Deadly Bolts

Pop. 150, Late Winter of 350 (Year 99)

Two reservists, Ilral Lightningstaff and Stukos Yawnfurnace, perished at the hands of an elite crossbow goblin before help could arrive. They valiantly stood their ground and traded bolt volleys, but they were simply outmatched.




The fortress's veteran troops tried their best to get to the ranged killer in time, but there were simply too many goblin minions and trolls in the way.

Whiplash

Pop. 170, Late Spring of 336 (Year 85)

The dwarves were eager to trade with the elves for logs and wooden cages to house prisoners for the gladiatorial games. Though the centennial celebration was 15 years away, new mayor Ilral Wheelrang want to get preparations underway well in advance. Unfortunately, when the elven caravan arrived at the southeast border, they were set upon by a horde of goblin lashers. The cursed weapons, strong enough to penetrate dwarven steel, wiped out the elves long before the dwarven guards could arrive. So soon after the death of a human diplomat, more and more of Relicshield's citizens are clamoring for greater protection for the kingdom's allies. Opening all the gates of the underground trade network is under consideration.

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.

Another Slayer

Pop. 141, Winter of 309 (Year 58)

The duchy's miners and masons have been hard at work walling off the second cavern when Dusak the Murky Blisters, a forgotten beast of filth and grime, attacked. It breathed great globs of frozen spittle, but the legendary soldiers of Relicshield blocked or dodged each shot. The axedwarf, Cog Slingriddles, landed the killing blow, joining Goden II as a slayer of forgotten beasts. Though the monster was vanquished, other dangers made their mark.



A chance wild fire caught one miner, Geshud Graniteright, who perished before anyone could reach him :(. Fire snake vermin from the nearby magma pool were the most likely culprits, as no fire imps were nearby. A new route to the cavern's edge was mined out, giving the pool a wide berth.

Meanwhile, near the surface, more dwarves fell into strange moods. Atis Anguishedpages died of dehydration when unable to complete her construction and the same fate seemed likely for Ilral Treerooms. Fortunately, simple advice from Laularukyrumo, a visiting scholar from the Mountainhome, helped avoid further tragedy.