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[exodius1]

Hello everyone this is Exodius1.

This thread came to existence for several reasons:
1. I've gotten kind of attached to Shakecloistered and want to play with it some more;
2. I'm going to do some testing disguised as a RP, testing I was always interested in. No Spoilers Though
3. I really want to see how different two Shakecloistered will get.

So without further delay I humbly present to you Shakecloistered 1.5, The Spinoff to a [Succession  Fortress for Newbies]!

Important change is this is NOT a succession fort anymore. It is a community fort. You want a turn? Go to Original and ask. Here I will only allow claiming of dwarves.

Ok ok, but what is a premise you ask? Well it is simple, after becoming a Baron my character, Fikod "Exodius the First" Degtosid, decided he will be the sole overseer of Shakecloistered.

I spoke with some previous Overseers of Original and they allowed me to do that but only if it is non-canon to the main Shakecloistered story arc. Fine with me, I can go nuts becouse of that, including claiming of the dwarves.

If you are wondering about my style of writing I'll tell you it is horrible, if you do not believe me go to Original and checkout my turn.

For those who cannot be bothered to read it here is a basic version. At one point of Shakecloistered history manager became an Overseer. He promptly seized opportunity to amass as much power in fortress as possible grabbing empty Bookkeeper seat. Later on we started having problems with booze and so he was forced to take 51,000 Copper Coins loan from the King to avert another tantrum spiral. The same year he was proposed as a Baron. This allowed him to extend his power even more, to the point he usurped the fortress. His name was  Fikod "Exodius the First" Degtosid. And this is his story.

If you want a dwarf just say so, I'll add you as soon as overseer changes in the main thread, just to make sure we do not get same dwarf claimed twice. If this happens however on the next turn you get to keep your dwarf and I'll find a new one for overseer. I really would enjoy some more people in here. EDIT: We are dead, very very dead. No more player required^^

Spoiler: Story so far (click to show/hide)

After becoming overseer in 136 Exodius the First, manager of Shakecloisered, had seized an opportunity and took an office of Bookkeeper to maximise his political power in the Fortress. A little bit later fortress run into a booze problem forcing Exodius to take a loan for 51,000 copper coins*. Next year was rather uneventful, except for Exodius becoming a baron for selfish reasons disguised as an act of Altruism.

This is where story splits of from Original. In the Original Exodius was content with his seat as a baron/manager/bookkeeper and stepped down from the Overseer office leaving it to his rightful successor, Red. In 1.5 Exodius decided that no-one but him was suitable to rule the outpost so he usurped the position of Overseer, gaining a nickname Usurper, used by many dwarves behind his back and only one in front of him. That dwarf was Bsnott, an original Overseer who had set up the outpost in the first place.

Next year was mostly uneventful, during that time new industrial quarters had been designated as well as some new noble positions were created to try and appease previous Overseers as well as dwarves who had been selected to be Overseers after Exodius. In reality it was just a way of controlling population a little bit better since most of those posts required those who held them to not only act as liaisons between Exodius and the rest of the fortress but also manage projects mandated by the Usurper. Red especially had a lot of work on her hands.


Definitive start of a spiral of madness was arrival of Astesh Thikutdastot, a terrifiing Liaison from Mountain Homes with a habit of fiddling with Copper coins. He had shown interest in a change of style of government and blackmailed Exodius into participating in "Clown Removal Project".

Not every dwarf was taking that takeover as politely as Red, who had convinced herself that it was for the best as she had problems with managing her subordinates and could not imagine running the whole fort all by herself. Bsnott in particular started to become more and more paranoid as time went on and even stole a weapon from an armory to keep as a safety measure. He's also shown some disturbing mood swings, for example his request to become Head Farmer and his subsequent resignation from trying to obtain it. This forced Exodius to ask Stevey the Peanut to train some wardogs to keep an eye on Bsnott.


[*= Make belief value as coins in game have set value to low to be of any use. That means we are paying of 51,000 separate coins rather than amount of coins to be worth 51,000 Dwarf-Bucks as it would take a whole continent to be dug up to get all the ore.]

[flame99]

PtWtF (Post to Watch the Fun).

[exodius1]

Oh yes indeed, !!FUN!! is intended. Also feel free to RP along, would love to see others point of view on recent events.

Oh and I forgot. THIS WILL BE VERY SPOILER HEAVY THREAD, IF YOU DO NOT KNOW ABOUT CLOWNS, COTTON CANDY AND CIRCUS KEEP CLEAR!!!

Ok time for first in-character bit. Rather short mind you, just an intro if you will.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

'NONONONO! I refuse, I won't let any other person rule this place as Overseer! I barely managed to glue it back together after first few! I do not care about the tradition! That "tradition of yours almost got us all killed! I know SevenRedREturns should be an Overseer but I will not allow it!'

Previous Overseers were giving me stern looks, most likely thinking me crazy. I have to do something to appease them but what?

'Listen I know how it sounds.' I said after regaining my composure.' But I'm sure we do not want any more revolts or uprisings do we?'

'They were not uprisings, people were just unha....'

'They call it an uprising in the Mountain Home.' I really need to do something to appease them. I know...' Listen, I will honor all of you with grand tombs just as tradition requires and i will compensate it to SevenRedReturns, I promise. But we cannot allow ourselves to have any more changes in government. Don't you agree that since I took over living standards had started rising?'

'What about the loan?' Asked Flameboy

'What about it?' I said looking suprised. 'We have no interest on it and we can pay it back at our leisure, I do not see a problem. It was just a way of saying good luck by the King to our most removed outpost'.

'Fine, you rule than, just know our ancestors are watching you carefully.' Said Bsnott.


I immediately made proper preparations for expantion of the catacombs.


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And here is promised compensation for red, new quarters!

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

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It is on the Nobles level just below money vault. Hope Red doesn't mind.

[bsnott]

Spoiler: Journal of Bsnott, Former Overseer and Miner (click to show/hide)

1st of Granite, Year 138
Today was the day that we decided to tell Exodius that despite his amazing work on the fortress, tradition demanded that he handed over the fortress. Some in Shakecloistered called him "The Usurper", that must have had tolls on happiness.

"Exodius, you are hereby ordered to stand down as fortress baron and learn a commoner profession."

"The fortress is at it's best point because of these last two years! I've done a greater job than anybody has thus far!"

"It is tradition, Exodius the Usurper, and if you do not hand down your position as baron you will be forcefully removed."

"NONONONO! I refuse, I won't let any other person rule this place as Overseer! I barely managed to glue it back together after first few! I do not care about the tradition! That "tradition of yours almost got us all killed! I know SevenRedReturns should be an Overseer but I will not allow it!" yelled Exodius, "Listen I know how it sounds, but I'm sure we do not want any more revolts or uprisings do we?"

"They were not uprisings, people were just unha...."

"They call it an uprising in the Mountain Home.' I really need to do something to appease them. I know...' Listen, I will honor all of you with grand tombs just as tradition requires and i will compensate it to SevenRedReturns, I promise. But we cannot allow ourselves to have any more changes in government. Don't you agree that since I took over living standards had started rising?"

"What about the loan?" asked Flameboy.

"What about it?' Exodius said looking suprised. 'We have no interest on it and we can pay it back at our leisure, I do not see a problem. It was just a way of saying good luck by the King to our most removed outpost"

"Fine, you rule then, just know our ancestors are watching you carefully." I said, little did I know that it would forever change the fate of Shakecloistered.

[exodius1]

Ok I know it is fast but here is the next one.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I've summoned Bsnott and SevenRedReturns to my office to discuss work that needs to be done. I've shown them blueprints and proclaimed:

'Bsnott, you have been promoted to a Head Miner, and you Red are our new Grand Mason. I hope you will accept those honors.' I've waited for a second to see if there are any complaints but when neither of them said anything I continued.

'These projects are necessary to be completed as soon as possible, do you think you can manage them?' And another moment of silence, I think they are very distrustful of me.

'As for your new stations they are not just a bribe.' I've noticed a small twitch of disbelief on Bsnott's face.'No they are proof that I'm not and do not wish to be a tyrant. With these positions you will receive new quarters on Noble level. Red's already designed in this blueprint. As for yours, Bsnott, it will take several days to create accommodations fitting you. Now please do not let me stop you.' I showed them the doors.

Several seasons later I had another meeting with those two.

'Your "balcony" is done and working. Enjoy, Usurper.' Said Bsnott.

'Entrance Tower will be delayed a little due to constant wave of thiefs that seems to plague our outside, I called for militia but those buggers are too fast for them.' Was Red's report.

'Excelent, here are some new projects to excavate, Bsnott. Please continue working on the tower Red. Also could you send in the engraving team in? I believe they are under your jurisdiction.' I said still looking at Red.'Thank you for your reports, I believe you have more important things than talking to me to attend to.'

Balcony was truly good idea, it was planned as an entertainment lounge for whole fortress. For now we have only 4 performers who will show us their fighting prowess, without bloodshed of course. For now however they are still learning how to hold their weapons.



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Our citizens have also spotted some Forgotten Beasts down in the caverns but only one of them actually looks like a Eldritch horror. Anyway we are safe inside our lovely home.



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[sevenredreturns]

Click for In character Journal of Red

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

By the beardless rabble that pass for dwarves around here!

I expected to be angry that Exodius basically declared he was going to stay in charge... but I'm oddly.. relieved?  I had not expected that.  Then again, I had always ever only wanted to be a mechanic. 

I was surprised then, that my announcement was to be made chief MASON.  Still, it's not a bad posting.  I got new quarters but I don't really notice them.  There are a lot of things to do.

like those monkeys!  Those... monkeys.  I thought I had gotten out of overseeing people but no, I have to keep trying to get them to GET BACK TO WORK.  The thieves aren't da-  okay so they are dangerous.  I feel that knowledge coming from somewhere, but I know they're dangerous.  Knowing that, I try to get the military to sort them out but they are stationed deep, and the monkeys are on the surface, and the last thing I need is to let them get past Entrance Tower - or as I call it, "I hate everyone and everything" tower.  Because it's true.  Either way, the military of course couldn't chase them down.  They should be shaved for it.  I'll knit scarves out of them.

Hope you don't mind ^^

Also XD do I actually have the same dwarf I picked out for my own run?  (I literally just looked for who had the highest mechanic skill and picked them haha)

[exodius1]

Of course I don't mind, quite contraire, I'm happy people are contributing, it makes it more interesting to write. Also I love reading stories from multiple points of view. I hope you will have fun here . Also,I like your writing style.

EDIT: I noticed that your dwarf is male, what way would you rather me do with him, call him she or he?
Same goes for Flameboy, his character is a female, would you rather me ignore that or call her she?

[flame99]

((Er.. I am?! Just ignore it, seeing as my name isn't exactly gender neutral.))

[exodius1]

Done, do you want to make something in character? I know i did not talk to you yet but you can give your thought on it. Also do you want to drop mining and become Crafts Guild Master? I kind of want one, along Champion(same as other ones but for military) and Master Carpenter.

[sevenredreturns]

Haha In my case -you can really call me whatever.  If all else fails, the singular They exists! 

But yeah character is female.  I'd honestly laugh if her gender remains relatively ambiguous throughout but that's effort.  I'm actually gonna be addressing that in my thing in the other thread that I'm writing now. Besides - how obvious is it, really, under the beard? And yes I did make a nod to what I'm working on now... if only in that I dealt with those akldjflsdkf langours...

[exodius1]

Langours will be dealt with, with cage traps and extreme prejudice. And I cannot wait for your update. I'll try to keep your gender ambiguous if i manage.

[bsnott]

Spoiler: Entry #2 - Journal of Bsnott, Head Miner and Former Overseer (click to show/hide)

8th of Granite, Year 138
Without doubt, I can say that my new position is a bribe. A large bribe in order to account for the fact that he is taking over the fortress. Back in my days of wandering with humans, I once read a book entitled "Julius Caesar". The man solely controlled a republic, as a dictator, but the name was still the Republic. This is how I imagine Exodius. Anyway, I was given the task of creating a "Grand Balcony" as Exodius calls it. The excavating will take a long time, I imagine. The plans show that there will be a fighting pit under the balcony, which also reminds me of "Julius Caesar". One would think that he is reborn, but bearded!

[exodius1]

And another update, this one finaly with plot important element.

Spoiler: A Road to The Edge and a Liaison from Hell, or a Funny Suprise (click to show/hide)

24th of Sandstone 138
Once again I've summoned Red to my office.
'How is the tower?'

'Rather well, without interruptions from langurs and Thieves it is going much faster.'

'Excelent. Speaking of intruders i want cage traps in places marked here. Also it would be lovely if you could build a road to southern edge of our holdings'

'Cages and roads? What exactly is extent of my responsibilities?' Red asked.

'Masonry, Stone Detailing, Architecture and Mechanics. Is it too much?'

'No, no. It is fine. I'll go now.'

Red worries me sometimes, for a candidate for an Overseer Red is showing no ability or will to lead others. Also even now I'm not sure if Red is he or she.

19th of Timber 138

A caravan has arrived! Time to trade. When I was about to leave my office to tell broker what to obtain I've noticed someone was sitting in my Throne.

'Who is this? You are not part of the fortress.' I asked confused. What if Mountain Homes did not approve of my initiative and sent an assassin?

'Oh but I'm just a Liaison. Better question is what are you doing here Exodius. We believed we would be dealing with SevenRedReturns.' Said my visitor.

'There had been change of plans. I've decided that...'

'You have decided that there is no need for anyone else to lead this outpost. I know, I already spoke with Red.' Stranger said while playing with a Copper Coin.' Do not worry, this may be more useful to the King than he planned so if you cooperate we may strike a deal.'

'What deal?' I really do not like what is happening.

'Simple one, I give a good word for you to the Crown and you participate in our little project. Oh don't give me that look it's nothing difficult or dangerous. Not to you at least. So what do you say, deal or should I order caravan guards to drag you to Mountain Homes for hammering?'

'Deal, but for the record this is blackmailing. What is your little project?' I asked, bitter that I did not foresee something like this would happen.

'The Project is called Clown Removal, it's premise rather simple. Dig down into Adamantine, kill what ever is below it and establish colony deeper than any other dwarves have ever done.'

'This is madness! One cannot do such a thing! Not in a single lifespan anyway.'

'Well, consider it a challenge than. You can use any methods or means necessary to complete this objective. Good luck.'

'Wait, wait. Why our outpost?'

'It is most remote and well hidden outpost we have at our control. Did you not notice that only dwarves arrive here?'

'Ok, I'll try to complete your "little" project.'

'See? I knew we would understand each other.' Said the stranger smiling in way that chilled me to a bone.' Oh and last thing, my name is Astesh Thikutdastot. You will report to me or one of my colleagues on yearly basis. Now let us discuss trade agreement for next year...'

[bsnott]

Spoiler: Entry #3 - Journal of Bsnott, Head Miner and Former Overseer (click to show/hide)

24th of Sandstone, Year 138
Sevenredreturns was called down into the Usurper's office today, Armok only knows what is happening down there. I haven't been ordered to do anything, despite my own room, since the balcony project. This 'Head Miner' position means nothing, but at least I live in luxury.

28th of Sandstone, Year 138
He is playing this fortress like it is a game.

[sevenredreturns]

Spoiler: Red's Journal - entry 2 (click to show/hide)

The mroe days went by under Exodius' rule, the more I felt both like I dodged a bullet and like I should have made a token effort to resist.  I mean... he broke the traditions and I'll admit my new posting is nice but it was made to keep me quiet.  I'm not sure I like that change.  Still, he has the military and I have a lack of a desire to have my head hammered in by a beardless idiot.  At the moment, no matter what I think, I'm going to keep my head low so I stay living.

It was pretty easy to keep my concerns to myself for a while.  I had a lot to do, especially with directing the road project.  It took a little time before I felt I could really direct those under me.  To be fair there was a lack of crisis.  Now and then I kept feeling something - so much of what we did was so... inefficient.  At the very least I'd want to see us using tools to aid in carrying the rocks. Maybe some minecarts to mean we can carry more than one thing at a time. 

But I have a road to build.

It was in the middle of this task when I saw a stranger on road.  As they seemed to be looking for someone in charge and I was in charge of the road crew at this moment, I walked up and introduced myself.  The gentledwarf (the only word I can think of...  Beardless idiot.  Well technically not beardless but he looked like he shaved from the day he was born.)

Anyway.  The gentledwarf said he was looking for one SevenRedReturns.  It was uneasily I confirmed my identity.  He seemed a bit surprised to see me laboring along the crew.  Upon his suggestion that we go inside to talk, and him introducing himself as our liason with the mountain home...

"Look, You've got it wrong.  I'm... Not in charge."  He seemed to grow more critical at that and as I explained the situation, the sheer... wrongness of it started to sink in.  I mean by all rights I SHOULD be in charge of the place.  I think what made me more uncomfortable, was how the pencil pusher started to... smile at the end of the explanation.  Suddenly I was relieved again, that whoever had to deal with him... wasn't me. 

As he led the caravan to the inner depths of our fort, he turned and flipped something over his shoulder at me - it was a copper coin.  It was then that I felt like I had just betrayed everyone here with my honesty.. and like I should go have a shave.