And here's Canemaster's report of his year
I'll pass the save onto the next guy.
1053-01-15 In the Age of Myth
To whom it may concern...
Finally I've found myself
In these lands
Horror and madness I've seen here
For what I became a king of the lost?
Barren and lifeless the land lies
~The Bards
1052-01-15: I have arrived at my quarry. The Dwarven Fortress of
Sunshield . While the road has been long and beyond dangerous, it has
been worth it to see the last stronghold of the Dwarven kindred left
to this forsaken land! My first impressions have been mixed. The
architecture is somewhat… different... than what I am used to. But it
shall suffice. Some of it is impressive I must admit (the underground
water source for example). But now is no time for gawking. I have
but one year to accomplish my duties both given and self conceived.
~*~ My first order is to complete a dormitory for newcomers. I am
aware that I was requested to build individual rooms, but I find it more
efficient to build a community rooming hall for the typical dwarves and
save the work of single rooms for those stuck up nobles. I know, I
know, I don’t like ‘em either, but it helps keep them shut up about it.
Hopefully. There is the issue of the Queen. This stuck up noble
demands the greatest possible lodgings and I personally have no time
for such a task that will not aid us directly.
~*~ Another task will be to open a proper mineshaft. The earth is
generous here, but the deeper one digs, the greater the riches! But
for now my attention is required elsewhere. The Fort’s bookkeepers
have informed me that we have no arms or armor! THE- OF ALL
THE RIDICULOUS- Deep breath. Drink. Breath out. Okay. We can’t
afford to show weakness in this place. We have no iron but we have
plenty of ore to smelt for it. It would seem that the previous residents
were more concerned with golden hoards than being able to secure
such bounty. Orders to work the smelters and forges as to arm a
squadron have been sent to the halls below.
~*~ As for our livestock and agriculture, it could be worse. Right away
I have requested the butchering of all our rabbits. Filthy things. All
they do is eat and breed and give nothing back (elves incarnate)!
The cats were already gelded before I arrived so I won’t worry about
them. I’ll just keep them near our food and farms to keep rodents
down. I have also constructed wooden nest boxes to collect eggs and
breed chickens. Please note that at least one clutch of eggs needs to
be labeled forbiddenif breeding is to be successful. Hungry Dwarves
would easily prevent this. One last thing on this subject. I have
designated the excavation of new farm plots to the north in the soft
peat. I fear they will not be ready by the time I leave as they are
not of high priority right now.
1052-01-22: Migrants have arrived. Our population has grown to thirty
eight from our previous eight teen! In the meantime, a wood cutter,
Stukos Dastot Muzish, has become possessed. How curious that there
are no dead or ghosts to be seen as responsible. But perhaps
something will come of it? Time will tell.
1052-01-26: Stukos Dastot Muzish, woodcotter has begun a mysterious
construction. He just keeps muttering “...stone…”.
1052-02-06: Stukos Dastotmuzish, Woodcutter has created Dakas Gelut,
a mudstone esesh! He claims it as a family heirloom.
This is a mudstone esesh. All craftsdwarfship is of the highest quality.
It is encrusted with cushion mudstone cabochons. On the item is an
image of dwarves in mudstone. The dwarves are laboring. The artwork
relates to the foundation of Sunshield by the Ancient Burdens of The
Allied Helm in the early spring of 1050.
~*~ I have sent an order to make armor stands and weapon racks to
make a training room. They shall be made as golden as the Dwarven
spirit!
~*~ Due to a shortage of coal, I have constructed four new wood
furnaces. I have also expanded our stock rooms to make room for more
bars and blocks.
1052-05-18: Fath Inashlòr, Siege Operator has been possessed!
1052-06-18: While mining for flux stone we have discovered an
expansive cavern deep underground. To some relief it doesn’t seem to
be as expansive as the dwarves would like one to think. It doesn’t
even hit any water and seems to be totally self enclosed. While it
may seem safe, we still haven’t found any flux stone to make steel
with.
1052-07-03: Fath Inashlòr, Siege Operator cancels Strange Mood: Went
insane.
1052-07-03: Fath Inashlòr, Siege Operator has gone berserk!
I guess the poor fellow couldn’t find what he was looking for. I was so
preoccupied with mining in the new cavern that I had completely
forgotten about him…
Whoops.
1052-07-04: Fath Inashlòr, Siege Operator has bled to death. We have
lost our first Dwarf today. While this is saddening, we shall not let it
distract us from our task.
~*~ Dwarves have started digging out the new farm plots to the
north, although I will soon bring their attention back to the mines. If
we find flux stone we will very quickly be smelting iron into steel!
~*~ Further burial chambers are being designated in the lower halls
for less noteworthy Dwarves.
1052-07-19: A caravan has arrived from Astelzon. Migrants have also
arrived. Our population is now at fifty four! While the population boom
is welcome to me, we will need to increase our food stores soon.
~*~ Constructed more beds.
~*~ I have expanded our first squad to its full complement of ten.
We now have an archer squad as well.
~*~ I have totally bought out the caravans entire food market. That
should help last us some time. At least until the next caravan at worst.
1052-09-03: Our Queen Comicraider has taken a fey mood! He (is it a
he?) has immediately rushed down the hall and down a flight of stairs
to claim a mason’s workshop. Hardly slowing for any in her (it is a her,
right?) way, or even to turn. The screams are near unbearable.
“ROCKS” this and “BONES” that. Damn nobles. Just doesn’t say what
kind of rocks. Or what kind of bones…
1052-09-05: Comicraider has begun a mysterious construction.
1052-09-09: Comicraider has created Lisigsat Zanor Umril, a native gold
millstone!
This is a native gold millstone. All craftsdwarfship is of the highest
quality. It is encircled with bands of cushion native gold cabochons. This
object is adorned with hanging rings of chicken bone.
~*~ Well at least that answers one question. Now we just need to
figure what to do with the thing. I believe I have an idea. Although
the project will take time and will undoubtedly be my last command as
acting leader of this fortress.
1052-11-19: It is almost completed. My final work of art. A great, golden
water reactor as to power our golden millstone artifact! I shall call it
Comicon, the Royal Reactor and it should be able to power nearly any
machine we would need. Although it does seem to spray quite a bit of
water...
1053-01-15: With the last floor grate set to be in place, I must take my
leave, and my burden behind for the next caretaker.
~*~ FINAL NOTES:
➢ ~*~= Unknown or otherwise lost date.
➢ There is a lever near the Reactor. Pull it to act as an on/off
switch.
➢ Remember to keep some eggs forbidden to breed chickens.
➢ Northern farms are not built yet and I suggest completing
more extensive farms in the soft peat for food that you
WILL need sooner or later.
➢ Flux stone should also be a high priority. That is the only
missing component to turning all our iron to steel!
➢ Get an army of proper size, strength and training. We will
need it to force the evil of the world into submission!