10th Timber
Pushing the scarred remnants of the door open, Kanet and Argonnek moved cautiously out into the Dining Hall, crossbows at the ready. Thinner after several weeks of little food and entirely too sober after their supplies of booze ran out the pair had been forced out of their barricaded sanctuary.
The Hall spoke of the chaos that had fallen upon the fortress in the Summer and Autumn. Countless bodies littered the floor, among the debris of broken tables and chairs and toppled statues. Shifting enough of the rubble to open the doors they moved into hallways that were almost as bad.
They continued to glance around as they made their way to the stairs, ready to fight if any insane Dwarves appeared.
Oddly enough, the workshop level was almost intact. The only shop that had been attacked was the Mason's and the body of Korgan lay half in/half out of the doorway. The multitude of stone coffins implied that he had remained sane and worked to give an ever growing number of dead a suitable resting place right up to his own death.
The lack of life worried the Leader and Deputy as they made a beeline for the food and booze stockpile. After ensuring that the supplies had not been tainted by the rotting bodies that lay among the barrels they drank heavily, greatly enjoying the taste of fine Dwarven brews after so long without them.
Sated and feeling strong again the duo filled their packs and returned to the stairs, intending to make for the Barracks and Infirmary.
They were in for a surprise as they ascended into the entrance hall. Thick slabs of granite had been placed hurriedly at both ends of the hall, blocking all outside access. The doors of the Barracks were open wide though and the sounds of weapons clashing and bolts hitting targets echoed out to them.
Kanet sighed in relief as he entered the Barracks and saw that at least some Dwarves had survived. The Warriors Aban, Kodor, Mingkil and Kel were sparring while the Marksdwarf Kigok sent bone bolts flying at the targets in the archery range.
"We were beginning to wonder if you'd survived." A voice from the left made them turn as Sable and Derek entered from the armory. The Senior Warriors looked battered and worn but otherwise seemed in good spirits.
"We managed to take refuge in my office. We had enough supplies in our packs for a couple months but we had to come out eventually. I'm just glad we aren't the only ones left." Kanet said, returning Sable's grin.
"There aren't many of us left alive I'm afraid." Derek reported. "Counting you two we're up to a dozen Warriors and a few civilians. There are probably more hiding out around here but they probably don't realize its safe to come out."
"Is it actually safe?" Argonnek asked.
"Aye, once Dwarves started going into hiding the insane more or less killed each off. There are still a few miserable souls who may still snap but I believe we're in control of the situation again." Sable replied.
"What about the hall? Why is it blocked off?"
"Back in Early Autumn the Undead showed up again." Derek reported grimly. "We were still in the grip of the insane so we did the only thing we could to survive, blocked the entrances to the fort and hotel and hope they don't feel like digging to get at us."
"Sadly, not everyone got inside in time. We know Endok was out there along with at least 3 Warriors" He continued. "Tharnas included."
"They might still be alive." Kigok broke in, appearing in the doorway of the range. "Tharnas is a tough Dwarf and Endok has the hammer of his. Heck, he's probably thrilled he finally gets to beat someone with it." He laughed at the mental image of the Undead trying to fight the might of a Hammerer.
"There one way to be sure." Kanet said. "We'll open the door and see for ourselves."
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The Tantrum Spiral ended after a few monthes. I'm still working on figuring out who's left but as of now I know that the following are dead:
Jillian, Head of Farming
Sarek, Head of Metalworking
Legolord, Head of Glassworking
Igorina, Head Leatherworker
Rakust, Head of Woodworking
Barbarossa, Master Architect and Engraver
Reg, Head of Masonry
Korgan, Head of Masonry
Etest Kudar, Weaponsmith
Eli, Mechanic
Gizmo, Siege Operator/Engineer
Hexed, Siege Operator/Engineer
Tulon, Master Chef
Olin, Brewmaster
Akhier, Head Mechanic
Newb, Trademaster
Mothwing, Medicine Dwarf
So, pretty much every single forum member character is dead as well as our Medicine Dwarf and all 7 of the Founders: Fireheart, Kornash, Jillian, Legolord, Sarek, Skid and Newb.
If anyone wants a new Dwarf (or 2 or 3) you know the drill. Flamebanner has survived so this will continue.
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Topic: Flamebanner: The Battle of Flamebanner! (Read 131263 times)