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!

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.

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.

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".

Fallen Heroes

Pop. 130, Autumn of 313 (Year 62)

Shock and dismay spread throughout the fortress when three of its mightiest soldiers fell in battle: Commander Sphalerite of the Original Seven, Tirist Earthennourishes the legendary marksdwarf, and Edem II, once the Unluckiest Hammerdwarf and the first dragon battlemaster of Relicshield.

The Forgotten Beast Engror Uktangstosbub has come! An enormous pterosaur composed of green glass. It has a pair of squat antennae and it has a gaunt appearance. Beware its webs!

Far stronger than any previous Forgotten Beast fought before, Engror rampaged through the defending squad. Somehow an iron spear was kicked up by the thundering charge, fatally cutting Tirist, while Edem II and Sphalerite were trampled (NOOOOOOOOOOO)! Istrath the dragon rushed at the pterosaur, his fury boundless at the death of his dwarven companion!

The cavern shook with the clash of the two titanic beasts while crossbow bolts flew into the fray. The battle was tense, with the pterosaur breathing webs and slamming its wings and feet into the dragon. However, Istrath rallied and with a final blast of dragon fire, the glass monster was melted down.



Duke Phyllite has commissioned a memorial to be built in honor of the three fallen soldiers, all true heroes of Relicshield :'(.

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.

Run, Nish, Run!

Pop. 139, Autumn of 310 (Year 59)

The duchy's largest wall thus far was completed, far below in the second cavern. 13 across and 25 high, the construction went without a hitch. Fighting sometimes took place in the scaffolding far above the cavern floor, where dodging the wrong way could lead to a fatal fall. The soldiers on duty performed beyond expectation, and not a single life was lost blocking this portion of the second cavern.

Soon after the wall was completed, two forgotten beasts were discovered at the same time on a cliffside near the top of the massive cavern.

The Forgotten Beast Bekor has come! A huge eyeless viper. It has large mandibles and it squirms and fidgets. Beware its poisonous bite!

The Forgotten Beast Egngun has come! An enormous quadruped composed of mud. It has wings and it undulates rhythmically. Beware its poisonous gas!

Bekor was slain by the speardwarf Logem Chanceblockades, but Egngun was far more dangerous. Rather than a face-to-monstrous face confrontation, the miner Nish Anguishedpages volunteered to lure the creature into a trap. She dug a small tunnel to free the beast, though she underestimated just how fast it was. The mud monstrosity was suddenly right in front of her!

Nish took off running just as it reared back and blew a torrent of poisonous gas. The foul vapors barely missed her as she raced off with the forgotten beast hot on her heels. She stumbled past the massive pillar holding a section of the cavern above, then ran up the stairs, all while just avoiding blast after blast of fetid breath. The massive hatch slammed shut, blocking the beast below, then the nearby lever was pulled, crushing the monster under tons of stone.

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.

The Assault of Claws

Pop. 114, Late Summer of 283 (Year 32)

The human merchants who arrived at the fortress this year narrowly missed an elven ambush. And what an ambush it was. First, a group of war grizzlies emerged from the forest. One of the beasts gave Commander Sphalerite quite a fight! The bear's ferocious offense kept the commander off-balance far longer than any previous opponent, despite the inevitable end.



While the last of the grizzlies were struck down, the rest of the elven forces revealed themselves. No longer an ambush, it was a full-scale siege! With spear-wielding moose and camel riders, war leopards and lions, over a hundred enemies entered the fray! The battle was intense, but the dwarves remembered their training and stood their ground. Despite numerical superiority, the odds were still solidly in the dwarves' favor.



(Legends mode doesn't track mounts apparently, since the moose and camels aren't listed. The true enemy count was probably over 150. Also, the elves arrived in Late Spring, but waited out of sight until the Summer. Dastardly!)

Edem II's combat performance has remained an enigma. The weapon prowess, shield technique, and dodging ability are all there, as he proved again during this elven assault, and yet he always shies away from the killing blow. Still, he's able to engage multiple opponents and keep them occupied, so thus far, his particular quirk has mostly raised eyebrows. Stronger objections have also been stymied due to his older sister Goden II, wielder of the legendary axe known as Drencheddragons. To slander Edem II is to slander the entire Claspletter family, and among the dwarves of Relicshield, Goden II holds the singular distinction of slaying a forgotten beast.



In the meantime, the most pressing problem for Relicshield is what to do with all of the beast carcasses left after the battle. The fortress has had a food surplus for decades, so collection isn't a necessity, though the Mountainhome might appreciate a gift of exotic edibles if they can be preserved in time.

Nice Helm

Mid-Autumn of 276 (Year 25)

After the battle with Lerdi, the project to seal off the cavern continued with few interruptions. A giant earthworm, gorlak, olm, and several dralthas were slain when they ventured too close to the workers. A giant cave spider snared one soldier and tried to bite his head off, but the late Selenite's steel armor blocked every attack (phew).



With the death of the spider, the first of the fabled trio of caverns was brought completely under the control of Relicshield! It is rumored that jabberers dwell in the caverns below this one. Preparations are being made to delve deeper...

Sour Silver

Pop. 79, Mid-Winter of 275 (Year 24)

Momuz Anguishedpages had just turned 12 and joined the military as a budding axedwarf. Unfortunately, the giant Etog Searchtorch decided to attack the fortress on that very day. The teen dwarf stood his ground as the massive enemy's footsteps shook the very earth. Momuz swung his axe, but missed and received a fist the size of a boulder in return. The blow was powerful enough to lift the dwarf off his feet and he sailed several yards through the air to land in a heap. At that moment, the legendary swordsdwarf, Meng Roughwhips arrived and promptly slashed the giant in the back of the head. The attack knocked the giant unconscious, and in three more cuts, Etog Searchtorch was no more. Sadly, the giant's single strike broke Momuz's upper spine. He lost the ability to breathe and died soon after :(.

Later that same winter, the goblins sieged Relicshield, but they sorely underestimated the dwarves. The single goblin strike team was mostly destroyed, with the survivors scattered to the four winds.

Newlywed Olon II Treerooms fell into a strange mood and created Zunekral Avog, The Sour Silver of Dredging, a white stork bone shield.



The artifact was immediately given to Commander Sphalerite, and none to soon!

The Forgotten Beast Lerdi Eslulost has come! A great cardinal with external ribs. It has a curling trunk and it has a bloated body. Beware its webs!

Unlike the first Forgotten Beast, there was no time to use the cave-in trap. Lerdi Menaceterrors was bearing down on the civilians working on the cavern wall project. Armed with his new shield, Sphalerite rushed at the beast, trying to buy time for the workers to flee to safety. But no, Lerdi would not let them escape so easily! It spewed a mass of sticky filaments that covered all nearby. Several civilians were caught, unable to break free. Sphalerite, stronger than the average dwarf, ripped and slashed at the webs covering him, then attacked. More and more webbing covered him and he was pinned to the ground as the beast attacked.

With the alarm sounded, more soldiers soon joined the battle. The axedwarf Goden II Claspletter managed to maneuver behind Lerdi and began to hack into its exposed back. With the other soldiers keeping it busy, Goden II managed to cut the beast completely in two! The foul creature spurted its last web, then fell to the ground. The only injuries were a broken hip for Commander Sphalerite and a broken ankle for Lokum Letterplait-Meshpapers the metalsmith.

Nuwetha and the First Cavern

Pop. 76, Mid-Spring of 275 (Year 24)

The past few years were quite eventful. Adil Craftswarded, the best swordsdwarf of Relicshield, celebrated the military enlistment of his son, Adil II. The elder Adil reminded many of the tales of Adil Bootmirrors, the legendary hero of the lost fortress of Greatestbodice. Adil Craftswarded shared the same affinity for swords as Adil Bootmirrors, and became a legend in his own right along with his sword, Spatteredcolumns the Responsibilities of Calamities. Adil Craftswarded bestowed the sword on Adil II as he and his son became the second family with members serving concurrently in the military, along with Edem II and Goden II Claspletter.

Selenite Ivyrope, one of the Original Seven, and the armorer of the fortress, fell to a goblin snatcher. The fiend stabbed him in the throat and he bled to death before he could be taken to the hospital :(. His one true love was the legendary hammerdwarf and fortress 2nd-in-command Olivine. Though they never married or had children, Selenite's legacy lives on in the fine armor he crafted.

In happier news, Olon II Treerooms & Ingiz II Watchbolted were married, giving Relicshield the very first marriage between dwarves born there.

Finally, after over a year of digging, the first of the legendary caverns was breached! The bizarre bioluminescent flora and even odder fauna had a strange beauty, but the dangers of the depths have been passed down in tales for generations. Soon enough, one of the monstrosities from ages past made itself known!

The Forgotten Beast Nuwetha has come! An enormous one-eyed pterosaur. It has a long, spiral horn and it undulates rhythmically. Its pine green scales are jagged and overlapping. Beware its deadly blood!

Choosing caution over a head-on assault, Commander Sphalerite made a tactical retreat to lure the beast to its doom. It gave chase, then came upon a room with over a dozen dwarf statues. Thinking it had found its prey, Nuwetha entered. The lone pillar in the room gave way while the creature attacked silent rock replicas. Mighty are the forgotten beasts, but stone is mightier still.