Okay, first little bit here is just exposition and the first journal entry to get things started. My general interest towards playing DF at all was pretty low the last few days, but I managed to crank this out. Anyways, enjoy. Further updates to come.
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The Mountianhomes are little more than an empty husk at this point. Years ago the miners carved out the last trace of precious metal within the cavernous mountain that had been the cradle of Dwarven Civilization for ages passed. But now, metal ore is as rare as work for a Purring Maggot milker. Enterprising bands of Dwarves and hopeful migrants are embarking for a new home every day. One band in particular was tasked with the utmost critical of duties: to build a new capital worthy of the King himself.
The new fortress, dubbed “The Eternal Halls” had become quite wealthy and prosperous in the years since its founding. Dwarves from throughout the realm flooded to it, urged on by the promise of work and precious metal. It would appear that the crisis that had threatened the entire Dwarven civilization had been adverted with the founding of this new hall, but such wealth and reputation draws the ire from many.
The night of the 2nd of Limestone, 108Deep within the carved halls of the old Mountainhomes, a gathering of Dwarves was taking place; the point of which was the discussion of military matters. The generals of the army and the finest siege engineers met in an opulent room, with every wall masterfully engraved with depictions of battles and duels from the very history of the Mountianhomes itself. Of course, such grand design and appointment was quite common in such a place.
“The Goblin raids have increased rather sharply within the last two years. We’ve been losing contact with outpost after outpost in the southern regions, and to make matters worse the only passes to the south have fallen into the hands of those green bastards.” A rather stern looking Dwarf explained, “The Eternal Halls is under threat. So far they’ve managed to hold their own against the Goblin hordes and marauding Humans, but their last military report indicates a severe lack of proper siege fortifications.”
Another Dwarf, dressed in the traditional red the mechanics corps, leaned forward onto the communal table, drawing in on his pipe before speaking, “So then, how’ve they been defending themselves?”
“Thus far they’ve relied purely on the strength of Dwarven arms. And a damn good credit they do to it, too.” This time a Dwarf adorned in ornate steel armour spoke up, obviously the Lord of the military. “All the fortifications in the world mean nothing without the Dwarves to man them, Kobok.”
“But the situation is clear,” Urist, the Dwarf at the head of the table interrupted, “A selection of our finest mechanics and siege engineers must be dispatched to oversee the construction of proper fortifications, lest the Eternal Halls falls to the greenskin onslaught.” Urist eyed Kobok, “I want you to send your apprentice to take stock of things first. Give him instructions to lay the groundwork for the fortifications, by order of the King.”
Kobok gave a ‘yes sir’ followed by a quick bow and rushed out of the meeting room to inform his apprentice as to his next duty.
23rd of Limestone, 108This is the first time I’ve had time to write in my journal since my arrival at The Eternal Halls. It has been a very busy first week.
The journey here was much swifter than one would normally expect. I arrived some time in the very early morning of the 11th of limestone. I, and my guard, could see the light of campfires on the hills to the east and the plains to the west of the road leading to The Eternal Halls. A few days previous we happened to pass by a messenger, whom explained that a Human raiding party had set up camp near my new home.
Luckily my guard appointed to protect me, Domas, and I were able to sneak past their patrols under the cover of the night and make it inside the stone halls safely. I was greeted by the sight of the local defenders taking their positions, readying themselves for the coming battle.
My first impression of the state of this fortress’ defenses is less than stellar. The one and only entrance was flanked by two long walls, which would force any attack to funnel down it. Such a fortification is well enough on its own against small raiding parties, but it will simply not do for the purpose of The Eternal Halls. I think establishing a more defensible entrance will be my first job.
The morning I after my arrival I was able make a better assessment of the fortifications. Hidden by the gloom of the night, I did not notice the section of parapets above the entrance. If we had more than 4 marksdwarves I’m sure they could be put to better use.
The barracks were also fairly underwhelming. For a fortress that relied on the strength of arms, there wasn’t much room to train those arms. A paltry dozen beds and a modicum of empty sparring space was what the previous rulers called a “barracks”.
I also spoke to the hitherto director of The Eternal Halls. I explained, by order of the King, I am now to be considered, for all intents and purposes, the administrator of this Fortress. She seemed to take it well; or it could have been the fact that she was standing in the middle of a large stockpile of alcohol.
Either way, I was unceremoniously handed over control. I understand that a Countess and her consort have taken up their position of nobility, along with a philosopher, tax collector, dungeon master, and the ever dreaded hammerer.
While I have my doubts the citizens and nobility of The Eternal Halls will accept my new position of power happily, they can not argue an order direct from the King himself. I have my work cut out for me; there’s a lot of things in this fortress that need turning around, and I just hope I can prepare it all for my master back at the Mountainhomes before the year is out.
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Topic: The Eternal Halls - An Endless Succession Game (Read 214302 times)