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[howech]

Long live Sodel Lemossumun, the first dwarf volcanaut, and hero of Kanzudobok ("Conventpillars"). 

Kanzudobok was established in 346 on the summit of an active volcano. Life in Kanzudobok centered on the volcano. The citizens used the volcano's rich volcanic soil to grow crops, and cut the walls of obsidian for working materials, and mined its rich veins of gold to grow rapidly wealthy. The fortress established its trading post on a platform elevated several levels above the core of the volcano.  This came in very handy when the werelizard Kave Rajinikon attempted to attack the fortress - a defender fired a single bolt at the beast as it tried to cross the platform - the bolt missed as the werelizard leaped to evade the attack, and fell into the magma below. This event captured the imagination of the citizens of Kanzudobok, and they began to wonder what was at the bottom of the magma.

Sodel migrated to the fortress in the spring of 348, and being young, strong and not particularly talented in anything else, he was recruited into the Kanzudobok volcano exploration program (KVEP). Sparing no expense, Kvep pushed the limits of their technology to build a completely magma safe (obsidian blocks!) submersible magma effects vehicle (SMEV), to be piloted by Sodel. The SMEV was outfitted with a table, a bed and a generous amount of supplies (mostly plump helmet roast and beer). Once the vehicle was sealed, the section of flooring suspending the SMEV above the very center of the volcano was released, sending Sodel on his historic journey.  The rest of the fortress looked on in awe and wonder as the SMEV rocketed to the bottom of the magma pool, leaving a trail of bright orange magma mist in its wake.  The children all marveled at Sodel's courage.

Dwarf technology at this time does not give the fortress a way to communicate with Sodel, and while he is technically listed as "Missing", the fortress is certain that he will one day find a way to return to tell the tail of what he found at the bottom of the volcano.

In other news, Ber Cerolzes, Fishery worker, fell to his death in the volcano as he fumbled the deconstruction of the floor section suspending the SMEV above the volcano. The fortress is probably better off without him, but he will be missed by his sister, wife and young son.

Bolstered by the unequivocal success of the SMEV program, KVEP is planning a more ambitious mission that will include a trade depot to exchange goods with the strange beings that they believe to live at the bottom of the magma pool.

Axes high to Sodel Lemossumun and glory to Kanzudobok.

[howech]

Times have changed at ConventPillars. While the population still has fond memories of Volcanaut Sodel, the government is no longer willing to sponsor volcanic exploration. However, there are those in the population whose imaginations are  still captured by the possibility for volcanic travel. So a private company has started up to democratize access to the volcano with a privately funded venture. This time, the expedition vehicle will be open to the public. VolcX is building a dropsule that will include a public inn surrounded by glass observation windows on the bottom level, with sleeping quarters on the second level, all outfitted in the height of dwarvish luxury.

[howech]

VolcX would like to report its first successful launch. Film attached.

[vocX.cmv][http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?file_id=91314378322481132298l]