After consulting some of the previous fort overseers for opinions, I have come to the conclusion that the magma release chamber is not yet fully configured to fulfill its role of incinerating the world. So rather than risk the dangers of releasing unrestricted magma, I’ve decided to position the fort’s defenders at the entrance to prepare against the incoming assault.
...
A milker happened to wander out while all the commotion was happening and was soon greeted by a squad of axegoblins. His incredibly tough, indefatigable, very strong, and very rarely sick physical aptitude kept him alive for most of the chase, but alas, being quite clumsy, he was eventually caught and overwhelmed by the superior number of goblin forces as they ripped his cloak and tore apart his muscles, nerves, and arteries.
My god I don't even dare watch anymore.
Several more get struck down as they try to flee to the safety of the fort.
A tanner dies from blood loss after his desperate attempt to escape from goblin arrows.
A brave bonecarver proficient in the art of axe swinging also happened to be in possession of an adamantine axe and tried his luck by fighting his way through, but alas did not last long with his lack of proper armor.
Though it is against my better judgment sending cave adapted militia out into the open, I could not bear to see any more of my brethren fall to the likes of the goblins.
I gave the order for the defenders to leave their post to meet their enemies, and meet them they did…
Right in the bowels of the magma release chamber
Even through the thick protective layers of adamantine, the soldiers could feel the scorching heat from the nearby magma lake billowing by their sides as they met their foes at the burning battleground.
A terrible fight ensued as metal met metal and steel met skulls. Arrows flew and lodged themselves in wounds. Hammers fell and crushed their targets’ limbs.
Animarytak II charges through the fray hacking goblins apart left and right with her axe.
BladeMaster II fights alongside with Animarytak, kicking, punching, slapping, and doing practically everything but hacking with the weapon in her hand. Even in times of danger, she remains loyal to her favorite weapon. I shall bestow to her the finest adamantine sword we have once she comes back.
The magma drain chamber was now dyed red, not just with the dim glow of boiling magma, but with the blood of all those who have been slain. 5 dwarves were lost from the ambushes with nearly a dozen other wounded.
But at last the assault was repelled, and that was what mattered as the haulers picked up the remains of the slain and the mechanics continued their work as they prepared for what was soon to be an even greater threat.
edit: Hope I'm not using too many pictures. Should I put them in spoilers instead?