Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.03 Limestone 89We are just about ready to build the magma workshops, as soon as we get some more clear glass blocks.
Now to dig out the minecart junction and some of the stockpiles. First up, the clay repository, since those need to come all the way down from the surface.
08 Limestone 89
Well, at least we have plenty of leather for her to work with.
09 Limestone 89She only grabbed two pieces of leather? Then again, she isn’t the most creative dwarf. I just hope it’s not another unwearable, like Sodel’s loincloth.
13 Limestone 89Feb has worked quickly, and proudly presented her artifact…helm?
That…that’s actually useful!
And Feb clearly ascribes to the “less is more” belief system. This will be proudly displayed, until a Champion earns the right to wear it.
--------------------
15 Limestone 89The Pillars of Ink, patrolling the ramparts, gave the warning.
Lovely. We’re about to get another impossible demand. Lotu headed off to give the necessary orders.
18 Limestone 89
I never look forward to this.
Salveluck? Lotu pulled out the southern map, studying it for a moment.
That was the southernmost of the surviving outposts. But, it’s far enough away that we don’t have to worry.
Mindful of Echoworked’s instructions the previous year, this year’s list was pitifully short. “Next year we’d like some steel bars, and both guineafowl and peafowl.”
He caught Echoworked’s look. “Look, none of that is very heavy. In fact, it’s a drop in the bucket compared to what we ship out to Bomrek every fall. If we succeed in getting back under, we’re going to want them.”
Echoworked shrugged a shoulder and added the list to his folder.
Pulling out another sheet, he handed it to Lotu. “Swordgangs now has 64 dwarves, and these are Bomrek’s requests.”
I called it. More anvils that we can’t make. Not to mention the maces. Could this day get any worse?While Lotu sat glaring at Bomrek’s list, nursing a tankard of date wine, Echoworked headed off to inspect the various herds and flocks, escorted by the ever-vigilant Sigun.
In fact, he had arrived just in time for the festivities.
Returning to finish his meeting with Lotu, he slapped the latter on the back. “Keep up the good work.”
“Are you sure we can’t re-visit the import agreement?”
Echoworked shook his head. “I have my orders. Besides, you don’t need it.”
Watching the liaison stride away, Lotu scowled.
What do you know what we need or don’t need? You don’t spend enough time here to know!--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.23 Limestone 89I’ve worked out the numbers we need for the next quota.
Akrul can earn her keep and figure out how we’re going to make 128 anvils, when we sent away a king’s ransom in iron bars last year. We definitely don’t have that much iron lying about anymore.
--------------------
28 Limestone 89The rag-tag group struggled through the jungle toward the stone wall rising welcomingly in the distance. They had journeyed for so long, through such dangerous terrain after barely escaping with their lives to begin with, that the gray stone seemed almost unbelievable, even though they had known it, or something like it, lay at the end of their endless journey.
Pausing beneath a massive pecan tree, Catten Slingcleaned turned to watch as his companions trudged wearily past.
So few. So many died in that last, desperate defense of Salveluck. I’m lucky I got almost twenty of us out. And I don’t blame the others for seeking safety in the Mountainhomes. But according to my father-by-marriage, this is the safest place in Orom Nalish. There is no war here. No attacking goblins. Here we’ll be able to live, and re-build our lives in peace.The drawn, haggard faces and tattered clothing were visible signs of their dire straits. And if that weren’t enough, their absurdly small burdens and lack of animals should have driven home the point. In fact, at least one band of brigands that might have ambushed them on the journey north had changed their minds in favor of richer pickings.
Catten turned back toward the distant walls.
Just a little further now, then we can rest. Falling in beside his family, he plodded wearily on.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.01 Sandstone 89Where are we going to put them? There are eleven of them, enough to put us officially into city status! And what am I going to do with them? Well, I guess I better start by figuring out who we have, so I know where to dig the new bedrooms.
This group is led by the remaining members of Clan J, who had been in control of Salveluck, where most of the Clan has been wiped out by the ceaseless goblin attacks. Clan J is closely linked to Clan I through multiple marriage ties, which is why the current head, Catten Slingcleaned, and his wife, Ustuth Hallprice, Sigun’s other daughter, apparently decided to seek refuge here. I suppose, given his previous position, it is understandable that Catten is a skilled administrator, though I’m not entirely sure what he can do here. Ustuth is a bowyer, and will probably be seconded to carpentry, as our other Catten, Fencedlearned, has been.
They were accompanied by Slingcleaned’s nephew, Aban Swordtip, and his wife, Kikrost Rocksjump. Aban is a farmer, so he’ll be easy to find work for, while Kikrost is a fisherdwarf. Then there’s also Sodel’s uncle, Stukos Blushoars and his wife Dodók Wetearthen, both of whom are also fisherdwarves. Oddly enough, Bomrek seems to have stopped requesting fish. Probably because we now have plenty. Still, the three of them will probably prove useful.
Their companions also include Urist Bronzecities, one of Salveluck’s junior scholars, and his wife Momuz Swordfigures, one of Sigun’s surviving sisters who is also a trainer. We can easily spare Urist to join Dr. Urist and Rimtar in the library. Maybe working together they’ll be able to find a solution to the Bomrek problem? Or to make Dodók suddenly see reason. I can always hope.
Adil Bustbanded is a siege engineer, who claims that it was only her defenses that held off the goblins for as long as they did. She insists that we can use some of those same defenses, even though there hasn’t been so much as a rumor of a hostile goblin since our arrival. Well, it’ll give her something to do, at least.
Dodók’s fourth son, Edzul Razorblown, and his wife Urvad Bodicebalanced finish out the rag-tag group. Edzul is an experienced siege operator, while Urvad is another marskdwarf. I can’t decide if Edzul is a spy sent to report back to his father, or if he is honestly seeking the one place in Orom Nalish where there are guaranteed to be no goblin attacks. Or, possibly, both, given that he is joining two of his sisters, Ral and Minkot.
09 Sandstone 89Thanks to the Salveluck refugees, our import numbers are staying high. So I was forced to trade the entire quota for one brass bar to make another bucket.
All that work, and we get one measly little bucket out of it. Does the king have any concept of “unfair”?
Before trade: After trade:
11 Sandstone 89
Well, it’s about time. The third breeding finally took.
12 Sandstone 89Akrul has put together guidelines to deal with everything except the metal stuff.
It looks like the glassmaker Mebzuth, the bone carver Rith, and our carpenters Lyra & Uvash are going to be complaining about the workload again. And that doesn’t even consider Sodel, who has to make all of the clothing. Maybe this will change his tune regarding his refusal to allow Lulo to do any tailoring?
And Akrul only backed off on her metal orders when I pointed out how few weapons-grade bars we really have. So, how am I going to fix this? More toys?
--------------------
13 Sandstone 89
The news quickly spread through the city. Oda had been elected mayor, thanks to her spending so much time in the tavern during her first two years. Lotu could already see her reaction the next time Bomrek insisted on wood items in his quota. He promptly called a meeting of Founders and local Clan leaders.
“An elf, any elf, is th’ wors’ possible choice!” Imic said what they were all thinking. “There’s gotta be someun better.”
“Like one of us?” Catten suggested. “I’ve had experience managing a city. I’d be happy to do it.”
Imic shot him down. “Bu’ down there ye didn’ have t’deal with someone like Bomrek, stealin’ everything we make.”
Dr. Urist nodded. “We need someone local, who’s familiar with the situation.”
“Since we need a mayor who can handle the king’s demands, why don’t we select one of the original Clan Founders? King Dodók has to at least listen to one of them, given that their lineages are just as old and revered as his.”
Lyra’s proposal narrowed the options down to Rigóth Dikepage of Clan C, Vucar Labordrinker of Clan H, and Kivish Bentglazes of Clan K.
Rigóth immediately spoke up. “With my military duties, it will be impossible to juggle the mayoral ones as well. Count me out.”
Kivish and Vucar looked at each other. Neither one particularly wanted the job, but Lyra did have a valid point. Kivish finally shrugged. “My Clan is dying out. Vucar’s Clan is growing, perhaps she would be a better choice.”
Vucar opened her mouth, but Lotu jumped in to forestall her. “All in favor?”
A chorus of “ayes” rose around the room.
“Done. I’m no longer expedition leader, and Vucar is now in charge.”
Thank Armok!Vucar looked around, then leaned forward, raising one forefinger. “As long as it is understood that I will only be taking on meetings and official correspondence with Theaterknowledge and Swordgangs. I came here because I
didn’t want to manage an entire city. Lotu can keep that part of the job!”
“Bu—“ Lotu’s objection was drowned out by the others’ agreement.
He slumped back in his chair, head between his hands.
I’m tired of deciding everything. I just want to mine, and spend time with my wife.As if she heard his thoughts, Airith’s muscular arm slipped around his shoulders, and she squeezed tenderly. “Cheer up, love. At least you won’t have to stop mining every time some human asks to stay.”
That’s true. Lotu perked up a little.
“Now, I wanted to run something by you…”
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.14 Sandstone 89The king wants Akrul managing the quota for Finderboards, so she’ll keep doing that. And after some thinking, I’ve decided to put Catten Slingcleaned in charge of temples. Even without the residents, the Catten's refugees have brought us to more than a hundred citizens, so we’re a big enough city to support at least a few dedicated temples. Catten will be in charge of designing and maintaining them, which should put his administrative experience to good use.
He asked me which one to start on, and I told him that was part of his job. He suggested that we might want to consider giving the elves a suitable shrine, since Oda was so expeditiously removed from the mayorship. I told him to bring me a design and I’d consider it, if it wasn’t too much work.
16 Sandstone 89Catten met with our eight resident elves, to discuss what kind of shrine they would like. The first set of designs had a separate shrine for each Force. I took one look at the five sheets of paper containing variations on glades, pools and rivers, and put my foot down. I instructed him to inform the elves to find a compromise for a single shrine. I refuse to bog Airith down with the engineering necessary to put waterways and waterfalls everywhere, not to mention my having to dig them out when the magma supply rails are under construction.
17 Sandstone 89The new Force shrine design is much more manageable. I’ll channel out the pool tomorrow, and have Akrul put in the necessary orders for petrified wood statues and green glass altars. I almost suggested wooden statues and clear glass altars, but remembered at the last minute that elves are peculiar about things like that. The petrified wood and green glass instead seems to have satisfied them.
At the same time, Catten has submitted an initial design for the Temple to Robek. This one is rather more intricate, requiring obsidian casting, among other things.
But it got me thinking. Disregarding the were-creatures cursed by other deities, we haven’t been bothered by any of Robek’s servants. Still, a proper temple and regular ceremonies will go a long way to keeping Robek happy. I really don’t want to find out if the ancient legends are true, about what happens if he ever loses his cool. Though they might just be children’s tales. Still, no settlement with an appropriate temple has ever earned his ire, so better safe than sorry.
We’ll do this one right, as dwarves have always done. Just in case.
19 Sandstone 89
Before they left, Vutok met with Echoworked. Somehow she was able to convince that stiff-necked, by-the-book dwarf to count three metal bars as a single traded “item.” It won’t help us this year, but next year… Well, maybe we’ll be closer to under the cap by then.
23 Sandstone 89
She’s requested three doors. Well, at least it’s useful, and they’re all going to stay here, unlike some of Bomrek’s requirements.
27 Sandstone 89Edzul and Akrul have married. I suppose it makes sense, neither one has another prospect, and Edzul really wants a family. Still, Akrul?
Though maybe this will distract her a bit? We could use a break from her silent entrances into various workshops. It’s like she wants some of us to die of surprise.
28 Sandstone 89Or…maybe not. Akrul is spending her honeymoon inspecting stockpiles.
03 Timber 89And…marriage has made Akrul even more unliveable than before. Only her husband Edzul seems exempt. She’s grabbed Edzul Razorblown and sent him to make bone crafts and put the three new fisherdwarves to work making wooden toys, with threats of dire punishment if they don’t make enough mini-forges. Aban has been assigned to help Mestthos melt down any imported metal to try and get enough bars to make the maces.
Everyone else is grumbling because she wants several stockpiles changed around, in the name of efficiency. We’re all going to have to learn some new hauling routes.
--------------------
08 Timber 89Akrul stalked across the tavern toward Lotu. Slapping her hands on the table in front of him, she leaned forward.
“I need an office.”
“You have one.” Lotu refused to be intimidated, leaning back in his chair and munching his giant mole meat roast.
“A chair! I need an actual table to write on. And shelves to store old records on. And a place to store paper and ink. And a door I can close when I need to focus. In short, I need a real office!”
Lotu took another bite, and chewed slowly. Finally swallowing, he said, “It’s on the to-do list.”
“It’s been on the ‘to-do list’ for years! If you have time to dig out massive temples, you can dig out a 3x3 space for me!”
Vucar probably needs an office too, before she has to take another meeting with Echoworked. Hmmm.He nodded to Akrul. “You’ll have your office before Robek’s Temple is complete.”
She started to say something else, then visibly restrained herself. “It had better be.” She turned away with a huff.
--------------------
Excerpts from the journal of Lotu Sizzlediron, expedition leader.15 Timber 89Vucar, true to her reluctant bargain, is passing along all the requests she possibly can, and they’re landing on my desk in a steadily growing river of paper. The latest is Adil, who is insisting that our defenses need upgrading. She has assured me that after Salveluck’s fall, she has learned some valuable lessons for anti-goblin constructions. I tried to point out that the only goblins around here are peaceful ones, but she insists that all goblins are spies, better kept prisoner lest they inform their brethren of weaknesses in their targets
I finally told her that, if she felt that strongly about it, she could build herself a siege workshop and deal with the problem.
We now have a siege workshop against the eastern wall.
I haven’t seen her since.
23 Timber 89We’ve finally started the initial digging phase on Robek’s Temple. First step, we’ll need to dig out the magma and water pipes, though they won’t be connected until the very end. We’ll need to dig out water pipes all the way up to the aquifer, but the magma will be easy.
OOC:The marker designation is the bottom level of the obsidian farm, which will ultimately be connected to the nearby magma pipe once a bauxite floodgate has been installed and hooked up. The topmost level of the Temple of Robek (official name TBD) is visible to the west (standard designation), and some of the dug-out workshop plumbing is visible to the north. The northernmost plumbing isn’t completely dug out yet, but there is a kiln and a glass furnace already installed above the eastern magma pool, and a forge and smelter are waiting for construction above the western one.
OOC: This is the middle level of what will become the obsidian farm, complete with access from the magma workshops. Eventually there will also be some obsidian-dedicated workshops installed nearby. The current marked channel will allow water from the level above to be fed into the temple to the west to cast it into obsidian.
OOC: This level will feed in water (from the aquifer, as the only infinite water source on the map, controlled by a raising drawbridge and at least one floodgate) from the west, dropping it through the channels and back west into the temple. The topmost level of the temple will have channels cut in the roof where necessary to cast the final obsidian level. Once the temple’s obsidian is finished, the western outflow channel on the bottom level will be closed off and the water level will receive a retracting bridge to turn it into a measuring farm (see the wiki for more info).27 Timber 89We’ve started installing green glass altars in the elven shrines. Proper statues will take a little longer.
28 Timber 89Akrul actually went to bother Vucar first. It seems that she didn’t get the memo of how we’re going to make things work, and by the time she stalked into my office, she was fuming.
I hate this day.
Well, we’re mostly on track.
Current character list:
Catten Fencedlearned (bowyer) (alive)
Olon Worshipglazed (leatherworker) (alive)
Logem Laborgirders (gem cutter/woodcrafter) (alive)
Zutthan Paddledact (thresher) (alive)
Udil Lockedringed (planter/poet) (alive)
Endok Boltprairies (cheesmaker) (alive)
Kol Toneswords (butcher) (alive)
Catten Crowchambers (jeweler) (alive)
Tun Sunkenportals (beekeeper) (alive)
Urvad Bodicebalanced (ranger) (alive)
Edzul Razorblown (siege operator) (alive)
+2 unclaimed kids
Sodel Stockadecharmed (weaver/clothier) (alive)
Erib Razordrinkers (butcher) (alive)
Atîs Burialpick (potter) (alive)
Solon Golddearth (shearer) (alive)
Dodók Wetearthen (fisherdwarf) (alive)
Stukos Blushoars (fisherdwarf) (alive)
Adil Busbanded (siege engineer) (alive)
+2 unclaimed kids
Aban Ransackedmansions (armorer) (alive)
Another (mason) -> ☼Another☼ (alive)
Rith Vesselglaze (bone carver) (alive)
Sarvesh Mirrorsling (spinner) (alive)
Spriggans (wood burner) -> Spriggans (alive)
Ingish Blockadesound (miner) (alive)
Id Craftcrabs (metalcrafter) (alive)
Lorbam Gearmetal (fish cleaner) (alive)
Momuz Swordfigures (ranger) (alive)
Urist Bronzecities (scholar) (alive)
+5 unclaimed kids
Mebzuth Cudgelleaves (glassmaker) (alive)
Minkot Bannerthrone (wood burner) (alive)
Litast Citystorm (cook) (alive)
Uvash Toolsport (carpenter) (alive)
Mestthos Stafftown (furnace operator/blacksmith) (alive)
Stodir Hallesteems (mechanic) (alive)
Tobul Healgilds (glazer) (alive)
+3 unclaimed kids
Ral Scalemerchant (brewer) (alive)
Nil Goldenname (engraver) (alive)
+1 unclaimed kid
Lorbam Clawdike (bookkeeper/manager/woodcrafter) (alive)
Edzul Lanternnotched (potash maker) (alive)
Akrul Glazeletter (manager) (alive)
Vucar Labordrinker (mason/mayor) (alive)
Momuz Specialoiled (soap maker) (alive)
Zasit Controlboots (lye maker) (alive)
+1 unclaimed kid
Feb Blockadeunion (tanner) (alive)
Sigun Pulledroof (animal trainer) (alive)
+2 unclaimed kids
Catten Slingcleaned (administrator) (alive)
Ustuth Hallprice (bowyer) (alive)
Kikrost Rocksjump (fisherdwarf) (alive)
Aban Swordtip (farmer) (alive)
Kivish Bentglazes (brewer) (alive)
Rimtar Rewardcraft (assistant doctor/scholar) (alive)
Dr. Urist (doctor/engineer/scholar) -> Gwolfski (alive)
Tun Staffpacked (fish cleaner) (alive)
+1 unclaimed kid
Lotu (miner)-> Dame de la Licorne (alive)
Airith (architect/mason) -> TheImmortalRyukan (alive)
Ryukan (child) -> TheImmortalRyukan (alive)
NCommander (woodcrafter/animal trainer/weaponsmith) -> NCommander (alive)
Bob (child) -> Timeless Bob (alive)
+1 unclaimed kid
Lyra (carpenter) -> Lyra (alive)
Datan Paddledclutches (miller) (alive)
Imic (axedwarf/woodcutter/Clan Y) -> Imic (alive)
Udil Roomrouts (axedwarf/woodcutter/Clan C) (alive)
Rigòth Tinchant (axedwarf/woodcutter/ Clan C) (alive)
Cawcul Polishedautumns (human axeman/woodcutter) (alive)
Xetan Anguishgarnished (human axeman/mercenary) (alive)
Momuz Tradevault (axedwarf/woodcutter) (alive)
Mooney (marksdwarf/herbalist/Clan Z) -> MoonyTheHuman (alive)
Ustuth Shieldfences (marksdwarf/herbalist/Clan G) (alive)
Orda Sizzledbulbs (marksman/herbalist) (alive)
Kol Cheerfulgates (marksdwarf/herbalist/Clan F) (alive)
Limul Dangledtorch (marksdwarf/Clan E) (alive)
Sky (hammerdwarf/Clan C) -> Skyclimber (alive)
Ino Talllistens (hammerwoman/mercenary) (alive)
Mafol Appearedrocks (hammerdwarf/Clan F) (alive)
Sahthet Helpedcages (hammerwoman) (alive)
Äs Tomefenced (hammerdwarf/woodcutter/Clan C) (alive)
Thîkut Doorpattern (hammerdwarf/Clan Y) (alive)
Neo (swordsdwarf/Clan B) -> Neo1096 (alive)
Geño Oracleclimax (human swordswoman/mercenary) (alive)
Solon Pagedletter (swordsdwarf/Clan A) (alive)
Zuglar Diamonddrums (swordsdwarf/Clan C) (alive)
Masami Fangbases (spearelf) (alive)
Rigòth Dikepage (speardwarf/mercenary/Clan C) (alive)
Gel Hoofshower (human lasher/mercenary) (alive)
Besmar Minepink (marksdwarf/herbalist/Clan F) (alive)
Towhot Wavyhollow (marksman/herbalist) (alive)
Medtob Boatsmessiah (marksdwarf/herbalist/Clan F) (alive)
Deduk Raysdyes (marksdwarf/herbalist/Clan A) (alive
Us Authoredglazed (human fish cleaner) (alive)
Rith Castlemoistness (fisherdwarf) (alive)
Ciko Clangorges (human milker) (alive)
Idla Rhymedfathers (human fish cleaner) (allive)
Sath Violentcrescent (human engraver) (alive)
Lulo Breachbeaches (elf weaver) (alive)
Oda Praiselake (elf planter/mayor) (alive)
Perad Faithrumor (human mechanic) (alive)
Cata Owlpears (elf poet) (alive)
Ithithí Seedseared (elf poet) (alive)
Iru Naturecried (elf dancer) (alive)
Arstruk Hexlength (goblin dancer) (alive)
Cuthroz Factioncobalt (human dancer) (alive)
Kifino Boarvales (elf poet) (alive)
Lolama Momentdeer (elf poet) (alive)
Someg Churchglimmers (human poet) (alive)
Ustres Judgebreakfast (human poet) (alive)
Ral Tongsspire (dwarf poet) (alive)
Gido Beachdoctrine (human poet) (alive)
Batow Containedesteemed (human poet) (alive)
Pesor Warmscooped (human poet) (alive)
Nako Plaguescrap (goblin poet) (alive)
Nithim Scorchedwipes (human poet) (alive)
Amxu Tickjuice (goblin poet) (alive)
Tayldis (kobold thief) (dead, cause of death: elf, d.81)
Logem Echoworked (outpost liaison) (alive)
Dodók Charmedmirror (king) (alive)
Doren Geniusnet (queen consort) (alive)
Bomrek Whiptrailed (Swordgangs leader) (alive)
Meng Baldarrow (Swordgangs trader/Bomrek’s assistant) (alive)
Dastot Brimsrelics (dwarven caravan lead trader) (dead, cause of death: dwarven hammering, d. 83)
Atîs Lashedround (dwarven caravan lead trader) (alive)
The Master (alive)
Idur Skunkpartners (human fisherman) (dead, cause of death: forgotten beast, d.88)
Cequova Glimmeredfield (spearelf) (dead, cause of death: drowning, d.88)
Link to the
Current List of Deities with full descriptions. Claimed Atheists: Sky, Another, Spriggans
Following are updated profiles for all claimed characters in the order in which they appear on the units list:
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Topic: The Story of Atölasob (A Community Fort with an Export Challenge) (Read 63006 times)