Within a tattered diaryThe winds of fate test me yet again. After the destruction of my second fortress, obviously through no fault of my own, I found myself wandering in the wilderness once more. I was beginning to feel a little alarmed, what with the howling of elves and all, but my keen sense of direction did not lead me astray! I found civilization once again. Well not so much civilization, perhaps a small band of dwarves. And by small I mean six.
Anyway, after trading stories (of which they were suitably impressed), they asked me to join them. Lacking options, I did so. They told me they had been ordered to form a small outpost to ward off marauding orcs in the area. Looking at them they hardly seemed like great warriors. Undoubtedly they managed to annoy the local baron, and getting sent to a slow, agonizing death out in the peripheria. After some consideration I revealed to them that I was indeed a Royal Architect. Once again, they were suitably impressed by my royal seal and Certificate of Excellence from Olon Bridgetraps' Academy of Engineering. No need to mention to them that my status is currently suspended, and my grades averaged out to Pump Operator. Hah. Those idiots at the academy wouldn't recognize genius if it grew legs and kicked them in the beard. And by the look of these idiots I shouldn't have too much trouble taking control of this little expedition. Perhaps we will have a chance to create a little something. Something nice and modest, perhaps. Yes.
A later noteAt last, we've arrived. A desolate little piece of mountains, for sure.
Since on all previous occasions I've given lofty names to the fortresses, and they have all ended in fire and tears, I've decided to try to change my luck. It seems in my case Nomen non Omen est. So perhaps... by giving a fortress a miserable enough name, I will have good fortune here!
Addendum: After some consideration, I've decided to name the fortress GearSpark the Fortress of Failures. My companions seem a little miffed, so I told them it was the latest thing in the royal court. Naming your forts backwards like that. They bought it, hook, line and sinker. Heh. Suckers.
Later noteSince this is, after all, a military outpost under constant thread of orcish invasion I've decided it best to devote our entire workforce to constructing defenses. It seems only sensible, and was met with great relief by the workers. I chose a defensible spot between four small hills. Turning the hills into fortifications should be no challenge at all.
Thinking of the future, I've also ordered the construction of a great tunnel into the depths. I plan to place the future Low City deep below the surface, safe from orcs, carp and the sun. Currently it leads nowhere, but I think it was a nice gesture.
I've ordered some living quarters built inside the northwestern hill. Arable soil is located conveniently nearby, as I currently do not have the time and patience for redirecting the river.
I've also decided to let Catten the Farmer to take care of the daily business of running the fort. This will both allow me to focus on the Most Important Work of design and artisanship, and fool the rest of the kingdom into thinking he's actually in charge, allowing my work to continue uninterrupted.
Later dateThe caravan traders came by today. I hear they brought nothing of value, not that we have anything to trade anyway. Fortunately that is Cattens problem now.
I've focused my efforts on creating an artistic mural surrounding the entrance into the Low City.
Perhaps the gods will see fit not to deface my art so much if they can directly see it.
Later date, in late autumnWe received a swell of immigrants today, doubling our numbers. Good, this will allow my work to continue uninterrupted.
Later date, in springThe elves came, the gates remained closed, the elves left. As it should be.
Also, we received a large number of new immigrants. I've ordered a nearby forest clearcut to make enough beds for everyone.
One of the newcomers went berserk, but he was put down by our most efficient miners. I didn't know him. One of the benefits of Cattan is that I no longer have to bother learning the names of all these plebs.
We had a pair of kobold thieves sneak in. They were quickly dispatched. The fools. Don't they know who they're dealing with? We definitely need some kind of a marker. Something that'll let them know that we're here, and we will not move.
Hmm.
Later date, in hasty scribbleTHAT'S IT! A STATUE! A GIANT STATUE OF AN AXEDWARF!
Oh this will be glorious. Surely this will overshadow ALL my previous work. It will overshadow ALL work made by EVERYONE.
I must gather a workforce.
Addendum: I've ordered a third of the current population to pick up masonry. I'm having the miners excavate some more felsite for our needs.
Later dateWe had a construction accident today. Only one casualty. Acceptable losses for our supremely great work. Truly this will carve the name of Nahkh into the books of poets all across the land.
Later dateThe construction is progressing well. The main statue is mostly complete, with only arms and the axe to be built. I must go and oversee the construction personally. This is too important to leave for amateurs.
The hands are such a difficult part to portray properly.