a few real-world days into my first fort, my butcher becomes possessed by strange forces. having dutifully researched such happenings, I know to examine her skills to see what she might need, and build a new jeweler's workshop accordingly. this seems to satisfy her, and she races around gathering lace agates before entering the workshop. the better part of half a year passes. the first dorf caravan arrives (though I have nothing worth trading), winter comes upon me and the first snow falls, I add fish to the lunch menu in the fort, and fortify the entrance to the stronghold with a wall and moat, and still Tholtig Melbiltishis continues laboring. as I plan out an expanded bedroom section, I begin receiving announcements that one of my dogs is being brutally assaulted. Further examination reveals that the months of ceaseless work have taken their toll on Tholtig, and she has finally gone utterly berserk. remaining calm, I send my mightiest warrior after her, as she leaves the fort and begins chasing my valuable manager around the forest. as I have no weapons, a brief wrestling match and much vomiting ensues -- but the madness is too great, and Kubuk Teshkadedem falls in combat. rallying my troops, I draft the entire fortress into the military and send the mob to enact swift justice... and soon the terror is over.
death toll: two dogs and two dwarves. the fort has seen its first casualties and its first taste of battle, and no enemies have even arrived yet. I fear this is not a good omen.