Arena Escape!

Pop. 178, Late Autumn of 365

While attempting to trade captive goblins and trolls to the dwarven caravan, several escaped. After the fighting died down, there was a change in plans, as dozens of goblins were thrown into the arena. Unfortunately, so many goblins were thrown in at once that they overwhelmed Etog and two of Ibmat's hatchlings.

The goblins broke out of the arena and were engaged by armed civilians, along with members of the Trade Watch and Fortress Guard. Bomrek Galleygild, Goden Blockadetempted, and Lorbam Pearmansion-Skullpage were killed in the fighting, possibly due to friendly fire from the dragon Luto, who had been set loose by mistake during the chaos.

The Golden Jewel

Pop. 185, Mid-Spring of 361 (Year 110)

The father of Ibmat and Mistrum has been captured! While not as large as mighty Istrath, Luto is the largest dragon currently living in Relicshield.

Dragon Instinct

Pop. 187, Early Spring of 359 (Year 108)

Correspondence with scholars of the Mountainhome brought up the possibility of using dragon hatchlings as guards in the trade tunnels. However, given their proximity to civilians, they would require training to curb their instinct to breathe fire. Testing didn't go so well, but fortunately this was discovered with a goblin prisoner rather than a dwarf!

Bones of the Dragon

Pop. 189, Late Winter of 357 (Year 106)

Another minotaur made the mistake of entering the trade tunnels. It was quickly taken down. Though quite a large beast, curious dwarves decided to weigh the corpse against the skeleton of Istrath, the largest dragon to dwell in Relicshield.



With merely his bones weighing nearly 10x as much as a minotaur corpse, Istrath was truly a dragon to be admired for his terrible majesty.

Don't Shoot!

Pop. 145, Early Autumn of 356 (Year 105)



Unib Tautmerchants-Keypointed had just returned to patrol duty from maternity leave when Osna arrived. Unib immediately began to shoot at the dragon before she heard a great clamor from her fellow dwarves, "don't shoot, don't shoot!"





She pulled back to let the dragon pass to the northwest gate, where it was soon captured.

In Honor of the Seven

Pop. 149, Mid-Winter of 351 (Year 100)

In honor of the Seven Settlers, seven dragons fought in the seventh and final combat of the Centennial gladiatorial games! The adult dragons Etog and Bestra were joined by three hatchlings of Ibmat and two of Mistrum. The seven faced 117 goblins, 82 trolls, 3 yetis, and 1 kobold as the holding pens were emptied (except for the wombat men, who were deemed too adorable for dragon bbq).





The chill of winter was the furthest thing from the spectators' minds as dragonfire filled the arena!

The Seventh Match

The stands had to be cleared soon after due to all the smoke from the burning bodies. Boiling blood also splashed quite a few dwarves, particularly those watching from the lowest level of the arena. Still, all the dwarves felt the lung irritation and scalded skin to be well worth the sight of the fortress's dragons smiting their enemies. All told 354 goblins, 197 trolls, 13 coyote men, 5 yetis, 2 minotaurs, and 2 kobolds perished in the arena as a fitting tribute to Armok.

Bestra Jewelsweltered

Pop. 158, Late Spring of 346 (Year 95)



A new dragon from the wilds was captured! With the addition of Bestra Jewelsweltered, the fortress's dragon population has grown to 15 (2 adults and 13 hatchlings).

Nganiz Brandedfire

Though the dwarves of Relicshield have long felt an affinity for dragons, wild ones have remained a threat. Nganiz Brandedfire attacked before any preparations for capture could be organized. She was slain by the swordsdwarf Mebzuth II Orbgroup, with the help of the marksdwarf Uvash Cresenttours. Unfortunately, a civilian, Libash Graniteright, was nicked by Nganiz's breath and died soon after.

Dragon Legacy

Pop. 165, Early Winter of 339 (Year 88)

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

A new dragon was captured! Not only that, but it was discovered that Etog has strong connections to three of the four dragons that perished during the Rampage of Tob. He is the former mate of Ibmat, the fortress's first dragon, the father of Slusa, the youngest adult dragon, and the son of Istrath, Relicshield's largest dragon.





Meng II Lanterngaze-Channeltree has her work cut out for her in training Etog. Hopefully she and Etog will live up to the fine legacy left behind by Meng Roughwhips and his dragons.

Ibmat's Brood

Pop. 167, Mid-Summer of 338 (Year 87)

Ibmat's hatchlings did well against their first forgotten beast. Protected by fortifications, they blasted the creature with fire, leaving no trace of it behind.



Still, the dragon guards will be managed with greater oversight so that the tragedy that befell the adult dragons isn't repeated. Should another forgotten beast appear that dragons cannot handle, the cave-in trap will be deployed!

Return to the Caverns

Pop. 167, Late Spring 338 (Year 87)

With more forgotten beasts entering the lower reaches, it was decided to bring Ibmat's two oldest hatchlings into service earlier than originally planned. Several of the best warriors of Relicshield ventured into the Second Cavern to hold back any forgotten beasts that might approach before the dragons were ready. Two forgotten beasts rushed the reopened area, but were quickly dealt with.

The Forgotten Beast Zitha Siga Sedast has come! A gigantic quadruped composed of steam. It has a stubby horn and it undulates rhythmically.

Zitha was no match for Stakud II Roughwhips-Lanterngaze, daughter of the legendary dragon trainer, Meng Roughwhips.



The Forgotten Beast Kosmza Sodorosnong has come! An enormous three-eyed mosquito. It has a long, straight horn and it undulates rhythmically. Beware its hunger for warm blood!

Deler, patriarch of of the Anguishedpages family, slew the next creature to emerge. Though known for his prowess with the sword, Deler defeated Koz with a shield strike.

Meng and His Dragons

Pop. 169, Late Summer of 336 (Year 85)

Perhaps Meng Roughwhips was prescient. Soon after he appointed an apprentice to help with dragon training, a forgotten beast even mightier than Engror Crypthate ventured into the Second Cavern.

The Forgotten Beast Tob Omsostacnu has come! A gigantic sauropod with external ribs. It has large mandibles and it undulates rhythmically. Its dark violet scales are large and close-set. Beware its deadly dust!

The four largest dragons of Relicshield took on the monster, but its deadly dust and frozen extract proved to be a match for dragon fire. Istrath, Ibmat, Slusa, and Mistrum all perished, but before they died, they took the forgotten beast with them. Meng Roughwhips refused to abandon the wounded dragons during the battle and died alongside them :(. Thirteen dragon hatchlings remain, but the two eldest have nearly thirty years before they reach adulthood. For now, the Second Cavern has been abandoned. Once the brood of Ibmat reaches 51 years of age, the dragons of Relicshield will return to the underworld to do battle!

A New Apprentice

Relicshield, pop. 170, Early Spring of 336 (Year 85)

The legendary dragon trainer Meng Roughwhips has worked alone for over a decade. His first apprentice was his daughter-in-law Nish Anguishedpages-Roughwhips, but she died during the Tantrum Spiral of 323. At 114 years of age, Meng knew it was time to find a new apprentice to pass on his skills. Many dwarves clamored for the position and the chance to work with the fortress's dragons, but only one was chosen. Meng found the perfect candidate in Meng II Channeltree-Lanterngaze, an unrelated 33-year-old dwarf with no prior experience, but high potential. As prep work for working with the dragons, Meng II was tasked with training a new generation of war grizzlies. With the plague of stunted growth a thing of the past, war grizzlies have returned to service as trade network guards.

New Arrivals

Pop. 103, Spring of 331 (Fort Year 80)

Thanks to the work of Kurik Amudnil, immigration to the Mountainhome has commenced once more. Relicshield welcomed 24 new inhabitants with open arms, eager to boost the population after the devastating Riots of 323. The dragon breeding program has been put on temporary hold. With 4 adults and 13 hatchlings, there are now enough for additional dragon-guarded cavern entrances.

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.

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.

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.

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".