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[Itnetlolor]

More progress!

Spoiler: Y11S2: Beyond the Ruins (click to show/hide)

I've been in a pretty crappy mood, but I have found someone I am rather fond of that's still alive that I can shout at. That should at least cool my head down since the loss of a majority of my original team.

The good news, however, is that we're making some serious progress now, and we now have a few trained monkeys to lend us a hand. If this keeper is any good, I want these things trained to tear the faces off any idiot that would dare cause another tantrum spiral within our fort. And just as an added measure, I at least have one of our lazy newbies, which dabbles with a hammer, to patrol the back walls of the fort for us. I want to keep the doors open for collecting wood.

We've had a pathetic supply of copper, so I have issued any and all copper weapons (except picks) to be melted down to help supply us. Our current miners have a sad chance at successfully mining out the nearby tetrahedrite ores. I ordered them to practice a bit forming a more proper barracks in case I find it a good idea to start a new military.

In both honor to our fallen, and more ornamental decor for the ship, I issued a silver figurehead get constructed to install on the tin point. Seeing as things were a tad off, and insecure, we had to remove the tin point. The slot left behind, however, was perfect for slipping it into place. At the same time, this should prevent any moron from hanging out at the point of the ship.

We got more of the engine blocks installed. The walls of them are a little tricky to install, so an extra tile was added to allow my workers to reach the hard points. They'll slide in the caps from above, and hammer them in place. While that was being done, I have installed more to the gears so we can get to work on the props and test the boilers out soon enough. We're getting there. I'll work on the next decks once I'm certain this thing will hold on it's own. But seeing the designs, the props will be a little loose, so things may still be moving even if the boilers are shut off. At least if we're way up high, the thing can glide down, since the engines are pre-installed for 1-way movement. I'll think of a way to see if these can provide wind-power whenever the ship is grounded, or floating by the spirits of the fallen. Might as well not let the extra power go to waste, just as well, sometimes the boilers need a break. Speaking of which, when is somebody going to clean those copper corkscrews out of them? I'd like to ensure that these things will work as designed.

The numbers of my old friends have been waering really thin. I'm sure every new guy here has a good idea of what has been going on here, what with all the cursing and screaming and babbling and all. I do hope this depression will pass, otherwise I'll see if I can find a successor amongst these guys. I wonder if the dungeon master has gone by any other name? Having witnessed her subdue those beasts in the kennel, and a bit of know-how at her disposal, she may actually be much more useful than I think. I'll mentor her for a few seasons on the project.

Casualties: 7 dwarves
No new brave migrants

Seal is Broken!

PS- Luccia is what she was once called. She may be a bit of a nut, not the most ethical on her pursuits of monster collecting/breeding, but I think she means well, despite how twisted she can get.

--Chief (Pyro)Technician, Weaponsmith, Kel "Lucca" Stigazkadol

I only have the 1 POI made. I have to get to work. I'll finish tagging it when I return.

[SkyRender]

You really should post more 3D shots too.  The last time you posted any, the ship was just a wireframe and the fort had barely suffered any casualties (comparatively speaking).

[Itnetlolor]

I posted a few more recent shots in the vis-fort thread. I'll add more tomorrow, maybe. But I'll link to the posts.

Nevermind, enjoy a quote instead:

Woah, nice. But can it fly?

Plus, take a gander at my sig to see how many lives my ship has taken just to build it.

I'll maybe upload my pics later. It's actually taking form quite well.

Spoiler: Here they are (As of Y10S3) (click to show/hide)

Yes, that is burned land. Freaking imp.

I already got the bottom props installed, but this version of Visfort doesn't seem to have the models for waterwheels included yet. I can maybe photoshop some proper props and such when I finalize the ship.

[Cheddarius]

Epic fist design.

[Itnetlolor]

Another update.

Spoiler: Y11S3: Wings of Time (click to show/hide)

Things have been looking up lately. We finally got the Imp problem taken care of; my companion has been of good comfort for these past few months, and I finally got all my anger out (among other things). It's nice to have someone to let loose on again. Having Luccia as my protege has also helped me out a bit too. She learns fast. For what it's worth, if she doesn't mind, I'll see if she can keep track of supplies while I handle other things.

The tomb/magma capping project is making quite some progress, little as it looks. For what it's worth, it works. Surveying the site, I mandated that we have a proper doorway set to prevent anyone from coming in or out. For added measure, I also made sure some cage traps get installed, in case we can have Luccia train us some imps to have work on the ship, or as defense from surrounding wildlife. I know some certain creatures these imps would be perfect for striking down. > Speaking of which, we have ourselves at least 1 imp captured. Luccia's still training the macaques, so it'll be a moment before we get ourselves some trained imps. She requested that I improve the animal storage, and even install a cage nearby the relocated kennels to not only serve as extra storage for already trained animals, but also to quarantine certain other creatures from the rest of the fort (especially the imps. We don't want them to burn the land yet). The quarantine should also protect the livestock (which has provided us some meat at a good pace).

Tree crops have been rather clear-cut from the looks of it, and we already used up all the pre-cuts from the last harvest. The imps apparently managed to fertilize the grounds for the next few seasons, so hopefully trees will spring here and there quickly. We're cautiously expanding our harvesting borders, but it seems our woodsdwarves have attracted some attention, incidentally snagging ourselves a few antmen to train as well. However, one bypassed the cage line and was pestering or work force. Fortunately, the woodsdwarf balls'd-up and tore that creature limb from limb once it tried taking a bite out of the dog.

As for progress with the ship: I think I'm close to finished with working on my part of it. I'm planning to have the props installed by the end of the year. Considering my refined plans, based on Cid's old designs of the prop and boilers. I should be able to have the props installed and spinning and generating some power to the whole ship, whether the boilers are ready or not. I have the schematics for that operation ready, but I'll have to remember to reverse the power-generation polarity before activating the boilers, otherwise the whole power block will lock up and crack due to the powers countering each other. Maybe I can find a workaround for that as I build the props.

So far, the engine/generator blocks are 2/3rds complete. They still need to be capped and topped off, and have the props installed, and we're set. When all that's done, I'll optimize and program the Chenjesu Computer and make plans for a backup computer for the next installment. Oh, and it seems someone finally took the time to clean out the boilers of the crap that was clogging them. Seeing as the parts got damaged when they fell, I ordered them to be melted down to finish the boilers.

I am rather surprised that we got some traders to visit, despite recent events. They sure looked surprised to see my head hasn't been hollowed out by a firesnake. Thanks to managing to use scraps from around the ship and some useless parts, I bought some more materials of different types, as well as more food from seeds and spawn to clusters of meat and plump helmets, and maybe some booze. Since not much else was really needed, we decided to just let the traders have all that we were willing to trade on the spot. They appreciated the profit margin. Found us rather generous.

For my actions, I was given a booklet to values of materials and quality and items. It helped me figure the values to everything within the fort. Seeing as I still have my mind intact, and I did so well when I started, and have the skills, I was re-elected mayor. I will be fair. To start, I mandated (since it seemed mandatory to do so) that we shall not sell bronze items. Like we'd ever. We'd just recycle them anyhow.

It seems death and destruction is all in the past now. Just so fingers don't point all around, I have no captain of the guard assigned. And with our numbers as is, it's for the better. BTW, I knocked over my share of workshops and destroyed several tables and chairs in my rage. I don't need the jail time.

Casualties: 1 dwarf, might stay that way
Migrants: 0, Still afraid of this place. We were lucky with what we got.

Death Volcano

--Chief (Pyro)Technician, Weaponsmith, Kel "Lucca" Stigazkadol

Well, according to Dwarf Therapist, it's all green and yellow again. And because they're all migrants now, and a few original-ish; another TS is not as easy to get next time until next reclaim.

[Itnetlolor]

Unfortunately, I couldn't finish in the time I quoted. My actual update will be up tomorrow.

Here's a VisFort teaser to tie you over. It'll also be posted in DFMA.

Spoiler: Sample (click to show/hide)

[The Dog Delusion]

That's really quite epic.

After it's done, lock your "crew" inside and only let them out for the occasional "away mission" to perhaps trade or chop wood or something. That's what I'd do, at least. Or flood the world after they're all inside

[Itnetlolor]

That's really quite epic.

After it's done, lock your "crew" inside and only let them out for the occasional "away mission" to perhaps trade or chop wood or something. That's what I'd do, at least. Or flood the world after they're all inside

Actually, that's what I intended for a community fortress once I finish. It continues the quest. The "delivery" back to the home of the original 7 where they came from. Of course, it won't be without it's fair share of wackiness on the way, as well as out of the way.

Of course, some obligatory "cheating" will be required in order to get certain events to happen.

[Itnetlolor]

And here's last night's update. Enjoy.

Spoiler: Y11S4: Dwarves Seized With Life (click to show/hide)

Little has been done for the Bloodfist. Unfortunately, the team hasn't finished their job with capping off all the engine blocks. But we at least got 2 of them done. Reason for this problem is due to the fact that we ran out of supplies, and lost a couple workers to a failed fey mood; we had to trap her in a vacuum-sealed tomb so her rage will not destroy the fortress. Amazingly, her death was neither suicide nor asphyxiation, but a hoof to the skull by her pet cow that incidentally got trapped with her. The other death was a wrestler in training which was also a metalworker. She did a good job in exterminating some perimeter wildlife that has been pestering some of our woodcutters, but a pair of antmen took her down when she was getting a drink. She did at least do some damage to them before being killed.

Surprisingly, because we have survived for so long, apparently, after we setup one of our tamed monkeys to serve as guard "dogs" for our doorways, an ambush was detected when it went insane after being latched into place. I ordered our patroldwarf and a woodcutter that was on their way out as guards for the doorway after the goblins pass through the traps. We snagged a couple, stone-falls incapacitated a few more, and our 2 defenders successfully tore the remainder apart, incurring on injuries themselves. Our woodcutter then continued their duties.

As for the tomb; I figure that since we're mostly using basalt for the build, I have requested a stockpile be made specifically for it at the build site so the builders have much less of a hard time working on it. Unfortunately, being underhanded, and busy collecting wood, this may take longer than I have hoped for. At least the usual exits of the imps are being ramped off. They won't be exiting anytime soon. Plus, I have designated a square foundation to work with for the tomb to be built upon. It'll be a slow development, but future reclaimers should have it really easy now, since we've done all the work ensuring safety. Now if those damn migrants will only grow a pair and trek the land again.

Casualties: 2 dwarves

Shadow's End Forest

PS- Luccia is not in the mood to cram numbers in her head; but she's still open to other tasks where needed. She's been rather helpful with the underhanded metalworking.

--Chief (Pyro)Technician, Weaponsmith, Kel "Lucca" Stigazkadol

A shame I couldn't finish at the time I quoted. However, at least it was a supply problem and not a crew problem.

[Itnetlolor]

I'm like butter baby, I'm on a roll!!!

Another freaking update.

Spoiler: Y12S1: Dream of the Sky Bordering Another World (click to show/hide)

Oh, glory days. Oh, glory days. That was a quick recovery. Let me begin...

We have finally finished capping off Deck III, and are actively sealing away the contraptions so that I can install all the required parts to get this baby entitled as an airship. With our wood supply suddenly bouncing back, we're bound to get the gears rolling; speaking of which, I have managed to get the mechanical links from the power source to the lower props optimized. We should be able to safely power those on and off independently. But for now, it's only for the bottom props to be switched on/off. Speaking of switches, I have successfully linked up a lever to operate one of the access bridges/doors. Proof of concept works. Cid, you are magnificent. After we repair the door to the other side and reattach it properly, we should be able to get that linked; speaking of which, the main dry-dock bridge has been repaired the rest of the way finally, and can also operate independent from the ship.

I can sense Cid's presence in this land. He's proud that I was one of the only reclaimers that held true and rose like a true phoenix. He's seeing his vision rise up. I must say, I did one hell of a job. All the engineering is exactly what he wanted; of course, with a few tweaks from me, I can imagine his surprise that I thought of methods he didn't even think of using. With his possession over me; in my dreams we have worked together on a special mechanism that fulfills what I want to do. Think of a redundant gear mechanism that operates like a differential or a drive-shaft, different gears re-purposes the propellers; especially when grounded. A unique trait involving rotating the blades themselves to jury-rig us some (or many) makeshift windmills. Great for a jump-start in case the ship plummets from the sky. And since the prop/windmills will be moving in the same one direction, the jump-start could possibly work. I can even program a sort of emergency code to get it to work by putting in R66-Y (or just say "Prometheus" to it if you don't remember the code) as the access code. It'll do the rest on it's own. BRILLIANT!!

To my surprise, some brave bastards (half-more a baker's dozen (20)) have braved the journey. I sense a dare. This hellhole may not seem like much; but I like it now. I did a damn good job fixing it up. Screw danger. Only other thing to screw us over would have to be a giant bug coming out of the volcano to destroy the world; but as Balthier might snark "Fun idea, but this could be the wrong setting for such a story.". Guy has always been for theatrics.

Anyhow, we're working on deck IV now, and installing the rest of Deck III as we move on as to not slow our pace. I hope our glass makers can keep up. That is, provided we have the material to keep production moving. I should get ready to start building my supply of propellers and gearboxes so I can get it ready. I already mandated the master kill switch get to work ASAP. As I send this off, 2 of the 12 ((2/3)/4 blocks) propellers have been set in place. At this rate, installation should be easy.

Our tomb is looking good so far. Still not resembling one yet, but designations are showing no slow down. Better yet, stone relocation has been completed to speed up production of it. Speaking of tombs, we lost 2 migrants. It seems they forgot about the primary rule to not explore the north-western boundaries, and not to collect anything from there. It's part of initiation. It's where I learned from past notes what one must NOT do upon visit. What fools. Some even thought it a good idea go spelunk in the trap-riddled cave. Apparently they deserved to die due their own stupidity. A couple passers-by witnessed one bleed to death within as they were attempting rescue. They were too late.

But yeah, summary: Things are looking very well. But having encountered crap before, as well as there being a giant bat flying near the ship. Thank Armok I got the machinery working on the ship and sealed it off. They shouldn't be much bother.

Casualties: 2 dwarves
Migrants: 20 dwarves

Dream's Creation

--Chief (Pyro)Technician, Weaponsmith, Kel "Lucca" Stigazkadol

I'm being cautiously optimistic here. But it's so nice to be close to the finish now.

[Itnetlolor]

Spoiler: Y12S2: Green Nightmare (click to show/hide)

I've been getting some rather disturbing dreams as if we're not secure enough. Remembering that we lost our old team to tantrums, I had to act and quickly. I have setup a mandate to lockdown all entryways except for the eastern entrance so we can quickly install the security devices and coordinate our forces into the area.

In the short while of that, Vabok Febbasen (arrowspray) has a glimmer of creativity. Let's hope something comes of it we can use.

Progress with training has gone over rather well so far. Some know what they'll be doing, and others are still learning the ropes. I hope if I'm right, these guys can come of good use. ...Or not. We've been ambushed, and according to the tracks, the invaders came from the south and went around the walls to the East entrance. We almost didn't get to the doors in time, some of them got snared by the stone-falls, others backed off and had thoughts to go the long route. Most of the remainder get caged as well as crushed. Some stray villagers decided to take liberty (at the expense of our lazy military) to go take down the stragglers.

Unfortunately, that was not the only ambush party; another one came from the north, and locking that down was not without it's problems. There have been some items as well as the guard macaques blocking the way. A few other workers have been killed, and still no response from the mandated security. If not for the traps and the ironclad will of our villagers, we probably would've been lost like 'Cid'.

We've lost a handful of people, but at least we didn't lost our fort and project. On that note, the boilers have finally been completed, but the linking of the machanisms is only halfway finished. In the meantime, I've called for anyone available to fill the boilers for when the time comes to power the whole thing up. It has been decided to make more progress on the ship itself instead of the propellors for the sake of the limited wood supply as well as to make further progress on the ship itself. Following our past foredwarve's methods, I'm archiving my plans in case the worst happens, and hiding it within a location that someone I know (with the next team, Armok forbid) will know to look for it. Or at least train one of these macaques to lead to where they are. We have to keep our resolve.

And it seems another ambush has occurred, and still no response from our military. They better be well trained for the trouble they've been causing... Okay the ambush is gone. I'm issuing a second set of floodgates for the North Entryway and train up some crossbowdwarves to back up our melee troops.

Casualties:  6 dwarves

PS- It seems that a fire imp (according to Luccia's word) has crumbled the fortification initially carved out and has attempted to pop his head in on her business. And there have been sightings in the tomb site, below it fortunately. But still, they're popping out of the pipe again. As if our troubles aren't bad enough.

Oh, and it also seems that we have lost our crafty little dwarf to melancholy. We lacked shells apparently, and he just freaked out.

Random Encounters

--Chief (Pyro)Technician, Weaponsmith, Kel "Lucca" Stigazkadol

Okay, progress. This may be a bit of a challenge trying to beat Toady's update of DF.

I wish I could get more info put on the map, but DFMA is going nutty. So enjoy the default POI for now.

[Itnetlolor]

Spoiler: Y12S3: Proto Dome (click to show/hide)

Upon setting things back into motion, another dwarf has fallen victim to a mood. He claimed the smelter; let's hope he doesn't lose it this time. The dwarf in question is named Asmel Udeshlogem (Skinnedpaints). Well, while he's busy, I'll worry about trading with these guys. Noticing that our defenses are a bit extreme a measure, they're not bringing wagon with them. Not like we need anything else at the moment. I mean, the depot is still riddled with stuff from last trade to trade with.

Well, it's another basic resupply, and they were happy to trade with us again. It seems we're among the only other dwarves to last as long as we have (or at least myself). Last one to survive as long as I have was good ol' 'Cid', my mentor.

Asmel has been screaming "I'VE DONE IT! I'VE DONE IT!!!" Done what, you ask? They created one hell of a hammer, that's what. It's an artifact tin war hammer with gems and cave spider silk and spiked with tin, it's rather astonishing. An artifact worth something. It's an effectively weighty 291 DP and I place it's value in at 40800 DB. Very well done. And with their excitement I heard that after crafting such a fine weapon, they're willing to replicate such quality. It'll be nice to have some decent weapons again. Hell, after seeing that hammer, I hope it's beyond quality.

Anyway, we have more food and drinks and cages. Everyone will be fine for another set of seasons. Oddly enough, we have yet to get any word on new arrivals. After the recent attacks, I don't blame them.

Production on the ship is going rather splendidly. Deck V is forming up rather quickly, and to work with the design to our advantage, a series of fortifications are in order. At least the front portion of Deck IV is being given this upgrade. We might do the same with Deck V. It seems the tomb is also going rather well as well. In fact, the foundation is stable enough to set a shorter path for wood hauling and sending off troops. Soon enough, the base of the tomb will be in order.

Speaking of which, it seems those damn imps are craftier than ever. They're all gathering towards 'Luccia' and the smelter where she volunteered to help us out in. I don't think they like her much. I'm placing an order for that area to be walled off for the time being, and have a door installed to contain any problems in the room. For what it's worth, since we already have a majority of our tasks completed, I might place an order for a second glassmaking factory to be installed closer to the project site. It should be more convenient for sand collecting as well as hauling overall.

Overall, despite a few scruples, things have gone over well. We lost the depressed dwarf, and reports tell me one of our warriors, a skilled wrestler, had a spinal injury, and died of thirst. What a shame. But for what it's worth, things did go over well.


Casualties: 2 dwarves

2 Dwarves and a Biscuit

--Chief (Pyro)Technician, Weaponsmith, Kel "Lucca" Stigazkadol

And that's my second one for the night. I don't know if it's my computer, Flash, or the sites themselves, but I can't seem to stably update my project. Ironically enough, I'm putting out updates at a crazy pace. I mean, I'm rolling at a smooth 25fps per season.

So yeah. Something else must be chewing away at resources somehow, and it's only when I update on DFMA.

I might go for a triple-update tonight. Wish me luck. I estimate that I update at an average rate of 1 update/3 hours; and add a necessary break between 30-60 mins. in between.

[Cheddarius]

beyond quality

i c wut u did there

[Itnetlolor]

And the last update for tonight. I almost didn't make my deadline. Had a couple distractions too while at it. HUZZAH!

Of course, there's a bit of a problem...

Spoiler: Y12S4: Red Pin (click to show/hide)

More steady progress, more surprises out of nowhere. It seems those imps are just coming at us nonstop and without fear. They made their biggest mistake. They have severely injured our newly gained weapon master... crafter. Our troops, again, were no help. They were eating and drinking, and leaving poor Asmel on the ground the entire time, even until his death. Only the few good samaritans nearby that had any relative skill, have arrived on the scene and held off the imps until a barricade was erected.

Seeing how dangerous that general area is, I decided it would be a good idea to make a second glassmaking shop to not only boost production, but also have a backup in a safer area. However, those imps are persistent. They just keep on coming. So far, Asmel is the only casualty.

Why is it that whenever goblins aren't bothering us, imps are? And since when did kobolds become such ninjas? Last kobold I saw was running across the tops of the walls for no reason at all. We figured, no harm, no foul. We let him off easy. Plus, those imps concern us more. Speaking of invaders, the front gate should be finished. And as reckless as it may seem, and with recent imp activity, I figured it must be safe to collect from the east valley while we can. So far, it's been smooth sailing.

Speaking of sailing, the frontside of Deck V has been completed. Fenced off and sealed. We can get to work on the captains quarters and such. And on the note of our old friend passing, the foundation for the tomb has been established, calculated at 31x31. Ideas are at work.

Casualties: 1 dwarf

Figureheading is Well and True

--Chief (Pyro)Technician, Weaponsmith, Kel "Lucca" Stigazkadol

Why did that have to happen?

And I just noticed. I just finished another year of the project in a day. I'm impressed with myself on achieving a triple-update. Now, to repeat that tomorrow as well.

[immibis]

Can you please post VF screenshots of the ship in its current state? (If I try to view that DFMA map it freezes Firefox)