Journal of Fatcat, overseer of Goldsilver
Slate 20th, 251
It has nearly been two months since my elections, and this is the first time since then that I have written in my journal. I was reminded to do so by the arrival of a huge party of new settlers. The trading last fall must have gotten the attention of our fellows at the Mountainhomes, and there are now 27 new citizens here in our fortress.
The first thing to happen in my overseership was the beginning of a swarm of monster-hunters. Within the last two months, ten different wanderers have stopped here to seek glory in hunting dangerous beasts. I have informed them that the caves are closed, but they are still welcome.
The work on sealing the caverns has progressed slowly. I ordered a stone drawbridge built across the entry to the caverns, and have been working on getting it linked to a lever, to shut the gate. I have yet to collect The Maggot's remains from the depths, but the other two victims have been honorably interred.
Although Nephilim had ordered stone blocks carved, we still have very few in stock. Our supply at the beginning of my term was enough to construct one section of the planned outer wall, plus a little more. To hasten the construction of proper defenses, I had another mason's workshop thrown together, which is now the site of continuous activity. I would also like to build a string of cage traps, but acquiring cages will prove difficult.
The liaison from the Mountainhome left soon after I assumed leadership, but before he did, I took the time to talk over the world's politics with him. I was surprised to learn that one of the human nations, as well as the elves, are at war with our civilization. The other humans are allied with us, and we have a peace treaty with both goblin nations.
The yaks have been reproducing at a considerable rate, and the dogs have given us another batch of puppies. The migrants have also brought a selection of other creatures for our farm. The more I see of the surroundings, the more difficult it appears to me to gain new varieties of livestock. Not only will cages be hard to acquire, there seems to be very little wildlife in this barren wasteland.
My greatest goal for this year is to open the fortress to the daylight, but it is built under the flank of a nearby mountain, requiring vast amounts of stone to be removed for this purpose. Despite this, one thick layer has been carved off of the mountainside, and another is already under work. This excavation has provided a large supply of stone for building, as well as a selection of gems.
The migrant group brought a large number of farmers, and they were quick to organize into a guild. The have requested a guild hall. I have not formally accepted, but I am trying to figure out where to construct it. Farmers are valuable to our efforts here, and should be properly honored.
I should get back to work now. This fortress requires all my time right now.