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[Sanctume]

Are you gus ok with this Ammo Splitter Tower

or just a normal archery range with channeled sides?

[Gwolfski]

suits me

[Sanctume]

Introduction

Bonepillar, 1st of Granite, 544. Current population: 28

Rakust Roderzon, Rakust Baldedhelms is now `Sanctumea’ or `Mea’ Baldedhelms.
In the spring of 544, Mea retreated into the sanctuary of Bonepillar located in this region of the world. 
Mea (may-ah) is a macedwarf recruited into of The Dikes of Testing. 

Dramatis Personae

The Barricaded Roads

• `Tuaiq Uacca’, Male, Marksdwarf, Militia Commander
• `Gwolfski’, Female, Marksdwarf
• Mafol, Male, Marksdwarf - Rarely fees Discourage
• Ustuth, Female, Marksdwarf

The Dikes of Testing

• Nil, Male, Hammer, Militia Captain - Can Handle Stress
• `Sanctumea’, Female, Mace - Can Handle Stress
• Bembul, Female, Speardwarf - Rarely fees Discourage
• Fath, Female, Speardwarf

Nobles

• Eshtan, gender?, Expedition Leader, Manager, Bookkeeper -  Can Handle Stress, Slow to Anger
• LordBrassroast2, gender?, Broker
• Iden, gender?, Chief Medical Dwarf

Citizens

• Fawned, Miner -  Can Handle Stress
• Iamblichos -  Can Handle Stress
• Lor -  Can Handle Stress
• Sibrek -  Can Handle Stress
• (incomplete)

Initial Inventory Report

Warfare Material
1 iron bar (location unaccounted)
1 iron spear (location in weapon stockpile)
2 steel bars (location unaccounted)
1 iron wheelbarrow (serves clay stockpile)

1 iron corkscrew (forbidden somewhere)
1 spiked iron ball (forbidden somewhere)
1 iron serrated disc (forbidden somewhere)
1 menacing iron spike (forbidden somewhere)
1 nickel cage (forbidden and set to dump somewhere)

Recommended Action Plan:
- Employ strict iron, steel and nickel inventory control
- Establish recycling center of iron and steel and nickel products.

Magma-grade Construction Material
12 orthoclase blocks

Action Plan:
- Establish logistics for optimal stone hauling.
- Create Mason and Mechanic shop in graveyard digsite, separate stock for magma-safe stone (orthoclase and gabbro are available).

--

Project Submissions

Project 501: First Surface Tower

Critical Issue: There is a sapling that is growing below a constructed floor.
Objective: Reconstruct parts of the first surface tower into a functional bunker.

Assessment: The construction of fortification is flawed because it does not provide an appropriate roof.  It is recommended to construct a block wall first, and then later designate the block wall to be carved with fortification.  A corner block wall may be carved into fortification without issue.

Action Plan:
1. Remove the wall to access tower and address the sapling issue.
2. Secure surface area for a set period during reconstruction.

Issues:
501.1 There is an undead stoat jack roaming to the south west of the first tower, besides the possibility of other surface threats.
501.2 There are sentient remains including citizens visible to the construction site.
501.3 Threat to cave adaptation sickness may incapacitate both workers and security personnel.

--

Project 502: Clothing Industry

Critical Issue: Civilian clothing is at critical level.
Objective: Provide usable clothing for the civilian population.

Assessment: Although the clothier workshop is being constructed, the stocks for cloth is limited for a dozen wool cloths, and a handful of plant cloths.  Pigtails planting is still a season away. 
Consideration to retrieving clothing of the fallen in the immediate area may prove a worthwhile effort to relieve the current clothing shortage.

--

Project 503: Surface Magma Glass Furnace

Objective: Create magma glass furnace next to sand collection source near the surface for efficient production of sustainable green glass.

Action Plan:
1. Obtain sand to create green glass pipes and corkscrews.
2. Obtain 2 iron minecart and iron wheelbarrow.
3. Dig magma filling and draining chamber in a new room near the magma forge.
4. Build magma glass furnace near surface.

Materials:
1. Need available bags for sand collection
2. Need magma-safe items: 2 minecarts, 1 wheelbarrow, 4 hatch covers, 4 blocks, 4 pipes, 4 corkscrews, 1 grate, 1 door, and mechanisms.

Issues:
503.1 Available wool cloth may be used for sand bag, however, there is a critical need for civilian clothes.
503.2 Metal mine carts and wheelbarrows cost two metal bars each to forge.  Need to obtain more iron or steel, and maybe nickel bars.

--

Project 504: Front Gate Security

Objective 1: Verify correct labels for levers that control air locks to “Trap Hall, “New Depot”, and “Old Depot” with uninvited guest.

Objective 2: Trap Hall must be cleared of captured undead and reset.

Objective 3: Provide security to immediate area for Project 501.

Objective 4: Cut nearby trees to replenish needed logs resource.

Objective 5: Retrieve any iron products and clothing, and dump sentient remains of fallen.


Action Plan:
504.1.1 Attach hatch cover to magma pit.
504.1.2 Assign stockpile for captured near the magma pit.

504.2 Prioritize clearing of trap hall by suspending current labor for brewing and smelting, 1 active miner, 1 active mason.

504.3 Need to be cautions of cave adaptation sickness.  Station Barricaded and Dikes inside fortress, to be closer to surface, yet indoors.

504.4.1 Ensure everything in the surface is set to forbid.
504.4.2 Create surface Burrow for wood cutting.
504.4.3 Assign a wood cutter.

504.5.1 Increase surface burrow for corpse looting.
504.5.2 Create Corpse Duty squad who will do the initial dumping of sentient remains
504.5.3 Allow corpse looting for iron products and usable clothing.

--

Project 505: Fortress Logistics

Objective 1: Create list of current stockpiles indicating stockpile number and other properties such as max use of barrels, bins, and links.

Objective 2: Assess junction points and paths for their purpose and utility.

Action Plan:
505.1 z89 forbid stones and doors
505.2 z90 forbid stones and doors
505.3 forbid stones and isolate magma forge, including salvageable steel anvil.

***

ooc: I spent hours last night just looking around.  I did unpause to test what the 6 levers actually do so I know exactly that each controls.

I fluctuated and steadied at 10 FPS.  It's doable. 

What exactly does Dfhack "clean all" do?  Something about contaminants on items, plants, animals, etc? Is it worth running it once?

The magma pit could be the culprit for pathing with cavern 3 the because there are flying undead cave swallows that can technically path up into the fortress.

There's doors and bridges that have fortifications to peek into the caverns.  I think it's possible to forbid those since they are dead ends for now, but I don't think they add much to FPS since dorfs can't path out to cavern 3 from there.

I think a hatch cover, even set to forbid will still enable a dumping action and throw the item down below without adding pathing for anything else.
IIRC, a hatch cover set to forbid works for arena pitting to prevent even flyers to escape during the pitting process.

I have not delve into my chosen dwarf and how I'll RP/tale spin her, but a macedwarf almost always seems to be my choice. [/list]

[LordBrassroast]

Bonepillar lives! 

Good luck, you poor doomed bastard.

[DDDragoni]

A perfectly punctilious plan!
How is Tosul doing, by the way?

And since QuQuasar doesn't appear to be updating the first post, I'll put our new turn list here for now.

Current: Sanctume

Upcoming
MaxCat61
Gwolfski
DDDragoni

[Gwolfski]

add me to end of that

[DDDragoni]

add me to end of that

Done. I stuck myself on the end too.

[Sanctume]

Dramatis Personae (expanded revision)

Bonepillar 1st Granite, 546

`Tuaiq Uacca’, Male, Marksdwarf, Militia Commander

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

  `Tuaiq Uacca' Timnarstakud, "`Tuaiq Uacca' Tapermachines", militia commander   
"We should all be so lucky as to truly master a skill."
Within the last season, he was blissful after sleeping in a bedroom like a personal palace.  He was disgusted after being nauseated by the sun.  He was horrified after seeing Lokum Lancetactics die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing a alpaca die.  He was horrified after seeing Lorbam Secretivegolds die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing a stoat jill die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing a horse die.  He was horrified after seeing a dwarf die.  He felt pleasure near his own fine Container.  He felt pleasure near a fine Door.  He felt pleasure near a fine Seat.  He felt pleasure near a fine Table.  He felt pleasure near a fine Seat.  He felt pleasure near a fine Table.  He felt pleasure near a fine Seat.  He felt caring after giving somebody water.  He felt satisfied after receiving water.  He was blissful dining in a legendary dining room.  He was embarrassed after sleeping without a proper room.  He felt pleasure near a fine Furnace.  He felt pleasure near a fine Slab. 
He is a casual worshipper of ¢k and a faithful worshipper of Toltot the Sepia Nature. 
He is a citizen of The Portal of Ways.  He is a member of The Flickering Gears.  He is the militia commander of The Flickering Gears.  He arrived at Osodobok on the 19th of Granite in the year 543. 
He is ninety years old, born on the 13th of Granite in the year 456. 
His hair is dry.  His very long sideburns are braided.  His very long moustache is neatly combed.  His medium-length beard is neatly combed.  His short hair is neatly combed.  His amethyst eyes are narrow.  His somewhat broad nose is short.  His eyebrows are extremely short.  His raw umber skin is wrinkled.  He is average in size.  His hair is goldenrod with flecks of gray. 
He is absolutely inexhaustible, tough and agile. 
`Tuaiq Uacca' Timnarstakud likes dacite, pig iron, pinfire opal, avocado wood wood, green glass, the color silver, picks, leggings, traction benches, crutches and wren men for their intricate songs.  When possible, he prefers to consume alfalfa and plum wine.  He absolutely detests leeches. 
He has a great ability to focus, a very good feel for social relationships and good intuition, but he has little linguistic ability. 
Like others in his culture, he holds craftsdwarfship to be of the highest ideals and celebrates talented artisans and their masterworks, has a great deal of respect for the law, greatly prizes loyalty, values family greatly, sees friendship as one of the finer things in life, believes that honesty is a high ideal, greatly respects artists and their works, really respects those that take the time to master a skill, deeply respects those that work hard at their labors, respects fair-dealing and fair-play, values cooperation, finds merrymaking and partying worthwhile activities, values martial prowess, values leisure time, respects commerce and finds nature somewhat disturbing.  He personally believes the idea of war is utterly repellent and would have peace at all costs and values sacrifice.  He dreams of crafting a masterwork someday. 
He finds helping others very emotionally rewarding.  He strongly prefers discussions of ideas and abstract concepts over handling specific practical issues.  He can be very single-minded.  He does not easily hate or develop negative feelings.  He often feels discouraged.  He tends to avoid crowds.  He has a greedy streak.  He tries to do things correctly each time.  He can easily fall in love or develop positive sentiments.  He is somewhat fearful in the face of imminent danger.  He is somewhat quarrelsome, and he is bothered by this since he values friendship.  He prefers that everyone live as harmoniously as possible.  He tends to be swayed by the emotions of others.  He doesn't tend to hold on to grievances.  His tongue sticks out when he's trying to remember something.  He needs alcohol to get through the working day and can't even remember the last time he had some.  He does not mind being outdoors, at least for a time.

`Gwolfski’, Female, Marksdwarf

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

  `Gwolfski' Ebaliton, "`Gwolfski' Reveredhalls", Marksdwarf   
"I could do without all of those creatures and tangled greenery."
Within the last season, she was blissful after sleeping in a very good bedroom. 
She is a worshipper of ¢k and a worshipper of The Parched Earth of Rocks. 
She is a citizen of The Portal of Ways.  She is a member of The Flickering Gears.  She arrived at Osodobok on the 19th of Granite in the year 543. 
She is ninety years old, born on the 16th of Granite in the year 456. 
She is fat.  Her extremely short eyebrows are incredibly high.  Her emerald eyes are narrow.  Her hair is wavy.  Her medium-length hair is neatly combed.  Her somewhat narrow ears are extremely tall.  Her teeth are crowded.  Her nose is somewhat short.  Her raw umber skin is wrinkled.  Her hair is cinnamon with flecks of gray. 
She is absolutely inexhaustible, but she is slow to heal, clumsy and flimsy. 
`Gwolfski' Ebaliton likes pitchblende, lead, moonstone, amber, gila monster bone, the color blue, bucklers and amulets.  When possible, she prefers to consume lungfish, flounder and dwarven ale.  She absolutely detests purring maggots. 
She has a great affinity for language, very good creativity and a good kinesthetic sense, but she has a poor ability to manage or understand social relationships. 
Like others in her culture, she holds craftsdwarfship to be of the highest ideals and celebrates talented artisans and their masterworks, has a great deal of respect for the law, greatly prizes loyalty, values family greatly, sees friendship as one of the finer things in life, believes that honesty is a high ideal, greatly respects artists and their works, really respects those that take the time to master a skill, respects fair-dealing and fair-play, values cooperation, finds merrymaking and partying worthwhile activities, values martial prowess, values leisure time, respects commerce and finds nature somewhat disturbing.  She personally finds herself somewhat disgusted with eloquent speakers, values romance and doesn't really see the point of working hard.  She dreams of raising a family. 
She easily changes her mind and will generally go with the prevailing view on anything.  She is not driven and rarely feels the need to pursue even a modest success.  She only rarely feels strong cravings or urges.  She tends to be a little wasteful when working on projects.  She is trusting.  She tends to think before acting.  She has a noticeable lack of perseverance.  She doesn't mind wearing something special now and again.  She lives a fast-paced life.  She has a greedy streak.  She is somewhat fearful in the face of imminent danger.  She doesn't often feel envious of others.  She is quick to anger.  She has a tendency to consider ideas and abstractions over practical applications.  She always takes a deep breath whenever she is surprised.  When she's surprised, she has a very unique laugh.  She needs alcohol to get through the working day and can't even remember the last time she had some.  She does not mind being outdoors, at least for a time. 

Eshtan, Male, Expedition Leader, Manager, Bookkeeper, Failure

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

  `Eshtan' Otunglor, "`Eshtan' Shockedtool", Failure   
"I finished up some work.  I am very satisfied."
He feels satisfied at work.  Within the last season, he was disgusted after being nauseated by the sun.  He didn't feel anything after seeing a stoat jill die.  He was horrified after seeing Lokum Lancetactics die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing a alpaca die.  He was horrified after seeing Lorbam Secretivegolds die.  He was horrified after seeing Udil Cobaltchewed die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing a porcupine die.  He was horrified after seeing Kivish Stormgilt die.  He was horrified after seeing Tun Lustroushelms die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing a fox die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing a cat die.  He was horrified after seeing Tulon Joinedmanor die.  He was horrified after seeing Sigun Tuskroofs die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing a horse die.  He felt pleasure near his own fine Container.  He was blissful after sleeping in a great bedroom. 
He is a worshipper of Toltot the Sepia Nature and a dubious worshipper of ¢k. 
He is a citizen of The Portal of Ways.  He is a member of The Flickering Gears.  He is the expedition leader of The Flickering Gears.  He is the bookkeeper of The Flickering Gears.  He is the manager of The Flickering Gears.  He is the former militia commander of The Flickering Gears.  He arrived at Osodobok on the 26th of Felsite in the year 542. 
He is seventy-one years old, born on the 19th of Timber in the year 475. 
He is very skinny.  His very long sideburns are braided.  His medium-length moustache is neatly combed.  His long beard is braided.  His very long hair is neatly combed.  His slightly wide-set silver eyes are narrow.  He has a clear voice.  He has a round chin.  His nose is short.  His eyebrows are short.  His nose bridge is somewhat concave.  His ears are somewhat narrow.  His somewhat short head is somewhat broad.  His hair is taupe.  His skin is raw umber. 
He is quite quick to heal. 
`Eshtan' Otunglor likes slate, nickel, white chalcedony, the color burnt sienna, maces, quivers, scepters and sliver barbs for their wicked thorns.  When possible, he prefers to consume guppy and blackberry wine.  He absolutely detests brown recluse spiders. 
He has a way with words and a good intellect, but he has little patience, poor creativity, a poor ability to manage or understand social relationships and a very bad sense of empathy. 
Like others in his culture, he holds craftsdwarfship to be of the highest ideals and celebrates talented artisans and their masterworks, has a great deal of respect for the law, values family greatly, sees friendship as one of the finer things in life, believes that honesty is a high ideal, greatly respects artists and their works, really respects those that take the time to master a skill, deeply respects those that work hard at their labors, respects fair-dealing and fair-play, finds merrymaking and partying worthwhile activities, values martial prowess, values leisure time and respects commerce.  He personally has a deep respect for animals, plants and the natural world, values loyalty and dislikes cooperation.  He dreams of creating a great work of art. 
He has an overbearing personality.  He is very rarely moved by curiosity.  He takes no pleasure in his talents and appearance.  He tends to avoid crowds.  He is moved by art and natural beauty.  He tries to do things correctly each time.  He is quite polite.  He doesn't tend to hold on to grievances.  He is not particularly interested in what others think of him.  He isn't given to flights of fancy.  He generally finds himself quite hopeful about the future.  He can handle stress.  He is rarely happy or enthusiastic, and he is conflicted by this as he values parties and merrymaking in the abstract.  He doesn't mind a little tumult and discord in day-to-day living.  He is slow to anger.  When greeting others, he always smiles nervously.  He has a habit of stretching his body during pauses in conversation.  He  becomes very rigid when he's angry.  He needs alcohol to get through the working day.  He likes working outdoors and grumbles only mildly at inclement weather. 

LordBrassroast2, Male, Broker

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

  `LordBrassroast2' Logemvabok, "`LordBrassroast2' Paintorbs", broker   
"I look splendid today."
Within the last season, he was disgusted after retching on a miasma.  He didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing the horse  die.  He was annoyed after sleeping in the dirt.  He was interested near a fine Door.  He felt caring after giving somebody water.  He was interested near a fine Door.  He was interested near a fine Trap.  He was interested near a fine Slab.  He was interested near a fine Slab.  He was interested near a fine Furnace.  He was content dining in a fantastic dining room.  He was interested near a fine Table. He was interested near a fine Slab. 
He is a worshipper of Aval Saviorgates. 
He is a citizen of The Portal of Ways.  He is a member of The Flickering Gears.  He is the broker of The Flickering Gears.  He arrived at Osodobok on the 3rd of Timber in the year 545. 
He is fifty-three years old, born on the 13th of Limestone in the year 493. 
He is average in size.  His very long sideburns are braided.  His long moustache is neatly combed.  His long beard is braided.  His very long hair is arranged in double braids.  His extremely tall narrow ears have nearly fused lobes.  He has a narrow chin.  His ochre eyes are narrow.  His nose is short.  His short eyebrows are extremely sparse.  His head is somewhat broad.  His hair is auburn.  His skin is raw umber. 
He is quite clumsy. 
`LordBrassroast2' Logemvabok likes sylvite, brass, red grossular, dingo leather, floodgates, horses for their strength and giant narwhals for their horns.  When possible, he prefers to consume capuchin, dwarven rum and papayas.  He absolutely detests moon snails. 
He has an ability to read emotions fairly well, but he has meager creativity, a questionable spatial sense, a shortage of patience, little linguistic ability and a poor memory. 
Like others in his culture, he holds craftsdwarfship to be of the highest ideals and celebrates talented artisans and their masterworks, has a great deal of respect for the law, greatly prizes loyalty, values family greatly, sees friendship as one of the finer things in life, believes that honesty is a high ideal, greatly respects artists and their works, really respects those that take the time to master a skill, respects fair-dealing and fair-play, values cooperation, finds merrymaking and partying worthwhile activities, values martial prowess, respects commerce and finds nature somewhat disturbing.  He personally believes that those that take leisure time are evil and finds the whole idea disgusting and doesn't really see the point of working hard.  He dreams of raising a family. 
He finds helping others very emotionally rewarding.  He would never pass up a chance for a good fistfight.  He is a pessimist.  He is not the type to fall in love or even develop positive feelings.  He is greatly pleased by his own looks and accomplishments.  He forms only fleeting and rare emotional bonds with others.  He is very polite and observes appropriate rules of decorum when possible.  He is curious and eager to learn.  He isn't given to flights of fancy.  He tends to be a little tight with resources when working on projects.  He has a tendency to go it alone, without considering the advice of others.  He tends to be passive in discussions.  He has a tendency to consider ideas and abstractions over practical applications.  He is not particularly interested in what others think of him.  He occasionally overindulges.  He has a very distinct laugh for when he's excited.  He needs alcohol to get through the working day. 

[Sanctume]

Dramatis Personae (expanded revision)

Bonepillar 1st Granite, 546

Tosul, Male, Historian

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

  `Tosul' Nunurkilrud, "`Tosul' Crevicebronze", Historian   
"Always tell the truth."
Within the last season, he was disgusted after retching on a miasma.  He didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing the horse  die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing a great horned owl die.  He was disgusted after being nauseated by the sun.  He was horrified after seeing As‰n Practicedgirder die.  He was horrified after seeing the elf Alu Hornsweltered die.  He was horrified after seeing a dwarf die.  He was horrified after seeing a dwarf die.  He was horrified after seeing ‹ngiz Facelashes die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing a horse die.  He was interested near a fine Trap.  He was interested near a very fine Trap.  He was interested near a fine Seat.  He was horrified after seeing `Sodel' Coastaldagger die.  He was horrified after seeing a dwarf die.  He was horrified after seeing Ed‰m Cityphrases die.  He was horrified after seeing Oddom Claspedmasters die.  He was interested near a very fine Bridge.  He was interested near a completely sublime Trade Depot.  He was interested near his own fine Bed.  He felt satisfied at work.  He was interested near a fine Door.  He was blissful after sleeping in a very good bedroom.  He was interested near a fine Door.  He was blissful dining in a fantastic dining room.  He was in awe near a completely sublime Burial Receptacle. 
He is a faithful worshipper of The Parched Earth of Rocks and an ardent worshipper of Aval Saviorgates. 
He is a citizen of The Portal of Ways.  He is a member of The Flickering Gears.  He arrived at Osodobok on the 19th of Granite in the year 543. 
He is eighty-seven years old, born on the 18th of Timber in the year 459. 
He is short and just incredibly fat.  His very long sideburns are braided.  His very long moustache is arranged in double braids.  His very long beard is neatly combed.  His hair is clean-shaven.  His cobalt eyes are slit.  He has a clear voice.  His extremely tall narrow ears have nearly fused lobes.  He has a narrow chin.  His teeth are crowded.  His nose is short.  His raw umber skin is wrinkled.  His hair is ochre with flecks of gray. 
He is very agile and strong, but he is quick to tire. 
`Tosul' Nunurkilrud likes microcline, bronze, chrysoprase, the color rust, shields, quivers, goblets and pigs for their sense of smell.  When possible, he prefers to consume clownfish, garden cress, pearl millet beer and donkey's milk.  He absolutely detests cave spiders. 
He has a deep well of patience, great analytical abilities, a great memory and a very good sense of empathy. 
Like others in his culture, he holds craftsdwarfship to be of the highest ideals and celebrates talented artisans and their masterworks, has a great deal of respect for the law, greatly prizes loyalty, values family greatly, greatly respects artists and their works, really respects those that take the time to master a skill, deeply respects those that work hard at their labors, respects fair-dealing and fair-play, values cooperation, finds merrymaking and partying worthwhile activities, values martial prowess, values leisure time, respects commerce and finds nature somewhat disturbing.  He personally sees perseverance in the face of adversity as bull-headed and foolish, respects power, values honesty and does not care about friendship.  He dreams of crafting a masterwork someday, and this dream was realized. 
He is not careful with resources when working on projects and often spends unnecessary effort.  He is easily moved to mercy, and he is conflicted by this since he sees these tendencies as an impediment to the quest for power.  He is generally quite confident of his abilities when undertaking specific ventures.  He has an active imagination.  He is somewhat fearful in the face of imminent danger.  He is not particularly interested in what others think of him.  He inhales sharply when he is angry.  He needs alcohol to get through the working day. 

`Iamblichos’, Female, Haunted Savior

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

  `Iamblichos' Sodelatis, "`Iamblichos' Shieldstakes", Haunted Savior   
"Never forget true loyalty."
Within the last season, she felt satisfied at work.  She was disgusted after retching on a miasma.  She didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  She didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  She didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  She didn't feel anything after seeing the horse  die.  She was embarrassed after sleeping without a proper room.  She was interested near a fine Slab.  She was blissful dining in a fantastic dining room. 
She is a worshipper of Aval Saviorgates and a worshipper of B‰r–l Armorivory. 
She is a citizen of The Portal of Ways.  She is a member of The Flickering Gears.  She arrived at Osodobok on the 19th of Granite in the year 543. 
She is sixty-nine years old, born on the 5th of Galena in the year 477. 
She is short and just incredibly fat.  Her very long hair is neatly combed.  Her slightly wide-set bronze eyes are slit.  Her tall ears are extraordinarily broad.  Her head is very short.  Her nose is short.  Her eyelashes are extremely long.  Her hair is pumpkin.  Her skin is raw umber. 
She is very slow to heal. 
`Iamblichos' Sodelatis likes native gold, gold, tanzanite, cloaks, geese for their formation flying and thrips men for their prolific breeding.  When possible, she prefers to consume tomatillo wine, quinoa flour and artichoke hearts.  She absolutely detests large roaches. 
She has an ability to read emotions fairly well and good creativity, but she has a questionable spatial sense, little natural inclination toward music and little linguistic ability. 
Like others in her culture, she holds craftsdwarfship to be of the highest ideals and celebrates talented artisans and their masterworks, has a great deal of respect for the law, greatly prizes loyalty, values family greatly, sees friendship as one of the finer things in life, believes that honesty is a high ideal, greatly respects artists and their works, really respects those that take the time to master a skill, deeply respects those that work hard at their labors, respects fair-dealing and fair-play, finds merrymaking and partying worthwhile activities, values martial prowess, values leisure time, respects commerce and finds nature somewhat disturbing.  She personally values cunning and doesn't see cooperation as valuable.  She dreams of creating a great work of art. 
She is often sad and dejected.  She has a very calm demeanor.  She sometimes acts with little determination and confidence.  She is moved by art and natural beauty, and she is troubled by this since she dislikes the natural world.  She is rarely happy or enthusiastic, and she is conflicted by this as she values parties and merrymaking in the abstract.  She tends to avoid any physical confrontations, and she works to square this natural tendency with her respect of martial prowess.  She is curious and eager to learn.  She doesn't cling tightly to ideas and is open to changing her mind.  She can handle stress.  She generally acts with a narrow focus on the current activity.  She tends not to reveal personal information.  She tends to avoid crowds.  She needs alcohol to get through the working day. 

`TheCheesemaker’, Male, Cook

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

  `TheCheeseMaker' Midorlibash, "`TheCheeseMaker' Poweraxe", Cook   
"How great it is to be surrounded by family!"
Within the last season, he felt sympathy after giving somebody water.  He was blissful after sleeping in a good bedroom.  He didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing the horse  die.  He didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  He was disgusted after retching on a miasma.  He felt satisfied at work.  He was content after being able to rest and recuperate.  He was relieved after being rescued.  He was disgusted after being nauseated by the sun.  He felt sympathy after bringing somebody to rest in bed.  He didn't feel anything after seeing a horse die.  He was blissful dining in a fantastic dining room. 
He is a worshipper of ¢k and a dubious worshipper of Aval Saviorgates. 
He is a citizen of The Portal of Ways.  He is a member of The Flickering Gears.  He is the former bookkeeper of The Flickering Gears.  He is the former broker of The Flickering Gears.  He arrived at Osodobok on the 16th of Sandstone in the year 542. 
He is fifty-seven years old, born on the 2nd of Felsite in the year 489. 
He is short and obese.  His sideburns are clean-shaven.  His very long moustache is neatly combed.  His very long beard is braided.  His hair is clean-shaven.  His somewhat broad ears are fuse-lobed.  He has a very clear voice.  His emerald eyes are narrow.  His nose is short.  His hair is burnt umber.  His skin is raw umber. 

`TheCheeseMaker' Midorlibash likes kaolinite, bismuth bronze, black diamond, the color mauve and giant anacondas for their great size.  When possible, he prefers to consume passion fruit wine and donkey's milk.  He absolutely detests leeches. 
He has an iron will and a great feel for the surrounding space, but he has an iffy memory and very bad analytical abilities. 
Like others in his culture, he holds craftsdwarfship to be of the highest ideals and celebrates talented artisans and their masterworks, values family greatly, sees friendship as one of the finer things in life, believes that honesty is a high ideal, greatly respects artists and their works, really respects those that take the time to master a skill, respects fair-dealing and fair-play, values cooperation, finds merrymaking and partying worthwhile activities, values martial prowess, values leisure time, respects commerce and finds nature somewhat disturbing.  He personally views loyalty unfavorably, sees working hard as a foolish waste of time and respects the law. He dreams of mastering a skill. 
He forms strong emotional bonds with others, at times to his detriment.  He is stingy with resources on projects and refuses to expend any extra effort.  He very easily falls into love and develops positive feelings.  He dislikes receiving advice, preferring to keep his own counsel.  He has little interest in joking around.  He tends to avoid any physical confrontations, and he works to square this natural tendency with his respect of martial prowess.  He is quick to form negative views about things.  He takes offered help and gifts without feeling particularly grateful.  He tends not to be swayed by emotional appeals.  He likes to keep things practical, without delving too deeply into the abstract.  He has a sense of duty, though he still views loyalty in a dim light, at least in the abstract.  He has a greedy streak.  He isn't particularly ambitious.  He is not particularly interested in what others think of him.  He idly chews his lips when he's bored.  He needs alcohol to get through the working day.  He does not mind being outdoors, at least for a time. 

`PyroTechno’, Male, Furnace Operator

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

  `PyroTechno' Atiriden, "`PyroTechno' Dyepaddle", Furnace Operator   
"I'm fine."
Within the last season, he felt satisfied at work.  He was blissful after sleeping in a bedroom like a personal palace.  He was interested near a completely sublime Door.  He was interested near a fine Table.  He was interested near a completely sublime Statue.  He was proud near his own fine Bed.  He was proud near his own fine Container.  He was interested near a completely sublime Statue.  He was interested near a fine Table.  He was proud near his own fine Cabinet.  He felt satisfied after producing a masterwork.  He was blissful dining in a fantastic dining room.  He was interested near a fine Furnace. 
He is a worshipper of B‰r–l Armorivory and a worshipper of Toltot the Sepia Nature. 
He is a citizen of The Portal of Ways.  He is a member of The Flickering Gears.  He arrived at Osodobok on the 19th of Granite in the year 543. 
He is seventy-eight years old, born on the 3rd of Opal in the year 468. 
He is very skinny.  He has a narrow, prominent chin.  His slightly sunken ochre eyes are narrow.  His very short sideburns are neatly combed.  His very long moustache is neatly combed.  His very long beard is braided.  His medium-length hair is neatly combed.  His slightly flattened ears are extremely tall.  His eyebrows are short.  His nose is somewhat short.  His hair is charcoal.  His skin is raw umber. 
He is quite quick to heal. 
`PyroTechno' Atiriden likes borax, silver, moss opal, rabbit leather, gems and earrings. When possible, he prefers to consume radish wine and guavas.  He absolutely detests fire snakes. 
He has very good focus, very good intuition, a sharp intellect, a feel for music, a way with words and a good feel for social relationships, but he has a shortage of patience and poor empathy. 
Like others in his culture, he has a great deal of respect for the law, greatly prizes loyalty, values family greatly, sees friendship as one of the finer things in life, believes that honesty is a high ideal, greatly respects artists and their works, deeply respects those that work hard at their labors, respects fair-dealing and fair-play, values cooperation, finds merrymaking and partying worthwhile activities, values leisure time, respects commerce and finds nature somewhat disturbing.  He personally has a great deal of respect for worthy craftsdwarfship, finds the pursuit of skill mastery off-putting and does not really value skills related to fighting.  He dreams of crafting a masterwork someday, and this dream was realized. 
He is not bothered in the slightest by deviations from the norm or even extreme differences in lifestyle or appearance.  He only rarely feels strong cravings or urges.  He does not have a great aesthetic sensitivity, and he is conflicted by this as he values artwork and its creation.  He is quite ambitious.  He is curious and eager to learn.  He enjoys the company of others.  He thinks he is fairly important in the grand scheme of things.  He rarely feels discouraged.  He has an active sense of humor.  He tries to do things correctly each time.  He has a tendency toward forming deep emotional bonds with others.  He is slow to anger.  He is generally quite confident of his abilities when undertaking specific ventures.  He likes a little excitement now and then.  He can occasionally lose focus on the matter at hand.  He is often nervous.  He doesn't mind wearing something special now and again.  He is slow to trust others.  He doesn't often feel envious of others. When he's thinking, his body becomes very still.  He scratches his ear when he's thinking.  He needs alcohol to get through the working day. 

`Sanctumea’, Female, Macedwarf, Milker

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

  `Sanctumea' Roderzon, "`Sanctumea' Baldedhelms", Milker   
"It's such a joy to be with people."
Within the last season, she felt pleasure near a fine Table.  She felt pleasure near a fine Seat.  She felt pleasure near a fine Door.  She was blissful after sleeping in a fantastic bedroom.  She was disgusted after retching on a miasma.  She didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  She didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die. She didn't feel anything after seeing the yak bull  die.  She didn't feel anything after seeing the horse  die.  She was disgusted after being nauseated by the sun.  She didn't feel anything after seeing a stoat jill die.  She was horrified after seeing Lokum Lancetactics die.  She didn't feel anything after seeing a alpaca die.  She was horrified after seeing Lorbam Secretivegolds die.  She was horrified after seeing Udil Cobaltchewed die.  She didn't feel anything after seeing a porcupine die.  She was horrified after seeing Tun Lustroushelms die.  She didn't feel anything after seeing a fox die.  She was horrified after seeing Tulon Joinedmanor die.  She was horrified after seeing Sigun Tuskroofs die.  She didn't feel anything after seeing a cat die.  She was horrified after seeing a dwarf die.  She didn't feel anything after seeing a horse die.  She was embarrassed after sleeping without a proper room.  She felt satisfied at work.  She was horrified after seeing `LordBrassroast' Bridgestreams die. 
She is a worshipper of B‰r–l Armorivory and a casual worshipper of ¢k. 
She is a citizen of The Portal of Ways.  She is a member of The Flickering Gears.  She arrived at Osodobok on the 7th of Slate in the year 544. 
She is seventy-eight years old, born on the 20th of Galena in the year 468. 
She is very muscular.  Her hair is clean-shaven.  Her slightly sunken wide-set emerald eyes are narrow.  Her teeth are crowded.  She has a prominent chin.  Her nose is short.  Her tall ears are broad.  Her hair is black.  Her skin is raw umber. 
She is absolutely inexhaustible, amazingly agile, quite quick to heal, very strong and rarely sick. 
`Sanctumea' Roderzon likes graphite, sterling silver, brown zircon, persimmon wood wood, giant beaver leather, bucklers, crowns and dogs for their loyalty.  When possible, she prefers to consume two-humped camel cheese and cranberry wine.  She absolutely detests toads. 
She has an unbreakable will and a very good sense of the position of her own body, but she has next to no natural musical ability. 
Like others in her culture, she holds craftsdwarfship to be of the highest ideals and celebrates talented artisans and their masterworks, has a great deal of respect for the law, values family greatly, sees friendship as one of the finer things in life, believes that honesty is a high ideal, greatly respects artists and their works, really respects those that take the time to master a skill, deeply respects those that work hard at their labors, respects fair-dealing and fair-play, values cooperation, finds merrymaking and partying worthwhile activities, values martial prowess, values leisure time, respects commerce and finds nature somewhat disturbing.  She personally views loyalty unfavorably, believes it is important to conceal emotions and refrain from complaining and respects perseverance.  She dreams of raising a family. 
She is completely wrapped up in her own appearance, abilities and other personal matters.  She is a perfectionist.  She prefers that everyone live as harmoniously as possible.  She isn't particularly curious about the world.  She tends to share her own experiences and thoughts with others, and she struggles against this tendency, as she finds such open expression offensive.  She enjoys the company of others.  She generally finds herself quite hopeful about the future.  She can handle stress.  She could be considered rude.  She generally acts impartially and is rarely moved to mercy.  She isn't given to flights of fancy.  She is quick to form negative views about things.  She is trusting.  She needs alcohol to get through the working day. 

[Spehss _]

Read through this whole fort. Glorious. Excellent writing from multiple overseers. Makes me want to play some Dwarf Fort. The sheer carnage reminds me of the early days of Roomcarnage.

Dorf me up as a hammerdwarf, if possible. Don't think I'll sign up for a turn since I can't promise I'd get it done and I haven't played DF seriously in months.

[Sanctume]

Read through this whole fort. Glorious. Excellent writing from multiple overseers. Makes me want to play some Dwarf Fort. The sheer carnage reminds me of the early days of Roomcarnage.

Dorf me up as a hammerdwarf, if possible. Don't think I'll sign up for a turn since I can't promise I'd get it done and I haven't played DF seriously in months.

Perfect timing.  We have Nil, the militia commander captain, 1 or 4 in the melee squad. Friendly terms with a lot.
 

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

  `x Nil' Mebzuththoth, "`x Nil' Oaraura", militia captain   
"I could do without all of those creatures and tangled greenery."
Within the last season, he felt pleasure after a sparring session.  He was blissful after sleeping in a bedroom like a personal palace. 
He is a worshipper of B‰r–l Armorivory and a faithful worshipper of Toltot the Sepia Nature. 
He is a citizen of The Portal of Ways.  He is a member of The Flickering Gears.  He is the militia captain of The Flickering Gears.  He arrived at Osodobok on the 12th of Malachite in the year 543. 
He is seventy-six years old, born on the 19th of Galena in the year 470. 
He is strapped with massive amounts of muscle and lard.  His very long sideburns are neatly combed.  His long moustache is neatly combed.  His very long beard is braided.  His hair is clean-shaven.  His extremely tall broad ears are fuse-lobed.  He has a very round chin.  His slightly wide-set bronze eyes are narrow.  His nose is short.  His hair is copper.  His skin is raw umber. 
He is unbelievably strong, amazingly agile, incredibly tough, very slow to tire and rarely sick, but he is slow to heal. 
`x Nil' Mebzuththoth likes bismuthinite, lay pewter, red diamond, crystal glass, the color rust, figurines and geese for their formation flying.  When possible, he prefers to consume buzzard, Longland beer and peanuts.  He absolutely detests fire snakes. 
He has a great musical sense, a great ability to focus, a great memory, willpower and a good spatial sense, but he has a very bad sense of empathy. 
Like others in his culture, he holds craftsdwarfship to be of the highest ideals and celebrates talented artisans and their masterworks, has a great deal of respect for the law, greatly prizes loyalty, values family greatly, sees friendship as one of the finer things in life, believes that honesty is a high ideal, greatly respects artists and their works, really respects those that take the time to master a skill, deeply respects those that work hard at their labors, respects fair-dealing and fair-play, values martial prowess, values leisure time, respects commerce and finds nature somewhat disturbing.  He personally dislikes cooperation, finds introspection to be a waste of time and doesn't really value merrymaking.  He dreams of crafting a masterwork someday. 
He is a perfectionist.  He does not generally seek retribution for past wrongs.  He isn't particularly curious about the world.  He has a greedy streak.  He has little interest in joking around.  He tends to form only tenuous emotional bonds with others. He can handle stress.  He is often nervous.  He occasionally overindulges.  He is stubborn.  He runs his fingers through his hair when he becomes exasperated.  He gnaws his lips when he's annoyed.  When he's thinking hard, he has a habit of licking his lips.  He needs alcohol to get through the working day. 

A short, sturdy creature fond of drink and industry.

I'm working on my background.

I'm `Mea, macedwarf in our squad "The Dikes of Testing"

[Spehss _]

Perfect timing.  We have Nil, the militia commander captain, 1 or 4 in the melee squad. Friendly terms with a lot.
 

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

  `x Nil' Mebzuththoth, "`x Nil' Oaraura", militia captain   
"I could do without all of those creatures and tangled greenery."
Within the last season, he felt pleasure after a sparring session.  He was blissful after sleeping in a bedroom like a personal palace. 
He is a worshipper of B‰r–l Armorivory and a faithful worshipper of Toltot the Sepia Nature. 
He is a citizen of The Portal of Ways.  He is a member of The Flickering Gears.  He is the militia captain of The Flickering Gears.  He arrived at Osodobok on the 12th of Malachite in the year 543. 
He is seventy-six years old, born on the 19th of Galena in the year 470. 
He is strapped with massive amounts of muscle and lard.  His very long sideburns are neatly combed.  His long moustache is neatly combed.  His very long beard is braided.  His hair is clean-shaven.  His extremely tall broad ears are fuse-lobed.  He has a very round chin.  His slightly wide-set bronze eyes are narrow.  His nose is short.  His hair is copper.  His skin is raw umber. 
He is unbelievably strong, amazingly agile, incredibly tough, very slow to tire and rarely sick, but he is slow to heal. 
`x Nil' Mebzuththoth likes bismuthinite, lay pewter, red diamond, crystal glass, the color rust, figurines and geese for their formation flying.  When possible, he prefers to consume buzzard, Longland beer and peanuts.  He absolutely detests fire snakes. 
He has a great musical sense, a great ability to focus, a great memory, willpower and a good spatial sense, but he has a very bad sense of empathy. 
Like others in his culture, he holds craftsdwarfship to be of the highest ideals and celebrates talented artisans and their masterworks, has a great deal of respect for the law, greatly prizes loyalty, values family greatly, sees friendship as one of the finer things in life, believes that honesty is a high ideal, greatly respects artists and their works, really respects those that take the time to master a skill, deeply respects those that work hard at their labors, respects fair-dealing and fair-play, values martial prowess, values leisure time, respects commerce and finds nature somewhat disturbing.  He personally dislikes cooperation, finds introspection to be a waste of time and doesn't really value merrymaking.  He dreams of crafting a masterwork someday. 
He is a perfectionist.  He does not generally seek retribution for past wrongs.  He isn't particularly curious about the world.  He has a greedy streak.  He has little interest in joking around.  He tends to form only tenuous emotional bonds with others. He can handle stress.  He is often nervous.  He occasionally overindulges.  He is stubborn.  He runs his fingers through his hair when he becomes exasperated.  He gnaws his lips when he's annoyed.  When he's thinking hard, he has a habit of licking his lips.  He needs alcohol to get through the working day. 

A short, sturdy creature fond of drink and industry.

I'm working on my background.

I'm `Mea, macedwarf in our squad "The Dikes of Testing"

Nil's already got a personality and place in the story though. I'd rather get a newbie migrant dorf rather than just take over a dwarf already at the fort. Despite being aware of the standard life expectancy of new migrants in this fort.

Side note I forgot to mention earlier, just "Spehss" is fine for the nickname, ignore the underscore.

[Sanctume]

Chapter 1 (Fire Within)
“To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.” -- Doctrine of Berul

Early Spring, 546

Swing the mace and let the weight do the work.

It was two years ago when the migrants are travelling to the sanctuary of Bonepillar.

Let the momentum follow through for maximum force. 

I was filled with the fire of childhood dreams of slaying foes as a battle priest of Berul.

Keep the form the whole time.

But the fire that fuel childhood dreams suffocates to its cold demise.

When it bounces off armor or bone, that’s the start of the next swing.

For there were no honorable fields of battle, just a massacre.

 “Ha!”  Shift into a balance stance.  Patience is key.

No, it was not a glorious battle,

Let the enemy pay with broken bone for their impatience.

But a rabble of civilians fleeing for their own survival against hordes of undead.

“Hi-yah!”  The shield protects, move for an opening.

Still, the sanctuary manages to survive, so the fire to fuel childhood dreams do not need to die.

Bash the head or joints and damage will be dealt.

There were twenty one of us who made it inside that day, two years ago.

“Repeat!” exclaimed Nil.

And to defend this sanctuary, I volunteered to join The Dikes of Testing.

--

My sweat pours as I continue the drills, with a silver mace feeling like an extension of my arm.

I mimic movements of Nil even though he wields a bronze war hammer.

More sweat pours, and it is absorbed by my ratty clothing.

At least my iron chain leggings and copper mail shirt give me a semblance of decency.

These armor feel heavy and I don’t even have a full set.

Above my minor annoyances, the mood in Bonepillar is not despairing anymore.

This time, a kindling added to a fire within me begins to smolder.

"Berul be."

--

There is no official ceremony in obtaining the role of leadership I find myself having.

I simply began talking to individuals, asking how I can get things, asking for help, listening to their thoughts and opinions on matters of interests.

I became the defacto overseer just like how Eshtan, Gwolfski, Tosul, and Iamblichos are before me.

This began when I was drinking with ‘Isen’, Isengrim Guiltgullies, a Woodcrafter. 

I greet, “It’s rare to see you here when I take a break Isen” as I place a barrel of dwarven ale on the marble table.

Isen grumbles, “it’s good to see you Mea. Have you seen this wood cup I made last season?”

I raise my eyebrow in mock horror,  “Wood. Cup. What elf spirit possessed you to make that? It’s blasphemy that such a cup limits your booze consumption! Why not a barrel or a wood pot?”

Isen shrugs, “It matters little now since we have few logs.  I am working in the forges now, and the forges are as grand as any mountainhome forges, and we don’t need logs for fuel as much.”

Another kindling feeds the fire within me as my mind connects forge to armor to my need for more if not better armor. “So are you making armor now?”

Isen shrugs, “I am only dabbling in armorsmithing but adequate in metal crafting, you know making cages and such.”

I inquired further, “who can make armor?”

Isen quickly answered, “we do not have any armorsmith if that’s what you’re wondering.  Tosul is the closest, being a proficient weaponsmith.”

I say, “I have an idea, but first help me finish this ale will ya.”

Isen pockets Actedripe, a hazel wood cup, “I will gladly help you in any task Mea.”

I toasts, “Berul be!”

--

I walk into Eshtan’s meager office, and thought it a sign that a statue of Berul is handsomely placed next to masterful claystone table and superior orthoclase throne.

I greet with a smile, “Hello Eshtan, I did not know you worship the holy father Berul."

I excitedly added, "Berul Tosidsosad is a diety of The Portal of Ways. Most often takes the form of a male dwarf, and associated with fortress, trade and wealth."

Eshtan quietly says, “I don’t. I keep it to remind my grudge against its maker, Zulban.”

I quickly move away from that subject and on to my point, “I have a few things in mind, and I need your help.”

Eshtan is quite polite and let me talk about my ideas and plans, and nods from time to time.

I ask, “so, do you have a name in mind?”

Eshtan flatly answers, “Nobles of Bones.”

I nodded, “Good.  And you’ll notify Iden our chief medical dwarf, and LordBrassroast our broker yourself?”

Eshtan says, “I will.  As for our metal stocks, we have 1 iron bar, 2 steel bars, 24 bronze bars, and quite plenty of copper bars.”

I grimace at this low count of iron and steel, “bronze and copper shall do for now.”

Eshtan points out, “better than wood or any ratty clothing.  Good luck Mea.”

I salute, “Berul be.”

Another kindling fed, the fire within me begins to flare.

--

I approach Tosul smoothing stone walls in our rather large catacomb.

I asked him if we can talk about my idea and that I need his help.

I conclude, “so do you have a name in mind?”

Tosul ponders, “The Forge of Dents, considering we will all be dabbling armorsmiths.”

I ask, “How many sets can you make out of 24 bronze bars?”

Tosul points out, “We do not want complete sets from the limited bronze bars; 10 helms and 10 pairs of high boots will be more useful.  The rest can be made from copper.”

I express my concern, “All these may be too heavy for civilians.”

Tosul agrees, “They will be heavy, but we do not have to wear all of it all the time.  Besides, we will need practice to learn not making dented armors.”

I nod, “So four others with you in our five active magma forges?”

Tosul responds, “I will talk to them: Unib, PyroTechno, Glass Athlel, and Isengrim.”

I salute, “Berul be.”

One more kindling fed,  the fire within begins to burn.

--

I talk to Nil, my training partner and captain of Dikes, “Hey Nil, I talk to Tosul and he said he has silver war hammers made so you can replace that bronze war hammer.”

Nil says, “That is good. Does he make any steel armor?”

I respond, “Not enough steel or iron in this place. I am thinking to surrender this steel shield and replace my copper mail shirt.”

Nil disagrees, “I don’t know about that. You lose that, what are you going to use?”

I suggests, “A wooden shield is lighter.”

Nil snorts, “Wood? There aren’t any, unless you have a volunteer to chop trees outside.”

I grin, “Thanks for the idea.  Berul be.”

Nil yells, “What about our drill?” but I was already running out the hall.

Another kindling feeds into the fire within.

--

I talk to Lokum, a miner and a carpenter and explain my ideas and that I need her help.

I ask, “So you have a name in mind?”

Lokum responds, “The Civil Council. Remember that I do not like to wear any uniform when mining.”

I nod, “Of course, the goal is to have an armory.”

Lokum points at the dirt floor, “Just pile the logs there” and added “Berul be.”

She has left before I can respond back, “Berul be.”

Now the fire within me is a blaze, seeking more fuel.

--

It was not long when Iamblichos, Lor, Fawnek, and Sibrek approach me with concerns and ideas of their own. 

Lor  says, “We hear of your plans for an armory and tree cuttings outside.  We volunteer to retrieve our dead, be it buried or given back to Armok in magma.”

I listened and ask, “Will you be wanting armor when you go outside?”

Iamblichos answers, “No, it is best we are not encumbered.  Besides, I volunteer to be your wood cutter.”

Fawnek and Sibkrek add, “And we sure can use any other items we can retrieve.”

I cut in their excitement, “I understand our pressing need for better clothing.  But I insist the removal of the corpses be priority so that it gives our fallen the honor, and prevent further dismay on everyone else if they see them laying on the surface.”

I will see who else wants to volunteer to this grim task.  But they will not be part of your squad. 

Lor nods, “We understand.  We are call ourself The Refuse Engineers.”

The fire is no longer contained within me, it is spreading to the citizens of Bonepillar.

--

I approach Zulban next explaining my tentative plan and my need of his help.

Zulban says, “No need to be a squad or such.  Anyone can learn to set cage traps and clear trap for dumping.  And for levers, one just needs to be vigilant in engraving notes to both lever and bridge.”

I ask, “But where is the Exterior Bridge for this?” touching a lever.

Zulban exclaimed, “DO NOT TOUCH THAT OR THAT!”

I ask, “They look the same to me.  Anyway, I need to know how to open and close the bridge air locks to go outside.”

Zulban tells me he will re-engrave better directions to the levers and bridges.  He adds that I can do my plan for corpse retrieving only after the trap hall is clear and set.

--

Rigoth who is talented weaver approach me in the hall for a casual conversation, “You know what I miss, strawberries.  I bet there are plenty on the surface.”

My mouth waters, “or cranberry wine,” I added.

Gwolfski joins the conversation, “I think there is still a strawberry bush in the first tower.  But we have sealed it because of flawed construction.  I can gather those plants and even the blackberries in the plots if it’s ever unsealed.”

I am more interested at this flawed construction being a rusty novice mason myself, “What flawed construction?”

Gwolfski shrugs, “It was many years ago, the fortification built has holes in the ceiling and some damned undead comes flying in.”

--

Later in the barracks, commander Tuaiq Uacca asks to talk with me.

Tuaiq complements, “It is good to see initiative from you Mea.  It seems like everyone becomes more hopeful and coming up with ideas.”

I ask, “Do you have any plans you want done, commander Tuaiq?”

Tuaiq laughs, “Please, call me Tuaiq. I am interested in what I overheard when you talk of the first tower. It can be strategic place for defending Bonepillar if we secure it.”

I say, “I’m a rusty novice mason.  I do want to see this first tower and that flawed construction.”

Tuaiq nods, “I will speak Ablel and Zulban. Those two masons may have a better idea.  And that’s not all I have in mind.”

I raise my eyebrow in question.

Tuaiq explains a grand plan and my mind races listing things needed.

Tuaiq continues, “But for now, The Barricaded Roads will help secure the surface for when you let loose The Refuse Engineers to their grim tasks.”

I comment, “That will be a big help,  How is your armor situation?”

Tuaiq shrugs, “We have crossbows and some ammunition, and similar to your squad’s situation on armor.  An archery range will help.”

I take a deep breath, “I will order copper and silver bolts, silver chains and silver buckets, and have your archery targets.”

And the fire within spread to the citizens of Bonepillar.  Fire within one’s self that burns hot to fuel passions, fuel glory, fuel honor, fuel desires for something far greater than mere surviving, fuel to live and thrive.

[DDDragoni]

Very nice! I look forward to seeing your next update!

[Sanctume]

Chapter 2 (Dead Has No Honor)

“If we do not wish to fight, we can prevent the enemy from engaging us even though the lines of our encampment be merely traced out on the ground” -- Doctrine of Berul

Early Spring, 546

Sweat pours from my exertion in the drills, but my ratty leather tunic has long fallen in tatters.

Mea: I have drilled enough, and as much as I want to dedicate my time solely in pursuit of martial prowess, there are other important things needed too.

Nil: But we must defeat them in absolute terms, without them ever coming back from the dead.

Mea: I do know that.  But we need tools of warfare and engaging even one them is very dangerous.  All of us can use better protection, and we have some limited means to obtain complete sets of armor now. 

Nil: It does not mean we stop training.

Mea: I only ask to stop training until we have better gear, and help prepare to claim a perimeter in the surface.

Tuaiq: That is easier for you to say Mea.  You volunteered two years ago and have some considerable time training unlike my squad whose attrition rate prevents anyone attaining decent skills.

Mea: But that is a huge flaw in delivering our offensive capabilities.  Our enemies do not have honor.  If they had, that honor is gone when they raise back from the dead.  There is no shame to unloading bolts from within the safety of our fortifications.

Tuaiq: Still, I insist we practice.

Nil: We must continue training.

Mea: I disagree.  I insist to no training schedule until certain logistics are met.  Our numbers are few, and the labor to even haul things leads us to better position when we start claiming the first tower. Berul be.

Nil ignored me and continue with his individual drills. I left to go above to the levers.

Tuaiq follows me and asks for a moment of my time alone in the stairs below the grand hall.  It’s crowded, and his beard brushes against my copper mail shirt and nothing.  He moves his hand, and gestures with his finger.

Tuaiq: Here, I want the entrance to the platform of the marksdwarf training facility.  We dig three levels and then on to the ammo retrieving room.  That level will connect to the classic archery range. Below that are wells, and the final level will be the holding cells.

Mea: I’m sure this plan will suit Gwolfski just fine.  But I can not make this a priority now, it will have to wait.

Tuaiq: I want to tell you what I have in mind now so I don’t have to think about training.  Thinking about this facility, planning and building will help convince the others in The Barricaded Roads.

Mea: We can mark the area for Lokum to mine... That’s rather deep like an indoor tower… Is there anything else you have in mind?

Tuaiq: Twenty hatches, enough materials for four wells, levers, doors, and cage traps.

Mea: Cage traps, inside?  This sounds dangerous.

Tuaiq grins: We live in the middle of danger Mea.

Mea: Berul be.

--

I was not bothered to any close proximity with anyone.  I am bothered of my ratty clothing falling into tatters.

I met Zulban at the levers.

Mea: This one I pull to close the trap hall’s outer bridge?

Zulban nods: Aye. Go ahead.  And here are the notes I engraved.  I also forbid the use of the Old Depot levers.

Mea: I need someone to make clothes, do you know anyone who can do that?

Zulban thinks: Rigoth is a good weaver, but we do not have skilled clothier.  There she is now, nearing the completion of the clothier shop.  Let’s go meet her.

Mea: Hello Rigoth, this is a fine place for a shop.

Rigoth: I am only dabbling in dress making but I am great at weaving materials.  But we do not have any loom.

Mea: Where do want to set a loom? I can help get a block for building.

Rigoth: Next to the clothier shop here will be good.  I can’t wait to collect webs in the caverns.  I saw handfuls of them before.  This is so exciting!

Mea: Umm, about that, I forbid any web collection until the place is safe, you understand?

Rigoth looks disappointed: But I can collect those webs and weave them into fine silk threads and cloths!

Mea: When it is safe, I promise to let you run wild in the caverns collecting all the web you can gather.  But for now, I need 10 yarn dresses made.

Rigoth brightens: Oh yes, I will dabble into doing that.

Zulban shrugs: So long Rigoth.  Anything else you have need Mea?

Mea: I want to use the dirt hallway for temporary stockpiles: wood, empty cages, mechanisms.
And eventually, metal items and clothing from the scattered loot outside.

Zulban: Your mess to clean later. I have to go to the catacombs.

Mea: Berul be.

--

There’s a ramp leading up to nowhere that is part of the dacite caves.  I designate a wall to block any further access.  My rusty novice mason skills may prove useful other than hauling. 

There are plenty of stones about as well, and I forbid those except for orthoclase, gabbro and quartzite. 

The catacombs is quite a large area, and orthoclase and schist stones scatter about.  The stones from the expanding bedrooms are some distance away, so I forbid those. 

Mea: You’re quite a useful dwarf having interests in masonry and mechanics.

Zulban: That I am, and don’t forget engraving.  I am thinking I set a mechanic shop here in the middle of the orthocase, and a mason shop a bit south for the other orthocase stones.  I can work on using the stone without hauling from long distances. 

Mea: I think that is quite a plan you have.  So all these up here will be made into mechanism.  And for the rest down there, I need specific orthoclase hatches, doors, grates and blocks.

I notice Eshan lugging granite stone that came from below near the forges.

Mea: Hello Eshtan.  What are you doing?

Eshtan: Why of course making coffins.  Lots of coffins.  Coffins to fill this room (room, room, room echoes).

Mea: But why not just use all these schist stones here instead of granite far away?

Eshtan shrugs: Stone is stone and good enough for coffins.

Mea: May I suggest you make three coffins, three slabs and find something else after?

Eshtan: “I…”

I notice TheCheeseMaker and Tosul are busily smoothing the walls of the catacombs.

Mea interrupts: Excuse me.  This are fine smoothing and maybe the dead will feel great being among luxury.  But we should forgo the smoothing for the logistics of hauling items.

TheCheeseMaker: I would rather cook food Mea, but we do not have barrels or pots at hand so I busy myself here.

Tosul: I appreciate your truthful thoughts Mea.  I do not have any new orders for the forges, so I also busy myself here.

Mea: Eshtan, may I suggest you limit to making three more coffins, three more slabs.  And just make schists rock pots out of all the rest of these stones in here?  I am sure more booze and food will improve morale.

Eshtan smiles: As you say Mea, booze will improve morale.  To make pots, I will.

TheCheeseMaker: I will help with the stones here then.

Tosul: I will help but we need to talk about The Forge of Dents.

Mea:  Alright.  So, no engraving until further notice.

Eshtan: Mea, I must engrave.  I have one more fallen that I need to memorialize.

Mea nods: I will leave that judgement to you Eshtan but I want the rest of the designation for this large catacomb suspended.  Tosul, let us go to the forges.  Berul be.