1 Granite 302, Stillspikes. Somewhat more exciting than the fort's first year. Thanks to a sizable third immigrant wave and several births, the population of Stillspikes is up to 60, including 24 children - a precious resource, for the fast-growing, short-lived qarryn. Four litters were born in early winter to Ansinda of the line of Burst, Qodun Kindle, Shryl Berry, and Armino Impale. Also, I've implemented a new notation system for indicating the family line and romantic status of all citizens. Ten married immigrants lost their spouse before arriving; it is unfortunate that they cannot remarry. Most of them will eventually be making up the Heartbreak squad, and taking the front line against any attackers.
The kobolds have been a frequent, but minor, nuisance. They have been showing up in small groups, but inevitably flee when they are spotted well clear of any valuables. Rhesus macaques proved to be a bigger problem. Sixteen of them have died in Stillspikes, skewered on steel javelins or beaten to death by angry qarryn. But they managed to make off with two valuable steel weapons, and caused a great deal of disruption. The biggest trouble was a raid by the humans of the Curses of Jade - a squad of bowmen and crossbowmen, with a snatcher scouting ahead. Fortunately, the militia managed to reach the closest gap in the wall before the invaders arrived. Six intruders were killed, including the snatcher, and no qarryn suffered serious injuries. The only real damage came from a stray arrow, which struck and killed a goat in a nearby pasture. The offending archer received a javelin through the heart from militia captain Adam Glisten, a broken neck from his wife, and a slashed throat from the third member of the militia, all in about two breaths.
The southern wall is now lined with a limestone apron along the outside, to prevent inconveniently placed trees, and much of its length is up to two levels in height. Similar improvements are underway on the northern wall, along with quarters and training facilities for the future military. Also, all married couples in Stillspikes now have small private bedrooms. I've put a complete halt on fishing, with almost 1,400 fish packed into barrels and ready to eat.
Sod Razorskinned, husband of expedition leader mayor Ziram Robustpear and founder of the Razor line, has been nominated to be defender of Stillspikes. If the outpost liaison ever leaves and makes it official, maybe I can get a proper military started.