===+ Journal of the Undying Overseer – Spring 162 +===8th SlateGlorygullies must be basically undefended if two untrained dolts could start a fight there and walk away unscathed. Quite embarrassing for the elves that they couldn’t even protect their own forest from the goblins, despite their bluster. I’ve sent the Rainbow Raptors and the Crystal Inquisition to burn the place to the ground. They need the excitement, and the fewer outposts the goblins have in the west, the more limited their options for expansion are.
20th SlateWith a breeding pair of giant red-winged blackbirds, we’ve been preparing a nest area for raising and taming the beasts. Once we domesticate some hatchlings, they’ll be quite a lucrative replacement for our turkeys. Fewer eggs, but we’re already overflowing with those. I’d like to breed giant ravens as well, but thus far we only have one.
Auze continues to demonstrate worrying behaviour. He’s been standing outside next to the corpse pile, staring into the distance since the Rainbow Raptors left. Apparently, he’s waiting for our mayor to return so he can complain. Hopefully they get back soon, I’m starting to get worried. Auze isn’t as far gone as Rovod yet, but his status and anger issues could make a mental break very unpleasant.
23rd SlateAh, here are our returning champions now! Wait, where’s the captain of the Raptors? And those sullen faces… something went wrong.
Damnation upon the goblins and their demon master! They were waiting in ambush. Just three of them, but with luck and a strong defensive position, they were nearly a match for us. Bomrek Glazerevered and Kol Paintsieged, both swordsdwarves of legendary skill, fell to the lash of a particularly nasty goblin. They will be memorialized as heroes upon our walls. The goblin was slain by Nil Southlashes, ironically one of the least experienced Raptors.
It’s clear that we need to improve our tactics and planning. Those goblins had far inferior equipment and training, they never should have been able to kill two of our best soldiers. Until we have more experience with assaulting enemy fortifications, I think it would be best to limit ourselves to small-scale raids where we are free to retreat if necessary.
Of the spoils of war, the soldiers managed to find a few books, including one by our very own former king and captive necromancer, Kol Namedpillars. Apparently, he spent some time learning elven poetry in Glorygullies in his youth. Clearly his penchant for the perverse started early.
11th FelsiteWe have an unusual visitor to the fortress.
Welcome, brother. Unlike many other places, you will find that Smallhands is not quite so squeamish around the post-living. Abide by our laws and we will get along just fine. Break them, and you will quickly discover the limits of your undead flesh.
… just a moment though. I believe KingZultan wants a word with you. We’ve had some troubles with necromancers you see, and while we are happy to host all kinds here, it would be best to establish a bit about your history first.
12th FelsiteHorrible shrieking can be heard coming from the experiment chamber. It seems that old king Kol has finally had enough of his imprisonment. Unfortunately, we’re not done with him. In fact, I think this will make him a bit easier to bend to our whims.
But that is merely a distraction right now. KingZultan charmed our guest and now brings me grave news. Indeed, he is still nothing but a servant of the foul necromancers!
We must act quickly now, lest he manage to free his masters. Dwarves, destroy the monstrosity! He may be alone but do not take him lightly, his unholy strength is not to be underestimated!
It’s done. I must commend Tosid on her skill in finishing that fight. The fiend managed to wound a recent Gravewarden recruit, Mosus, but she should heal just fine.
The bigger issue is what to do with Mestthos, the one that creature claimed as an accomplice. He is a skilled member of the Rainbow Raptors, and even worse, was recently elected mayor! The corruption apparently happened last year, when the necromancer Spriggans was exerting his magical influence. Does that mean he is free of it now? And what significance does the Waning Embraced Passage have to the necromancers? It is an artifact amulet, strikingly beautiful, but so are many other artifacts created here. Mestthos will need to be interrogated. Perhaps he can answer some of these questions.
Oh, and interrogate the elf too, just in case.
15th FelsiteMestthos has confessed to stealing the amulet, but… it’s still on display in the library? Must be confused. Unfortunately, he can’t really give an explanation for his actions. With no victim and the possibility of mind control, I’m reluctant to convict, but I’ll be keeping an eye on him.
Amidst all the excitement, Salmeuk started acting erratic and screaming about needing materials. He’s barricaded himself in a mason’s shop. Let’s see what comes of this.
16th FelsiteI had the spearman’s corpse brought down to the crusher but couldn’t resist a simple experiment. And, well, look who’s back.
Zolack Monstertwinkling, I find you guilty of conspiracy against Smallhands and abuse of our hospitality. May your soul finally have the rest it deserves.
Wait, what??? The crusher passed right through him! Has he somehow become incorporeal?
Oh well, we can do this the hard way.
Farewell, brother.
23rd FelsiteSalmeuk has finished his artifact, a granite table.
Practical, if somewhat dull for someone who has gone through so much in our fort. I’ll have it installed in his dining room.