, the Universe of Portent, living under the rule of others, dreaming of the olden days that were all but forgotten.
(https://i.imgur.com/4mCyNnj.png)
The group of seven called themselves Ósrakust, the Certain Tombs, for theirs was a journey deemed by many a foolish one, with nary a chance of success. Yet our seven dwarves were full of hope for the Ancestors were guiding them on this venture. For unlike the gods living in their distant domains, the ancestors actually spoke and offered their counsel -- though, sometimes quite odd their advice seemed.
(https://i.imgur.com/nIwMxqT.png)
This whole venture began when the dwarf Rakust Paintburn, a humble woodcutter, suddenly had strange fits and spoke in strange words. At first 'Bobbin' had thought that Rakust had accidentally ingested some henbane (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyoscyamus_niger). The plant, often used by so-called hedgewitches in their 'magic brews', had the effect of causing visions and a state of drunkenness. Not to mention the dreams -- oh, the weird dreams!
But herbalists and physicians alike soon came to the conclusion with some priestly types that Rakust had been possessed by the Ancestors. It was something not unheard of, but highly unusual and a sign of great importance.
And the Ancestors spoke through Rakust that a small group of dwarves should venture forth and found a settlement in the far wilds. The purpose was unclear, but certainly it had to be to bring back the days of old when the dwarves of the Knife of Rooms had their own kingdom, with grand fortress halls ringing with the clanging of smiths working metals?
It was decided then, that the settlement would be called Abrasdatur Nirkún Ubal, Seerspire the Trial of Spirits. For a trial it would be: the ancestors spoke of a far off place wrought with danger, the lands full of dread and horror.
(https://i.imgur.com/eEpkz0w.png)
As their symbol the group gathered by 'Bobbin' took an image of three dice and a dwarf. The dwarf was dead and the dice were laughing.
It was meant to symbolize that they were putting their lives in the hands of the Ancestors and the cruelty of Fate.
(https://i.imgur.com/m6Lys6b.png)(https://i.imgur.com/iVjz8Mu.png)
The Forests of Naughtiness.
That is where the settlement of Seerspire would be founded or the dwarves die trying. According to scholarly tomes and maps and clues pieced together, it was a place heavy with trees, its weather fair and warm. However, it was in the wilderness and many a beast were bound to make it their home. Especially since it was said to be a haunted forest. Who knows what unspeakable horrors lurked there in the gloom of the dank forest?
(https://i.imgur.com/DWNvQDO.png)
The forest was far, far from all civilized lands (and elf lands -- a dwarf can hardly call them civilized), but it was thought to be within the reach of humans and, unfortunately, goblins.
(https://i.imgur.com/9EdQyJP.png)
And so Eral Coalbend the Miner, Etur Blazesyrup the Woodworker, Thîkut Curlclasps the Jeweler, Mebzuth Roughstockades the Fish Cleaner and Bëmbul Paintchucked the Fisherdwarf were picked by Rimtar 'Bobbin' Salveblue, who was the leader of the expedition, to join her to follow Rakust Paintburn the Seer guided by the Ancestors to the place of their new home.
Or to the place of their doom...
=====
There's the introduction to the game then!
I haven't yet unpaused, but this is most certainly a reanimating biome judging by some wildlife. We shall see if the fortress will fall already on my turn (it's ages since I tried an evil embark and never been good with them).
If that happens, well, we'll reclaim, right?
So, without further ado, sign up to be an Overseer or to be dorfed!
And remember to give suggestions for tasks that the ancestors want overseers to do! (See main post for details. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=182093.msg8504175#msg8504175))
-
reanimating? OH GOD
The forest was far, far from all civilized lands (and elf lands -- a dwarf can hardly call them civilized), but it was thought to be within the reach of humans and, unfortunately, goblins.
and goblins. nice. needless to say, sign me up. yall have managed to go from 0-100 on these community fortresses hah but I'm here for it. also... the banners are amazing.
***
Oh great Seer, the one who leads us on this terrible quest, alone as we are in this deathly muck-forest, it would be fitting for us to search the caverns for a place to farm underground. Some mud-filled cavity to turn into our subterranean outpost. A mere suggestion, of course, oh great Seer...
-
(https://i.imgur.com/gonFRCO.png)
Part I:
A Stampede of Trials
(https://i.imgur.com/2Yl7Inb.gif)
The wagon creaked to a halt.
“We're here! This is the place the ancestors described to us!” The voice of Etur Blazesyrup, who was driving the wagon, rang from outside.
The dwarves who were inside stepped out into the spring air of the forest of golden bamboo, hornbeam, ash, chestnut, oak and many a other tree. Ahead of them rose a steep hill, its top rather barren.
They led the wagon up the slope to get a better view of the surroundings.
(https://images2.imgbox.com/31/e1/UcBkz16u_o.gif)
The location was perfect.
A central cliff rose above the woods, with only a few stunted trees atop it. The cliff was at the confluence of two rivers that joined in a ravine. A small waterfall could be seen in the south-east. The eastern slope of the hill was sand -- good if the dwarves were to make glass -- and the western slope was composed of claystone with clusters of microcline, gypsum and veins of coal in the form of lignite.
They spotted several mulberry trees down the east slope and, if their eyes didn't betray them, there was silkworm silk to be found here, too. Of course, it was nothing compared to giant cave spider silk, but it was something humans prized very much.
Now, the dwarves needed only dig a space as shelter and to store all their equipment. A temporary hole, mind you, before they would begin work on Seerspire proper.
(https://i.imgur.com/YWaLj5I.png)
As Rimtar 'Bobbin' Salveblue began to bark orders, Rakust the Seer suddenly raised his hands. His head jerked and twitched a couple of times unnervingly as his eyes rolled back, the white of them only showing.
Rakust began to speak in a voice that felt as if it was disembodied: it was the eerie voice of the Ancestors speaking.
“This is where you shall build your home. This is where you will prove yourselves to us, whether we deem you worthy or whether you shall fail. You shall each have your chance to oversee labor and citizen alike. You shall each have a chance to prove your mettle,” the voice of the Ancestors proclaimed.
“First it will be up to 'Bobbin' to oversee, for gathering a group and riding a wagon is no way to prove one's worthiness. But now 'Bobbin' can show what she is made of, and that we wait to see. When we see it fit, 'Bobbin' will step down -- unless she gives up of her own accord, proving herself weak and incapable -- and we will choose a new overseer,” the Ancestors said through the Seer with a strictness and seriousness that should not be taken lightly.
The Seer then walked to 'Bobbin', placed his hands on her shoulders and continued with a voice the others did not hear, “Be warned, young one. For during your time as overseer you shall face deceit.”
The ancestors went silent after those words, and Rakust was soon back to his normal non-possessed Seer-self.
It was time to get to work.
(https://i.imgur.com/w6qPvKJ.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/3bcYRGA.png)
24th Granite, 275
“Is it sealed! IS IT SEALED!” 'Bobbin' yelled in panic to the dwarves as she looked at Mebzuth who was lying on the ground, wincing in pain and holding the toes of her right foot.
“It's sealed alright! Can't you see the bloody boulders in front of you? The--AGH--Damn, I think my toes are broken,” Mebzuth grumbled and moaned from the floor. “That stinking piece of filth came out of nowhere! I think it gave Etur a solid whacking, too. I heard them bones crack.”
Granite was barely over and the first trial had arrived.
(https://i.imgur.com/ETzFglq.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/N90p3rT.png)
There had been a sighting of an undead goshawk in the sky early on, and Bëmbul had a small scuffle with it when he was fishing (despite clear orders not to). Nothing he couldn't handle: a solid punch and the half-rotted bird of prey was propelled away.
But this was different.
This was a large monster that had crawled from the stream, its bloated form half-covered in scales, half in flabby skin: a river troll.
(https://i.imgur.com/WTVDmew.gif)
Digging the stores and shelter was not finished and most of the equipment and goods were still in the wagon when it came. It sent the dwarves packing quickly underground -- though not before Mebzuth and Etur were injured -- for this was something they were not capable of handling. Not the least bit at all.
So they sealed themselves in. For now.
Unfortunately, this meant sealing most of the livestock outside, and to be massacred by the troll.
And if the dead came back as undead here, as it seemed, this was going to be a serious problem.
(https://i.imgur.com/309nIlB.gif)
A temporary infirmary was set up in a small nook with a sand floor. This was intended to be the dormitory, but since there was no wood, there were no beds. Sleeping on sand and bare rock was not going to do good for the mood of the dwarves in the long run.
For now they held it together.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ajwi0iF.png)
Thîkut the Jeweler was tasked to be responsible for the wounded and assigned the position of Chief Medical Dwarf, as per tradition was the title. There was currently no need for an artisan, but need for somebody -- even one with no skill -- to tend to the injured.
(https://i.imgur.com/yQ92Q08.gif)
Gaining access to water proved to be easy: a passage was dug to the river to fetch water for the patients. It was sealed with a door and hatch. Hopefully it would be enough to keep unwanted visitors out.
'There, that wasn't so bad. Quick thinking there, Bobbin,' the Overseer proudly thought to herself. 'No one died and the wounds might heal with time. But I don't know how, how we will manage to get things done with this few hands at work...'
Yet, the immediate matters were now dealt with. There was plenty of drink and food (especially after the pony that ran in was butchered) for the time being, but a continued source of sustenance needed to be secured...
Of course, there were always the dogs, if food became scarce.
And then there were the cats, too... But unlike dogs, they kept the rats at bay.
Still, in the long run access to the wagon needed to be regained, for it held all the seeds they had brought with them.
Bobbin was not at all sure she would succeed in such a venture. She was one to dishearten easily, but in circumstances like this one, well, it felt like all her hopes had been crushed in one fell river troll swoop.
(https://i.imgur.com/9B6KSFB.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/QPpQ375.png)
As the dwarves toiled under the surface, making plans on how to reclaim their wagon, unbeknownst to them a foul weather crept towards them: a cloud of blighted ash had drifted into the Forests of Naughtiness from the east, making its way through the woods.
(https://i.imgur.com/asi9ZsW.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/fuaD7Jq.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/KFzMp7F.png)
“This is no way for a dwarf to drink,” Thîkut Curlclasps said to himself as he wiped his mouth and beard. “Water of all things -- for Osod's sake! And without a well! Disgusting!”
Thîkut, the Chief Medical Dwarf, was outside at the river bank while the rest were still holed up inside.
Let us think on that for a second: Thîkut was outside. OUTSIDE. He was not supposed to be outside. No. He was supposed to be INSIDE. Like the rest.
What had happened, one might think?
Well, we can only guess... But the likely reason has to do with the water source.
(https://i.imgur.com/xJZqaEk.gif)
For you see, the open access to the river was deemed too risky. Something could creep in silence out of the river -- like another river troll, for instance -- and head straight in when nobody was watching the door.
So a more secure water source was dug. A deep cistern filling from the river, the inflow secured with stone fortifications and grates.
It was a good and clean source for water, and mayhaps even fish.
However, apparently building it was not so safe. It was likely that when the old water source was being sealed or the intake channeled, Thîkut had wandered in his thoughts to fetch water for the patients.
And noticed that there is no more flooring where there used to be.
Grabbing hold of the cliff, clinging for his life as the stream rushed below him, he must have climbed up, up onto the hill in panic. Instead of doing the wise thing and climbing back inside.
But we might never know the true reason for why Thîkut was at the river bank, flocks of undead raven swarming the skies and an animated barn owl corpse giving the dwarf a spook. It would be up to him to tell the story if he ever made it back inside alive.
(https://i.imgur.com/7bAejxp.gif)
Fortunately for Thîkut, work on a side passage was complete. It had been originally intended as an attempt to sneak out and fell a tree or two on the west slope. Wood was desperately needed for the infirmary: beds, crutches and splints.
It was unlikely that the attempt would succeed without attracting attention, but it something had to be tried.
But now the focus had shifted to getting Thîkut inside ere the undead came aware of the way in.
(https://i.imgur.com/GLIEYcr.gif)
Alas! Thîkut was too slow!
The river troll, who by this time had died and risen as an undead river troll, heard the sounds. It lurched with incredible speed down the slope and into the passage.
But it got trapped between two doors. Perhaps all hope was not lost?
(https://i.imgur.com/oPmDFZt.gif)
The Ancestors and Fate were on Thîkut's side. He made it inside, but not before trying to foolishly head in through the main staircase -- which was sealed. He was lucky that the swarms of undead that had grown outside did not get him.
He barred the door behind him. At first it seemed he was trapped, but at least out of immediate danger. From beyond the door in front of him he heard the muffled growls and wails of the reanimated river troll.
But he also heard the sound of a pick hammering stone: the others were on their way. He would be saved.
It was at that moment when he remembered that he, too, carried a pick.
(https://i.imgur.com/0SrJyNy.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/1BzVdGf.png)
1st Hematite, 275
The Journal of Rimtar 'Bobbin' Salveblue
“It should be summer by now. We are still unable to leave the safety and comfort of the rock. The world above is shut from us. We have no seeds to sow, no plant to brew, no wood to work. Mebzuth is still lying on the cold sand floor of the infirmary. She is beginning to complain due to being refused alcohol and given only water.
Things are not looking bright, but we are still safe. How long will it last, I know not. I am feeling more and more that I might not have been the right choice by the Ancestors. But surely they could not have been wrong, could they? This must be their way to test us, to make us struggle for our survival and future. To be prove ourselves to be able to build anew a kingdom worthy of the days of old.
Yet, sometimes I feel the Ancestors are merely toying with us. Laughing their beards off at our misery.
I try to shrug off such thoughts. Such heresy. Now my thoughts return to the warning the Seer gave me before my trial began: 'you shall face deceit'.
Deceit... Deceit...
Why did Thîkut go outside? Was it an accident? On purpose? He has been awfully silent about it. Mayhaps it was a trick? A trap. Deception. Perhaps Thîkut is trying to befoul this venture of ours? To lead us to ruin? Is he alone in this? Or is he working on someone's behalf?
I must keep a close eye on him. In case my suspicions prove to be true. Let us hope that is not the case.”
(https://i.imgur.com/PYZf2uM.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/0LknfCP.png)
20th Hematite, 275
“Look, it was only a raven,” Stâsost Hellstrap said to the other dwarf. “Perhaps it was dead and flying, but it was still just a raven.”
Two dwarves stood under the boughs of sallow trees, looking up the hill. On the top they saw the wagon, but there was no sign of life. There was only sign of... Unlife.
A rotting horse carcass lumbered on the slopes, its jerking movements quite comical. Though it was far from anything to joke of: something of that size could make quick work of any, say, foolish dwarves who decide it is a good idea to migrate into a haunted forest.
“You're right, I guess,” Zutthan, the other dwarf said. “I'm feeling quite good in any case. Let's just stick here for now. I'm sure the Certain Tombs will soon show their beards... Say, what's taking Tulon, Èrith and the others so long?”
Little did these fools know that there was no entry into Seerspire for now. They would have to fend for themselves.
They were unlikely to survive.
(https://i.imgur.com/aYd7k23.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/1zu2hET.png)
Indeed, it did not take long for unnature to run its course and all the new arrivals lay dead...
Well, they didn't actually 'lay dead', for their bodies began soon to shudder and move, so they were more accurately like 'moving dead'.
But the ground was splattered in their blood, teeth and other body parts, at the very least.
(https://i.imgur.com/YLjen40.gif)
However, soon the undead dwarves were trapped in a passage with lockable doors. The winding passage led into a chamber, which currently had an undead river troll in it.
They had been lured into the chamber by a dog the dwarves put there.
For they had come up with a cunning plan that had to work...
(https://i.imgur.com/7MZv4FX.png)
*CRUSH!*
The wall came down on the troll, smashing it into oblivion.
This would be done over and over, again and again until all the undead were disposed of.
It was slow, tedious, but effective. An old dwarven tactic that rarely failed.
(https://i.imgur.com/tjzubxC.png)
However, the life of a dog was not the only cost: Thîkut was lost in the process.
It had to be that Osod, the god of death and suicide, had bestowed a suicidal tendency on Thîkut, for once again he chose to run out into danger instead of inside into safety.
Needless to say it is horrifying what the animated rotting carcass of a horse can do to a dwarf.
(https://i.imgur.com/VhfsNrL.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/TCadgM7.png)
In the end it was Bëmbul who saved the day.
Bëmbul, who was now manager and bookkeeper, was the only one who dared venture out when it was deemed that enough of the undead had been culled. It would have been quicker to unload the wagon with all hands, but it was far too risky.
So before the Overseer resorted to lottery, Bëmbul volunteered. And he succeeded.
He did not bring everything back. Only the plump helmet spawn and Thîkut's pick for now. Those were deemed the most valuable items. Everything else could wait longer.
(https://i.imgur.com/3OzErsS.gif)
Not only did Bëmbul head to the wagon: he felled a horse chesnut tree next to the side passages.
At least some wood could be accessed now. Things were starting to look a bit brighter despite the many fumblings of Bobbin as Overseer of Seerspire.
(https://i.imgur.com/KQqx0Kf.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/mxz7MMs.png)
1st Limestone, 275
The Journal of Rimtar 'Bobbin' Salveblue
“Praise the Ancestors!
Our time here does not appear as brief as but only weeks ago. There is still some faint light and hope in this grimness surrounding us, but we have fought hard for it. Our livestock we have mostly lost, much of our equipment still lays in the wagon, but now at least our fields are sown. Plump helmets will grow. And from them wine will flow.
Bëmbul's outstanding bravery in the face of imminent death by masceration, laceration and what-not the dead have at their disposal saved us. I know not if he fully grasped how dangerous it was outside, but his confidence in his skills proved true. I must commend him, and surely the Ancestors must have seen how he deftly ran up the hill, the dead ravens soaring above him, swooping down at him as he ran back with seeds and pick in hand, dodging the winged undead, barely making it in before they got to him.
(https://i.imgur.com/08rYOhd.gif)
It was his bravery that gave me strength to head out myself and gather the wood we need. It was not as great a feat, but one certainly requiring more courage than I thought I had in me. Maybe it was the Ancestors giving me strength, maybe it was a deathwish from Osod? Only the Seer knows and he has not spoken with the voice of the ancients since we came here.
Regardless, both Mebzuth and Etur are now on the way to recovery. I took the position of Chief Medical Dwarf after Thîkut fled to his doom. I may never know whether he was trying to deceive us, to cause our destruction. It might be that I misinterpreted the signs of treachery. Deception might still approach from somewhere else, either from within or from without.
But now, finally, work can begin properly and I intend to lay the foundations of Seerspire still before I step down and pass the mantle -- unless, of course, the Ancestors require me to do it before so.”
=====
Had quite a few close calls there. I'm surprised I lost only one dwarf (excluding the migrants for whom there was no hope) and that was due to typical dorfy behaviour: instead of running back, you run straight to danger when spooked by the dead.
I'll play at least until the first year is over. Shouldn't take too long, but you never know with this kind of embark...
-
nice embark
the large number of side passages and hidden doors will serve our dwarves well as they scramble to survive against the oncoming hordes. and this entrance crusher appears sufficient, for now..
Why did Thîkut go outside? Was it an accident? On purpose? He has been awfully silent about it. Mayhaps it was a trick? A trap. Deception. Perhaps Thîkut is trying to befoul this venture of ours? To lead us to ruin? Is he alone in this? Or is he working on someone's behalf?
Thikut, may he rest in peace, was somewhat foolhardy and definitely of poor judgement. But what climbing skills!
-
nice embark
It is!
Though to be fair, I did use Region Manipulator (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=164136.0) to give a few extra z-levels of hill to the middle, but nothing drastic.
As a note, the blighted ash we're having on the map seems to fortunately only stick to a small northeast corner where there's another evil biome overlapping ours, so it probably won't be a big problem unless some migrants or other visitors happen to come through that spot.
the large number of side passages and hidden doors will serve our dwarves well as they scramble to survive against the oncoming hordes. and this entrance crusher appears sufficient, for now..
Just need to remember to keep close track of which doors are forbidden and which are not. Certainly won't be a problem with more than one Overseer?
I usually avoid using crushing halls (feels too exploity), but it was all I could think of how to get out of this mess.
Thikut, may he rest in peace, was somewhat foolhardy and definitely of poor judgement. But what climbing skills!
I'm still uncertain HOW Thîkut got outside, but I'm betting on the scenario I described. He could have of course dropped into the water, but it's unlikely a unskilled dwarf could've swam that distance.
-
As a note, the blighted ash we're having on the map seems to fortunately only stick to a small northeast corner where there's another evil biome overlapping ours, so it probably won't be a big problem unless some migrants or other visitors happen to come through that spot.
*looks at smallhands (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=175473.msg8083755#msg8083755)* yeah I'm sure we'll be fine. . just make sure we get one of those brush mats to put out front so dwarves clean their shoes before stepping inside
-
Blighted ash sound like a fun thing, we should go out there and roll around in it!
-
(https://i.imgur.com/WlvdBQ1.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/LYQL3lC.png)
Part II:
Laying the Foundations
(https://i.imgur.com/L2uSj4e.gif)
21st Limestone, 275
As autumn came upon Seerspire and leaves turned into fiery colors, ripe horse chestnuts falling to the ground, things seemed to work out quite smoothely for the dwarves of the Certain Tombs. The plump helmets would soon sprout in the subterranean farm plots, a still had been built to be ready for brewing some prime dwarven wine, there was still pony meat in the barrels and some cave fish with raw pond turtles needing cleaning at the new fishery.
(https://i.imgur.com/8Wrm0AU.gif)
Several new excursions had been made to the wagon when the dwarves noticed that the menace of the zombified ravens no longer flapped in the skies draped in gray clouds. Ropes, cloth, thread and glass had been retrieved, but there was still quite a bit left outside.
(https://i.imgur.com/SwQ0Or8.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/5HVvpGQ.png)
Bëmbul the Bookkeeper-Manager had taken to fishing. His nerves needed some relaxing and what better way to do that then sit at the pool fed by the stream, shielded by sturdy stone from the dangers of the outside world? He was still a bit distressed after seeing Thîkut's mangled body when he made the first run for the wagon. And to make matters worse, he had got into arguments with other dwarves. It made him bitter.
But here, at the pool, he felt good.
However, smooth sailing rarely lasts long in the Forests of Naughtiness...
(https://i.imgur.com/yRFT0L2.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/O6lAVlR.png)
Rakust the Seer ran swiftly inside with a schist mug in hand, barely remembering to bar the door behind him. His eyes were agape in shock and his face all pale. A wet thud hit the door from outside, then scraping noises before unnatural squawks and faint flapping could be heard.
Rakust breathed heavily, trying to catch his breath.
(https://i.imgur.com/YItNr1p.png)
'The dead... The dead, they came for me,' the Seer thought in shock. 'That ravenous bird. It came from nowhere! Oh Gods! Oh Ancestors! Where have you brought us? This is truly horrifying...'
It seemed that during a rather careless expedition to the wagon many dwarves in their thirst for wine had thought that it was fine for them to head out. To the wagon almost everyone went, mugs in hand to take a sampling of some much desired ale and wine. Among them was the Seer who brashly walked out when the others didn't notice.
But the dead were of more keen eye, and an undead kestrel came swooping at Rakust. Fortunately the Seer was swift of foot and managed to run to safety -- only managing to shut the door just before the kestrel flew in.
Such carelessness. Such disregard for the safety of the Seer.
(https://i.imgur.com/14L2KlS.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/uky4gPE.png)
8th Sandstone, 275
Around halfway through autumn two dwarves arrived from the north. Up the east slope they climbed to the top where was the wagon. Dwarves of the Certain Tomb were emptying it and they told the arrivals to head down the west slope to a side entrance.
(https://i.imgur.com/QFlBBRg.gif)
So they did, and the two arrived safe and sound in Seerspire. The first -- and perhaps last? -- migrants to arrive in Seerspire.
They were Erush Intensecloistered, a blacksmith with a long double-braided beard and low eyebros, and Mafol Geartwinkling, a peasant with no particular skillset, weak and frail of body.
(https://i.imgur.com/objTsU3.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/4gpbTC3.png)
The autumn leaves fell from the trees and bamboo reeds, coloring the forest floor in bright reds and yellows. It made the haunted forest eerily beautiful.
Near the two ponds where many a migrant had perished in the undead heat of the summer and some of their clothes still lay, a lone ghost hovered above the scene under the swaying branches of a sallow tree.
The restless spirits of the dead had began to rise in Seerspire.
(https://i.imgur.com/9BXGbyp.gif)
And the hordes of undead raven flocked once again over the hilltop.
(https://i.imgur.com/RNZZLhA.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/EZNuM6B.png)
2nd Moonstone, 275
The Journal of Rimtar 'Bobbin' Salveblue
“It is winter now and the air outside is turning colder. But fortunately we do not have to venture there anymore, at least not for a while.
(https://i.imgur.com/HViHFwv.gif)
We managed to clear out and dismantle the wagon while the ravens were gone. And not only that, we had time to finish our first entry plans: a small walled structure above the stairs. It is currently sealed with hatches made of sturdy granite -- they should hold the undead back.
Some wood was acquired after it, but we did not get as much as I would have hoped before the ravens returned. It is still enough to get ourselves set with cages to put at all the entrances and to make beds for all of us. We can store our wine and food in stone pots. And since we have struck no ore yet, we need not get the furnaces going.
Work on Seerspire proper has begun. The miners have been busy and dug out an entry hall, main hall, some workshop areas and kitchens, and personal quarters above all of them. Not only that, a waterworks is on its way so that our future home might have proper wells.
Blessed be the Ancestors for giving me strength to continue my task!”
(https://i.imgur.com/lL6BNZ4.gif)
21st Obsidian, 275
As the first year was nearing its end, the groundwork on the main area was well underway. Stairs from the surface and the temporary quarters descended and joined in a passage that led into the entry hall, which was meant to lead in the hopefully not so distant future out of the hillside and function as a proper entrance.
The current entry was merely a side entrance for citizens. The new entry hall would be the one used by merchants and visitors alike.
From the entry hall to the north lay the main hall where the dining and meeting area would be. Its roof was high and above the hall circled a walkway leading to personal quarters dug around it. To the west opened a start for workshop areas and at its southern wall was a pit which would house the wells. To the east opened the kitchens and above them were to be the seed stores and new farms. For as the miners had dug through the stone they had struck clay. It was as if the Ancestors had guided them -- there would be no need for muddying the floors!
(https://i.imgur.com/Rd3yTLp.gif)
The private quarters were still unfurnished and their walls and floors of rough-hewn stone, but all would be smoothed with the greatest of care and skill (or as much skill as the dwarves of Seerspire had).
(https://i.imgur.com/GCiYpaR.gif)
The well pit led down, down into the waterworks where were maintenance tunnels and a canal for fishers to use. The well cistern was deep enough for a decent amount of water in case the river intake had to be sealed. It had even an outflow for emptying, but for now the water had no place to flow.
It was planned that the water would empty into the depths of the earth, once the deep caverns from the depths were found.
Work was not complete here yet, though everything was smoothed and cleared of stone. Floodgates to control water and grates to prevent unwanted creatures out were still missing. But the masons were already at work on those and soon it was just a matter of assembling everything and having the mechanics do their work.
Then the river could be breached.
Yes. Bobbin was quite content on how her rough start had turned out in the end. She would do the damnest to make sure Seerspire would have a proper functioning infrastructure before her time was over.
(https://i.imgur.com/oEAXt47.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/S5zKCQb.png)
But perhaps Bobbin should not be so pleased of how things were going? More ghosts were rising from beyond and began to haunt the young halls of Seerspire.
And despite the dwarves of the Certain Tombs revering the spirits and their Ancestors, the wailing and crying of a ghost was sure to send chills down the spine and raise the hairs of the beard of even the bravest of dwarves...
(https://i.imgur.com/elWsBPo.gif)
16th Granite, 276
The Journal of Rimtar 'Bobbin' Salveblue
“The first year is over and the second has begun. We have survived this far and things seemed to calm down after summer. We have effectively shut the outside from our lives for now. Let the undead roam the forest if they want, I say! We have everything we need here. Or at least almost everything. We need more wood still, of course, but that is not urgent. We'll deal with that when the time comes.
(https://i.imgur.com/QWzgJv5.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/2rtPpjg.png)
But regardless, we are beginning to have some problems... With the ghosts. Mostly. But also with... The Seer. With Rakust. He has been quite distant lately. Very distraught. I am not sure his mind can handle both the burden of Seership and the restless ghosts for long. I fear it might break, and that would be as bad as him dying!
(https://i.imgur.com/32ulbIY.png)
Yes, I know he doesn't want to be obliged to anyone. 'He is his own boss'. Except he isn't. He is THE SEER. He speaks with the Ancestors' voice. He IS obliged whether he wants it or not.
And its not only being the Seer that he has to consider.
(https://i.imgur.com/HPtkIeo.png)
He is also obliged TO ME, too. At least, if he wants to call himself my lover still. Sigh, it might have been a foolish thing of me to fall for him, but... The time spent together. One thing led to another... I do hope the others don't talk too much behind our backs...
In any case, I might have to try and put those restless haunts to rest. I know it will cause an outrage, but if we loose our minds, that'll be even a worse insult against the Ancestors!
I pray I make the right decision. May the Ancestors guide me...”
(https://i.imgur.com/UymaOt1.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/f8QEmIf.png)
Erush Intensecloistered carefully placed the slab at the entry to the new main hall. It felt wrong to do it, to send a spirit that had returned from the Beyond, from the Halls of the Ancestors. But it was the orders of the Overseer, so he didn't dare refuse. For as far as he knew the Overseer was the Hand of the Ancestors that was guided by the Seer, the Voice of the Ancestors.
And one did not question what the Ancestors ordered.
Yet, was not Overseership, but a test from the Ancestors? To prove ones worthiness? Or something like that. Erush didn't have the answer, but maybe he would pick up the subject with the others.
When the Overseer or Seer were not close by.
(https://i.imgur.com/4Hlwt8f.gif)
2nd Felsite, 276
Finally the waterworks were completed and ready to be put to use. The river was breached and the canal began to fill up. Everything was working properly so far.
(https://i.imgur.com/Oo0EK14.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/RTk09Sw.png)
As the canal was filling a group of dwarves lured by rumor of the Ancestors giving direct guidance to those who went to Seerspire. They walked through the bamboo and between the sallows where previous migrants had perished and where now a ghost roamed.
(https://i.imgur.com/ixDsoyL.gif)
There were so many of them... One, two, three... Ten, eleven... Nineteen, twenty, twenty-one...
Twenty-one...
(https://i.imgur.com/vpWcqiu.png)
TWENTY-ONE.
How would the dwarves of Seerspire ever feed and house all these new, poor, wretched souls who had come to seek a new life in the haunted woods of the Naughty Forests?
(https://i.imgur.com/WRt4Ep9.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/Xt12IMO.png)
18th Felsite, 276
It took not a long time for word to spread of happenings in the fledgling fortress. Erush raised his grievances about the sacrilege they had committed by sending a spirit back to the Netherworld. Those who had been longer in Seerspire -- and had been subjected to the hauntings of said ghost -- understood Bobbin's difficult choice even though they did not necessarily agree with it. They would have laid the issue down for now.
However, eager newcomers were not so accepting of such things. Especially one furnace operator named Zasit Canyonroared. He was outraged by such... Well, outrageous behaviour! And he said that he will refuse to work as long as that 'ghost-hater' is Overseer.
“Unacceptable! An insult against the Ancestors! Against everything I stand for!֨” He fumed his face all red. “We should not tolerate this! I certainly will not! I MUTINY!”
And so the first mutiny of Seerspire began.
(https://i.imgur.com/SPHdoUh.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/9WHzX7E.png)
As Zasit began his personal mutiny, the Ancestors were at work deeper in the fortress: a mason named Rovod Angelroom was possessed! With the aspects of one fey in his eyes he rushed to a mason's workshop, claiming it, screaming “I must have rock! I must have logs!”
Fortunately there were still a few logs left.
(https://i.imgur.com/HtqceA8.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/nennSGC.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/3HkBxLF.png)
The Lucid Emancipation, a cassiterite millstone, was the first artifact to be made in Seerspire. Perhaps it was a sign from the Ancestors that the river's power should be harnessed and a mill built?
(https://i.imgur.com/acwDhnI.png)
15th Hematite, 276
The Journal of Rimtar 'Bobbin' Salveblue
“It is now our second summer here. With the unexpected amount of new workforce, we have managed to make our mud pit look like something decent. Walls and floors have been chiseled and sanded smooth; the meeting hall has tables and benches of granite; and the well cistern is full -- all we now need is to build the actual wells.
And for that we need more buckets. And for buckets we need wood. And to get wood we need to make a new expedition to the outside world.
We recently got a small reminder of waits for us there...
(https://i.imgur.com/28Gw5KT.gif)
We had a slight problem when we had to slaughter a lamb and yak, for they had nothing to eat down under the earth. Our new butchers and tanners were careless and did not heed my orders: they did not send the wool to spinners nor hair to disposal. And soon we had ghastly lumps of sheep wool and yak hair crawling around our cellars.
They were put down easily, of course.
(https://i.imgur.com/Kvo9bLN.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/NE89apB.png)
But not before poor Limul Inkedally got a quite shocker. She has been overwhelmed by the horror of being attacked by the dead. I do not know how to calm her and tell that it will be alright... Because it will not be alright. The dead will not go away. They are here to stay.
We had better get used to dealing with them if we are to stay here, too.”
(https://i.imgur.com/XdgiBpq.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/Cl8UcrA.png)
2nd Limestone, 276
The Journal of Rimtar 'Bobbin' Salveblue
“Summer passed quickly and autumn is here. Time has flown incredibly fast this year.
And that is good. We have had no incidents after the reanimating wool and hair. There has been not much time to rest for we have been hard at work and Seerspire is beginning to look like a decent dwarf home finally. It is still a humble dwelling if we compare to what our ancestors used to have in the days of yore. But it is a beginning, nevertheless.
Eight more migrants arrived during the course of summer and we now number almost forty. I would never have expected our settlement to grow so much -- especially so fast! We made a succesful venture outside and gathered plenty of wood without much trouble. There were a couple of eagle corpses flying around, but we caught one in a trap and avoided the other. The wood should last us for some time now.
(https://i.imgur.com/oVw5AFz.png)
More rooms have been dug and smoothed for housing. Only doors and beds are still needed. There is also plenty of space for workshops. Storage space is still lacking, but we have not much need for them as of yet.
(https://i.imgur.com/dt7wF6k.gif)
Work on a proper entry out of the west side of the hill is well underway. There will be space for the merchants to arrive, and above it we have dug walkways where we can station archers. One can not ever be to careful. Who knows what kind of folk will arrive here and with what kind of intentions? Surely there must be those who are eager to come and take what the Ancestors have given us.
(https://i.imgur.com/LaIKl0d.png)
We have plenty of food for now. Only our drink stores are a bit low, but it is enough. We just need to be patient for more plump helmets to grow and new pots for the brewery to be carved.
(https://i.imgur.com/jwsWAug.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/cEySmea.png)
A guild was formed, too. Stoneworkers. Most of us have gained quite the experience in working rock after all the smoothing and so The Guild of Avalanches was formed. The main meeting hall of Seerspire functions as the temporary guild house for now. It is satisfying enough for our needs, but perhaps later a proper one will be built?
(https://i.imgur.com/OWrJ0GE.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/XvrM8J9.png)
We erected a statue in our meeting hall to memorialize Bëmbul's heroic deed at the hilltop. An exceptional piece of art was carved from microcline by Rovod Angelroom, our most skilled mason. It shows Bëmbul -- who has gained the name 'Hillrunner' -- at the wagon with the bag of plump helmet spawn, triumphant, and the undead ravens defeated in the background.
Without Bëmbul I dare not imagine what kind of situation we would be now... If we were to be even counted among the living.
Yes, I have gained confidence in my skills as Overseer and it seems the Ancestors are satisfied, too, for they have not asked me to make way for the next one yet. I will gladly continue my work as long as I may.”
(https://i.imgur.com/xYhTtC7.gif)
9th Timber, 276
But even though Bobbin was eager to continue as Overseer and was beginning to feel confident and proud of her accomplishments, the Ancestors had other plans...
Autumn was in its last third when Bobbin was meeting up with her lover Rakust the Seer in his new quarters (he had a bedroom, office and all!). She was explaining to him how she had just learned much about masonry from the masters. It was very satisfying to learn new tricks of the trade. But as she talked, Rakust looked suddenly distracted and slightly faint.
“Are you alright, dear?” Bobbin asked Rakust worriedly. “You look faint... Maybe sit or lie down?”
At that moment Rakust began to jerk and twitch, his eyes rolled back, and Bobbin knew what was happening: the Ancestors were coming for a chat.
“Bobbin. Bobbin Salveblue. Your time as Overseer has come to an end,” the Seer croaked in an unearthly voice. Bobbin took a step back aghast. It was disturbing to see the face of her lover speak in a voice other than his. The voice continued, “It is time for you step down.”
“B-but I have only started...”, Bobbin tried to protest. “There is still much I want to--”
“Be silent, child! It is OUR decision how long one may oversee. Your wants have no significance in it. You have no say in thematter. WE say it is your time to step down and pass the mantle. You have shown enough. We have seen. We will judge... And soon we will call upon you all and name the next Overseer. Understood?”
Bobbin swallowed. There was nothing she could do about this. She would have to let go of her role. Just when she was getting a hang of it.
She nodded in response.
“Now go. Tell the others. Let them prepare before we choose. Go, Bobbin. Leave us. LEAVE US.”
Bobbin hesitated, but the stare in Rakust's -- the Seer's -- eyes was so intimidating that she could not do but obey. She was about to raise her finger, but stopped. She had wanted to ask about Thîkut. If Thîkut had tried to lead them to ruin, to deceive them, but somehow she knew they would not answer. So she turned on her heels and left the room, a lump in her throat.
Her time as Overseer of Seerspire was over...
But for Seerspire this was perhaps only the beginning.
(https://i.imgur.com/V8HIThr.gif)
As Bobbin walked out of the Seer's quarters with her shoulders sunken and head down -- thinking where lay the deception she was warned of -- most dwarves were gathered in the meeting hall. Some watched a masonry demonstration led by Dodók Bearfloor, while others chatted with their friends.
Erush Intensecloistered and Mafol Geartwinkling reminesced on their year in Seerspire. Erush, who was then a blacksmith, was recently appointed as the new manager, while Mafol, a skilless peasant before, had taken a liking in fishing. So, essentially he was still a skilless peasant but now with something to do.
“Say, you remember when we came here?” Mafol asked Erush.
“Yes, why?” He replied.
“Well, you ever wonder about those skulkers?” Mafol continued asking.
“Which ones? What skulkers?” Erush looked confused.
(https://i.imgur.com/GydlSAo.gif)
“I'm talking about THEM. The odd bunch carrying packs on a pony and horse,” Mafol whispered. “Those with animals in cages, too. Standing in the bamboo thicket near the river's bend.”
“Oh, those,” Erush said, still not quite getting what Mafol was saying. Then it clicked. Indeed, when they had come there was this group of four dwarves -- two well-armed -- looking quite lost in the woods. Mafol had waved at them, but they just looked the other way, as if trying to pretend they did not notice.
“OH. Now I get what you're talking about,” Erush blurted out. “Yes, they were mighty suspicious indeed. Skulking. Quite apt a word.”
“Wonder what they were up to?” Mafol rubbed his chin and twirled his beard.
“Probably just some lost travelers,” Erush waved his hand dismissively. “Out on a stroll. Taking in some fresh air and then -WHAM- suddenly lost. Probably found their way out, too. Haven't seen them since.”
(https://i.imgur.com/07bGCQj.png)
“I don't know... Maybe? Should we anyway mention someone about them? Like the Overseer? You're part of the organization now, you tell.” Mafol addressed Erush.
“Nah, no need,” Erush straightened his robe and tried to act like a proper official of government. He cleared his throat before continuing. “Nothing important. I'm certain. Really. No need to bother Miss Overseer with it. I know these things as Manager... Say, should we go check if the new batch of wine is ready?”
(https://i.imgur.com/PV4487G.png)
It was not.
=====
Alright, so that's my turn then. Played around 1.5 years.
Sorry if the report came out too long. Got a bit of a fey mood there which included artwork, too.
So, it's @Salmeuk next.
I'll upload the save later today or early tomorrow.
-
lovely read. you always capture the day-to-day and have these fleshed out conversations, awesome stuff.
Bëmbul the Bookkeeper-Manager had taken to fishing. His nerves needed some relaxing and what better way to do that then sit at the pool fed by the stream, shielded by sturdy stone from the dangers of the outside world? He was still a bit distressed after seeing Thîkut's mangled body when he made the first run for the wagon. And to make matters worse, he had got into arguments with other dwarves. It made him bitter.
But here, at the pool, he felt good.
now I wish I had one of these underground pools fed by mountain streamwater.
uhm, any special notes for fortress defense? like, if you notice the undead arriving on map in a specific location? Id rather not kill a bunch of these fools if I can help it.
-
There's really not much of a defense going yet. We're still holed up and gone only few times up using the side passages with the CRUSHER. Migrants have come in that way too. Oh, now the passages have also a couple cage traps as backup, but more is needed.
I just mainly concentrated on making the living quarters and work space. Nothing else much.
There's some blueprints/markers on the map, which are just potential routes to dig if you want to head south or east. Then there's a start of a 2x2 stair next (south) of the double 2x2 stairs, which I intended as a cavern breaching dig.
You're free to mess up stuff however you like, BUT please do not touch the waterworks. There's undug marker stairs there leading down from the emptying floodgates and I intend to send the water through them eventually into the caverns (if emptying is needed). I just don't want anyone accidentally flooding the fort by touching my waterwork stuff. :P
Anyway, here's the SAVE (https://dffd.bay12games.com/file.php?id=16874)
-
@Salmeuk, here's what the Seer will foretell your Overseer:
(https://i.imgur.com/HkDTTrN.png)
Rolled a: "The Seer foretells of famine."
Interpret how the Seer says it and how it (possibly) manifests however you will.
-
oooh. working on this today and tomorrow.
@Salmeuk, here's what the Seer will foretell your Overseer:
(https://i.imgur.com/HkDTTrN.png)
Rolled a: "The Seer foretells of famine."
Interpret how the Seer says it and how it (possibly) manifests however you will.
a curious foretelling by a curious dwarf, Rakust.
Erush Intensecloistered carefully placed the slab at the entry to the new main hall. It felt wrong to do it, to send a spirit that had returned from the Beyond, from the Halls of the Ancestors. But it was the orders of the Overseer, so he didn't dare refuse. For as far as he knew the Overseer was the Hand of the Ancestors that was guided by the Seer, the Voice of the Ancestors.
I find it ironic that it was Rakust the Seer who felt the effects of these ghosts most harshly. some kind of poetry there
-
@Salmeuk
Oh hey, I left that one guy labeled as a Mutineer. You can remove the profession and add jobs to the dwarf, since my turn and the mutiny is over.
-
Already liking how this fort is going can't wait to see the next part.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/IpetGIb.png)
In that crisp autumn air, "Sal" Rinuloddom strode up the grassy knoll towards the small stone bunker that served as entrance to Seerspire. As he climbed the slope, he passed underneath a canopy of red and orange leaves, and through meadows of red clover and blueberry bushes.
(https://i.imgur.com/ymEeXM0.png)
He had spent the morning avoiding everyone, wandering the forest (this was somewhat dangerous but Sal was careful to listen for approaching undead). Now, he was expected to return to his role as fortress Manager. The recent migrations had left Seerspire full to brim with new dwarves, each of whom carried their own petty complaints about the lack of chairs or mugs or temples or WHATEVER. Sal never had space to breathe, anymore.
A recent change in leadership had also burdened Sal with the title of Overseer, or the one who called the shots. Sal was also good friends with Rakust the Seer, who was always proclaiming strange, unnnerving things., and staring off into the distance with cloudy eyes. But good friends they were.
(https://i.imgur.com/oVOlkuO.png)
Sal got to work for the day. His small stone office near the dining hall was sufficient for personal meetings with residents. Most came sharing tales of horror from the various undead incursions Seerspire has fought back over the past year. Some carried grievances against fellow citizens, and here Sal tried to smooth over conflict before it began to affect morale.
(https://i.imgur.com/IhD6feo.png)
The next task at hand was blueprinting workorders for the follow years. The previous overseer, Bobbin, had favored the simple neccesities of survival, and the practical results of liquid engineering, over gradiose designs, but this left Seerspire feeling somewhat cramped. Bedroom and temples would be constructed during the next year. As well, the miners were tasked with a geological survey of the underlying stone layers.
+++
Sal, having spent the last weeks studying the roster of citizens, noted an abundance of engravers. Most were youngbeards, barely capable of cutting marble, yet they deemed themselves altogether the most important group of laborers in the entire fortress!
(https://i.imgur.com/GuWoioU.png)
A bridge was constructed across the east-west ravine, allowing access to further lignite and bauxite deposits. During this process an undead eagle descended between the cliffs and onto the construction, trapping some of the miners on the opposite side.
With no standing military, or even militia, the dwarves scrambled to react. Eventually recruiting a number of miners to bash the creature into bits.
(https://i.imgur.com/sCX78Pz.png)
At least, that was the plan. Eral Coalbend flung himself at the creature, only to tumble over the side of the half-built bridge into the cold water below. Eral drowned before any rescue could be performed... the eagle remains, taunting.
(https://i.imgur.com/UL42mjL.png)
+++
(https://i.imgur.com/JPYaASL.png)
The seer never lied, and famine conditions were soon present at Seerspire. Stocks dwindled during the winter season. The food supply was mostly plump helmets and turtles. Turtle soup, turtle stew, roasted turtle feet, and turtle a la turtle, all washed down with a dry plump helmet wine...
(https://i.imgur.com/JPYaASL.png)
+++
Exploration into bauxite resulted in discovery of rubies and green jade.
(https://i.imgur.com/9sG6ELo.png)
++
Late in winter, Limul brought a life into this world. Ushrir Woundburns would spend the rest of winter swaddled in cloth against the chill air.
(https://i.imgur.com/3D5iVHb.png)
+++
(https://i.imgur.com/zZwdC21.gif)
Spring arrived, and with it, the completion of the temple complex. A large general temple for all worshippers, flanked by a small duo of temples, one dedicated to Kadol, god of freedom, while the second was for Titthal, god of metal, fire, and hunting.
(https://i.imgur.com/4lGrClf.png)
Migrants showed up, banging on the hatch covers that blocked the entrances. They were let in and brought Seerspire to a healthy 66 population.
+++
That summer, the dwarves ventured to the surface and chopped down a number of trees, hauling the wood below, stocking the place with excess until the dwarves were drowning in the stuff. This was for future needs, but, Sal couldn't help but think that maybe the woodcutters had gone a little overboard with the task.
(https://i.imgur.com/m57CL0f.png)
+++
It was around that period when time came to pass on the role of overseer. A short stint, but productive, and laid the groundwork for future expansions. Despite his best intentions, Sal never did discover the underground caverns.
Rakust was consulted by all the dwarves: who would lead next?
thanks for reading. short turn, half a year, due to various reasons, hopefully the story will grow further for Sal. sign me up for another one!
save here: https://dffd.bay12games.com/file.php?id=16884
-
Did someone say "overseers welcome"?
-
Lovely update Salmeuk! Good to see Seerspire is spreading across the ravine!
Seems like we've avoided bigger troubles so far, but maybe that'll change sooner or later.
Did someone say "overseers welcome"?
Indeed!
There's a slot open currently, so feel free to pick it up if you want!
If you take the turn, you're the next then to be Overseer chosen by the Ancestors via the Seer.
The foretelling for the next overseer is:
(https://i.imgur.com/oVfAuAH.png)
Rolled a: "The Seer foretells of beasts long-forgotten."
Interpret this however you will as the overseer.
Edit. @Travis Bickle, I added you to the list as next player. Slots can be changed if you can't pick the game now.
-
I can take the next turn, so I suppose you can start my 72-hour time clock. To get some clarification on the rules: Do I just play one year or do I play however much I can over the course of three days?
I also would like to make advance apology for my inability to match the writing and artistic skill already displayed in this thread.
-
I can take the next turn, so I suppose you can start my 72-hour time clock. To get some clarification on the rules: Do I just play one year or do I play however much I can over the course of three days?
I also would like to make advance apology for my inability to match the writing and artistic skill already displayed in this thread.
You can play ingame as long as you want, so even a couple or as many years as you can fit in is fine. And the 72 hour limit isn't set in stone. If it takes a bit longer, no worries about it.
Also, no need to apologize: we got no skill requirements here. Everyone writes in their own style and that's good enough!
-
(https://archive.ph/W5HIc/cf12c28e1af9a6317ce91aa3ac3b1838a640f055.png)
Part IV:
The Vision
Even in the midst of the haunted lands wherein the inhabitants of Seerspire had made their home, it is in a Dwarf's nature to try to make the most out of his situation and attend to his affairs just the same as he would in more prosperous times. As such, on a midsummer's evening in the year 277, most of Seerspire's modest population had made their way to the dining area after a long day's work. Some of them were, undoubtedly, thinking about how their second and most recent overseer, a dwarf who was familiarly known as "Sal," had resigned his position; the greater majority of them were more concerned with the absence of liquor in the fortress. This discomfort aside, it was easy to forget about the horrors that lurked outside, never far away if any dwarf decided to wander outside.
Over the noise of the dining hall, the frantic steps of a small handful of stragglers from outside rushing towards the doors. At the sound of them being slammed open, every dwarf looked up from his food and conversation to the late arrivals, who looked frenzied.
"The Seer! The Seer!" shouted the dwarf who had thrown open the doors.
Hushed whispers broke out amongst a few of the dwarves as Rakust's convulsing body was dragged into the dining room, supported on either side by the shoulders of two other dwarves who rushed him into the dining room. Everyone knew that the Ancestors would choose who would succeed Sal in leading Seerspire, yet most preferred to not think about the dramatic means by which they relayed their message.
"A chair for the Seer!" demanded one of the dwarves, and quickly one was relinquished to the two dwarves who had discovered the writhing body of Rakust the Seer on the cold floor of the fortress whilst on their way to dinner. They carefully lowered him onto the chair and withdrew to the corners of the room, joining the rest of the fortress in eagerly awaiting the message. All whispers ceased when the Seer's body went stiff and his eyes rolled all the way back. Then he stood up from the chair, appearing more akin to how a puppet is lifted by strings than how a dwarf rises from his seat, and began to speak in a voice not belonging to any living dwarf.
"Have ye forgotten the fate of your Queen Limul? When her generation grew proud and forgot the Ancestors? So was their provocation answered: Ye were delivered unto your enemies, your fortress made a desolate ruin, your queen made food for worms. For one hundred years and eighty-six we turned our back on ye, and ye were made a people without a king, destined to be scattered unto the four winds.
"Forget not ye that it was the Ancestors who hath shewn mercy unto you. A great test shall be coming your way, and ye shall face a great beast, ancient and forgotten. In your pride shall ye be delivered unto its teeth, and happy shall we be to see you made its portion. Thus shall it be that even the fate of Queen Limul shall be enviable to you."
The room fell quiet for a moment as the Ancestors ceased speaking for a moment. Some in the room were wondering, even hoping that the message had concluded. All of a sudden, however, the Seer raised his arm and thrust a pointed finger into the midst of the dwarves. Everyone's eyes followed the direction of the finger until all eyes were on Mezbuth ômobok, whom many knew as "Bickel." The white eyes of the Seer seemed to stare directly into his soul.
"Thou, dwarf," continued the voice of the Ancestors, "shalt be called the overseer for this test."
The Seer did not say anything more and dropped his arm to his side. The dwarves all returned their collective glance to the Seer, whose mouth twisted into a cruel smile which grew wider and wider. The smile continued to stretch until a slight trickle of blood formed on one of the corners of his mouth, and then all at once the supernatural influence left him and he collapsed into his chair. Some dwarves rushed to his side, offering him water and wiping away the blood from his cheek, but most simply stood in stunned silence as they considered the meaning of the Ancestor's message. Once again, many turned to face the new overseer, looking to his guidance in these concerning times.
"A punishment is upon us," he began nervously after a moment of silent consideration. "Dinner is over for the evening; we mustn't feast now. Try to sleep well tonight, for tomorrow we must begin preparations."
All went to bed in silence that night, hoping that the Ancestors would take pity on them.
-
Wow! That was absolutely brilliant, loved it!
The Ancestors and Seer sure are creepy. Makes you worried what they have in store for the dwarfs...
Good luck with the overseering!
-
(https://archive.ph/Lnm9w/3ccf7fdc82bc763459816976676b15c0265661d6.png)
Part V:
The Discovery
"Although there very well may end up being no-one alive to read it, for posterity's sake I shall make an occasional record of the events of my overseership of Seerspire. It has been now two weeks since the Ancestors delivered their message through the Seer. The first morning after the message, having spent the entire night prior awake in contemplation over its contents, I assembled all the dwarves into the dining hall once again to announce my plans.
"It was clear to me, I told them all, that the Ancestors were giving us a forewarning that we will be faced with some sort of beast whose ferocity will greatly exceed that of any of the horrors already well-known to us here. Exactly what sort of monster will be loosed on us it is impossible to say right now, so we must be prepared for any sort of challenge. The safety of the Seer is of paramount importance; the Ancestors will not smile on our failure to protect their messenger. It is necessary, therefore, to have him removed to a private wing of the fortress, one capable of being sealed up tightly and stocked with enough supplies to keep him safe and comfortable in the event of any magnitude of danger breaching the fortress. I shudder to even imagine such an event, but we must be prepared to sacrifice the entire fortress all for the survival of this one dwarf.
"Having said this to everyone, I informed them that we must not resign ourselves to being swallowed up by the beast which the Ancestors spoke of. Obviously the Ancestors warned us precisely so that we would prepare ourselves. Certainly dwarves who do not stand and fight in the face of trials are not worthy of the protection and guidance of the Ancestors; that was precisely the meaning of the message that we all heard from the Seer! When we strike the killing blow to the beast, then we shall have proved our worth to the Ancestors.
"Right now Seerspire doesn't even have a militia; we need an army. I bluntly informed everyone that if a dwarf's trade wasn't in providing food or weaponry for the fortress, he could expect to find himself reporting for duty in the forges or in the morning combat drills before long. With all the metal ore in the fortress, we can easily expect to equip an army, but our population remains so small that it will be difficult finding bodies to carry the swords and shields unless some craftsdwarves have their workshops shut down. Even with the most recent migrant wave, there are only abou seventy-five living dwarves here, some of whom are children. Sacrifices will have to be made.
"Although most dwarves seem to be willing to comply with my plans, I sense there is some whispered dissent amongst them. The Ancestors and Seer are, of course, revered by everyone in Seerspire, and everyone believes that he knows best what the Ancestors mean when they speak. Some believe that the beast's arrival is only contingent on our lack of devotion to the Ancestors, and that we can avert the whole disaster entirely if we honor them with sufficient works of art and devotion to their Seer. Still others believe that it is hopeless to try fight against the beast and believe that it would please the Ancestors to offer some of our citizens to the beast as a sacrifice. Perhaps I shall try to find out who are the strongest proponents of this position and see if they are willing to volunteer themselves when the opportunity arises. It may be necessary, at some point, to remind everyone who it was that was chosen to lead this fortress."
Bickel set his pen down and straightened out the sheet that he was writing upon. Looking up from his work, he looked directly into the distorted, transparent face of one of the many ghosts living in Seerspire. If the horrified expression on this one's mangled face was any indication, one would readily guess that his was no painless death. The ghost screamed and flew right past Bickel, who fell back off of his chair and onto the stone floor. Looking up at the ceiling he caught a glimpse of the ghost flying through the wall, undoubtedly heading for the bedroom of the next unlucky dwarf whose night was about to be spoiled.
Suddenly, Bickel heard an intense knocking on his bedroom door. Whoever was on the other end of the door was knocking hard enough that Bickel could see the door shaking. As he got to his feet and steadied himself against his bed, he told himself that it was probably just a bone carver trying to make an appeal for an exemption from the draft on account of the essential nature of his trade. Opening the door, however, Bickel found himself looking at a miner, hyperventilating from having, no doubt, made a mad dash all the way from the mines to the bedrooms to inform Bickel of something of great importance. Unable to even speak, the miner panted and wheezed as he gestured frantically in the direction of the stairs.
Bickel didn't care to waste time waiting for the frenzied miner to catch his breath. He walked towards the stairs wordlessly, completely forgetting about the encounter with the ghost and the breathless miner soon after that. Down, down, and further down into the mines, until he reached a spot with a hole in the wall, a hole from which, Bickel immediately noticed, strange smells and sounds were coming. Cautiously peering into the hole, he found himself looking out into a vast expanse of subterranean trees, around which the zombified remains of the cave-dwelling animal peoples were patrolling.
The caverns had been discovered.
-
Caverns? Oh my, it might be that the foretelling of the Seer will come true literally...
What's actually the ghost situation in the fortress? I think there was maybe around 2-3 at the end of my turn, but there were much more dead dorfs than that.
-
What's actually the ghost situation in the fortress? I think there was maybe around 2-3 at the end of my turn, but there were much more dead dorfs than that.
About five, as far as I can tell anyway. Manageable, but enough that it is causing stress for several dwarves, including Bickel.
-
(https://archive.ph/h8ZRp/5ada5ee3d7af4e892e1969d2eae36df35ba39af7.jpg)
Part VI:
Your Grace
Zasit Ducimkadol stuck close to the two guards who accompanied the merchants, her eyes watching the undead ravens circling above with an even greater intensity than either of them. The area surrounding Seerspire was not developed to the point where wagons could reach the fortress; if it was, Zasit would be hiding in one of the wagons instead of making the trek on foot and in plain sight. Perhaps if the worst came to pass, she thought to herself at sundry times during the journey, she could quickly steal one of the animals and make straight for the closest bastion of actual civilization she could find. Surely these trying times called for sacrifices, and King Aslot would definitely not consider the preservation of the life of his outpost liaison to be desertion. So deeply was she engaged in exonerating herself in the court of her imagination that it took her a moment to notice that the other four had stopped walking and were now several paces behind her. Free from her trance, she turned around to see them looking up at the cliff face behind her.
"Up here!" came a voice she did not recognize, dampened somewhat by the vertical distance from her. She turned back around and looked up to see, near the top of the cliff, a dwarf with a small group of companions waving down at them. To Zasit's relief, all of them were carrying weapons and dressed to some extent in bronze armor. She waved back and saw the dwarf motion orders to the others beside him, who then began a slow, almost mechanical march down the path to the base of the cliff. As they got closer and closer, Zasit noticed that, despite how slow their march was, they somehow managed to march out of sync, almost tripping once or twice swinging their weapons at their side without regard for decorum.
"One! Two! One! Two!" barked the dwarf at the head of their parade continuously as they closed in on their visitors. "One! Two! One! Two! One! Two! Company! Halt!"
The dwarves all stopped and let their axes and shields rest at their sides. The head of the group walked right up to Zasit and raised his arm to his helm in a salute. From the dwarf's appearance—and smell—she could not help but imagine that he had been employed as a fishery worker not one week prior.
"The militia welcomes you to Seerspire, and offers you escort to the safety of her halls," barked the dwarf with pride.
"I am honored," replied the outpost liaison, who did not wait for the militia-dwarf's cue to begin her own trek up the path. It wasn't long before she once again heard the loud marching orders, announced with the self-assured confidence of an absolute novice.
"Company! About face! Forward! March! One! Two! One! Two!"
Her misgivings about the professionalism of the local militia aside, Zasit was almost at ease for the first time since the journey began. At least now there was strength in numbers; if they were ambushed on the way up the cliff side, chances were that at least one of these militia-dwarves would turn out to be a decent fighter. Luck, however, had it that Zasit, her traveling companions, and her new acquaintances all made it to the top without incident. There waiting for them was the dwarf from earlier, standing in front of the door leading into the depths of the earth.
The dwarf bowed profoundly to Zasit. "I wish to welcome you and your company to Seerspire. I am Såkzul Vúshdeler, mayor of this fortress. I'm sure that the overseer will be eager to meet with you. Please follow me."
Smoke billowed out of the corner of the fortress just beyond the dining area. The sound of a hammer pounding against an anvil continued almost unceasingly as soot-covered dwarves rushed to and fro pushing wheelbarrows loaded with fuel, metal, and weapons. As Zasit was led into this local inferno, she found having to loosen her robe to avoid being cooked alive. All around her rung out voices belonging to dwarves unseen-for they were obscured by the smoke.
"We need more bronze over here!" shouted someone. "Where's that blasted coke!" yelled another. "Another sword! Another shield! Can we make three more spears by tomorrow!"
"An entire trek through a zombie-infested land have I survived," muttered Zasit under her breath, "and it is here where I shall die."
Suddenly the mayor, who had guided her through the forges, rushed ahead towards the dwarf who seemed to be the source of the persistent hammering. Setting aside his hammer for a moment and dunking the now-finished weapon into a steaming bucket of water, he it a couple of test swings. The air around the axe whistled as he swung it, and he momentarily seemed almost lost in a fantasy of using it on an actual target. This fantasy, if truly present in his mind, was ultimately short-lived and the axe was placed in a wheelbarrow full of similar weapons by his side.
"Bickel!" shouted the mayor, taking advantage of a moment's break in the smith's work. "We have a visitor! Official business!"
Bickel turned around and looked at Zasit, giving her a quick but profound bow. "Welcome to Seerspire. By the decree of the Ancestors, I am the overseer here."
Bickel quickly discarded his leather gloves and grabbed his coat, walking quickly yet casually out of the forges. Zasit and the mayor eagerly followed behind, and before long the three of them were in the dining room, where the noise of dwarves drinking and singing now seemed like peace and quiet.
The militia commander from earlier emerged from the small crowd of the dining room and saluted the overseer. "Sir! Work near the caverns proceeding without incident! No disturbances to report! Sir!"
This news seemed to please the overseer slightly. He reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a small stack of papers. "Continue as planned," he said as he handed the papers over, "and deliver these draft notices to their intended recipients." The militia-dwarf gave one final salute before marching out of the dining room to execute his orders. Yet another task off the overseer's mind, he raised his voice over the noise of the dining hall to address the crowd collectively.
"The Seer, the mayor, and I will stay in here to meet with our guest. The rest of you will leave immediately."
Groans and grumbling replaced the cheers and laughing hitherto present in the room. Mugs of alcohol were quickly emptied down the throats of their owners and then defiantly slammed onto tables. The shuffling of feet out of the room followed, until the last unwelcome dwarf had departed, leaving only Zasit, Bickel, Såkzul Vúshdele, the Seer, and one last sickly-looking dwarf who hadn't left his seat.
"Why has he not left his place?" demanded Zasit. "Is he ill?
"A little worse than that," replied Bickel. "As a matter of fact, he's dead."
The ghost let out a bone-chilling moan as it sank through the chair and the floor below it as if they were water. Zasit shuddered and steadied herself against one of the chairs.
"We find their company quite pleasant," remarked Bickel in a tone which did not leave Zasit entirely convinced.
"His Majesty," began Zasit once the meeting was finally underway, "naturally expresses his congratulations to the dwarves of Seerspire. You have truly exceeded everyone's expectations. Your expedition has awakened our civilization from its slumber of almost two centuries. Once again we have a king, once again we have industry, once again our kingdom strikes the earth!"
"We owe it all to the Seer," interjected Bickel, "for we would not even be here if not for his connection to the Ancestors. We would be utterly lost without their... guidance."
Zasit noticed Bickel tremble slightly as he concluded. "Yes," she continued, "it is all thanks to the Seer. The Seer, in fact, is the primary object of my business here."
She reached into the pocket of her robe and withdrew a piece of parchment, the bottom of which was marked with a simple wax seal-the royal mark of a barely-restored kingdom. Zasit set the paper flat on the table and continued to deliver her message.
"As you may be aware, His Majesty is interested in a restoration of the kingdom in all of its elements. Not only our fortresses and our monarch must be restored, but our nobility as well. Therefore, though this may seem premature, His Majesty, the fount of honor, deems it necessary and fitting to incorporate this fortress and the surrounding lands as an official part of the kingdom, elevating Seerspire to the rank of a barony.
"The Seer has already demonstrated the favor he has received from the Ancestors, and his leading role in the restoration of this kingdom already exhibits his great nobility of character; it is only right that he be given the title to match. Thus, by royal decree of His Majesty, King Aslot Aglozolak, The Seer is now awarded the title of privileges of baron. May the gods and our Ancestors continue to smile on all your works and those of all the dwarves in your lands."
(https://archive.ph/MPn3v/906f4d44ac6edd34cef857b53eae3324a95e9931.png)
With her speech concluded, Zasit slid the decree across the table to the Seer, who read it with interest. Bickel turned to the Seer and said: "Allow me the honor of being to first to congratulate you."
After a moment's pause, Bickel added: "Your Grace."
-
Interesting... So, the Seer is now a baron and it seems like the king is using our work to strengthen his position. Wonder what the Ancestors have to say to this?
-
Winding down my turn; I probably have two more updates left in me. We shall see if there's still a fortress left by the time I'm finished.
-
Looking forward to see what happens. Will Seerspire stay standing or fall to ruin with the Ancestors laughing...
-
(https://archive.ph/K1q2J/00b0a8f7a5dda4130c05251eed716e40a8470d99.png)
Part VII:
The Predator
"If we weren't stuck here underground before, we certainly are now. There are about seventy of us—perhaps sixty if you don't count children. Unless circumstances change, we will not be able to replenish our numbers. Our troubles began in earnest when the militia spotted a small attack squad led by a pair of goblins closing in on the fortress. I suppose it shouldn't come as a surprise that knowledge of our young fortress would reach the goblins or that, as soon as they were aware of our settlement, they would follow us even to such a haunted location as this just to kill us. Most of the devils comprising their group were hideous freaks of nature, the likes of which I shudder to mention.
(https://archive.ph/t5N6z/af966549f3a520f31343e8c8f68603bacfd71800.png)
(https://archive.ph/RMiia/12401757ca16704f4762cdb2247621a5fd5a3215.png)
"Ten militia-dwarves were dispatched to take care of the problem, each one clad in bronze armor and wielding an axe. The sounds we heard from our side of the doors seemed to indicate that our militia was winning—at first. Then the screams of the enemy were slowly replaced by the moans of the undead. How can you win against an enemy that won't stay dead? When it became clear that our brave dwarves weren't going to be coming back we began to seal off the whole fortress to prevent the undead from forcing their way through the locked doors. Zasit made a break for the outside before the lockdown was completely accomplished, insisting that she had important business to attend to elsewhere and assuring us that our heroism wouldn't go unmentioned to the king. I think she probably made it; she struck me as the sort of dwarf with a strong sense of self-preservation.
"For now, we are preparing squads of dwarves equipped with blunt weapons to crush the undead into dust that can't rise again even if it wanted to. We can't waste time and allow them to swell their numbers by picking off migrants and visitors. If it comes to it I'll conscript the entire fortress and seal the Seer and the children of the fortress away with enough food and tools to last them a while. Why did the Ancestors assign me with this responsibility? Why did they lead us into these lands? Have we not increased our devotion to them? Why do they test us like this?"
Bickel felt a hand on his shoulder, and spun his head around to set his tired eyes on Rakust, who gave him a look of encauragement. Bickel smiled weakly and returned his gaze to the words he had just scribbled out in the hope that someone would be alive to read them. At least it seemed that the Seer had some sympathy for his position, or was at least willing to feign some. Things being the way they were, if Bickel lost the Seer's approval it would probably lead to complete anarchy in the fortress.
Suddenly he felt the grip on his shoulder tighten, digging in like a vice. "That hurts," he cried out. With one arm he tried to pry Rakust's hand from his shoulder, but the Seer's grip was too tight. The pain increasing, he instinctively pulled away, falling out his chair and onto the ground in the process, but nevertheless managing to free himself from the other dwarf's grip. Staring down at the overseer were the white eyes of the Seer. Bickel couldn't muster the strength to get up off the ground when he saw that hideous grin which he had never forgotten for even one day after he saw it for the first time. It was the grin that kept him up at night, the one that he saw in his nightmares.
"She has finally come!"
Bickel could hear distant roar from the surface.
(https://archive.ph/IX1Rx/94f5dc878c03009a7e05e33ce5a7e067c04a5598.png)
-
(https://archive.ph/MoHya/e471373dd01bd1ef44b63328338d95340c0b6d9b.png)
Part VIII:
A Job Finished
The bookkeeper heard a knock on his door. When he got up from his work to answer it, a note was shoved through the gap between the bottom of the door and the floor, followed by the sound of steps quickly becoming quieter and quieter. The note, with the header "FILE IMMEDIATELY," appeared to have been written by Bickel, the overseer, who had hardly been seen since the defeat of the manticore.
"I consider the job assigned to me by the Ancestors to be finished. The beast that we were warned about at the start of my term as overseer has been slain twice, once as a living creature and then again as an undead one. Although the task of pacifying the undead creatures that still roam the surface remains incomplete as of this report, I will leave that work to a future overseer. After many harsh battles, the militia—largely thrown together as an emergency measure—requires a careful review. It is likely that the squads will need to be reorganized and some members will need to retire to their former, simpler professions.
For the benefit of the next overseer and of future generations, I include here a final record of the state of the fortress at the end of my term."
(https://archive.ph/mupxy/020aa87a5f70965611bbff1eb48e9a5bb478d8a0.png)
"I wish the next overseer, who shall undoubtedly be gifted with another of the Seer's visions from the Ancestors, the best of luck. I can only hope that the vision he is met with is more auspicious than was mine."
SAVE (https://dffd.bay12games.com/file.php?id=16894)
-
Nice turn and excellent writeups!
I suspect the manticore wasn't too hard to defeat? It's not a particularly powerful semimegabeast, but I haven't tested it proper, so curious to know.
@Salmeuk, you'd be up next according to the list.
...And the Seer's foretelling for the next one:
(https://i.imgur.com/m4J5puU.png)
Rolled a "The Seer foretells of success."
A bit more of a positive one this time. Interpret how you will.
-
I suspect the manticore wasn't too hard to defeat? It's not a particularly powerful semimegabeast, but I haven't tested it proper, so curious to know.
She wasn't actually that tough and I'm pretty sure most of her attacks were absorbed by their armor. Much more deadly were the necromancer experiments that made up most of the invading army, but the manticore made more a better excuse to consider the Seer's prophecy fulfilled and end the turn on a decent note.
-
"Forget not ye that it was the Ancestors who hath shewn mercy unto you. A great test shall be coming your way, and ye shall face a great beast, ancient and forgotten. In your pride shall ye be delivered unto its teeth, and happy shall we be to see you made its portion. Thus shall it be that even the fate of Queen Limul shall be enviable to you."
such a great line. the dire, yet heroic, prophecy
Bickel set his pen down and straightened out the sheet that he was writing upon. Looking up from his work, he looked directly into the distorted, transparent face of one of the many ghosts living in Seerspire. If the horrified expression on this one's mangled face was any indication, one would readily guess that his was no painless death. The ghost screamed and flew right past Bickel, who fell back off of his chair and onto the stone floor. Looking up at the ceiling he caught a glimpse of the ghost flying through the wall, undoubtedly heading for the bedroom of the next unlucky dwarf whose night was about to be spoiled.
the day-to-day of Seerspire must be awful. you can't even break your fast without a spectre ruining your mood.
With her speech concluded, Zasit slid the decree across the table to the Seer, who read it with interest. Bickel turned to the Seer and said: "Allow me the honor of being to first to congratulate you."
After a moment's pause, Bickel added: "Your Grace."
surely this newfound status won't corrupt...
Then the screams of the enemy were slowly replaced by the moans of the undead. How can you win against an enemy that won't stay dead? When it became clear that our brave dwarves weren't going to be coming back we began to seal off the whole fortress to prevent the undead from forcing their way through the locked doors.
good god... ten dwarves, lost...
OH MY GOD you added manticores. lovely.
welp those were some amazing turn journals. thanks for playing Bickle, was a joy to read! I'm curious what the surface looks like after the attack by Clearingjack's horde.
I might be a bit (three days?) on taking the turn. If someone wishes to take my place, go ahead.
-
I might be a bit (three days?) on taking the turn. If someone wishes to take my place, go ahead.
I'll see if I have time to switch our places, but probably not, so if nobody else volunteers in the meanwhile, take your turn when you got the time. :)
-
@Salmeuk, any luck with having time for your turn?
We're at the end of spooky season, but we can keep going with the fort if ppl want to. Maybe with longer turns (a week or so)?
Anyway, thanks to all who've participated and/or followed so far!
-
We're at the end of spooky season, but we can keep going with the fort if ppl want to. Maybe with longer turns (a week or so)?
I'm of the opinion that the fort should continue, if only because I want to see the fort at critical ghost mass.
-
i need a few days for other things, so maybe this weekend? It would be great to keep this fort going and I want to try to actually write something more substantial as a journal.
I'm of the opinion that the fort should continue, if only because I want to see the fort at critical ghost mass.
the last fortress i tried this with got to ~30 ghosts... it was impossible to continue with the poor morale.
It just so happens that witnessing the brutal death of a large number of your friends and family at the hands of a sentient incorporeal creature, and then having those same friends and family return as their own versions of similar ghosts...
its simply too much for the average dwarf.
-
i need a few days for other things, so maybe this weekend?
Sounds good!
I'm also interested to see what happens with the ghosts, or rather how soon we have a fortress-wide tantrum spiral due to them. Let's keep the fort going then!
So, sign up for your turns, potential overseers!
-
Glad to see that this is continuing as I to want to see what happens with all the ghosts.
-
I updated the rules slightly:
- try to finish your turn within a week of grabbing the save; you can play as long or short a turn as you want, but maybe not go over five ingame years
You guys ok with this?
-
seems fair. one week is tradition, and 5 years is plenty of time to
farm ghosts make very smart decisions
-
You guys ok with this?
I'm not in any position to protest this change because I took about a week myself.
-
hey hey hey. I will have some time to return to this place, give it some time, grow some history, you know. . . the usual. expect a post in a day or two
-
hey hey hey. I will have some time to return to this place, give it some time, grow some history, you know. . . the usual. expect a post in a day or two
Nice! No hurries with the game and looking forward to see where this goes. :)
-
Hopefully this thread, like the inhabitants of the fortress, will just keep rising from the grave whenever it dies.