Apologies for the length, I was just really enjoying the opportunity to write some slopping wet prose. I'll organize the journal entries by month and link them here.
Save file
State of the fortress in brief
Everything’s going pretty much fine in the fortress. I reorganized the military and have the squads patrolling between the two cavern entrances in shifts. At any point the bridges could be raised, but I left them open to encourage fun.
One thing that I didn’t mention in the journal is that there are some warm walls in the lower caverns, which should indicate there’s a source of magma for future efficient industry and mischief.
There were only two dwarf deaths that I can recall, as well as a birth or two. There was one moderate wave of migrants. I mostly let the upper fortress run itself, save for a little shuffling and building of guildhalls. The Countess either has all her needs met or only needs a little more in her bedroom. I had thought about reorganizing some of the offices, but I didn’t really get around to that.
A number of rose gold coins have been minted. A small amount of bismuth bronze was made, I used some to decorate The Rose Chamber, which I intend to serve as a reliquary and landmark. It would also serve as a very fine temple complex for the local Stigilite sect, but it didn’t seem quite right for the roleplay and I didn’t want dwarves to be pulled up and down the fortress to visit it too much.
So far the military has been able to tackle pretty much everything the caves have thrown up and probably won’t struggle against anything that isn’t made of very hard materials or producing toxic gas. The elves might get pissed if tree-cutting picks back up, probably not a huge concern unless someone wants to maintain peace for whatever reason.
Suggestions for future players are to keep digging down, gain access to magma, and set up new industries like glass (if sand can be procured) or dyeworks.
Diary of Likut Regolith Togalkulet, Militia Commander
Slate
2nd Slate,
Industry and business! I have tasked the fortress's occupants without much to do to clear the guildhall floor of debris. Before I had thought that we might prepare for what is coming, but now I understand that we must seek out our destiny and meet it where it lies. I have received another vision, clearer this time. The drips of the cavern and the shifting of the mountains' bones speak to me in a symphony of promise; I am taught a song of wanting and I need only follow its melody. I have organized a task force of trusted miners to carve north from out deepest exploratory shaft, then down, here we will find the key to the coming dawn.
To best acclimate our brave warriors to future challenges, I have decreed the gate to the caverns remain open for the time being. As there is no beast there now, I see little reason to fear. We are destined for far grander things than this.
I have also appointed myself a small office near the new barracks, to better oversee what will unfold. I think a petrified wood desk will suit it quite nicely. While surveying its construction, I noticed that the tempestuous child, Zulban, has ceased to take drink. I will attempt to get her a window. This will require careful planning. It is not that I fear hear wrath, though substantial beyond her size. Only that in their zeal, the militia might cut her down.
5th Slate,
Yesterday I slew a cave crocodile. It is good to feel my prowess grow.
Zulban's quarters have been fitted with bars of brilliant steel. Perhaps she will be happier now.
The militia have begun using the new barracks for training and rest.
8th Slate,
We have struck a second cavern system, but it is not the one from my dreams. Though it provoked some protestation, I have ordered the breach sealed. We delve deeper still, I know what it is I seek and it gleams in the dark.
15th Slate,
My dreams have been realized! Just a little further down, our miners breached a tertiary cavern, and within it, one of the voices that has been singing to me. Gold shines over the deep lichen, lit with promise. And nearby, something I did not expect, but which I now recognize as another member of the Chthonic Choir, an obsidian pillar set with splendid gems of many colors. I know not what it portends, but I can feel that I am approaching something grand and intoxicating. I must still myself and my quill, there is still much to be done.
20th Slate,
There are unwelcome things in these deep caverns. Horrid flying beasts, all maw and leathery wing, beset my noble miners. Ha! they are no match for the strength of The Square Gates! Still, these delays are troubling. Mustn't be too hasty in this endeavor, I want everything in place before we begin to harvest the gold. Still, my bones seem to ache in anticipation. In seasons past I would have dulled this feeling in myself with extra wine, but now I can feel without doubt that all that will appease me is the continued execution of the great plan.
Though I sleep little now, I awake refreshed each morning. The haunting song of the Chthonic Choir comforts me in dream as an old friend, speaking of the dawning of a new age, one of splendor and beauty unmatched. They call me by my new name, the name of the Deep Earth's instrument, "Regolith".
The Golden age, the age of Roses, is at hand.
23rd Slate,
Last night I dreamt a dire portent. Today it was realized in flesh. Odshith Timadkudust, dread pterosaur of the underworld, has come. All hands are on deck. Today we see if the militia is worthy of their mandate. Today we shall let our blades drink deep of the underearth's blood.
26th Slate,
Amos Zastangath, tonight we drink in your honor. With dread precision and peerless courage, you knocked the wind out of the beast and then cleft its head from its armored body. Truly a warrior fit for our righteous task. I hear he has named his axe "Olnenkilrud". You have earned it, but let yourself not be sated; this is but the first of many great and terrible deeds to come.
I have commissioned a platinum statue to honor this victory.
It was inevitable.