(
A list of names, presumably those of the settlers, is written on a piece of parchment tucked inside the journal. It is as follows:The Golden Fellowship
Rakust Idduthnur, Miner & Expedition Leader
Catten Avuzrinul, Miner
Urdim Abanulzest, Woodworker
Inod Edemducim, Mason & Engraver
Minkot Olinostuk, Gatherer & Farmer
Morul Amosturdim, Cook & Brewer
Zefon Rigothlorsith, Mechanic & Bookkeeper
By decree of Her Majesty, Queen Kel Kilrudtogal, you seven are to found Outpost Idatol, "Rockstruth," at the base of the Old Tooth. May Okosh watch over and protect you as you travel through perilous lands, for the glory of Reg Kethil.)
I am Rakust Idduthnur, leader of The Golden Fellowship, and the leader of this 'glorious' new outpost, Idatol, 'Rockstruth.' As I write this, I am squirreled away in a small, concealed cavern with my six fellow settlers, unsure if we will survive the night. If we do not, I ask only that you read my story, and that you bring this journal back to Reg Kethil... back to the Mountainhomes.
It started out simply enough. Our mission was to found a new outpost, an impenetrable fortress on the fringes of goblin territory, a place to resupply the armies of Reg Kethil as they marched against the goblin threat. My party of seven was to stealthily lay the foundations, with the promise of more hands to come once we had fortified our position. So we embarked, bringing only a small wagon with the bare minimum of supplies needed for the journey, as well as a few animals.
We were prepared to avoid goblins as we made our way to our destination. We were not, however, prepared for the kobolds.
How the scouts missed their cave, I'll never know, but as our destination came into view below, and we prepared to carve a ramp for the wagon, we were ambushed. Two of the stinking creatures charged us with spears, while three others raised bows. Fortunately, our animals leapt to our defense, one brave dog coming between myself and a filthy kobold spear, impaling himself to protect my life. The bull took an arrow to the leg, and, becoming enraged, bellowed and charged the enemy ranks while we scrambled for the wagon. We only grabbed what we could carry, two picks and the axe, and did what dwarves do best; dug.
The bull distracted the kobolds long enough for us to make our getaway, digging a quick path down the cliff and sealing it up immediately, but we had to abandon the wagon, and our supplies with it. We dug out a small cavern, constructed a temporary farm, hidden in a sunny nook, and planted what seeds we could scavenge. With any luck, we'll have food soon, and drink... and perhaps the other kobolds won't find us.
- Journal of Rakust Idduthnur, 6th Granite, 1051
(So... yeah. Embarked right on top of a kobold cave, and the following battle and escape inspired me. Particularly the bull charging the bowbolds, he took out two of them before they brought him down. Might add more to this later, provided everyone doesn't die.)
[ April 23, 2008: Message edited by: Tyrving ]
[ April 23, 2008: Message edited by: Tyrving ]