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[exodius1]

Spoiler: Old Friends and Elder Knowledge, or How will I secure my position. (click to show/hide)

I am worried. I have managed to create false proofs that previously mentioned corpse is simply a clothier who failed his mood. But it will not stop the killer. I do not want to fall victim to his shenanigans before I finish the Project. There has to be something I can do....

I know, it is a long shot but caravan did not leave yet so there is a way to send a letter. Sealed one of course.

Dear Friend,
I hope I find you in good health....
~~~~~~~~~~~


He has finally arrived, disguised beyond recognition of anyone who was not so well acquainted with him as I am. PkGamer, my old childhood friend. We had fallen apart in recent years but I knew he will help me.

'Pk!'

'Exo!'

'How are you, you magnificent bastard? Do you have what I asked for?' I asked with haste.

'Of course, It took a lot of work to take those things out of the Library, keep them well hidden.' He said joyfully. 'I have no idea what you need them for but i hope it is not something.... Illegal.'

'Oh you know me, i never do illegal things.' I answered with a wide grin.'Your office and quarters will be finished shortly, for now unfortunately you have to try and mingle with the population.'

'Not a problem!'

~~~~~~~~~

PK brought all the right books. It is an open secret that our King has an obsetion with anything dark, unnatural or straight out immoral. And those books are all three of those things. I have hidden them well in my quarters in the hidden compartment built in to one of the chests. They were taken out of the royal library and it really had to take a lot of resources to move them here. I'll study them in my free time.

SOrry it took so long. From now on it may take some time between updates as Uni had started again and I'm working on a Mod for Bsnott.^^

EDIT: Acctually if anyone knows anything about modding this game please PM me. I have trouble adding reactions and items.

[bsnott]

Spoiler: Entry #13 - Journal of Bsnott, Head Miner and Former Overseer (click to show/hide)

The God of Blood
A Poem, by Bsnott

Blood marks the gates
To the entrance of hell
So call out your mates
And then ring the bell

The god of blood is here
And he's here for carnage
Protect what you hold dear
For we're entering a dark age

Armok, our lord great
is now in this place,
and he has been late
to give us his grace.

Chaos, misery, madness, and confusion
are all inside this prison of a place.
Many fall to delusion
Though many will brace.

What is this hell,
you might ask?
Why, nothing more than the mind
fulfilling it's everyday task.

[exodius1]

Spoiler: Job Rearrangements and Ancient Lore, or How to create your own immortality in a Nutshell? Part 1 (click to show/hide)

'Welcome to another of our annual meetings. At the dawn of Year 142 I want to introduce our newest colleague, PKGamer. He will replace  Goden as a broker and take post of Craft's Guild Master.' Look in Bsnott's face was priceless, like all reality had removed itself from under his feet.

Rest of the meeting was uneventful.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was anxious to read more of the scrolls and documents PK had brought for me. One book had captured my attention above all others. It was bound in leather of an animal i could not recognize, alluring all of itself. The book itself was called "Sanguisanima Fons", or so the front cover said. I never read this language and so I do not know what that means. Letters themselves seem to move, fade and appear on their own volition.

I cannot decipher anything but one of the first chapters, and even still I do not know why as it is written in the same alien language as the title but the meaning seems to seep into my mind without medium of my mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'PK, where did you get "Sanguisanima Fons"?'

'What? I never heard of it. Are you all right? You seem incredibly pale.' PK said concerned.

'Yes.... Yes I'm allright.' I answered leaving his new office.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I searched for reference to that work in all other sources but I found nothing, not even a mention. But that book was there, telling me something, teaching me some lore I did not understand. Like possessed i began to write and scribble........

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I awoke from my trance I knew what had to be done, as by instinct I have made plans for a place hidden behind my quarters. I had made careful preparations including who and how to place on the project. I have told our most trustful blacksmith to build me few adamantine objects and asked one of our newest arrivals to dig out the room and than i engraved thing myself.*

Octo is installing necessary infrastructure while i worked on a cover-up project.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'A Bathhouse?' Bsnott asked perplexed.

'Yes, as our industry is getting more and more developed i have decided that we are at a point wheer we need our own Bathhouse, as every other powerful fortress. Are we not powerful fortress?'

'Of course we are but....'

'Than we have nothing to discuss, Octo will oversee mechanical parts of the project. Just concentrate on excavating proper space.' I said with encouraging smile.

*That part is a lie but let's pretend^^ I wanted as high quality as possible and my dwarf is dabbling at that field so yeah^^

[bsnott]

Spoiler: Entry #14 - Journal of Bsnott, Head Miner and Former Overseer (click to show/hide)

He has done it. He has woken the sleeping giant, and he will pay. He has taken away my wife's job and I will not stand for this any longer. There will be blood, friends, and I promise you...it won't be mine.

[exodius1]

Spoiler: Job Rearrangements and Ancient Lore, or How to create your own immortality in a Nutshell? Part 2 (click to show/hide)

Boy who had helped with creation of my... more private.... chamber had been found wounded in one of our abandoned tunnels. I went to question him while he was in hospital.

'Leave us. Now.' I said to doctors tending to him. Boy laid on the bed, dagger wounds and bruses from mace strikes covering his torso. Unlike previous victim he was left alive, as if he was a message.'What happened, boy?'

'I-i...I don't know, Sir. I was just minding my o-own business and then I felt a hit on my b-b-back.'He answered, stuttering along the way.

'Did they ask you any questions? Did you tell them anything?' I asked in a low voice. My cold, ametyst eyes judging him.

'N-no. He just stabbed and beat me until i l-lost consciousness. I thi-thi-think he though I was dead. Please, Sir, I did nothing wr-wrong. You will not punish me will you?' He said, clearly in fear.

'No, go back to sleep. And remember, you have never held a pick in your life.' I left him to his misery.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Spring, that is how I have decided to call my little secret, is almost complete. Now all I need is a lot of "blood of those who trust". Once fear replaces said trust and their blood is mixed with water I have to declare the incantation and see what happens. I still do not know what will happen, the Book did not reveal it to me yet. But I know it will help me achieve my goals. I believe that it will.

Octo and Bsnott are still arguing over specifics of the Bathhouse. It is constant since the day I asked them to complete the project, Bsnott seems to refuse to work along Octo for reasons unknown to me. If this will go on I will get a migraine.

I have also allowed Blademan to pick statues for finish of the Laboratory complex to put on the outside, with me checking it before it goes in order that is. It seems to keep him happy to criticize our artisans on poorly constructed statues. It is still a long way away before it is completed.

Spoiler: the spring, not yet filled (click to show/hide)

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Well in the middle of it is pure Adamantium^^

[Octobomb]

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Gah, that fool Bsnott is insufferable! Why can he not acknowledge my superior engineering skills and just do the digging? My plans are simple: A coolwater pool, a magma heated pool, the steam of which is pumped away into a steamroom. Simple, elegant, effective. Silly fool.

[exodius1]

Spoiler: No titles this time, I'm out of ideas. (click to show/hide)

Our Bathhouse can be problematic, we need water and magma pump stacks, but we do not have enought steel to build them. Also only large body of water we have is in caves and that means forgotten beasts. We need to thread carefully.


As of the Spring i know what needs to be done. It may sound horrible but I need sacrifices, living ones. Pets will do as one part but we need sentient beings, dwarves. Ones who trust and like me at that. I cannot sacrifice anyone from my nearest circle so I need a family. And I know exactly who is worthy of being my key to immortality.

I know it sounds horrible but you have to know we are dabbling at forces so dark that they make Gift of Armok (If you did not figure it out yet, said gift is Vampirism) look like slightly unwashed white socks by comparison. Besides Blockedlance did worse things than sacrifice one measly family and they are in the bloody Hall of Fame so I do not see a problem here^^

Ahhh, also does anyone know any Pump Stacking methods that do not fry your processor? Would be useful.

[flame99]

Spoiler: The Journal of Flame (click to show/hide)

I've never really been much of one to keep a journal, but it seems prudent now that I may be promoted. I have been offered the job of Master of the Bath by Exodius. Currently, I work under Bsnott, and while I respect his mentorship, I feel it is time for me to leave from his shadow. Oh, who am I kidding? This is a personal journal. I've always resented Bsnott, because I feel that I've never really been appreciated for the work I've been performing. However, as the Master of the Bath, I may get some more recognition. Exodius has been acting oddly, but surely it is nothing major. Still, I cannot help but feel that something curious is going to take place. I have pledged my allegiance to Exodius, however, and I will not stray from his rule.

[bsnott]

Spoiler: Entry #15 - Journal of Bsnott, Head Miner and Former Overseer (click to show/hide)

This time it was not me, at least not me in my own mind. Nary a dream I've had about the young man, and I did with the other.

A specific thing leaped out at me about the boy's story. He said that the man had stabbed him over and over, which would rule me out even if I'd gone out of my head once again. I have a mace, and last I checked, you can't stab someone with a mace.

I had even known the lad! As I have said once before in these journals I keep, I do in fact talk to the common people. The boy's father is actually a miner, and as Head Miner I talk to those in my own profession over those in another. His father is a good man, and it tears me to think that this has been done. I have already given his father paid off-service, so that he can be near his son and we can all hope for his well-being.

The fact that it was another person frightens me to no bounds. A man that would ruthlessly attack a poor young boy simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time is a man that deserves no other right than to be cast into the magma sea.

[exodius1]

Ok, some people may find this one disturbing. if you want to avoid those parts just open the TL:DR spoiler and be caught up to speed without details. I'm saying this now because this one is going do be most brutal, cruel and heartless update of mine so far. Maybe not conveyed in writing but a little work of imagination should do it^^ Also:

DISCLAIMER: I personally do not condone behaviours such as manipulations, murder, abduction or any other action of such type. All written here is just a Role-Play for completely unhinged Dwarf. DO NOT TRY IT AT HOME!

Spoiler: The Spring and Mechanics, or Why is it so Easy? (click to show/hide)

It has to be done tonight. In the Darkness, on the Moonless Night the new Light will be born.

I spent entire week abducting all the pets, with exception of dogs that is, as well as ensuring trust of the poor family whose blood I have chosen as the conduit for the Ritual. I am certain nobody noticed missing animals, the workload on the construction site of the Bathhouse is too big for anyone to have time for such silly matters.

The Stage is set and show is about to start.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'How nice to see you again! Please sit down!' I proclaimed joyfully to Logem Unibzabor and his family. Wife and three kids, they will do perfectly. 'I am very pleased you could manage to make some time for me.'

'Not a problem, Sir. My family and me are very happy to be your...' He stopped in the middle of the sentence, suddenly shy as he said something inappropriate.

'My friends!' I finished for him with a smile. 'And I am truly grateful you did not boast about it to anyone. It would be problematic if people thought I have favorites.' Neither it would be good if they knew that whose fools have visited me. 'After all Overseer has to be impartial. Please do join me for a lunch. Afterwards there is something I need to ask of you.' I said with a smile. Their children seem to like me, one almost an adult, one nearly seven and one barely three. Why am I not feeling anything right now?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'This way, please!' I said opening secret door in my chambers. 'Very few know about this place so it is perfect for what we have planned for tonight. Do tell me, do you know what a Zoo is?' I asked them leading them to first turn of the corridor.

'It is a place where Nobs... Sorry Sir, I mean where Nobles are keeping animals to be looked at' Logem said.

'Exactly, I always loved my fathers Zoo. I would go there and pet tame Cave Crocodiles for hours. Other day when enjoying company of your family I thought to myself: "I should do something for the children, they are future of this Fortress". And so I came up with this idea, a Petting Zoo! Perfect place for families to spend days off! Of course this one is hidden, I want it to be a surprise for the rest of the Fortress. But you can keep a secret right?' I asked the middle child. Of course, dead dwarves tell no tales after all.

I lead them through the door on the left and down the stairs still chatting about nothing. Why is it so easy? Why do I feel no remorse for what am I about to do?

I opened the door to the chamber that will feed the Spring. Said doors were custom made specifically for this task, heavy, water proof and above all possessing almost completely silent locks as not to alert those inside about my true intentions.
'In here please. Make yourselves at home and enjoy yourselves like there is no tomorrow. I will just go get my notebook to write down your feedback. I will be right back.' I said leaving the chamber and locking the doors behind me. Octo truly is a genius when it comes to Mechanics, among all the animal noises even I could not hear the Lock activating.

I cannot believe I feel nothing but cold, calculated determination right now All it took was one activation of the spike traps that were hidden in the room. They all died in a single instant, animal noises and laughter silenced in one pull of the lever. *Cling-Clang* and all was done.There is no going back now As water started filling the chamber I went upstairs to meet with Octo and PK, they will perform the Ritual with me. They do not need to know what is filling the Spring or what happened to poor fools who trusted me

~~~~~~

I found them both, waiting for me in my office.

'It is time, Gentle Dwarves. The Spring is full and needs Purification. After that we can finally drink from it but remember: Only one cup is needed, anything more will kill you.

~~~~~~~~

We moved ourselves to almost completely dark Spring. Almost as well in the middle of it definitely reacted to the atrocities below. Atrocities necessary for success of my plans. Adamantine it was constructed from was emitting eerie cyan light. We gathered around the well and prepared for the incantation:

Quod Cum Oblivioni Erit Recordatio
Quia Venient Dies In
Cum Pateat Carceris
Qui Erant Futurus

Quod Cum Oblivioni Erit Recordatio
Quia Venient Dies In
Cum Pateat Carceris
Qui Erant Futurus....

We chanted until the Spring began to glow crimson. It was a beautiful and terrifying sight as the crimson from inside the well mixed with cyan emitted by the Adamantine components. As soon as the storm cleared out I knew it was done. Water was still glowing red but it was calm, almost inviting. Each of us drunk a cup of it.... And that is the last thing I remember from that day.

~~~~~~~
We all woke up next morning, feeling much different than before. My senses were much sharper and my head clearer. I thought faster, better, more efficient. We all left the Spring without a word and went about our duties.

~~~~~~

'Flameboy, good to see you'

'Hello, Boss. What do you need?' He said, visibly surprised by my speed and reflexes. I should try to speak slower

'I was wondering if you would want a position of Master of the Baths. We need someone trustworthy to run our most advanced utilities and I know you will do perfectly.'

'Yes, yes I would. Thank you. When do I begin?' He said with surprise, but also with happiness leaking out his eyes.

'As soon as everything is furnished and your office is operational, until than please do study the art of Soap Making. After all it is only fair that you know something about it.'

'Sure, I'll get on it right away!' He said, booming with enthusiasm.

Spoiler: TL:DR (click to show/hide)

All Pets disappeared, along with one family unfortunate enough to trust me (I will not get into gruesome details in here), old Forgotten Gods grant gifts to three accursed souls and Flameboy gets new job.

Spoiler: Pictures, related or not^^ (click to show/hide)

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This is bottom of the Spring, yet unbathed in blood.



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And here it is after. Notice the child to the left. I was not able to get them all in there using burrows so i had to get creative with military squads and basic child behavior. Not really 100% accurate. He starved to death soon after so I guess it still counts.



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Something truly special^^ Gave it to the Captain of the Guard immediately after it's construction^^

Spoiler: Chant (click to show/hide)

For those wondering what it means.... I will not tell you^^ I used Google Translate to change English into Latin so if you really HAVE TO destroy the mystery than reverse engineer the process, just do not post it here^^

[flame99]

Spoiler: The Journal of Flame, Entry 2 (click to show/hide)

I have now been officially promoted! Of course, everything has its downside, even becoming the Master of the Baths. In this case, I've been asked by Exodius to lay down my pick and learn soap-making. Soap-making! It's about as undignified a job as a dwarf can get, right there with lye-makers and cheese-makers. Of course, I'm happy to serve my lord. Speaking of which, he seems odd. Much faster than any normal dwarf, and he smells like blood. Not of elf-blood, or cat-blood, but of dwarf-blood. Still, I'm sure it's nothing. He likely just walked by some unfortunate sap getting beat by the hammerer and got a bit on him. However, it still unnerves me. I think it would be wise to begin trying to avoid him, when possible.

[exodius1]

Another update^^. I have one for tomorrow as well if you are wondering^^.

Spoiler: Promises and Dishonesty, or How to please the Crowd. (click to show/hide)

As the unrest was rising, caused no doubt by disappearance of all Pets and one family nobody really knew, I have decided to take an action as a politician and work some politics.

I never was much of a public speaker but after I drunk from the Spring I feel that I have changed. My reflexes are faster and my thoughts are clearer. I can read others much better now, and consequently manipulate them. I can see now that all my previous moves where similar to a confused duckling strolling through a fog.

I ordered one of the peasants running around to call a conference in the Main Hall.

'Just the Nobles, Sir?'

'No, everyone needs to be there.'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Main Hall seems much smaller now than when it was build. It was adequate when there was only eighty of us but now it is badly overcrowded. Hopefully Bathhouse will move some of the idlers from here.

'Can I have your attention, please! I asked all of you to come here because I have a very important announcement....... BSNOTT! CAN YOU STOP YOUR CONVERSATION FOR A FEW MINUTES OR DO YOU WANT US TO WAIT FOR YOU?!' I looked at him with a stern look as he was talking to his lover. If I have to scold him like a child than so be it, it will just undermine his position. 'Ekhm... As I was saying I have an announcement to make. Due to most recent developments I have decided to share all the details I know...' Lying is easy, almost too easy. '.....about those horrible acts that had transpired here. We believe all those things were done by one organization. We do not know how many members that organization has, or even if it just one dwarf doing all that, neither we know what their goals are. But we know this, they are a threat to this fortress! Events linked to them include one our clothiers going berserk for no reason, that poor boy being ambushed several weeks ago, disappearance of majority of the Pets and Logem Unibzabor's family sudden disappearance. Do rest assured! Their deeds will not go unpunished! Our new Captain of the Guard was trained by the best in our Kingdom, and all the resources needed by him and his Guard will not be spared! They will capture those criminals and drag them to face justice! I ask you all to give them your full support! If anything suspicious happens I believe that you will notify nearest guardsdwarf immediately! Thank You for your attention! In loving memory of those departed, wounded or disappeared I give you all a day off!'

Just as planned I was lead out the Hall with applauds and toast. They are all like trustful kittens in a Butcher's Workshop. Captain of the Guard is obviously my own creature and he will do what I want him to do.

One more to go and than I may pull an apiks until the Laboratory is complete^^

[bsnott]

Spoiler: Entry #16 - Journal of Bsnott, Head Miner and Former Overseer (click to show/hide)

Oh how I tire. He seems to think that the fortress needs some gung-ho detective from the Mountainhomes to come here and fix our problems. Simply all that we need is for him to get a competent guard, and these matters would not happen. Under his leadership this fortress has become nothing less than pure hell.

[exodius1]

Spoiler: Investigations and Accusations, or How to make your Enemies fight each other. (click to show/hide)

'Please, sit down.' I said looking at Red entering my Office.

'It isn't another silly work order is it?'

'No, no. I need you do to something more important than building stuff. I need you to do me a favor. As you remember I have placed Bsnott under your command recently. It was because I believe he may be involved in those horrible incidents. Fact is that he was certainly plotting to destabilize the fort since I.... Took over. I need someone trustworthy and reliable to have an eye on him. You are the only person who can do it. I have reasons to believe he thinks you are against me so you would be perfect for this job.' Red's face was attentive, eyes however showed surprise. Does Red really believe me? It would be too good to be true, Red works for Him after all.'You are free to use any means necessary but remember, if you do something that.... disagrees with local laws, and get caught, I cannot guarantee your safety. In fact I will pretend this conversation never happened. Got it?'

'Yeah, sure.' It was clear Red tried not to show emotions and if I would not have drunk from the Spring I would have missed it but Red's hands were shaking, and not of fury either.Red is afraid!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I walked down to Bathhous' Hotroom Excavation. I was sure Bsnott would be there.

Soon I was assured I was right as his and Octo's voices echoed in the corridor. They were arguing, again.

'No, NO! Power line has to be connected to the Pumps in a right way and the way you are digging we will never get the right angle!'

'Don't you DARE instruct me how to dig! When you were still learning how to spell your name I was already a Head Miner back in my Division!!'

'And what division was that?! The "We-Cannot-Hold-A-Pick-Straight-Because-We-Are-Too-Sober" Division?!'

'Scholarly Bafoon!'

'Uneducated Imecile!'

'SILENCE!' I shouted as loud as dwarvenly possible. 'I told you two to stop arguing, didn't I? I need to speak to both of you in my office, separately. Bsnott come with me. Octo, I expect you there in two hours.' I turned around and started walking away not giving time for Bsnott to comprehend what is going on. I do not mind those two not getting along but it would be much better if they would avoid showing open hostility in front of half the fortress. It causes too much unrest among peasants

~~~~~~

'Look, if he would not tell me how to do my job...' Bsnott started.

'I am not interested in that right now.' I interupted, waving my hand dismissively.'What I wanted to talk to you about is much more important than your grudge against Octo. I feel you are the only person who can help me right now. I realize we do not get along and there always will be disagreements between us but I know you can put your grudges aside for the Greater Good of our home.' I looked at his face which showed confusion. 'You must have been wondering why have you been sub-assigned under Red.'

'Yes, I was. Will you tell me?' He asked, curiosity taking hold in his eyes. Yes, I can work with that.

'Yes, yes I will. First, do you know anyone named Astesh Thikutdastot?'

'No.'

'He is a Liaison from Mountain Homes and Kings personal messenger and enforcer. In other words...'

'Assassin.' Bsnott whispered with dread.

'Yes. During my first meeting with him he gave me a clear understanding he will eliminate anyone and anything that may threaten the Crown, stability of the Kingdom or any of the projects paid for from the Royal pocket. Shakecloistered is apparently one of those projects.'

'Why are you telling me this?' Bsnott said with the purest of fears in his eyes and unadulterated panic on his face.

'Because I believe Red is one of his agents. That is why you were assigned there, so you can be eyes and ears of this Fortress. I ask you to carefully assess Red and find out if either Red or his boss are involved in those recent incidents. I would not recommend confronting Red directly about it, you could jeopardize all of us. I know you will do the right thing.' Last sentence dripped with pure power. I cannot do it very often, it feels like my lungs had been set on fire. Best I can do is not to show the pain.

'Yes, of course I will.' Bsnott confirmed, his eyes clouded over as if he was in trance. Shortly after he shook his head and returned to normal.

'Very well, you may leave. Oh and one more thing, this conversation never happened, we were discussing state of mining equipment.'

~~~~~~~

I have ordered supper to be brought in for me and Octo. Once servants left we started our conversation.

'Tell me how is the Bathhouse going?'

'Rather well but we will not have heating until caverns are clear of Forgotten Beasts, be sure to get on it soon. On the other hand Generator is almost done.'

'Very well. And tell me how do you feel?'

'Rather well, thank you.' He said, avoiding the true meaning of my question.

'You know what I mean. PK had complained about dreams and visions, and I too have experienced them. What about you?'

'Nothing, I am completely fine. Can I go now? I have more calculations to do.'

'Yes, of course.' He is not a very good lier, but it does not matter.

As I said, I may be pulling an apiks until Laboratory is done^^

[Octobomb]

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Foolish Bsnott. He knows nought about engineering. There is a reason I am Cheif Engineer here, although any other fortress would have suited me just fine, but this one?. I suspect Exodius knows too much though. He suspects something of me. I will have to find out what, and why.