Mace vs. Mace

Pop. 185, Late Winter of 361 (Year 110)

The Evils of Spray tried to ambush the North Watch with a mace goblin squad. They came face to face with Commander Dishmab, Daughter of King Urist Shootwondered and wielder of the artifact lead mace, Drumseer the Contemptible Loot. The outcome was a foregone conclusion, as Dishmab increased her kill count to 360.

By the Numbers

Pop. 187, Late Summer of 359 (Year 108)

The human caravan arrived from the northwest. Their faces were full of fear as they urged their beasts of burden to move as fast as possible. Before they had uttered a single word, the dwarves knew what was coming. Commander Dishmab and the North Watch escorted the humans into the safety of the underground trade network just as a great clamor arose from the western hills, heralding the arrival of the Evils of Spray. At the head of an enemy archer host was an elite crossbow goblin, causing the dwarven reservists on the wall to tremble in fear. Still, they stood their ground and began to rain bolts upon their foes.

Asmel Fissuretour and the West Watch took the fight to the goblins, exiting the West Gate shouting for the blood of their foes. While reservists shot into the fray, the elite soldiers pushed toward the goblin squad leader. Axedwarf Mosus Graniteright and speardwarf Nomal Socketinked kept the elite enemy busy, while frontline archers Ast and Ast II Bustcrystals shot at the goblin, with the elder landing a headshot.



Meanwhile, in the southern trade tunnel, Deler Anguishepages and the South Watch halted a troll advance. He and his 2nd-in-command, Stakud II, were quite the duo, attacking trolls in concert and dispatching them with grim efficiency.



Everything went by the numbers, with this siege's defense the best in decades! All merchants were safe and accounted for, far fewer goblins made it into the trade tunnels, and an elite enemy archer was slain without any dwarven casualties.

Dwarfettes in the Military

Pop. 190, Late Winter of 357 (Year 106)

Relicshield has a long and proud tradition of females serving in the military. From 2nd Commander Olivine of the Original Seven to current Commander Dishmab, their contributions have been vital to the success of the Mountainhome. However, the recent baby boom has necessitated some changes in policy.

Normally Relicshield has about 2-7 children at any given point. Over the past year, though, over 20 children have been born, bringing the current total to 28. The number and sheer frequency of dwarves taking maternity leave was disruptive to military scheduling and planning. The order for reservists to patrol the walls was even forgotten amongst the spree of new births, allowing the Evils of Spray to push further than normal into the trade tunnels.

King Urist II and Mayor Mosus II Lanterngaze-Anguishedpages discussed possible changes with input from the citizenry at large. It wasn't long before a satisfactory compromise was struck. Henceforth, married dwarfettes are no longer eligible for military or reservist duty. However, unmarried females and widows remain more than welcome.

Return of the Monarchy

Pop. 168, Late Summer of 357 (Year 106)

Commander Dishmab's brother, Prince Urist II Shootwondered arrived with the most recent wave of migrants. After a three-decade interregnum due to the Riots of 323, the monarchy was restored. Mosus II Lanterngaze-Anguishedpages was more than happy to step down as acting regent, though the new king begged that she stay on as mayor to help run the kingdom.





Meanwhile, Lolor III and Edem IV welcomed their second child to the world, Edem V Claspletter!

Another Princess

Pop. 160, Early Spring of 357 (Year 106)

Commander Dishmab was reunited with one of her sisters, Iteb Shootwondered-Bootsquashed. The younger princess arrived with 6 companions, eager to join the Mountainhome.

The Games Continue!

Pop. 150, Late Spring of 351 (Year 100)

Despite the massive "CLOSED" notices posted on each of the trade tunnel entrances, the elven caravan arrived and demanded entry. Naturally, the goblins attacked at that moment, slaying most of the elves before they could reach safety underground. Still, that provided more prisoners for the gladiatorial games.

For the second match, 2 trolls and 2 yetis were thrown into the pit.



One of the yetis was immediately slain by a headshot from an audience member, while the other three combatants seemed far more interested in dodging bolts than fighting each other. The spectators slew them all and yelled for the next match-up!

This time, 8 goblins were pitted against 13 coyote men.



Again, the two sides avoided each other while they were pin-cushioned by the crossbow-wielding audience. One coyote man remained after the dust settled and was promptly slain by Commander Dishmab to move things along.

Crossbows were banned for the next match. 30 goblins, 20 trolls, and 1 minotaur were tossed into the arena to face the four squad leaders of Relicshield's elite troops: macedwarf Dishmab Shootwondered-Vesselbrain of the North Watch, axedwarf Goden II Claspletter of the East Watch, swordsdwarf Deler Anguishedpages of the South Watch, and speardwarf Asmel Fissuretour of the West Watch.



Unlike the previous two matches, the goblins and trolls immediately fought with the minotaur. It was a glorious three-way battle as the best warriors of Relicshield waded into the fray!






Dishmab smashed the minotaur's foot with her lead mace, Drumseer, causing the beast to fall. Goden II Claspletter, sister of Edem II the tiniest hammerdwarf, then sliced the minotaur's head off with her bloody axe, Drencheddragons. The remaining foes were no match and quickly fell before the dwarven onslaught.

100 Years!

Pop. 150, Mid-Spring of 351 (Year 100)

Relicshield began its Centennial celebration! The underground trade network was completely closed down and the arena was finally opened to the public.

Arena Level 1

Arena Level 2

Arena Level 3

Arena Level 4

Arena Level 5

Holding Pens & Drop Hatches


The first match was dedicated to Astesh Goodhatchet-Gearriddled, the miner who died during the arena's construction. A mass melee pitting 140 goblins & 93 trolls vs 40 soldiers, audience participation was encouraged, with spectators firing bolts into the fray with wild abandon! Commander Dishmab, daughter of the late King Urist Shootwondered, inspired her troops as she smashed goblins and trolls with her artifact lead mace, Drumseer the Contemptible Loot.

Unfortunately, in the chaos of the opening games, the hatches leading into the arena were not locked. Goblins and trolls began to pour out as they fought past Relicshield's soldiers.



The legendary miner Unib Flagblaze, who breached the pit to start the games, was an immediate target. He was chased all the way to the holding pens, but all those years of mining gave him plenty of speed and endurance. Unib left his pursuers in the dust before he was rescued by Commander Dishmab's squad. Soon after, all the near-escapees were mopped up and corpse removal for the next bout commenced.

317

Pop. 163, Late Autumn of 346 (Year 95)

Former Commander Sphalerite, one of the Original Seven, killed 316 foes before he met his untimely end in 313. Still, his record remained unbroken for 33 years. It was finally surpassed by Dishmab Shootwondered-Vesselbrain during a goblin siege.



Normally stationed at the northern trade gate, Dishmab and half of her squad were keeping watch near the southern wall due to clean-up from a previous siege. A squad of trolls tried to enter the trade tunnels, but Dishmab, wielding the artifact lead mace, Drumseer the Contemptible Loot, quickly showed them the error of their ways. Utes the troll provided the record-breaking kill as the dwarves beat back the siege just in time for the arrival of the dwarven caravan.

Final Judgment

Pop. 161, Early Spring 341 (Year 90)

Atis the Vampire languished in prison for 7 years before an appropriate sentence was decided on. While some dwarves pointed out that she would be perfect for the position of bookkeeper and manager, the family of the vampire's victim, Morul Anguishedpages, saw nothing less than death as a satisfactory punishment. As one of the largest families of the fortress, second only to the Channeltree clan, there was little hope for a merciful outcome. The current mayor, Mosus II, had married into the Anguishedpages family and thus recused herself from the decision. Dishmab Shootwondered-Vesselbrain, heiress to the throne, made the final judgment and carried out the sentence with the legendary mace, Drumseer. The fact that the victim was only a child sealed Atis's fate.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Dragon Age

Pop. 133, Spring of 313 (Year 62)

Right at the close of the previous year, the enemies of the fortress attacked both above and below. While the Evils of Spray laid siege on the surface, a frigid horror entered the second cavern.

The Forgotten Beast Uthgur has come! An enormous quadruped composed of snow. It has wings and it squirms and fidgets.

Goden II Claspletter, Relicshield's first forgotten beast slayer, kept the monster busy while her captain readied the perfect blow. With a mighty shield slam, Dishmab Vesselbrain the Holy Winnower of Fortresses broke the creature apart!





Near the surface, Commander Sphalerite led the charge against the goblin siege, with Edem II and his dragon Istrath close behind.

http://mkv25.net/dfma/movie-2556-istrathswrath



With the rise of Relicshield's dragons, a new age has dawned.

Search Renewed for the Second Cavern

Pop. 144, Winter of 308 (Year 57)

The long-delayed expedition in search of the second fabled cavern has finally recommenced. All the old exploratory tunnels were closed, while the scaffolding used for the walls securing the first cavern were removed. An outpost with food, booze, and barracks was constructed 49 levels below the surface, along with a cave-in corridor in preparation for the dangers below. Dishmab Vesselbrain, the 2nd best warrior of the fortress has now been stationed in the Deep Outpost with her squad of legendaries, including Goden II Claspletter, slayer of Lerdi the Forgotten Beast.

Trolling Trolls

Pop. 122, Spring of 296 (Year 45)

A year earlier, Kadol Meshpapers-Graniteright the hammerdwarf was caught outside alone during a siege. Her fellow soldiers rushed to her aid, but a group of trolls intercepted them right as they emerged from the fortress. While the majority of Relicshield's defenders were forced to engage the tusked monsters in battle, Captain Dishmab rushed toward the lone hammerdwarf. Second only to Commander Sphalerite in total kills, Dishmab smashed into foes with her mighty mace. Together, she and Kadol routed the goblin squad, while their compatriots decimated the trolls.

Once the siege was defeated, attention turned back to preparations for the second cavern expedition. Scaffolding was taken down from the walls securing the first cavern to regain blocks, but there were two fatal accidents. Atir Kissochre the clothier and Chief Medic Dolomite, one of the Original Seven, fell to their deaths. Scaffolding had been taken down before, one level at a time, without incident, but Duke Phyllite demanded the procedures be placed under review.

The Spring brought renewed hope in the form of Ibmat the Dragon, who was lured into the trade tunnels and captured in a cage.

Thirst

Pop. 110, Late Winter of 284 (Year 33)

The fortress was still reeling from the deaths of Edem and Nish, when a mining accident claimed the lives of Duchess Consort Cinnabar Taxeddagger, Stinthad Esteemclasp the mayor, and Sigun Vesselbrain, husband of the legendary macedwarf Dishmab. The mining expedition in search of the second fabled cavern received incomplete digging plans and a necessary stairwell was left half-done (i.e. poor overseer oversight and forgetting about my miners after using Quickfort) :(.

Stinthad and Sigun died of thirst before the rest of the fortress realized anything was amiss. A secondary tunnel was quickly mined out and Cinnabar made it to the dining hall... only to perish with a whip wine barrel in front of her.

The Exalted Delight

Early Autumn of 258 (Year 7)

Two goblin raiding parties attempted to waylay a human caravan. Led by traitorous dwarves, they were still no match for the forces of Relicshield.  Dishmab Vesselbrain quickly lived up to her name.

The caravan and diplomat were protected from all hostilities and departed from the fortress safely. Commander Sphalerite took a moment to commemorate the occasion.

Translation: The Exalted Delight