Hi everyone. I've just started to get into DF, I've been at it about 2 weeks now. I've rolled a lot of worlds, looking for good align temperate forests to no avail. The world I'm in right now has no aquifers so I can give the wetlands biome a try. Medium size, 125 year history.
I embarked in a 4x4 marshy area and started digging into the nearest hill. First thing I noticed was about 8 goblins and a leader, a large ambush or small siege worth. They were friendly and just hung out near the entrance. This bothered me but I figured, maybe FUN will ensue. Near them were a few bags and a chest, the containers and contents being of high quality and decorated. Coins of gold, silver and copper, forged by 2 different human blacksmiths, from different civs. Minted 60 and 80 years ago respectively. I claim them and my dwarves take the items inside. The goblins tell me nothing.
First year uneventful, dwarven caravan comes by, goblins hang out with the merchants while I trade. As we enter second year, more caravans come. My goblin pals pay no mind to the elves, but they slaughter the human caravan with impudence. I take the spoils, which they care not for, and ponder their motives.
It's now late spring, third year. An ambush by the river. My people flee in terror, and I order them into the base and behind the bridge. The ambushers run about and slaughter the most panicked dwarves. As they make their way towards the hillside entrance, I notice something. They are being engaged, but I have practically no military. Why, It's my goblin pals, come to same the day
The ambushers are sent packing. 8 dwarves lay dead, but were it not for the strange goblin neighbors I've made, many more could be, and we would be walled in for some time. I have no idea what the goblins are doing here, or why they like me. In the civ menu, the 5 common races are all present. Everyone is at peace as far as I can tell. I haven't checked Legends regarding the human-forged coins and their history; it's something to do when this fortress crumbles.