Cog's Journal, 8th of Timber, 315Today is another good day. The first phase of one of the outdoor structures by the dining hall is nearly complete. Some of the work that is complete means we can start removing the scaffolding that has been surrounding the building for many years now.
I'm giving these orders particularly carefully, wouldn't want anyone to think they should remove the bottom steps first. There's no risk of collapse, but it could leave someone stranded halfway up if we're not careful. This is a job the children of the fortress tend to enjoy participating in. I suppose destruction does appeal to youth today.
Another thing, Urist Imiknorris unexpectedly came to request the dyer's job. When I inquired, she said that it was time for a break from stone. I can't blame her; work has been a bit dull lately. Most of the masonry work has been building construction rather than statue carving. We have an over-supply of masonry products. Things should pick up in the future, but change is always good. I'll have the workshop space carved out for her shortly.
Cog's Journal, 10th of Timber, 315I had a visit today from our newly arrived mechanic. He told me to ignore what was on his travel papers from mountainhome, he apparently prefers to go by the name Triaxx. He informed me that the three legendary mechanics here had his profession of choice pretty much sewn up, and he would prefer to take on a new vocation. When I asked him which vocation, he was waffling between joining the sworddwarves and the miners. Finally, he asked if he could do both. I don’t see an issue with that and told him to go grab his gear and join Catten’s squad during their next training period.
Cog's Journal, 13th of Timber, 315The dwarven caravan arrived today. I've dispatched Catten and her squad to greet them. Derm and the archers will be waiting just inside the gate in case of emergency.
I guess this means the liaison can't be far behind. I'm not looking forward to the meeting this year.
Events of the 13th of Timber, 315Thob Farashthob was a fisherdwarf who had recently and unexpectedly been promoted to liaison. Thob was quite excited by the prospect of getting out of Mountain home and into the world. Especially since the lakes of mountainhome were depleted of fish. Actually, about as depleted as the diplomacy corps it seemed. Thob shivered for a moment and wondered where all the liaisons had gone. Surely he wouldn't meet the same fate.
But then he was distracted by the carvan's arrival in Towersoared. Unable to wait for the sluggish donkeys pulling their massive load of gmestones, he dashed out ahead of the caravan to get a closer look. It was even more beautiful than the rumors had told. A massive green glass dome arching over the desert.
As he stood there, some heavily armed and armored dwarves dashed by and out towards the caravan. They pretty much ignored him as they went by. Good grief they were fast. He quickly turned his attention back to the fortress.
He was certain the inside would be even better. Now he just had to find Cog and the mayor so he could deliver the letters from the King. He was sure the letters would be very enthusiastic and complimentary; he like many others had seen the king’s ransom the traders had brought back for the king last year. And so he enthusiastically dashed into Towersoared to look for the leaders . . .
Cog's Journal, 8th of Moonstone, 315What joy! They brought over 45,000 Urists worth of gemstones. Finally, we can get the dining room mural back on track! The only real downside is that it's been such a busy year, we had to cart most of the goods to the trade depot individually. We just barely finished trading before the trade master let me know that they would have to leave soon! I've assigned the new Crew VI to item hauling. Hopefully they'll be able to keep the workshops tidier.
All in all, a good season though. We also picked up some various metals including 6 stacks of platinum and two several chests of spider silk cloth that I'm sure Indri will appreciate. Now for probably the less pleasant part of the season. I gather the liaison is chasing Zasit around the fortress trying to arrange the meeting. I figure we'll keep him busy running around for a few weeks, just out of spite.
For one last note while I'm still calm, I should report that Derm is at long last returning to the third cave level. The masons finally finished installing the bridge across the water blocking access to the rest of the cave.
Events of the 17th of Moonstone, 315Derm cursed in frustration. These new caverns were lovely, but impossible to navigate. The latest barrier was a solid rock cliff. Through a crack in the wall he could see more land to explore, but a miner would be necessary to clear the pathway through.
Derm turned and headed back to the fortress to enlist some mining talent.
Cog's Journal, 18th of Moonstone, 315At last! The miners have reached the ground floor level of the South Industrial Hallway. Very soon the new glassworks will be in place. It's so exciting; I've included the excavation blueprints for the glassworks. It should be right up there with the rest of the industrial quarters.
Additionally, the first steel items for our militia are coming off the line. The first squad to be organized is the Stoneworkers, lead by Urist Imiknorris. To start, they will be equipped with steel low boots, a chain shirt and leggings and a weapon of their choice. Urist Imiknorris immediately grabbed a steel battle axe as her weapon. Further equipment will be at the discretion of the squad leader of course. Especially once we have a solid stock of dyed cloth.
Next I'll be getting the miners organized. I've posted word that any who wants to be exempt should contact me asap.
Wow, this day is just full of side notes. The lake that breached abruptly is finally safe enough to walk in, although it is still draining slowly. I've ordered the two wood cutters to chop down all the mushroom trees at the bottom of the lake rather than wasting the wood. We can make a large quantity of charcoal and ash from the trees there.
Cog's Journal, 21st of Moonstone, 315These things really are suicidal. Seems like less than a year between visits lately. At this point, I'm really wondering how many forgotten beasts one dwarf can kill before his luck runs out. Derm is already on his way. I've sealed the cave entrance point until he gets there.
Hope the pair of stingers on this one isn't too much of a problem for Derm.
OOC: Good thing I'm killing these beasts as fast as they arrive. The caves would get awfully crowded very fast otherwise.
@Urist Imiknorris: Sounds good, I’ll have you to off to work as soon as the dyer’s workshop is carved out! You're still the chief stoneworker though but I'll only toggle you back to masonry when there is no other work for you to do.
@Rushmik: Heh!
@Korva: Same here, glad you enjoy it!
@magmaholic: Indeed, worst game ever that you have no choice about playing! I’m glad to be back to normal as well. Btw, in case you missed it, I posted a revisit of your dwarf on the previous page. He is wielding the artifact bone shield and bone hammer right now.
@Triaxx2: Done, your dwarf is introduced above! He’ll be going into basic training right away and he’ll also have a pick in hand. So, a hanging tower home in one of the cave layers? Did you have a spot in mind? All three cave layers as currently explored are visible on the DFMA. One possibility would be to suspend the tower over one of the exposed magma pipes on level 3.