Summer 130 – Summer 131

Diary of Urist McAlicia:

1^st of Hematite-

For the past year I’ve labored in the metal workshops alongside Urist McJulian and I’ve endured his nervous mutterings as he transcribed the events that occurred. He isn’t the only one who’s been on edge; the fear and claustrophobia is palpable as I roam the burrows hauling stones. So, when Urist McJulian casually mentioned how worn down Atir Sibrekam was feeling, I paid him a visit and persuaded him to hand over guardianship of Specialships to me. Honestly it didn’t take much convincing.

My first priority was to hold an all-dwarf meeting where I reassigned jobs. There were many dwarves who were not working to their fullest potential, and too many dwarves focusing on unimportant tasks. I assigned a few more dwarfs to digging and masonry. Also, I’ve been disgusted by all the blood spattered about Specialships lately and so I employed a great number of dwarves cleaning the fort. I also sent many of the less skilled dwarves to gather plants and chop down trees outside. I don’t believe in hiding in the fort all the time, goblins be damned. Finally, I excused Urist McJulian from refuse hauling and asked him to spend some of his time blacksmithing and weaponsmithing as well as armoring. He seemed grateful and I hope it will help him relax. I know the past year was especially hard on him.

4^th Hematite-

A caravan of Elves arrived at Specialships. I was told that Urist McGreg was a skilled broker. However, today he gave away an enormous number of goods, asking nothing in return. I am not sure what he hopes to gain from this. It left him with a very limited supply of crafts with which to trade for the things we need. I need to remember to speak with him before the next caravan arrives.

5^th Hematite-

Today I received word that there is nothing left to catch in the Southern Swamps. Already the fishermen have reported that they haven’t seen anything in the stream in days. This is most unfortunate, as I had hoped fishing would occupy many of the less skilled dwarves in their off time, not to mention how much I will miss dining on finely chopped fish dishes.

Meanwhile, I have ordered the construction of a suite for myself and my lover Adil Wheelrift. I won’t say I don’t enjoy the perks of this job!

14^th Hematite-

Congratulations to Thob Zalederush who gave birth to a baby girl today. I made sure to send her some of her favorite alcohol as a gift.

15^th Hematite-

Today our underground pasture is finally complete. This was a very important project as many of our animals were not assigned to a pasture yet and starving. We still have to wait for grass to grow there. In the meantime all the animals have been assigned to a large pasture outdoors, I hope it will sustain them for the time being.

As my good friends know, I absolutely adore turkeys. I just love the way they gobble. I decided to make one a pet. However, we only have two turkeys, and the tom is already owned by Solon Onullimul so I will have to adopt the hen. I built her a pasture in my quarters today and I hope that she will become mine.

4^th Malachite-

Eight migrants arrived today, one of whom is a talented bone setter named Risen Dumatokir. He was more than welcome in the hospital and I think he will get along nicely with Inod Enorducim and Ushat Longemmishthem. Neither of them has any skill at all repairing bones.

On a more personal note, the turkey I had hoped to adopt was claimed by another dwarf! I am quite annoyed, and I don’t really understand how Udib Zefonbardum didn’t realize I wanted that turkey since it was living in my room! How rude! I am not sure what to do now, I did so hope to have a delightful turkey as a pet.

16^th Galena-

Today we received word of a forgotten feathered flatworm! Beware its deadly spittle!

If only it was a night freak. I love their macabre ways.

18^th Galena-

A human caravan is on its way to Specialships. Everyone is looking forward to trading with them. I do hope Urist McGreg is a bit less generous this time . . .

19^th Galena-

The human caravan has not yet reached the safety of our fort, and we are under attack! A goblin ambush required me to call everyone home. I positioned our seven troops by the entrance. The dwarves are certainly worried, but I can tell that we won’t go down without a fight. In fact, the military dwarves seem eager to deliver some retribution to our tormentors.

26^th Galena-

The goblin ambush is finally over and I must say, Specialships handled the situation flawlessly. Every dwarf who was outside made it back to the fort safely and none of the human caravan was injured either. All of the goblins are now safely caged. We’ll keep them alive until we find some use for them. I’m sure the military dwarves would enjoy some target practice . . .

28^th Galena-

Another birth today. This time Rith Lertethral welcomed a new daughter into the fort. We’ll be celebrating with drinks later this evening.

5^th Limestone-

I worry that we will be forced to endure another siege before spring and therefore want to make the fort more secure. Today I ordered the stonedwarves to begin constructing a roof over the fort, to protect us from flying enemies. We don’t have nearly enough blocks to complete the roof right now, so I’ve asked several dwarves to spend all their time making more blocks. The whole thing looks like quite a project; I hope they can finish it in time.

In my own quarters I have decided to build a closet and put a nesting box in it. I plan to lock the turkey hen in my closet and hope that she will lay some eggs in it. Then when they hatch I will hopefully be able to keep one of the chicks as a pet. I really hope that this works.

12^th Limestone-

During my walk today I decided to take a detour to check up on the roof project. Imagine my anger when I saw that the dwarves had not been constructing a simple floor to cover the courtyard but were instead covering it with walls! I confronted Moldath Kirathel, the leader of the masons, and really let her have it. She’s ordered the team to begin deconstructing the walls, but what a waste of time and energy. Sometimes I really wonder whether anyone else around here even cares if we survive.

13^th Limestone-

Tragedy struck today. We lost a child named Ber Kivishistrath to a goblin snatcher. His family is quite upset and I feel personally responsible. To prevent this from happening again, I ordered all children to stay inside the burrows from now on. If only I had made this rule before it was already too late.

14^th Limestone-

Ral Nolethvucar gave birth to a baby boy today. I was certainly glad for this happy news as my energy and spirits are beginning to wear thin. Leading Specialships is indeed a most taxing responsibility.

17^th Limestone-

The underground pasture finally has enough plant life to support our collection of animals. Each beast was relocated today to its own small plot to graze. The larger animals were slaughtered, as well as any creature that was already hungry. I am already looking forward to tonight’s dinner.

23^rd Limestone-

Despite my orders, children have been continuing to go outside. Today, a youngster named Id Libashedtul was claimed by a snatcher. His parents are understandably upset, but I don’t know what more I can do. I was perfectly clear when I forbade the children from wandering—it is not my fault that they are ignoring my warnings and sneaking out. Still, I can’t help feeling sorry and I worry that this kidnapping won’t be the last.

6^th Sandstone-

We caught a snatcher in a trap today, thank Togal. I fear the dwarves are beginning to doubt my leadership capabilities after losing two children. This small victory may just restore a bit of faith to the fort.

14^th Sandstone-

Ten migrants arrived today. We welcomed them to the fort and then sent them right to work. They were eager to prove their usefulness, which is more than I can say for many of our veteran dwarves lately. There’s been quite a bit of partying going on lately. I hope that we don’t lose our edge with all of this merrymaking.

6^th Timber-

Caught another snatcher today. We’re two for two now. I hope this sends a message to those bastards to think twice before they try to kidnap any more of our children.

20^th Timber-

I overheard negotiations with a Liaison from the Mountainhome today. If they are able to deliver, we should be able to trade for exotic foods, seeds, and sand in the near future.

28^th Timber-

Another birth. This time it was a little boy for Imush Nishluzat.

20^th Moonstone-

Tulon Datanurmim had a baby girl today. Not much else to report these days. Covering the courtyard is still occupying many dwarves. I am worried about what the winter will bring.

28^th Moonstone-

Two calves have grown into a cow and a bull. They require too much grass so I ordered them slaughtered today.

8^st Opal-

Iton Morulken withdrew from society about a week ago. Today he has created the most amazing chausse anyone has ever seen. It is made of giant cave spidersilk and Iton is proud to call himself a weaver now.

15^th Opal-

I was informed today that one of our stonedwarves was executed for not obeying a noble’s demands. When I looked into the matter, I found that Atir Sibrekam was ordering grates to be made. I tried to explain to him that all of our stonedwarves are needed right now constructing the roof over the courtyard. He was completely unreasonable and kept ranting about his obsession with grates. His wife Ushat Logemmi is just as bad, she’s making ridiculous demands of her own. In my opinion, they are both acting insane and I seriously considered devising a plan to end their lives. However, in the end I bowed to their demands. Ushat is one of our best doctors and I am afraid I can’t spare her. Atir is our count, and as he has not yet named a successor, we would not be able to refill his position. It is a shame, really. I would sooner rid the fort of this idiotic couple than waste resources as they demand, not to mention executing dwarves with important jobs. The power has gotten to their heads. Then again, I’m the one contemplating dwarficide. Perhaps I should take a critical look at myself and the effect this time as leader has had on me. In the meantime, I’d better begin constructing a jail.

16^th Opal-

Baby boy born today. Maybe I’ll attend a party . . .

26^th Opal-

A baby was kidnapped today. I don’t have the heart to comment further.

15^th Obsidian-

Two baby boys were born this month, one on the 1^st and the other on the 13^th of this month. Today I ordered the refuse stockpile expanded as a few dwarves reported being disgusted by miasma. I refuse to let this fort become filthy.

11^th Slate-

More migrants arrived today. I introduced them around and showed them how we do things here in Specialships. They accepted their new roles and their excitement at joining us was refreshing. I should also mention that we made it through the winter without a goblin siege and I am thankful for that. However, I am weary of this post. I am beginning to consider to whom I should hand off leadership when I can bear this burden no more.

14^th Slate-

A dwarf named Olin died in the hospital from arrow wounds this morning. I’ve just got to get through the rest of the spring and then Urist McGreg has agreed to assume leadership again. I can’t take much more of this.

18^th Slate-

Today I gave the military a holiday. They were becoming tired of being on duty all the time and we haven’t been threatened for a while. They are already enjoying their leave.

25^th Slate-

Olon Dodokgeth had a baby boy today.

26^th Slate-

Dobar Morulazuz was possessed a week ago and today created a mudstone earring named Shamebgebar Komaninem. I don’t particularly care for mudstone jewelry, but I have to admit it is a beautiful piece.

13^th Felsite-

An elven caravan arrived today. The dwarves are busy hauling goods up to the trading depot.

22^nd Felsite-

Ushat Logemmishthem gave birth to a girl today.

My turkey has laid ten eggs now in her nesting box. I can not wait for them to hatch so that I can keep one as a pet.

Spring is nearly over, so I will soon be retiring from my leadership duties. The roof is nearly complete but will have to be finished. The military could use some organization. Also, we have a few undead dwarves around so that should be addressed. I hope that Urist McGreg is up to the challenge . . .