3rd Hematite, 1051
We have a bit of a problem with farming at the moment. Though Libash Zoningul, the farmer, knows much of growing plants, she does not seem to have studied the mechanical or technical side of farming and irrigation. At the moment we are getting by on the food supplies we brought and any cave fish that Libash can catch, but our store of wine is becoming disturbingly low. As the only one of the group with any mechanical knowledge, it has fallen to me to design a working irrigation system. Irritatingly, a problem that would be solved easily by a couple of walls and a screw pump in my time has no such solution here, where such technology is unheard of. The dwarves do have a unique way of building floodgates, though, which involves channeling under the gate being built, and I hope I can use this to muddy a section of ground for a small farm plot.
10 Malachite, 1051
Most of the fortress is coming along well. We now have some bedrooms and a dining room dug out, and we are starting to expand our stockpile space. As none of my efforts to engineer an irrigation system have succeeded, I have suggested to Libash that she build her plots in the main corridor instead, which was muddied by the initial river flood. It is an imperfect solution, but for now it must suffice. In the meantime, I have set up a mechanic’s workshop for myself, and am constructing rock mechanisms so that we will have something to trade come fall. The others have a little more respect for me now that I’m a productive member of the fortress, and have even begun to come to me for advice on matters of architecture and engineering. I only hope I’m dwarf enough to live up to the trust they’re placing in me.
29 Malachite, 1051
Two immigrants have arrived at the fortress, more exiles from the Mountainhomes. They had quite a time getting in, as they were startled by our friend the giant scorpion and had to make a dash for the fortress. As a side note: our war dogs proved their willingness to defend the fortress; we had to lock them inside to keep them from confronting a foe who would surely defeat them, and even then they scratched and howled at the door, begging to join the fray.
Fortunately, the scorpion showed no desire to give chase, and the immigrants arrived safely, though one of them, Zas Onulnefek, a metal smith, dropped the anvil he had brought so far in his panic.
It is of little consequence. We will make sure to retrieve it later; as no magma has been found yet, it would hardly be of use anyway. In the meantime, Zas has volunteered to smooth the bedroom and dining room walls to keep himself busy. With him is his sister, Sodel Kironerith. She has developed no specialized skills, but she is eager to make herself useful, and learns quickly. I’m sure she’ll become an invaluable member of the fort. Though the two put more of a strain on our resources (Inod had to be quickly dispatched to find two more suitable trees for beds: not an easy task) I am sure they will contribute more than enough to make up for it. My companions have already found much in common with them, asking news of common relative and friends, eager for the latest from the Mountainhomes.
Listening to their stories I wish that I had paid more attention to history rather than focusing exclusively on the sciences. Knowing so little of the era and its customs, it is difficult to talk with the others at mealtimes for fear of making some horrible mistake, and I often take my meals alone in order to avoid that. I will continue to carefully sound out Onul-- she is the most understanding of the group--and eventually perhaps I can learn enough to blend in better.
Author
Topic: Mosus Mountainback: Journey to the past (Read 2459 times)