28 MoonstoneKeeping a precise record of major events is an important and long-standing
Tradition. Of course, so is surviving long enough to actually recount said events. Mere days after Winter had officially arrived (noted by when the rain turns to sleet), the alarm bell was raised. The Evil Mist was upon our shores! I ushered every Dwarf to the safety of the Burrow as fast as I could. Once the Mist had broken against the cliffs, SaberToothTiger made a quick inspection to see if any of the death cloud had found its' way inside.
Thankfully, no Dwarf was outside at the time. However, the strong winds which blow in from the North means that surface expansion will need to be direct further South & West, towards the blighted plains. An unsettling thought occurs to me- the Evil energies of this place are guiding us, pushing us further towards their half of the beach.
The terror of the thought that this land possess some form of self-control is quickly pushed aside by the arrival of a large migrant band. With well over 20 Dwarves now living here, the central grotto has quickly become overcrowded.
While walking back to my room so that I could plan our expansion in peace, I notice a few new Statues have been erected.
Tradition states that practical jokes are a good way to keep spirits high. Several of the Dwarves took it upon themselves to immortalize my visage in unique fashion.
I smile, for I know that it is all in good fun. Every Dwarf here reports feeling no stress, and is otherwise ecstatic.
The Winter Solstice is upon us, and with it a mixed blessing. I have become quite adept at swinging a pick, thanks to the tutelage of our senior Miner, SaberToothTiger. I had just begun an exploratory Mineshaft when I struck Gold, Garnierite, and Cassiterite!
Despite lacking a reliable source of fuel to process this bounty, I immediately order the other Miners to unearth as much precious ore as they can find. Once we establish a good-sized stockpile, our mining efforts can focus on finding coal or lignite.
Spring is close, but we are unable to escape tragedy this year. One of our Carpenters and a loitering merchant were caught in the path of Ravens who opted to leave via the Northern coastline. It is with a solemn heart that we commemorate our first casualties.
20 Granite, year of Armok 121EVERY DWARF TO THE BURROWS, THE MIST IS ATTACKING IN FORCE!
Thank Armok this part of the coastline is relatively flat. The Mist is spotted well in advance, and everyone is inside before the hellish clouds crash upon our shores. A rustling is heard above us, and every Dwarf holds their breath. I gingerly crack open the claystone door and peak outside. I see a tiny patch of Mist dissipating... at the exact moment an Elven trader climbs down the cliffs adjacent to our front door.
Of course the Arrogant hippie claims to have not noticed anything unusual. I suppose it's just conincidence then, that he happens to be carrying a breeding pair of birds? The same Ravens which frequent the blighted plains, and are so highly susceptible to the necromantic clouds.
I sincerely deny any involvement in the caged zombie raccoon escaping confinement (especially since the useless vermin immediately turned tail and ran). I instead take pleasure in watching the Elf's expression change between admiration and resentment as he inspects our Craftdwarfship.
The bastard leaves with a healthy profit; for although much of our goods were brought out in wooden containers, we only offered the contents, not the container itself. Thus his stupid nature sensibilities were not offended. Or rather, he was unable to make a case about it, heh.
As the new year blooms around us, I muse that the Dwarves of Aranas are in a unique position. We desperately need a subterranean source of fuel, but lack any military-grade ores to use it with. Clear-cutting the forest is incredibly dangerous without military escort and a surface outpost to block the Mist. Were we to craft the mountains of Gold & Tin into precious wares, we might attract the attention of The Bejeweled Nightmares before we are able to trade our wares for military supplies. Plus the King will surely want to know why we have produced exactly zero glass after 2 years. Whatever this second year has in store for us, Armok knows it certainly won't be boring.
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GREAT. UNICORNS.
Between them and the Ravens, the entire Southern portion of the map is a no-go. On the plus side, Unicorns don't relentlessly seek to cross the entire plains in pursuit of murder against any living thing. At least, they don't unless provoked first 
Anyways, the one we bagged is sure to make a good roast 
Perhaps one day, a Unicorn farm...
That would be a good goal to strive for. Maybe put it on the goal list .
Can Wild animals breed in captivity? Not necessarily caged, just boxed in. If this is actually possible, we should have a bonus goal associated with Unicorns as well.
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Topic: Evil Beach MK II, now with Achievements-ish (Read 6482 times)