Part 4: In which the second year begins
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From the Journal of Gnorm:
4th Granite, 552
In my excitement over finally having metal bars in the town I had completely forgotten that we have no sort of anvil to work with. Thus, I have ordered our metal to be melted into a crude substitute, until we can either forge or purchase a superior one.
I worry that our captain is not getting the best training on her own. Perhaps I shall find her a sparring partner when the next wave of migrants comes.
From an Official Mayoral Mandate, Dated 5th Granite, 522:
Citizens of Mastertea,
Due to their use, cultural importance, and scarcity in our settlement, the export of boxes and bags is strictly forbidden until further notice.
Signed,
Gnorm Greenwitch, Mayor of Mastertea
From the Journal of Gnorm:
19th Granite, 552
Unbelievable! Since our blacksmith was on a break, I told the presser to handle the anvil production. I told him to simply melt a bar into a sort of an anvil-esque shape. When I returned later, I found him and some workers lugging off a whole supply of them!
I don't know how he managed to make so many anvils with just one bar, but I don't think that we'll even need to purchase another one.
By the gods! we're rich!
10th Slate, 552
The first babies of our town have been born, and our stone crafter has become a loving mother of three.
The two sons are Fairy Lovingplain and Aether Volegreen, respectively. The daughter is named Expedition Halflingpast, an honorable name for any halfling, in my opinion.
18th Slate, 552
Another migrant wave; it's time once again to list off the incoming professions.
1 Animal Caretaker
1 Blacksmith
1 Trapper
1 Pack Beetle Nymph
1 Leatherworker
3 Clothiers
1 Cook
1 Golden Mamaphint Miller (Pet)
1 Weaver
3 Mallard (Pets)
1 Bombus Nymph
1 Tanner
In other news, the captain has given birth to a daughter named Stupidity Titdragon. With all due respect to our dear captain, I have no idea what she was thinking.
Our total population is now 33 halflings (4 of which are babies), 4 pets, 1 caged hound, and 4 livestock animals.
21st Slate, 552
Today our miner and our woodcutter from the original expedition team have been married to each other. While they have decided to forego any formal celebrations, there is an air of jubilation about the hamlet.
In other uplifting news, we now have meteoric iron at our disposal. The captain shall be pleased.
2nd Felsite, 552
We have had another marriage today, again between two of our original expedition team. They have, as the others did, forgone any formal festivities.
3rd Felsite, 552
We finally have metal equipment for our captain. She is quite pleased. I shall try to find her some subordinates soon.
7th Felsite, 552
Progress occurs! I have at last begun to plan out the first walls of our future town hall! It shall be my home and workplace in this hamlet. In addition, I am considering plans to dig beneath the cavern to see what exists beneath.
12th Felsite, 552
A merchant caravan and a diplomat from our civilization are nearing our hamlet. I have taken immediate measures to ensure that they are properly received. Many anvils and pipes have been ordered to be moved to the depot.
13th Felsite, 552
A forested caravan has arrived now, and, as the last one did, it uneases me. I am considering sending my troops against it.
19th Felsite, 552
Today I, once again, attempted to trade with the elfish merchants.
And, once again, I found them to have absolutely nothing of use.
Trade with my fellow halflings got me much more in the means of useful items. Even if many of the things that I bought were over-priced seeds, they are still more useful than the elves and their cheap wood. At the very least, I bought a new sort of metal from the caravans.
25th Felsite, 552
I met with the diplomat today. As always, he asked me what I need. I answered that we needed new sorts of seeds for our farms. In return, he informed me that cut gems were "in vogue" and that many merchants would pay top dollar. Gems, unfortunately, are something that we have never had an access to.
2nd Hematite, 552
I hardly noticed when the seasons changed. It is now the second Summer of Mastertea's existence. I must say, while it still hardly qualifies as a hamlet, we are progressing. Once our town hall is finished, I'll commission a jail and a hospital.
Our captain now has two subordinates that she has begun to train. I have confidence that they shall become fine soldiers. I have nothing but high hopes for the future of this hamlet!
Supplementary Entry
Gods! the dining hall is coated in vomit!