Pony Fortress: Magma is Magic. IC Thread.

[Beeskee]

PonyFort IC Thread - Pony Fortress, Dwarf Fortress with the My Little Fortress mod, and a few customizations.

Please scroll down for the first actual IC post, this post is reserved for turn order, to-be-ponied list and who has been ponied, quick guides for players completely new to Dwarf Fortress, and a reference as to which types of ponies are skilled at what labors.

OOC thread here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217103)

Turn order:

1: Beeskee (done 10-2-2011)
2: Pokonic (asked to be skipped)
3: Gamerlord (done 10-8-2011)
4: Grif (done, 10-12-2011)
5: Roninhirox (asked to be skipped)
6: Phishfood

To be ponied:

Tectonic Robot - done, ponied as Tobul Masterroot, doctor.
Shadowy - done, ponied as Katak Foresttactic, markspony soldier.
Kurgan - done, ponied as Amug Crewedhails, minerpony.
Roninhirox - to be ponied, prefers earth ponies.
Pokonic - to be ponied, prefers a unicorn pony with diplomacy skills.
Slim or Obadiah - to be ponied, prefers any pony with cooking skills.


Tips for new players:

To install PonyFort: Download the initial setup (http://dffd.wimbli.com/file.php?id=4998), and extract it whereever you like. You should have a directory (folder) called PonyFort, and inside should be a few directories (Data, Raw, and SDL) and a number of files. Extract the latest save (see below) and double-click on "Dwarf Fortress.exe" to run the game.

To load the game when it is your turn: Download and extract the latest save to PonyFort\Data\Save if you have not done so already. The file should be linked at the end of this thread. You should then have a directory inside Save named "region1" - this is the saved game. If you were playing on your own, first rename your "region1" directory to something else for the time being.

To save your game: Press ESC and select "Save Fort", the second option, from the list. Ignore the "Abandon Fortress" option at the bottom, this is NOT a clever way of saying "save and quit", it literally abandons the fort and ends the game.

To load again after saving: Load the "region1" file. Ignore files like "region1-spr-251" as these are automatic backup files.

To reload in case you mess something up: Generally, don't. Dwarf Pony Fortress saves similar to Minecraft, in that you have one saved game and it updates that set of files. There are backup saves in case something goes wrong, if you have a crash-related problem and don't know how to correct it just ask in the OOC thread. If you messed something up, don't sweat it too much, that's part of the fun of succession forts. If the entire fort dies due to parasprites or something, we can see about rolling back to a previous save or fixing it some other way, or we can re-establish the fort at the same site. If you're not familiar with DF, ask in the OOC thread.

To upload your saved game once your turn is over: Use a tool such as winzip or 7-Zip to compress the "region1" folder, and upload that to DFFD (http://dffd.wimbli.com/) or your preferred file sharing site. (Mediafire works)

To take screenshots: Press Alt-Printscreen to copy the current window to the clipboard. Paste that into mspaint or your favorite image editing program. Save the file as PNG or JPG or something (not BMP) and upload the file to your favorite image sharing site. (imageshack.us works most of the time, img.ie supposedly works better but I haven't tried it)

Writing tips: Keep your favorite text editor open in the background as you play, and pause occasionally (spacebar) to write down events as they happen.


Writing style: However you want. :smallsmile: Just because a previous author wrote it in a certain style doesn't mean you need to stick with that style.

Content: Whatever you want. :smallbiggrin: If you want to take this to Cupcakes-esque level of madness, go right ahead. (See Boatmurdered (http://lparchive.org/Dwarf-Fortress-Boatmurdered/) for inspiration if you like.)

General tutorials: captnduck (http://www.youtube.com/user/captnduck) on Youtube has 2 playlists with video tutorials. The larger DF playlist is for the previous version of Dwarf Fortress, but most of the advice still applies. The shorter DF playlist covers the changes in the new version.


Pony Reference


Earth ponies learn these skills faster: MINING, WOODCUTTING, ANIMALTRAIN, ANIMALCARE, BUTCHER, BREWING, MILLING, PROCESSPLANTS, MILK, COOK, PLANT, HERBALISM, FORGE_FURNITURE, CUTGEM, WOODCRAFT, STONECRAFT, LEATHERWORK, SHEARING, POTTERY, PRESSING, BEEKEEPING.

Unicorn ponies learn these skills faster: GLAZING, SPINNING, BONECARVE, MECHANICS, DESIGNBUILDING, DIAGNOSE, SURGERY, ORGANIZATION, RECORD_KEEPING, METALCRAFT, GLASSMAKER, ENCRUSTGEM, FORGE_WEAPON, CLOTHESMAKING, TANNER, WEAVING, CARPENTRY, DETAILSTONE, MASONRY, CHEESEMAKING, LEADERSHIP.

Pegasi are equally good at all skills, but learn them a little slower on average.

[Beeskee]

In the year of 251, seven ponies set out for the unknown. 3 earth ponies, 3 pegasi, and a unicorn looked over their assembled goods and supplies, and excitedly discussed the trip ahead. It would be a long trek through wild country as well as lands settled by zebra and buffalo, and while they did not anticipate any significant dangers, there was always a risk.

(I'm using thumbnails for this, just click the thumbnail to view the full-sized picture.)
http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/3240/01embark.th.png (http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/3240/01embark.png)

(I'll take a better pic when I can)


Preparing carefully for their journey, they decided to bring 2 copper picks and 2 wooden axes, an iron anvil just in case it was needed quickly, plenty of food and drink, some of each type of seed that they could procure, and, for emergencies, a bit of leather and some yarn. They also included a cow (a bull would have to wait, large livestock was expensive) and two hens and a rooster, so that they could both grow their flock as well as having fresh eggs for their baked goods. There was also one kitten, to help control any vermin problems they experienced. They would also have access to some type of draft animal for pulling their cart, though the type was not known beforehand, and they would have to accept whatever they were given.

Their draft animals turned out, funnily enough, to be two unintelligent horses, a male and female. Horse milk was not as ideal for baking as cow milk but it would do, and the animals could later be traded away for other goods, or, worst-case scenario, butchered for their leather and meat. The ponies didn't look forward to this task, but if it became necessary then the option was available. If the herd was able to be maintained they could grow it easily though, and this seemed the preferable option.


The ponies spoke amongst each other as they travelled, deciding what their future jobs would be once the new town was established. The position of overseer would change on a yearly basis, to give all the ponies a chance to influence the town. Overseer was a vital position, to take some of the workload off of the mayor.


Shasad Glossedknot was the oldest, venerable even, a muscular pegasus who despite her slightly intimidating size was very sociable and calm. All the ponies agreed that she would make an ideal leader, at least to begin with. The position of mayor was considered separate from overseer. Shasad was also skilled at engraving, as were many of the other ponies present, five of the seven enjoyed artistic expression and looked forward to creating beautiful artwork to adorn their new home.

Shasad Glossedknot
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/4827/05glossedknotleader.th.png (http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/4827/05glossedknotleader.png)

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3181/06glossedknotleaderstat.th.png (http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3181/06glossedknotleaderstat.png)


Tobul Masterroot, the sole unicorn making the journey, was given the task of handling the bookkeeping and management duties, as well as serving as the town medic. She was also skilled in the directing of building construction, and would have the task of setting up the initial building designs, as well as handling any trade that should happen, at least until a more qualified appraiser pony arrived. It wasn't good to have one pony doing too many jobs, but it was a necessity for the time being. Tobul would have her hooves full doing four jobs in the beginning: manager, chief medical pony, broker, and bookkeeper.

Tobul Masterroot
http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/2860/07masterrootdoctor.th.png (http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/2860/07masterrootdoctor.png)

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/7476/08masterrootdoctorstats.th.png (http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/7476/08masterrootdoctorstats.png)


Oboth Boardedvale was an earth pony of all trades, skilled in growing crops as well as taking care of animals, including the more unpleasant tasks relating to that. She was also skilled in cooking, brewing, as well as finding edible plants in the wild. Her chubby nature showed that she was equally skilled at eating and drinking. The ponies made sure that they had plenty of extra food and drink on hand, guessing that it would prove to be necessary.

Oboth Boardedvale
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/1020/09beardedvale.th.png (http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/1020/09beardedvale.png)

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/6554/10beardedvalestats.th.png (http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/6554/10beardedvalestats.png)


Katak Foresttactic and Tislam Leafybrushs, a male and female pegasus, were the two ponies skilled in archery, chosen to help defend the fledgling town from any threats. Both Katak and Tislam received basic training in dressing wounds from Tobul during the journey, so that they might assist each other should one of them become injured in the course of their duties. Katak and Tislam were good friends who had received similar training in other areas as well, and enjoyed swimming in the lakes near their home, a skill that might very well save their lives during combat. They were also skilled in carpentry and masonry, so that they could contribute to the town when not serving as it's defenders.

Katak Foresttactic
http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/9759/11foresttactic.th.png (http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/9759/11foresttactic.png)

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/6302/12foresttacticstats.th.png (http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/6302/12foresttacticstats.png)


Tislam Leafybrushs
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/9317/13leafybrushs.th.png (http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/9317/13leafybrushs.png)

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/6923/14leafybrushsstats.th.png (http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/6923/14leafybrushsstats.png)


Amug Crewedhails and Istlig Knittedlesson, a male and female earth pony, were skilled miners and woodcutters, as well as knowing the basics of farming plants. They would be busy establishing the town as well as laying down the foundations of the underground section, vital for uncovering valuable ores and precious gems. Other miners and woodcutters would certainly arrive later but these two would be essential to the foundation of the town.

Amug Crewedhails
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9914/15crewedhails.th.png (http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9914/15crewedhails.png)

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/4545/16crewedhailsstats.th.png (http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/4545/16crewedhailsstats.png)


Istlig Knittedlesson
http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9706/17knittedlessonz.th.png (http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9706/17knittedlessonz.png)

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/7999/18knittedlessonstats.th.png (http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/7999/18knittedlessonstats.png)


The embark site:
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/2056/19initiallandscapestone.th.jpg (http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/2056/19initiallandscapestone.jpg)

[Beeskee]

The ponies knew they would need to learn other skills that they lacked. Fishing was essential, in case anypony got into a mood to make a certain item and needed turtle shells to do so. Crafting skills like stonecrafting would likewise be something that somepony or ponies would need to practice right away, so that they would have enough trade goods for the first caravan from their homeland. None of the ponies knew anything about working with metals either, and either a migrant or one of the 'Mane 7' (as they had taken to calling themselves) would need to develop those skills. The ponies were undecided as to who should fill the role of overseer in the first year and instead chose to leave the matter alone until they arrived.

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/4597/02embark.th.png (http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/4597/02embark.png)

The trek over the hills and valleys led them to a beautiful forested area, nestled among one of the valleys, with access to a nearby river. "Well, we've arrived," said Shasad. All the ponies looked at each other. For the next few minutes, it was a perfect picture of pure pony panic. Everypony ran to and fro, trying to accomplish their assigned tasks as quickly as possible. Oboth, oddly enough, spoke up first, struggling to overcome her self-consciousness enough to direct the efforts of the other ponies quickly and efficiently before taking up the task of learning fishing herself. That settled the matter of overseer for the first year.

A pen was established for the grazing animals, right next to the wagon, as the two mining ponies quickly settled into a routine of clearing out the sandy ground next to the wagon. There were several layers of loose soil to dig through before reaching rock, and this space would serve as temporary storage. The ponies planned a small castle-like structure there, though it probably would not reach any proportions of magnificance any time soon.

Amug popped his head up from the stairwell that was being dug, his words a bit muffled by the mining pick still in his mouth. "We've struck black sand!" Oboth nodded in response and said, "Thank you Amug." This would come in handy for the glassmaking industry. A few moments later, Istlig poked her head up, quietly saying, "We've struck silty clay and sandy clay." Oboth smiled and said, "Thank you, Istlig." So they had sand for glassmaking and clay for pottery, though sandy loam would have been ideal for clay, since it produces fire clay which does not need to be glazed. Oboth made a mental note to keep an eye out for it, or at least order some from the next caravan. In the meantime, Tobul and Shasad took over the woodcutting duties, clearing a small section of the forest so that the ponies would hopefully have something to sleep on by the time they got tired.

The miners reported discovering mudstone underneath all the clay layers soon afterwards, this would be essential for any structures, since clear-cutting the forest was neither ideal nor productive enough. They also reported a small vein of limonite, which no doubt would come in handy. In the meantime, they had cleared enough of one chamber out of the soft soils for the ponies to begin storing their food and supplies underground, safely away from the vermin. A more permanent solution would have to be devised later, but for the time being this would do fine. Quickly enough, the entire wagon was emptied and Oboth ordered it dismantled so it would no longer be in the way of any above-ground construction.

Farms, both above-ground and below-ground were quickly established by the capable ponies, and once the first crops were planted, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. They wouldn't starve to death. At least, not likely. Oboth quickly worked on constructing the farms before getting back to fishing for turtles.

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/8959/20abovegroundfarms.th.png (http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/8959/20abovegroundfarms.png)

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/9127/21belowgroundfarms.th.png (http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/9127/21belowgroundfarms.png)


The first workshop chamber was completed, and a masonry workshop was established, with Katak taking a break from basic patrols and hauling to quickly turn some of the mudstone into smooth blocks for future workshops. The ponies could use rough stone for this, but it was decided that blocks were more elegant, and eased bookkeeping functions considerably, so that nopony would be trying to track down some last piece of stone when it was being used to hold up a table somewhere.

The next few workshops were dedicated to improving life in the town. (Though it could only really be called a hole in the ground at this point.) First was a carpenter shop, so that the ponies would have beds on which to sleep. Next up was a fishery workshop, to clean anything produced, and a bower's shop so that the two marksponies would have weapons. Another chamber was quickly designated, this one would hold crafting shops and whatever else was needed next.

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/7128/22workshops.th.png (http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/7128/22workshops.png)


The ponies were working furiously, and the beginning of Slate came and went without notice by any of them. A temporary office was established so that Tobul could get to work updating the inventory records. The finished beds were quickly assembled into a dormatory room for the ponies to share. Private quarters would have to come later. A leathercrafting workshop was built, and quivers and bolts were completed, and the pegasus ponies began construction of crafts. News of their growing wealth would lure migrants and larger caravans, with any luck.

It was then that the ponies collectively decided they needed a breather, or at least a place to take one. Tables and chairs were assembled out of smoothed and polished mudstone, hardly elegant but it would serve for the basis of a simple dining room. The room itself was built in one of the small chambers right near the workshops. As with everything else, a larger structure was desired but time constraints necessitated keeping everything simple for now.

In the meantime, some wooden nesting boxes were placed outside, so that the hens could begin laying eggs. Everything seemed to be going along nicely. Limonite, lignite, bloodstone, sard, native platinum, and jet had all been discovered, albeit in relatively small quantities. Initial surveys reported that flux was likely to be found in this area, so the ponies looked forward to producing steel armor for their valiant defenders. The pet kitten someone brought along also earned it's keep, relentlessly clearing out the vermin that threatened to devour their food stores one nibble at a time.

Everypony was soon approaching exhaustion by the rapid pace of work, and soon found an excuse to take a quick break for a snack or drink. Unfortunately the temporary dining room had not yet been completed, but they made due, chatting with each other as they ate and drank in the food stockpile area. Amug was the first to give in to the urge for a nap, nestling into the soft covers and dreaming of his new lover... wait, what?

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/732/23sleepypony.th.png (http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/732/23sleepypony.png)


http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/5630/24amugcrewedhailsthough.th.png (http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/5630/24amugcrewedhailsthough.png)


Oboth Boardedvale, Lover...

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/6955/25waitwhat.th.png (http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/6955/25waitwhat.png)


Oh my. *^.^*


With Oboth busy with other things, she asked Shasad to take over the fisherpony duties, since the pegasus found herself with free time on her hooves. It would only be a temporary duty, until they had a small collection of shells handy. Tobul seemed eternally busy with paperwork, but was catching up quickly. Soon, accurate records of each item present in town would be available, and the ponies could make plans properly. But with one pony effectively out of commission by being buried horn-deep in paperwork, things went a little slower. Eventually everypony managed to find time for a quick nap and a meal sometime between their duties. They were already halfway through the month of Slate, and it was difficult to tell exactly how well they were doing, progress-wise, but at least everypony was alive, healthy, well-fed, and rested. So far.

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/1990/26ponylist.th.png (http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/1990/26ponylist.png)

[Beeskee]

Tislam (Shadowy), Shasad (Gamerlord), and Katak all found time for a quick nap. A small stockpile of turtle shells was building up. The first above-ground crops were ready for harvest. (Oboth's diary from this time: "Wild strawberries, yum! ... Wait, are they still wild if we're farming them?") The clock slowly rolled forward toward the end of Slate. Soon, spring would be over. Gradually, the urgent tasks slowed down. Some ponies even had time to relax, stretch their legs, and chat with their friends. Poor Tobul was still neck-deep in paperwork, though the stack in the "done" box was gradually outnumbering the one in the "todo" box. The first of Felsite came and went, though this time the ponies had time to notice.

The miner ponies began excavation on the first mudstone layer. Though the clay layers had yielded a bit of mudstone themselves, the stone supplies were starting to run out, what with all the tables, chairs, blocks, and crafts. This would be vital to further development of the town, since large quantities of stone would be needed if any walls were constructed, and the central area most definitely needed some kind of protection. The open stairwell seemed all too inviting to vermin, nevermind the rain which occasionally poured in. The ponies knew they would be in trouble if anything more dangerous decided to come visit. Tobul (Tectonic Robot) managed to drag herself away from her paperwork long enough to get some sleep too.


It is now Summer
http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/6316/27summer.th.png (http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/6316/27summer.png)


The first of Hematite was a surprise to everypony, they had all been busy working on various aspects of the town, gettings things ready to really boom, that there just wasn't much time to think about what was going on. A trade depot was scheduled to be constructed, but with Tobul (Tectonic Robot) so busy with the bookkeeping, she didn't have a chance to make it out there yet to approve the final plans. All the ponies were busy really, either working on things for the town or carrying items that had been produced. On the other hoof, they seemed to have plenty of everything they might need, at least for the seven of them. No telling how many migrants might show up, but if tons of them arrived all at once, at least that would be more workers to really get things rolling.

With that thought in mind, the ponies redoubled their efforts, wanting to have a huge batch of trade goods ready for when the caravan arrived. Even if they were mostly decorative stone trinkets, the traders would be impressed and would spread tales of wealth and prosperity to the rest of the pony community. New members to the community would help reduce the workload for everyone. The pegasus ponies would be able to train and engage in defense of the town full-time, and the military could be expanded. But before that could happen, everyone needed to work their tails off. And so they did, setting themselves to the tasks at hand, with very little time left for socialization.

A stockpile for drinks was made in the meeting room, and it became obvious to everypony that they were starting to run a little short in that regard. Not enough to become a danger, but still significant enough for Oboth to busy herself with brewing up a few tasty beverages. The farms were nicely productive, and the food stockpile grew steadily, or at least didn't diminish too much. There was still a large surplus of prickle berries, since those were the most abundant produce at the time they embarked, and they had only made a slight dent in their reserves since then.

Tobul (Tectonic Robot) was halfway done with her stockpile updates, another month or two would see the arduous task completed, and only minor changes would be needed after that point. Fortunately, nopony had gotten ill and needed her attention, which was just as well since establishing a temporary hospital seemed to continue moving downward on the "todo" list, nudged out of the way by more urgent tasks.

The friendships between the ponies had only strengthened during their time together, all but Istlig and Katak (Gamerlord) were good friends, and that was only due to their duties keeping them all busy, leaving unfortunately little time for socialization. They still managed to chat and visit during what little downtime they did have.


Istlig and Amug busied themselves with farming, since there was little demand for mining unless a new chamber was being cleared. Both of them were earth ponies, so the task came naturally to them, and the crops they planted grew strong and healthy.

Tislam (Shadowy) was one of the premier stonecrafters, her work with the mudstone producing beautiful, elegant crafts, though none of them were quite up to masterwork quality yet.

Shasad was still occupying herself with fishing, determined to make sure that the town had enough turtle shells on hand. All the ponies had heard horrible stories of places which lacked such a material, and the desperate acts that ponies resorted to, or the horrible depressions they succumbed to because of this simple shortage.

Katak (Gamerlord) seemed to do whatever was necessary around town, quickly carrying goods and materials from one place to another, when he wasn't likewise producing the crafts which would establish this town as the place to be.

Oboth (Beeskee) found time for another nap, seemingly exhausted from trying to do everything at once. She was sure all the ponies appreciated her hard work in producing the drinks that the thirsty ponies enjoyed, and looked forward to spending some time in the kitchen turning the crops she helped grow into delicious meals.

Tobul, of course, was still heavily occupied with her paperwork. The ponies could hear her muttering, "Almost done, almost done..." every so often. While the stress seemed to bother her slightly, everyone took time to reassure her that there was no need of any medical services, and construction of the trade depot could wait since the caravan was not due until fall.


The ponies finally decided they had enough turtle shells for the time being, and so Shasad was taken off fishing duty. Oboth (Beeskee) took time for a break in the meeting room, and while sipping from a barrel of sewer brew came to a rather somber realization. (Oboth's Diary at the time: "Sewer brew? I'm not sure why they call it that, it tastes lovely. Though not quite as good as dwarven beer. What's a dwarf anyway? But it got me thinking... We really should plan ahead, just, you know... in case.") The town hadn't made any provisions in case of an emergency, or worse, a fatality. She requested some stone coffins be produced, "Just so we have them ready," as well as planning for at least a temporary hospital facility. After all, while they were unable to bring crutches, splints, and such things like that beforehand, they had plenty of wood present now to produce those items.

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/1573/28planfortheworst.th.png (http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/1573/28planfortheworst.png)

Another rounded chamber was designated in the mudstone below the last clay layer. It could always be repurposed into a workshop or something afterwards, but for now, once it was hollowed out it would be turned into a temporary hospital, and, if need be, burial chamber.

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/2120/29planningahead.th.png (http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/2120/29planningahead.png)

[Beeskee]

Oboth (Beeskee) figured that the mudstone would be cleaner than a clay or sand layer, which seemed appropriate for a hospital. Also, that way the ponies would have a chance to practice smoothing and engraving stone, something that nearly all of them were looking forward to doing. The labor shortage was making it difficult to really focus on any one task, but several bins of trade goods seemed like a great way to fix that problem. Their siren call seemed to reach out, encouraging ponies to come see what this town had to offer.

Cornerstone pieces for the outer surface walls were established, although lack of flat farmable land had caused one of the farms to be established where one of the wall pieces would go, and a tree was in the way of another. The latter was short work to correct. The former would have to wait for more surface area to be established, with one of the goals being to enclose a large surface area with walls for protection, and then set up nice neat rows of crops along with some pleasant houses. In the meantime, more stone blocks could be produced and as many wall pieces as possible constructed.

On the 13th of Hematite, the future temporary hospital chamber began to be mined out. Funnily enough, both miner ponies struck hematite while engaged in their work. So the hospital would have a mixture of mudstone and iron floors, an odd combination to say the least, but one which should look nice when smoothed and engraved. Amug also came across tetrahedrite, and he and Istlig worked hard to extract it properly, knowing the precious ore would come in handy soon.

By the 1st of Malachite, the temporary hospital room was ready. As many ponies as were able hurried to help smooth it down to ready it for engraving. It was decided to smooth and the northern half of the room first, where the coffins would be placed, and then the rest of the room could be detailed.

On the 8th of Malachite, some migrants arrived!

All the ponies were welcomed happily. More workers meant less work overall for everyone, and more friends to make! :D

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/958/30migrants.th.png (http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/958/30migrants.png)



The first was Sod Spewsglacier, a male pegasus pony who was a master clothier. He also had a bit of training in carpentry, and was told to go ahead and do that too when he could.

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/8444/31sodspewsglacier.th.png (http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/8444/31sodspewsglacier.png)

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/3594/32sodspewsglacierstats.th.png (http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/3594/32sodspewsglacierstats.png[/)


Next was Unnos Panthersteeds, a female earth pony, only an apprentice weaponsmith but with more skill than any other pony currently residing in town. She was also a talented engraver, and would be able to help detail the new temporary hospital wing.

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/3724/33unnospanthersteeds.th.png (http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/3724/33unnospanthersteeds.png)

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/7305/34unnospanthersteedssta.th.png (http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/7305/34unnospanthersteedssta.png)


After her came Stelmith Cherishfleshy (?) another female earth pony, this one with only a few skills in the stonecrafting and bowyer department. She was also a little skilled at swimming, though hopefully the town won't flood anytime soon.

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/521/35stelmithcherishfleshy.th.png (http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/521/35stelmithcherishfleshy.png)

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1163/36stelmithcherishfleshy.th.png (http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1163/36stelmithcherishfleshy.png)


Next was Shigos Helmsdesert, a male earth pony. His skills were also unique to the fort, he had actually practiced glassmaking at one point, as well as being a proficient presser. He also seemed to have an affinity for working with wood, already trained in woodcutting, carpentry, and the making of crossbows.

Shigos brought with him a gosling and a chick.

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/3857/37shigoshelmsdesert.th.png (http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/3857/37shigoshelmsdesert.png)

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/3947/38shigoshelmsdesertstat.th.png (http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/3947/38shigoshelmsdesertstat.png)


Following some ways behind was Kurol Rosyconfused, a male unicorn pony who proclaimed himself a "great shearer" but aside from that also had excellent melee fighting skills, and some apparent experience setting bones.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/1342/39kurolrosyconfused.th.png (http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/1342/39kurolrosyconfused.png)

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/2492/40kurolrosyconfusedstat.th.png (http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/2492/40kurolrosyconfusedstat.png)


A stray hippo calf followed behind Kurol, though it didn't seem to belong to anyone. Possibly it had imprinted on the unicorn, but Kurol didn't reciprocate the feelings. It could be put into a pasture for the time being.

A stray sapling was brought along with the group. This would grow up to be a mighty apple tree one day. It highlighted the need for a protected pasture, so that nothing would happen to it.


Unfortunately the migrants attracted some other attention to the town as well. 24 (!) parasprites seemed to follow them in from the depths of the forest. All the ponies felt grateful that their main food and drink stockpiles were safe underground. But parasprites were persistant creatures, and it was only hoped that they could be held at bay.

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/5324/41parasprites.th.png (http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/5324/41parasprites.png)

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3707/42paraspriteszomg.th.png (http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3707/42paraspriteszomg.png)

[Beeskee]

So far the parasprites seemed to be leaving the town alone, lingering on the edges of the forests, as if waiting for something. Everyone hoped they were simply confused or discouraged by the lack of available, obvious food. Most other pony towns had abundant open-air markets, but this town was nowhere near that complete yet. Only a few aboveground wall sections had been completed, and those provided no cover from the top. Also, there were still only the two pegasi ponies available for ranged defense, and the parasprites seemed disinclined to approach near enough to be fall prey to their wooden bolts. Still, everyone kept a wary, watchful eye on the pesky vermin.

Amidst the confusion of the migrants and the possible attack on the food stores, the trade depot was completed. The hospital was also one step closer to being completed, and a new chamber was designated on the first mudstone level to host more workshops and provide a source of mudstone for construction. More beds were queued up to accommodate the newcomers, and several quiet, contemplative ponies installed the coffins on the north edge of the temporary hospital room, everyone hoping that they would not need to be used anytime soon.

By the 15th of Malachite, all the parasprites had left the area, presumably back to their native forests where the predator population would help thin their numbers. All the ponies breathed a little easier, and enjoyed the sight of the frolicking deer which came out to play after the voracious pests were gone. Work continued on as many aspects of the town as the ponies could handle at once. There were still only 12 of them, and while it was possible to accomplish a lot, there was still quite a bit left to do. Of all their plans for a grand town, they had a glorified hole in the ground. While it would serve as an excellent workshop area for the anticipated mining operation, there was little to nothing else finished.

A pony was sent to fetch the apple sapling (Oboth's diary for this time: "Note to self: ALWAYS do this. Apple trees aren't particularly mobile on their own.") and the farm which was blocking construction was removed after it was verified that there were no crops currently planted in it.

The first of Galena passed without comment, only afterwards did the ponies realize that with all the panic over parasprites, they had missed holding any kind of summer celebration. But there was still too much work to be done, and too few ponies to do it. Everyone was busy again, between working on the walls and trying to create enough trade goods to be ready for the caravan due date which seemed ever closer. (Oboth's diary from this time: "I need to make sure that if I don't finish what I was working on, to apologize to the next overseer, whoever they will be. I tried my best to accomplish as much as possible, but there's just SO MUCH to do.") Hardly any pony at all had time for anything more than a quick nap or a hurried meal, and the meeting room sat mostly empty. The food stockpiles continued to grow, however, since there were plenty of crops available, and still more seeds stashed away, and just not enough room to grow everything.


Peachsanctum Newsletter: On the 13th of Galena, a cow mooed anxiously in distress, prancing about nervously. One of the ponies nearby reported seeing a badger attempting to attack it. The military ponies responded quickly, but the animal had already left the scene. Fortunately the cow was uninjured.


The rest of the month passed uneventually, the outer walls taking on a healthier shape, rather than an odd collection of stones amidst fields. The farms would need to be reestablished further out, but that was originally the plan anyway. As to whether the initial entrance would become a 'castle' style building, or remain as a simpler mine entrance with the rest of the town located nearby would be up to the next overseer. There was simply not enough time left in the month for any large scale building to be completed. For, Autumn has come!

The hospital was nearly finished, the floors engraved. The outer walls for the entrance were nearly completed, but still open on all four sides to allow traffic to pass freely. The trade depot was ready for the first caravan.


Notes and pictures from Oboth's diary:

First engraving in the hospital:
http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/462/43firstengraving.th.png (http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/462/43firstengraving.png)

A... sacred buffalo beating up a troll. That's cheerful. It could be worse, it could be the other way around.


Current view of the surface:
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5316/44surfaceentrance.th.png (http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5316/44surfaceentrance.png)


Here is what I was TRYING to do with the walls. I don't know if I will get it finished properly. If not, I need to apologize to the next overseer.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/9610/45wallnotes.th.png (http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/9610/45wallnotes.png)

In case it isn't clear, I wanted to finish the pattern on the bottom floor so all parts are symmetrical, then install a wall around the edge of the top section, flooring the gaps (which were left for drawbridges)

I still have autumn and winter to try and get this done, but I'm not sure how much more progress I will make.

[Beeskee]

Progress on the wall continued at a surprising rate. There seemed no way a proper roof would be finished by the end of the year, but at least the wall seemed like it would be completed. A horse foal was born. Not a pony, a foal from one of the draft horses in the pasture.


Around the 28th of Limestone, migrants arrived!

The first was Kesh Honorstyles, a male pegasus who was a professional metalsmith. More skills which the town is currently lacking. He also had some experience as a markspony, and would make a good addition to the archery team.

A stray yak calf and a rhinoceros calf followed him in, owned by nopony.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/9759/46keshhonorstyles.th.png (http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/9759/46keshhonorstyles.png)

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/6713/47keshhonorstylesstats.th.png (http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/6713/47keshhonorstylesstats.png)


Following him was Rithul Bandweather, a male pegasus who had some skill in pressing as well as a few other farming related tasks.

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/3487/48rithulbandweather.th.png (http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/3487/48rithulbandweather.png)

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/510/49rithulbandweatherstat.th.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/844/49rithulbandweatherstat.png/)


Afterwards came Idor Sungarlics, a female earth pony who was an accomplished melee fighter. The prospects for a second military squad were looking better.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6033/50idorsungarlics.th.png (http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6033/50idorsungarlics.png)

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/268/51idorsungarlicsstats.th.png (http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/268/51idorsungarlicsstats.png)


A female unicorn pony named Ibes Secretsugar was the next one to trot onto the plain overlooking the fledgling town. She was a bit of a dabbler with every skill it seemed, having practiced melee fighting as well as various woodworking crafts.

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/9300/52ibessecretsugar.th.png (ttp://img713.imageshack.us/img713/9300/52ibessecretsugar.png)

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/7859/53ibessecretsugarstats.th.png (http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/7859/53ibessecretsugarstats.png)


Kebul Lushswamp flew into the valley next, a male pegasus pony who was a highly skilled leatherworker, in addition to having a bit of practice with other things, including melee combat. With all the experienced fighting ponies arriving, there may be trouble on the horizon.

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/4373/54kebullushswamp.th.png (http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/4373/54kebullushswamp.png)

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/2348/55kebullushswampstats.th.png (http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/2348/55kebullushswampstats.png)


A rather unassertive earth pony named Dan Rosyhoneys followed. She seemed rather sweet, but some ponies found her to be slightly intimidating. She had no particular skills at all.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/6749/56danrosyhoneys.th.png (http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/6749/56danrosyhoneys.png)

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/200/57danrosyhoneysstats.th.png (http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/200/57danrosyhoneysstats.png)


It now seemed almost like there were too many ponies, despite the total population of the town only being 18. Oboth struggled to find some work for all of them, so that they would be ready in time for the caravan. The first of Sandstone came and went, and the ponies chatted eagerly about what goodies could possibly be coming, and whether they had enough trade goods to get everything they wanted.

Several ponies commented that the pastures were looking mighty barren. Several of the animals were moved around, and the empty pastures were left to go fallow, with the hopes that the depleted grasses would regrow quickly. The stray rhino calf was found to be the source of this. Rather than let the poor animal starve, or be eaten by wolves, or even worse, eat every last bit of vegetation within 100 miles as it seemed intent on doing, it was decided to put it down for the sake of every plant on the continent. That thing could eat!

On the other hoof, food overproduction was actually getting to become a problem for the ponies. They simply had too much food for the current small food stockpile. They would have to expand sooner or later, but for now, due to the limited population, the solution was to stop producing as much food while creating more meals out of the non-brewable and non-seed raw materials.

A prepared meals stockpile was created in the small dining room, next to the drinks-only stockpile. It was soon filled with all manner of tasty treats, and the ponies were happier for having something other than basic foods to eat. Work continued a bit on the roof, though it still seemed unlikely that it would be completed in time, the possibility remained. Before anypony knew it, winter was upon them! With it came another parasprite invasion.

Will the roof be completed? Will the parasprites eat everything? Stay tuned!
http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/1891/58winter.th.png (http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/1891/58winter.png)

[Beeskee]

All the ponies were now eagerly awaiting the caravan, and with it, news of their former homes. While they were all working hard to make this place a worthy of the pony empire, it was still lacking some essentials. Private rooms would be nice, for a start. Since the actual location of the town center was still up for debate among the ponies, they decided to leave it for the time being. Current quarters were cramped but comfortable, and all the ponies had time on their hooves to chat with their new friends, and maybe plan a party or two. No plans had solidified yet, but everyone was getting to know each other better.

With a great cheer from all the ponies, enough blocks to complete the roof were finally assembled! There were still weak spots in the defenses, but the major goal had been accomplished. The small tower rose above the nearby hills, providing reasonable protection from above, as well as a safe place for marksponies to shoot from behind fortifications. Those stairs would have to be removed and covered up, however, and the outside entrances fixed with drawbridges, for it to be completely secure.

All the traction benches for the hospital were finished as well. It now had a full supply of cloth, thread, splints, crutches, and spare beds, as well as surgery tables and of course the traction benches. Everything a doctor would need for the treatment of patients.

The parasprites once again left without incident, though they had appeared in greater numbers this time. (Nearly 40 of them!) With any luck, they would continue to have good fortune against the mischiveous gluttons.

As winter rolled along, the ponies began to get nervous. They looked to the horizon often, awaiting the caravan that seemed to be overdue by this point. Nopony was sure exactly when it was supposed to come, but as the last month of winter approached and then began to pass by without even a sign they often wondered aloud or talked with each other on the subject. "Did the parasprites eat them?" "Did something happen to our home?" "Maybe they're not coming..." Even the always-cheerful ponies seemed ill at ease.

To put this out of mind, they busied themselves smoothing the first layer of mudstone chamber, improving it so that it would serve as a suitable area for nicer quality workshops. The existing structures prevented some of the tiles from being properly smoothed, so the workshops would need to be removed before it could be considered truly completed. However it was a nice start, and greatly improved the appearance of the area. The ponies often wandered into the hospital to admire the engravings as well, marvelling in both the simple and elegant carvings in the rock face, those few touches seeming to transform the entire room.

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/466/59firststonelayer.th.png (http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/466/59firststonelayer.png)

They were just finishing up touches on the last chamber of the first stone layer when word finally arrived, the caravan was here!

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/1339/60suddenlycaravan.th.png (http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/1339/60suddenlycaravan.png)

All pretense of other work was abandoned as the ponies rushed their bins full of trade goods out onto the depot. The stonecrafters hurried to produce a few more goods, just in case the traders brought more items than they could afford.

The outpost liason reached the excited group of ponies first, and had trouble keeping up with their seemingly random list of demands. In the end, he marked them down for nearly a little bit of everything, including a bit of leather, extra cloth, plenty of wood since their forest would not survive clear-cutting, some of all the seeds just in case, a few steel anvils, some mining picks, clothing and armor of all types, many different types of pets with special attention given to wool-bearing and milk-giving animals, as well as apple trees for their growing farm, some of each type of drink, cheese, gypsum plaster for the hospital, spare thread, and fire clay.

While they were all chatting, Tobul took a minute to slip away for a drink and take a bit of a break, having spent a little while waiting at the depot while the traders navigated the hills surrounding the valley town. The trade requests were confirmed, and the outpost liason countered with their list of requests for next year, promising to trade significantly more goods for the higher-rated items.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/6836/61traderequests.th.png (http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/6836/61traderequests.png)

Items especially highly sought after were crowns and scepters, which were easily produced among the various rock crafts. (Oboth's diary: Is something going on back home?) Earrings would also be worth a slightly increased value.

Tobul (FINALLY) finished with her break and managed to make it to the depot just before the end of the month. (Oboth's diary: Thank Celestia! How lame would that have been?) She negotiated for a load of wood, some spare rope, some drinks they didn't have, another axe, another pick, four bins of leather, 2 bins of cloth, and a bit of cheese, trading away 5 bins of stone crafts, minus the bins themselves, with another 2 bins of crafts remaining in case the next overseer wanted some additional items.

And that is the end of the year!

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9831/62endofyear.th.png (http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9831/62endofyear.png)


Stonesense images:

Mine entrance:
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/5331/63stonesenseendm.th.png (http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/5331/63stonesenseendm.png)

Last clay layer:
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/2918/64stonesenseendclaylaye.th.png (http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/2918/64stonesenseendclaylaye.png)

First stone layer:
http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/429/65stonesenseendstonelay.th.png (http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/429/65stonesenseendstonelay.png)


Oboth's notes for the next overseer:

Lost? Press F1 to go to the current town center.

I recommend you create a squad of melee military ponies. I've listed my recommendations above. Also the markspony squad could use a few more members, they're also listed above.

If the roof is incomplete, I apologize. I'm trying to get it done by the end of winter, but we'll see if it happens or not. Yay I finished it!

You will probably need to re-establish the outdoor farms. They've all been shut down due to food overproduction, and most have been dismantled to make room for the walls. The underground farms are still operational.

If you need extra storage space without generating a bunch of extra stone, you can hollow out chambers in the clay and sand layers. I left those empty just in case, and because when building underground I like to avoid building in sand or clay, or too close to the surface. If you end up moving everything somewhere else, you can wall off the existing chambers, just make sure nopony is inside first! If you want to add a moat, don't expand the sand layer or you'll flood the lower chambers.

Trade goods will probably be low after the end of winter. This is intentional, so the stockpiles won't be overflowing with junk. You can produce a lot of trade goods fairly quickly, as long as you have ample stone. There are three stonecrafters who can grind through the materials fairly quickly.

There is a large pile of jet stone in one of the workshop rooms. It's all been dumped in one spot against the edge of the wall, so it doesn't look like much, but there's a lot there. It's currently forbidden. Just unforbid it if you want to use it. I also used spare jet blocks for some of the workshops, they show up as gray instead of brown for workshops made with mudstone blocks. Much nicer looking.

The current stockpiles are all 'temporary', they haven't been optimized at all. I recommend you make some food stockpiles which just take dye-bearing plants, for example, and forbid those types of plants from the main stockpile. There are a lot of other optimizations which can be done, too.

The furniture stockpile has a bunch of tables and mechanisms in it. They're for traction benches for the hospital, we just need rope. Pig tail production is unfortunately a bit slow. They should be build on the opposite side of the bed from the table, directly adjacent to the bed. I managed to get at least one done, and put it in the appropriate spot. I managed to finish construction of all of them.

(What fun is a succession fort if you don't have a bunch of stuff to 'fix' from the last person who ran it, huh? ;) If you want to ignore all this and do your own thing, that's fine too.)

<3 Oboth


It's Oboth!
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2610/oboth.th.png (http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2610/oboth.png)
Her cutie mark would probably be, like, a sandwich or something. Chubby pony. :D

Stats again for the curious:
Oboth Boardedvale
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/1020/09beardedvale.th.png (http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/1020/09beardedvale.png)

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/6554/10beardedvalestats.th.png (http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/6554/10beardedvalestats.png)
(see?)

(If at all possible, please don't kill her. :) She'll probably be expecting a foal soon.)



World save:
http://dffd.wimbli.com/file.php?id=5005
or
http://www.mediafire.com/?70p6b95yeo26yel

[Gamerlord]

Excerpts from the journals of Katak:
15th Granite,
Several days ago I was promoted to Overseer for the year, and so far it has been uneventful. Today the merchants left though.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg684/scaled.php?server=684&filename=df01.jpg&res=medium

21st,
I recently ordered some more digging, and today we struck Brown Jasper.

22nd,
Today we struck tetrahedrite.

5th slate,
The new room is completed, planning on placing a wood furnace or two down here. For now, I am having the room smoothed out.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg269/scaled.php?server=269&filename=df02p.jpg&res=medium
7th,
Wow, been busy today! All sorts of migrants came today, putting the current population at 32. We've got six new pegasi, two earth ponies, and six unicorns. The wood furnace is under construction.
19th, I had arranged a party to celebrate our new arrivals when I recieved word that Kebel Lelgasogred had taken a leather works and begun a strange construction.
*The exact date of the next entry was smeared with ink, but it is believed to be around the 24th of slate*
Kebel Lelgasogred finally unveiled his new creation to us!
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg72/scaled.php?server=72&filename=df40.jpg&res=medium
1st felsite,
We began digging out another room, found some picture jasper.

1st Hematite,
Summer is upon us, and we have done quite a bit of work. The south room of the lower level has been converted into a dormitory to house the new migrants, it's crowded and I am pretty sure some ponies will still have to sleep on the floors, but I ordered the whole place smoothed out and had some walls engraved so it should at least be acceptable. The western room is going to be converted into a stone stockpile, perhaps eventually keeping other items as well. In the eastern room we have a wood furnace, a smelter, and a forge. Fuel is a bit of a problem at the moment however. The northern room I am not sure what to do with yet. On the surface I made a new pasture and built some wooden cage traps around the entrance. Our town is getting to the point we may attract unwanted attention. They won't stop an invasion, but a small attack force or a thief would be in for a nasty surprise.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg402/scaled.php?server=402&filename=df41.jpg&res=medium

[Gamerlord]

22nd malachite
We got another wave of migrants. Now our population including the tamed animals is around 44. Some zebra merchants arrived, but they had little we wanted.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg838/scaled.php?server=838&filename=df42.jpg&res=medium
23rd,
It appears our town has now attracted unwanted attention.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg855/scaled.php?server=855&filename=df43.jpg&res=medium
I received word of five armed ponies heading towards us. Were it not for the livestock and merchants I would have kept everyone below and just let the traps deal with them. I quickly raised up a might force of three ponies to confront the menace. By the time we reached the battle zone however, all five invaders had been struck down by the guards I underestimated. On another note, I realized the town had grown to the point we would need a police force, and got a metalsmith who had an impressive knowledge of combat promoted to the title of Sheriff. He requires several things before he could start the job though, so I ordered some more rooms dug out. During this we struck prase,limonite,bloodstone,citrine, and kaolinite.
21st limestone,
Around the 17th Esar Enogilid took control of a leatherworks shop and began a strange construction. Today he showed us the results.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg687/scaled.php?server=687&filename=df46.jpg&res=medium
17th sandstone,
Tragedy struck today. A metalcrafter died today of thirst.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg269/scaled.php?server=269&filename=df48k.jpg&res=medium
The strange thing is, we have plenty of drinks, and he was in no way immobilized. I did notice upon examination our stocks that we are running low on plants. I also received reports we are running low on some types of seeds. Also, our Sheriff's Section, as I have decided to call it, is complete.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg825/scaled.php?server=825&filename=df47.jpg&res=medium
The central room is his bedroom, the right room his study and dining room. The upper room is what will soon form the prison. All of this had me thinking of the poor pony currently holding five different positions. Hopefully I will be able to lift some of that burden off his shoulders.

[Gamerlord]

15th timber,
Some cave pony merchants arrived. Unlike the previous ones, they had much we wanted. Any problems with drinks or food we might have had we quickly gone, and it took were a few stone crafts.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg842/scaled.php?server=842&filename=df49.jpg&res=medium
The journal stops here, for two days later Katak died.
On the 17th of timber, several ponies of the Dromidium variety attacked. Unlike the first attack, they came from the south, and there was much less distance between them and the town. Katak organized an attack force and charged. During the battle a macepony smashed his skull in, slaying him.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg716/scaled.php?server=716&filename=df50s.jpg&res=medium
According to reports, the moment his lifeless body fell to the ground nearly the entire fort charged out and attempted to loot their once respected leader's corpse. Thankfully, no civilians were hurt. One recruit however, took heavy injuries.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg836/scaled.php?server=836&filename=df51.jpg&res=medium
He was quickly sent to the hospital, where he was treated for his wounds. However, he later developed an infection due to there being no soap in the fortress at all. At the same time, some of the burden was lifted off Tobul's shoulders when someone else took the position of Broker.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg828/scaled.php?server=828&filename=df52.jpg&res=medium
On the 14th of Moonstone the cave pony merchants left.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg214/scaled.php?server=214&filename=df55.jpg&res=medium
On the 16th Obsidian the merchants from the homeland arrived. The ponies celebrated at the prospect of news from the homeland. They did not know that few of them would live to see the end of the month.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg593/scaled.php?server=593&filename=df58.jpg&res=medium
On the 17th of Obsidian the town was attacked by a large force of Dromidium ponies that had followed the merchants, first they came from the south. Then they came from the northwest.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg42/scaled.php?server=42&filename=df59.jpg&res=medium
Then they came from the northeast.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg215/scaled.php?server=215&filename=df60.jpg&res=medium
Then from the west.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg12/scaled.php?server=12&filename=df61.jpg&res=medium
As the ponies called up their forces the merchants were quickly overwhelmed. As were the ponies, who quickly found a force of 16+ trained and heavily armed warriors who were coming from all directions far superior to their meager militia. As the best of the ponies' fighters fell, more and more took up arms. However, if any of them had combat skills, they were very rusty. The traps that had been placed around the three entrances proved insufficient, though a few unlucky invaders entered cage traps and soon found themselves prisoners. The invaders did not manage to penetrate deeply into the fortress however, for soon the few desperate ponies left charged the remaining attackers. As pony after pony fell, pony after pony took their place. Casualties were massive, but in the end, they managed to stave off the attackers, though at great cost. The merchants had two surviving ponies, the liaison and one merchant, as well as their caged animals.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg51/scaled.php?server=51&filename=df62.jpg&res=medium

OOC notes:
That last attack caught me completely off guard. :smalleek: The traps were not enough to stop them, as they were designed with a single ambush or a thief in mind. The main problem with the current entrance is that it is very hard to defend, you can't just use one door to seal off a single chokepoint. I would reccomend removing one layer of traps and replacing them with doors, they should keep an attack force without the Building Destroyer tag at bay. You have 3-4 invaders in cages, so perhaps you can have a little fun of your own with them. The only craftspony left is a clothier who is in a strange mood, but maybe the other ponies have crafting skills I do not know of. Be warned also that everyone except the clothier is either Very Unhappy or Miserable, one more unhappy thing happens to them and your in Tantrum Spiral Town. Also, 2-3 of the survivors are heavily wounded in the hospital and as far as I know there is no doctor. There also is more likely then not more corpses then there are coffins to fill them with, so fix that unless you want visitors from beyond the grave. I would get someone making coffins, the lower levels have a small mass grave (As well as a personal tomb of my own) so you can put most of them there. You are starting on the 6th of granite. No surface farms have been established yet and the stockpiles are still a mess. Also, here is a picture of the surface, to give you an idea of what happened:
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg695/scaled.php?server=695&filename=df63.jpg&res=medium
Download link (This is my first time doing this, so I probably messed up) :
http://dffd.wimbli.com/file.php?id=5031

[Grif]

Diary of Astis Uvelrilem
6 Granite
What. A. Cluster.... Calm down, this is just a diary, no need to take your anger out... OH WHO AM I KIDDING?

...

*several pages of unintelligible scratchings and maddened doodling*

...

Okay, starting over.

http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76246/1v4pYwisNc5.png

Today, by the good (or unfortunate) grace of Celestia, I have been chosen to lead what's left of our ponies. Or rather, being forced to lead after our glorious leader managed to get himself killed by the cursed Dromidiums. (LoL, I actually had to look up to see if you died. Apparently you did.)

http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76246/1v4pYwisNc5.png

So. What have we learned from this fiasco?

We need. More. Defenses. I always told our leaders that the wide open doors are a menace. Nooooooooooo! They won't listen. 'We're ponies' they say. 'Nopony would ever attack us!'. Well, screw them. Since I'm leader, I might as well do things my way.

First priority? Close up that horrible, horrible entrance we have.

http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76245/DBimZS7dRCs.png

Even a foaling in military tactics like me know that having three wide open entrances that lead directly to our front door is a bad idea. Gonna need to detail our masons to wall off at least the north and south entrances.

Second! I'm going to have build coffins for all our fallen. It's just improper to leave them lying about like that in the open. Hopefully it'll ease the tension in the fort as well. Things are tense as it is. And then there's those in the hospital. *sigh* I'll have to see if I can save at least one of them with my meager doctor skills.

That said, we will need to have something to cheer everypony up as well. Perhaps a statue garden where we can hold parties...

Anyhow, that's all for today. I will write more when I have things done.


25 Slate
Been awhile since I written. I guess in between bouts of therapeutic rampaging and cleaning up the dead is harder work than I thought. Our clothier turned out to be a jeweler in disguise and made a lavender coffin to celebrate his sudden discovery of his cutie mark. Good for him, though it is rather morbid.

Anyhow, we have four dwarves running about screaming. Well, actually two of them. The other two are just moping around and crying themselves to death. It's creepy really.

On the upshot, we had a huge influx of migrants that just arrived.

Thank Celestia for small favours. With luck we'll be able to sort out this mess just yet and come out alive.

Now, excuse me while I go smash up another bed.


10 Felsite
This fort is just too much. I can feel myself losing my mind...

... I think one of our new friends just got killed. Ugh...///


11 Felsite
*several lines of unintelligeble marks*

Stones!

Picks!

Stonses!

Ses!

...

*Diary ends*

[Grif]

Diary of Zangin Felrithlut
12 Felsite
Well, I am writing this now as our previous overseer has gone insane. Poor pony had too much to take apparently. Since almost all of the original inhabitants seemed to be going insane, those of us who just arrived decided it was just best to choose our next leader from our own ranks.

I got the short end of the straw. Damn, shouldn't have trusted that earth pony. I swear he was laughing behind my back when I turned.

As of today, nothing much to report, except some goddurn bear managed to sneak past all of us and guzzled the fort's stock of wine.

1 Hematite
Well, been awhile since I written, so I better update. Three more of the original inhabitants seemed to have gone insane. Poor things. I think the last invasion has shattered their sanity. We’re hard at work at securing the perimeter. Our new entrance is coming along nicely…

http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76687/huxNVe.jpg

Maybe it could use more traps. Mechanics are hard at work.

Though I think we will need to reinforce it later. But at least it isn’t the wide-open disaster as the late unfortunate overseer had noted. Also, I have relocated the Trade Depot to the underground, where technically it will be safer. Still...

On a lighter note, we have discovered the reason for the foul smell in the underground caverns. Somepony had decided it was prudent to leave trash rotting about near the main stairwell.

http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76683/l4eTHEpaVd.jpg

By Celestia what kind of hellhole were they living in? To resort to such unponylike behavior. I have ordered the stairwell to be cleansed and all of our remaining stock to be moved further underground, where they would be better protected. I hope.

We are also making progress on cleaning up the aftermath of the what must have been a horrific battle the year before. Thank Celestia my pa had me taking medical training in Stalliongrad. I shudder to think what would have happened had I arrived sooner. As it is, we’ve buried over thirty ponies and counting. May the earth bless their souls.

http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76688/rLQS6p.jpg

[Grif]

24 Galena
This is a great day. The nice zebras from the nearby zebra kingdom has finally graced us with their merchants. We quickly traded for more wood and some needed food to restock our supplies. They seemed pretty horrified by the signs of carnage that was still left outside our fort. I assured them that we were hard at work cleaning up. At least they haven't seen our tombs...
http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76854/sULSoXMWQ5e.jpg
(Yes, each one of those 0 is a grave.)

In other news we had another wave of migrants, seven in total this time. Among them was a legendary pony glassmaker. Sweet Celestia, that was a very fortunate stroke of luck.

Our new entrance now seemed complete. Now all we need to add are some traps and we should be reasonably safe. Our new glassmaker thinks that his glass weapons would be perfect... I have serious doubts about that though. Still, I'll just humour him and let him make some traps to test.
http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76844/z8syxCp67Y.jpg

28 Galena
A snatcher! Thank Celestia the cage traps caught him...

I think we need to step up our preparation of traps. This does not bode well.

8 Limestone
Our jeweler been possessed! I wonder if it was one of the former inhabitants of the fort doing such foul sorceries...

10 Limestone
A bloodstone earring? That can't be a good sign.
http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76843/9peVmbSUn.jpg

20 Limestone
Ho, boy. Another ambush... Let's hope our lines of cage trap will hold them off. I would hate to send unarmed ponies against them...

21 Limestone
Curses. One of our own was caught outside when the ambush appeared. He was struck down almost immediately it seems. May Celestia bless his soul. On the bright side, he seemed to have distracted them long enough for the other ponies to make it inside unharmed. His noble sacrifice will be remembered.

22 Limestone
What's this? It appears our zebra friends have struck down four of the invaders without a single scratch. I really need to show my gratitude to them the next time they stop by.

(OOC: The zebra lashers single-handedly took down four of ambushers, one even running back to finish the job when the merchants are leaving.)

12 Sandstone
More migrants. Sometimes I admire the pony spirit, braving the hazards to forge a bright new future!

13 Sandstone
It appears I have spoke too soon. Another ambush. I hope our brave friends will be able to make it to the relative safety of the fort in time.

1 Timber
The savages have beaten to death a foal. And a apple tree sapling. Though I'm not sure why they did the latter. Apples are delicious after all. But I digress...

Still, I have ordered everypony to be confined to the fort while we wait out this latest attack on our small outpost. Hopefully they'll get bored soon...

16 Timber
Ah, merchants from a neighbouring pony kingdom. They have not encountered any resistance on their way here, so I assumed they gotten bored and left.
http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76842/H9zZYuN.jpg

3 Moonstone
Ah. Two more ambushes. These ponies just won't give up.
http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76848/8ykMf5.jpg

http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76850/YgA1dsb8Q7WB.jpg

11 Moonstone
A dastardly act of heroism. A single wrestler pony versus a dozen of savage barbarians. The hero walked back without a scratch, after slaying three of the foul creatures. Her name was...

Avan Tathtatbobrur.

http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76846/c3g6B5C.jpg

She took the name 'Shadowy the Second' for some reason. Probably a distant relative of hers. Need to ask her about the name some other time.

18 Obsidian
Another ambush? This time they manage to take down two of our merchant's bodyguard. Fortunately, the merchants themselves escaped unharmed. The outpost liaison wasn't so lucky. Those savages wasted no time in butchering our animals who are pastured outside...

This is getting to be an unpleasant routine.

25 Obsidian
Well, the glass giant serrated discs traps worked as well as the glassmaker claimed. Good for him. And us. Our militia managed to drive back the rest of the cowards without any more fuss.

http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76845/wdUqC4My.jpg

1 Granite
My tenure as overseer has ended apparently. The curious leadership structure in this fort dictated that I need to pass the mantle to another pony. And this will rotate amongst ourselves. I cannot say I like this, but I wish the next overseer well.
http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76852/9Svoka.jpg
http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76853/dcHMO2DK.jpg

I'll just end this journal with a final note on the fortress.
This will be my OOC notes:
First, I have removed most or all of the temporary rooms located in the upper levels of the fort. That goes for the stockpiles as well, though I left the wood/stone stockpile alone for now. Food stocks are intact and the farms are productive.

I have also shifted the Trade Depot underground, and have elongated our entrance to accommodate this. The merchants have just arrived and are just waiting for the broker to start trading. Please remember to do so before they leave. Also, we have a lot of cloth products to trade away so be generous.

I had planned to line our entrance with weapon traps before the year ended, but alas, that was not to be. My suggestion would be to continue feeding the legendary glassmakers with sand to make more Green Glass Giant Serrated Discs and line the main entrance with them. They're lethal and more importantly; they don't require metal.

I reformed the militia near the end of the year, with at least one very competent axepony as the leader, and few other assorted members. I also relocated the barracks to the one of the workshop space. Feel free to conscript more ponies as you see fit.

http://www.dumpyourphoto.com/files3/76851/8Ry65t30cQ.jpg

Things to do?
- Finish the bedroom complex I started digging out below the tombs.
- Probably get started on steel production.
- Finish a drawbridge of a sort to keep invaders out as a last resort. Best place would be at the main entrance. Consider also walling off the main stairwell and start expanding the above ground fort so that we have a safe place for pasturing the animals.

Save: http://dffd.wimbli.com/file.php?id=5055

[Gamerlord]

Journal of Ibes "Gamerlord II" Atolumel.
15th granite,
Hooray, I'm the new overseer! Also, the merchants left today.

26th granite,
We got some migrants. Population is 58.

13th malachite,
I need fine pewter items. I. NEED. FINE. PEWTER. ITEMS. I have mandated the construction of such.

18th malachite,
More migrants.

18th galena,
zebra merchants arrive. They have little to offer.

17th limestone,
zebra merchants have left.

5th timber,
The fools dared to defy my demands for fine pewter items, so I imprisoned one of them! He made up some sorry excuse by claiming to have nothing to do with blacksmithing, that he was just a fish cleaner. Utterly laughable.
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg850/scaled.php?server=850&filename=df70w.jpg&res=medium

16th timber,
Some cave pony merchants arrived. They had much more to offer then the zebras.

1st moonstone,
You know what we don't have enough of? Ballista parts! I'm going to mandate some!

16th moonstone,
Merchants leave. The fools obeyed my mandate this time. I have had exactly two ballista parts constructed, not three, not one, just two. Anyone who complains we need three to build one of the machines shall be sent to the Dimodean Pony Prison.

14th Obsidian,
Merchants from the home land. I negotiated with them, little of note. I have also banned anyone from exporting my precious ballista parts.

9th granite.
The time has come for me to step down as leader. My reign was an uneventful and peaceful one.
Status of the fort:
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg214/scaled.php?server=214&filename=df72.jpg&res=medium
My profile:
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg69/scaled.php?server=69&filename=df73.jpg&res=medium
OOC notes:
Well, that wasn't nearly as much !!fun!! as my last session, for better or for worse.
I covered the entrance with cage traps. However, we don't have enough cages to fill them all. Might want to look into that.
Save :
http://dffd.wimbli.com/file.php?id=5119