In
the days that follow, several motions come to the office of the Overseer. (a) Use the small stockpiles of Iridium (3 wafers) and/or Mithril (3 stones) to forge new commemorative weapons for Ishar or some of the other 'Anvils'? (b) Prioritize use of the next big batch of iron for Gauntlets, Greaves, and Boots? or for the Hall of the Mountain Kings? (c) Keep the gates open for trade? -- or closed for safety? Do we worry that there might be another ambush on the map? (d) Is it already time to grow the ranks of the military beyond 12? (The fort has 45 adults)
In fact, there is a whole separate committee meeting for Architectural suggestions: Put the Depot in a separate structure outside, so that the central keep can be locked down independently? -- Move the moat's bridge to the west side so that it's farther from the main gate? -- Move the bridge control levers downstairs? -- Redesign the plumbing for the well with a grate to deter swimming Masterwork Monsters (e.g. faedogs, or magmahounds)?
Full armor for all. Then hall of the mountainking. Bridge-Lever moved into dining hall (because idles hang around there) More melee fighters, less ranged ones, at least till they have full gear and some training on captured invaders/wildlife. Depot in an airlock, with only one 3tile way to the edge, to force spawn position of wagons, more puppies chained outside for earlier detection of ambushes.
This would be my vote. And please re-dwarf me, a fighter again, name: Mephistopheles. (my usual nick btw) Put a slab engraved to "Meph" in his room please at some point.
And kudos for the excellent text, was a very nice read.