He lives!
The Reforms Begin4th Granite 255, early SpringCave-ins are designated for the cistern. Because of the...
interesting design, I had to figure out a multi-z-level collapse to block off the east pipes, since, for some reason, it was decided that there should be TWO UNSEALED PIPES RIGHT ON TOP OF EACH OTHER.
Workers have been ordered to move a huge quantity of stone blocks into the caverns for use of our masons in sealing off a large section for dwarven use, so the fort should be relatively secure on that front soon.
And of course, the military is now actually training, thank Armok.
Unfortunately, the fort seems to be low on high boots (ha, ha), so I'm hoping steel production gets going before I have to resort to drastic measures like allowing the soldiers to wear socks.
11th granite 255, early SpringThe cave in is ready. Just one last bit to designate and then
Well, fuck.
At least the militia had enough time to grab weapons, even if they are all naked. As soon as I receive word of the beast I scream at August II to get his militia moving into the caverns, flapping bits and all.
But it may be too late. A resounding splash is heard throughout the fortress. Inrus, the enormous, 3-tailed, scaly zebra (that hungers for warm blood), has got scent of the fortress and has begun swimming through the cavern lake!
13th Granite 255, early SpringThe first stage of the pipe closure has been completed, despite the imminent attack of a hoofed Forgotten Beast. I quickly order the miners to complete the second stage, since that will force Inrus to face the militia at the muster point on the opposite side of the lake, rather than attacking the for through our cistern.
For now, Inrus seems content to simply lurk beneath the surface of the lake.
15th Granite 255, early SpringCistern sealed. Great success! Combat with Inrus imminent.
A great ripple is seen on the surface of the lake. Suddenly, the Beast breaks the surface by the entrance to an abandoned access tunnel running round the lake!The members of the militia hear the shouts of the mason sent to seal the tunnel. He may make it. He may not. Their job is to stand firm in the muster point regardless. The mason rushes past them, towards the safety of the fortress. He spares them not a word, his eyes crazed with fear. The militia stands silent, no jests are spoken. A striped head appears around the corner.Instantly the militia is upon the Beast. It flails madly at them, but the fort is defended by seasoned warriors. New to the fort's own militia they may be, but these dwarves have seen much combat elsewhere, and they spare the enourmous creature of the deep no mercy. The combat is long and painful. Those dwarves unlucky enough to receive a kick from the creature find themselves short on limbs, and the equine teeth of the creature shear straight through the mishmash of iron and copper mail the soldiers are arrayed in.
Soon though, the beast is subdued.24th Granite 255, early SpringA swordswarf named Goden Paddledot scored the killing blow on the creature. We have no deaths recorded as yet, but three dwarves are missing limbs and bleeding out rapidly. Even if dwarven medicine saves their lives, these dwarves will remain forever as cripples.
3rd Slate 255, mid-SpringOur only master weaponsmith got knocked into the cistern by a giant rat. THIS IS WHY WE BUILD DEFENSES AGAINST THE CAVERNS.
The injured dwarves all look to be making full recoveries. Well, close to full recoveries. They're still missing limbs.
5th Slate 255, mid-SpringA kid just got possessed. "...and on the umpteenth day Armok said: 'Let there be Useless Crafts,' and behold, there were Useless Crafts."
14th Slate 255, mid-SpringThe kid's begun working on something. Meanwhile,
useful work has begun on the safe pump for the cistern. It should be done by month's end.
18th Slate 255, mid-SpringHow. Useful.
Hold on...
(OoC: Guys. Necromancer Queen. This is brilliant. WE MUST BECOME THE MOUNTAINHOME AT ALL COSTS.)27th Slate 255, mid-SpringMigrants... All of them are now masons. Walling off of our little sheltered bit of cavern proceeds apace.
Also, apparently, screw pumps ignore the u-bend 1z lower pressure rule.
9th Malachite 255, mid-SummerA butcher has now withdrawn from society. The cistern-refill pump is now fully safe to use. All external foot access to the northeast quadrant of the caverns has been cut off, air access will soon be prevented as well.
12th Malachite 255, mid-summerMore migrants; more masons, more soldiers. The butcher claimed a craftsdwarf's workshop, and is collecting materials.
24th Malachite 255, mid-SummerButcher made a cedar scepter. Cavern walls at layer 2 of 5, construction commencing on level 3.
4th Galena 255, late SummerAww shit. INSIDE. Good thing I put up all those new cage traps, huh?
5th Galena 255, late SummerWhelp, looks like Hydras aren't fans of large, serrated iron disks. Did someone say anticlimax?
22nd Galena 255, late SummerMultiple ambushes. Excellent, needed more armour for military. Plenty of arrow-wounds in our soldiers. 2 lost their lives, as did a couple of civilians caught in the crossfire. Overall a resounding victory, however.
Set up automatic refuse disposal system using existing garbage chute: Built raising bridge at bottom of chute, linked to pressure plate, and made a single stop minecart "route" to get dwarves to chuck all useless refuse down the hole.
Also noticed no one using wells. Reason being water in buckets was frozen. Demolished wells, moved them down out of glacier layers. Dwarves having no trouble now.
(Ok, That is half my turn. I'm being far too detailed, I know. I'll finish it in the morning. The military is getting lots of... live training, by the way. They're doin' gud.)