Thursday, July 11, 2013

A Good Thrill

Pop. 73, Winter of 328 (Year 77)

Rith II Crescenttours was released from the kindergarten burrow when he was struck with a strange mood. He created an artifact alpaca bone cage, but he was never reassigned to the burrow. Loving a good thrill, the child ran immediately for the outdoors, only to come face to face with a goblin snatcher. The goblin stabbed him in the belly hard enough to pierce a kidney. Luckily, there were soldiers on duty nearby who quickly removed the threat. Despite the grievous wound, Rith II didn't pass out from the pain and walked all the way to the hospital on his own! A future in the military is likely.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Farewell to the Seven

Pop. 73, Spring of 327 (Year 76)

Commander Olivine passed away peacefully, the last of the Original Seven, who were all named after their favorite mineral. Seven decades ago, they laid a firm foundation for the little outpost that later tamed dragons and became the Mountainhome.

Sphalerite: axedwarf, 1st commander, #1 in total kills
Olivine: hammerdwarf, 2nd commander
Phyllite: miner, duke
Cinnabar: miner, duchess consort
Dolomite: chief medic
Selenite: armorsmith, weaponsmith
Gypsum: woodcutter, carpenter

Dishmab Shootwondered-Vesselbrain, the legendary macedwarf and heiress apparent of Relicshield was named as Commander Olivine's successor.

Monday, July 8, 2013

25 Down

Pop. 75, Autumn of 325 (Year 74)

The Evils of Spray returned in force, hoping to take advantage of the Mountainhome's weakened state. The goblins were sorely disappointed. One untrained reservist was killed in battle, but the invaders were crushed and scattered.

Meng the dragon trainer survived the loss of his left leg due to the ghost attack. Despite hobbling on crutches, he still commands the respect of Relicshield's dragons. All four adults are now masterfully trained.

25 forgotten beasts have thus far failed to breach the Mountainhome's defenses. The majority of them have been blasted away by dragonfire, but twice a twisted creature so horrifying arrived that the dragon hatchlings cowered in fear and refused to attack. The hatchlings were brought back to the Dragon Den on the surface. As expected, the adult dragons are far more aggressive, so now Slusa and Istrath guard the second cavern's entrance.

Fight Fire with Fire

The Forgotten Beast Careme Theyiseweri has come! An enormous beakless grouse. It has two broad horns and it has a bloated body. Its dark chestnut feathers are patchy. Beware its fire!

Good thing fire-breathing forgotten beasts aren't immune to dragonfire :D.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Bembul's Revenge

Pop. 76, Autumn of 324 (Year 73)

The ghost of Bembul Earthennourishes, the dwarf who started Relicshield's tantrum spiral appeared. The apparition attacked Meng the dragon trainer, tearing off his left leg :(! A slab is being engraved to put this foul spectre to rest!

Law and Order

Pop. 76, Autumn of 324 (Year 73)

Urdim Channeltree, Captain of the Guard, has continued to sift through clues relating to the murder of his son and former Hammerer, Urdim II, during the Riots of 323, where 61 dwarves lost their lives. In the course of his investigations, Urdim solved three other murders from the same time period. With the fortress only just recovering, Mayor Mosus II worried that three executions might plunge the fortress back into chaos. However, Urdim was adamant that the criminals be brought to justice, including the fortress's manager and broker, Thikut Neutraloiled. Given the extenuating circumstances, and how so many deaths were in retaliation for other slayings, a full pardon was considered. After much wrangling between the Captain of the Guard and the Mayor, a compromise was struck. Each of the accused was given a commuted sentence, substituting the death penalty with 195+ days in prison.

Love of Lead

Apparently the dwarves of Relicshield have a thing for lead maces. Another was created, despite the relative scarcity of lead compared to steel.

Innoketol, "The Creepy Pass", a lead mace
This is a lead mace. All craftsdwarfship is of the highest quality. It is encircled with bands of lead, llama wool and round dolomite cabochons. This object menaces with spikes of oak, clear glass, dolomite, alpaca bone and brown zircon.

Slow Recovery

Pop. 73, Spring of 324 (Year 73)

Kol II and Ilral Treerooms welcomed their son, Shorast, into the world, the first child born since the unrest of the previous year. The last of the riots have finally died down, with all citizens at least content. Meng Roughwhips stepped down as mayor to once again devote time to the dragons of Relicshield. The new mayor, Mosus II Anguishedpages, has proven quite popular with her lack of demands and mandates. With no other nobles at the moment, the legendary weaponsmith has become the de facto leader of the Ancient Gravel. Dishmab Shootwondered-Vesselbrain, the heiress apparent, has deferred her ascension to queen until the capital has fully recovered.

Last of the Seven

Pop. 73, Winter of 323 (Year 72)

Duke Phyllite died of thirst, too depressed to drink from the plentiful alcohol all around him :(. Now Commander Olivine is the only living member of the Original Seven.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Execution

Pop. 74, Winter of 323 (Year 72)

The Mountainhome is slowly recovering from the massive riots that started in the Spring. The widespread looting and violence claimed the lives of nearly half of Relicshield's citizens, including King Urist Shootwondered. Luckily, the larder's surplus outlasted the worst of it, thanks to the restructuring done after the Famine of 304.

The fortress's first dwarf execution was held when Ilral II Wheelrang witnessed his sister, Aban II, murder Dewboy Lanterngaze. Commander Olivine took on the role of Hammerer and carried out the sentence.

Tantrum Spiral

Spring 323 (Year 72)

A full-on tantrum spiral has erupted in Relicshield :'(. Thankfully the Dragon Den is located far away from all of the fighting.

Trouble Brewing

Pop. 134, Spring of 323 (Fortress Year 72)

Tragedy struck throughout the fortress when 2 well-liked citizens, Mayor Onol Lanterngaze and Ingiz Neutraloiled, passed away from old age. With the deaths so soon after the loss of Dewboy II Lanterngaze to troglodytes, Bembul Earthennourishes went insane and was promptly slain by nearby soldiers. The majority of the fortress became quite upset at these developments, forcing the nobility to halt all major projects. Dragon tamer Meng Roughwhips was elected as interim mayor during this troubled time. Time will tell if he can help King Urist and Duke Phyllite calm the masses before riots break out.

Emergency Migration Waiver

Autumn of 322 (Year 71)

A siege ambush caught dwarven merchants outside of the trade tunnels. Many perished, but one marksdwarf guard managed to survive, despite being filled with arrows from an entire squad of goblin archers. With all of his companions gone, King Urist quickly signed off on an emergency migration waiver and Sazir Passeddyes was taken to the hospital.



There were 6 arrows embedded in him.  19 stitches and as many wound dressings were used. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the medics of Relicshield were unable to save him :(.

Friendly Fire

Pop. 138, Spring of 322 (Year 71)

Stakud Whipfondle-Roughwhips, wife of Meng the dragon tamer, was accidentally slain by Istrath the dragon. She successfully lured a forgotten beast into the dragon corridor, but wasn't quick enough to avoid Istrath's breath :(. A memorial hall was created in Stakud's honor, serving as a reminder to the dwarves of the power and danger of the dragons under their command.

The war with the Tattooed Confederacy has ended.

Friday, July 5, 2013

The Young and the Restless

Pop. 133, Spring of 321 (Year 70)

The Mountainhome has been at war with the Tattooed Confederacy for the past 2 years. Even with their warhorses, the human forces have been decimated each time. Dishmab Shootwondered-Vesselbrain, wielder of Drumseer, successfully chased down several mounted humans, her lead mace quickly sending them to the boneyard.



There was a huge upswing in the number of marriages once the memorial to Sphalerite, Edem II, and Tirist was opened. With the tales of valor engraved on the tastefully arranged slabs, it quickly became a popular venue for marriage proposals. The memorial also led to a shake-up of the political landscape.

Edem II's widow, Solon II Anguishedpages-Claspletter, rode a wave of sympathy and was voted in as mayor soon after her husband's death. However, the former mayor, Olon II Treerooms, staged a comeback during the next term and regained his seat. This started a cycle of razor thin voter margins and trading places as mayor, until a third party candidate, Dumat Neutraloiled defeated both in the most recent election.

The Deep Forge has been a success, processing goblinite and satisfying the frequent demands of King Urist Shootwondered with ease. The second cavern, while not yet completely walled off, remains under the watchful eyes of six dragon hatchling guardians.

There has been trouble in the Dragon Den. For the past several years, Ibmat's eggs have failed to hatch. At only 177 years of age, the dragon was still well in her prime egg-laying years. She had become increasingly restless of late, reverting to semi-wild just after being placed in a cage as a precaution. She went completely wild soon after, but Meng Roughwhips, now a legendary animal trainer, quickly got her back under control. Luckily, a second adult female dragon, Mistrum Brandjade, was captured recently.

Urdim Channeltree, the Captain of the Guard, has kept the fortress's justice system running smoothly. Carrying on the family tradition, his son, the legendary soldier Urdim II, was recently promoted to Hammerer.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Whip It Good

Pop. 129, Spring of 317 (Year 66)

Construction of the magma-powered Deep Forge complex was completed, finally achieving energy independence for the fortress! Meanwhile, Nish Roughwhips tamed her first dragon. Along with her father, Meng Roughwhips, the number of Relicshield's tamed dragons has been increased to 9. The remaining 3 adult dragons Ibmat, Istrath, and Slusa have remained trained and relatively docile, but it's likely all three will always have a touch of the wild.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Good Drumming

Pop. 131, Autumn of 316 (Year 65)

The dragon hatchlings have continued to guard the second cavern effectively, burning all forgotten beasts that dare to approach. The cavern's magma pool has been tapped and construction is underway for the outpost that will house the workers of the Deep Forge.

Up on the surface, the Evils of Spray attacked again. Not content to wait for the invaders to enter the trade tunnels, the dwarves of Relicshield took the fight to them. Dishmab Shootwondered-Vesselbrain, wielder of Drumseer the artifact lead mace, led the charge, smashing goblins left and right. One of the recruit squads got separated from the main force and were quickly surrounded by triple their number. They fought valiantly, holding the goblins off until Commander Olivine arrived with reinforcements, rolling over the invaders in a tidal wave of dwarven fury.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Contemptible Loot

Pop. 131, Winter of 315 (Year 64)

Mosus II Anguishedpages was blessed by Armok, producing Drumseer the Contemptible Loot, a lead mace! Duke Phyllite bestowed the weapon upon Dishmab Vesselbrain, the first legendary macedwarf of the fortress and current 2nd place in notable kills.



Meanwhile, another forgotten beast received a warm welcome from the dragon hatchlings guarding the second cavern's entrance :D.

The Forgotten Trio

Pop. 132, Summer of 315 (Year 64)

Several children came of age this year, including Nish Roughwhips, daughter of Meng the dragon trainer. It was no surprise that she decided to follow her father's footsteps. Surely a blessing from Armok, another dragon emerged from the wilds soon after!

The Dragon Slusa Ongongxosna has come! A gigantic reptilian creature. It is magical and can breath fire. These monsters can live for thousands of years.

The dragon was lured into the trade tunnels, but a meddling goblin snatcher distracted it. The snatcher was caught in a cage trap, while the dragon stopped directly in front of another trap. The beast just stared at the captured goblin and refused to come further. The newly promoted Commander, Olivine Scalygranite tried to lure the beast closer, but the beast paid her no heed. Finally, the marksdwarf Litast Twinkledurns volunteered. Armed with the artifact chestnut crossbow, "Mountaindeclined the Heroic Evaporation," he took up position then shot a single bolt at the dragon. Slusa immediately turned from the caged goblin to attack, immediately setting off the next cage trap.

The youngest adult dragon in the fortress at 76 years of age, Slusa took easily to dragon trainer Meng's instructions, becoming expertly trained in a single session. With the initial training out of the way, Nish took over as trainer for the Mountainhome's newest dragon. With a second male in the dragon pit, the fortress could breath easier when committing the 500 year old Istrath to battle.

Meanwhile, in the caverns three forgotten beasts arrived in quick succession. After the terrible losses inflicted by Engror, the fortress was on alert.

The Forgotten Beast Oson Tostrasmaspest has come! A gigantic beakless swan. It has a pair of spindly antennae and it has a gaunt appearance. Its pale pink feathers are patchy. Beware its deadly spittle!

The Forgotten Beast Leto has come! A huge one-eyed swift. It has two short horns and it squirms and fidgets. Its teal feathers are long and sparse. Beware its poisonous vapors!

The Forgotten Beast Utes has come! A towering three-eyed ankylosaurid. It has thin wings of stretched skin and it belches and croaks. Its indigo scales are large and close-set. Beware its webs!

Oson slipped past the cave-in trap due to a terrible oversight with hatches :-[. Luckily the beast was far weaker than Engror. Oson was quickly surrounded by the squad on cavern duty and slain by the axedwarf Mosus Graniteright.

Leto was more of a challenge. By this point, several dragon hatchlings had been brought to the cavern entrance and placed behind fortifications. However, the forgotten beast's poisonous vapors seemed to confound the dragons. They refused to breathe fire and did their best to keep their distance. Perhaps Leto understood the potential for dragonfire, so it kept its distance, too. Luckily the stare-off had Leto positioned directly under the cave-in trap and the creature's fate was sealed.

The little dragons of Relicshield had no such qualms when facing Utes. Once the winged ankylosaurid came within range, the hatchlings let loose with jets of flame. Not even a corpse was left when the smoke dissipated.

http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2557-forgottenbeastvsdragonhatchlings

This is a well-crafted gabbro memorial to Utes.
The slab reads "In memory of Utes / Melted in The Rampage of the forgotten beast Utes in Relicshield in the year 315".

Monday, July 1, 2013

The Mountainhome and the Secret Princess

Pop. 134, Spring of 314 (Year 63)

King Urist Shootwondered declared Relicshield the new capital and Mountainhome of the Ancient Gravel! The announcement caught many dwarves by surprise, including Duke Phyllite, who had yet to prepare royal accommodations. Another surprise was the discovery that Captain Dishmab the legendary macedwarf was a princess! King Urist and Queen Thikut Shootwondered were skeptical when their daughter struck out 6 decades ago for a little known outpost far to the west. However, their pride grew as they heard tales of Dishmab's valor and the rise of Relicshield over the years. Now also the City of Dragons, the king and queen could imagine living nowhere else.