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[Geb]

Field Reports of Tannen Rimtarazin, Trusted Lieutenant
1st Granite, 303

Another artifact produced, another strange mood to study. The minion I set to the task of sorting through all the trade junk seized from the elves has somehow managed to assemble a collection of tiny bones into a spearshaft as strong as if it were made of good bronze. It is a remarkable achievement, yet once the mood was completed he claims he tried immediately to make a second and could not remember how to. He has gained skill in working bone, that much is verified, and some of the tricks he now knows are almost certainly magical in nature, but the spirit did not grant all of the knowledge needed for making weapons. Troubling.






If I am to gain power for myself in this way, I must accept that the moods are unreliable. All that I am able to do is to increase my chances of being chosen. I must learn new skills. It is clear from both experience and written accounts that the moods most often target dwarfs with some relevant talent. I must learn weaponsmithing... the knowledge of how to make artifact weapons is the finest prize I can imagine.



13th Granite, 303

An unending swarm of irritating creatures flows into the fort through that damned cave! Dozens of bugbats have flown up through the main staircase, disrupting the work in the magma chambers. Trolls threaten any minion who ventures down to fetch water. Creeping eyes have been torn apart by Nonobot's pet dog in vast numbers, leaving gore scattered everywhere. One of the masons even reports seeing a plump helmet running through the corridors, giggling as it escaped outside and up the mountain.

The tunnel system cannot be left open.

Equally, the fort cannot function effectively without its resources. Doc Zaerosz reports that without water, all the patients in his care will die. In cases such as this there is no place for misunderstanding. I have asked him bluntly whether that statement was a medical fact or a threat, and it seems that he is being honest. Without water, the patients cannot be treated effectively.

And so, over the past several days the minions have been working to tame a section of the cavern. The architecture crew have been replacing natural stone pillars with solid, unbreakable granite walls. Idle minions have been ordered to take up picks and carve a safe pond behind the wall. We will have security! This fort must not be constantly abandoning the Overlord's work for lack of resource or lack of a defensible perimeter.








1st Felsite, 303

The lower defenses are complete. The upper gate is, if not complete, at least serviceable. The vault is complete, and with the metalsmiths freed to work on other projects, military equipment is in full scale production.








A group of three new minions arrived at the fort to report for duty in the name of the rebellion, and were given the task of hunting for weaknesses in the defenses. They seem confident that unless assaulted by rope from above or ladders from below, the wall is secure. This is... good enough for now. The work will continue. All the most immediate needs of the fortress are met, and with that, it is once again time to turn attention to the future. I shall spend the next few days consulting with the minions on how to best advance the causes of the rebellion and obey the Overlord's instructions.

Today I will spread the word: all suggestions from minions should be presented for consideration.

17. When I employ people as advisors, I will occasionally listen to their advice.

The foundations of Zaerosz' prison have sat abandoned outside the gates for over a year now. I must ask the doctor and his assistant Guy II whether construction should restart, or if he has other plans. Our expanding population makes his continued use of bedrooms as a laboratory increasingly difficult to tolerate. I need opinions on how to build a true workroom for him.

Retired Captain Ghaz Ireheart has shown no sign of recovery, and yet he is not the burden on our supplies that I feared he might become. Resting in bed, he eats and drinks very little, and now that farming is starting in the caves... he may yet be useful. I shall consult him on the design of the uniform for the Legions of Terror. The basic equipment of the uniform is set by functional requirements, but there is room for a few tweaks and additions in the name of morale building. The ex-captain deserves something more productive to do than being trapped in bed with only his kittens for company.

21. I will hire a talented fashion designer to create original uniforms for my Legions of Terror, as opposed to some cheap knock-offs that make them look like Nazi stormtroopers, Roman footsoldiers, or savage Mongol hordes. All were eventually defeated and I want my troops to have a more positive mind-set.




The engineering crews are still busy working on the control room and the gate-pumps, but they are always willing to consider new plans. I must ask their opinions on internal security for the fort.

This is going to be a busy week.



And... dwarf requests.

One of the new migrants has been handed over to Mekboy:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Gutanoth:
Your dwarf has been given standard legionary equipment for now, an axe and a crossbow, but you've been promoted to leadership of the squad that Ireheart used to lead, so if a scourge turns up you'll have the authority to claim it.

[Gutanoth]

Sweet, I'll be able to whip this miserable lot into proper soldiers in no time. And literally, if I'm lucky.
Thoughts of Gutanoth

Upon hearing of Lieutenant Rimtarazin's openness to hearing advice and of his great interest in the creation of artefacts, I went looking for him, for I had some information of interest. During my incarceration at the goblin tower - where I picked up my interest in whips - I noticed strange mood like symptoms happen (i.e screaming for things, suddenly going quiet after ect.)though nowhere nearly as frequent as in a dwarven fortress. I didn't learn of what happened to them nor did I know what was happening.

I eventually got rescued by this human adventurer who from what I could tell, was on some crusade to destroy the fell races. I wasn't really listening, I just heard anoth a lot and liked the sound of it.I wandered about with him for a long while, I can't quite remember when we started...

Anyways the other small part (bit? amount?whatever ustba is in dwarven ...) of knowledge is that when in a mood, the creator can be specific and demanding of a huge amount of things or vague and have a few things and anything inbetween, with little affecting the choice. Apart from shells. They seem to be required most where there is none available. Ironically.

I think I'll go check the stockpiles to see if we have any. I really don't want to to suffer the fate should I be struck with that brilliant thought

They also seem to always make something they've had some sort of training too...

I think I'll go visit the forges.


What do you think of that people? in terms of writing and ideas.
by the way can i have a small amount of training in weaponsmithing so my mood takes me there.
Props to anyone who can work out what gutanoth is in english

[mr. macduggan]

So, in this game, will the fortress attempt to follow the rules from cellblocks A and B? (200-300) or not?
Because rule #205 has a very strict policy on migrant mechanics.


All repair work will be done by an in-house maintenance staff. Any alleged "repairmen" who show up at the fortress will be escorted to the dungeon.

[breadbocks]

So, in this game, will the fortress attempt to follow the rules from cellblocks A and B? (200-300) or not?
Because rule #205 has a very strict policy on migrant mechanics.


All repair work will be done by an in-house maintenance staff. Any alleged "repairmen" who show up at the fortress will be escorted to the dungeon.

Already asked him. May be.

[Geb]

So, in this game, will the fortress attempt to follow the rules from cellblocks A and B? (200-300) or not?
Because rule #205 has a very strict policy on migrant mechanics.

What has happened in story so far is that they've been gievn 100 instructions. If I'm going to start using the cellblock lists too it'll be announced somehow. When the DM arrives, I might have him bring some new instructions with him.

For now though, no, just the top 100.

[mr. macduggan]

Oh, also, I think the overlord might have one issue when he arrives. Dungeon masters tend to like cloaks.


From the wiki: The dungeon master has a somewhat... odd taste in clothing. He or she often shows up wearing a cloak, hood, and mittens while wearing no form of pants, shoes, or socks. The dungeon master will often procure additional cloaks and wear them on top of each other, often as many as a dozen cloaks at a time.
This could be a problem with rule #213 (Yes, I know 213 isnt really on the official list right now, but this is a GLARING PROBLEM)


I will not wear long, heavy cloaks. While they certainly make a bold fashion statement, they have an annoying tendency to get caught in doors or tripped over during an escape.


I also noticed on the wiki that in DF2010, the dungeon master is semibugged and is very rare for a player to actually get. No matter how much we prepare for the overlord, he may never come.

[breadbocks]

I also noticed on the wiki that in DF2010, the dungeon master is semibugged and is very rare for a player to actually get. No matter how much we prepare for the overlord, he may never come.

Ah, but that's where you are WRONG! I fixed him. And all the other damn useless nobles. He even comes with a prisoner!

[mr. macduggan]

NO! ANYTHING BUT THE.... BUT...


ALL HAIL THE SMUG DOG!

[breadbocks]

SHUN THE TREASONER!!!! ALL HAIL HYPNOTOAD! ALL HAIL HYPNOTOAD! ALL HAIL...

[mr. macduggan]

[/derail thread]

[Tuxman]

(Sketchbook of Ghaz Ireheart)

The boss told me that I won't recover. This is not good, but I apparantly can still help the fortress.

I hope I will eventually get back on my feet, but it is clear to me that my legs will never service me in combat again.

For now however, I am charged with helping find a style for the armorsmith's armor. Having some experience in service, this is right up my alley in what is convenient.

(The following drawings are obviously over-extravagant and un-practical)

... and a dragon horn breastplate... Helmets that are plump...

((hey is he ever going to be on his feet again or is he bedridden permenantly? I was really hoping he could run the inn outside the borders, and give a place for the adventurers and heroes to rest while being watched...

[Geb]

Field Reports of Tannen Rimtarazin, Trusted Lieutenant
14th Felsite, 303

All days should be like this one.

The simple exercising of power to meet the challenges of the world and overcoming them easily. Maybe one day, after Overlord seizes control of the world, all days will be like this. Planning and forethought meeting the needs of everybody, and rendering all problems solvable...  Ah, someday.

The elf traders returned, foolishly ignoring our warning, and presumably trying to discover the fate of their leader. Initially they were allowed to leave with their lives so that they could warn away others. Now it seems a stronger message is needed.

The Legionaries seem comfortable fighting in armour and are very enthusiastic about their new axes. I must admit though... it has nothing to tie the appearance together, it is just equipment, not a uniform. It needs something more. Elf blood is a good start, but perhaps impractical.









As we returned from the battlefield and left the minions to start clearing up the mess, squad leader Gutanoth brought critical information to my attention. Apparently she has seen moods before in other fortresses, and more importantly, has heard stories of what happens when the demands of the spirits are not met.

She relates a tale of a dwarf who began work on an amulet that was of such beautiful workmanship that those who see even its remnants are left speechless. He worked for months, at first in secret, then as it became clear a part was missing, raving and screaming for his neighbours and friends to find him shells. All searched, and no shells could be found. His ravings grew more and more desperate, until one day the spirit left him, destroying his mind in the process. Only the dwarves who fled the craftsdwarf's insane rage survived to relate the tale, and the only Artifact created was a pile of corpses.

The story was worryingly prophetic. As we returned to the fort, Gutanoth's tale coming to an end, we discovered Guy the doctor's assistant pacing in circles in the dining hall mumbling about proper tools.



This cannot be allowed to continue. Artifacts must be produced efficiently for the Overlord's cause. Moods must be completed. Most of all, we must have raw materials of all kinds ready for such an emergency. I will not allow my mind to be taken from me at my time of triumph.




27th Felsite, 303

The child Timmi had her fifth birthday today. By order of the Overlord's list, that makes her my advisor who I must consult on all plans.

All I can say to this is that I am very very glad that my only involvement in the engineering projects is to order it done. I've tried to explain strange moods to her. Trying to get her to understand geothermal waterwheel power can only have one outcome: making me want to kill the entire fort, starting with myself.

Her first official advice in her new position is that we must build... an alligator room.

Somehow, the Gods only know how, the elves managed to bring a live alligator over the glacier with them. They must have carried it hundreds of miles over ice. I can't even begin to speculate what they were thinking. Nevertheless, the advice seems to agree with the List.

48. I will treat any beast which I control through magic or technology with respect and kindness. Thus if the control is ever broken, it will not immediately come after me for revenge.

So not only do I have to keep this ridiculous overgrown lizard alive, I have to keep it happy. I have to keep a cold blooded, sun-loving monster happy, at the south pole.

Well, orders are orders, no matter what I think of them.




17th Hematite, 303

Once given a suitable work area and the tools that he was shouting about, Guy's mood proceeded without incident. I am beginning to question the value of these Artifacts.

I am not an expert in occult matters, but the Artifacts in the Vault seem mostly to be worthless as anything but decoration. The spirits have strange priorities. I cannot see that they have the same desires as mortal dwarves.

[Gutanoth]

well. the solution is obviously to make an artificial sun.
we've plenty of magma
Just make sure the heat source is above the alligator so it knows how hot its getting, and give it some shade. and make a big pit for Elves and other idiots to be thrown down. with a lever. Just need to work out how to make them stand on the bauxite bridge.

Or something like that.


Personal thoughts of Gutanoth

DAMN! By armok this place is boring. I mean, sure they've got the occasional elves to mow down. but they're only traders, so there isn't any challenge. You can maybe take some pot shots at the local wildlife before ya toes freeze off.

Even our Combat uniforms are dull and Bland, leather and bronze. I've thought about it and all I can think is something to go over the armour as a simple identifier. Maybe some sort of tabard or robes on top of the armour. With a lovely redroot dye since as vibrant elf blood is it dulls down after a while and can't be used as a proper dye. I've tried.

Anyways that's about it really, since we're not allowed to explore the caverns, which tends to be fun, if a little dangerous. But hey! What's life without the risk. I think I'll go check the list to see if there's anything that would make exploring a good idea...



B.t.w. Have I done any weapon smithing?

[Tuxman]

Sketchbook of Ireheart Axebane

"It is in my experience that all armor must be built from the base up. First, one needs comfortable padding, a leather shirt and pant combo, socks and gloves definitely.

A chain mail shirt must follow to protect the arms. Then Greaves, Breastplates, Gauntlets, Boots, and Helmets can follow.

But whatever they have, a chain mail shirt must be present to protect the shoulders. Conventional breastplates fail to do this.

High boots are good, but they tend to limit movement in favor of a cool look. Low boots, while somewhat less stylish, are much better.

And this is all from  the time I spent in the military. All from that one battle, seeing my squadmate's arm tore off because he lacked shoulder protection.

A good steel set of armor for everyone would be perfect protection. But it must have chain mail torso armor underlay."

(a rough drawing of a chain mail shirt is here, circled three times for emphasis)

"Now for style... We hate the color purple, the chosen color of the royal family, and more importantly, the King, Queen, Prince, and Princess. We must not hold purple in such high esteem. Rather, its opposite can take place: yellow, or, better yet, gold."

(There are a couple bad drawings of faces, all crossed out. Seemingly the royal family)

"All soldiers should have gold painted armor, perhaps a single piece be gilded. The symbol of the overlord should be plastered on the front of the breastplate and shield."

(a rough drawing of a dwarf follows, clad in armor that is colored brightly)

"A gilded (or better yet, gold) signet ring with the signet of the overlord's minion should be standard issue. Not a requirement to wear into battle, or, god forbid, undercover, but rather a symbol of absolute military devotion to the Overlord's cause. "

(A rough drawing of a ring follows, with a signet on it that slightly resembles the symbol of the Overlord)

"All sword and axe blades should have inscriptions, runes of blessings and power of the deity of the Overlord."

(several drawings of runes and symbols of the Overlord's Deity follow)


(( I suppose I'll wait on his wounds.

[breadbocks]

Holy fuck! A GCSS cap? Equip it on the first champion! GCSS is stronger than steel1