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Messages - TheSummoner

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121
DF Modding / Undead Army V1
« on: July 11, 2010, 03:53:51 pm »
Heres my undead as they currently exist.  There are three castes...

Skeletons - Roughly the same as humans minus organs and blood.  Pretty much have to be killed by cumulative damage.

Zombies - Slow but with two syndromes... a plague cloud that is a minor annoyance at best, and a deadly bite.

Ghouls - Rarer than Skeletons and Zombies.  They're faster than their cousins and their scratches are something to be feared.  Just one scratch will knock a Dwarf unconsious, likely to be torn apart while unable to defend himself.

Body Parts
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Creature
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Entity
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

122
DF Suggestions / Re: [For or Against] Tunnelers units
« on: July 11, 2010, 03:21:41 pm »
I'm fully in support of anything that makes sieges more interesting...

Tunneling, siege towers, siege weaponry, invaders constructing bridges and ladders and ramps, grappling hooks, invaders disabling traps in ways other than clogging them with their bodies...

My biggest gripe about the game in its current form is how easy it is beat an invasion.  I'd LOVE anything to spice up the attacks.

For added fun, whether a particular race uses a specific method could be controlled by their civilization.  Maybe Kobolds will tunnel and disable traps, but nothing else.  Goblins would tunnel, disable traps, and construct things.  If you mod in a new siege race, you could determine what methods they would use.

123
DF Modding / Re: 0.31. MODDERS WORKSHOP (NEWCOMERS WELCOME!)
« on: July 11, 2010, 02:16:45 am »
I'm trying to make a sort of undead army as a siege race.  At the very least, it would have castes for Skeletons and Zombies, and possibly some other kinds once I get those first two working.

Here is the creature so far...

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

(This part is also required... its a substitute brain/heart organ that goes in the chest... in theory, even beheading these things won't immediatly stop them.  I'll probably make the core larger because the skeletons seem almost invulnerable from my "undermine the dark tower while they're in it" tests)

Essentially, what I've done is taken the human and separated it into castes with zombie being relatively unchanged and skeleton removing several organs.  The Zombies appear to be working fine, but whenever I try to examine the skeletons (v -> z), the game crashes.  Does anyone know why this may be and how to fix it?  I've already removed the descriptors for skeleton parts, so I'm really not sure...

124
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Blockedlance - An Empire to Last 1,000 Years
« on: June 23, 2010, 11:39:58 pm »
"The fires of Armok's might will purge this world of the weak! Let the goblins and elves be burnt to ash!"

125
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Everfrost, the Frigid Citadel
« on: June 20, 2010, 01:52:42 pm »
Chapter 4 – Agression
Year 24 and 25

“How much further?” asked Captain Spiritwing
“Just over this hill here, captain” replied Lieutenant Twigstorm
“How many times do I have to tell you, Nisa? Until we complete the mission, you’re to refer to call me Ecafe.  It’s critical that we aren’t discovered.
“I’m sorry, Cap… I’m sorry, Ecafe.  I’ll try to remember.”
“You will remember.  If the savages catch on we’ll all be killed on the spot.”
The Elven caravan reached the top of the hill. Captain Spiritwing surveyed the area.
“They’re definitely up to something down there… Almost all of the plant life has been stripped away… Unforgivable… They’ve also erected walls and seem to have expanded their operation underground.”
“What do you think they’re doing down there?”
“There’s no telling how far below the surface their corruption has spread... Perhaps they seek to drain the life from the soil itself… To convert the forested taiga to a rocky wasteland. When we arrive, we can assess the situation.  Once we know what the Dwarves are up to, we can decide the best response.
The Elves made their way down the hill into the Dwarven territory.  They passed several piles of logs, stone, and assorted goods, scattered seemingly at random.  The Elves received several dirty looks as they walked the winding path towards the Dwarven fortress.  Finally reaching the entrance, their path was blocked by two Dwarves wielding wooden axes.
“We cannot allow yeh to go any further.” said the Dwarf on the right.
Captain Spiritwing smiled “We’re just humble traders who have come to sell our wares… surely we have something that might interest you… Please, take a look at our goods and see if there’s anything your leader might find useful.”
“Drop anything that can be cooked or brewed and leave us, yer kind has proven time after time that yeh cannot be trusted. Every time one of yet kin has come to our home as guests, yeh have shown nothing but rudeness and disrespect. There’s nothing humble about yeh. Leave.” said the Dwarf on the left.
Twigstorm was insulted “How dare you speak…”
Spiritwing raised his hand to stop his lieutenant. “There’s no need to get upset Twigstorm.” He turned back to the Dwarves. “I don’t think you understand… We cannot merely give you our goods.  We’ve come to trade, not… You see trading is when two parties decide to exchange…”
“And that’s exactly the condescending and disrespectful attitude that makes yeh not welcome here.” Interrupted the Dwarf on the left.
“… Very well.” Spiritwing gestured to the rest of the Elves who started unloading the goods the Dwarves demanded.  Afterwards, the Elves left the site without saying another word.

“What do you make of it?” asked Twigstorm once they had left the Dwarven territory.
“They’re definitely up to something.  It’s obvious they’re hiding something from us… I don’t like it.” replied Spiritwing.
The Elves walked in silence for a few minutes before Captain Spiritwing spoke again.
“We’ll report their suspicious behavior back to the head druid… He will decide how to deal with the Dwarves.”

Ochita and Soulchopper couldn’t contain their laughter.
Soulchopper did his best Elf impersonation “Yeh see, trading is when… Ha!”
“I almost lost it and started laughin’ right there when he said that!” said Ochita.
“Me too… It’s a good thing they left when they did, I don’t think I coulda kept a straight face much longer.”
“I dunno if the pointy ears really think anyone is that dumb or if they’re just tryin’ to be insultin’, but it’s damn funny watch ‘em try to weasel their way through.”

Bookworm was overseeing the fortress work.  The miners were already working three levels below ground on the grand entrance hall the king had ordered as a condition for the expedition’s charter, the masons were finishing work on the main wall and would soon get back to work on the outer wall, and Soapgear, the lone mechanic, was setting up traps at the entrance of the fortress.  In time, the entire operation would be moved underground, to the relative safety of the cavernous depths.
Bookworm felt something poke his back. A second later he smelled the overpowering stench of cheese. He turned to see Le Chef standing behind him.
“A moment of your time monsieur Bookworm… I would like to request zee grand kitchen, one zat would make Armok ‘imself envious of zee fine cuisine prepared within!”
Bookworm stared for a second, piecing together what the strange Dwarf standing in front of him had said. “Yeh want a kitchen?… Umm… Aye, good idea… We’ll get on that as soon as we can.
Le Chef’s eyes lit up with joy and excitement. “You will not be disappointed monsieur Bookworm, zee Dwarves will ‘ave zee grand feast every night while I am in zee kitchen!”
The strange Dwarf ran off, overjoyed, leaving Bookworm to stare in confusion.

The summer months passed slowly.  Lack of ice made fortress work grind to a halt and the Dwarves instead focused on deforestation and rebuilding a food surplus.  Despite the crippling weapons shortage, the military continued their training.  Imports and small ore deposits gave the Dwarves some much needed steel, but there was never enough.  Without fortress expansion to worry about, the miners focused their efforts on removing what was left of the hill that had originally stopped their progress. As autumn rolled in Stonestrike spotted them…

The alert went off and Steelbeard’s men rushed from the underground towards the entrance of the fortress.  Bookworm stopped them at the top, Sopagear at his side.
“Get out of the way! We’re under attack!” yelled Steelbeard, barely restraining himself from shoving past the two Dwarves standing in his way.
“There won’t be any need for that, commander.” said Sopagear with a grin.
“We’ll all be slaughtered if yeh don’t get out of my way!”
“Think for a second… We’re under attack by well armed foes.  We lack the essential steel to give yer men axes or shields or armor.  If you run out there, your men will be cut down easily.  Please, just sit and watch.” said Bookworm.
“Yeh’ve both gone mad in the head.  Fine, if yeh don’t want me to fight the enemy, don’t expect me to lift a finger until after the two of yeh have been cut down.”
The enemy came into sight.  At their head was a Dark Elf with a vicious curved sword.  He and his band of spear wielders charged the entrance.
Steelbeard gritted his teath. “Soon as they make it through, attack.  We’ve got em outnumbered, so if we can wrestle their weapons away…”
*Snap* *Twang* *Whoosh*
As soon as the enemy had set foot inside the walls, the trap went off.  Each Dark Elf had been ensnared and caged.  The prisoners yelled and cursed in their own incomprehensible tongue.
Bookworm grinned. “Until we can supply yeh with proper equipment, there won’t be much yer men can do against invaders.  I don’t like it any more than yeh do, but theres nothin’ we can do about it.  Think of these six fools as a present… Yer free to do as yeh like with them.”

Soapgear continued his work, installing traps at the entrance of the fortress.  The number of prisoners grew with every attack.  The next fools to attempt to take the citadel as a group of Goblins. In the spring of 25, the traps captured a group of Snakemen and another batch of Dark Elves.  These small forces were nothing, their futile attempts to break through only led to more prisoners being captured.

It was a stormy night in late summer.  Most of the Dwarves were working underground, but Treeslayer was not so fortunate… Fortress defense came first.  The trees wouldn’t be stopped by a little rain and neither would he.  Treeslayer stood over the body of his latest adversary, an enormous Larch, taller than any Dwarf.  He wiped the sweat from his brow and started walking back towards the fortress.  As he passed through the unfinished northern wall, he heard something… It was a booming, but it wasn’t thunder… it was too rhythmic.  Treeslayer ran towards the source of the sound.  As he neared the eastern river, the noise became louder and louder.  Treeslayer peered into the river valley, where he discovered the origin of the sound… War drums.  He could see two camps… One of Gnolls and one of Snakemen. Treeslayer ran back to the fortress as quickly as he could to report his findings.
“Theres still time” he muttered to himself, knowing that the invaders could not advance until the river froze.

The Dwarves increased their defenses as best they could. Several more traps were installed and the military was put on alert, but it was a race against time.  According to Treeslayer’s report, the enemy force was massive.  Shortly after finishing their preparations, the attack came.
Steelbeard rallied his men. “Today we face a foe that is better armed than us and greater in number. These bastards want nothing more than to kill yeh and destroy everything yeh hold dear!  If yeh give ‘em a chance, they will! This is not a battle we can win through force. The only way any of us are going to live to see tomorrow is by fightin’ smart. Let the traps thin their numbers then overwhelm the ones that break through. If any of yeh don’t wanna fight, nows yer last chance to try to escape. As fer me, I’d rather die than let a buncha dirty dogs and lizards scare me off!”
The soldiers cheered.

The attack had started.  The Gnolls were the first to strike, they charged the fortress, but once their leader had been ensnared by the traps, their formation broke and they scattered.  Furious, the Snakemen advanced, killing a few fleeing Gnolls as they did.  Unlike the Gnolls, who had just rushed blindly, the Snakemen tread carefully, hissing and spitting at the Dwarves as they did.  Even after their leader had been caged, the serpents continued their advance.
Steelbeard watched intently, waiting for the moment to move.  Most of the traps had been sprung, but there were still a few Snakemen advancing.  The first had made it past the traps.  Steelbeard signaled and the soldiers threw themselves on her.  She hissed and stabbed at the first Dwarf to approach, cutting her leg deeply.  The wounded Dwarf backed off while the rest piled on the serpent, bringing her to the ground.  Seeing this savage display, the remaining Snakemen backed up slightly, only to trigger the remaining traps.

The wounded Dwarf was carried to the hospital.  Blood was pouring from her left leg and upper body.  Steelbeard and Bookworm stood over the wounded soldier.
“What’s yer name, soldier?” asked Bookworm.
“Hawkeye” replied the soldier, weakly.
“Well Hawkeye, yer bravery may have saved us all.” said Steelbeard “Those wounds are badges of honor.”
Dr. Nick entered the room, his expression much more serious than his usual absent-minded grin. “Hi everybody.” he said.
Dr. Nick examined Hawkeye.


(Her liver is also broken, though as a Dwarf she doesn’t need it)

“This Dwarf’s blood has gone bad, her only hope is emergency surgery. I’m going to need a silk cloth, some rope, an obsidian mechanism, a screwdriver, and a barrel of Dwarven Rum!”
Steelbeard gave Dr. Nick a strange look. “Are you sure you really need…”
“You’re wasting precious time!” exclaimed the doctor “Both of you, out! I cannot operate with the two of you looking over me!”
Dr. Nick shoved the two Dwarves out of the hospital and shut the door behind them.
“So… she’s gonna die, isn’t she?” asked Steelbeard
“Probably…” replied Bookworm.

Steelbeard paced in front of a row of cages.
“So yeh fools think yeh can invade my home… Take it over… Loot whatever’s valuable and slaughter the lot of us like cattle.”
The prisoners from the recent attack had been moved into the lowest levels of the cavern.  Their cages had been lined against the walls. Steelbeard ran his finger along the blade of his new axe.
“Yer garbage... all of yeh... Scum too low to survive on yer own labor... Trash that instead chooses to live as parasites, exploitin’ the hard work of those with value in this world.”
Steelbeard grinned
“Yer also failures. Don’t yeh worry, I’ve got ideas for what to do with the lot of yeh… Even trash can be put to use if yer creative enough...”
The prisoners hissed and growled and yelled in their own languages.
“And I assure yeh, I’m plenty creative... Yeh’d be surprised what kinda fun ideas yeh get when yer excused from normal labor all day long.”
“You realisssse that one of them can undersssstand you, don’t you?”
Steelbeard turned to see who had spoken… It was the leader of the Snakemen who had been captured during the attack.  She was fairly small for her kind, though still larger than most Dwarves.
“Oh, but yeh can understand me just fine, can’t yeh snakey?” said Steelbeard with a smirk.
“Yessss, Daverven is jusssst one of the sssseveral languagessss I sssspeak.” replied the Snakewoman
“And can yeh speak the whatever tongue the rest of the prisoners speak?”
“Mosssst of them.”
“Good, then I’m sure I could convince you to translate for me”
“I ssssupposssse.”
The Snakewoman started talking, but Steelbeard couldn’t understand what she was saying.  Each time she paused, the prisoners grew louder and louder… first the Snakemen, then the Gnolls, then the Lizardmen, and finally the Goblins… all screaming and banging on their cages.
“Whats yer name, snake?” asked Steelbeard
“Ssssangossssm Nusssstudo.” replied the Snakewoman.
“Well snakey, if yeh keep doin’ like I say, I may just let yeh live a bit longer.”
Steelbeard walked away.

------

Meet the Dwarves
Commander Steelbeard – Born: 34 years before the start of the current age
Steelbeard is a 59 year old male Dwarf.  He has peach skin, cobalt eyes, and long, curly, black hair.  His hair and moustache are both neatly combed and his sideburns and  beard are braided.

Steelbeard commands Imnisgak Isholmestthos’s militia.  He has become increasingly annoyed with situation at the fortress… From lack of steel for weapons and armor… to sub-par medical care… to the fact that most of the fortress defense is handled by traps…

------

Legendary Dwarves
Earthhmover (Miner)
Stonestrike (Miner)
Rocksmasher (Miner)
Nameless Male (Miner)
Nameless Female (Miner)
Treeslayer (Woodcutter)
Woodbane (Woodcutter)
Brickhead (Mason)
Nameless Female (Mason)
Greenthumb (Planter)
Nameless Male (Planter)
Weedpicker (Herbalist)
Soapgear (Mechanic)

Currently Unnamed Dwarves
Male Miner (Legendary)
Female Miner (Legendary)
Male Woodworker (I wanted him to be a woodcutter, but I can’t get him to grab an axe so he may go Carpenter instead)
Male Carpenter/Woodcrafter
Female Carpenter/Woodcrafter
Female Mason/Stonecrafter (Legendary)
Female Mason/Stonecrafter
Male Mason/Stonecrafter
Four Female Weaponsmiths
Female Blacksmith
Female Jeweler
Male Jeweler
Male Stonecrafter/Mason
Female Stonecrafter/Mason
Male Leatherworker
Two Female Bonecrafters
Female Weaver/Clothier
Male Weaver/Clothier
Female Glassmaker
Female Fisherdwarf
Female Milker/Cheesemaker
Two Male Threshers/Millers/Dyers
Female Butcher/Tanner
Two Male Planters
Female Brewer/Cook
Female Soapmaker
Male Wood Burner/Potash Maker/Lye Maker
Female Peasant (Daughter of Soapgear and the unnamed female Soapmaker, probably going to become a Marksdwarf unless someone requests otherwise.)
Male Child (Age 3) (Son of Derek Soulchopper and an unnamed female future military dwarf)
Female Child (Age 1) (Son of Derek Soulchopper and an unnamed female future military dwarf)

Several Military Dwarves (8 Male Axedwarves, 1 Male Marksdwarf, 12 Female Marksdwarves, 6 Male Hammerdwarves

You may notice the abundance of Female Marksdwarves… this is because of the Dwarven tendency for mothers to carry their children into battle.  Though babies make effective body armor, I prefer to try to prevent that from happening.

126
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Blockedlance - An Empire to Last 1,000 Years
« on: June 19, 2010, 09:34:49 pm »
"He'd (My dwarf) be a complete fanatic, blindly loyal to Armok and his (Armok's) chosen champion, Queen Urist."

127
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Blockedlance - An Empire to Last 1,000 Years
« on: June 19, 2010, 07:06:51 pm »
So I read through this... all 130 pages... and its awesome... Its half the reason I registered on these forums.

If theres any room, could you add me?  Preferrably male, but female wouldn't bother me.  I'd like my Dwarf to be a sort of warrior priest... Mace wielder would be most appropriate, but hammer or axe would be fine.  As for a story, he could be a high ranking member of the church of Armok, though below the high priest and priestess of course.  Perhaps he could have a role in sacrifices... Gather a large number of prisoners and slaughter them all! Let the blood flow! That sort of thing.  He'd be a complete fanatic, blindly loyal to Armok and his chosen champion, Queen Urist.

128
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Everfrost, the Frigid Citadel
« on: June 18, 2010, 08:47:20 pm »
So... this is interesting...

Its the late summer of year 25.  A vile force of darkness arrives... I'm being sieged by Gnolls... Only the Gnolls are stupid and spawned on the other side of the river.  They have no way of reaching me.

So I order my Dwarves to build a bridge so they can reach me, get captured in cage traps, and be used as live combat training.

But then another vile force of darkness arrives... Snakemen this time... also on the wrong side of the river.  Now, Snakemen can swim, so they aren't AS stupid for spawning on the wrong side of the river... but still...

At this point I'm wondering if the two armies will fight eachother...

Or maybe the Snakemen will cross the river and it will freeze JUST as they're swimming across...

Or maybe the Snakemen will cross the river, make it to my fortress, get captured, then I build the bridge and the Gnolls do the exact same thing as the Snakemen... But that would be boring.

Edit: Heres how pathetic Gnolls are... After dealing with that last siege, I continue for a while.  The freeze comes and I have the miners mine some ice.  Oh no, two of them are ambushed by a group of Gnolls!  Looks like I'm going to have some dead miners on my hands!  The first Gnoll attacks, the Miner blocks it and counterattacks with his pickaxe.  The first hit breaks the Gnoll's head and skull.  The rest run away because ONE of them wounded by a lucky shot.  Those hairy bastards are so pathetic that my civilian Dwarves can fight off their ambushes.

129
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Everfrost, the Frigid Citadel
« on: June 16, 2010, 03:27:12 pm »
Drafting him into the military now.


130
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Everfrost, the Frigid Citadel
« on: June 16, 2010, 03:07:46 pm »
Well since Le Chef is your dwarf, I think it'd be more appropriate if you wrote it... or atleast told me what to say about him.

Heres what I got about him so far...



Any objections to giving him a Frenchie accent instead of the typical Dwarf one whenever he talks?

131
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Everfrost, the Frigid Citadel
« on: June 16, 2010, 02:45:58 pm »
Ochita, I've given you the metalcrafter, and I'm willing to turn him military if you like since hes only adequate in metalcrafting and has no other skills, but no swords.  Axes, Hammers, and Crossbows... Swords just aren't Dwarfy enough.  No Dwarf would be caught dead wielding one, even if the Dwarf did do artwork of Dwarves and Elves mingleing. (by which I sincerely hope you mean Dwarves splattered with Elf blood... yes, lets go with that)

------

Chapter 3 – A Looming Threat
Year 23

An entry from the logbook of Bookworm, expedition leader of Everfrost, the Frigid Citadel.

”5th Slate, Year 23.

Migrants… so many damned migrants.  There are now 45 of us in total.  I was sure appointing that madman as chief medical Dwarf would scare them off… Stop them from coming… But no, they’re relentless! Our numbers have nearly doubled since last year… Do these fools value their lives at all?

Its confounding… Our numbers are too many already.  Our shelter is inadequate and defenses non-existent.  There is no way we can possibly hide 45 Dwarves from our enemies.  I fear we will encounter our first Goblin soon and I fear for our survival.

The news is not all bad though… Among the migrants were two Dwarves who will prove valuable in setting up our defenses.  First, a mechanic named Soapgear… I have no clue what kind of name Soapgear is, but I digress...  Once we strike stone, his services will prove useful.  Second, a Dwarf with military experience, Steelbeard.  I’ve appointed him head of our military.  Though we currently lack weapons or armor, I hope to have a passable force by the end of the year.”

“GOBLIN!!!”
The call rang out across the area.  It was a fisherdwarf, Carpbait who had spotted the green bastard.  The barely-trained military sprang into action, but none were nearby the Goblin was spotted.  After a long chase, the Goblin escaped.  Immediately afterwards, the Elven caravan arrived.  The timing was too perfect.  Though he couldn’t prove it, Bookworm KNEW the Elves and Goblins were working together.
Bookwork sought out Steelbeard and gave him an order “When the Elves arrive, take everythin’ they have that’s edible... They can keep their worthless trinkets. If they object, I want ‘em beaten but left alive as an example to their kin. Their rudeness was one thing, but leadin’ Goblins to our home is unforgivable.”
Steelbeard nodded “Of course”
As Bookworm returned to his work, he could hear the indignant cries of the traders followed by yells of pain and the telltale sound of a beating.  He smirked with satisfaction… Serves them right for having the nerve to send traders after the way the last ones had behaved.

It was Late-Summer and Bookworm was sitting outside watching the military train.  Their progress was taking too long… If Goblins were to attack now, the lot of them would be slaughtered.  This was unacceptable, but there was almost nothing Bookworm could do about it.  As he sat on the hill, he noticed a Human caravan in the distance.  Humans were acceptable… They didn’t try to impose their will on Dwarvenkind and had the decency to kill any scum that might follow them.  They were no more trustworthy than any other non-Dwarf, but they didn’t ask to be trusted… only to trade.  Furthermore, their goods, while inferior to Dwarven craft, were still useful.
“WE’RE UNDER ATTACK!!!” yelled Le Chef, who had been brewing Prickle Berry Wine at the top of the hill.  Five Gnolls...  Filthy, mangy, flea-ridden mongrels had followed the yearly Dwarf caravan and were climbing towards the Trade Depot with alarming speed.  Steelbeard rallied his men to engage the enemy, but by the time they arrived, the Caravan guard was already locked in combat.  The combined force easily overwhelmed Gnolls.  At the end of the day, two Gnolls had died and the rest had fled.

That night there was a great party in the lower dining hall.  Steelbeard and his men were feasting and drinking as if they hadn’t had anything all season.  All work had grinded to a halt as the Dwarves came to listen to his tales of the battle.
“So we saw a group of Gnolls climbin’ the hill” he said “There were more than I could count…”
“Musta been atleast 50!” said a different Dwarf.
“More like 70!” said another.”
“Well, regardless of how many there were” Steelbeard continued, “We knew we had to stop ‘em before they hurt anyone.  The savage horde climbed the hill and it was just the 8 of us defendin’ our home… no weapons… no armor, just pure Dwarven muscle.  They advanced on us, snarlin’ and growlin’ and wantin’ our blood… it was terrifyin’… a lesser Dwarf woulda crapped hisself on the spot… but not my Dwarves, we had our duty! We’d save the fortress or die tryin’! Anythin’ less and we may as well shave our beards and start livin’ with the Elves!”
Steelbeard took a swig of his ale.
“So we threw ourselves into the Gnolls.  I killed the first two with my bare hands, but the rest were circlin’ us.  Things were lookin’ grim.  One of the beasts swung his hammer for my head, but I caught it mid-swing and wrestled it out of his hands.  I smashed the skulls of the next three in with ease and tossed their weapons to the others.  We were a slashin’, hackin’, swingin’ Dwarven tornado o’ death… Hairy brutes never stood a chance.”
The entire dining hall burst into applause.  As the clapping thinned out, one person could still be heard… clapping slowly… mockingly…
Bookworm emerged from the back of the crowd. “Yes, how very brave of yeh.  Not only did yeh fail to spot the Gnolls comin’… Not only did yeh force the caravan guard to save the lot of us from bein’ slaughtered like cattle… Not only did yer incompetence prevent us from bein’ able to trade for vital supplies as the traders ran for cover and their guards chased the Gnolls off… but worst of all, yeh allowed ‘em to escape.”
The room went silent.
“A mere five Gnolls… Five Gnolls is no attack force.  Five Gnolls is a scoutin’ force, and yeh allowed three of ‘em to get away… To return to their masters to and report their findings.  Enjoy the ale while yeh can… because when the Gnolls return with a real attack force and overcome our pathetic defenses, there will be nothin’ for any of yeh to celebrate.  If any of yeh would like to live, I suggest yeh get off yer asses and get back to work while there’s still time.  There are far worse threats than Gnolls out there…”

After that, labor continued on schedule.  The military was upset, but it needed to be done.  Bookworm was meeting with Earthmover and Stonecutter.
“How much longer until the walls are finished?” he asked.
“The main walls are almost done… the interior is barren, but it should be livable by Spring.” Stonecutter replied.
“Good. How about the land itself?” asked Bookworm.
“Stonestrike and Rocksmasher are diggin’ right now.  We’ve already stripped enough away to start the western towers and the rest of the walls.  Most of the remainin’ work is just landscapin’ at this point.” Said Earthmover.
“Good, good… Have ‘em put off the landscapin’ for now.  I want the miners to start on the fortress proper by the beginnin’ of next year. As soon as the main walls are finished, start diggin’.”
Bookworm walked over to a new barrel of Strawberry Wine and tapped it.  He then filled three cups of it and gave Earthmover and Stonecutter each one.
“The others don’t seem to realize the severity of our situation. Enemies surround us on all sides… Trees, Goblins, Kobolds, even Snakemen have been spotted lurkin’ around our home. Gnolls have even sent a scoutin’ party to size up our defenses.  For three long years, we have been forced to live like Humans, it’s time for us to live like Dwarves again!”
The three Dwarves drank.

------

Truth of the attack: There was one lasher and four swordsmen.  The caravan guards killed the lasher and wounded one of the swordsmen by the time my militia arrived.  The other three swordsmen were already running by this point.  I’m willing to bet that I would have lost a couple of Dwarves if the Gnolls hadn’t attacked within sight of the caravan or if they had brought bows or crossbows. The fact that Gnolls are weaker than Goblins probably helped too…

It makes for a weak story, but I’ve got no problem admitting my military is pretty pathetic right now.  I’m thinking I’ll build some cage traps, disarm the next invaders that attack and give my military some live combat training.

------

Meet the Dwarves
Earthmover – Born: 36 years before the start of the current age
Earthmover is a 59 year old female Dwarf.  Her long, auburn hair is braided.  She has burnt umber skin and copper eyes.

Earthmover is the head miner at Imnisgak Isholmestthos.  She currently has two Dwarves working under her, Stonestrike and Rocksmasher.  Before working at the fortress, Earthmover worked as an independent miner for hire.  While Earthmover usually has a good sense of humor, she does not tolerate people questioning her work or making ridiculous demands.  Her solution to those who do typically involved magma.

------

Legendary Dwarves
Earthhmover (Miner)
Stonestrike (Miner)
Rocksmasher (Miner)
Treeslayer (Woodcutter)
Woodbane (Woodcutter)
Brickhead (Mason)
Greenthumb (Planter)
Weedpicker (Herbalist)

Currently Unnamed Dwarves
Male Carpenter/Woodcrafter
Female Mason/Stonecrafter
Three Female Weaponsmiths
Female Blacksmith
Male Jeweler
Male Stonecrafter/Mason
Two Female Bonecrafters
Female Weaver/Clothier
Female Fisherdwarf
Female Butcher/Tanner
Male Planter
Female Brewer/Cook
Female Soapmaker
Male Child (Age 1) (Son of Derek Soulchopper and an unnamed female future military dwarf)
Female Child (Age 10) (Daughter of Soapgear and the unnamed female Soapmaker… hey, maybe that’s why he calls himself Soapgear!)
6 military dwarves (2 male, 4  female)

132
DF Dwarf Mode Discussion / Military Deactivating to Eat and Drink
« on: June 15, 2010, 02:54:49 pm »
I'm trying to establish a military for my fortress.  I've ordered them to train, but I've noticed that my military dwarves are turning back into civilians whenever they get too hungry or thirsty.

Thuis constant activating and deactivating is making my military dwarves miserable and I don't know what to do to make them stop.  Its not helping that they seem to wait quite a while before actually going to get food and drink.

They aren't quite at the point of tantruming yet, what should I do to stop things from getting worse (while still having them train of course)?

133
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Everfrost, the Frigid Citadel
« on: June 15, 2010, 02:15:00 pm »
Its still early... Le Chef is in there already... I think I gave you the unnamed cook with the highest cooking skill... I just haven't gotten around to setting up much involving food beyond the essentials yet.

134
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Everfrost, the Frigid Citadel
« on: June 14, 2010, 04:39:55 pm »
Chapter 2 – Diplomacy with Elves
Year 22

“Damned Liaison, having his guards break my door.” Bookworm muttered “I’m upgrading to steel as soon as I get the chance.”
Bookworm eyed the splintered remains of his door for a few seconds.  He let out a sigh and then went to find Woodbutcher, who was gorging himself on what little meat remained.
“Whachaneedboss?” He asked through mouthfuls
“A door.” Bookworm replied, dropping an armful of splinters at Woodbutcher’s feet. “And use the strongest wood we have available.”
Woodbutcher nodded and started on a fresh barrel of Dwarven ale.  Bookworm knew nothing would make him get off his ass any sooner and returned to his office.  No sooner than he had sat down at his desk did Bookworm hear a horrible sound.
“Hi everybody!” said a Dwarf standing in his doorway.  There were 7 in total, standing there.  Most were nameless, faceless migrants…  Useless layabouts that kept coming in swarms.  However, he recognized the Dwarf who had spoke… the one at the front of the croud.  This Dwarf was a madman even by Dwarven standards… He had been kicked out of the Mountainhomes for butchering helpless injured Dwarves who had come to him for medical treatment… And now he stood in the Bookworm’s doorway, wearing a stained and disheveled doctor’s robe.
Bookworm sighed and replied “High Dr. Nick…”
The madman stood there, smiling in oblivious joy.
“I suppose yeh want to live here.” Bookworm continued
Dr. Nick started nodding, still wearing his insane grin.
“Listen doctor, I’m going to be straight with yeh.  I won’t turn away the rest, but there is absolutely no way…” Bookworm started… but then he had an idea.  A horrible idea, but an idea that would end his immigration woes once and for all.  A sadistic grin appeared on Bookworm’s face, not unlike the one Dr. Nick was still wearing. “There’s absolutely no way I would turn down the services of a qualified medical professional such as yerself.  In fact… In fact, I would like to offer yeh the position of chief medical Dwarf here at Imnishgak Isholmestthos.”
The doctor’s face beamed. “Oh goodie, I’ll go get my hacksaw!” he declared with far too much enthusiasm.
The other migrants were speechless.  After a few seconds, they shuffled out of the doorway, leaving Bookworm in peace.  Bookworm let out a little laugh.  Word of Dr. Nick’s appointment would spread quickly, and if that didn’t deter migrants, nothing would.  Bookworm couldn’t help but be satisfied with himself.

The next few weeks passed quickly.  Trees were slain, the hill was getting smaller and smaller each day, and the Eastern wall was nearly completed.  Best of all, there had been no new migrants.  Bookworm was in his office as always, admiring his new door.  It was made from Highwood and while it was no masterpiece, Woodbutcher had done a good job making it.  The door swung open, smashing into Bookworm’s face and knocking him to the ground.
“Boss! We’re under attack!” yelled Brickhead, standing in the doorway.
Bookworm got to his feet and wiped the blood from under his nose. “Dammit, this is why I usually keep the door locked! Whose attacking us?”
“It’s Elves! The trees must’ve tipped off the pointy eared bastards!”
Bookworm stepped outside and looked down the hill.  The Elves had indeed come, but it wasn’t an attack.  They were transporting goods to trade and they were completely unarmed.  Bookworm whacked Brickhead over the head and scolded him.
“Does it look like a damn attack to yeh? How many people do yeh know who attack yeh unarmed and with Donkeys carrying trade goods!?”
Bookworm watched as the Elves made their way to the trade depot.  One of the Elves approached and introduced herself.
“I am Idala Wamiwanda.” The Elf woman then gestured to the other Elf. “That is Tira Thaciracal.  We have heard about your settlement and come to trade with you.”
“She means the trees tipped ‘em off.” Treeslayer muttered to Bookworm as he passed by.
“It’s nice to meet yeh ladies” Bookworm said, ignoring the woodcutter.  He then put his hand forward as a show of friendship.
Tira coughed. “I’m a man actually.” He said, unamused.
Bookworm gave a confused look.  “Really? Wheres yer beard?”
“Can’t be a man without a beard!” Greenthumb chimed in, dropping a bin of crafts at the depot.
Idala let out a patronizing laugh. Tira remained silent. After an awkward moment Bookworm withdrew his hand, knowing neither Elf would have the courtesy to shake it.
“So… yeh’ve come to trade?” Asked Bookworm, trying to change the subject.
“Yes” replied Idala “What do you have to offer?”
“Well, we’ve not got much yet, but we have a nice assortment of crafts we’d be willin’ to part with.”
Idala peered inside of the bin.  Her expression quickly changed from one of amusement and curiosity to one of disgust and horror.
“What have you savages done!?” she asked, holding up a pine earring.
“We savages have made a fine craft that most would be honored to trade fer.” He replied.
“You’ve murdered a once-glorious tree to make a worthless bauble!” she said, tossing the earring in the mud.
“How is it any different than what you’ve done?” Bookworm asked, picking up a cedar bucket from a pile of Elven goods.
“That is entirely different!” yelled Tira, snatching the bucket back. “If you hairy mongrels cannot understand that then our business here is done!”
“Fine, leave!” Bookworm retorted “But I think we’ll be taking anything edible you have as a parting gift.”
“Why would we give you anything!?” asked Tira.
The Elf felt a quick jab in his back.  He turned to see Treeslayer standing behind him holding his axe threateningly.
“I think yeh’ll be letting us take whatever we like, yeh androgynes twit. And I think yeh’ll be thanking us fer lightening yer load fer the return trip.” said Bookworm with a grin.
“Fine.” Said Idala, gritting her teeth “But you’ll soon regret your lack of etiquette.”
The Elves quickly packed up what goods hadn’t been seized and embarked.
As the Elves departed, Bookworm climbed to the top of the hill and yelled to them “Be sure to come back next year!”
“We could always use the extra food!” yelled Earthmover as they passed.

Bookworm made a note to himself: Never leave the booze outside.  The food surplus had grown to the point where it could not all fit inside their makeshift shelter.  Normally this wouldn’t be a problem, but a grizzly bear had wandered into their camp. No one was willing to stop it from helping itself to whatever it could get its paws on.  Still, watching the beast carelessly guzzle their booze made Bookworm think about how weak their position was.  There were no mechanics or stone… Traps were impossible.  They had yet to establish a steel industry… Weapons and arms would have to be imported to establish a military. The only hostilities so far had been from the wildlife, a few Kobolds who were more annoying than anything, a single Gnoll thief who had wounded Brickhead before running away, and of course, the insufferable Elves, but Bookworm feared what might be coming.  The bear was eventually slain by the Dwarven caravan guards, but the incident had increased Bookworm’s security concerns greatly. Bookworm called a Dwarf into his office and instructed her to sit.
“Yer name is Pyro, correct?” he asked, not really caring.
“Yep.” She replied.
“So with a name like that, it would be safe to assume yeh know a thing or two about burning things, correct?”
She smiled. “Indeed I do, who do yeh need burned?”
Bookworm was surprised, but not entirely opposed to the idea. “Oh, nothing like that… at least not fer now.” He continued “Yeh see… we have quite a lot of logs just lying around and I’d it if we could turn them into something more useful… charcoal perhaps.”
Pyro grinned “Of course.”

In Mid-Winter, Brickhead stopped working.  Bookworm assumed she was still angry about the Gnoll attack, but she wouldn’t talk to anyone.  She stole some stone and wood and holed up one of the workshops.
“Fine” Bookworm muttered to himself a few days after she entered her trance “If she doesn’t want to work, she doesn’t get to eat.  No rations fer her until she snaps out of it and gets back to work on the damn towers!”
 “That’s fine, I guess yeh won’t be wanting this then…” It was Brickhead’s voice.  Bookworm turned to see her standing behind him holding the most ornate armor stand he had ever seen.  The armor stand was made of kimberlite with spikes of calcite and highwood. “I call it Vunomkacoth… was gonna let yeh have it fer yer office, but I’m thinking it’ll look good in the communal sleeping area now.  Anyways, I’m gonna get back to work on that wall, and I think I’ll be taking extra rations fer the next few days… I feel like I could do more work than the rest of the masons combined now.”
Bookworm was speechless.

------

It seems Bookworm’s plan worked.  There were no new migrants for the rest of the year, a great victory for the Frigid Citadel.

The as of yet unnamed Fish Dissector/future military dwarf had a kid.  Goblin childsnatchers can’t show up soon enough.

Maybe the Elves that show up next year will have a bit more respect… Probably not, but the Dwarves aren’t going to tolerate outsiders coming to their home and insulting them.

The top two levels of the hill have been almost entirely stripped away by Earthmover and an unnamed migrant miner.  I’m hoping to start on the fortress proper by the end of the next year… enough with the damn wall, its already been built up more than it needs to be at this point.

If migrants come and none of them have a skill I actually want (mechanic, perhaps thresher, maybe a butcher) then I’m going to start locking them in tiny rooms to starve.

------

Meet the Dwarves
Brickhead – Born: 47 years before the start of the current age
Brickhead is a 69 year old female Dwarf.  She has straight, medium length, chestnut hair pulled into a ponytail.  She has brown skin and bronze eyes.

Brickhead has issues with authority and rules.  She is impatient and lacks empathy for others.  Perhaps this is why the Masons’ Guild was so eager to offer her services to the first group looking for a stoneworker. Despite her flaws, Brickhead is incredibly confident and a hard worker.

------

Legendary Dwarves
Earthhmover (Miner)
Unnamed Female Miner
Treeslayer (Woodcutter)
Brickhead (Mason)
Greenthumb (Planter)

Currently Unnamed Dwarves
Female Miner (legendary)
Female Carpenter/Woodcrafter
Female Mason
Two Female Weaponsmiths
Female Blacksmith
Male Metalcrafter
Two Female Bonecrafters
Male Fisherdwarf
Female Fisherdwarf
Female Brewer/Cook
Male Baby (Son of Derek Soulchopper and an unnamed female future military dwarf)
Three future military dwarves (1 male, 2 female)

135
DF Community Games & Stories / Re: Everfrost, the Frigid Citadel
« on: June 14, 2010, 01:51:16 pm »
Its not going to be succession.

It can be community to an extent though... I've got a few guidelines I'm going to stick to but input and claiming dwarves is welcome and encouraged.

To give some examples... As far as naming goes, I want the names to either be incredibly Dwarfy or match that dwarf's profession (or both!).  As far as military goes, I'm probably going to limit myself to axes, hammers, and crossbows... that sort of thing.

Oh, and I'm almost through year 22... had an encounter with the Elves... Humans as well but I didn't have anything to say about them really... There was an incident involving a grizzly bear... and now the Dwarven caravan is ariving.

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