Surgeon's Journal: SpringAs part of the initiation of all new overseers, dwarves can declare their desire for a new persona. We had 2 such dwarves approach me, and it has been entered into the official records.
One of our better miners has decided to be called Bismuth Lad. Has a thing for large gems and copper.
Upon hearing that he was part of the pending draft, one of the recruits wanted the codename Crazy Blades. The blades part is understandable, since he has some basic knowledge of swordsmanship. Crazy is a less desirable trait and he will be monitored closely.
As soon as the western bridge lowered and the exterior masonry plans in place, a runner approached from the lower quarters with tablet after tablet of complaints.
38 full tablets to be exact. All from dwarves currently in quarantine that were trying to haul items. I formally removed all labors from those secluded belowground and asked them to kindly not bother me again until they were able to rejoin the workforce.
While I'm on the subject of dwarves bothering the everliving daylight out of me, the miners guild are next on the list. Not long after work began on the new year, the emergency alarm sounded and a runner dispatched to me on a matter of utmost importance. I immediately sprinted down to the quarantine zone to see just how bad the situation was.
"What's the emergency? Cave-in? Magma flood? Don't tell me it was the Gorlak getting loose again!""The rock here is wet."
"I know it's wet. The dwarf-made lake is right above us. As long as you don't dig a shaft up, there won't be any issues.""Miner's Guild Rule #1. Any stone that's found to be wet or hot requires a full state of emergency."
"No, unexplored stone that's hot or wet needs to be examined closely. We know exactly where the water is. It's fine, trust me.""Rule #1. I have no say in the matter. Please be prompt in responding to the upcoming emergency alerts."
"You are really going to bring the entire fortress to a grinding halt dozens of times over this? No wonder the Overseership is considered so stressful"
I grit my teeth and told everyone to carry on. Eventually the miners carved out the new quarantine rooms and the alarms finally subsided. Work continued to progress around the fortress and my patience with the miners would eventually pay off. When the annual elven caravan and diplomat arrived, a shout from the depths brought good tidings.
The third cavern at last! The magma sea surely would be nearby as well. I ordered the cavern breach sealed off and redirected the miners to continue exploring the depths.
Meanwhile, my attendance at the meeting between Gwolfski and the elven diplomat was required.
The Duke was already aware of the current wagon highway project that was currently underway. Seeing how we probably will exceed their arbitrary quota before summer arrives, Gwolfski refused their request without much thought. Seeing how we are in the middle of a giant rainforest and trees aren't exactly scarce, the elves will have to deal with our presence. We will not budge for the goblins, and we certainly wont for the elves. If they are dumb enough to start a war with the mountainhome, they will regret it.
Perhaps in retaliation, the diplomat then went on the longest rendition of recent elven history imaginable.
Once he finally subsided, I headed to the depot to make sure the king's mandate was fulfilled properly.
Prepared meals traded = 110
Drinks traded = 4,925
We could not send anywhere close to all our food and drink to the mountainhome with the elves due to their limited pack animals. I suggested to the trader that they start growing some wagons. He seemed to take offense to this practical solution. I fear I will never understand their mindset. I was quite pleased with their animal selection however. The two bears and especially the giraffe will be welcome additions to the pastures. The other animals will be slaughtered for the exotic meats.
Trading completed, everyone began hauling excess pots back down to the stockpiles and resuming the various construction projects. Tranquility was not to last much further however.
Something is causing mass panic with the pastures?
Yes, harpies qualify as an issue that would need resolving. At first I rotated between the Shafts and the Assaults to try and predict where the harpies would strike, but they seemed much more interested in flying close enough to cause panic but not to actually attack anything. After a couple days, I requested that the Watch keep an eye out and attack them whenever they could, and sent the melee dwarves back to continue sparring in the barracks. The Watch assured me that they would handle it, and they seem competent enough.
Meanwhile, this happened:
Magma, at last! The warmth and power were a sight for sore eyes. I designated a magma collection area to be dug and an exploratory shaft on the level above to see if the adamantine spire extended upwards. Everyone is so busy as it is with construction that it might take a little while to be completed, but its good to have a plan in place.
Migrants arrived soon thereafter. 27 strong dwarves looking to provide for the empire. The metalsmith was the only one of any significance, but this many dwarves with no stress are a welcome sight and have been put to work.
As the migrants were getting settled a cheer rose up from the western part of the moat.
One of the harpies had been knocked into the moat by a swift bolt through her wing. The Watch focus fired her down without mercy. Having the corpse in the moat isnt ideal, but it will take quite some time before we can obsidianize it. Something to plan for to be sure. Another harpy was sniped atop the garbage chute shortly afterwards, while the third fled our lands in terror.
With spring winding down, a review of the season's tasks is in order.
Subject 1: StressThe quarantine improvements have been completed.
The four dwarves with the worst symptoms each have their own wings with a corresponding burrow to encompass both their rooms and the traditional quarantine zone. Animal therapy is a success for most, although having a caged horse in your bedroom seems like it would be a health concern.
While not as haggard as some of his fellows in the quarantine, it was good to see Bearskie's sprits up. He is close to snapping out of his funk, although a good rain would probably send him right back into it. Seeing how we are in a rainforest, he will remain in quarantine for additional treatments.
Bearskie announced throughout the fortress that he was throwing a party in the main dining hall to celebrate, then immediately realized that he couldn't actually go to the party. A few dwarves confirmed that they would attend and raise their glasses 'in his honor', but I'm of the opinion that they were looking for an excuse to hang out and drink to excess instead of work.
Subject 2: Clothing & Equipment IssuesI'm pleased to see that the clothing issues have been mostly resolved. One of the Watch is now missing both trousers and armor, which is a symptom of troubling mental issues. I asked May to make a couple more pieces of armor to see if this rectifies the issue. If not, more drastic actions may be required.
Subject 3: Labor OrganizationEveryone seems content with their new jobs. Most dwarves are currently employed with construction projects and idler count remains low. Construction is aggravatingly slow on the caravan highway network. Our people keep canceling their road designations due to logs in the way that are reserved for adjacent road sections. It will slowly but surely resolve itself with time.
Subject 4: MilitaryThe new barracks is in place (minus the floor paneling, which will be installed shortly), and armor/weapon production is underway. The draft has not been formally instituted yet, as we are still short on dwarfpower for construction and hauling.
The ground view of the barracks:
One level above:
The ramps allow caravans to travel above the barracks and into the fortress. The bridge is connected to the lever in the southwestern corner of the dining hall (properly notated with the N function), and is to be raised when under attack. This will force the goblins to enter the fortress through the barracks, where they will march single file into our waiting soldiers without the opportunity for enemy bowfire.
Subject 5: PasturesI'm not going to sit and watch the grass grow. It will happen as it happens.
Subject 6: Medical ScienceUnfortunately Kib Domasmorul, who was earmarked to be Patient 1, did not respond as intended to the initial clinical trial. Believed to be a lamentable fluke, minor corrections to the system have been instituted.
Subject 7: StocksSoap is now at an acceptable level, but production continues while convenient. Giant Olm tallow has been forbidden for cooking in order to ensure availability. Steel and galena smelting is ongoing. No change in other stock related issues.
Summer is here, and it is time for work to resume. To work we go!
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Topic: Breadbowl: a Succession Farm [42.06] - Breadbowl Ends (Read 424391 times)