"And our unspoken mission; to build up a new base of power to strike back at the elven scourge, and reclaim what they have stolen."Minkot Gebthob thought little of fortress life, focusing instead on her three favorite subjects: gemcutting, praying to Nitig, and laying down the law of the land with her silver hammer. It was only natural the dwarves would promote her to Captain of the Guard. Thus titled, she chose to raise two other militia memebers in the name of general defense:
Stinthad Archships and
Tirist Furyspears. "Stinthad, Tirist, gather close and listen." With permission from
Catten, the leader of this expedition, Minkot had relieved the two of their labours and now spoke to them in a secluded corner of the general temple.
"Out of our group, you two posess the greatest skill in combat. Let me teach you the way of the hammer, for even now the Elves approach. . ."
Stinthad, a tall muscular fellow who posessed the longest beard in the fortress, suggested that he might equip a crossbow and train as a ranger. But Minkot was quick to deny this.
"The elves live amongst the forest, training with their flimsy bows and wooden arrows from birth. Despite their frailty you would be no match to their assault squads. No, we will train you in the hammer, as is fit for our kind."
The two agreed after some discussion and this first squad was established, "The Granite Warriors".
===
The fortress was a-mess with stone and wood, but served the basic functions as well as one might expect. A dangerous well-digging operation the previous fall had given them an internal water source. However, no dwarf worked at planting, and in fact there seemed to be no attempt to muddy a farmroom. The stocks were thin, yet Spring was in the air and the outdoor plants budded fruitfully. Gatherers were sent forth to harvest leaves, pluck berries and dig for tubers.
===
That night, Minkot lay in bed with her pet duck, Besmar. Besmar quacked softly, falling asleep, while Minkot dreamt of a great project. A tower of battle, dedicated to Nitig, god of War and Fortresses. Therein the dwarves would lure the elven intruders and crush them with hammer and sword. It would need to be large, but not all that tall. Work would begin tomorrow.... and so Minkot planned in her mind as she dozed.
===
The masons went to work, and the stocks were reorganized for maximum efficiency. Blocks of microcline and dacite began to pile. Minkot chose a spare room and begun to train the militia, first in wrestling and dodging, then in the art of hammerfighting.
"Use your core muscles, but don't strain yourself, and stay aloof for their archers won't wait for the duel to finish!"
===
Summer arrived. The dwarves are well stocked. Work begins on the battle tower. The plans are extravagant. Will they be able to complete it before the elves arrive?
===
Autumn came, and went. The traders were given basic crafts for some food, beer, and cheese. Steel bars were requested, and weaponry, and they said next year they would give a good deal for any windows.
The battle tower is complete. Made from microcline and dacite, the inner courtyard contains an open moat full of streamwater. The cinnibar bridge is lever-linked and would provide safety during a difficult siege. However, the whole building lacks a roof and is susceptible to flying creatures.
Minkot is satisfied with the progress of the militia. Both trainees are now adept at hammerfighting, and the forges have produced many additional weapons should more fighters need equipment. For now, it is just the three of them.
===
That Winter, the dwarves relaxed, taking on only a few minor projects. A road was constructed, reaching towards the northern border and forested stream. A proper temple to Nitig, replete with silver statues, and ready for a priest.
As well, exploratory staircases were sunk to z-level 20, resulting in the discovery of native gold, cassiterite, and tetrahedrite.
One of the smaller bedrooms was forcefully vacated and the main gate lever was situated here, a point of high traffic, yet safe from gremlins.
Dirty gremlins.
===
Spring arrived, and Minkot's eyes flashed purple as the fey spirit left her body. The 20 dwarves were now without overseer - what new fascinations would take hold at Theaterdrum?
===
note: Our metalsmith died after going . . . insane? it is unclear. I only noticed after the turn was written sooo. I would keep an eye on our manager who is in a really poor mood despite having no listed qualms about the fortress. It might be due to his fielding of other's complaints - so maybe he simply needs a vacation.
I kept the layout very simple, and never breached the caverns. Also no migrants?! Is our civ dead or did I fail to trade enough wealth to attract them? I am unsure.
https://dffd.bay12games.com/file.php?id=16250thx for reading, and good luck to Grant!
