An excerpt from the log of Sarvesh Wallpick, Chief Medical Dwarf1st Sandstone, Mid-Autumn 314Unexpectedly, the ghost of a hammerdwarf has taken to haunting Spartan One. When asked why this ghost persists when there are available coffins, the overseer explained that this hammerdwarf died in the early years of Drunkensteels by falling into a murky pool, and his body was never recovered. Stonecrafters are busy at work engraving a slab for poor Aban Geshudokir, Restless Haunt, but this is a sober reminder that the subjects will never be truly isolated so long as ghosts trouble the fortress.
Also unexpectedly, Spartan One is currently asleep on the floor. Presumably this is because the Turkey Gobbler is occupying the bed, and the child lacks the strength or will to move him. There do not appear to be any negative thoughts as a result, but this situation should be carefully monitored.
An inspection of Spartan One's inventory reveals that not only is she naked, but she is covered in blood and dirt. Sheep blood, for the most part, as well as the blood of Sarvesh Trumpethearts the Gilded Monk of Colour, Axedwarf. Presumably this coating of filth comes from playing around the hospital well- a quick inspection of the other children in Drunkensteels reveals that they also have a similar coating of blood and diorite dust. It is currently unknown if any children will wash themselves of their own volition (I have certainly never seen it done,) but if they do then a well and bar of soap would be recommended for future Chamber designs as the pleasure of a soapy bath may help retard madness in the subject.
Not unexpectedly, the poults have not yet hatched- it has only been a couple of months, after all. As such, conditioning has not yet begun. The mayor demands that the pace of the project be increased by introducing all available Gobblers to the Chamber, but the Countess has countermanded him, citing the need for prudence. Although I agree that we should show caution in the treatment of the children of Drunkensteels, I must admit some anxiety about the slow progress of the project. Last month, another child was taken by the goblins. Every day we do not get results from Spartan One means another day before construction of additional Chambers can begin in earnest. If we take too long to complete those chambers, I fear we will not have any subjects to raise in them.
EDIT:
1st Timber, Late Autumn 314Spartan One has been observed climbing atop both her table as well as the Nest Box. Therefore, I must consider this Chamber to have a full 5 tiles of standing space. Thus, I have decided to exert my power as Attendant Physician to override the Countess, and introduce 2 Peacocks and 3 Turkey Gobblers to the Chamber. With luck, this will start the conditioning process even before the poults hatch.
The Countess did not take the news well. Already in a fragile state of mind, she struck the Legendary Clothier in a fit of rage, killing him instantly. Worse, a great hairy flat worm wriggled up from the depths spewing deadly dust, killing several soldiers. One of the survivors tantrummed, kicking the metalsmith down the mineshaft.
I have much work to do treating the injured, but my professional diagnosis of the mental health of Drunkensteels is not good- we are on the verge of destroying ourselves. I will continue to update this journal, so that in the event of my death my successor may continue the Child Care Project. May
Zefon have mercy on our souls.
1st Moonstone, Early Winter 314The deadly dust of the Forgotten Beast causes the entire body to swell and rot like fruit left in the sun. Thanks to extensive surgery on my part, no victims have died as a result of the rot. Unfortunately, the healing process takes time, and the goblins are at the gates now. The dwarven caravan guards put up a good showing, and the single hale axedwarf repelled a squad of swordsgoblins by himself, but even so casualties were great.
The mayor died in the fighting, and the Countess went mad with grief before intercepting a goblin's arrow. The new mayor of Drunkensteels is none other than the mother of Spartan One, her only daughter. She has appointed me militia captain of The Laborious Seeds with no subordinates- she says I will need the armor and axe to survive the coming tantrum spiral. I know the truth of her words, but I cannot leave my charges to suffer in the hospital. I will equip myself after they are treated.
Spartan One is miserable. Although she loves her confines, her food, and her drink, she is greatly upset by the many deaths of dwarves she knew before the Chamber. I knew this was a risk, given her age, but I did not expect it to have such an impact so soon. The poults have not hatched, and the added turkeys have not produced any noticeable crowding at all. Future designs may have to eliminate the table and throne, to further restrict movement.
I expect I will not have the leisure to write again, until the tantrum spiral runs its course. With luck, some children may survive, so that the Project may continue.
Author
Topic: Dwarven... "Child Care" (Read 637295 times)