Topic: [Succession Game] Hammerscar - Politics, rebellion and war. (Read 50242 times)

AustralianWinter · « **on:** November 11, 2012, 09:23:19 pm »

Hammerscar

The Declaration of Grimnir

I refuse to be broken. Might be that the Dwarven Empire is burning and growing old. Might be we are growing weak in our mountain halls. I refuse to end up like an old skeleton, gathering dust in a lavish tomb.

I prefer to go out fighting.

I prefer to go out, my axe bloody, my hand strained from a thousand cuts, my eyes burning with vengeance.

A true dwarf never forgives. Nor does he forget. Blood can only be repaid in blood. And by Armok, I swear, when my tower is done, it will be sailing on a sea of goblin blood - elven blood, human blood, whoever stands in our way.

While the King rots away in his living grave, I will built a monument to the iron will of the Dwarven people. A sword of stone, so tall, it will blot out the accursed sun, and cast a shadow across the land, a shadow so bleak, so long and so frightening, that they will remember our name.

We will not be forgotten. We will not be ignored. We will be remembered, if we have to carve our names into every single creature upon this world.

OOC

Right. Hammerscar is a succession game, with the goal of creating a very, very dwarven, very gory, very dark place. Perhaps a tower. Grimnir seems to think so. This is not a requirement, however. The focus is definitely on storytelling. And fire, steel, ash, blood and warfare.

Before I embark, I'd like to get a couple of dorfings in. Any one who wants a turn is wecome to write as well!

The Story of Hammerscar: An Overview

Hammerscar is founded by Grimnir, a disillusioned veteran, who despises the lax and luxurious lives the nobility live, while the common dwarves are oppressed and forgotten. He hopes Hammerscar to be a free place, where these common dwarves can gather, and in time, perhaps break free from the crown that he despises. Along with him comes Brewster - a skilled hunter who shares Grimnirs harsh view of nobility - Pan - a lesser noble who desires to see the world - and Reaver - an old friend of Grimnir's who are more coolheaded and charismatic.

During Grimnir's year as overseer, Hammerscar is established, and the fire of Grimnir's rebellion take root. Several dwarves from the Mountainhomes show up to join Hammerscar, in hope of freedom and prosperity - Among them Nix - a skilled warrior who involves himself with the forgehalls in Hammerscar - Nav - a blacksmith who joins up with the fortress - Sloth - who joins the growing military - Grau - a doctor - and Zombi - a gifted engraver. Along with them comes Tirion, a young inventor who hopes Hammerscar to be place of acceptance for him. Most newcomers share Grimnir's revolutionary ideas. Pan receives a letter from the nobility, in some way concerning what has to be done about Hammerscar, a thorn in the side of the dwarven Empire. Come spring, Grimnir hands over control of Hammerscar to Brewster.

Hammerscar continues to grow - several dwarves show up, hungry for freedom and a sense of purpose, and Hammerscar delivers (among those Bronze and Gavakis, who goes on to become the leader of a squad in the military). Brewster forms a squad of elite Marksmen (or at least, aspiring to be elite) called the Blackdiamond, who becomes a very large force of power in Hammerscar.

Fate will have it, that the elves show up. The revolutionary Dwarves of Hammerscar has absolutely no love of elves, as the stories of their cannibalism and ancient wars with them still lingers in their minds. The elves, however, are Allies of the Dwarven Empire. Hammerscar does its first act of rebellion, as it murders every single elven trader. Only Pan, mindful of the potentialy devastating consequences, objects, and in a strange act of symbolism, Nix constructs Kacothbobet, a golden crown. Interpreting this as a clear sign that the Dwarven Empire is weakening, bloodthirst takes over Hammerscar.

Everything, however, changes when the Blackdiamond murders the human traders. This takes aback about half of Hammerscar, and the split loyalty is felt at once. In the chaos and confusion, Brewster apoints Pan as the puppet overseer of Hammerscar, but in truth, the Blackdiamond is in control. Grimnir allies himself with Pan, and conspires to overthrow the Blackdiamond. This is the story, very shortly, up untill now.

The Factions of Hammerscar

The Loyalists

The loyalists are not blind to the weaknesses and troubles of the Dwarven Empire, but they trusts in it none-the-less, and believe that revolution and war is not the answer to the current schism. The Mountainhomes are of course the bastion of this opinion, and anyone openly expressing this viewpoint would be a fool to come to Hammerscar, a place that has openly declared its defiance of the Crown. In Hammerscar, this faction is led by Pan, a noble, who, while conflicted, still disagrees with the slaughter of the elves and the humans under Brewster. The Loyalist do not speak their minds. They bide their time and wait.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The Revolutionaries

Grimnir is disgruntled with the social unjustice and inequality in the Mountainhomes. His heart beats for the oppressed and the forgotten. But he is also a soldier, and while he served outstandingly in the Imperial Legion during the Goblin Wars, he grew embittered and disillusioned with the trade agreements and alliance the Crown established with the elves, an age-old enemy of the Dwarven People. Hammerscar is his vision and creation, and shile he is far from the tyrant or leader of the place, it is Grimnir's name the workers in the Mountainhomes whisper to one another.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The Radicals

Grimnir's ideas hold sway with the common dwarves. Some of them even take them too far. When the humans showed up at Hammerscar - a traditional ally of the dwarves - the current ruler, Brewster, ordered the execution of the traders, who were shot down in cold blood. This outraged Grimnir (and of course the loyalists, but that goes without saying), who was disgusted at what he perceived as uneccesary bloodshed, but Brewster is powerful in Hammerscar, and his brand of Dwarven Nationalism is even tougher than Grimnir's. Behind him is the Blackdiamond, an elite force of Markdwarves, who have defended Hammerscar on numorous occasions. The Blackdiamons are not only respected - they are loved. Brewster is willstrong and a man of action, and the common dwarves see in Brewster a fire and a conviction that rivals Grimnir's - if it is not stronger.

At this time, the Blackdiamon and Brewster are the true lords of Hammerscar.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

If anyone considers their character part of somewhere else than where I've put you, or if I've forgotten anyone who's not neutral, don't hesitate to tell me!

Turn List

Red = Done
Yellow = Current
Green = Skipped
White = Waiting

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Dwarfing List

Red = Dwarfed
White = Awaiting dwarfing
Stricken = Dead

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Updates so far:

Also: no mods, clean vanila-DF .11.

ReaverAxis · « **Reply #1 on:** November 11, 2012, 09:51:22 pm »

I'll take a turn and a dorf. Make him Reaver the male Axedwarf. Reaver is a charismatic soldier who desires to cut down anything that stands in his path. Ideally have him outfitted with as much armor as possible. He wishes to be a tank and an unstoppable force of destruction.

Brewster · « **Reply #2 on:** November 12, 2012, 08:53:01 am »

I'll take a dwarf & a turn.
Name: Brewster
Profession: Ranger
Armor: Leather
Weapon: Crossbow, Quiver, Bolts
Skills: Crossbow +4, Archery +4 Ambush +2

Preferring the art of stealth over bludgeoning his enemies, Brewster uses his crossbow. Skilled in hide and seek as a young child, he enjoys the thrill of the hunt. Waiting for the perfect moment to snipe an arrow straight into the heart of a wild beast. While on-duty he sits mounted on the walls, insuring the safety of those he's told to protect. He is wild and feral in appearance, due to his time outdoors, most mountain dwarfs have a difficult time relating to him. Silent and ever vigilant on top of the fortress walls, he waits for the moment to slay his enemies. Brewster has taken up the craft of bonecrafting in his spare time, making bolts from his victims bones.

Brewster · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2012, 07:57:28 am »

Scroll I

Brewster, called to be leader of the Blackdiamond by the blessings of Armok, and your comrade in the shadows. To the early recruits of the Blackdiamond in Hammerscar, to those whom made a pact and called to live in concealment, together with all who draw blood from afar. May precision and accuracy dwell in you.

I write to share the edict of this elite band. There is only one, to master your craft, and become lethal with your bow. Be it from refined practice at the rang, or in the savage thrill of the hunt. Continue to develop so when there is one shot that must strike true; you won't fail.

The rest of my letters will be the history of our founding, and the events and lessons learned throughout.

AustralianWinter · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2012, 08:18:04 am »

I'll fire this up, when I have had a nap. I am devastated from Drunk Fortress from yesterday, seriously.

Pan · « **Reply #5 on:** November 13, 2012, 09:19:26 am »

Name: Pan
Profession: Broker
Skills: +3 Appraiser, Judge of Intent, +2 for Persuader and Record Keeper

__________

A minor relative of royalty, Pan is a middle class noble who made a comfortable living dealing in logistics and supplies of the Empire's military campaigns. However, as the Empire's government sits passively and play games of power and popularity amongst themselves, the Empire's strength sits behind it's gates rusting away, and military excursions have largely been a thing of the past.

Pan's disillusionment in the political climate, and his own economical issues, has culminated in his willingness to follow some radical ___ (what is Grimnir?) off to found a military outpost. He believes his skills and position of highborn blood would be very much appreciated.

__________

I'll take a turn, and the dwarf.

Brewster · « **Reply #6 on:** November 13, 2012, 09:30:03 am »

Nice, few things more grim and dark then politics.
This shall be a very bloody fortress!

Edit: What graphics are we going to us? I think we should all use the same thing. I hate when I get crazy ascii cause someone else is using something different. But that's just me

AustralianWinter · « **Reply #7 on:** November 13, 2012, 12:06:30 pm »

I'll be using Phobius. The Lazy Newb Pack can change the graphics pack back to pure ASCII. I'll be using that, when my turn is done - the Reaver can use whatever tileset he prefers.

Also, I took the liberty of writing a bit of extra background information for each of your characters. I hope this is okay - if you disagree in any way, please let me know.

Check the OP for the stories.

Brewster · « **Reply #8 on:** November 13, 2012, 06:47:26 pm »

I like them... I'm ready for the blood bath!

AustralianWinter · « **Reply #9 on:** November 13, 2012, 07:22:14 pm »

Entry one: Glowing Embers

Grimnir had been looking over dozens of maps, made lists, checked and sharpened his axe three times, and he hadn't slept at all. His eyes were black with tire, and his writing was getting shaky. On his table, a candle was burning down, flickering as the wax disappeared. "A thousand cuts," mumbled the Dwarf, speaking to no one in particular. His eyes closed, just for a while, he told himself, he would not sleep. He wouldn't sleep yet.

When next he opened his eyes, Reaver had gently put a hand upon his shoulder. He had fallen asleep head down in the maps. "This is taking its toll on you, Grimnir," said Reaver, sternly. "Nonsense," mumbled Grimnir, shaking himself free from Reavers fist. He stood up, not willing to admit his sleepiness. He was shaking, and he was growing thinner. This expedition might be his dream, but he was toiling himself to death.

"I have bad news," Reaver said, his face showing no kind of emotion. "Now what?" answered Grimnir gravely, grabbing handfulls of water from a bowl, and splashing it unto his face. "None of the volounteers are farmers." Strangely, a smile turned up on Grimnirs face. "Very well. Bring two sheep, and someone who knows about wild herbs. We'll hunt and gather, if so be it." Reaver said nothing for a while. Then he left the room.

"A thousand cuts," mumbled Grimnir again, as if recalling something. He grabbed his maps, and left his room. There was much left to do.

NRDL · « **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2012, 07:26:00 pm »

I'd like just a dorf, in the first migrant wave, train any old mook from scratch with an axe if you can. Name him/her Nix please.

NAV · « **Reply #11 on:** November 13, 2012, 07:34:56 pm »

I would like to have a turn and a dwarf. preferably a smith, and trained with a hammer. Name him Nav.

AustralianWinter · « **Reply #12 on:** November 13, 2012, 07:45:34 pm »

Entry Two - Hammerscar and the First of Cuts

The king did not bother to show up for the farewells. Of course, there was family to everyone, some of them crying, others proud. None for Grimnir. His had died long ago, victims of the goblin wars. Grimnir himself did not concern himself with this. He checked the packs of food and weapons on the Yak Bull, counted the copper bolts, and scurried around, eager to get going. Reaver watched him with unease, not willing to insult his old friend by shoing concern, neither entirely satisfied with the situation.

When the last farewells had been said, Grimnir ordered the expedition to begin its long trek. The carriage started, the sound of heavy boots on stone ecchoed, and thus was the journey of the First of Cuts begun. Grimnir had named the group "First of Cuts" in some cruel form of humour. This sentence had burned itself into his mind, repeating itself in his dreams and in his thoughts.

As he walked, heavy in mind and feet, a younger dwarf walked up to him. He had a strange, knowledgeable smile on his face, his head shifting and moving reflexively, like a bird, a panther or some predator. Grimnir stared at him, expecting him to say something, anything really. This was not the case. Instead, the dwarf nodded at him, and fell behind.

"He's called Brewster," someone told Grimnir. The voice came from the carriage. Grimnir looked up, and stared into the eyes of a dwarf, clad in a heavy, excellently made cloak, clearly intended for travel. Expensive it was, Grimnir gathered. The face of the other dwarf was clad in shadows.

"I've been watching you for some time, Grimnir," the voice said. Grimnir knew who this was, he had been surprised when he had joined the expedition. He was Pan the Trader, skilled, wealthy. Grimnir nodded, not able to think of anything to say. When they made camp, he slept like a rock.

Thus follows two weeks of travel. In the fire of their campsites, strangers to one another became familiar. Not friends, not yet, but familiar with each other. Grimnir kept to himself, exactly what the intention of this outpost would be. Officialy, they'd be just another Mountain Hall of the Empire. In Grimnirs mind, they would forge it anew.

"Here it is," said the quick, smiling dwarf named Brewster. He was not a talkative dwarf - he only spoke when necessary. Mumbling, Grimnir found his maps. "Yes," he said quietly. "Here it is." None of them said anything. Then they took their picks, their axes and their tools. Here they would strike the earth. A thousand cuts would open up the ground, and the first was about to be struck.

For the first time in weeks, Grimnir smiled.

Pan · « **Reply #13 on:** November 13, 2012, 10:23:40 pm »

Would appreciate a profile of my dwarf's personality and thoughts. Oh, if it isn't too late... Can I have +1 in Persuader, +1 in Judge of Intent? I realized this too late...

__________

Will do my thing in a sec. Got class =\

Pan · « **Reply #14 on:** November 14, 2012, 07:47:53 am »

Pan first began to question the logic behind Grimnir's decisions, the day they set out of the Mountainhomes into all of winter's icy embrace. Granted, the ceremonial farewell had been well enough. There were cheers, a cask of aged liquor broken open. The heroes of the Mountainhome! Defenders of the realm! Kisses and flowers colorful fungus of the unwashed masses and relatives were the day's gifts. Pan even got a cloak from some kinsdwarf, a sable, thick, expensive piece of fabric with a scent of muskiness on it.

The following days' gifts were to be far less pleasant, as snow and hail storms buffeted them as they trekked through the treacherous overland for two weeks. Winter campaigns had never been Pan's most glamorous part of the job. Pan was glad of his musky black cloak then.

Brooding in his cloak, Pan had not been idle. Throughout the start and trip, Pan had stood back and sized up his allies. This 'Grimnir' fellow, in particular, stood out of a textbook group of axe wielding roughbeard peasants. As any well-to-do dwarf of the trade would do, sizing up down a dwarf and getting a feel of a potential business partner or rival was key. Grimnir is a stark, brooding dwarf of few words and phrases, who never spoke unless he was spoken to, and never spoke back with more than short words. Pan would at first mistake him for just any other sewer brew swilling veteran wallowing in self pity dreaming of greener pastures, and would certainly have had assumed so had they met in some tavern back in the Mountainhomes.

However, Pan had seen the fire in his eyes during his appeal in court, the determination in his actions, the passion when (in the rare event) he spoke, and a lack of long winded war stories commonly accompanying veterans absorbed in self pity. And so he had come with this Grimnir, to found this fortress of Hammerscar. Let's see what this fire within this Grimnir can forge.

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Author Topic: [Succession Game] Hammerscar - Politics, rebellion and war. (Read 50242 times)

AustralianWinter

[Succession Game] Hammerscar - Politics, rebellion and war.

ReaverAxis

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL

Brewster

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL

Brewster

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL

AustralianWinter

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL

Pan

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL

Brewster

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL

AustralianWinter

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL

Brewster

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL

AustralianWinter

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL

NRDL

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL

NAV

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL

AustralianWinter

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL

Pan

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL

Pan

Re: Hammerscar - Succession game, concerning BLOOD AND WAR AND STEEL