Alright everybody, sorry about the delay. I've finally got the backstory written out, though it's another rather long one (I actually had to make sure to shorten it from what I wanted). But hey, to those who like reading (even if it is crappy writing) then maybe you'll like. For everybody else, don't worry, I'll actually start recording the events of the fort next update.
Oh and thanks for the interest guys. I will definitely man you up when I get more man-wanna-be's to my fort. I would have put a seventh player in had I not started the fort a couple days ago.
Alright, on to finish the backstory!
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I walked down to the market district with Ezum bounding along at my heels like a puppy.
"I don't see why we need to go and prepare, let's just go out already!" Ezum bubbled excitedly.
"We have to prepare so we can actually survive and make it on our own out there. After all, we don't have to have to tell people that we screwed up and need to go back home after we get settled do we?" I replied.
"Yeah I guess you're right, well can I help with the shopping?"
"Well to be honest, I would kind of like to deal with it myself. I'm working with all the money I've saved up and don't have a lot to spare."
And after saying that, I didn't catch what he said in reply, as he was busy bounding ahead of me while he said it, but he sounded a bit disappointed. When we finally got into the market I was wishing I had made up a more descriptive list of things to get. My current one consisted of:
-Food
-Drink
-Tools
-Other Supplies
"Whatcha looking at there Caevin?" Ezum said as I looked at my list glumly.
"Oh nothing Ezum, I just do not know what I need to get to well."
"I TOLD YOU, IT'S HUMAN!"
"Right, sorry, sorry."
"Anyway, who needs a list? Let's go get food!"
And with that Ezum, no Human, rushed to the nearest butcher shop, where the butcher was busy at work. Chopping up some body part, in plain view of everything! How disgusting. When I caught up to Human him and the other dwarf were already deep in conversation.
“...Well you see here, it's all in the legs. You let these donkeys frolic around and try and kick ya and stuff like the asses they are, then when ye've had enough ye show them whatcha can do with a knife. All that kicking makes the meat nice and tender.” The butcher was saying.
“Oh yum, that sounds so good. Caevin, we need to buy this stuff, donkey meat is the best!” Human shouted at me, drool flying from his mouth.
“Aye, it is, I'm one of the best around. But before we get to business, let me as ye a question. I've heard from this lad here that you fellas are heading out to live on the surface, that true?”
“Well yes, it is. But it doesn't mean we're stupid, so don't go charging us more or anything.”
“I wouldn't dream of it. No, this interesting fella here tells me you're getting a party together to head out, and I'd like to join you.”
“Oh, well in that case...well, I guess I wouldn't mind. What do you think Human?”
“Anybody who knows how to make donkey is the best person in the world. We are taking him!” Human said a bit too excitedly.
“Haha, I like you Human. Alright, I'll provide what I've got in stock now for the group. When are we headed out?”
“Tomorrow. Oh, and what's your name?” I asked.
“It's Flamey.”
“Alright. Well we are going to meet outside the main gates around dawn, sound good?”
“Aye it does, see you then, oh, but might I make a request for the group name?”
“Well we hadn't really considered making a group name but sure.”
“Cleave the Godly Merchant” Flamey said, as he scowled at a wealthy looking dwarf walking by.
“Uh, sounds interesting, I'll take it into consideration.”
“I like it.” Human said
“Great, it's a keeper then!” Flamey said, before going inside.
“Really Human, 'Cleave the Godly Merchant'? Sounds like some stupid rivalry.” I said with frustration.
“Hey, anything that gets me more donkey.” He retorted.
And with that settled, Human and I set off. Well, aside from the odd name we got, I was fairly surprised at how well things were going, I wish I had decided to do this earlier.
“Well Human, I guess we might as well grab a drink to celebrate our new member.”
“Oh that's sounds great! Come on, I know a great pub to go to.”
“How? Haven't you been locked up for years?”
“Well my rat friends told me about it, they love that place.”
“...I'm not sure a place that rats like would be all that great Human.”
“Are you insulting my friends?” Human asked with a hint of menace in his voice.
“Uh no, of course not,” I said hurriedly, “It sounds like a great place, let's go!”
When we got there is was just as dirty and dingy as I expected it to be. What I didn't expect was to see the bartender having a heated argument with another dwarf. A dwarf who I actually knew, oh Armok...
“Human,” I said quickly, “I changed my mind, we're leaving.”
“What, why? You're not still prejudiced against my old friends are you?”
“No, it's one of my dad's old friends. I don't want to deal with anybody now.”
“Nonsense! Hey, part of being human is being loyal to the people you know, and she looks like she's having a problem.”
And after saying that Human marched up to the counter while the yelling match continued.
“...And I'm telling YOU, I don't want you to work to pay off your tab, you're useless! I want money!” The bartender shouted, growing red in the face.
“But I can work! I'm great with wood!” Cerol shouted back.
“Do you see any wood around here?” The bartender yelled.
“Excuse me folks, but could I help ease things up around here?” Human calmly said as he got to the counter.
“Yes, you can get this woman to pay her tab.” The bartender said.
“Well how much is the tab?” Human asked.
“27 coins”
“Great, then we can pay! Caevin, come on over here already.” Human said, gesturing to me.
When she heard my name, Cerol's eyes lighted up and she rushed over to me.
“Oh Caevin, great to see you, it's been so long!” She said excitedly.
“Yeah...definitely awhile,” I muttered, glaring angrily at Human.
Well to make a long story short, I ended up paying up Cerol's tab, and she wanted to come with us. So wonderful, sure is great getting to spend time with old acquaintances. Then HER friend came in and after talking wanted to come in. Her name was Tallpanzer, and I never did figure out just how sober her parents were when they named her. I reluctantly arranged to meet the tomorrow at the same time as Flamey.
Later that night I met up again with Lance, who insisted on getting something good to eat for dinner, as thanks for taking him. You know, despite what I first thought, he is beginning to grow on me. Unfortunately all was not well at dinner, as a dwarf come up to us while we were eating. She said her name was Kyle, and once again I wondered at the sobriety of various parents. But she was apparently an administrator that wanted to join us, said “Every starting forts needs someone to manage things.” Sounded like she planned to be a freeloader, but I figured as an administrator she may provide money for supplies later on, and I let her join up.
When I saw her at dawn the next day, I found all she was going to provide was dogs. I suppose there was a reason she felt like leaving dwarven society, but it was too late to say no, and off we went.