===+ Journal of the Undying Overseer +===1st of Granite, 154
Through the same dark magics which ended my life, I once again walk these halls. My body is scarred beyond belief. My mind, while still my own, is changed. I no longer feel the sways of emotion as I once did. I am of Thunennökor, the living dead.
My living comrades were initially distrustful, but by now they have realized that I retain my old loyalties. With only four of us left, they have no choice but to accept my help.
Communication is still difficult, owing to my unfortunate inability to speak. We get by well enough with writing and hand gestures. While they maintain an admirable level of discipline, the stress of our situation is no-doubt mounting on the living. Laterigrade in particular has complained about the isolation he must endure for safety. Perhaps this is why he agreed to pass the position of overseer on to me. Death stilled my heart and left me with only cold logic and steely determination. I can endure any test of will and make the decisions necessary for our survival. I will see us through this crisis, one way or the other.
Initial assessment of Smallhands and goals for its long-term survival.This place is a maze, and memories of my past life are often too foggy to be of help. Nevertheless, I believe I have a general idea of our situation here.
Our food and drink stocks could last the two dwarves who still need them for years, and our farms are still safe to use. Our position is secure for now.
However, without a flow of new blood, it is inevitable that our fortress will become nought but a home of death. We must ensure the safety of new migrants. To that end, our first goal must be to deal with the zombie hordes above and break this accursed siege.
I would like to reclaim our main stairwell and rescue my undead sister, but she is still locked in eternal combat with that infernal echidna.
Her fighting and dodging abilities have become legendary while dealing with that thing. It can barely touch her now, and she is brutalizing it in ways I have a hard time understanding.
Unfortunately, the echidna stays rolled up in a ball, not exposing any vulnerable parts. Coupled with its undead durability, she can’t get a killing blow on it. Proper weapons are needed to end its reign of terror, but I’m reluctant to send our two living dwarves to assist. The numerous corpses of previous contenders are proof enough of the danger. I won’t try until I can provide them with at least basic armour.
The cage trap halls my predecessor has laid out are strangely designed, but the intention is clear enough. Once completed, they should serve to capture the zombies on the surface.
The undead animals inside are another problem, but they’re contained for now. Once the main stairway is cleared, we can complete the labyrinth and lead them through there. The traps already present will hopefully be enough to deal with them.
Our first priorities are clear. We must gather wood, both for cages and for charcoal. The caverns seem safe at the moment and we should take immediate advantage of that.
Next, at the very least we must forge two helmets for our living dwarves. With them and some weapons from our stockpile, they should be able to deal with the echidna and free our poor undead diplomat. I imagine she will also be unable to speak or perform complex new labors, but an extra set of hands will be appreciated. More importantly, she will be a great boon when dealing with our numerous corpses. The living put on a brave face, but I suspect they will be strongly affected by seeing the brutalized remains of their loved ones. That unfortunate reality should be hidden from them as quickly and quietly as possible.
Finally, we must end the zombie occupation of our surface. No more death will come of our complacency. By the time the caravans come, this nightmare will be over.
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Topic: Smallhands - nearly 40 years and still tiny! (Read 410717 times)