I decided to log into DF Forums during an off day at college, and peruse the loveliness that is the sociopathic but sweetly empathetic world of Dwarf Fortress.
Slowly, slowly, from deep within of my mind comes forth all of the stories and poems that I have seen over the many years I have been on this forum. The denizens of this forums has never ceased to amaze me with the creativity. There is so much poetry and song to go through, and I will sort it all here to the best of my ability.
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Let me bring forth a book for you to witness: the histories of the people, those that have passed on or those that are still with us. Where to begin, my friends? Where does the storyteller begin his story? I bring forth this book for you to pass on.
--From within his jacket, he withdraws a large book. A glazed look crosses his face as he begins to ponder where to begin.A song, I believe. Yes. A melody, can be found
here [
It is a masterpiece, written by the community, and played by Retro]. There were pages upon pages of lyrics that dwarves wrote and contributed to. The versions varied from home to home, but it was known as the "Epic Dwarven Drinking Song of Many Names". Sadly, the years passed on through. Some still sing it's sweet
lyrics [
Sung by Sluggie]. The words have been etched into
the books, and here I know where to find them. Within those pages was also
To the Bottle.
--Thumbs through a few more pages, and takes a long look the page. A small smile spreads on his face.Every year, Ortho Clause, or Urist McClause, the Merry Slayer of Elves, comes to the good Mountainhomes and delivers goodies to the dwarves that live under the mountains. If you listen, you may hear the voices still singing a song for him. His story was simple, if you care to divest some time into
hearing it. I believe it came to be in one of even mu own fortresses, so many years ago. The song is simple, and can be found on this
page if you are interested.
--A few pages later, he stops again, pointing to a picture of a book in the book.Ah, yes, yes. The Grimoire of Armok. This was a
collective work of the denizens that came before some of you. Does it fit with the category of poetry? There is some poetry involved in it, and it is definitely worth a read through. There are several books that were a compilation, and only a few were ever made. The
Book of Urist is the most completed, I believe, even though it is preceded by the
Book of WorldGenesis. The works were combined and filtered through by a squirrely man named Karakzon. Never knew what became of him. He started writing his last masterpiece, the
Book of Id, but I do not think it was completed.
--He pulls the book back, and flips through more pages. Without looking up, he begins again:The
Dwarven Haiku was an art form. There are nineteen pages devoted to the works of some of the brilliant minds that made them. It has been several years since anyone has tried one. I believe the writers of such works were generally a little rocks short of a bridge, if you catch my drift.
Along that note, even, there was an attempted
sonnet. What an idea! I think I have it written down...
here.
Some of these are epic recountings of battles fought, like the
Sad Plight of the Forgotten Beast and the Titan.
--He leans back in his chair.Sometimes, some people are just bound to make poetry, as the world we see is filled with epics. And all you need is a
ditty.
--Closing the book, he nods slowly. A history lesson for all of you. Inspiration from your comrades at arms, as they came before you.