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17th Timber

After spending several more days rounding up the survivors from inside the fortress and entombing a few of the more disgusting smelling bodies Kanet gathered everyone in the entrance hall. The civilians had all been armed with a variety of weapons from the Armory, just in case any hostiles were lurking outside.

"Open it." Kanet said, nodding to Nurom and Kel, who stood on either side of the stone slabs. Heaving with all their strength the duo managed to shove the obstacles away. Briefly blinded by the sun after so many weeks underground, the Dwarves could do little more then blink and shield their eyes for several seconds.

As vision returned though, they saw that the chaos had hit here as well. The meeting area was cluttered with bodies, including those of Tharnas, Endok and the other Warriors. As the group moved outdoors they could see that the area around the gate was littered with bones and equipment, a sure sign that the Undead had made another attack and this time, breached the very walls of Flamebanner.

"Spread out and see if anyone is still alive." Kanet ordered. Nodding agreement, the other Warriors divided the civilians into search parties.

*************

An hour was all it took to search the remainder of the fortress. As the last of the serach parties returned they reported like all the others. Mansionbrimmed Manor, Orwen's Tower and the Temple of Armok were devoid of life or undeath but the Manor held several more bodies.

Kanet was just about to order everyone back inside when Argonnek spoke suddenly. "What about the wilderness?"

"What about it?" Derek asked, confused

"Well, we know the Undead came back, and we know Tharnas and the others must have seen them off but died afterward." She explained quickly. "Isn't it possible that some of the civilians might have escaped through the gates during the battle and be hiding out in the wilderness, just in case the Undead won the battle?"

"Wouldn't they have come back by now though?" Kigok asked.

"Not if they don't know there are survivors from inside. Why risk coming back when the skeletons might be roaming free and with no certainty that anyone inside was alive?" The Deputy pointed out.

"She's right. It is a slim possibility." Kanet said, seeing the sense to such a plan. "Sable, get up to the tower and see if Wok's horn is still there. If it is, sound the all clear."

Sheathing Flamequill, Sable ran over to the gatehouse and vanished inside to reappear on the walls a second later. The small group waited hopefully, and managed a small cheer when the clear, crisp notes of Wok's horn echoed out from the stone structure...

***************

Argonnek was quite pleased. Her hunch had been right. Shortly after the blowing of the horn, a pair of Dwarves appeared in the gateway. They looked overjoyed to see other Dwarves and came rushing over.

"Names?" Derek asked, pulling a stone tablet out of his pack, which he'd been marking survivors names down on.

"Planter Cerol Beakwind and Armorer Kol Paintstood the Still Lost-Portal of Circumstance." Replied a bruised and battered Dwarf. Underneath the dirt and blood the Warrior could almost make out one of the Dwarves who had worked and taken meals with Sarek's team.

The happy greetings were interrupted by a voice from the gates. "Um...Excuse me? Is this Flamebanner?" asked a nervous looking Dwarf in the outfit of a farmer. His two companions were too busy gazing at the carnage around them to speak.

"It is, Though I'm afraid things are a bit messy right now." Kanet answered.

"Well, we came here to get away from the Kobolds." The first Dwarf said. "They've become a force to be reckoned with lately. They took the town of Kragnir without any of their allies."

"Well, the Undead tried and failed to take Flamebanner even when only a couple of Warriors and a mad Hammerer were defending it." Derek pointed out, gesturing to the bones scattered around.

"True. Plus its not like there are many other options these days." One of the others spoke up.

"Can I add you to the list then?" Derek asked.

"Engraver Atir Keyivy, Leatherworker Shorast Wheelboard and Miller Zasit Crystalshuts." The final member of the group said after conferring with his companions.

"Welcome to Flamebanner then." Kanet said warmly. "Let's get inside before it gets much later."
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Migrants! I didn't think anyone would be coming to this "cursed deathtrap" for years and yet we got 3 new Dwarves!

Of course...I think one of the survivors is a Swordsdwarf. Though I'd prefer not to use the name Hexed again if you have another name handy...

10th Timber

Pushing the scarred remnants of the door open, Kanet and Argonnek moved cautiously out into the Dining Hall, crossbows at the ready. Thinner after several weeks of little food and entirely too sober after their supplies of booze ran out the pair had been forced out of their barricaded sanctuary.

The Hall spoke of the chaos that had fallen upon the fortress in the Summer and Autumn. Countless bodies littered the floor, among the debris of broken tables and chairs and toppled statues. Shifting enough of the rubble to open the doors they moved into hallways that were almost as bad.

They continued to glance around as they made their way to the stairs, ready to fight if any insane Dwarves appeared.

Oddly enough, the workshop level was almost intact. The only shop that had been attacked was the Mason's and the body of Korgan lay half in/half out of the doorway. The multitude of stone coffins implied that he had remained sane and worked to give an ever growing number of dead a suitable resting place right up to his own death.

The lack of life worried the Leader and Deputy as they made a beeline for the food and booze stockpile. After ensuring that the supplies had not been tainted by the rotting bodies that lay among the barrels they drank heavily, greatly enjoying the taste of fine Dwarven brews after so long without them.

Sated and feeling strong again the duo filled their packs and returned to the stairs, intending to make for the Barracks and Infirmary.

They were in for a surprise as they ascended into the entrance hall. Thick slabs of granite had been placed hurriedly at both ends of the hall, blocking all outside access. The doors of the Barracks were open wide though and the sounds of weapons clashing and bolts hitting targets echoed out to them.

Kanet sighed in relief as he entered the Barracks and saw that at least some Dwarves had survived. The Warriors Aban, Kodor, Mingkil and Kel were sparring while the Marksdwarf Kigok sent bone bolts flying at the targets in the archery range.

"We were beginning to wonder if you'd survived." A voice from the left made them turn as Sable and Derek entered from the armory. The Senior Warriors looked battered and worn but otherwise seemed in good spirits.

"We managed to take refuge in my office. We had enough supplies in our packs for a couple months but we had to come out eventually. I'm just glad we aren't the only ones left." Kanet said, returning Sable's grin.

"There aren't many of us left alive I'm afraid." Derek reported. "Counting you two we're up to a dozen Warriors and a few civilians. There are probably more hiding out around here but they probably don't realize its safe to come out."

"Is it actually safe?" Argonnek asked.

"Aye, once Dwarves started going into hiding the insane more or less killed each off. There are still a few miserable souls who may still snap but I believe we're in control of the situation again." Sable replied.

"What about the hall? Why is it blocked off?"

"Back in Early Autumn the Undead showed up again." Derek reported grimly. "We were still in the grip of the insane so we did the only thing we could to survive, blocked the entrances to the fort and hotel and hope they don't feel like digging to get at us."

"Sadly, not everyone got inside in time. We know Endok was out there along with at least 3 Warriors" He continued. "Tharnas included."

"They might still be alive." Kigok broke in, appearing in the doorway of the range. "Tharnas is a tough Dwarf and Endok has the hammer of his. Heck, he's probably thrilled he finally gets to beat someone with it." He laughed at the mental image of the Undead trying to fight the might of a Hammerer.

"There one way to be sure." Kanet said. "We'll open the door and see for ourselves."
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The Tantrum Spiral ended after a few monthes. I'm still working on figuring out who's left but as of now I know that the following are dead:

Jillian, Head of Farming
Sarek, Head of Metalworking
Legolord, Head of Glassworking
Igorina, Head Leatherworker
Rakust, Head of Woodworking
Barbarossa, Master Architect and Engraver
Reg, Head of Masonry
Korgan, Head of Masonry
Etest Kudar, Weaponsmith
Eli, Mechanic
Gizmo, Siege Operator/Engineer
Hexed, Siege Operator/Engineer
Tulon, Master Chef
Olin, Brewmaster
Akhier, Head Mechanic
Newb, Trademaster
Mothwing, Medicine Dwarf

So, pretty much every single forum member character is dead as well as our Medicine Dwarf and all 7 of the Founders: Fireheart, Kornash, Jillian, Legolord, Sarek, Skid and Newb.

If anyone wants a new Dwarf (or 2 or 3) you know the drill. Flamebanner has survived so this will continue. 

14 deaths...That number spread like wildfire throughout the fortress as the preparations were made for the mourning. Unfortunately this proved a grave mistake. During Kanet's speech the Head of Glassworking, Legolord was overcome with grief and attacked the closest Dwarf, his friend and fellow Founder Sarek, Head of Metalworking.

Dying at the fists of his tantruming friend, the horrified Dwarves interred the old Dwarf with the others as Mothwing led the Glassmaker off for a meeting.

The added loss proved too much for others who began fighting in the halls and smashing the occasional table or bed. They calmed quickly after the outbursts though...

*******************

20th Hematite

"Whats the report?" Kanet asked from his desk as Argonnek entered the office.

"3 more injured. Mothwing's had to take on a couple of Peasants to help with the workload." The Deputy replied with a sigh.

"Have my plans been put into effect?" He continued.

"Yes, as per your orders, the Dining Hall has been set up as a statue garden for parties. There is one going on even as we speak." Anything the Deputy might have said next was lost as screams erupted from the other side of the door.

On his feet immediately, Kanet pulled open his door and glanced out over the chaos that had descended on the party. It seemed that 2 of the children had finally snapped and gone berserk, chasing the sane Dwarves around the room.

He was about to shut the door when another scream rose from the stairs. Rushing out he was in time to see the body of a Planter rolling downstairs minus an arm which followed a moment later.

Stepping away from the blood that began to pool on the floor he glanced around and waved Sable and Derek over from their posts outside the Noble bedrooms.

"Another riot I'm afraid." Kanet said, gesturing back towards the Hall. "See if you can't put a stop to it before any more of us get hurt."

"We'll take care of it in no time." Sable reassured him, allowing a brief smile to cross her face...

12th Malachite

Hauling Argonnek along with one hand and clutching a wound on his side with the other, Kanet raced through the halls of Flamebanner. Dodging around the Fisherdwarf Morul who was fighting with Legolord's wife Igorina, the Thunderclan Leader reached the Dining Hall where another party had dissolved into a riot.

Slamming his office door open with his shoulder, he pulled Argonnek forward before releasing his grip on her hand, sending her stumbling across the room as Kanet started dragging one of his cabinets across the floor to barricade the door.

With Argonnek's help the only entrance to the office was blocked by furniture. Safe, Kanet slumped into his chair to allow Argonnek to tend his wounds...
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Darn you Legolord, you had to go and kill Sarek didn't you?

Nearby, the squad commanded by Keshan had engaged a 3rd squad of skeletons commanded by an Axelord. Unfortunately, the bad luck that seemed to have settled over the Warriors continued to strike, leading to the deaths of both Bubbles and Keshan.

******************

As Kogan traded blows with an Axeman he was amazed to see Lor, one of the newer recruits show up with nothing but the mud and blood on his back. The young Dwarf then proceeded to strip the bodies of the two fallen Dwarves of armor and take up Bubbles mace before joining the fight.

************

Back at the spot where Gumar's squad had made their stand, things had dissolved into utter chaos. Thob had been torn apart by the Spearmaster and Osod Ugog had been left with a pair of mangled legs and a broken arm.

Soshosh was proving the most capable of the quickly tiring defenders. Singlehandedly she had dropped 2 Hammermen and a Wrestler while avoiding the trio of elites that stalked the field.

It would not last though, as the Dwarf's strength failed her at the worst moment and she was fatally injured and left to die while the invaders moved on to the final member of the squad, Otil Kurel.

***************

Kogan was forced to watch with growing fear as his felow fighters were slaughtered around him by the rampaging Axelord. Onul, Kigok and Lor dead as they tried to gang up on the leader and Shorast mere moments later as a pair of Axemen lopped off his arms.

Now Kogan was alone on the field, a field which still held nearly a dozen Undead soldiers and their bloodthirsty leader. Knowing that his corpse would soon lie among those of his friends, he charged, intending to take a few more skulls with him as he ran straight into the middle of the group...

***************

Having finally managed to rise to his feet, Otil was smashing his way through the murderous Undead, using both shield and blade to crush skulls and remove arms and legs. After several minutes of furious fighting, the odds had dwindled to just 3-1. The 3 though, were the elites. They wasted no time in turning the valiant Dwarf into a broken form on the ground...

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In case anyone is trying to keep track, that is 2 squads, completely destroyed. Leaving behind a large number of the Axelord's group, the 3 elites and an untouched squad led by a Mace Lord.

As blows from his attacker rained down against his shield, Gumar realized that trying to fight these guys in the dark was getting them nowhere. "Stesok! Light!" He shouted to his second in command, who quickly dodged away from her opponent and drew an unlit torch from her pack. Driving it deep into the ground she produced a jar from her pack, removed the lid and withdrew a small creature who writhed in her hand.

Dropping the wriggling thing onto the head of the torch Stesok backed away and brought her own axe back to fighting position as the torch suddenly flared to life, filling a large circle around it with flickering light.

The restoration of light also revealed the identities of the invaders. Undead. Though the bones of these skeletons was burned black, allowing them to blend perfectly with the night. The leader was something else though, pale-skinned and wearing a pitch black cloak over a set of fine armor. The pike clutched in his hand was obviously deadly and engraved with images of death and battle.

Able to see his foe, Gumar went on the offensive, darting in quickly to take a swing at the creature and then retreating out of pike range. In this way he managed to do...very little except leave scratches in the armor. The pike swung around and this time, caught him in the shield, piercing straight through the decorated iron and sticking just before it reached his arm.

Grinning victoriously, Gumar flicked his arm to toss the shield away, taking the stuck polearm with it. Now weaponless the invader bared his teeth and charged.

The Warrior calmly drew back his weapon and as his foe came within range, swung with all his strength, severing cleanly through both armor and flesh as the thing fell. Glow already fading from his eyes as he glanced at his legs which were several feet away he managed to form his final words to the Dwarves: "Lebatha..." before the last bit of life or unlife left him.

Stesok came over to him as Gumar stood looking down at the corpse. "Sir, we've spotted more shapes moving further in along the Eastern border. I believe that this group is part of a larger invasion force."

"You're probably right Stesok." Gumar replied, as he waved his soldiers over. "Let's go welcome them to Flamebanner. Bring that torch, we may need it."

You'll just have to wait and see won't you?