In order to preserve our kind, it was decided to send some of our own to build a new home. The volcanoes were deemed to only hospitable places left in the world. When the number of usable volcanoes was found to be 7, a notable suggestion was made. If 7 dwarves are sent for luck, why not send that number to 7 areas. It couldn't do any harm. Most agreed. I am the expedition leader of one of those groups. We've arrived at the north easternmost volcano, and have collectively named it Knivegravel. Strange name, but it works. We've parked the wagon near top of the volcano, which while open to the surface, may require remodeling for future use. The surroundings are very steep, so digging into the wall should be fairly efficient.
Rough map below.
http://imgur.com/0EKpc4W,f6BalAP,VsNiIAAOf note is the presence of sand, meaning that we should be less dependent on wood. The only thing we'll need wood for is beds, likely. Glass traps may not be optimal, but should help greatly. Soil is present on the top levels of the volcano, and there is no aquifer present despite reports of such. Farms and storage have been set up, and our supplies have been brought inside. We've only seen a couple great horned owls so far.
Workshop construction has begun. Magma workshops should be a priority. The weather doesn't seem cold enough to destroy our supplies, but only time will tell. We've also found a vein of tetrahedrite. Glass need not be our only defense it seems.
Late Spring:
Construction of above ground walls has begun, in order to aid sealing of fortress, and claim the high ground for crossbow use.
Early Summer:
The mountaintop has been claimed. Bedroom construction has begun. Finishing touches on the bridge airlocks are under way. Wildlife remains as avian as ever. Ravens, snowy owls, etc.
Mid Summer:
Magma Workshops are under way, and airlock levers are all linked and labeled. Slight mistake in designation means our reservoir for magma was one lever higher than it needed to be. Will construct another one, and use above planned forge level for storage instead.
The levers all function. Also, we've gained some migrants from the north west. Kind of roundabout isn't it? Suppose that's where the entrance is though. Let's see who we've got here then.
Talented Carpenter with some doctor skills and herbalist skills. Fairly good actually.
Another Carpenter with brewing skills. Sure.
A competent Wood cutter, who is also a Talented Weaver,
High Master Armorsmith, and Proficient Gem Setter. Well, we know who the best migrant here is now.
A cheese maker/jeweler/shearer. Ehh, ok I guess.
An accomplished Gem Cutter. That's all your skills?
Novice Gem setter, Novice Beekeeper. Bah.
Proficient Macedwarf and other military skills. Also high master fish cleaner but nah. Also a novice miler and skilled appraiser, but their military skills are valuable enough to keep my current broker.
Novice Soldier, Bunch of farming skills.
Our numbers have doubled with this single wave.
Late Summer:
The magma reservoir is has been filled completely. Jobs have been found for all of our migrants. Mining and construction continues. The tetrahedrite vein seems smaller than expected.