Journal of Ryukan, 4th of Granite, 204
I has been a few days since I took command of the fortress once again. I have spent these past few days inspecting what we have and seeing to all the projects my predecessors have left me. I could not care any less if I am perfectly honest. I have one goal in mind, one goal since the beginning, one purpose for this fortress.
We will forge an Empire.
To start with, the food stores look exceptional and the population is respectable. All in good order. The fort can idle on what tasks it has for some time without direct input, for my entire mind and purpose shall be on the creation of a proper Army. A Force solely dedicated to offensive warfare. I can already see the looks my fellow dwarves are giving me, and the names they utter under their breathes; lunatic, maddwarf, stark raving mad. It matters not, all this talk will subside when the first bounties of Imperium are returned to us and the treasures of our foes dumped at our feet.
To begin with, I want to launch an attack on the Goblins to the North, while it will be many years before we can think of assailing their great Icy Stronghold, we can raid their lesser outposts and weaken their overall position.
Next I want to invade into the lands of the Humans. They have a Great City, Murkguilds, with a population of over 2,000 on the coast, barely a days travel away. While trade with the humans could be profitable, subjugating them and forcing our lordship on them will be even more so. The Humans have in total 4 great Cities surrounding us, with numerous villages. The City of Autumnboulder to the north is not as populated but houses a Great and Ancient Library filled with many tomes and knowledge, a very lucrative target for initial raiding.
I must first, however, build my Grand Army, as we currently possess nothing but a barely trained militia. I will personally oversee the first new Squad of my new Army
I am also creating a new Grand Barracks for my new Army. A Great Dome under the Fortress, with wings for new Squads. Five Urists tall and many wide, it will be the most grand Barracks ever made. I am already returning many of the Dwarves to their jobs in the Glass Industry to pump out Armor Racks, weapon Stands, Doors, and other furniture, and I am also preparing to expand the Magma Forges to begin the industrial forging of Steel Armor and Weapons, seeing as we have much Iron and Flux Stone.
I can only hope I can bring my Army to full strength before I am forced to relinquish the
Rutile hat and I lose my power. I have no doubt that those pansies who value peace and diplomacy will stop my attempts at subjugating the humans, I must act with haste...