Bay 12 Games Forum

Dwarf Fortress => DF Community Games & Stories => Topic started by: Ross Vernal on January 21, 2012, 04:38:01 pm

Title: Tooljaw, the Dead Empire.
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 21, 2012, 04:38:01 pm
This story, like many stories, is full of truth and lies. It is reconstructed from the earliest known surviving logbooks of the Emperor Alexander Blockedgirders, famed for his revolution - or treason.

"The Slave Queen has ruled for too long.

I suppose, if you were a Loyalist, I would be a traitor. But, if you followed me, if you knew the True Way, you'd understand. I'm no traitor. I'm the Emperor Alexander Blockedgirders. And this is the story of my empire. An empire dug into a hill, right next to an active volcano.

side note: do I hear leopards?"


(http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8810/emperor1i.jpg)

***


This is part story, part kind-of-community game. As the Emperor, I retain power over what is done. However, leading Citizens (in other words, anyone who requests to be Dorfed) are allowed to vote on what is created next, and as members of the Council, can make mandates and request bedrooms.

It is based partially off of Sparta and India.

This uses a variation of Regeneration (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=92138)!
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Empire of Alexander. Sort of like Sparta, but dorfier.
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 21, 2012, 04:50:29 pm
"Entry 2, 11 Obsidian

My empire... exists. I have chosen a thirty-story hill in which to live, and have designated a wall in which to hold the works I shall commission.

There are twenty-three of us - twelve helots, Kumil and Shorast the stone dwarves, Likot and Litast the wood dwarves, Sazkul, Stukos, and Thikut the metal dwarves, and three dwarves - Mosus the Hunter, Nil the Miner, and Zuntir, the First Citizen. And myself. The War Dwarf Alexander.

The first caravan has come and gone. We built a depot and collapsed it, and told the puppet of the slave that we had no requests of his fithy nation. Anything they brought from now on was one thing and one thing only: tribute.

For now, the miner is hollowing out the hill. The first five layers shall consist of internal workshops, raw goods storage, and three levels of finished goods before hollowing out the entire mountain, topping it with glass, and making it my throne room.

I must go. Matters require my attention - namely, informing every Citizen that their life belongs to me personally and that their life can only be won back through sacrificing it in the name of the Final Empire.

However, a preliminary sketch of our grounds shall be left here for posterity.

(http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/2535/emperor2.jpg)


*****


I am taking Dorf requests, by the way. I can take screenshots of their personalities. If you choose to dorf yourself, then you can vote as to how this fort will go. :)
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Empire of Alexander. Sort of like Sparta, but dorfier.
Post by: IamanElfCollaborator on January 21, 2012, 04:53:14 pm
Dwarf me as this, please:

Name: Winterdirge.
Profession: Mason/hammerdwarf.
Custom profession: Enforcer.
Gender: Male.
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Empire of Alexander. Sort of like Sparta, but dorfier.
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 21, 2012, 05:11:24 pm
Quote from: IamanElfCollaborator on January 21, 2012, 04:53:14 pm
Dwarf me as this, please:

Name: Winterdirge.
Profession: Mason/hammerdwarf.
Custom profession: Enforcer.
Gender: Male.

And done. (http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/6061/emperor3.jpg) Legendary Mason, by the way. He has been assigned a lead war hammer, a copper cap, a copper shield, and copper high boots.
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Empire of Alexander. Sort of like Sparta. Needs Dorfs.
Post by: IamanElfCollaborator on January 21, 2012, 05:12:11 pm
Thank ya
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Empire of Alexander. Sort of like Sparta. Needs Dorfs.
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 21, 2012, 06:11:02 pm
If you've got any suggestions, let me know and I'll get right on it.
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Empire of Alexander. Sort of like Sparta. Needs Dorfs.
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 21, 2012, 06:48:08 pm
"Entry 3, 14 Granite, Year 2 of my Eternal Reign

Several days ago, I organized every citizen except for Nil to the military. Much to my surprise, Kumil stepped up and made his position known: he was to have a hammer, to lead a squad, and to be known forevermore as Winterdirge the Enforcer. I suppose he has taken a mood. Regardless, he now leads The Oily Natures with his gold hammer, while the remaining stone and metal dwarves train together with lead.

Winterdirge is formally appointed to the Elder Council for his actions.

Speaking of moods. Nil has taken one. He seems possessed. He has claimed a Mason's Workshop.

My work in the forge remains incomplete. As of yet, I have produced two masterful suits of copper chain - Winterdirge shall have the honor of wearing the first, while I shall take the second. What we lack in iron, we make up for in copper and mithril, and as the Armorsmith and Emperor, I shall keep my people safe. I shall also engrave my words in this copper, while I am at it. Hello, future readers. This is your Emperor. Your lives belong to the State and I - or my chosen successor - am the State.

The artifact is done!

(http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/64/emperor4.jpg)

(http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/4455/emperor5.jpg)

...it certainly is a thing! Of this, we can have no doubt - it truly does exist, and is indeed a floodgate. And it has an image of a table on it. With a name such as the Exit of Illness, I suppose we are lucky it was not a stool.
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Empire of Alexander. Sort of like Sparta. Needs Dorfs.
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 21, 2012, 07:58:51 pm
"Entry 4, 21 Slate, Year 2 of my Eternal Reign

More converts have arrived! Cog Portalcharm, High Priest Weaponsmith has been appointed to Chief Medical Dwarf and Master Weaponsmith. There are forty-four of us: nineteen helots, two war dwarves, four wood dwarves, six metal dwarves, two stone dwarves, one priest, and Kikrost the Golem.

Mithral. Much mithral. I have ordered a full set of mithral armor for our entire military. Winterdirge has been appointed Sub-Commander of the Empire, and leads the Hammer Squad, consisting of himself, the Metal Dwarves, and the Stone Dwarves. Unib the War Dwarf has been appointed to lead the Wood Dwarf Axe Squad. I lead the Sword Squad, which also holds the Golem.

Zaneg the Helot has given birth to twins. They are, of course, Citizens.

I must return to my office, then to the forge. Armor must be made."


"Entry 4, 26 Felsite

I killed three elves. Others in the army killed kobolds, gnomes, and the other elves. Their tribute is not accepted. WHY THE HELL DOES THIS DIPLOMAT INSIST ON WANTING TO TALK TO ME!? I've been trying to have a meeting
for a while now. She needs to show the hell up...

oh, nevermind, I forgot, I can just murder her. KILL THE SLAVE MESSENGER!"


"Entry 5, 24 Sandstone

What's this? A ghost? It's a good thing we now have two priests and a temple! We stand at 13 dwarves, 5 war dwarves,  5 wood dwarves, 5 metal dwarves, 3 stone dwarves, 2 priests, 1 golem, and 26 helots. Burials will commence immediately in the Burial Pit."
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Empire of Alexander. Sort of like Sparta. Needs Dorfs.
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 21, 2012, 11:18:56 pm
"Entry 6, 23 Timber, Year 41

The annual tribute from the Slave Queen has arrived. I accept it in its entirety. Good day, merchants. We'll have nothing to do with your type around here. Someday, trading partners shall arrive. Until then, we bid you adieu.

P.S.

Crime doesn't pay, kids:

(http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/5120/emperor6.jpg)

Don't steal, or you'll get your skull jammed through your brain."

"Entry 7, 9 Moonstone

A metal dwarf became possessed, then went insane. His flavor turned out to be berserk. He was put down rapidly, but then a much, much worse problem showed up.

(http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/7025/emperor8.jpg)

Skeletons.

(http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/6430/emperor9.jpg)
(http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/4684/emperor10.jpg)
(http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/9462/emperor11.jpg)

The military is dead.

(http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7112/emperor12.jpg)

No, really: out of twenty-one, three remain. We cannot hope to survive against these skeletons - the bridge has been closed. We are, effectively, under siege.

Oddly enough, Winterdirge died during the siege. He appeared again, calling himself Winterdirge II, the Enforcer. Words escape me.
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Empire of Alexander. Sort of like Sparta. Needs Dorfs.
Post by: Hugo_The_Dwarf on January 22, 2012, 12:48:00 pm
That is one badass engraver, bitting the kobolds thoat then tearing it. Finally giving a hardcore head butt that could shatter bones.

And oh noes SKELETONS! the Bane of life!

How is the Golem? did it survive?

And I will take a dwarf, Either a metal dwarf with dual swords, or a warrior dwarf with throwing axes. In his own squad. either way he will make weapons and armor and be called Hugo (also male would be nice too :P)
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Empire of Alexander. Sort of like Sparta. Needs Dorfs.
Post by: IamanElfCollaborator on January 22, 2012, 12:54:20 pm
I think Ross has read the Flickeredbrightness thread, where Winterdirge is a wandering spirit bent on killing elves. :P Hence the way he managed to reappear after the siege.
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Empire of Alexander. Sort of like Sparta. Needs Dorfs.
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 22, 2012, 02:07:58 pm
Quote from: Hugo_The_Dwarf on January 22, 2012, 12:48:00 pm
That is one badass engraver, bitting the kobolds thoat then tearing it. Finally giving a hardcore head butt that could shatter bones.

Bones as tough as copper. That is a POWERHEADBUTT.

Quote
And oh noes SKELETONS! the Bane of life!

agreed

Quote
How is the Golem? did it survive?

Dead as a doornail. Angry skellies don't like golems.

Quote
And I will take a dwarf, Either a metal dwarf with dual swords, or a warrior dwarf with throwing axes. In his own squad. either way he will make weapons and armor and be called Hugo (also male would be nice too :P)

(http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/8608/emperor13.jpg)

Freshly equipped with a throwing axes and copper battle axe. :)
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Empire of Alexander. Sort of like Sparta. Needs Dorfs.
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 22, 2012, 02:19:27 pm
"Entry 8, 26 Granite

I have relieved myself from military duties and elevated a war dwarf named Hugo to replace me. I have duties - mithral armor. For everyone. Breastplates, mail, leggings, helms, gauntlets, high boots. We must defeat these skeletons, and the only way we can do so is to be equipped.

Our priest is smelting. I am armoring. The skeletons WILL fall, damn them!

I hear screams coming from outside, and goblin war cries. So long, immigrants: we literally never knew you. Enjoy your death.

I suspect that Hugo, Winterdirge, and I shall have to arm the helots and lead them into battle. Shameful, but needed. Every helot who lives shall win his freedom from slavery and remain a soldier for the rest of their life."
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Empire of Alexander. Sort of like Sparta. Needs Dorfs.
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 22, 2012, 02:51:37 pm
"Entry 9

FFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUU-

(http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/6629/emperor14.jpg) "
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs dorfs, less skellies
Post by: Hugo_The_Dwarf on January 22, 2012, 03:06:09 pm
NOOOOOooooo a source of food has starved to death and is now spoiled. Or do you mean the Goblins? Also I'm curious will the skeletons attack the goblins?

EDIT:
Now I must practice my Throwing skill so those axes will be more... deadly :P and if all else fails hack them to death with the battle axe :)

EDIT2:
Damn those golems are hard to come by lol
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs dorfs, less skellies
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 22, 2012, 03:55:58 pm
"Entry 10: Victory

Naturally, I set myself a whole set of masterwork mithral. Being an Emperor has its privileges. Next, I assembled Winterdirge and Hugo, who received second and third pick of armor. The helots followed us, excited to be free at last.

(http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/8355/emperor15.jpg)

The miner pulled the lever...
(http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/454/emperor16.jpg)

Winterdirge charged and fell into the lake after his hands got chopped off.
(http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2400/emperor17.jpg)


and the rest of us killed things. I ended the battle when I personally decapitated their greatest warrior, ...

oh my gods I cannot write this

...

...


no, really


...


...

...

Velvetycanyons, the Vestibule of Connecting

...I hate skeletons.

(http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/6756/emperor18.jpg)
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs dorfs, less skellies
Post by: Hugo_The_Dwarf on January 22, 2012, 04:04:16 pm
Glorious victory? lol can I also post a link to here in the OP of Regeneration?
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs dorfs, less skellies
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 22, 2012, 04:07:00 pm
I added it to the OP. :)
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs dorfs, less skellies
Post by: Hugo_The_Dwarf on January 22, 2012, 04:22:09 pm
Quote from: Ross Vernal on January 22, 2012, 04:07:00 pm
I added it to the OP. :)
Right on :P I also added this to Regen's OP
and may I ask if I can use your modified castes for V4.5 of Regen? I really dislike the "Hunting" dwarf and like your idea of splitting that up into sections. It just feels right. Also once I get your additions you will be added to the credits, and if you like you can be co-modder.

But enough derailment :P

Journal of Hugo:
   It has been a rough time, some blighted beings of undeath attacked us. Must have been after then elven begotten Mithril. It is good metal I would say, but I'd prefer good Dwarven Steel. Who knows what those blasted elves have done to that metal, it is an affront to dwarven workmanship.

The undeathlings killed a good portion of our military, but our Emperor armed us with this offensive mithril to do battle with the bone beasts. Goblins, Kobolds, Elves, even fellow dwarves reduced to fleshless bone beasts started at us with empty sockets. What was even more eerie about it is that they never made a sound, just advanced on us. I saw Winterdirge get maimed then kicked into the pool, and as the battle raged on. The last standing undeathling was a dwarf, in which our Emperor swiftly slew by rending its head from its boney shoulders. 
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs dorfs, less skellies
Post by: IamanElfCollaborator on January 22, 2012, 04:27:12 pm
Winterdirge will return. He will not disappear until either the fortress dies or the elves nearby are dead.
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs dorfs, less skellies
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 22, 2012, 04:29:20 pm
Oh, he's still alive. No hands, no equipment. He likes to ROUNDHOUSE.


And yes, by all means, use my castes!
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs dorfs, less skellies
Post by: IamanElfCollaborator on January 22, 2012, 04:32:25 pm
Winterdirge:
Elf Torturer
Enforcer
Insane Mason
Hammerer
Dwarf version of Chuck Norris
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs dorfs, less skellies
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 22, 2012, 05:24:24 pm
"Entry 11, 16 Sandstone

Migrants. Notably, a Golem. A female one. I hope she is not as realistically sculpted as the last Golem... New Citizens means new armor.

Entry 12, 16 Timber

Our moat is dug out. The tribute caravan has arrived, as did several goblin ambushes. They have been putdown by the Free Legion. The tribute has been accepted. Further, it is high time that the Elder Council uses its power. Hugo and Winterdirge have been selected and notified."

***

So yes, we have slaves and craftspeople. It's time for the Elder Council - make a mandate! Vote on a project! Use your power! XD

Poke around a bit, too; here's the save. (http://dffd.wimbli.com/file.php?id=5391)
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 25, 2012, 02:20:42 am
"Entry 13, 27 Opal

The graveyard is being dug.

(http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/4088/emperor20.jpg)

So is the Tomb of the Elders. See that pipe in my sketch? The tomb will be heated from below by the heat of dwarven lifeblood: magma!

(http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/7806/emperor19.jpg)

The Emperor Alexander Blockgirders, The Tepid Salve Of Fortification"


"Entry 14, 20 Obsidian

Siege alert is up again. Goblin pikemen, goblin hammermen, and skeleton swordsmen. Not a siege, just an ambush. And another ambush. And another ambush."


"Entry 15, 27 Orbsandian

Haven you try writing with borken skull? It harbl. My hed hurtz.

I kiled + skalten.

(http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/4118/emperor21.jpg)

Restime now. Wut's a kunkushion?

Emparar Imperar oh bugger it

Alex <incomprehensible squiggles>"
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: Hugo_The_Dwarf on January 25, 2012, 09:12:04 am
I hope Alexander can recover from his concussion. It is funny to see that a handful of his kills are dwarves lol
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 25, 2012, 03:10:37 pm
Eventually, he will.

ALSO. Hugo. Propose something! Doesn't matter what - personal bedroom, glass pyramid, whatever. That's the point of this being a community (?) game!
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: Hugo_The_Dwarf on January 25, 2012, 04:12:30 pm
I propose that I have a home in the caverns, with a few soldiers that guard it while he is away. On his off time make weapons and armor or hunt cave fauna

Something like a mini fortress or keep
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 26, 2012, 02:18:58 am
If you've got any design ideas, let me know.


Otherwise, I'm thinking... 4 Z-level by 15 by 15 cube with a elevated turret at each corner, surrounded by a wall.  Bottom level is workshops, second storage, third dining room, fourth bedroom. Underground farming within the wall, and of course a well, a reservoir lake, and a magma pit underneath. There's spare slaves to maintain your cavern villa. I think there's some useless dorfs I can shanghai into your honor guard. Axes, naturally.
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: Hugo_The_Dwarf on January 26, 2012, 07:08:07 am
Spoiler: The Plans (click to show/hide)
I also like your idea for the walls and stuff :P can any way be possible to have my slave/ guards have their custom profession to be "Hugo's Slave/Servant" and "Hugo's Guard"? oh and them to be only borrowed to my fortress so they stay and mill around it.
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: IamanElfCollaborator on January 26, 2012, 12:00:51 pm
I second Hugo's suggestion.

Also, I only want a small cabin of stone in the caverns near Hugo's. Preferably out of the way of normal traffic, with a quantum stockpile of food and drink. I'll be the old veteran from previous wars, whereas Hugo's the plucky star of the fort with his own guard and slaves.
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 26, 2012, 12:59:56 pm
Stone cabin and quantum stockpile? Can do!

Just a few questions on the plan. Z-level 1, should they be up down stairs? Z-level 2, should the stairs be in alignment with the other? And I don't get filled area ramps. Build them where the channels are designated?
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: IamanElfCollaborator on January 26, 2012, 01:07:56 pm
Depends all on your liek of asthetics.
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: HARD on January 26, 2012, 06:30:38 pm
I want to be your son Alexander! :D
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: The Master on January 26, 2012, 08:09:53 pm
How are you enjoying the mod so far?
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: Hugo_The_Dwarf on January 26, 2012, 09:00:25 pm
Quote from: Ross Vernal on January 26, 2012, 12:59:56 pm
Stone cabin and quantum stockpile? Can do!

Just a few questions on the plan. Z-level 1, should they be up down stairs? Z-level 2, should the stairs be in alignment with the other? And I don't get filled area ramps. Build them where the channels are designated?
The updown stairs are to lead to a basement for more storage, and passages to the towers/walls that surrond my little fort.

Also what The Master said :P
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 26, 2012, 10:06:34 pm
And 1 is the top floor? XD

EDIT: I like it, but tree farming is not going all that well. I keep running out of trees and seeds.
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: Hugo_The_Dwarf on January 27, 2012, 12:22:58 am
Quote from: Ross Vernal on January 26, 2012, 10:06:34 pm
And 1 is the top floor? XD

EDIT: I like it, but tree farming is not going all that well. I keep running out of trees and seeds.
Nope lol Z-lvl 1 is ground floor then 2 is above it and 3 is top :P

And looks like I might have nerf'd the seeds give back a bit much :/ I just don't like to get spammed with seeds and tree farming seems like it should be a little harder to do then finding the buggers in the wild. When out of seeds gather the plants :P Also that makes me want to make a reaction that allows you to take a log and make seeds from it.
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Spartan Empire of Alexander. Needs Dorfing/voting!
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 27, 2012, 03:51:57 am
"Entry The Last

Fifty of us existed. Twenty-three remain.  Hugo is dead. Winterdirge is dead. The military is dead. The drawbridge lever is gone. We have no mechanics. I am stuck in bed, and the skeleton War Leader is outside. Mocking us.

(http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2366/emperor22.jpg)

Twenty-one remain.

Fifteen remain. The skeletons have taken the fort. I can hear the screaming from my bed.  It doesn't matter - I can see my death coming. Not from skeletons. Not from combat.

From thirst.

I die. My empire dies with me.

(http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5558/emperor23.jpg)"

Aftermath:

(http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/6973/emperor24.jpg)

(http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/3177/emperor25.jpg)

(http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/9488/emperor26.jpg)

(http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/407/emperor27.jpg)

(http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4440/emperor28.jpg)
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Dead Empire.
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 27, 2012, 04:20:01 am
(http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4452/emperor29.jpg)

The other figure is 59 dorfs and 2 dogs. 15 losses of the skellies. 58 deaths from the dorfs and 2 dogs. The defenders were victorious (somehow).
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Dead Empire.
Post by: Hugo_The_Dwarf on January 27, 2012, 03:17:15 pm
May Tooljaw rest in peace... The dangers of the Elven metal Mithril is apparent here lol Attracts undead like a fly to rotten meat
Title: Re: Tooljaw, the Dead Empire.
Post by: Ross Vernal on January 27, 2012, 10:07:37 pm
No kidding.